Single Herb Glossary
Hong Zao 紅棗
| Pharmaceutical name | Jujubae Fructus jujube, Chinese date （Red Date） |
| Category | Tonify Qi |
| Key Properties | Tonifies the qi and blood, Generates fluids, Harmonizes the Spleen, Moderates the toxic effects of other herbs |
| Properties | Sweet Warm |
| Tropism | SP, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Tonifies SP & Augments Qi 2) Nourishes Blood & Calms the Spirit 3) Moderates & Harmonizes Harsh Properties of other herbs |
| Dosages | 3-12 dates or 10-30g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Excess Heat, Damp-Heat, or Phlegm-Heat Not recommended with intestinal parasites; excessive use may cause tooth decay due to high sugar content |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Betulinic acid, eanothic acid, oleanolic acid, crataegolic acid, alphitonic acid, zizyphus saponin I, II, III; jujuboside A, B; mashnic acid_ |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Generalized: in one study, 36 mice were divided equally into treatment group and placebo group; treatment group received continuous administration of a 30% Da Zao decoction at 0.3 ml/kg; after three weeks, treatment group mice had a significant increase in body weight, muscle strength, and physical endurance when compared to placebo group; average weight gain was 3.0 grams in treatment group, and 1.6 grams in placebo group; duration of swimming time was 3 minutes and 50 seconds in treatment group, and 2 minutes and 30 seconds in placebo group • Antineoplastic: several components have demonstrated inhibitory influence on cancer cells; continuous administration of mashnic acid for 14 days was more effective than 5- Fluorouracil in inhibiting growth of cancer cells • Sedative: sedative effect on CNS; lowers blood pressure and reduces spontaneous motor activities • Hepatoprotective: protective effect on liver; in one study, rabbits that received injections of Da Zao recovered much faster from carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage than control group |
| Herb-Drug Interactions |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.