Glabrous Sarcandra Herb
- Chinese
- 肿节风
- Pinyin
- Zhong Jie Feng
- Latin
- Herba Sarcandrae
Known in TCM as Zhong Jie Feng (肿节风), this bitter and acrid, neutral herb enters the Liver and Heart. Traditionally, it clears Heat and resolves toxicity, most often applied for cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic injury. Modern research has identified Isofraxidin among its active constituents.
Part used: Whole herb
Also Known As
Latin: Herba Sarcandrae | Pinyin: Zhong Jie Feng | Chinese: 肿节风
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter, acrid
- Temperature
- neutral
- Channels
- Liver, Heart
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
- Cools the Blood and invigorates Blood circulation
- Dissipates Blood stasis and reduces swelling
- Stops bleeding
Secondary Actions
- Dispels Wind and opens the collaterals
- Alleviates pain in joints and sinews
Classic Formulas
- Xuekang Oral Liquid (血康口服液) … used in modern practice for chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia; Zhong Jie Feng is the principal herb promoting platelet recovery
- Compound Sarcandra Tablets (复方肿节风片) … patent formula combining Zhong Jie Feng with other heat-clearing herbs for infections, abscess, and inflammatory swelling
Classical References
- Included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP) since 1977; isofraxidin designated as quality-control marker compound for standardisation of medicinal preparations
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Isofraxidin (coumarin; ChP quality-control marker)
- Rosmarinic acid
- Chlorogenic acid
- Caffeic acid
- Quercetin
- Astilbin (flavonoid)
- β-sitosterol
- Chloranthalactones (sesquiterpenes)
- Sarcandralactones (sesquiterpenes)
Studied Effects
- Anti-thrombocytopenic: promotes megakaryocyte proliferation via TPO-C-mpl and SDF-1-CXCR4 pathways; Xuekang oral liquid shown effective for chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia without significant adverse effects (PMID 33967794)
- Anti-tumour: network pharmacology and in-vitro study identified quercetin, β-sitosterol, and anhydroicaritin as active compounds targeting PPARG, GSK3B, STAT1, and ERBB2; S. glabra extract significantly inhibited PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell growth (PMID 40098117)
- Anti-inflammatory: inhibits NF-κB signalling and suppresses TNF-α production; isofraxidin reduces inflammatory cytokines via MAPK pathway (PMID 33967794)
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Yin deficiency with Fire Rising
- Pregnancy (blood-invigorating action; contraindicated)
Cautions
- Standard dose 9–15g decoction; up to 30g reported for severe infections under supervision
- Long-term adverse effects not systematically established … avoid prolonged unsupervised use
- Patients using concurrent oncology treatment should inform their oncologist before use
Conditions
- Cancer Preclinical ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Rheumatoid Arthritis Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Traumatic Injury Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Pharyngitis Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Blood Stasis Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Glabrous Sarcandra Herb used for?
Glabrous Sarcandra Herb is traditionally used to Clears Heat and resolves toxicity, Cools the Blood and invigorates Blood circulation, Dissipates Blood stasis and reduces swelling, Stops bleeding. Research has investigated its effects on: Anti-thrombocytopenic: promotes megakaryocyte proliferation via TPO-C-mpl and SDF-1-CXCR4 pathways; Xuekang oral liquid shown effective for chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia without significant adverse effects (PMID 33967794); Anti-tumour: network pharmacology and in-vitro study identified quercetin, β-sitosterol, and anhydroicaritin as active compounds targeting PPARG, GSK3B, STAT1, and ERBB2; S. glabra extract significantly inhibited PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cell growth (PMID 40098117).
What are other names for Glabrous Sarcandra Herb?
Glabrous Sarcandra Herb is also known as Sarcandra. In TCM: 肿节风 (Zhong Jie Feng); Herba Sarcandrae.
Is Glabrous Sarcandra Herb safe during pregnancy?
Glabrous Sarcandra Herb is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Glabrous Sarcandra Herb?
Glabrous Sarcandra Herb should not be used in: Yin deficiency with Fire Rising; Pregnancy (blood-invigorating action; contraindicated). Consult a qualified practitioner before use.