Natural Herb Library

Golden Saxifrage

Chinese
金腰草
Pinyin
Jing Yao Cao
Latin
Herba Chrysosplenii
Botanical illustration of Golden Saxifrage, Chrysosplenium nudicaule, showing habit, basal leaves, flowers, capsule fruit, seed, rootstock, and diagnostic plant details.
Botanical plate by Kodi . View print →

Known in TCM as Jing Yao Cao (金腰草), this bitter, cool herb enters the Liver and Gallbladder. Traditionally, it clears Heat and resolves toxicity, most often applied for hepatitis, fever, and digestive weakness. Modern research has identified Chrysosplenol among its active constituents.

Part used: Whole herb

Also Known As

Chrysosplenium

Latin: Herba Chrysosplenii | Pinyin: Jing Yao Cao | Chinese: 金腰草

TCM Properties

Taste
bitter
Temperature
cool
Channels
Liver, Gallbladder

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
  • Clears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder
  • Promotes bile flow and reduces jaundice
  • Reduces inflammation and fever

Secondary Actions

  • Hepatoprotective … reduces liver enzyme elevation in hepatobiliary disease
  • Addresses headache associated with Liver-Gallbladder Fire

Classical References

  • Tibetan Pharmacopoeia chronicles record the genus Chrysosplenium (Tibetan: Yajima) for removing undesired Heat, treating acute icteric hepatitis, and acute liver necrosis … the closest classical tradition for this folk herb
  • Chrysosplenium sinicum Maxim. (中华金腰 Zhong Hua Jin Yao) is documented in Chinese folk medicine of southwest China as a remedy for cholecystitis and cholelithiasis

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Chrysosplenol (polymethoxylated flavonoid; predominant metabolite)
  • Chrysosplenoside (polymethoxylated flavonoid)
  • Chrysosplenosides B and D
  • Chrysosplenols B and D
  • Triterpenoids
  • Volatile oils

Studied Effects

  • Hepatoprotective: Chrysosplenium nudicaule extract reduced serum AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin in ANIT-induced intrahepatic cholestasis mice; mechanism involves activating FXR and BSEP/MRP2 transporter genes to reduce bile acid synthesis and enhance biliary excretion (PMID 30989870)
  • Flavonoid profile characterised in C. alternifolium by HPLC; chrysosplenoside B and D and chrysosplenol B and D identified as quality-control markers with total flavonoid content 2.5–4.3% dry weight (PMID 19615839)
  • Genomic analysis of C. sinicum confirmed high-level expression of flavonoid biosynthesis genes; chrysosplenol and chrysosplenoside identified as characteristic bioactive components (PMID 39152309)

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Cold-Damp patterns of the Liver and Gallbladder
  • Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold

Cautions

  • Standard dose 9–15g in decoction
  • Primarily documented in Tibetan and southwest Chinese folk medicine; limited clinical safety data for extended use
  • Avoid in the absence of Heat or Damp-Heat signs

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Golden Saxifrage used for?

Golden Saxifrage is traditionally used to Clears Heat and resolves toxicity, Clears Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder, Promotes bile flow and reduces jaundice, Reduces inflammation and fever. Research has investigated its effects on: Hepatoprotective: Chrysosplenium nudicaule extract reduced serum AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin in ANIT-induced intrahepatic cholestasis mice; mechanism involves activating FXR and BSEP/MRP2 transporter genes to reduce bile acid synthesis and enhance biliary excretion (PMID 30989870); Flavonoid profile characterised in C. alternifolium by HPLC; chrysosplenoside B and D and chrysosplenol B and D identified as quality-control markers with total flavonoid content 2.5–4.3% dry weight (PMID 19615839).

What are other names for Golden Saxifrage?

Golden Saxifrage is also known as Chrysosplenium. In TCM: 金腰草 (Jing Yao Cao); Herba Chrysosplenii.

Is Golden Saxifrage safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Golden Saxifrage during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What are the contraindications for Golden Saxifrage?

Golden Saxifrage should not be used in: Cold-Damp patterns of the Liver and Gallbladder; Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.