Lepidium Seed, Descurainia Seed
- Chinese
- 葶苈子
- Pinyin
- Ting Li Zi
- Latin
- Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae
Known in TCM as Ting Li Zi (葶苈子), this bitter and acrid, extremely cold herb enters the Lung and Bladder. Traditionally, it drains the Lung and calms wheezing - Ting Li Zi is a key herb for excess phlegm-fluid congesting the chest with cough, wheeze, fullness, and inability to lie flat, most often applied for wheezing, edema, and asthma. Modern research has identified Unsaturated among its active constituents.
Part used: Seed
Also Known As
Latin: Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae | Pinyin: Ting Li Zi | Chinese: 葶苈子
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter, acrid
- Temperature
- extremely cold
- Channels
- Lung, Bladder
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Drains the Lung and calms wheezing - Ting Li Zi is a key herb for excess phlegm-fluid congesting the chest with cough, wheeze, fullness, and inability to lie flat.
- Promotes urination and reduces edema - traditional use includes generalized swelling and water retention, especially when the Lung can no longer descend and regulate fluids.
- Descends qi and transforms phlegm - it is chosen for forceful downward draining when milder phlegm-transforming herbs are not enough.
Secondary Actions
- The two accepted source species matter clinically: `Bei Ting Li Zi` from Lepidium apetalum is usually regarded as milder and more mucilaginous, while `Nan Ting Li Zi` from Descurainia sophia is often described as stronger and somewhat more toxic.
- This herb is for acute excess congestion, not for chronic deficiency cough or casual edema support.
Classic Formulas
- Ting Li Da Zao Xie Fei Tang - classic formula for Lung abscess or severe phlegm-fluid congestion with inability to lie flat.
- Da Xian Xiong Wan - formula logic in which Ting Li Zi helps purge heat, phlegm-fluid, and chest accumulation.
- Ting Li Zi with Sang Bai Pi and Xing Ren - common pattern pairing for lung heat with wheezing and retained fluids.
Classical References
- Traditional references describe Ting Li Zi as bitter, acrid, and extremely cold, entering the Lung and Bladder to purge the Lung, calm wheezing, and promote urination.
- Its classical power is draining and descending rather than tonifying, which is why formulas often pair it with Da Zao or other protective herbs.
- The identity note matters because modern commerce may pool the two official species under one pinyin label.
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Unsaturated fatty-acid-rich seed oil - a major identified seed fraction
- Flavonoid and phenolic glycosides - characteristic Lepidium seed constituents
- Glucosinolate- and isothiocyanate-related metabolites - likely contributors to pungent seed bioactivity
Studied Effects
- A 2015 study found that Descurainia sophia seed oil showed antitussive, expectorant, and anti-asthmatic activity in experimental models, providing a modern correlate for the `drains the Lung and calms wheezing` tradition (PMID 26205055).
- A 2018 multi-omics study reported that Descurainia sophia seed extract improved allergic asthma features and identified epigenetic targets related to anti-inflammatory processes, reinforcing continuing interest in Ting Li Zi's respiratory pharmacology (PMID 30400597).
- A 2015 in vitro study found that Descurainia sophia seed extract affected human phase I/II drug-metabolizing enzymes and P-glycoprotein activity, which is a real reason to keep safety and interaction framing conservative (PMID 26683337).
PubMed References
- Extractions of oil from Descurainia sophia seed using supercritical CO2, chemical compositions by GC-MS and evaluation of the anti-tussive, expectorant and anti-asthmatic activities. (2015)
- Identification of Epigenetic Mechanisms Involved in the Anti-Asthmatic Effects of Descurainia sophia Seed Extract Based on a Multi-Omics Approach. (2018)
- Effect of an ethanol extract of Descurainia sophia seeds on Phase I and II drug metabolizing enzymes and P-glycoprotein activity in vitro. (2015)
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Qi deficiency or weak constitution without obvious excess phlegm-fluid accumulation
- Pregnancy unless specifically supervised
Cautions
- Ting Li Zi is a harsh draining seed that can injure qi and the middle burner if used too long or in deficiency patients.
- Modern literature suggests possible effects on drug-metabolizing enzymes and P-glycoprotein, so concentrated extracts deserve extra medication-review caution.
- Some modern sources also note cardiac-glycoside-like activity in Ting Li Zi traditions, which supports keeping the dosing and indication frame conservative.
Drug Interactions
- Potential interaction with CYP- or UGT-metabolized drugs based on in vitro enzyme studies.
- Potential interaction with P-glycoprotein substrate drugs based on in vitro transporter studies.
Conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lepidium Seed, Descurainia Seed used for?
Lepidium Seed, Descurainia Seed is traditionally used to Drains the Lung and calms wheezing - Ting Li Zi is a key herb for excess phlegm-fluid congesting the chest with cough, wheeze, fullness, and inability to lie flat., Promotes urination and reduces edema - traditional use includes generalized swelling and water retention, especially when the Lung can no longer descend and regulate fluids., Descends qi and transforms phlegm - it is chosen for forceful downward draining when milder phlegm-transforming herbs are not enough.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2015 study found that Descurainia sophia seed oil showed antitussive, expectorant, and anti-asthmatic activity in experimental models, providing a modern correlate for the `drains the Lung and calms wheezing` tradition (PMID 26205055).; A 2018 multi-omics study reported that Descurainia sophia seed extract improved allergic asthma features and identified epigenetic targets related to anti-inflammatory processes, reinforcing continuing interest in Ting Li Zi's respiratory pharmacology (PMID 30400597)..
What are other names for Lepidium Seed, Descurainia Seed?
Lepidium Seed, Descurainia Seed is also known as Pepperweed Seed, Tansymustard Seed, Lepidii. In TCM: 葶苈子 (Ting Li Zi); Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae.
Is Lepidium Seed, Descurainia Seed safe during pregnancy?
The safety of Lepidium Seed, Descurainia Seed during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for Lepidium Seed, Descurainia Seed?
Lepidium Seed, Descurainia Seed should not be used in: Qi deficiency or weak constitution without obvious excess phlegm-fluid accumulation; Pregnancy unless specifically supervised. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.
Does Lepidium Seed, Descurainia Seed interact with any medications?
Lepidium Seed, Descurainia Seed may interact with: Potential interaction with CYP- or UGT-metabolized drugs based on in vitro enzyme studies.; Potential interaction with P-glycoprotein substrate drugs based on in vitro transporter studies.. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.