Kakamachi vs Qian Cao

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Kakamachi

Solanum nigrum

Skin and Topical

Rubia cordifolia

Skin and Topical

Kakamachi

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Qian Cao

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Controversial herb used cautiously in Ayurveda for liver protection and skin conditions; toxic when consumed raw in large amounts.

TCM and Ayurvedic herb; root used to cool blood, activate blood circulation, and stop bleeding; important for skin conditions in Ayurveda.

Active Compounds

solanine, solasonine, chaconine, chlorogenic acid, beta-carotene

alizarin, purpurin, ruberythric acid, lucidin, munjistin

Traditional Uses

Liver tonic (processed form), Skin diseases, Wound healing, Urinary disorders

Blood heat conditions, Skin disorders, Menstrual problems, Wound healing

Modern Uses

Hepatoprotective activity, Anti-inflammatory effects, Antioxidant properties

Anti-inflammatory activity, Antioxidant properties, Anticancer potential, Hepatoprotective effects

Adult Dosage

Processed extract: 1-2g under supervision only

6-9g dried root daily; 500mg extract twice daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Children, Neurological conditions, Raw/unprocessed form

Pregnancy, Anticoagulants

Side Effects

Toxicity from unprocessed form, Drowsiness, Digestive upset

Red/orange urine coloring, Anticoagulant interaction

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E