Mao Dong Qing vs Carthamus tinctorius

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Mao Dong Qing

Ilex pubescens

Cardiovascular

Cardiovascular

Mao Dong Qing

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Carthamus tinctorius

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

TCM herb used for cardiovascular conditions, particularly angina, thrombotic stroke, and blood stasis in the heart and vessels.

Brilliant orange flowers used in TCM to move blood and relieve pain; widely grown for safflower oil.

Active Compounds

ilexsaponin, pedunculoside, ursolic acid, flavonoids, phenolic acids

carthamin, safflower yellow, linoleic acid, oleic acid, hydroxysafflor yellow A, serotonin

Traditional Uses

Angina, Thrombotic stroke, Blood stasis, Cardiovascular conditions

menstrual pain, blood stasis, cardiovascular, stroke, skin pigmentation

Modern Uses

Anticoagulant activity, Vasodilatory effects, Anti-inflammatory properties, Cardioprotective action

antiplatelet, cardiovascular protective, anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory

Adult Dosage

15-60g dried root in decoction; 1g extract twice daily

3-9g dried flowers or 300mg extract daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Anticoagulant medications, Bleeding disorders

pregnancy, bleeding disorders, blood thinners

Side Effects

Anticoagulant potentiation, Mild GI effects

GI upset, may exacerbate bleeding

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

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

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E