Curculigo Root (Curculigo orchioides): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Curculigo root work to support kidney yang?

Curculigo root contains active compounds including curculigoside, orcinol glucoside, and curculigine, which exert adaptogenic and warming effects on the body. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it warms kidney yang fire and strengthens the sinews. Research suggests potential testosterone-supporting properties through phenyl glucoside compounds, though clinical evidence remains limited (Level C). The herb's warming action is considered stronger than epimedium, making it particularly suited for cold deficiency patterns affecting libido and musculoskeletal strength.

Does Curculigo root interact with any medications?

Curculigo root may interact with hormone-related medications due to its potential effects on testosterone levels and hormonal pathways. Its warming properties could theoretically enhance effects of stimulants or other warming herbs. Those taking medications for erectile dysfunction, hormone replacement therapy, or thyroid conditions should exercise caution. Evidence for specific drug interactions is limited (Level C), so consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining with prescription medications.

What is the recommended dosage for Curculigo orchioides?

The typical adult dosage for Curculigo root is 3-10 grams of dried rhizome prepared as a decoction, or 300-500mg of standardized extract taken daily. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners adjust doses based on individual constitution and whether the herb is used alone or in combination formulas. Higher doses should only be used under professional supervision. Start with lower doses to assess tolerance before increasing.

Is Curculigo root safe to take during pregnancy?

Curculigo root is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided entirely. As a warming kidney yang tonic, it may stimulate circulation and uterine activity, posing potential risks to fetal development. The herb's effects on hormonal pathways also present theoretical concerns during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should not use this herb. Consult a qualified healthcare practitioner for appropriate alternatives during this time.

What is Curculigo root used for in traditional medicine?

Curculigo root is used in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda as a kidney yang tonic. It is traditionally prescribed for impotence, low libido, and infertility in men and women. The herb strengthens bones and sinews, particularly for lower back and knee weakness associated with kidney deficiency. As an adaptogenic warming tonic, it addresses cold deficiency patterns with fatigue and low vitality (Level C evidence, traditional use).

What are the side effects of Curculigo root?

Common side effects include symptoms of excess heat such as dry mouth, irritability, and night sweats, particularly when taken inappropriately or in excess doses. Gastrointestinal upset may occur in some individuals. Curculigo is contraindicated in cases of yin deficiency heat, where warming tonics can worsen the underlying condition. Discontinue use if adverse symptoms develop and consult a qualified practitioner for guidance.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Curculigo orchioides is a medicinal plant native to India, utilized in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine as an adaptogen and aphrodisiac [PMID:20619136, PMID:23562803].

Contexte

Curculigo orchioides Gaertn (family Amaryllidaceae/Hypoxidaceae), also known as 'Kali Musli' or 'Xianmao', is an endangered rasayana herb [PMID:20619136, PMID:20619136].

Usages traditionnels

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used to treat impotence, limb limpness, arthritis of the lumbar and knee joints, and watery diarrhea [PMID:23562803]. In the Ayurvedic system, it is used as a potent immunomodulator and aphrodisiac [PMID:23562803].

Composés actifs

Chemical constituents include phenolic glycosides (such as orcinol-β-D-glucoside, curculigoside A, and chlorophenolic glycosides like curculigines), cycloartane-type triterpenoid glycosides (curculigosaponins), polysaccharides (COP70-1, COP90-1), mucilage, saponins, and aliphatic compounds [PMID:20619136, PMID:35291616, PMID:32131631, PMID:37473884, PMID:28821095, PMID:22316001, PMID:35936480].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include the activation of BMP and Wnt signaling pathways to promote osteogenic differentiation [PMID:37473884], inhibition of osteoclast autophagy via degradation of miRNA-199 to regulate the mTOR signaling pathway [PMID:40635043], and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including superoxide and hydroxyl radicals [PMID:23548130, PMID:16079552].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DOsteoporosis

Polysaccharides (COP70-1 and COP90-1) promote the proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and alleviate ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis in rats [PMID:37473884, PMID:28821095].

Preuve DReproductive Health (Male)

Rhizome extract showed protective effects against heat stress-induced spermatogenesis complications in male mice [PMID:37185736].

Preuve DReproductive Health (Female)

Alcoholic extract demonstrated estrogenic activity in ovariectomized rats, affecting vaginal cornification and uterine weight [PMID:17900835].

Preuve DDrug-Induced Toxicity

Extracts ameliorated urotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and neurotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in experimental animals [PMID:26424815, PMID:25948959].

Preuve DHearing Loss

Extracts showed therapeutic effects on noise-induced hearing loss in mice [PMID:21544731] and protected auditory cells (HEI-OC1) from cisplatin-induced damage [PMID:23548130].

Preuve D

Sécurité et effets indésirables

A preliminary study using Drosophila melanogaster assessed potential toxicity of aqueous leaf extract, though specific adverse effects in humans are not detailed [PMID:36429955].

Interactions médicamenteuses

C. orchioides modifies the activity and protein expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) in rat models, which may influence herb-drug interactions [PMID:22974543].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating potential antioxidant, anti-osteoporotic, and protective effects against chemotherapy-induced toxicity.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 36775079 (2023) — Jinfeng pills ameliorate premature ovarian insufficiency induced by cyclophosphamide in rats and correlate to modulating IL-17A/IL-6 axis and MEK/ERK signals. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 23562803 (2013) — Medicinal plants of genus Curculigo: traditional uses and a phytochemical and ethnopharmacological review. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 36429955 (2022) — Toxicity Assessment of Curculigo orchioides Leaf Extract Using Drosophila melanogaster: A Preliminary Study. · International journal of environmental research and public health
4.PMID: 22974543 (2012) — Curculigo orchioides (Xian Mao) modifies the activity and protein expression of CYP3A in normal and Kidney-Yang Deficiency model rats. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 37185736 (2023) — Protective Effect of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Extract on Heat Stress-Induced Spermatogenesis Complications in Murine Model.

Curculigo Root

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Curculigo Root

Epimedium

Kapok

Kunzea Ambigua

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Curculigo Root

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Curculigo Root

Plantes associées

Epimedium

Kapok

Kunzea Ambigua

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales