Oreumi Korean (Ligustrum lucidum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Ligustrum lucidum protect the liver?

Ligustrum lucidum contains bioactive compounds including oleuropein, nuzhenide, oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid that exert hepatoprotective effects through multiple mechanisms. These compounds demonstrate antioxidant activity by reducing oxidative stress in hepatocytes and modulating inflammatory pathways. Research suggests oleanolic acid and ursolic acid help stabilize hepatocyte membranes and may support liver regeneration. The herb also shows immunomodulatory properties that contribute to overall hepatic protection. Evidence Level: C (preliminary clinical evidence and traditional use).

Does Ligustrum lucidum interact with any medications?

Limited clinical data exists on specific drug interactions with Ligustrum lucidum. Due to its immunomodulatory properties, theoretical interactions may occur with immunosuppressant medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness. The herb's hepatoprotective compounds could theoretically alter hepatic enzyme activity, affecting metabolism of certain drugs processed by the liver. Patients taking immunosuppressants, antidiabetic medications, or drugs metabolized through hepatic pathways should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use. Evidence Level: C (limited human data).

What is the recommended dosage for Ligustrum lucidum?

Traditional and contemporary use suggests 6-12 grams of dried Ligustrum lucidum berries daily when prepared as a decoction. For standardized extracts, typical adult dosing is 500mg taken twice daily. The berries are commonly combined with other tonic herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Korean Hanbang formulations to enhance therapeutic effects. Dosage may vary based on individual constitution, specific health concerns, and formulation type. Consult a qualified herbalist for personalized recommendations. Evidence Level: Traditional/C.

Is Ligustrum lucidum safe during pregnancy?

Ligustrum lucidum is generally considered safe during pregnancy according to Traditional Chinese Medicine and Korean Hanbang traditions, where it has been used as a gentle liver-kidney yin tonic. The herb is classified as nourishing with no known toxicity to the fetus. However, pregnant women should always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner or licensed herbalist before using any herbal supplements, as individual circumstances and pregnancy stages may affect appropriate use. Evidence Level: Traditional.

What are the side effects of Ligustrum lucidum?

Ligustrum lucidum is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately. The most commonly reported side effect is diarrhea, particularly in individuals with cold constitution or weak digestion. The herb's cooling nature may aggravate symptoms in those with cold-type digestive patterns, including cold diarrhea, poor appetite, or cold extremities. These individuals should avoid use or combine with warming herbs under professional guidance. No serious adverse effects have been documented in traditional use or preliminary studies. Evidence Level: Traditional/C.

What is Ligustrum lucidum used for in traditional medicine?

Ligustrum lucidum, known as Nü Zhen Zi in Chinese medicine and Oreumi in Korean Hanbang, serves as a primary liver-kidney yin tonic. Traditional indications include addressing liver and kidney yin deficiency patterns, improving vision blurred from liver deficiency, supporting healthy aging by reducing premature greying of hair, and strengthening immune function. The berries are valued for their nourishing, restorative properties and frequently combined with other yin-tonic herbs like Eclipta prostrata in classical formulations. Evidence Level: Traditional.

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

Ligustrum lucidum is a woody perennial plant of the Oleaceae family whose dried fruits are used in traditional medicine for hepatoprotective, bone-health, and anti-aging purposes [PMID:37381954, 38933667, 35534254].

Contexte

Ligustrum lucidum (also known as broad-leaf privet or glossy privet) is an East Asian tree native to the southern half of China [PMID:30846781, 33474345]. It is characterized as a highly invasive species in various subtropical and temperate regions globally [PMID:32836310, 30846781].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used in China as a tonic for the liver and kidneys, to improve vision, blacken hair, treat aging-related symptoms, and manage complex diseases such as rheumatic bone pain and cancer [PMID:35534254, 38933667, 41253444]. It has also been used for skin nourishment and the treatment of skin diseases [PMID:36015080].

Composés actifs

The herb contains flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, iridoid glycosides (including specnuezhenide and secoligulene), and triterpenoids (such as oleanolic acid and ursolic acid) [PMID:38933667, 36015080, 36593828]. Specific compounds include 3-O-cis- and 3-O-trans-p-coumaroyl maslinic acid (OCMA) [PMID:32786303].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include the regulation of the SIRT6-P2X7R axis to ameliorate hepatic inflammation [PMID:39097210], modulation of the KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway to balance osteoclasts and osteoblasts [PMID:41045622], and inhibition of γ-secretase to reduce amyloid-beta production [PMID:32786303]. It may also act via the JNK and MAPK signaling pathways in vascular endothelial cells [PMID:40255470] and modulate ER stress and metabolic reprogramming in the liver [PMID:40788369].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BOsteoporosis

A herbal formula (ELP) containing Fructus ligustri lucidi showed BMD protection in ovariectomized rats and demonstrated both osteoblastic and anti-osteoclastic action in vitro [PMID:24716161].

Preuve DHepatic Fibrosis/Injury

Specnuezhenide (SPN) ameliorates hepatic inflammation via the SIRT6-P2X7R axis [PMID:39097210] and mitigates tunicamycin-induced liver injury by modulating ER stress [PMID:40788369].

Preuve DRheumatoid Arthritis

Specnuezhenide (SPN) attenuated bone destruction and joint inflammation in collagen-induced arthritis mice by regulating the KEAP1/NRF2 signaling pathway [PMID:41045622].

Preuve DChemotherapy-induced Myelosuppression

Specnuezhenide (SPN) increased peripheral blood cells and bone marrow nucleated cells in cyclophosphamide-induced mouse models [PMID:36852800].

Preuve DHepatocellular Carcinoma

Fruit extract (LLFE) inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis in human Bel-7402 cells via upregulation of p21 [PMID:25017491].

Preuve A

Sécurité et effets indésirables

L. lucidum pollen is a significant source of inhalant allergens and can cause respiratory allergies due to cross-reactivity with Olea europea (olive) [PMID:40803605, 26562528].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with some supporting systematic reviews/meta-analyses for traditional combined therapies (Level A) and preliminary clinical trials for specific herbal formulas (Level B).

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: 37381954 (2023) — [Species identification of Ligustrum lucidum]. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
3.PMID: 39097210 (2024) — Specnuezhenide ameliorates hepatic fibrosis via regulating SIRT6-Mediated inflammatory signaling cascades. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 40803605 (2025) — Proteomic and transcriptomic analyses reveal new insights into allergens in Ligustrum lucidum pollen. · Journal of proteomics
5.PMID: 41045622 (2025) — Specnuezhenide attenuates rheumatoid arthritis bone destruction via dual regulation of osteoclast-osteoblast balance through KEAP1/NRF2 signaling.

Oreumi Korean

Sources et citations

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