What is Saururus chinensis used for in traditional medicine?

Saururus chinensis, known as San Bai Cao, is traditionally used in Chinese and Korean folk medicine to clear heat and dampness from the body. It is commonly prescribed for managing edema, jaundice, and inflammatory conditions. Preliminary research indicates the herb possesses significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties attributed to flavonoids like quercetin and hyperoside. These compounds help neutralize free radicals, supporting its use as a natural diuretic (Evidence Level C).

How does Saururus chinensis work as a diuretic?

Saururus chinensis exerts its diuretic effects primarily through its flavonoid content, including quercetin and quercitrin. These compounds promote the excretion of excess fluids from the body, which supports the traditional use for treating edema. Additionally, the herb's anti-inflammatory mechanism involves inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and reducing oxidative stress. This dual action on fluid balance and inflammation underpins its therapeutic potential (Evidence Level C).

What is the recommended dosage for Saururus chinensis tea?

The standard adult dosage for Saururus chinensis tea is typically 15 to 30 grams of the dried herb per day. This quantity is traditionally prepared as a decoction to extract the active compounds. Users should be aware that dosage may vary based on the specific condition being addressed, such as edema or jaundice. It is best to follow specific product instructions or consult a qualified herbalist (Traditional use).

Is Saururus chinensis safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Saururus chinensis is considered unsafe during pregnancy. Traditional safety classifications and available data contraindicate its use for expecting mothers, particularly at therapeutic doses. The herb stimulates fluid movement and clears dampness, actions that may potentially stimulate uterine contractions or affect fetal development. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should strictly avoid this herb due to these potential risks (Evidence Level D/Traditional).

Does Saururus chinensis interact with prescription medications?

Saururus chinensis may interact with pharmaceutical diuretics, potentially increasing the risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Because the herb influences liver function and is used for jaundice, it could theoretically interfere with hepatotoxic medications or drugs metabolized by the liver. Patients taking antihypertensives should also exercise caution, as the diuretic effect might lower blood pressure. Always consult a physician before combining with prescription drugs (Evidence Level C/Traditional).

Saururus chinensis (Saururus chinensis)

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

Saururus chinensis is a perennial herb used in traditional Asian medicine, demonstrating significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and therapeutic potential across various organ systems [PMID:33024647, PMID:38785149].

Contexte

Saururus chinensis is an herbaceous magnoliid perennial found in the northeastern regions of Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan [PMID:33024647, PMID:33365921, PMID:32717911].

Usages traditionnels

It has been used in traditional medicine for the treatment of beriberi, hypertension, pneumonia, edema, jaundice, gonorrhea, pain, intoxication, and furuncles [PMID:18283615, PMID:30606189, PMID:25912818].

Composés actifs

The herb contains lignans (including sauchinone, machilin D, saucerneol, manassantin A and B), flavonoids (rutin, quercitrin, quercetin), miquelianin, alkaloids, diterpenes, tannins, steroids, and lipids [PMID:33024647, PMID:30272133, PMID:17538870, PMID:25584149].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome [PMID:40068294], TGR5 receptor agonism to regulate macrophage polarization [PMID:40274226], activation of the Keap1-Nrf2/HO-1 pathway to suppress oxidative stress [PMID:42165632, PMID:30610615], inhibition of the NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE2 pathways [PMID:33024647], and hijacking of the MEK1-ERK signaling pathway [PMID:25912818]. It also regulates the microRNA-148a-3p/HER-2 axis in breast cancer cells [PMID:36959089].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DDoxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy

Sauchinone preserves cardiac function by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome in mouse models [PMID:40068294]

Preuve DPsoriasis

Sauchinone ameliorates IMQ-induced murine psoriasis by regulating macrophage polarization via TGR5 agonism [PMID:40274226]

Preuve DAllergic Airway Inflammation/Asthma

Extracts suppress ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation by reducing WBCs, neutrophils, and IgE levels [PMID:33024647, PMID:20699114]

Preuve DBreast Cancer

Sauchinone inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in MCF-7 and Bcap-37 cells by downregulating HER-2 [PMID:36959089]

Preuve DRenal Cell Carcinoma

Extract suppresses cell viability and invasion and induces apoptosis in A498 and ACHN cells [PMID:27909997]

Preuve DArthritis

Water extract of leaves was evaluated in type II collagen-induced arthritis mouse models [PMID:30606189]

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is based entirely on in vitro cell cultures and in vivo animal models (predominantly mice and rats). There are no human clinical trials provided; therefore, the overall strength of evidence for clinical application is low (Level D).

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 40068294 (2025) — Sauchinone preserves cardiac function in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy by inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2.PMID: 40274226 (2026) — A novel TGR5 agonist Sauchinone ameliorates IMQ induced murine psoriasis by regulating macrophage polarization. · Journal of advanced research
3.PMID: 40709340 (2025) — Therapeutic effects of a combination of Chinese quince and Saururus chinensis extract on allergic airway inflammation in an ovalbumin-induced asthma mouse model. · Frontiers in nutrition
4.PMID: 33024647 (2020) — Saururus chinensis-controlled allergic pulmonary disease through NF-κB/COX-2 and PGE2 pathways. · PeerJ
5.PMID: 28278686

Saururus chinensis

Sources et citations