Schizonepeta Herb (Schizonepeta tenuifolia): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Schizonepeta tenuifolia work in the body?

Schizonepeta contains active compounds including menthol, pulegone, pulegone esters, and hesperidin that contribute to its therapeutic effects. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diaphoretic properties. In traditional Chinese medicine terms, Schizonepeta releases the exterior and dispels wind, which translates to promoting sweating and addressing surface-level pathogenic factors. The volatile oils stimulate circulation to the skin surface, helping resolve skin eruptions and reduce itching through modulation of inflammatory mediators. Evidence level: C.

Does Schizonepeta interact with any medications?

Schizonepeta may interact with medications metabolized by liver enzymes due to its pulegone content, which can affect hepatic metabolism. Caution is advised when combining with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, as the herb may affect bleeding time, particularly when prepared in its charred form for hemostatic purposes. The diaphoretic action may also alter absorption or elimination of certain drugs. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Schizonepeta herb?

The standard adult dosage for Schizonepeta is 3-9 grams of dried herb prepared as a decoction daily. For standardized extracts, 300 mg daily is commonly recommended. Dosage may vary based on the specific formulation, preparation method, and condition being treated. The herb is typically used for short durations during acute conditions rather than long-term use. Patients should follow guidance from a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

Is Schizonepeta safe to take during pregnancy?

Schizonepeta is contraindicated during pregnancy and is considered unsafe. The herb contains pulegone, a compound that may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially affect fetal development. Additionally, Schizonepeta's diaphoretic properties promote sweating and release of the exterior, which traditional Chinese medicine considers inappropriate during pregnancy as it may deplete protective qi. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid this herb and consult a qualified healthcare provider for safe alternatives. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

What is Schizonepeta used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

Schizonepeta is a major herb in traditional Chinese medicine used primarily to release the exterior, dispel wind, and relieve itching. It treats both wind-cold and wind-heat conditions, making it versatile for early-stage respiratory complaints such as colds and influenza. The herb effectively addresses skin conditions with itching, rashes, and skin eruptions. When charred, Schizonepeta is used to stop bleeding. Its diaphoretic action promotes sweating to help expel external pathogens. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

Can Schizonepeta help with itchy skin and rashes?

Yes, Schizonepeta is traditionally used to relieve itching associated with various skin conditions. The herb dispels wind and addresses skin eruptions, making it valuable for conditions like urticaria, eczema, and allergic skin reactions. Its anti-inflammatory compounds, including hesperidin and volatile oils, help reduce skin irritation and inflammation. Schizonepeta can be administered internally as a decoction or applied externally as a wash for localized itching and eruptive skin conditions. Evidence level: C/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

Schizonepeta tenuifolia is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used primarily for treating colds, fever, and respiratory diseases [PMID:40567049, PMID:11817365].

Contexte

Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. (also known as Japanese catnip or Jingjie) is an annual herbaceous plant in the Lamiaceae family distributed across China, Japan, and Korea [PMID:33638568, PMID:29533838].

Usages traditionnels

It is traditionally used to treat colds, fever, respiratory diseases [PMID:40567049], headaches, and skin rashes [PMID:29533838].

Composés actifs

The main chemical components are volatile oils, specifically monoterpenoids such as pulegone, menthone, and limonene [PMID:40567049, PMID:36014489, PMID:29533838]. Other identified constituents include sesquiterpenes, flavonoids (such as diosmetin), and rosmarinic acid [PMID:41734251, PMID:40999493, PMID:41427183].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include the downregulation of macrophage TRPV1 in atopic dermatitis [PMID:39257398], induction of type I and type II interferons for antiviral activity [PMID:30141161], and the modulation of the NRF2/AKT/PPARγ signaling pathway via diosmetin to reduce inflammation and apoptosis [PMID:40999493]. It also suppresses inflammatory factors like TNF-α, IL-6, and NF-κB while restoring MAPK expression [PMID:22949410].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DAtopic Dermatitis

Extracts inhibited inflammatory changes, suppressed IgE, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels, and reduced skin thickness in mouse models [PMID:22949410, PMID:39257398, PMID:32751987].

Preuve DViral Infections (Norovirus/EV71)

Extracts reduced viral RNA levels of noroviruses [PMID:30141161] and inhibited replication, diminished plaque formation, and improved survival in EV71-infected mice [PMID:28428548].

Preuve DSkin Photoaging

Ethanolic extract alleviated wrinkle formation, epidermal thickness, and collagen degradation in UVB-irradiated hairless mice [PMID:37351505].

Preuve DSarcopenia

Flower stalk ethanolic extract (DKB138) enhanced grip strength and reduced inflammation in aged female mice [PMID:42077765].

Preuve DBacterial Infections

Essential oils showed strong inhibitory action against various Gram-positive and some Gram-negative bacteria, including E. coli and S. enterica [PMID:29849838].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Mechanism of actions, adverse effects, and contraindications remain unclear [PMID:11817365].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with a few comprehensive reviews (Level C) summarizing pharmacological activities. There is a lack of human clinical trial data in the provided abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 39257398 (2024) — Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq-Saposhnikovia divaricata decoction alleviates atopic dermatitis via downregulating macrophage TRPV1. · Frontiers in pharmacology
2.PMID: 40567049 (2025) — N6-methyladenosine RNA modification regulates light intensity-dependent terpenoid biosynthesis in Schizonepeta tenuifolia. · Plant biotechnology journal
3.PMID: 36014489 (2022) — Review on Chemical Constituents of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. and Their Pharmacological Effects. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 33796676 (2021) — The complete chloroplast genome of Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Benth.) Briq., a traditional Chinese herb. · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources
5.PMID: 37844363 (2024) — Identification of chemical compounds of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. and screening of neuraminidase inhibitors based on AUF-MS and SPR technology.

Schizonepeta Herb

Sources et citations

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