Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa var. purpurea): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Shu Di Huang work as a kidney tonic?

Shu Di Huang contains active compounds including catalpol, rehmannioside, iridoids, and polysaccharides that support kidney and liver yin. These compounds appear to stimulate hematopoietic activity and nourish essence (jing) in traditional Chinese medicine theory. The wine-preparation process enhances its tonifying properties. Research suggests potential effects on blood formation and kidney function markers, though clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence Level C). The herb's sticky, cloying nature is thought to help retain and build yin and essence in the body.

Does Shu Di Huang interact with any medications?

Shu Di Huang may interact with medications affecting blood glucose levels, as some research suggests it may influence glucose metabolism. Due to its effects on blood formation, caution is advised when taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications. The herb's cloying nature may affect absorption of other oral medications. Patients taking immunosuppressants or medications processed by the liver should consult a qualified practitioner. Always inform your healthcare provider about all herbal supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

What is the correct dosage of Shu Di Huang?

The typical adult dosage of Shu Di Huang is 9–30 grams of the prepared root when used as a decoction in traditional formulas. For concentrated extracts, 500 mg to 1 gram taken 2–3 times daily is common. Dosage varies based on the specific formula and condition being treated. Lower doses are used when combined with other herbs in traditional prescriptions. Higher doses (up to 30 g) may be used for severe deficiency patterns. Always follow the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner for appropriate dosing.

Is Shu Di Huang safe during pregnancy?

Shu Di Huang is considered unsafe during pregnancy, particularly in large doses. Traditional Chinese medicine contraindicates this herb for pregnant women due to its strong tonifying and cloying properties, which may not be appropriate during gestation. The herb's effects on blood and essence, while beneficial for deficiency conditions, may pose risks during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid Shu Di Huang unless specifically prescribed by a qualified practitioner. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal supplements during pregnancy.

What are the main uses of Shu Di Huang in Chinese medicine?

Shu Di Huang is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine to tonify kidney and liver yin and replenish essence (jing). It is indicated for yin and blood deficiency patterns manifesting as dizziness, tinnitus, lower back pain, and night sweats. The herb is commonly used for hair loss and premature aging associated with kidney essence deficiency. It serves as a key ingredient in major tonifying formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. Evidence for these traditional uses is limited (Evidence Level C), primarily based on traditional practice rather than rigorous clinical trials.

What are the side effects of taking Shu Di Huang?

Common side effects of Shu Di Huang include gastrointestinal upset, bloating, and diarrhea, particularly in individuals with cold-deficient constitutions or weak spleen qi. The herb's cloying, sticky nature can impair digestion in susceptible individuals. It is contraindicated in conditions involving damp-phlegm, spleen qi deficiency, or existing diarrhea. Some users report a sensation of fullness or heaviness after consumption. These side effects are more common at higher doses. Discontinue use if significant digestive symptoms occur and consult a qualified practitioner.

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

Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia root) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used in various formulas to treat conditions ranging from osteoporosis and diabetes to cognitive impairment [PMID:34950216, 41590656, 15139152].

Contexte

Shu Di Huang is the processed root of Rehmannia glutinosa [PMID:36010498]. It is distinguished from raw Rehmannia Radix by specific processing methods, such as braising, which alter its chemical composition and pharmacological effects [PMID:35784741, 21174764].

Usages traditionnels

It is frequently used in prescriptions to treat diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, aging-related diseases [PMID:35784741], and as a blood tonic [PMID:1418586, 32188797].

Composés actifs

Identified active components include oligosaccharides, iridoids, catalpol, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), acteoside, and isoverbascoside [PMID:38629120, 21174764, 41590656].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include the downregulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway in osteoporosis [PMID:34950216], activation of the pregnane X receptor (PXR) signaling pathway to induce CYP3A4 [PMID:21524698], and the activation of autophagy while inhibiting apoptosis in pancreatic β-cells [PMID:41590656]. In cognitive models, it may increase the expression of hippocampal c-fos and NGF and adjust Glu and GABA content [PMID:15139152, 15015384].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BSenile Osteoporosis

Medicinal-cake-separated moxibustion containing prepared rehmannia root was explored for clinical efficacy [PMID:29231606]

Preuve BPostmenopausal Blood Lipids/Hormones

Dandi Tablet (containing prepared Rehmannia Root) was studied for its effect on blood lipids and sex hormones [PMID:14503058]

Preuve BPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Bushen Houxue decoction (containing prepared rehmannia root) combined with follicle aspiration was used to treat refractory PCOS [PMID:18543483]

Preuve DPremature Ovarian Failure

A modified Zuo-gui-wan formula containing cooked rehmannia was associated with restored ovulation and conception in a case report [PMID:12956293]

Interactions médicamenteuses

Prepared Rehmannia root can strongly trans-activate the pregnane X receptor (PXR), which induces cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4), potentially affecting the metabolism of drugs processed by this enzyme [PMID:21524698].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence consists primarily of animal models (rats, mice, C. elegans), in silico network pharmacology, and a limited number of small-scale clinical trials or case reports. Strength of evidence is low to moderate.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 39834809 (2024) — Efficacy of the Bushen Jianpi Huoxue Formula on Beclin-1/Bcl-2-mediated autophagy and apoptosis in osteoblasts. · Frontiers in pharmacology
2.PMID: 24164386 (2014) — The protective effect of Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Fang in salt-sensitive hypertension rats. · Clinical and experimental hypertension (New York, N.Y. : 1993)
3.PMID: 33849116 (2021) — Network pharmacology study on the mechanism of the herb pair of prepared Rehmannia root-Chinese arborvitae kernel for anxiety disorders. · Annals of palliative medicine
4.PMID: 37861529 (2023) — Dissection of action mechanisms of Zuogui Pill in the treatment of liver cancer based on machine learning and network pharmacology: A review. · Medicine
5.PMID: 32661660 (2021) — Changes of Anti-tuberculosis Herbs Formula During Past Three Decades in Contrast to Ancient Ones.

Shu Di Huang

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Shu Di Huang

Coffee Senna

Kheemp Tibetan

Withania coagulans

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Shu Di Huang

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Shu Di Huang

Plantes associées

Coffee Senna

Kheemp Tibetan

Withania coagulans

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales