How does Ampelopsis japonica work for wound healing?

Ampelopsis japonica works primarily through its active constituents, including resveratrol, tannins, and flavonoids. These compounds provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that support wound healing. The tannins act as astringents to dry out weeping ulcers and tighten tissues, while resveratrol aids in reducing oxidative stress. Evidence Level C indicates these mechanisms are supported by pharmacological studies and traditional use, making it effective for external applications on burns and toxic swellings.

Does Ampelopsis japonica interact with any medications?

There are no well-documented severe drug interactions for Ampelopsis japonica in current literature. However, because it contains tannins, it may potentially bind with certain drugs or alkaloids, reducing their absorption if taken simultaneously. Additionally, the presence of resveratrol could theoretically potentiate the effects of blood-thinning medications. Given the Evidence Level C, patients on prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use to avoid unforeseen interactions.

What is the recommended dosage for Ampelopsis japonica?

The typical adult dosage for Ampelopsis japonica is 3 to 9 grams of the dried root daily, usually prepared as a tea or decoction. For external use on burns, ulcers, or skin infections, the herb is often ground into a powder and applied as a paste. Due to limited clinical data (Evidence Level C), users should adhere to traditional preparation guidelines and consult a practitioner for personalized dosing.

Is Ampelopsis japonica safe during pregnancy?

Ampelopsis japonica is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is strictly contraindicated. Traditional Chinese Medicine principles suggest it promotes blood movement and may stimulate uterine contractions, posing a risk of miscarriage. Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, so avoidance is recommended. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this herb internally or externally without specific guidance from a qualified healthcare provider.

What are the side effects of Ampelopsis japonica?

Common side effects of Ampelopsis japonica are generally mild and may include gastrointestinal discomfort or nausea when taken internally. Topical application is usually safe but can cause contact dermatitis or skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Evidence Level C suggests that while serious adverse events are rare, users should monitor for allergic reactions. Discontinue use if symptoms persist or worsen.

Ampelopsis japonica (Ampelopsis japonica)

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Ampelopsis japonica is a traditional medicinal plant used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties [PMID:35883719, PMID:38159378].

Background

Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino, belonging to the Vitaceae family, is a medicinal plant whose dried tuberous root is utilized in traditional medicine [PMID:31614980, PMID:38159378].

Traditional uses

It has been traditionally used to treat fever, pain, wound healing [PMID:35883719], various kidney diseases [PMID:41009565], and is recorded for detoxifying, heat-clearing, and analgesic properties [PMID:41176139]. It is also used in traditional skin-whitening preparations [PMID:34923233, PMID:41351313].

Active compounds

Identified constituents include glycosylated stilbenes, anthraquinones, lignans, tannins, amino acids, auronol [PMID:34278895], triterpenoids (including Ampejaponoside A and B) [PMID:38635344, PMID:24274791], polysaccharides [PMID:37913878], and momordin I [PMID:12168888].

Mechanism of action

The herb may lower uric acid by downregulating URAT1/GLUT9 and alleviate inflammation via the TLR4/NF-κB pathway [PMID:41009565]. It exhibits antioxidant activity by scavenging DPPH and ABTS radicals [PMID:35883719, PMID:24204389] and inhibits tyrosinase activity to reduce melanin synthesis [PMID:34278895, PMID:34923233]. In cancer cells, momordin I induces apoptosis by reducing the Bcl-2:Bax ratio and activating caspase-3 [PMID:12168888].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DContact Dermatitis

Topical application of ethanol extract (30 mg/kg) significantly prevented scaling, erythema, and enlargement of skin lesions in mice [PMID:35907172].

Evidence DHyperuricemia

Extract significantly reduced serum uric acid and creatinine levels and decreased glomerular atrophy and renal tubular degeneration in mice [PMID:41009565].

Evidence DPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Aqueous extract significantly regulated serum hormone levels and attenuated pathological variants in the ovaries of rats [PMID:38159378].

Evidence DScald Burns

Ethanol extract of root tuber applied topically in ointment form was evaluated for wound healing in rats [PMID:26152211].

Evidence DNon-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Enhanced the inhibitory effect of radiotherapy on tumor growth in vivo and promoted apoptosis in vitro [PMID:39630250].

Evidence DParkinson's Disease

Safety & adverse effects

In a pilot clinical trial of 30 volunteers, Radix Ampelopsis japonica was the most common cause of positive reactions in patch and photopatch tests for irritant contact dermatitis (60.0% in patch tests; 13.3% in photopatch tests) [PMID:24817899].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating significant pharmacological potential in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor activities, though clinical safety data suggests a risk of contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 35907172 (2022) — Anti-inflammatory Effects of Ampelopsis Japonica Root on Contact Dermatitis in Mice. · Chinese journal of integrative medicine
2.PMID: 41009565 (2025) — Ampelopsis japonica Extract Exhibited Significant Uric Acid-Lowering Effect by Downregulating URAT1/GLUT9 and Alleviates Inflammation Through TLR4/NF-κB Pathway. · International journal of molecular sciences
3.PMID: 35883719 (2022) — Bioactive Components from Ampelopsis japonica with Antioxidant, Anti-α-Glucosidase, and Antiacetylcholinesterase Activities. · Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 38130184 (2023) — Qilian Formula Inhibits Tumor Cell Growth in a Bone Metastasis Model of Lung Cancer. · Integrative cancer therapies
5.PMID: 38159378

Ampelopsis japonica

Sources & Citations

Trollius europaeus

Mangosteen Pericarp

Bolivian Copaiba

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Ampelopsis japonica

Sources & Citations

Related Herbs

Trollius europaeus

Mangosteen Pericarp

Bolivian Copaiba

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources