Ardisia Crenata (Ardisia crenata): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Ardisia crenata work to reduce inflammation?

Ardisia crenata contains active compounds known as triterpenoid saponins, specifically ardisiacrispins, along with bergenin. These constituents are thought to modulate inflammatory pathways and provide antioxidant effects. Bergenin, in particular, has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical studies by inhibiting specific cytokines. While these mechanisms are promising, they are primarily supported by in vitro and animal studies rather than extensive human clinical trials (Evidence Level: C).

Does Ardisia crenata interact with prescription medications?

There is currently limited clinical data regarding specific drug interactions for Ardisia crenata. However, due to its traditional use for liver conditions and the presence of saponins, it may theoretically interact with hepatotoxic drugs or medications metabolized by the liver. Patients taking anticoagulants or immunosuppressants should exercise caution. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining this herb with prescription medications (Evidence Level: C/D).

What is the typical dosage for Ardisia crenata?

The traditional adult dosage for Ardisia crenata involves preparing a decoction using the leaves or roots, typically taken as 200 ml two to three times daily. Alternatively, a 200 mg extract dosage is sometimes cited in traditional guidelines. Because high doses can cause vomiting, users should strictly adhere to recommended amounts. Dosage should be determined by a qualified practitioner based on individual health needs (Evidence Level: Traditional).

Is Ardisia crenata safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Ardisia crenata is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is contraindicated for pregnant women. The herb contains triterpenoid saponins which may stimulate the uterus or cause toxicity, posing a significant risk to fetal development. Traditional medicine systems explicitly advise against its use in pregnancy. It is also contraindicated for children. Women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid this herb entirely (Evidence Level: C/D).

What are the side effects of taking Ardisia crenata?

The primary side effects associated with Ardisia crenata are gastrointestinal in nature. Users may experience nausea, and at high doses, the herb acts as an emetic, inducing vomiting. This emetic property is often linked to the concentration of saponins in the plant. To minimize adverse effects, it is recommended to stick to prescribed dosages and avoid prolonged use without medical supervision (Evidence Level: Traditional).

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

Ardisia crenata is a medicinal plant used in East Asia and India, recognized for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties [PMID:39557103].

Background

Ardisia crenata Sims is a plant species that occurs in red-berried and white-berried varieties [PMID:31135229]. It is included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is valued as a traditional medicinal plant [PMID:41078510].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used as herbal medicine in East Asia and India [PMID:39557103]. It is recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia for treating laryngeal diseases and upper respiratory tract infections [PMID:38474690], and used in folk medicine for the treatment of rheumatism [PMID:39761835].

Active compounds

The plant contains triterpenoid saponins such as ardisiacrispin A and B, and ardisicrenosides A, B, G, H, K, L, R, and S [PMID:7765756, PMID:10212394, PMID:17454309, PMID:33516453]. Other active compounds include benzoquinones (rapanone and embelin) [PMID:31135229], phenols (ardisiphenol I and J) [PMID:35428421], flavonoid glycosides (including kaempferol 3-O-glucoside) [PMID:41051237], and the cyclic depsipeptide FR900359 [PMID:32954611].

Mechanism of action

Ardisicreolide C exerts anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the release of nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and interleukins 1β, 4, and 10 in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells [PMID:38108118]. Ardicrenin regulates cell proliferation and death via the integrin signaling pathway [PMID:41577017]. The compound FR900359 acts as an inhibitor of constitutively active Gαq/11 proteins [PMID:32954611].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DInflammation

Ardisicreolide C and Ardisicreolides A-B demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity in vitro using LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells [PMID:38108118, PMID:35956852]

Evidence DCancer (Melanoma, Prostate, Colon, Osteosarcoma)

Ardicrenin showed significant cytotoxicity against A549, MCF-7, HepG2, and MDA-MB-231 cells [PMID:33516453] and suppressed MG-63 osteosarcoma cell proliferation [PMID:41577017]. Root extracts showed potency against melanoma WM793 and colon cancer Caco2 [PMID:34089236]. Rapanone exhibited cytotoxic activity toward prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and colorectal carcinoma cell lines [PMID:36432013].

Evidence DBacterial/Fungal Infections

Root extracts showed inhibitory effects on Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus [PMID:38474690]. Leaf extracts showed inhibitory effects on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus [PMID:38474690].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, phytochemical isolation, and traditional use reviews (Level C and D). There are no human clinical trials (Level B) or meta-analyses (Level A) provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 7765756 (1994) — Triterpenoid saponins from Ardisia crenata. · Phytochemistry
2.PMID: 38999576 (2024) — Biochar Effectively Promoted Growth of Ardisia crenata by Affecting the Soil Physicochemical Properties. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 35428421 (2023) — Two new phenol compounds from roots of Ardisia crenata. · Natural product research
4.PMID: 39557103 (2025) — Ardisia Crispae Radix et Rhizoma: A review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 38108118 (2024) — Anti-inflammatory activity of a new lactone isolated from the leaves of Ardisia crenata Sims. · Chemistry & biodiversity

Ardisia Crenata

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Ardisia Crenata

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Ardisia Crenata

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Ardisia Crenata

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Mentha Haplocalyx

Malvaviscus arboreus

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources