This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using herbs, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
Caragana sinica contains bioactive compounds including flavonoids, isoflavones, and alkaloids that contribute to its anti-rheumatic effects. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress associated with rheumatic conditions. The flavonoids and isoflavones may modulate inflammatory pathways, though the exact mechanism requires further research. Evidence level: C.
Does Caragana sinica interact with any medications?
Limited clinical data exists on Caragana sinica drug interactions. Due to its flavonoid and isoflavone content, it may theoretically interact with anticoagulant medications, affecting blood clotting. The herb's potential effects on blood pressure suggest caution when combined with antihypertensive medications. Patients taking blood thinners, blood pressure medications, or immunosuppressants should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C.
What is the recommended dosage for Caragana sinica root?
The traditional dosage for Caragana sinica root decoction is 10-15 grams taken twice daily. This preparation involves boiling the dried root in water to extract the active compounds. Dosage may vary based on individual condition, age, and treatment goals. Those new to this herb should start with lower doses to assess tolerance. Always follow guidance from a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. Evidence level: Traditional.
Is Caragana sinica safe to take during pregnancy?
Caragana sinica is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine sources classify this herb as unsafe for pregnant women. The presence of alkaloids and other bioactive compounds may pose risks to fetal development. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should not use this herb. Evidence level: C, based on traditional contraindications and constituent safety profiles.
What conditions does Caragana sinica treat in traditional medicine?
Caragana sinica root has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine primarily for rheumatism, bone pain, and headache. Additional traditional applications include managing hypertension and supporting bone health. The root is prepared as a decoction to extract its medicinal compounds. Native to northern China, this legume shrub has a long history of use for musculoskeletal complaints. Evidence level: C.
What are the side effects of Caragana sinica?
Caragana sinica may cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea and stomach discomfort, particularly when taken in higher doses or on an empty stomach. The tannin content can contribute to digestive irritation. Some individuals may experience allergic reactions. If side effects occur, discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider. Those with sensitive digestive systems should take this herb with food. 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
Caragana sinica is a medicinal plant used in traditional medicine for treating inflammation, arthritis, and hypertension [PMID:19422901, 36687056]. It contains bioactive oligostilbenes and polysaccharides with diverse pharmacological activities [PMID:38081398, 22209460].
Background
Caragana sinica (Buc'hoz) Rehder, also known as Jin Quegen, is a member of the Fabaceae family native to arid and semi-arid temperate zones of Asia and Eastern Europe [PMID:19422901]. It is grown in Yunnan, China, for both medicinal and edible purposes [PMID:38081398].
Traditional uses
In traditional Chinese, Mongolian, and Tibetan medicines, it is used to 'nourish yin, invigorate the spleen, temper the blood and promote blood flow' [PMID:19422901]. Specific folk uses include treating deficiency colds, fatigue, fever, cough, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and neuralgia [PMID:38081398, 36687056, 37017451]. It is also used in Miao medicine to improve ovarian function and follicular development [PMID:34707679].
Active compounds
Major constituents include oligostilbenes such as α-viniferin, kobophenol A, miyabenol C, pallidol, and carasinol B [PMID:37209608, 16755062, 7700990]. Other identified compounds include caragasinins A-E, carastilphenols A-E, hyperin, and various polysaccharides [PMID:36933336, 38081398, 34707679, 28347167].
Mechanism of action
Mechanisms include inhibition of xanthine oxidase to reduce uric acid [PMID:37209608, 42167660], inhibition of protein kinase C (PKC) [PMID: 7700990, 7863783], and regulation of NF-κB, MAPK, and TLR4 signaling pathways to reduce inflammation [PMID:33456343, 34249260, 30023311]. α-viniferin specifically accelerates PKA inactivation to inhibit melanin production [PMID:29556371] and blocks the VEGFR-2/p70S6K pathway to suppress angiogenesis [PMID:32400050].
Clinical evidence
Evidence BFacial Hyperpigmentation
Topical application of C. sinica containing α-viniferin decreased the melanin index on facial melasma and freckles in patients [PMID:29556371]
Evidence DHyperuricemia and Renal Injury
α-viniferin and caraphenol A reduced serum uric acid levels and alleviated kidney injury in mouse models [PMID:37209608, 42167660]
Evidence DOsteoarthritis
Root extracts showed protective effects on rat chondrocytes and in a monosodium iodoacetate-induced OA model by inhibiting MAPKs and NF-κB [PMID:33456343]
Evidence DUlcerative Colitis
Flower extract prevented body weight loss and reduced colonic shortening and inflammatory cytokines in DSS-induced mice [PMID:34249260]
Evidence DIschemic Stroke
Total flavonoid extracts (TFC) attenuated cerebral infarct volume and enhanced cerebral blood flow in a rat model [PMID:30258350]
Evidence DImmunosuppression
Safety & adverse effects
Caraphenol A was reported to alleviate renal injury without systemic toxicity in mice [PMID:42167660].
Evidence summary
The majority of evidence is derived from in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with limited clinical evidence for topical use in hyperpigmentation (Level B).
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 37209608 (2023) — Amelioration effects of α-viniferin on hyperuricemia and hyperuricemia-induced kidney injury in mice. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2.PMID: 36933336 (2023) — Hypoglycemic oligostilbenes from the stems of Caragana sinica. · Bioorganic chemistry
3.PMID: 38081398 (2024) — Caragana sinica (Buc'hoz) Rehd. (jin ji er) polysaccharide regulates the immune function and intestinal microbiota of cyclophosphamide (CTX) induced immunosuppressed mice. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 32996697 (2020) — Neuraminidase Inhibitors from the Roots of Caragana sinica. · Chemistry & biodiversity
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
C. sinica polysaccharide (CSP) regulated immune function and intestinal microbiota in cyclophosphamide-induced mice [PMID:38081398]
6.PMID: 33456343 (2021) — Inhibition effect of Caragana sinica root extracts on Osteoarthritis through MAPKs, NF-κB signaling pathway. · International journal of medical sciences
7.PMID: 36687056 (2023) — Core Constituents of Caragana sinica Root for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment and the Potential Mechanism. · ACS omega
8.PMID: 34249260 (2021) — Flower extract of Caragana sinica. ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis by affecting TLR4/NF-κB and TLR4/MAPK signaling pathway in a mouse model. · Iranian journal of basic medical sciences
9.PMID: 29556371 (2018) — α-Viniferin Improves Facial Hyperpigmentation via Accelerating Feedback Termination of cAMP/PKA-Signaled Phosphorylation Circuit in Facultative Melanogenesis. · Theranostics
10.PMID: 19422901 (2009) — Ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of the genus Caragana used in traditional Chinese medicine. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
11.PMID: 15621582 (2004) — Two new oligostilbenes from Caragana sinica. · Journal of Asian natural products research
12.PMID: 16755062 (2006) — Quantitative determination of stilbene oligomers in Jin Que-gen collected from different regions by a HPLC method. · Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin
13.PMID: 30023311 (2018) — Kobophenol A Isolated from Roots of Caragana sinica (Buc'hoz) Rehder Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Activity by Regulating NF-κB Nuclear Translocation in J774A.1 Cells. · Toxicology reports
14.PMID: 16099120 (2005) — Metabolites and the pharmacokinetics of kobophenol A from Caragana sinica in rats. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
15.PMID: 37017451 (2023) — Skin Wound Healing and Anti-Wrinkle-Promoting In Vitro Biological Activities of Caragana sinica Flower Absolute and Its Chemical Composition. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
16.PMID: 26407945 (2015) — Extract of Caragana sinica as a potential therapeutic option for increasing alpha-secretase gene expression. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
17.PMID: 28347167 (2017) — Caragasinin C: a new oligostilbene from the roots of Caragana sinica. · Journal of Asian natural products research
18.PMID: 32400050 (2020) — A novel role for α-viniferin in suppressing angiogenesis by blocking the VEGFR-2/p70S6K signaling pathway. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
19.PMID: 34707679 (2021) — Hyperin Alleviates Triptolide-Induced Ovarian Granulosa Cell Injury by Regulating AKT/TSC1/mTORC1 Signaling. · Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM
20.PMID: 42167660 (2026) — The resveratrol trimer caraphenol A from Caragana sinica alleviates hyperuricemia and hyperuricemia-induced renal injury in mice by modulating uric acid metabolism and inflammatory pathways. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
21.PMID: 18463595 (2008) — Acid-catalyzed epimerization of kobophenol A to carasinol B. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
22.PMID: 18975213 (1997) — Anti-herpetic activity of various medicinal plant extracts. · Archives of pharmacal research
23.PMID: 21139245 (2010) — Stilbene derivatives as human 5-HT(6) receptor antagonists from the root of Caragana sinica. · Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin
24.PMID: 16595888 (2006) — Simultaneous determination of the contents of three stilbene oligomers in Caragana sinica collected in different seasons using an improved HPLC method. · Biological & pharmaceutical bulletin
25.PMID: 30258350 (2018) — Total Flavonoids in Caragana (TFC) Promotes Angiogenesis and Enhances Cerebral Perfusion in a Rat Model of Ischemic Stroke. · Frontiers in neuroscience
26.PMID: 24759620 (2014) — Kobophenol A inhibits sodium nitroprusside-induced cardiac H9c2 cell death through suppressing activation of JNK and preserving mitochondrial anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and Mcl-1. · Chemical & pharmaceutical bulletin
27.PMID: 7700990 (1995) — Naturally occurring protein kinase C inhibitors; II. Isolation of oligomeric stilbenes from Caragana sinica. · Planta medica
28.PMID: 22097829 (2011) — Structural characterization of lignins isolated from Caragana sinica using FT-IR and NMR spectroscopy. · Guang pu xue yu guang pu fen xi = Guang pu
29.PMID: 18505483 (1997) — Biological screening of 100 plant extracts for cosmetic use (I): inhibitory activities of tyrosinase and DOPA auto-oxidation. · International journal of cosmetic science
30.PMID: 7863783 (1994) — [Inhibition of protein kinase C by stilbenoids]. · Yao xue xue bao = Acta pharmaceutica Sinica