Clematis chinensis (Clematis chinensis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Clematis chinensis work for joint pain?

Clematis chinensis contains active compounds such as clematichinenoside AR and oleanolic acid, which demonstrate anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Research suggests these constituents inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulate immune responses, helping to reduce swelling and discomfort in the joints. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is classified as a wind-damp expelling herb, which correlates with its observed ability to alleviate rheumatic stiffness and improve mobility (Evidence Level C).

Is Clematis chinensis safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Clematis chinensis is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The herb contains protoanemonin, a compound that can act as a uterine stimulant and potentially induce miscarriage or premature labor. Additionally, the plant causes significant gastrointestinal irritation, which poses further risks to pregnant individuals. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should strictly avoid this herb due to these potential toxicity concerns (Evidence Level C/D).

What is the recommended dosage for Clematis chinensis?

The standard adult dosage for Clematis chinensis is typically 6 to 9 grams of the dried root daily, usually prepared as a decoction. Alternatively, a standardized extract of approximately 300 mg per day may be used. Because the herb can irritate the stomach lining, it is advisable to start with a lower dose to assess tolerance. Dosage should always be guided by a qualified practitioner (Evidence Level C/Traditional).

Does Clematis chinensis interact with prescription medications?

There is limited clinical data regarding specific drug interactions for Clematis chinensis. However, due to its irritant properties on the gastrointestinal tract, it should be used with caution alongside NSAIDs or other medications that cause stomach upset. Theoretically, its immune-modulating effects could interact with immunosuppressants. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before adding this herb to their regimen (Evidence Level D).

Can Clematis chinensis help remove a fish bone stuck in the throat?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Clematis chinensis is famously used to treat fish bone obstruction in the throat. Practitioners believe the herb relaxes the esophagus and softens obstructions, facilitating their passage. While this is a time-honored application, it is supported by traditional use rather than modern clinical trials. If a bone is deeply lodged or causing severe distress, immediate medical attention is required rather than relying solely on herbal remedies (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

Clematis chinensis Osbeck is a medicinal plant used in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily for its anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatoid activities [PMID:19504380, PMID:33476714].

Background

Clematis chinensis Osbeck, also known as Wei-Ling-Xian (WLX) in China, is an important medicinal and edible plant [PMID:36451970, PMID:40639032]. It is often categorized as Clematidis Radix et Rhizome (CRR) along with C. hexapetala and C. mandshurica [PMID:33476714].

Traditional uses

It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat rheumatic arthralgia, limb numbness, tendon constriction, and inconvenience in flexion and extension [PMID:33476714]. It has also been used as an analgesic, diuretic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and insecticidal agent [PMID:8957308].

Active compounds

The plant contains triterpenoid saponins, including clematichinenoside A, B, C, AR, AR(2), and clematochinenosides H-J [PMID:7786477, PMID:8768328, PMID:19504380, PMID:23659476]. Other identified components include oleanolic acid, hederagenin, huzhongoside B [PMID:7786477, PMID:8768328], phenolic glycosides, indole alkaloids [PMID:37598991], acyclic sesquiterpenoids, and monocyclic monoterpenoids [PMID:33615918], as well as a pectin-like polysaccharide (CCPB-2-2) [PMID:40068746].

Mechanism of action

Clematichinenoside AR (CAR) inhibits synovial angiogenesis via the HIF-1α/VEGFA/ANG2 axis [PMID:40020629] and blocks the circPTN/miR-145-5p/FZD4 signal axis to inhibit fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) proliferation [PMID:36279670]. Asperosaponin VI modulates the AMPK-SIRT3 pathway to mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction and chondrocyte apoptosis [PMID:40702216]. Other mechanisms include the inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 through the NF-κB signaling pathway [PMID:37598991] and the inhibition of COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes [PMID:20540535].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BHalitosis

A Clematis chinensis Osbeck extract mouthwash was effective in controlling halitosis and related oral bacteria [PMID:41771359].

Evidence BDental Caries

A functional mouthwash containing Clematis chinensis Osbeck extract was evaluated for anticariogenic efficacy [PMID:41276841].

Evidence DRheumatoid Arthritis

In animal models (CIA and AIA rats), Clematis chinensis and its monomer Clematichinenoside AR alleviated arthritis pathology and inhibited synovial angiogenesis [PMID:40020629, PMID:35421778, PMID:35032583].

Evidence DOsteoarthritis

Asperosaponin VI from C. chinensis mitigated mitochondrial dysfunction and chondrocyte apoptosis in a rat model [PMID:40702216].

Evidence summary

Evidence consists primarily of in vitro and in vivo animal studies (Level D) regarding anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatoid effects, with a few randomized controlled trials (Level B) focusing on oral health applications.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 40020629 (2025) — Clematichinenoside AR alleviates rheumatoid arthritis by inhibiting synovial angiogenesis through the HIF-1α/VEGFA/ANG2 axis. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2.PMID: 8768328 (1996) — Saponins from Clematis chinensis. · Phytochemistry
3.PMID: 7786477 (1995) — Triterpenoid saponins from Clematis chinensis. · Phytochemistry
4.PMID: 40702216 (2025) — Asperosaponin VI mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction and chondrocyte apoptosis in osteoarthritis by modulating the AMPK-SIRT3 pathway. · Cell biology and toxicology
5.PMID: 26670420 (2016) — Renal toxic ingredients and their toxicology from traditional Chinese medicine. · Expert opinion on drug metabolism & toxicology

Clematis chinensis

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Clematis chinensis