How does Dendrobium nobile work in the body?

Dendrobium nobile contains bioactive alkaloids including dendrobine, nobiline, and dendramine, along with immunomodulatory polysaccharides. These compounds are believed to support fluid balance at the cellular level and modulate immune function. In Traditional Chinese Medicine framework, Dendrobium nourishes yin by generating body fluids and clearing deficiency heat, primarily targeting the stomach and kidney meridians to restore balance in dry, depleted conditions. Evidence level: C.

Does Dendrobium interact with any medications?

Limited clinical data exists on Dendrobium drug interactions. Due to its documented immunomodulatory effects, theoretical concerns apply when combining Dendrobium with immunosuppressant medications, as it may reduce their efficacy. No significant interactions with common pharmaceuticals have been established in human trials. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before adding Dendrobium to their regimen. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Dendrobium?

The standard adult dosage for Dendrobium nobile is 6-12 grams of dried stem daily, typically prepared as a decoction by simmering in water. This traditional preparation extracts the active alkaloids and polysaccharides. Dosage may vary depending on the specific formulation, individual constitution, and practitioner recommendations. Concentrated extracts require proportionally lower doses. Evidence level: C/Traditional use.

Is Dendrobium safe to take during pregnancy?

Dendrobium is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Traditional Chinese Medicine sources contraindicate its use in pregnant women. While specific teratogenic effects have not been documented in clinical trials, insufficient safety data exists to support use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal supplements. Evidence level: C/Traditional contraindication.

What is Dendrobium used for in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dendrobium nobile is classified as a yin-nourishing herb used to treat deficiency patterns marked by dryness. Primary indications include dry mouth and throat, thirst, insufficient body fluids, and weakness of the stomach and kidneys. It clears deficiency heat and is commonly prescribed for recovery after febrile illness or in cases of chronic dry cough. It is contraindicated in cold-dampness conditions. Evidence level: C/Traditional use.

Dendrobium (Dendrobium nobile)

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

Dendrobium (specifically Dendrobium nobile), known as Shihu in China, is a medicinal orchid used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-tumor, anti-diabetic, and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID:39557107, 40441566, 28197691].

Background

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. is a member of the orchid family and is recognized in the Pharmacopoeia of China [PMID:39557107, 37497110]. It is widely distributed in sub-tropical areas south of the Yangtze River, including Guizhou, Yunnan, and Guangxi [PMID:32268205].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used as a tonic, astringent, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory agent [PMID:29344419]. It is used for nourishing the stomach, enhancing production of body fluids, nourishing Yin, promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, and regulating meridians and collaterals [PMID:29344419, 40180000]. It has also been used in the treatment of diabetes and gastrointestinal diseases [PMID:36351476].

Active compounds

Bioactive components include alkaloids (e.g., dendrobine, denrine), bibenzyls (e.g., chrysotoxine, gigantol, erianin), polysaccharides, sesquiterpenes (e.g., dendroterpene E), phenanthrenes, and phenolic compounds [PMID:39557107, 34930072, 33331167, 37497110, 36462312].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include the regulation of ferroptosis and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to prevent cervical cancer [PMID:39557107], inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma [PMID:38901205], and activation of SIRT2 to regulate insulin resistance in PCOS granulosa cells [PMID:39153683]. It also modulates the gut-blood-retina axis to ameliorate inflammatory microenvironments in the retina [PMID:40441566] and inhibits platelet activation via integrin αIIbβ3-mediated signaling pathways [PMID:40180000].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DType 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Dendrobium nobile Lindl. significantly ameliorated hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and renal dysfunction in db/db mice [PMID:40732347].

Evidence DHepatocellular Carcinoma

Dendrobin A arrested cell cycle, induced apoptosis, and inhibited proliferation in HCC cells [PMID:38901205].

Evidence DPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polysaccharides (DNP) reduced body weight, blood glucose, and insulin levels, and improved the disrupted estrous cycle in rats [PMID:39153683].

Evidence DDiabetic Retinopathy

Polysaccharides (DNP) ameliorated the inflammatory microenvironment in the retina of diabetic rats [PMID:40441566].

Evidence DAllergic Rhinitis

Dendrobium nobile protected against ovalbumin-induced allergic rhinitis by regulating intestinal flora and suppressing lung inflammation in mice [PMID:35750384].

Evidence DCervical Cancer

Safety & adverse effects

Dendrobium nobile is described as having high safety and is widely popular as a functional food and health supplement [PMID:40777987].

Evidence summary

The current evidence consists primarily of in vitro cell studies, animal models (mice/rats), and literature reviews. There are no human clinical trials (RCTs) provided in the abstracts; therefore, the overall strength of evidence for clinical application is low (Level D).

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 39557107 (2025) — Chrysotoxine regulates ferroptosis and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to prevent cervical cancer. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 34930072 (2022) — Dendrobine-type alkaloids from Dendrobium nobile. · Natural product research
3.PMID: 26046143 (2015) — Dendrobium micropropagation: a review. · Plant cell reports
4.PMID: 33331167 (2022) — A new picrotoxane-type sesquiterpene from Dendrobium nobile Lindl. · Natural product research
5.PMID: 37497110 (2023) — Therapeutic potential of the chemical composition of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. · Frontiers in pharmacology

Dendrobium

Sources & Citations

Bael Fruit

Artemisia pallens

Musa paradisiaca

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Dendrobium

Sources & Citations

Related Herbs

Bael Fruit

Artemisia pallens

Musa paradisiaca

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources