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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.
How does Ligustrum japonicum work as an anti-aging herb?
Ligustrum japonicum contains bioactive compounds including oleuropein, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and ligustroside that exert antioxidant effects. These compounds help neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress at the cellular level. The herb's triterpenoid compounds, particularly oleanolic and ursolic acids, have demonstrated immunomodulatory properties in laboratory studies. Evidence level: C (preliminary evidence).
Does Ligustrum japonicum interact with any medications?
Limited clinical data exists on specific drug interactions for Ligustrum japonicum. However, due to its oleuropein and oleanolic acid content, theoretical interactions may occur with immunosuppressant medications, as the herb has immunomodulatory properties. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C (based on constituent analysis rather than clinical trials).
What is the recommended dosage for Ligustrum japonicum?
The typical adult dosage for Ligustrum japonicum is 6-12 grams of dried fruit daily or approximately 300mg of standardized extract. Traditional Chinese medicine preparations often combine it with other yin-nourishing herbs. Dosage may vary based on the specific formulation and individual health needs. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized recommendations. Evidence level: C (traditional use with limited clinical validation).
Is Ligustrum japonicum safe to take during pregnancy?
Ligustrum japonicum is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. While specific teratogenic data is limited, the traditional contraindication exists due to its effects on the liver and kidney systems in traditional Chinese medicine theory. Breastfeeding women should also avoid this herb due to insufficient safety data. Evidence level: C/D (traditional contraindication with limited modern research).
What are the side effects of Ligustrum japonicum?
Ligustrum japonicum is generally well-tolerated when used appropriately. The most commonly reported side effect is mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea or stomach discomfort. The herb is contraindicated in individuals with diarrhea or cold conditions according to traditional Chinese medicine principles. Discontinue use if digestive symptoms persist. Evidence level: C (based on traditional use and constituent safety profiles).
What is Ligustrum japonicum used for in herbal medicine?
Ligustrum japonicum is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine for addressing liver and kidney yin deficiency patterns. It is valued for its anti-aging and immune-supporting properties, attributed to its antioxidant compounds. The herb is closely related to Ligustrum lucidum (Nu Zhen Zi) and shares similar therapeutic applications for supporting longevity and immune function. Evidence level: C (traditional use with preliminary research support).
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 26 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Ligustrum japonicum is a medicinal plant valued for its fruits and leaves, demonstrating potential anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoporotic, and neuroprotective activities [PMID:41515469, 33628272, 16450298].
Background
Ligustrum japonicum Thunb. (Oleaceae), also known as Japanese privet, is a shrub used in traditional medicinal practices [PMID:41515469, 33628272].
Traditional uses
The fruits are traditionally utilized in folk medicine, specifically in Korea and Japan [PMID:41515469, 33628272]. In traditional Chinese medicine, Fructus ligustri lucidi (which may include L. japonicum) is used to treat hepatitis and aging-related symptoms, while in traditional Korean medicine, it is used to detoxify the liver and kidneys [PMID:33918375].
Active compounds
The plant contains secoiridoids, including oleonuezhenide, isonuezhenide [PMID:17269061], (8Z)-nuezhenide A, (8E)-nuezhenide, osmanthuside B, and osmanthuside D [PMID:16450298], as well as ligustroside and 8(E)-nuezhenide [PMID:35269801]. Other identified compounds include the phenyl ethanoid salidroside [PMID:35269801, 33628272], ligujaponosides A-B, iso-oleonuzhenide, and the nor-dammarane 3β,20,23-trihydroxy-24,25,26,27-tetranordammarane [PMID:28618355], and sesamin [PMID:28618355].
Mechanism of action
Compounds from L. japonicum fruits (GL-3, oleonuezhenide, salidroside, 8(E)-nuezhenide, and ligustroside) inhibit the expression and release of MMP-2 and MMP-9 via the MAPK pathway, specifically by decreasing phosphorylated p38, ERK, and JNK proteins [PMID:30744075, 35269801]. Salidroside enhances osteoblast differentiation through overactivation of the Wnt/BMP signaling pathway and suppresses adipocyte differentiation via the MAPK and PPARγ pathways [PMID:33628272]. Sesamin inhibits T cell activation by regulating MAPK phosphorylation, specifically inhibiting ERK phosphorylation [PMID:28618355].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DHyperlipemia and Atherosclerosis
In rabbit models, L. japonicum (Var. Pubescens) lowered serum total lipids (TL), total cholesterol (TC), and LPO, and reduced the arteriosclerotic area of the aorta [PMID:7703637].
Evidence DOsteoporosis
L. japonicum fruits and salidroside enhanced osteoblast formation and suppressed adipogenesis in bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal cells [PMID:33628272].
Evidence DNeurotoxicity
Six secoiridoid glycosides from L. japonicum leaves significantly protected human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells from 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity [PMID:16450298].
Evidence DTumor Metastasis (In vitro)
Secoiridoids and salidroside from L. japonicum fruits inhibited the expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in HT 1080 fibrosarcoma cells [PMID:30744075, 35269801].
Evidence DT cell activation
Sesamin isolated from L. japonicum fruits inhibited IL-2 production in Jurkat T cells [PMID:28618355].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is based on in vitro cell studies and animal models (rabbits); there are no human clinical trials provided. The strength of evidence is low (Level D).
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 41515469 (2026) — Organ-Specific Diversity of Secoiridoids in Ligustrum japonicum Thunb. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 30744075 (2019) — Evaluation of MMP Inhibitors Isolated from Ligustrum japonicum Fructus. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 17269061 (1987) — New Secoiridoid Glucosides from Ligustrum japonicum. · Planta medica
4.PMID: 35269801 (2022) — Salidroside, 8(E)-Nuezhenide, and Ligustroside from Ligustrum japonicum Fructus Inhibit Expressions of MMP-2 and -9 in HT 1080 Fibrosarcoma. · International journal of molecular sciences
5.PMID: 33628272 (2021) — Ligustrum japonicum Thunb. Fruits Exert Antiosteoporotic Properties in Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells via Regulation of Adipocyte and Osteoblast Differentiation.
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.
6.PMID: 33918375 (2021) — Anti-Neuroinflammatory Effects and Mechanism of Action of Fructus ligustri lucidi Extract in BV2 Microglia. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
7.PMID: 16450298 (2006) — A new neuroprotective compound of Ligustrum japonicum leaves. · Planta medica
8.PMID: 28618355 (2017) — Chemical constituents from the fruits of Ligustrum japonicum and their inhibitory effects on T cell activation. · Phytochemistry
9.PMID: 7703637 (1994) — [Preliminary study on pharmacologic action of Ligustrum japonicum]. · Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi jiehe zazhi = Chinese journal of integrated traditional and Western medicine