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 29 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Lu Lu Tong (Liquidambar formosana) is a medicinal plant used in China, often in combination with Vaccaria segetalis to act as a galactogogue [PMID:37094052].
Background
Liquidambar formosana, also known as Chinese sweetgum, is a deciduous tree species native to subtropical regions of south China [PMID:33457804, PMID:36672904, PMID:40460252]. It is valued for its resin, timber, and ornamental foliage [PMID:40460252].
Traditional uses
It is used as a medicinal plant in China [PMID:36672904] and is reportedly used frequently with Vaccaria segetalis (Wang Bu Liu Xing) as a galactogogue combination known as the Wang Bu Liu Xing and Lu Lu Tong herb pair (WLHP) to increase milk supply [PMID:37094052].
Active compounds
The resin contains pentacyclic triterpenoids (including lupane, taraxerane, and oleanane types) [PMID:33556839, PMID:21605635], abietane-type diterpenoids (Liquidambarines A-C) [PMID:36342378], and cinnamic acid ester derivatives [PMID:37802781]. The leaves and oleoresin are rich in monoterpenes, specifically alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphene, and limonene [PMID:36672904, PMID:32629822, PMID:40133806].
Mechanism of action
Pentacyclic triterpenoids from the resin have demonstrated anti-angiogenic effects by inhibiting VEGF-induced endothelial cell proliferation and migration in HUVECs [PMID:33556839]. Abietane-type diterpenoids (Liquidambarines A and C) exhibit anti-inflammatory activity by affecting the protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 [PMID:36342378]. Monoterpenoids from the roots exhibit senomorphic activity by suppressing p16INK4A activity and attenuating the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) [PMID:41228395].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DCancer cell proliferation (S180 cells)
Leaf extracts, particularly the chloroform extract, dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation of S180 cells [PMID:27525864].
Evidence DPlatelet aggregation
28-carboxyl oleane triterpenes from the resin showed significant inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation [PMID:21605635].
Evidence DLactation (Galactogogue effect)
Reportedly used in combination with Vaccaria segetalis; however, no well-performed clinical trials in English have been reported on the oral effect in humans [PMID:37094052].
Pregnancy & lactation
Used traditionally in combination with Vaccaria segetalis as a galactogogue to increase milk supply [PMID:37094052].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies (cell lines) and phytochemical analyses (D), with no high-level clinical trial data (A or B) provided in the abstracts.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 37094052 (2006) — Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) genes reveal their potential roles in somatic embryogenesis in hybrid sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua × Liquidambar formosana). · Forestry research
- 2.PMID: 33556839 (2021) — Pentacyclic Triterpenes from the resin of Liquidambar formosana have anti-angiogenic properties. · Phytochemistry
- 3.PMID: 27525864 (2016) — Effect of the extract from leaves of Liquidambar formosana Hance on S180 cells. · Genetics and molecular research : GMR
- 4.PMID: 40460252 (2025) — Genomic insights into the evolution of Chinese sweetgum and its autumn leaf coloration. · Plant physiology
- 5.PMID: 36672904 (2023)