How does Qu Mai work to promote urination?

Qu Mai acts as a natural diuretic by increasing the excretion of water and sodium from the body. Its active compounds, specifically saponins and flavonoids, are thought to inhibit renal tubular reabsorption, which helps clear heat and dampness from the bladder. This mechanism explains its traditional use in treating urinary tract infections and edema. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

Does Qu Mai interact with prescription medications?

Qu Mai has the potential to interact with diuretic medications, such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide. Because Dianthus superbus increases urine output, combining it with pharmaceutical diuretics may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. It may also potentiate the effects of antihypertensive drugs. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C (theoretical).

What is the standard dosage for Qu Mai (Dianthus superbus)?

The standard adult dosage for Qu Mai is generally 6 to 10 grams daily when prepared as a water decoction. The herb is typically boiled in water to create a tea intended for immediate consumption. Dosage may vary depending on whether it is used alone or in combination with other herbs in a formula. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is Qu Mai safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Qu Mai is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is contraindicated for pregnant women. Dianthus superbus promotes blood circulation and stimulates the uterus, which poses a risk of miscarriage or premature labor. Due to these strong emmenagogue properties, it should be strictly avoided by anyone who is pregnant or trying to conceive. Evidence level: Traditional.

What is Qu Mai used for in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Qu Mai is primarily used to clear heat, promote urination, and break up blood stasis. It is commonly prescribed for urinary tract infections (UTIs), hematuria (blood in urine), and urinary stones due to its antiseptic and diuretic properties. Additionally, it is used to treat amenorrhea (absence of menstruation) by promoting blood flow. Evidence level: C.

Qu Mai (Dianthus superbus)

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

Qu Mai (Dianthus superbus) is a traditional medicinal herb used in Chinese and Mongolian medicine for its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and immunomodulatory properties [PMID:35062995, 30841605, 27133261].

Background

Dianthus superbus L. (also known as Qu Mai or Dianthi herba) is a plant distributed across the northern hemisphere, including Asia, Africa, Oceania, and South America [PMID:35062995]. It is the dried aerial part of the plant [PMID:35062995].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used as a treatment for urethritis, carbuncles, carcinomas [PMID:27133261, 27279718], inflammation, pain, and immunological conditions [PMID:35425507], as well as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent [PMID:30841605, 27076746].

Active compounds

Identified compounds include triterpenoid saponins (e.g., dianosides, DS-1) [PMID:35062995, 21467688, 25542429], flavonoids and flavone C-glycosides (e.g., 2''-O-rhamnosyllutonarin, quercetin 3-glucoside) [PMID:35062995, 40806041, 31765700], phytoecdysteroids (superecdysones A-F) [PMID:37178942], cyclic peptides (dianthins C-F) [PMID:15387653, 28920330], and phenolic acids such as vanillic acid and hydroferulic acid [PMID:27076746].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and increase of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) expression in the hippocampus [PMID:27133261], modulation of lipid metabolism, insulin signaling, inflammation, and apoptosis pathways [PMID:40806041], and the upregulation of Foxp3 in CD4(+) T cells to induce regulatory T cells [PMID:23433080].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DMemory Impairment

Attenuated learning and memory impairment induced by scopolamine in mice [PMID:27133261]

Evidence DDiabetic Nephropathy

Ameliorated blood glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, HbA1c, and reduced glomerular fibrosis and renal dysfunction in db/db mice [PMID:30841605]

Evidence DMetabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)

Flavone C-glycosides attenuated obesity and hepatic lipid accumulation in zebrafish models [PMID:40806041]

Evidence DPeanut Allergy

Inhibited in vitro IgE production by human B-cells and in vivo IgE production in murine models, preventing peanut-induced anaphylaxis [PMID:21961957]

Evidence DInfluenza Infection

Quercetin 3-glucoside demonstrated potent antiviral activity against influenza A and B viruses in vitro [PMID:31765700, 30654095]

Evidence DTransplant Rejection

Safety & adverse effects

Methanolic leaf extracts exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxic effects in CHO-K1 cells (IC50: 27 µg/mL); high concentrations (25 µg/mL) significantly increased micronucleus frequency, indicating genotoxic potential [PMID:42031993].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (mice, zebrafish), indicating potential for neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic benefits, but lacks human clinical trial data. Genotoxicity was observed in cell cultures at high concentrations.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 37178942 (2023) — Phytoecdysteroids from Dianthus superbus L.: Structures and anti-neuroinflammatory evaluation. · Phytochemistry
2.PMID: 42031993 (2026) — Genotoxic potential of Dianthus superbus var. superbus and Petasites paradoxus (Retz.) Baumg. methanolic extracts in Chinese hamster ovary cells. · Scientific reports
3.PMID: 40806041 (2025) — Flavone C-Glycosides from Dianthus superbus L. Attenuate Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) via Multi-Pathway Regulations. · Nutrients
4.PMID: 27133261 (2016) — Cognitive-Enhancing Effect of Dianthus superbus var. Longicalycinus on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice. · Biomolecules & therapeutics
5.PMID: 30841605 (2019)

Qu Mai

Sources & Citations