How does Shi Chang Pu work to improve memory?

Shi Chang Pu works primarily through its active compounds, alpha-asarone and beta-asarone, which are volatile oils capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier. These compounds are believed to exert neuroprotective effects by modulating neurotransmitter activity and reducing oxidative stress in neural tissues. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this mechanism is described as 'opening the orifices' to clear the mind and resolve phlegm obstruction affecting the senses. Current evidence supports these neuroprotective properties, though human clinical trials are limited (Evidence level: C).

Does Shi Chang Pu interact with prescription medications?

Yes, Shi Chang Pu has potential drug interactions, particularly with central nervous system (CNS) depressants and anticonvulsants. Because the herb possesses sedative and antiepileptic properties, combining it with medications like barbiturates or benzodiazepines may potentiate drowsiness or CNS depression. Additionally, compounds in Acorus tatarinowii may affect cytochrome P450 enzymes, potentially altering the metabolism of various pharmaceuticals. Patients taking anticoagulants or seizure medication should exercise caution (Evidence level: C/Theoretical).

What is the standard dosage for Shi Chang Pu?

The standard adult dosage for Shi Chang Pu is 3 to 6 grams daily when prepared as a decoction. This amount is traditionally used to address cognitive issues, epilepsy, and mental confusion. For granulated extracts, dosage should follow manufacturer guidelines, as concentrations vary. It is crucial to adhere to recommended amounts because high doses can cause gastrointestinal irritation. Due to the presence of beta-asarone, prolonged use of high doses should be avoided (Evidence level: Traditional).

Is Shi Chang Pu safe during pregnancy?

No, Shi Chang Pu is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The herb contains beta-asarone, a compound associated with potential carcinogenicity and toxicity, which poses risks to fetal development. Furthermore, Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies this herb as 'acrid, warm, and opening,' properties that are generally contraindicated during pregnancy because they may stimulate uterine contractions. Women who are breastfeeding should also avoid this herb due to insufficient safety data (Evidence level: C).

What are the side effects of taking Acorus tatarinowii?

Common side effects of Acorus tatarinowii (Shi Chang Pu) include nausea and vomiting, particularly when taken in high doses or on an empty stomach. These gastrointestinal reactions are caused by the irritation of the volatile oils found in the rhizome. The herb is contraindicated for individuals with Yin deficiency with heat, as its warming and drying properties may exacerbate symptoms like dry mouth or night sweats. Long-term use of high doses is discouraged due to potential toxicity concerns (Evidence level: Traditional).

Shi Chang Pu (Acorus tatarinowii)

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

Shi Chang Pu (Acorus tatarinowii) is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant used primarily for treating brain and nervous system diseases [PMID:37299001]. Its volatile oils are noted for their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide antidepressant and neuroprotective effects [PMID:33316383, PMID:26487858].

Background

Acorus tatarinowii Schott is a natural medicinal plant whose dried rhizome is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine [PMID:37299001, PMID:41167569]. It is characterized as a slowly evolved monocot with a complex chromosomal structural mitogenome [PMID:35835857, PMID:37774807].

Traditional uses

It is traditionally used to treat depression, epilepsy, fever, dizziness, heartache, stomachache, amnesia, and consciousness disorders [PMID:37299001, PMID:37007031]. It is specifically recognized for 'opening the orifices and transforming phlegm' (Kai-Qiao-Huo-Tan) and 'reviving the mind and enhancing intelligence' (Xing-Shen-Yi-Zhi) [PMID:40245967, PMID:41167569].

Active compounds

More than 160 compounds have been identified, including phenylpropanoids, terpenoids, lignans, flavonoids, alkaloids, amides, and organic acids [PMID:37299001]. Major active components include alpha-asarone, beta-asarone, eugenol, and methyl isoeugenol [PMID:38039902, PMID:26487858, PMID:40228641, PMID:39276863].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway to improve insulin resistance [PMID:39486109], the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway to improve cognitive impairment [PMID:38039902], and the Nrf2/NQO1/HO-1 signaling pathway to suppress NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis [PMID:40228641]. It also inhibits neuroinflammation via the p38 MAPK/NLRP3/STAT3 pathway [PMID:41079740] and suppresses NLRP3 inflammasome activation in AD models [PMID:36774844].

Clinical evidence

Evidence AAlzheimer's Disease

Combination of A. tatarinowii and Polygala tenuifolia was evaluated for clinical efficacy and safety [PMID:38283842]; volatile oils improved cognitive function and reduced neuronal loss in animal models [PMID:41167569, PMID:39486109].

Evidence CDepression

Volatile oils are reported to have antidepressant effects with little toxicity [PMID:33316383]; used in combination with Polygalae Radix for post-stroke depression [PMID:41763619].

Evidence DVascular Dementia

Beta-asarone improves learning and memory and alleviates autophagy in mice via the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway [PMID:38039902].

Evidence DParkinson's Disease

Inhalation of essential oil alleviated dyskinesia in rat models through regulation of neuroinflammation [PMID:40245967].

Evidence DNeuropathic Pain/Migraine

Alpha-asarone alleviates cutaneous hyperalgesia by inhibiting hyperexcitability and neurogenic inflammation via TLR4/NF-kB/NLRP3 signaling [PMID:39276863].

Evidence B

Safety & adverse effects

Volatile oils are reported to have little toxicity and side effects [PMID:33316383].

Dosage & administration

Administration methods mentioned in studies include aromatic inhalation (olfactory therapy) [PMID:40607608, PMID:38772184] and the use of crushed leaf powder or rhizome extracts [PMID:38892521]. No PubMed data available. Consult a healthcare provider.

Evidence summary

The evidence is primarily based on preclinical animal models (D) and systematic reviews (A/C). There is strong laboratory evidence for neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, with emerging clinical trial protocols for cognitive impairment.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 33316383 (2021) — Natural volatile oils derived from herbal medicines: A promising therapy way for treating depressive disorder. · Pharmacological research
2.PMID: 37299001 (2023) — Acorus tatarinowii Schott: A Review of Its Botany, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 38039902 (2024) — β-asarone improves cognitive impairment and alleviates autophagy in mice with vascular dementia via the cAMP/PKA/CREB pathway. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
4.PMID: 36581573 (2022) — Research progress on mechanism of Chinese Kaiqiao herbs in management of neuropathic pain. · Zhejiang da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences
5.PMID: 40578036

Shi Chang Pu

Sources & Citations

Phosphatidylserine Source

Lepidium Meyenii Black

Melissa officinalis var. citrina

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Dosage & administration

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Shi Chang Pu

Sources & Citations

Related Herbs

Phosphatidylserine Source

Lepidium Meyenii Black

Melissa officinalis var. citrina

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Dosage & administration

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources