Ze Lan (Lycopus lucidus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Ze Lan work to treat blood stasis?

Ze Lan (Lycopus lucidus) works primarily through its active compounds, including luteolin, caffeic acid, and flavonoids, which exhibit antiplatelet and anti-inflammatory properties. These compounds help improve microcirculation and reduce blood viscosity, addressing the TCM concept of blood stasis. The herb promotes blood flow and reduces stagnation, which explains its traditional use for menstrual pain and postpartum recovery. Evidence level: C, based on preliminary pharmacological studies.

Does Ze Lan interact with blood thinners or anticoagulants?

Yes, Ze Lan may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications due to its natural antiplatelet properties. Combining Lycopus lucidus with drugs such as warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or other blood thinners may increase bleeding risk. Patients taking anticoagulants should avoid Ze Lan or consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. This interaction is theoretical based on pharmacological activity (Evidence level: C).

What is the recommended daily dosage for Ze Lan?

The standard adult dosage for Ze Lan (Lycopus lucidus) is 6-12 grams daily, typically administered as a decoction or concentrated powder. This dosage range is based on traditional Chinese medicine texts and clinical practice guidelines. Dosage may vary depending on the formulation, condition being treated, and individual patient factors. Always follow guidance from a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is Ze Lan safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Ze Lan is contraindicated during pregnancy and should be avoided. As a blood-invigorating herb in TCM, Lycopus lucidus promotes blood circulation and may stimulate uterine contractions, potentially increasing the risk of miscarriage. The herb's antiplatelet properties also pose bleeding risks during pregnancy and delivery. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should not use Ze Lan. Consult a healthcare provider for safe alternatives.

What is Ze Lan used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

Ze Lan is primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine to invigorate blood circulation, resolve blood stasis, and reduce edema. Common indications include dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), amenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, and fluid retention. The herb is particularly valued for conditions involving blood stagnation, such as fixed abdominal masses or pain that worsens with pressure. Evidence level: C, supported by traditional use and preliminary pharmacological research.

What are the side effects of Ze Lan?

Ze Lan is generally well tolerated when used at recommended dosages. Reported side effects are minimal in traditional use records. However, due to its blood-invigorating properties, excessive doses may cause increased menstrual bleeding or gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. The herb is contraindicated in patients with bleeding disorders. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if unusual bleeding or adverse reactions occur.

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

Ze Lan (Lycopus lucidus) is a perennial herb used in traditional Asian medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and blood-circulation-promoting properties [PMID:34581418, 27262082].

Background

Lycopus lucidus Turcz. ex Benth. is a member of the Lamiaceae family, specifically the Mentheae tribe [PMID:33521278, 41933464]. It is used as an edible and medicinal material in eastern Asian countries [PMID:27262082].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used in Asia to treat edema, wound healing, inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, and gynecological conditions including menstrual disorders, amenorrhea, and menstrual cramps [PMID:30915145, 27262082, 27739081].

Active compounds

Identified compounds include phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid, methyl rosmarinate, ethyl rosmarinate), flavonoids (luteolin, luteolin-7-O-beta-D-glucuronide methyl ester), pimarane-type diterpenoids, aromatic C-ring abietane diterpenoids, and raffinose family oligosaccharides (stachyose, raffinose, verbascose, ajugose) [PMID:15022718, 35154345, 40231359, 26011699].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include inhibition of the TGF-β1 signaling pathway to protect podocytes and reduce renal fibrosis [PMID:31632540, 23827664], inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in cortical neurons [PMID:33981154], and reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and genomic DNA oxidation [PMID:34503410]. It also modulates cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and inhibits soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) [PMID:21105177, 33668538].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) / Obesity

Ethanol and water extracts attenuated free fatty acid-induced steatosis in HepG2 cells and reduced body weight, hepatic lipids, and dyslipidemia in high-fat diet-induced obese mice [PMID:30668424, 35678694]

Evidence DDiabetic Nephropathy

Aqueous extracts protected against renal damage and podocyte injury by inhibiting the TGF-β1 signaling pathway in rat models [PMID:31632540, 23827664]

Evidence DAtopic Dermatitis

Ameliorated DNCB-induced dermatitis in BALB/c mice by inhibiting mast cell and eosinophil infiltration [PMID:34581418]

Evidence DOsteoporosis

Water extract inhibited osteoclastogenesis in RAW 264.7 cells and reduced bone loss in ovariectomized rat models [PMID:30915145]

Evidence DDiabetic Retinopathy

Attenuated retinal optic disc cell apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in diabetic rats [PMID:31307239]

Evidence D

Evidence summary

The current evidence consists primarily of in vitro cell studies and in vivo animal models (Level D). There are no human clinical trials or systematic reviews provided in the source abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 30668424 (2019) — Lycopus lucidus Turcz. ex Benth. Attenuates free fatty acid-induced steatosis in HepG2 cells and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2.PMID: 34503410 (2022) — Effect of Fractions from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. Leaves on Genomic DNA Oxidation and Matrix Metalloproteinase Activity. · Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening
3.PMID: 34581418 (2021) — Lycopus lucidus Turcz ameliorates DNCB‑induced atopic dermatitis in BALB/c mice. · Molecular medicine reports
4.PMID: 15022718 (2004) — Antioxidative constituents from Lycopus lucidus. · Archives of pharmacal research
5.PMID: 27262082 (2016) — Screening and identification of the metabolites in rat urine and feces after oral administration of Lycopus lucidus Turcz extract by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS mass spectrometry.

Ze Lan

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Ze Lan

Carthamus tinctorius

Curcuma phaeocaulis

Ribes nigrum

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Ze Lan

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Ze Lan

Related Herbs

Carthamus tinctorius

Curcuma phaeocaulis

Ribes nigrum

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources