sarcandra glabra

Sarcandra glabra is a perennial herb native to Southeast Asia and widely used in traditional Chinese medicine. The whole dried plant is used medicinally and is known by many names including 肿节风 (Zhong Jie Feng). It contains a variety of bioactive compounds such as sesquiterpenes (terpenoids), flavonoids, phenolic acids, coumarins and tannins[3][8][9]. Traditionally it has been used for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties to treat conditions like bruises, bone fractures (including as an adjunct for healing), arthritis/rheumatism pain ("wind-damp" pain), bleeding disorders (such as thrombocytopenia), abscesses/infections (including pneumonia and appendicitis), trauma injuries and some tumors[2][5][6][8]. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed effects including anti-tumor activity in vitro/in vivo models; anti-bacterial/anti-viral actions; reduction of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia by increasing platelet production; hepatoprotective effects; antioxidant activity; relief of radiation therapy side effects such as mucositis/xerostomia[3][6][8]. However there is limited clinical evidence in humans for most indications except some support for reducing radiation-induced oral side effects. It is included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

Other names

肿节风Zhong Jie FengHerba SarcandraeGlabrous Sarcandra HerbCao Shan HuCaoshanhu接骨金粟兰九节茶九节花九节风竹节茶接骨莲