semen cuscutae

Semen cuscutae is the dried ripe seed of Cuscuta chinensis Lam., a parasitic vine in the Convolvulaceae family. It is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herb widely used for tonifying kidney yang and yin, supporting reproductive health in both men and women (including treatment of infertility and prevention of miscarriage), nourishing the liver to improve eyesight, stopping diarrhea due to spleen deficiency, calming the fetus during pregnancy, and supporting hormonal balance[1][2][3][4]. Modern pharmacological studies have identified its main active constituents as flavonoids (such as hyperoside, astragalin, kaempferol derivatives), chlorogenic acids, lignans, alkaloids and other phenolic compounds[5][6][7][8]. These compounds contribute to its antioxidant activity; estrogenic effects; immunomodulatory properties (notably immunosuppression via dendritic cell modulation); neuroprotective/antidepressant effects through pathways such as cAMP-PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling; anti-inflammatory actions; endocrine regulation; and potential support for central nervous system health[1][2][4]. Semen cuscutae is not a single-molecule pharmaceutical but rather an herbal product with multiple bioactive components.

Other names

菟丝子tu si zidodder seedCuscuta chinensis seedChinese dodder seeds