xiantianma

Xiantianma refers to the fresh tuber of *Gastrodia elata* Blume, a parasitic orchid widely utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Unlike the more common dried form (Tianma), Xiantianma is valued for its higher concentration of volatile oils and specific bioactive compounds, most notably gastrodin (4-hydroxybenzyl alcohol-4-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside) and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol. It is primarily indicated for neurological and cardiovascular conditions, including dizziness, headache, epilepsy, and hypertension. Mechanistically, it is thought to exert neuroprotective, sedative, and anticonvulsant effects by modulating the GABAergic system, antagonizing NMDA receptors, and reducing neuroinflammation through the inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines. It is extensively produced and marketed in China, particularly in the Yunnan province, as both a regulated pharmaceutical product and a functional food.

Other names

Fresh Gastrodia elataXian Tian MaGastrodia elata Blume