Rehmannia Glutinosa: Complete Medicinal Profile
Rehmannia glutinosa, also known as Chinese foxglove or di Huang in traditional Chinese medicine, is a perennial plant native to China and other parts of Asia.
It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries due to its medicinal properties, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-aging effects.
The health benefits of Rehmannia glutinosa include improving kidney function, reducing fatigue and weakness, and alleviating menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.
Rehmannia glutinosa can be prepared into various herbal forms, including dried roots, capsules, and decoctions, and is often combined with other herbs to enhance its therapeutic effects.
Study of the Day
According to Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials, Rehmannia glutinosa has no information provided regarding its medicinal purposes in the given study.
This page analize the most important medicinal aspects of Rehmannia glutinosa.
Table of Contents
Uses and Benefits
Rehmannia glutinosa is used to treat a variety of health issues, including anemia, fatigue, and digestive problems.
It has been used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats, and has even been employed to treat impotence and premature ejaculation in men.
The plant has also been found to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help to protect against cell damage, improve immune function, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer.
Additionally, rehmannia glutinosa has been used to promote bone health, improve cognitive function, and even help to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The health benefits of Rehmannia glutinosa are listed below.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Rehmannia glutinosa has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms associated with various conditions.
- Antioxidant activity: The plant is rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
- Immunomodulatory effects: Rehmannia glutinosa has been found to have immunomodulatory effects, which can help to regulate the immune system and prevent diseases.
- Hemostatic properties: The plant has been found to have hemostatic properties, which can help to stop bleeding and promote blood clotting.
- Antibacterial and antiviral activity: Rehmannia glutinosa has been found to possess antibacterial and antiviral properties, which can help to prevent infections and diseases.
- Cardiovascular protection: The plant has been found to have cardiovascular protective effects, which can help to prevent cardiovascular diseases and promote cardiovascular health.
- Neuroprotective effects: Rehmannia glutinosa has been found to have neuroprotective effects, which can help to prevent neurodegenerative diseases and promote brain health.
Here are the best health benefits of Rehmannia glutinosa.
Actions
Rehmannia glutinosa has been found to possess a range of therapeutic actions, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties, which primarily affect the musculoskeletal system, nervous system, and cardiovascular system.
The plant's anti-inflammatory actions help to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the joints, muscles, and other tissues, while its antioxidant properties protect against oxidative stress and cell damage.
Additionally, Rehmannia glutinosa exhibits nervine, sedative, and anxiolytic actions, which can calm the nervous system and promote relaxation, and its adaptogenic properties help the body to adapt to stress and promote balance.
The plant's hemostatic and expectorant actions also aid in regulating blood flow and promoting the clearance of mucus from the respiratory system.
The therapeutic actions of Rehmannia glutinosa are listed below.
- Adaptogenic: Helps the body adapt to stress and promote balance in the body
- Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation and swelling in the body
- Antioxidant: Protects cells from damage caused by free radicals and oxidative stress
- Demulcent: Forms a protective barrier on the skin or mucous membranes to soothe and calm
- Expectorant: Helps to relieve coughs and congestion by thinning mucus and promoting its expulsion
- Hematopoietic: Affects the production and regulation of blood cells, often used to treat anemia
- Tonic: Replenishes and rejuvenates the body, often used to improve overall health and well-being
Constituents
Rehmannia glutinosa has been found to contain a variety of bioactive constituents, including iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, phenolic acids, tannins, alkaloids, and glycosides.
The iridoid glycosides, such as rehmannioside A, have been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, while the flavonoids, including kaempferol and quercetin, have been found to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities as well.
The plant's tannins have been reported to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, while its phenolic acids, including caffeic acid and ferulic acid, have been found to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Additionally, the alkaloids and glycosides present in Rehmannia glutinosa have been shown to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting the plant's potential for use in traditional medicine.
The bioactive constituents of Rehmannia glutinosa are listed below.
- Tannins: Polyphenolic compounds that give the plant astringent properties
- Flavonoids: A class of plant compounds with antioxidant properties
- Saponins: A type of glycoside that has soap-like properties and can be used as a detergent
- Astragaloside: A group of steroidal saponins found in rheummannia glutinosa
- Polysaccharides: Complex carbohydrates that can have immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects
- Coumarins: A class of compounds with anticoagulant properties
- Phenolic acids: A class of compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Parts
The most commonly used parts of Rehmannia glutinosa are the roots, tubers, flowers, and stems.
The roots, also known as rehmannia root, are primarily used to nourish the yin, calm the spirit, and relieve dryness, and are often employed in traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as insomnia, tinnitus, and menopausal symptoms.
The flowers of Rehmannia glutinosa are used to moisten the lung, relieve cough, and calm the mind, and are commonly used to treat conditions such as bronchitis, dry cough, and anxiety.
Additionally, the stems and tubers of the plant are also used to nourish the blood, moisten the skin, and relieve heat, and are often used to treat conditions such as dry skin, constipation, and fever.
The following table displays the most used parts of of Rehmannia glutinosa and examples of ailments they help cure.
| Parts | Ailments |
|---|---|
| Rhizome | Kidney stones, menstrual issues, infertility |
| Root | Diarrhea, urinary tract infections, menstrual cramps |
| Stem | Fever, menstrual issues, digestive problems |
| Leaf | Fever, menstrual issues, digestive problems |
Preparations
Rehmannia glutinosa most common herbal preparations are used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote health and vitality, and they include decoctions, infusions, and patent medicines.
The decoctions, also known as Rehmannia root soup, are used to nourish the blood, tonify the kidney, and calm the mind, often treating conditions such as insomnia, anemia, and kidney deficiency.
The infusions, typically made from the root and rhizome, are used to treat menstrual irregularities, palpitations, and fever, as well as to promote fertility and alleviate menopausal symptoms.
Additionally, patent medicines like Rehmannia six-treasure pill and Rehmannia di Huang pills are used to treat a range of conditions, including kidney deficiency, anemia, and low sperm count, as well as to promote healthy aging and longevity.
The herbal preparations of Rehmannia glutinosa are listed below.
- Rehmannia glutinosa infusion: A herbal tea made by steeping the roots of rehmannia glutinosa in hot water, traditionally used to nourish the yin and calm the spirit.
- Dong ling cao tincture: A concentrated liquid extract of the rehmannia glutinosa root, often used in traditional chinese medicine to promote fertility and nourish the kidneys.
- Rehmannia glutinosa decoction: A medicinal soup made by boiling the roots of rehmannia glutinosa with other herbs, traditionally used to treat kidney deficiency and promote health in the elderly.
- Rehmannia glutinosa syrup: A sweet liquid extract of the rehmannia glutinosa root, often used as a tonic to nourish the yin and calm the spirit.
- Dong ling cao capsules: A dried and powdered form of the rehmannia glutinosa root, often used as a supplement to promote fertility and nourish the kidneys.
- Rehmannia glutinosa extract: A concentrated powder or liquid extract of the rehmannia glutinosa root, often used in traditional chinese medicine to promote health and longevity.
- Dong ling cao powder: A dried and powdered form of the rehmannia glutinosa root, often used as a supplement to promote fertility and nourish the kidneys.
Side Effects
Rehmannia glutinosa side effects are typically experienced by individuals with certain health conditions, particularly those with kidney or liver disease, pregnant women, and people with a history of bleeding disorders.
Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, as well as allergic reactions like rash, itching, and swelling.
In some cases, individuals may experience more serious side effects, including dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and even changes in blood pressure, which can lead to heart palpitations or fainting.
Additionally, long-term use of Rehmannia glutinosa may cause interactions with other medications, such as blood thinners, and exacerbate conditions like gout or high blood pressure.
The possible side effects of Rehmannia glutinosa are listed below.
- Hemorrhage: Rehmannia glutinosa can cause hemorrhage due to its anticoagulant properties.
- Gastrointestinal problems: Consuming rehmannia glutinosa can cause stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea in some individuals.
- Hypoglycemia: Rehmannia glutinosa may cause low blood sugar levels in individuals, especially when taken in large doses.
- Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to rehmannia glutinosa and experience symptoms such as itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
- Kidney damage: Long-term consumption of rehmannia glutinosa may cause kidney damage due to its diuretic properties.
- Interactions with medications: Rehmannia glutinosa may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners, diabetes medications, and blood pressure medications.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding complications: Rehmannia glutinosa may cause complications during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its ability to stimulate uterine contractions and affect milk production.