Anemarrhena rhizome / zhi mu (知母)

Anemarrhena asphodeloides

Chinese

Photo credit: NMNH - Botany Dept.

Safety information

Toxicity: Low at traditional doses; timosaponin AIII shows dose-dependent cytotoxicity in vitro (relevant to concentrated extracts).

Contraindications: Spleen-deficiency diarrhea / cold patterns (TCM).

Interactions: Additive with hypoglycemics (theoretical).

Evidence level

Preclinical

Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.

Preparations

salt-processed · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

in formula (Bai Hu Tang, Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan) · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

decoction · rhizome

Part used: rhizome

Traditional use: clears heat, drains fire, nourishes yin, moistens dryness; high fever with thirst, night sweats, tidal fever, dry cough, wasting-thirst (diabetes-type)

Proposed mechanism: steroidal saponins (timosaponins, esp. timosaponin AIII), xanthone mangiferin — anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, neuroprotective, anti-tumor

Evidence:Preclinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

wasting thirst Fever Cough tidal fever Menopausal symptoms

Nutritional notes

n/a

Healing traditions

Chinese

Sources (2)

[E18] Anemarrhena asphodeloides botany/pharmacology/toxicology review (J. Ethnopharmacol)
[E19] timosaponin AIII pharmacology/toxicity review

All sources →