Red gromwell / zi cao (紫草)
Lithospermum erythrorhizon
Photo credit: Stanislav Doronenko
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Topical use is the well-tolerated norm; internal use cautioned (can cause loose stools); some Lithospermum/Boraginaceae relatives carry hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids — authenticate species.
Contraindications: Loose stools/spleen deficiency (TCM); pregnancy caution internally.
Interactions: None well documented.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Pregnancy caution internally.
Evidence level
Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.
Preparations
topical (zi cao oil/ointment for skin) · root
Part used: root
in formula · root
Part used: root
decoction · root
Part used: root
Traditional use: cools and moves the blood, clears heat, relieves toxicity, vents rashes; macular eruptions/measles, burns, ulcers, eczema, constipation from heat
Proposed mechanism: naphthoquinones (shikonin, acetylshikonin, beta,beta-dimethylacryl-alkannin) — anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, antimicrobial, antiviral, antitumor
Dosage note (descriptive only): internal use cautioned
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
n/a
Healing traditions
Sources (1)
- [E42] Lithospermum erythrorhizon / shikonin mechanism-of-action review (Front. Pharmacol.)