All-Grass of Chinese Ixeris
- Chinese
- 山苦荬
- Pinyin
- Shan Ku Mai
- Latin
- Herba Ixeris Chinensis
Known in TCM as Shan Ku Mai (山苦荬), this bitter, cold herb enters the Liver and Stomach. Traditionally, it clears heat and relieves toxicity, most often applied for upper respiratory infection, hypertension, and cancer. Modern research has identified Luteolin among its active constituents.
Part used: Whole herb
Also Known As
Latin: Herba Ixeris Chinensis | Pinyin: Shan Ku Mai | Chinese: 山苦荬
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Liver, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Clears heat and relieves toxicity … used for inflammatory infections, toxic heat patterns, carbuncles, and swellings
- Reduces swelling and dissipates masses … used for tumors, nodules, and phlegm-heat accumulations
Secondary Actions
- Cools the blood and stops bleeding … used for heat-induced hemorrhage
- Lowers blood pressure and reduces blood lipids … modern clinical applications for hypertension and hyperlipidemia
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Luteolin … primary flavonol; potent anti-inflammatory and antitumor
- Apigenin … flavone; anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative
- Luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside and apigenin-7-O-glucoside … glycoside forms with enhanced bioavailability
- Guaiane-type sesquiterpene lactones (chinensiolides A, B, C) … characteristic bitter constituents; antitumor activity
- Ixerochinolide and lactucin … sesquiterpene lactones with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties
- β-Sitosterol … phytosterol with cholesterol-lowering and anti-inflammatory effects
Studied Effects
- Antitumor … flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones demonstrate antiproliferative activity against multiple cancer cell lines in vitro; regulates immune microenvironment (PMID 23705357)
- Anti-inflammatory … luteolin and apigenin suppress NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways
- Cardiovascular … β-sitosterol and flavonoids contribute to cholesterol-lowering and antihypertensive effects in clinical applications
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold … cold bitter nature contraindicated in cold-type digestive weakness
Cautions
- MSK page not found … drug interaction data not available from Memorial Sloan Kettering integrative medicine database
Conditions
- Upper Respiratory Infection Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Hypertension Research ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Cancer Preclinical ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is All-Grass of Chinese Ixeris used for?
All-Grass of Chinese Ixeris is traditionally used to Clears heat and relieves toxicity … used for inflammatory infections, toxic heat patterns, carbuncles, and swellings, Reduces swelling and dissipates masses … used for tumors, nodules, and phlegm-heat accumulations. Research has investigated its effects on: Antitumor … flavonoids and sesquiterpene lactones demonstrate antiproliferative activity against multiple cancer cell lines in vitro; regulates immune microenvironment (PMID 23705357); Anti-inflammatory … luteolin and apigenin suppress NF-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokine pathways.
What are other names for All-Grass of Chinese Ixeris?
All-Grass of Chinese Ixeris is also known as Ixeris. In TCM: 山苦荬 (Shan Ku Mai); Herba Ixeris Chinensis.
Is All-Grass of Chinese Ixeris safe during pregnancy?
The safety of All-Grass of Chinese Ixeris during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for All-Grass of Chinese Ixeris?
All-Grass of Chinese Ixeris should not be used in: Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold … cold bitter nature contraindicated in cold-type digestive weakness. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.