Sāng Jì Shēng · Mulberry Mistletoe Stem
Sāng Jì Shēng (桑寄生, Mulberry Mistletoe Stem) is a herb of Neutral nature and Bitter, Sweet flavor, in the “Yang Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to tonify Liver and Kidney, Expel Wind-Damp, Calm Fetus.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Sāng Jì Shēng
- Characters
- 桑寄生
- Botanical name
- Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser
- Family
- Loranthaceae
- Part used
- Stem and leaf
- Nature
- Neutral
- Flavor
- Bitter, Sweet
- Meridians
- Kidney, Liver
- Category
- Yang Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China
Actions according to tradition
- Tonify Liver and Kidney
- Expel Wind-Damp
- Calm Fetus
- Nourish Blood
Traditional uses
- Liver-kidney deficiency with wind-damp arthritis
- Chronic low back and knee pain with weakness
- Threatened miscarriage in women with deficiency
- Tendon and bone weakness from deficiency
- Wind-damp Bi syndrome with underlying deficiency
Studied effects and current applications
- Strengthens liver and kidney to nourish tendons and bones
- Expels wind-damp from channels and collaterals
- Calms restless fetus and prevents miscarriage
- Nourishes blood to address deficiency with wind-damp
- Lowers blood pressure (modern finding)
Applications under investigation
- Hypertension and cardiovascular conditions
- Osteoporosis and bone loss
- Arthritis in elderly with deficiency
- Threatened abortion
- Kidney deficiency syndromes
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Acute exterior pathogen invasion without deficiency
Relative contraindications
- Internal damp-heat conditions
- Pregnancy
- Often used in pregnancy to calm fetus and prevent miscarriage.
- Breastfeeding
- Generally safe for nursing mothers.
- Children
- Safe for children in appropriate formulas.
- Older adults
- Excellent for elderly with liver-kidney deficiency and arthritis.
Possible adverse effects
- Rare: mild digestive upset
When to stop
- Acute exterior conditions
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antihypertensives | Beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors | Mild | Additive blood pressure lowering Monitor blood pressure |
With other herbs
- du_huo Classic combination for arthritis and lower back pain
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 9-30 grams daily
- Powder
- 3-6 grams daily
- Acute use
- 2-4 weeks
- Chronic use
- 1-3 months
- Maximum
- Long-term use for chronic conditions
- Children
- Generally safe for children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 9-30g in 4 cups water 45 min. Take in two doses.
Arthritis, hypertension, pregnancy support
Add to bone broth or chicken soup. Cook 1-2 hours.
Tonifying use, long-term strengthening
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Flavonoids (quercetin, avicularin) and lectins
Flavonols · Antihypertensive, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiplatelet
ACE inhibition, radical scavenging, COX-2 and 5-LOX blockade · 0.5-2%
Flavonol glucoside · Antihypertensive, mild diuretic
Endothelium-dependent vasodilation (NO), ACE inhibition · 0.3-1.0%
Glycoproteins (lectins) · Immunomodulator, antitumor, apoptotic
Inhibition of ribosomal protein synthesis (RIP), NK and macrophage activation · Variable depending on host species
Pentacyclic triterpenes · Hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic
PPAR-γ activation, NF-κB inhibition, hepatocyte protection · 0.1-0.5%
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Winter (December-February) when the parasitic plant is well established
Branches with leaves of parasitic mistletoe harvested in winter from host trees (preferably mulberry). The quality depends on the host tree.
Branches with washed leaves, cut into 3-5 cm sections or oblique slices and dried in the sun.
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
