Sang Ji Sheng - Mulberry mistletoe
Sang Ji Sheng - the mulberry mistletoe - combines two therapeutic directions: It dispels wind-dampness from bones and tendons and simultaneously tonifies liver and kidney yin.
This dual effect makes it particularly valuable for older patients with joint problems and underlying kidney deficiency. It also protects the fetus in the event of a threatened miscarriage due to kidney weakness.
Effect from a Western perspective
Flavonoids (especially quercetin, avicularin) and polysaccharides are the pharmacologically relevant ingredients. The evidence comes mainly from preclinical models - clinical studies on humans are limited.
- Blood pressure reduction - Flavonoid extracts show vasodilatory effects in animal models via NO-mediated mechanisms and reduce peripheral vascular resistance (preclinical evidence, limited clinical data)
- Bone health - Avicularin promotes osteoblast differentiation and inhibits bone resorption in cell cultures, suggesting a potential in osteoporosis (in vitro evidence)
- Antioxidant effect - Polyphenols and flavonoids neutralize free radicals and significantly reduce oxidative stress in cell and animal models
- Inflammation inhibition - Inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6) and COX-2 expression in arthritis animal models
- Pregnancy protection - Traditionally used for threatened abortion; pharmacological studies indicate uterine relaxant effects (limited experimental data)
Effect from a TCM perspective
Sang Ji Sheng combines the elimination of wind-dampness with the strengthening of the liver and kidneys - a rare dual effect that makes it particularly indispensable for bi-syndromes with underlying deficiencies.
- Expels wind moisture: Relieves blockages in tendons, bones and joints in bi-syndromes with pain, stiffness and numbness
- Strengthens tendons and bones: Tonifies liver and kidney yin, relieves back pain and knee pain with underlying deficiency
- Calms the fetus: Protects the pregnancy in the event of impending miscarriage due to kidney deficiency and a lack of blood
- Lowers blood pressure: Slight antihypertensive effect with liver yang ascending with dizziness and headaches
Application & dosage
The standard dosage of Sang Ji Sheng is 10-20 g in a decoction. In the case of pregnancy protection, the dose can be increased to 15-30 g in order to strengthen the fetus-soothing effect.
For long-term intake as a tea, 10-15 g per day is sufficient. Sang Ji Sheng is boiled for 20-30 minutes and can be taken over longer periods of time without any problems.
Dosage forms
- Decoct: The most common use - boil for 20-30 minutes, combines well with other herbs
- Granules: Concentrated extract for daily intake without the need for cooking
- Tea: Infuse dried twigs with hot water - suitable for long-term use for minor ailments
Dosage
- Standard dose: 10-20 g in decoction
- Pregnancy protection: 15-30 g
- Tea (long-term intake): 10-15 g daily
Frequent combination partners
Sang Ji Sheng often only unfolds its full effect in combination with other herbs
Combinations & formulas
- Sang Ji Sheng + Du Zhong + Niu Xi: The classic trio for tendons and bones - for back and knee pain caused by liver and kidney deficiency
- Sang Ji Sheng + Xu Duan + E Jiao: Protects the pregnancy in the event of impending miscarriage due to kidney deficiency and a lack of blood
- Sang Ji Sheng + Qin Jiao + Fang Feng: Expels wind-dampness in bi-syndromes with underlying weakness of the liver and kidneys
History & Tradition
Sang Ji Sheng was already Shén Nóng Běn Cǎo Jīng - the oldest Chinese pharmacopoeia - as a middle-class remedy. It is described there as a medicine that strengthens tendons and bones, dispels wind-dampness and protects pregnancy. This threefold description of its effects has proven to be accurate over two millennia.
The name Sāng Jì Shēng (桑寄生) literally means „mulberry parasite life" - a precise reference to the plant's parasitic way of life. Only the mulberry Mulberry tree (Sang) was considered by ancient physicians to be of high medicinal value, as the mulberry tree itself is considered in TCM to have a tonic effect on the liver and to dispel wind. According to the classical concept, mistletoe absorbs the essence of its host tree and enhances its healing power.
In the Tang Dynasty Sang Ji Sheng was prominently used by Sun Si-Miao in his gynecological formulas - especially to protect pregnancy in women with a weak constitution. The famous formula Dú Huó Jì Shēng Tāng from the Bèi Jí Qiān Jīn Yào Fāng combines Sang Ji Sheng with Du Huo and other herbs to treat chronic bi-syndromes with liver and kidney deficiency - a formula that is still one of the most widely used in TCM orthopaedics today.
Contraindications & caution
Caution with damp-heat - Sang Ji Sheng can increase dampness due to its tonifying effect. Do not use as the sole remedy for acute bi-syndromes with severe swelling and redness (heat-bi). If there is a pronounced accumulation of Dampness in the Middle Warmer, first dissolve the Dampness before adding Sang Ji Sheng.
Interactions: With simultaneous intake of Antihypertensives (ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, calcium antagonists) there is a risk of additive blood pressure reduction - medical consultation required. With Anticoagulants (warfarin, heparin) should be taken with caution, as flavonoids can influence platelet aggregation. Sang Ji Sheng can influence the effect of Immunosuppressants theoretically modulate - should not be used on organ transplant patients without medical supervision.
Botany
Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser is an evergreen, semi-parasitic plant from the Loranthaceae family. It grows as a shrub on the branches of various host trees and reaches a length of 30-100 cm. The opposite leaves are leathery, elliptical to ovate, 3-8 cm long and tomentose on the underside. The tubular flowers are reddish to purple in color and are borne in axillary clusters.
As a semi-parasite, the plant has its own chloroplasts for photosynthesis, but extracts water and minerals from the host tree via specialized haustoria. The pharmaceutically preferred drug comes from plants that grow on the mulberry tree (Morus alba) - these are considered to be of higher quality, as mistletoe classically absorbs the medicinal substances of its host. The leafy branches with occasional flowers are used.
Occurrence
- Southern China - Guangxi, Guangdong and Fujian as the main distribution areas with a subtropical climate
- Southwest China - Yunnan and Guizhou at altitudes of 100-1,600 m
- Central China - Hubei and Hunan in humid mountain forests
- Southeast Asia - Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar as natural distribution areas
- Prefers moist, warm locations on deciduous trees in sparse forests and on forest edges
Harvest time
- Main harvest time: Winter to spring - when the active ingredient content is at its highest
- Possible all year round: In southern regions of China, Sang Ji Sheng is harvested all year round
- Optimal time: After the leaves of the host tree have fallen, as the mistletoe branches are then easily recognizable and easily accessible
Processing
The leafy branches of the mulberry mistletoe are carefully processed after harvesting to preserve their active ingredients.
- Harvesting and cleaning:
- Remove leafy branches from the mulberry tree
- Remove foreign bodies, dead leaves and bark from the host tree
- Rinse briefly with water
- Drying:
- Spread out in a shady, well-ventilated place
- Turn regularly until the twigs are completely dry
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Cutting:
- Cut the dried twigs into 2-3 cm long pieces
- Store in a dry and cool place
Related herbs
Herbs with similar effects and related areas of application
Comparable western herbs
- European mistletoe (Viscum album) - the closest botanical relative in Western phytotherapy. It is used for hypertension and as an adjuvant in oncology. Shares with Sang Ji Sheng the semi-parasitic lifestyle and the antihypertensive effect, but has a different active ingredient profile (viscotoxins, lectins).
- Devil's claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) - the African root is prescribed for joint pain and arthrosis. Comparable use for musculoskeletal complaints with an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect via iridoid glycosides (harpagoside).
- Willow bark (Salix alba) - the European equivalent for inflammatory joint diseases. As a natural COX inhibitor, salicin has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect - functionally comparable to the wind-moisture dispersing effect of Sang Ji Sheng in bi-syndromes.