Ligustrum's therapeutic uses
Ligustrum, particularly the berries of Ligustrum lucidum, has a notable place in traditional Chinese medicine, primarily aimed at supporting immune health. Commonly referred to as a tonic, it is believed to enhance various bodily functions and is often included in herbal combinations rather than used alone. Its proposed therapeutic benefits extend to cancer prevention and treatment support, offering potential aid for individuals battling human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. Additionally, ligustrum is thought to provide liver protection and exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Some traditional uses include alleviating symptoms such as ringing in the ears, improving vision, and promoting hair health, particularly in formulations like Erzhi Wan, which combines ligustrum with another herb to create a balanced treatment. Although preliminary studies suggest ligustrum may have potential benefits for chemotherapy patients and other health conditions, substantial scientific evidence is lacking. Research has indicated possible effects on immune modulation, antiparasitic properties, and overall health improvements, but confirmation through rigorous scientific methods is necessary. While generally well tolerated, safety assessments for specific populations, such as children or pregnant women, remain insufficient.
Subject Terms
Ligustrum's therapeutic uses
- DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Immune support
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Cancer prevention, cancer treatment support, human immunodeficiency virus infection support, liver protection, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, many traditional uses
Overview
The berries of the glossy privet tree Ligustrum lucidum have a long history of use in traditional Chinese herbal medicine as an herb that helps “tonify the yin.” This expression cannot be fully explained without entering into the theoretical framework of traditional Chinese medicine. Still, it may be said loosely to indicate a strengthening effect on some of the body's functions. As part of herbal combinations (traditional Chinese herbal medicine seldom uses single-herb preparations), ligustrum is used for such purposes as turning gray hair black, alleviating ringing in the ear, improving vision, anti-aging, liver and kidney health, and treating vertigo.
One of the most famous combination therapies containing ligustrum is named Erzhi Wan, or “Two-Solstices Pill.” It consists of ligustrum berries harvested at the winter solstice and another herb (Eclipta alba) harvested at the summer solstice. The combined treatment is thought to balance two opposite “energies.”
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dose of ligustrum berries is 5 milligrams, taken two or three times daily.
Therapeutic Uses
Ligustrum is marketed as a treatment for strengthening the immune system and, on this basis, is often recommended for use by people undergoing treatment for cancer or human immunodeficiency virus infection. Preliminary studies have suggested that ligustrum may be a beneficial adjuvant therapy for chemotherapy patients. However, there is little meaningful scientific evidence that ligustrum provides any benefit for these or any other conditions. One small human study looked at non-small cell lung cancer patients who took a combination of ligustrum and reishi mushroom and found improved quality of life. Still, more studies at the standards of modern science are needed.
Weak evidence from test-tube and animal studies hints that ligustrum might have antiparasitic, antiviral, liver-protective, immunomodulatory (alters immune function), and cancer-preventive effects. However, this evidence is too preliminary to rely upon. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can prove a treatment effective, and very few have been performed on ligustrum. Animal studies have also indicated that ligustrum may be beneficial for bone and vision health, and in vitro studies have indicated that ligustrum may have antioxidant effects. Still, further human study is necessary. Finally, ligustrum contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may protect from free radicals that can lead to chronic health conditions.
Safety Issues
Although the use of ligustrum appears well tolerated, the herb has yet to undergo any meaningful safety evaluation at modern scientific standards. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and people with severe liver or kidney disease has not been established.
Bibliography
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