Piper kadsura
StarPiper kadsura
Synonyms: Piper taquetii, Piper rupigaudens, Piper subglaucescens, Piper futokadsura, Piper futokadsura var. macrophyllum, Piper arboricola
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Piper kadsura is a woody, evergreen climbing vine of the pepper family, native to East Asia including China, Japan, Korea and Taiwan, where it scrambles over rocks and tree trunks in warm forests. The slender, jointed stems root at the nodes and bear alternate, simple, ovate to cordate leaves with prominent palmate veins and an aromatic, pungent quality typical of the genus. The plant is dioecious, producing minute, petalless flowers densely crowded on slender pendulous or erect spikes that arise opposite the leaves; male and female spikes occur on separate plants. Fertilised female spikes mature into small, fleshy, reddish drupes. The aromatic stems are the part harvested medicinally and are sold in commerce as dried sections of vine. As a frost-sensitive subtropical climber it is confined to milder coastal and lowland regions within its range.
Active Constituents
Kadsurenone
Neolignan (benzofuranoid)Concentration: Minor constituent of the CH2Cl2 stem extract
The signature bioactive of the herb (traditional name haifenteng). Kadsurenone is a specific, competitive and reversible antagonist of the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor (Ki ~5.8 x 10^-8 M), blocking PAF-induced platelet and neutrophil aggregation and vascular permeability. It is orally active in animal models and underlies the herb's anti-inflammatory reputation.
(R)-Futoquinol
NeolignanConcentration: Not quantified
Inhibits nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated macrophages and PMA-induced reactive-oxygen-species generation in human neutrophils (reported IC50 ~13 uM), contributing to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
(-)-Denudatin B
NeolignanConcentration: Not quantified
Suppresses inducible NO production in stimulated microglia/macrophages; identified as one of the more potent anti-neuroinflammatory neolignans of the stem.
Kadsurenin F
NeolignanConcentration: Not quantified
Modulates proteostatic pathways and shows anti-inflammatory activity in cell models; representative of the kadsurenin-series neolignans characteristic of this species.
Piperkadsin A and B
NeolignanConcentration: Trace/new constituents
Two neolignans first described from the stems of P. kadsura; part of the diverse neolignan pool contributing to the plant's anti-inflammatory profile.
Galgravin
Furanoid lignanConcentration: Not quantified
A dibenzylbutyrolactone-type/furanoid lignan reported among the PAF-antagonist and anti-platelet-aggregation constituents of the stem.
Piperine-type amide alkaloids
Amide alkaloidConcentration: Minor
Amide alkaloids isolated from the stems show neuroprotective activity; typical of the Piper genus and accompany the neolignans in the crude extract.
Sesquiterpenes / cyclohexane derivatives
TerpenoidConcentration: Volatile fraction
Minor terpenoid and cyclohexane constituents reported in phytochemical surveys of the stem; contribute to the aromatic essential-oil fraction.
⚠ Drug Interactions
Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, warfarin, heparin)
Kadsurenone and related neolignans are competitive platelet-activating-factor (PAF) receptor antagonists that inhibit PAF-induced platelet aggregation. Combined with pharmaceutical antiplatelet or anticoagulant agents this could theoretically potentiate an antithrombotic effect.
Clinical note: Extrapolated from documented anti-PAF/anti-platelet pharmacology; no human interaction studies exist. Advise caution and monitoring in patients on antithrombotic therapy or approaching surgery.
Preparation Methods
Traditional decoction (Chinese materia medica: Hai Feng Teng)
Parts: dried stem (caulis)
The dried, sliced stem is decocted in water, traditionally about 6-15 g per day, and taken for wind-damp obstruction patterns (rheumatic and arthritic joint pain, muscular aches). Often combined with other channel-dredging herbs.
Ethanol/dichloromethane extract (research preparation)
Parts: stem
Organic-solvent extraction concentrates the neolignan fraction (kadsurenone, futoquinol, denudatin B) responsible for the anti-PAF and anti-inflammatory activities studied in the laboratory. Not a traditional consumer preparation.
Clinical Studies
Characterization of a platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist isolated from haifenteng (Piper futokadsura): specific inhibition of in vitro and in vivo platelet-activating factor-induced effects
Kadsurenone, isolated from the methylene-chloride extract of haifenteng (Piper futokadsura, syn. P. kadsura), competitively and reversibly inhibited PAF binding to its receptor (Ki 5.8 x 10^-8 M), blocked PAF-induced platelet and neutrophil aggregation at low-micromolar concentrations, and suppressed PAF-induced cutaneous vascular permeability in guinea pigs when given orally at 25-50 mg/kg, without agonist activity.
Historical Texts
Chinese materia medica / Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Hai Feng Teng, 海风藤)
Traditional Chinese medicine; formalized in modern pharmacopoeial listingsReferences
- Wu D, Nair MG, et al.. The chemical constituents of Piper kadsura and their cytotoxic and anti-neuroinflammatory activities . Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry (2010) [DOI]
- Shen TY, Hwang SB, Chang MN, et al.. Characterization of a platelet-activating factor receptor antagonist isolated from haifenteng (Piper futokadsura) . Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences USA 82:672-676 (1985) [DOI]
- Various. Neolignans and amide alkaloids from the stems of Piper kadsura and their neuroprotective activity . Phytochemistry (Elsevier) (2022) [DOI]
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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