Xi Xian Cao
StarSigesbeckia orientalis
Synonyms: Sigesbeckia droseroides, Sigesbeckia brachiata, Sigesbeckia iberica, Sigesbeckia humilis, Sigesbeckia caspia, Minyranthes heterophylla, Sigesbeckia triangularis, Sigesbeckia orientalis var. tenggerensis, Sigesbeckia orientalis f. angustifolia, Sigesbeckia gracilis, Sigesbeckia glutinosa, Sigesbeckia microcephala, Sigesbeckia esquirolii
☯ TCM Properties
Dispels Wind-Dampness, strengthens the sinews and unblocks the channels and collaterals; Clears Heat and pacifies the Liver; Clears and transforms Damp-Heat and eliminates toxins; Treats hypertension; Calms the Spirit
Traditional Chinese Uses
Xi Xian Cao (siegesbeckia herb, saint paulswort) is a bitter, cold herb used in Chinese medicine to expel Wind-Damp and clear Heat from the channels and Blood, making it useful for both joint conditions and hypertension. It relieves joint pain, spasms, and numbness from Wind-Damp bi syndrome, and its Liver-calming properties anchor Liver Yang to relieve headache, dizziness, insomnia, tinnitus, and hypertension. It also clears Damp-Heat skin conditions including sores, eczema, and pruritus.
Western Herbalism Properties
Gallery
Botanical Description
Sigesbeckia orientalis is an annual herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae), growing 40-100 cm tall. Stems are erect, branched above, and covered in sticky glandular hairs. Leaves are opposite, triangular-ovate to rhombic, 4-10 cm long, with coarsely toothed margins and a narrowed base. Flower heads are small (6-8 mm), yellow, borne in loose corymbs. The outer bracts are glandular and sticky, often catching small insects. The plant has an unpleasant, sticky smell. This species is used interchangeably with S. pubescens and S. glabrescens.
Roadsides, waste places, forest margins, and disturbed habitats; widespread throughout tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
Sigesbeckia orientalis is a common tropical and subtropical weed found throughout Asia, Africa, and introduced to the Americas. No conservation concerns.
Active Constituents
Kirenol
ent-Pimarane diterpenoidConcentration: Major; the principal marker in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia
Chief bioactive diterpene; anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive and anti-arthritic, inhibiting NF-kB signalling and pro-inflammatory mediators (COX-2, IL-1beta) with demonstrated topical anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity.
Darutoside
ent-Pimarane diterpene glycosideConcentration: Moderate marker constituent
Chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory; promotes chondrocyte survival and contributes to the herb's cartilage-protective effects in arthritis models.
Darutigenol
ent-Pimarane diterpene (aglycone of darutoside)Concentration: Minor
Diterpene aglycone with anti-inflammatory activity contributing to the wind-damp-dispelling actions.
3-O-Methylquercetin
Methylated flavonolConcentration: Minor to moderate
Antioxidant flavonoid that scavenges free radicals and stabilises cell membranes.
Quercetin
FlavonolConcentration: Minor
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoid complementing the diterpene activity.
Caffeic acid and other phenolic acids
Hydroxycinnamic acidsConcentration: Minor
Antioxidant and antimicrobial phenolics.
Germacranolide/melampolide sesquiterpene lactones (e.g. orientalide)
Sesquiterpene lactonesConcentration: Minor
Characteristic Asteraceae lactones with anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15 g | daily | — | adult | — |
Preparation Methods
Decoction (internal)
Parts: aerial parts (stems and leaves)
Typically 9-12 g (up to 15 g) of dried aerial parts decocted in water to dispel wind-dampness, unblock the channels and clear heat.
Wine-processed (jiu zhi) preparation
Parts: aerial parts
The herb is often steamed or stir-processed with rice wine to moderate its cold nature and enhance the wind-damp-dispelling and channel-unblocking actions for chronic bi (painful obstruction) syndromes.
Pills or powder
Parts: aerial parts
Dried, powdered wine-processed herb formed into pills (classically with honey) for long-term use in rheumatic joint pain, numbness and weakness of the sinews and bones.
Clinical Studies
Sigesbeckia orientalis L. Extract Alleviated the Collagen Type II-Induced Arthritis Through Inhibiting Multi-Target-Mediated Synovial Hyperplasia and Inflammation
In collagen type II-induced arthritis rats, 50% ethanolic Sigesbeckia orientalis extract reduced paw swelling, inhibited pannus formation and attenuated cartilage damage and bone erosion by suppressing synovial hyperplasia and multiple inflammatory targets. Evidence is preclinical; no adequately powered human RCTs with verified DOIs were identified.
Historical Texts
Xin Xiu Ben Cao (Newly Revised Materia Medica / Tang Materia Medica)
Tang dynasty (659 CE)Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen
Ming dynasty (1596)References
- Wang R, Chen S, Gao X, et al.. Sigesbeckia orientalis L. Extract Alleviated the Collagen Type II-Induced Arthritis Through Inhibiting Multi-Target-Mediated Synovial Hyperplasia and Inflammation . Frontiers in Pharmacology (2020) [DOI]
- Wang JP, Ruan JL, Cai YL, Luo Q, Xu HX, Wu YX. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the wound healing properties of Siegesbeckia orientalis (kirenol) . Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2011) [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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