Ligustrum Fruit Nu Zhen Zi: Nourishing Liver, Kidneys, and Promoting Healthy Hair and Vision
- Hongji Medical
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Ligustrum fruit, also known as Nu Zhen Zi or privet fruit, is the dried, mature fruit of the Ligustrum plant from the Oleaceae family. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is highly valued for its ability to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and promote healthy hair. This article explores the properties, uses, and modern research on ligustrum fruit in a simple and clear way.
Ligustrum fruit has been used in TCM for centuries. Its earliest record appears in the Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong’s Classic of Herbal Medicine), where it is listed as a top-grade herb. The text describes it as a remedy for boosting vitality, calming the body, and promoting longevity. Over time, Chinese physicians like Li Shizhen in the Ming Dynasty detailed its uses in the Compendium of Materia Medica, highlighting its benefits for kidney health, vision, and hair vitality.
Properties of Ligustrum Fruit
Nature and Flavor
Taste: Sweet and bitter
Nature: Cool
Meridians: Liver and kidney
Main Components
Ligustrum fruit contains oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and ligustroside, which contribute to its unique health benefits.
Key Benefits
Nourishes the liver and kidneys
Improves vision and promotes healthy hair
Strengthens muscles and bones
Pharmacological Effects
Modern studies suggest ligustrum fruit has antioxidant, anti-aging, immune-boosting, and lipid-lowering properties. It also supports liver health and may inhibit tumor growth.
Clinical Uses of Ligustrum Fruit Nu Zhen Zi
Ligustrum fruit is widely used in TCM to treat various conditions:
Nourishing Liver and Kidneys: It supports liver and kidney yin, helping with symptoms like lower back pain, weak knees, dizziness, tinnitus, and night sweats caused by yin deficiency.
Improving Vision and Hair Health: It nourishes the liver and kidneys, improving blurry vision and preventing premature graying of hair due to liver-kidney deficiency.
Strengthening Muscles and Bones: It strengthens bones and muscles, relieving lower back and knee soreness caused by liver-kidney weakness.
Ligustrum Fruit Nu Zhen Zi in Classic TCM Formulas
Ligustrum fruit is often combined with other herbs in TCM formulas to enhance its effects. Here are some examples:
Er Zhi Wan (Two Ultimate Pill):
Ingredients: Ligustrum fruit, eclipta
Benefits: Nourishes liver and kidneys, improves vision, and prevents premature graying; used for dizziness, blurry vision, and weak lower back
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Pill with Goji and Chrysanthemum):
Ingredients: Rehmannia, cornus, yam, alisma, poria, moutan bark, goji berry, chrysanthemum, ligustrum fruit
Benefits: Nourishes kidneys and liver, improves vision; used for blurry vision, dry eyes, dizziness, and tinnitus
Comparison with Similar Herbs
Ligustrum fruit shares benefits with other TCM herbs but has unique qualities:
Eclipta (Han Lian Cao): Nourishes liver and kidneys and cools blood to stop bleeding, with stronger blood-cooling properties for bleeding conditions.
Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi): Nourishes liver and kidneys and improves vision, but it is more moisturizing and better for severe yin deficiency.
Mulberry (Sang Shen): Nourishes yin and blood, moistens dryness, and relieves thirst and constipation, differing from ligustrum’s focus on liver-kidney nourishment.
Modern Applications and Research
Recent studies have highlighted ligustrum fruit’s potential in modern medicine:
Antioxidant Effects: Oleanolic acid clears free radicals, slowing aging.
Anti-Aging: It regulates the endocrine system, supporting organ health and vitality in older adults.
Immune Support: It enhances immunity, improving resistance to illness.
Lipid-Lowering: It reduces blood lipids, helping prevent atherosclerosis.
Liver Protection: It supports liver function and health.
Anti-Tumor Effects: It may inhibit tumor cell growth.
Ligustrum fruit is used today to support treatments for menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, low white blood cell count, and cancer. It shows promise in managing endocrine and immune-related conditions.
How to Use Ligustrum Fruit Safely
Dosage
Typical dose: 6–12 grams, as prescribed by a TCM practitioner.
Precautions
Avoid in cases of weak digestion or spleen-stomach deficiency with cold.
Preparation
Boil in a decoction; proper processing, like steaming, is recommended to reduce potential side effects.
Selection Tips
Choose fruits that are full, blackish-purple, and free of impurities.
Conclusion
Ligustrum fruit is a versatile herb in TCM, valued for its ability to nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, promote healthy hair, and strengthen muscles and bones. Its long history and modern research highlight its potential in both traditional and contemporary medicine. However, it should be used under professional guidance to ensure safety and effectiveness. As research continues, ligustrum fruit’s role in health and wellness is likely to expand.
