Broussonetiae Fructus
Aliases：Chu Shi, Chu Tao, Jiao Shu Zi, Ye Yang Mei, Gou Tao, Chu Shu Zi, Gu Mu Zi.
Chushizi (Broussonetiae Fructus), a Chinese medicinal, is the dried ripe fruit of Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) Vent., a plant of the Moraceae family (genus Broussonetia).
Efficacy & Actions
Tonify the kidney and clear the liver, brighten the eyes, and promote diuresis.
Indications
Soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, consumptive disease with bone‑steaming, dizziness and blurred vision, corneal opacity and dim vision, edema and abdominal fullness, difficult urination, etc., due to liver‑kidney deficiency.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti‑aging and antioxidant: Scavenges free radicals and delays aging. Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic: Lowers serum cholesterol and triglycerides, improves glucose tolerance. Immunomodulatory: Chushizi polysaccharides enhance immune function. Cardiovascular protection: Protects against myocardial ischemia and improves microcirculation. Hepatoprotective: Reduces chemical‑induced liver injury. Diuretic: Promotes urine excretion and reduces edema.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, luteolin, etc. Terpenoids: Broussonin (Chushizi triterpenes), lupeol, β‑amyrin, etc. Fatty acids: Oleic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, etc. Others: Volatile oils, polysaccharides, amino acids, vitamin B1, vitamin E, trace elements (calcium, iron, zinc, etc.).
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 6–12 g in decoction; or used in pills or powders. External use: Appropriate amount, ground into powder and applied as a paste.
Contraindications
Contraindicated populations: Use with caution in cases of spleen‑stomach deficiency cold and loose stools. Precautions for use: Avoid excessive use, as it may cause diarrhea. Adverse reactions: Safe at conventional doses; occasional gastrointestinal discomfort may occur.
Selected Formulas
1. For liver‑kidney deficiency pattern: Used for soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, consumptive disease with bone‑steaming, night sweats and spermatorrhea, dizziness and blurred vision. Often combined with Lycii Fructus (Gouqizi) and Semen Phaseoli (Heidou, black soybean). 2. For liver meridian heat with corneal opacity: If corneal opacity due to liver heat, Chushizi alone may be ground into a fine powder and taken with honey water – as in Chushi San (Renzhai Zhizhi Fang – Direct Formulas of Ren Zhai). If lacrimation and blurred vision due to wind‑heat attacking the eyes, it is combined with Schizonepetae Herba (Jingjiesui) and Lycii Cortex (Digupi), made into pills with honey, and taken with rice water. 3. For kidney deficiency with impaired qi transformation and fluid retention: This herb enters the Kidney meridian, can nourish kidney yin and assist in generating kidney qi. For fluid retention due to abnormal qi transformation, manifested as abdominal distension (tympanites) and difficult urination, it is often combined with Caryophylli Flos (Dingxiang) and Poria (Fuling). The ingredients are ground into a fine powder, then made into pills using Chushizi extract (soaked concentrate). Take until urination becomes clear and smooth – as in Chushizi Wan (Su Wen Bing Ji Qi Yi Bao Ming Ji – Collection of Prescriptions for the Protection of Life Based on the Pathogenesis of Qi from the Plain Questions).
Daily Consumption
1. Chushizi Congee Ingredients: 10 g Chushizi (Papermulberry Fruit), 50 g japonica rice. Preparation: Cook together to make congee. Indication: For soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, dizziness and blurred vision due to liver‑kidney deficiency. 2. Chushizi Tea Ingredients: 6 g Chushizi, 6 g goji berries (Gouqizi). Preparation: Steep in boiling water and drink as tea. Indication: For blurred vision and decreased visual acuity.
Medicinal Parts
fruit
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects.