Porphyra
Aliases：Suǒ Cài, Zǐ Cài, Zǐ Yīng, Wū Cài (in Guangdong), Zǐ Yīng.
Zǐ Cài is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the algal body (thallus) of Porphyra haitanensis T.J.Chang et B.F.Zheng, Porphyra yezoensis Ueda, Porphyra suborbiculata Kjellm., Porphyra tenera Kjellm., Porphyra dentata Kjellm., and other species of the genus Porphyra (family Bangiaceae). Laver is a marine red algae with a membranous thallus that is purple, purplish-red, or bluish-purple in color. It grows on rocks in the mid- and high-tide zones or on artificial cultivation substrates. Laver was first recorded in Bencao Jingjizhu (Collected Commentaries on the Materia Medica). Laver is both a common edible seaweed and a medicinal and edible herb, included in the National Health Commission's list of "substances that are both food and medicinal materials" in 2002.
Efficacy & Actions
Resolves phlegm, softens hardness, benefits the throat, relieves cough, clears heat, relieves restlessness, and promotes diuresis to dispel dampness.
Indications
Indicated for goiter (thyroid enlargement), sore throat, cough, restlessness and insomnia, beriberi, edema, painful urination, and diarrhea. In modern clinical practice, it is also used for laryngitis, tracheitis, and hypertension.
Modern Pharmacology
Immunomodulatory effects: Laver polysaccharides can significantly enhance cellular and humoral immune functions, promote lymphocyte transformation, and improve overall immunity. Laver polysaccharides exhibit various biological activities, including antioxidant and immunomodulatory functions. Antioxidant effects: Laver is rich in polysaccharides, polyphenols, and other components, exhibiting significant antioxidant activity. Antitumor effects: Laver possesses antitumor activity and has shown preventive and therapeutic effects against various types of tumors. Lipid-lowering effects: Reduces plasma cholesterol levels and exhibits lipid-lowering activity. Antithrombotic effects: Exhibits antithrombotic activity. Hypoglycemic effects: Exhibits blood glucose-lowering effects. Hepatoprotective effects: Provides protective effects on the liver. Anti-aging effects: Possesses anti-aging effects. Anticoagulant effects: Exhibits anticoagulant effects. Antihypertensive effects: Exhibits blood pressure-lowering activity. Anti-inflammatory effects: Porphyran has shown potential in alleviating intestinal inflammation.
Ingredients
Polysaccharides: Laver polysaccharides are galactan sulfates, mainly composed of galactose, 3,6-anhydrogalactose, and sulfate groups. Laver polysaccharides exhibit various biological activities and are one of the main active components of laver. Phycobiliproteins: Laver is rich in phycobiliproteins. Bioactive peptides: Laver contains various bioactive peptides. Polyphenols: Laver is rich in polyphenolic compounds. Flavonoids: Contains flavonoid components. Others: Also contains proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, carotene, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and other nutrients.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 6–12 g; or take in powder form. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, made into an ointment or prepared as an oil preparation for topical application.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold—as laver is cold in nature, it may aggravate symptoms such as abdominal pain and loose stools. Contraindicated in patients with gastrointestinal deficiency cold and loose stools. Avoid excessive consumption—Shiliao Bencao (Dietetic Materia Medica) records: "Excessive consumption causes abdominal distension." Bencao Shiyi (Supplements to the Materia Medica) records: "Excessive consumption causes abdominal pain, Qi stagnation, and foaming at the mouth; drinking a little hot vinegar can relieve it." Use with caution in those with allergic predisposition. Not suitable for patients with hyperthyroidism—as laver has a high iodine content. Do not consume spoiled laver—if laver turns blue-purple when soaked in cold water, it indicates contamination by toxic substances and should not be consumed.
Selected Formulas
For goiter (thyroid enlargement) (Bencao Jingjizhu) Take 15g each of Zicai (Porphyra seaweed) and Ezhangcai (a type of kelp), plus 9g each of Xiakucao (Prunella spike) and Huangqin (Scutellaria). Decoct in water and drink. For chronic bronchitis and cough (empirical formula) Take 15g of Zicai, 30g of Muli (Oyster shell), and 15g of Yuanzhi (Polygala). Decoct in water and drink. For painful urination (strangury) (empirical formula) Take 15g each of Zicai and Cheqianzi (Plantago seed). Decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Laver and Egg Drop Soup: Soak the laver until soft, beat the eggs, and add both to boiling water. Season with salt and sesame oil. It has the effect of clearing heat, detoxifying, and supplementing iodine. Laver, Radish, and Tangerine Peel Soup: Take 3 g of laver, 250 g of white radish, and 5 g of aged tangerine peel. Cook into a soup and consume. Laver Egg Roll: Take 20 g of laver, 3 eggs, 3 g of Fritillaria powder, 3 g of Ostrea powder, 5 g of fresh tangerine peel, and 100 g of ground pork. Make into egg rolls and consume. Laver and Pig Heart Soup: Take 10 g of laver and 250 g of pig heart. Add an appropriate amount of cooking wine, scallion, ginger, and broth. Stew and consume. Five-Ingredient Blood Pressure-Lowering Soup: Take 20 g of dried laver, 60 g of celery, 100 g of tomato, 100 g of water chestnut, and 60 g of onion. Cook into a soup and consume. Consumption note: The recommended serving size of laver is about 15 g each time. Soak in clean water and rinse once or twice before consumption to remove contaminants. As laver is cold in nature, those with poor gastrointestinal digestion should consume less.
Medicinal Parts
Algal body (thallus).
Selection & Storage
Store dried products in a ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and mold.
