Phoebe sheareri（Hemsl.）Gamble
Aliases：Zǐ Jīn Nán (Purple Golden Nanmu), Jīn Xīn Nán (Golden Heart Nanmu), Jīn Sī Nán (Golden Thread Nanmu, from Chinese Dendrology), Nán Mù (Nanmu, from Zhejiang Chinese Herbal Medicine List), Pí Pá Mù (Loquat Wood), Xiǎo Yè Nèn Pú Chái (Small-leaved Tender Brushwood, from Zhejiang Tianmu Mountain Medicinal Plant Records), Dà Yè Nán (Large-leaved Nanmu), Dà Yè Zǐ Nán (Large-leaved Purple Nanmu), Huáng Xīn Nán (Yellow Heart Nanmu), Jiàn Fēng Xiāo (Wind-dispelling Herb), Niú Shé Tiáo (Ox Tongue Twig), Shān Pí Pá (Mountain Loquat), Shí Huán Shù (Stone Ring Tree), Yě Pí Pá (Wild Loquat), Zǐ Jīn Bǐng (Purple Golden Handle), Hóng Máo Shān Nán (Red-haired Mountain Nanmu), Máo Dān (Hairy Cinnabar).
Zǐ Nán is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the bark, branches, and leaves (or root) of Phoebe sheareri (Hemsl.) Gamble, a plant belonging to the genus Phoebe of the family Lauraceae. This plant is an evergreen tree, reaching up to 16 meters in height, with young branches and young leaves densely covered with brownish hairs. The leaves are alternate, leathery, oblanceolate or obovate, 8–24 cm long and 4–9 cm wide. The panicles are axillary, densely covered with pale brownish hairs; the drupes are ovoid, about 8 mm long. The flowering period is from May to June, and the fruiting period is from September to October. The medicinal parts of Zǐ Nán are divided into leaves and roots, known respectively as "Zǐ Nán Yè" (leaves) and "Zǐ Nán Gēn" (roots), each with different therapeutic effects.
Efficacy & Actions
Zǐ Nán Yè (Leaves): Regulates Qi, warms the Stomach, dispels Dampness, and disperses Stasis. Zǐ Nán Gēn (Root): Promotes blood circulation and removes stasis; promotes Qi flow and reduces swelling; induces labor.
Indications
Zǐ Nán Yè (Leaves): Indicated for abdominal distension and pain due to Qi stagnation, beriberi edema, and muscle cramps (spasms). Zǐ Nán Gēn (Root): Indicated for traumatic injuries, edema and abdominal distension, and post-term pregnancy in women (delayed labor).
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory effects: The flavonoid components of Zǐ Nán have shown inhibitory effects on inflammatory models such as mouse ear edema and rat paw swelling. They can suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines (such as interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) and inhibit the activity of inflammation-related enzymes (such as cyclooxygenase-2 and lipoxygenase). Antioxidant effects: The flavonoids and phenolic acids in Zǐ Nán exhibit strong antioxidant activity, scavenging free radicals and inhibiting lipid peroxidation. The water decoction of Zǐ Nán can effectively scavenge DPPH radicals, ABTS radicals, and superoxide anion radicals, with antioxidant activity comparable to vitamin C. Antibacterial effects: The volatile oil components of Zǐ Nán have strong antibacterial activity, and the flavonoids and phenolic acids also possess antibacterial properties. The water decoction of Zǐ Nán shows inhibitory effects against various bacteria. Antitumor effects: The flavonoids and phenolic compounds in Zǐ Nán may exert antitumor effects by inhibiting tumor cell growth, proliferation, and metastasis, and by inducing tumor cell apoptosis. In addition, Zǐ Nán is used in folk medicine for treating diarrhea and relieving pain.
Ingredients
The branches and leaves of Zǐ Nán contain volatile oil. The seeds contain oil, which includes lauric acid 0.2%, myristic acid 0.2%, palmitic acid 13.8%, hexadecenoic acid 0.8%, stearic acid 0.4%, oleic acid 32.9%, linoleic acid 49.8%, and others. The roots also contain volatile oil.
Usage & Dosage
Zǐ Nán Yè (Leaves): For oral administration, decoct 15–30 g in water. For external use, an appropriate amount, decocted in water for fumigation and washing. Zǐ Nán Gēn (Root): For oral administration, decoct 10–15 g of the dried product, or 30–60 g of the fresh product, in water.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy: The root of Machilus nanmu (Zi Nan) has labor‑inducing effects and should not be used by pregnant women. Slightly toxic; should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Selected Formulas
For dampness-induced beriberi with edema, and qi counterflow with abdominal distension (Zhejiang Tianmushan Medicinal Plant Records) Take 30g of Zi Nan (Machilus nanmu) leaves, 15–18g each of Shichangpu (Acorus) root, Fanxiaoniu (Rubus rosifolius), and Hanniu (Rubus lambertianus) root, plus 3 slices of aged ginger. Decoct in water and take once before breakfast and once before dinner daily. For traumatic injury (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 60g of fresh Zi Nan root, crush and decoct in water, and take with rice wine as a guide. For inducing labor in difficult childbirth (Jiangxi Herbal Medicine Manual) Take 30g of fresh Zi Nan root, decoct in water and drink.
Daily Consumption
Decoction for oral administration: Take 15–30 g of Zǐ Nán Yè (leaves) or 10–15 g of Zǐ Nán Gēn (root), decoct in water, and drink the strained liquid. External fumigation and washing: Take an appropriate amount of Zǐ Nán Yè (leaves), decoct in water, and use the liquid for fumigation and washing of the affected area. This may be used for beriberi edema, muscle cramps, and other conditions.
Medicinal Parts
Bark, branches, and leaves (Zǐ Nán Yè); root (Zǐ Nán Gēn).
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
