Nitraria sibirica Pall.
Aliases：Xī Bó Lì Yà Bái Cì (Siberian Nitraria), Bái Cì (Nitraria), Suān Pàng (Sour Plump), Kǎ Mì (Mongolian medicinal name), Hā Mò Er, Kǎ Mì, Páng Bái Rì Bù, Hā Rì Mù Gé, Dōng Qiáng (Eastern Nitraria), Hā Má Er, Pào Pào Cì (Bubble Thorn).
Xiǎo Guǒ Bái Cì is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the fruit of Nitraria sibirica Pall., a plant belonging to the genus Nitraria of the family Zygophyllaceae. This plant is a deciduous shrub, 0.5–1.5 meters tall, with many branches; the branchlets are greyish-white, often terminating in thorns. The leaves are nearly sessile, clustered 4–6 on young branches, oblanceolate in shape. The cymes are terminal, with yellowish-green or nearly white flowers. The drupes are ellipsoid or subglobose, dark red when ripe, with dark blue juice, sweet and slightly salty in taste. It flowers from May to June and fruits from July to August. Xiǎo Guǒ Bái Cì is known in folk medicine as the “desert cherry”. Its fruit is sweet and edible, and is used not only as a medicinal herb but also as a raw material for wine-making, beverage production, and oil extraction.
Efficacy & Actions
Regulates menstruation and activates blood circulation; promotes digestion and strengthens the Spleen. It is also recorded as having the effects of tonifying and strengthening, strengthening the Spleen and Stomach, and supplementing Qi and blood.
Indications
Indicated for physical weakness, deficiency of both Qi and blood, Spleen-Stomach disharmony, indigestion, irregular menstruation, and soreness and pain of the lower back and legs.
Modern Pharmacology
Hypoglycemic effects: Extracts of Xiǎo Guǒ Bái Cì (Siberian Nitraria) exhibit α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The ethyl acetate extract of Xiǎo Guǒ Bái Cì has an IC₅₀ of 610.29 mg/L. The related species Nitraria roborowskii (Dà Guǒ Bái Cì, Large-fruited Nitraria) may exert potential anti-diabetic effects through regulation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Antioxidant effects: cis-Ferulic acid 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, a phenolic glycoside isolated from Siberian Nitraria, exhibits antioxidant activity and potent inhibitory effects against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Lipid-lowering effects: Animal studies have shown that Nitraria fruit can regulate serum lipid levels. Anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects: The red fruits of Nitraria are richer in nutrients and medicinal active components, and may have stronger anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. In addition, the total alkaloids in the whole plant may cause skeletal muscle relaxation and slowed respiration.
Ingredients
The fruit of Xiǎo Guǒ Bái Cì contains various nutrients. The seeds are rich in oil. Phenolic glycosides such as cis-ferulic acid 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside can be isolated from the fruit.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–5 qián (approximately 9–15 g).
Contraindications
Pregnant women should use with caution. Contraindicated in those allergic to this product.
Selected Formulas
For menstrual irregularities (Alxa Left Banner Mongolian Prescription, Ningxia) Take 5 qian each of Kami fruit, Dahuang (Rhubarb), Kezi (Myrobalan), and Wumei (Smoked plum); 3 qian each of Guangmuxiang (Costus root), Wulingzhi (Trogopterus dung), Cebaizi (Platycladus seed), Sulfur, Dingxiang (Clove), and Honghua (Safflower); 2 qian each of Qingmuxiang (Aristolochia root) and Lurong (Deer antler); 1 qian of Dongchongcao (Cordyceps); 5 fen of Zhusha (Cinnabar); and 3 fen of pig bile. Grind into fine powder and make into pills the size of soybeans. Take 10–13 pills each time with yellow wine, three times daily.
Daily Consumption
The fruit is sweet and edible.
Medicinal Parts
Dried ripe fruit.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
