Semen Hoveniae
Aliases：Jī Jù Zǐ (literally "Cock Spur Seed"), Guǎi Zǎo (literally "Turned Jujube"), Jī Zhuǎ Lí (literally "Chicken Claw Pear"), Jī Zhuǎ Zi (literally "Chicken Claw Seed"), Shù Mì (literally "Tree Honey"), Mù Mì (literally "Wood Honey"), Mù Táng (literally "Wood Maltose"), Mù Shān Hú (literally "Wood Coral"), Jī Zǎo (literally "Jujube of Turning"), Jīn Gōu Zǐ (literally "Golden Hook Seed"), Wàn Shòu Guǒ (literally "Longevity Fruit"), Lí Zǎo Zǐ (literally "Pear Jujube Seed"), Zhǐ Jǔ Zǐ (alternative spelling), etc. (These are all alternative names for Zhǐ Jǔ Zǐ, i.e., Raisin Tree Seed / Semen Hoveniae.)
Zhǐ Jǔ Zǐ (Zhijuzi, Raisin Tree Seed) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried mature seed of Hovenia dulcis Thunb. (also known as Hovenia acerba Lindl.), a plant belonging to the family Rhamnaceae. Since ancient times, it has been renowned as the "sovereign remedy for alcohol intoxication". It commonly grows beside ditches, on roadsides, or in valleys.
Efficacy & Actions
Relieves alcohol toxicity, quenches thirst and relieves restlessness, promotes bowel and bladder movements (promotes diuresis and reduces edema).
Indications
Alcohol intoxication, restlessness, thirst and vomiting, difficult urination and constipation, and edema.
Modern Pharmacology
Hepatoprotective effect: Zhijuzi has protective effects against alcoholic liver injury, improving liver function and reducing hepatic fibrosis. Anti‑alcohol intoxication effect: Zhijuzi is a traditional remedy for alcohol intoxication, accelerating alcohol metabolism and alleviating hangover symptoms. Central inhibitory effect: Zhijuzi saponins have central inhibitory effects, reducing spontaneous activity and prolonging sleep time, exhibiting sedative effects. Hypotensive effect: Zhijuzi saponins have a short‑term hypotensive effect. Anti‑lipid peroxidation effect: The homogenate of Zhijuzi can increase SOD content in liver and brain cells, exhibiting anti‑lipid peroxidation effects. Antitumor and anti‑mutagenic effects. Anti‑fatigue and physical performance enhancement effects. Diuretic effect: Zhijuzi has a significant diuretic effect. Neuroprotective effects. Anti‑inflammatory effects.
Ingredients
Flavonoids: 3',5'-di-C-β-D-glucosylphloretin, isovitexin 2″-O-β-D-glucoside, vitexin 2″-O-β-D-glucoside, isospinosin, myricetin 3-O-β-D-glucoside, etc. Flavonoids are the main active components of Zhijuzi. Triterpenoid saponins. Alkaloids: Loline, etc. Organic acids. Carbohydrates: Glucose, etc. Others: Hovenia glycosides, L‑tryptophan, gallic acid, etc.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 4.5–15 g; or steep in wine, or make into pills. The usual dosage is 6–15 g; it may also be used up to 30 g.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in patients with Spleen‑Stomach deficiency‑cold. Not recommended for pregnant women and children. Zhijuzi is neutral to slightly cool in nature; excessive use may aggravate deficiency‑cold symptoms.
Selected Formulas
For alcohol intoxication (empirical formula) Take 30g of Zhijuzi (Hovenia dulcis seed), decoct in water and drink cold; or take 12g of crushed Zhijuzi and 9g of Gehua (Pueraria flower), decoct in water and drink cold. For summer-heat with irritability, thirst, dizziness, and scanty urine (empirical formula) Take 30g each of Zhijuzi and Zhuye (bamboo leaves), decoct in water and drink. For rheumatic paralysis (empirical formula) Take 150g of Zhijuzi and 15g of Ziwei (Lagerstroemia indica) bark, soak in 1000ml of wine. Take 15–30ml in the morning and evening. For rheumatic numbness (empirical formula) Take 120g of Zhijuzi and soak in 500g of white liquor for 3–5 days. Take one small cup each time, twice daily. For febrile disease with irritability, thirst, and difficult urination (empirical formula) Take 9g each of Zhijuzi and Zhimu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides), 24g of Jinyinhua (Lonicera japonica), and 3g of Dengxincao (Juncus effusus). Decoct in water and drink. For heat accumulation due to alcohol consumption (empirical formula) Take 2 liang of Zhijuzi and 1 qian of Shexiang (Musk). Grind into powder, mix with flour paste to form pills the size of waxberry seeds. Take 30 pills on an empty stomach with salt water.
Daily Consumption
Zhijuzi Hangover Drink: Use 9 g of Zhijuzi and 9 g of Pueraria flower (Gehua). Decoct in water. May be flavored with lemon juice. Take when intoxicated. Zhijuzi Congee: Decoct Zhijuzi to obtain a concentrated liquid, strain out the residue, and add polished round‑grained rice to cook into congee. Consume on an empty stomach. It can relieve alcohol intoxication, quench thirst, and relieve restlessness. Medicinal Wine: Zhijuzi can be steeped in wine for oral use. Stewed Dish: It can be stewed with pig heart to regulate the stomach and intestines.
Medicinal Parts
Dried mature seed.
Selection & Storage
Store in a well‑ventilated, dry place.
