Semen Castanopsis Chinensis
Aliases：Zhuili (Chinquapin); Mi Zhuili (Rice Chinquapin); Le Cui; Guilin Kao (Guilin Castanopsis); Shan Zhui (Mountain Castanopsis); Zhui Zi Shu (Castanopsis Tree); Mi Zhui (Rice Castanopsis).
Castanopsis Seed is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the seed of Castanopsis chinensis Hance, a plant in the family Fagaceae. It prefers warm and humid conditions and commonly grows in mountain or valley areas at elevations of 200–1,500 meters. It is recorded in the National Compendium of Chinese Herbal Medicine, Chinese Materia Medica, and other herbal works.
Efficacy & Actions
Tonifies the Kidneys and strengthens the Stomach.
Indications
Kidney deficiency; flaccidity and weakness; emaciation and fatigue.
Modern Pharmacology
Dedicated pharmacological research on Castanopsis Seed itself remains insufficient. The following findings are primarily derived from chemical and pharmacological studies on the leaves of Castanopsis chinensis and related species of the same genus, and are provided for reference: Anti-inflammatory effect: A study published in 2024 isolated two new butyrolactone-type lignan dimer compounds with anti-inflammatory activity from the 80% methanol extract of Castanopsis chinensis leaves, along with four known compounds. Castanopsis species are rich in plant polyphenols and are often used as medicinal plants. Antioxidant activity: Two new phenolic glycoside compounds were isolated from Castanopsis chinensis using combined multistep column chromatography and high-speed countercurrent chromatography, and their antioxidant activities were evaluated. Other pharmacological activities of Castanopsis species: Castanopsis species are rich in plant polyphenols and possess antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, and neuroprotective activities. In addition, flavonoid constituents in Castanopsis species possess estrogen-like effects. Note: The above pharmacological findings are largely derived from studies on the leaves of Castanopsis chinensis and related species of the same genus. Dedicated systematic pharmacological research on Castanopsis Seed (the seed of C. chinensis) remains to be further conducted. Traditional actions and indications should remain the primary basis for use.
Ingredients
Systematic chemical studies on Castanopsis Seed itself remain insufficient. The following constituent information is primarily derived from studies on the leaves of Castanopsis chinensis and related species of the same genus, and is provided for reference: Polyphenols and tannins: Castanopsis species are rich in plant polyphenols. The cupules (involucres) and bark contain tannins, which can be used to produce tannin extract. Compounds isolated and identified from the ethanol extract of Castanopsis chinensis leaves include benzoic acid, protocatechuic acid, gallic acid, 5-O-galloylshikimic acid, 3,5-di-O-galloylquinic acid, epicatechin, catechin, gallocatechin, casuarinin, and castalagin. Lignans: Two new butyrolactone lignan dimers have been isolated from the leaves of Castanopsis chinensis. Phenolic glycosides: Two new phenolic glycosides have been isolated from Castanopsis chinensis. Nutritional constituents: The seeds of related species contain approximately 45% starch. The seeds are sweet and can be eaten raw or used for winemaking. Note: Dedicated chemical studies on Castanopsis Seed (the seed of C. chinensis) remain insufficient. The above constituents are largely inferred from research on the leaves of Castanopsis chinensis and related species of the same genus.
Usage & Dosage
Oral use: Appropriate amount. Stir-fried before consumption; or cooked together with lean pork.
Contraindications
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use it under the guidance of a physician. Do not overdose.
Daily Consumption
Stir-fried consumption: Remove the shell and stir-fry the seeds before eating. Castanopsis Seed and Lean Pork Soup: Cook the Castanopsis seeds together with lean pork. It is suitable for individuals with Kidney deficiency, flaccidity and weakness, and emaciation with fatigue.
Medicinal Parts
Seed.
Selection & Storage
Dried material should be stored in a well-ventilated, dry place. Protect from moisture and insect damage. Airtight storage is recommended. Avoid direct sunlight. The seeds are rich in starch, so care should be taken to protect them from insects and rodents.
