Traditional Chinese medicinal materials have a long history in China and can treat various diseases. However, Lian Qiao (Forsythia suspensa) is not well-known to many. So, what exactly is Lian Qiao? What are its effects and functions? Let me introduce it to you!
Basic Introduction to Lian Qiao
Lian Qiao (Scientific name: Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl) is a deciduous shrub, commonly known as “Yichuan Jin” in Hong Kong, belonging to the Oleaceae family. Lian Qiao flowers in early spring before the leaves, with fragrant and bright yellow flowers that cover the branches, making it an excellent ornamental shrub for early spring. It grows to about 3 meters tall, with clustered branches and hollow yellowish twigs. The leaves are opposite, either single or trifoliate, oval or ovate, with serrated edges. The flowers are yellow, with 1-3 blooms in the leaf axils; the fruit is oval, ovoid, or elongated, with a beak-like tip and a surface with sparse pores; the fruit stalk is 0.7-1.5 cm long. The flowering period is from March to April, and the fruiting period is from July to September.
Lian Qiao is one of the commonly used traditional medicines in clinical practice, also known as Huanghua Tiao, Lian Ke, Qing Qiao, Luo Qiao, Huang Qi Dan, etc. The 2005 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia includes Lian Qiao as the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, harvested when the fruit is initially green, referred to as Qing Qiao, and when fully ripe and yellow, referred to as Lao Qiao.
Lian Qiao has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and dissipating nodules. It is used for conditions such as carbuncles, scrofula, mastitis, erysipelas, initial stages of warm diseases, heat entering the nutritive level, high fever with thirst, delirium with rashes, and heat stranguria. It is a primary ingredient in various TCM preparations such as Shuang Huang Lian oral liquid, Shuang Huang Lian powder injection, Qing Re Jie Du oral liquid, Lian Cao Jie Re oral liquid, and Yin Qiao Jie Du granules.
During the flowering period of Lian Qiao, if affected by late spring cold, the yield of fruit can significantly decrease, leading to a large market gap and a sharp increase in price, while many Lian Qiao leaves are discarded. In Hebei and Shaanxi provinces of China, there is a habit of making tea from Lian Qiao leaves as a health drink, as people believe that Lian Qiao leaves have good health benefits.
Lian Qiao clears heat and detoxifies, dissipates nodules and reduces swelling. It is indicated for initial stages of febrile diseases, wind-heat colds, fever, irritability, sore throat, rashes, erysipelas, scrofula, carbuncles, acute nephritis, and heat stranguria.
Lian Qiao is cool in nature and bitter in taste, lightly clearing and floating upwards, capable of treating various heat conditions in the upper jiao, especially effective in detoxifying and dissipating carbuncles, making it a key medicine for sores.
This herb can be combined with Jin Hua (Honeysuckle), Bo He (Mint), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), and Gan Cao (Licorice) to disperse wind and clear heat; with Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Qing Lian Xin (Lotus Plumule), and Zhu Ye (Bamboo Leaf) to clear the heart and drain heat; with Jin Hua, Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion), Zi Hua Di Ding (Viola), and Chi Shao (Red Peony) to detoxify and dissipate carbuncles; and with Xuan Shen, Xia Ku Cao (Selfheal), and Bei Mu (Fritillaria) to dissipate nodules and scrofula.
In traditional usage, Lian Qiao is divided into Lian Qiao Ke (fruit) and Lian Qiao Xin (seeds), with Lian Qiao Xin generally considered to have better heart-clearing properties.
Effects and Functions of Lian Qiao
Lian Qiao contains Lian Qiao phenol; Lian Qiao glycoside, Lian Qiao glycoside aglycone; oleanolic acid, betulinic acid, ursolic acid, resinous compounds, and various volatile components such as pinene, camphene, limonene, and others. It also contains coumarin, rutin, and other compounds.
1. Antipyretic Effect
The decoction of Lian Qiao or compound Lian Qiao injection has a cooling effect on the body temperature of artificially fevered animals and normal animals.
2. Anti-inflammatory Effect
A 50% ethanol extract of Lian Qiao administered at 20 ml/kg via intraperitoneal injection shows significant anti-exudative effects on rat models of oil-induced granuloma and reduces the microvascular wall fragility of inflammatory foci. Lian Qiao promotes the formation of inflammatory barriers, and a 300% Lian Qiao injection at 30-40 g/kg via intraperitoneal injection significantly inhibits egg white-induced paw swelling in rats and promotes phagocytosis of inflammatory cells in mice.
3. Effects on the Cardiovascular System
The oleanolic acid contained in Lian Qiao fruit has a mild positive inotropic effect. Animal experiments have shown that Lian Qiao has a hypotensive effect, with blood pressure generally dropping to 40%-60% of the original level. The hypotensive effect is rapid, significant, and of short duration, with no rapid tolerance after multiple injections. During hypotension, there are no significant changes in respiration. In adult cats with endotoxin shock caused by typhoid bacteria, intravenous injection of a 300% Lian Qiao injection (10 g/kg) initially causes a brief drop in blood pressure, followed by a significant increase. Its anti-endotoxin shock effect may be related to vasodilation, increased cardiac output, and improved microcirculation. The rutin contained can enhance capillary density, thus having a hemostatic effect on capillary rupture and subcutaneous hemorrhage.
4. Antimicrobial Activity
Lian Qiao exhibits inhibitory effects on various Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Its concentrated decoction can inhibit Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Vibrio cholerae, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. The antibacterial effect of Lian Qiao is similar to that of Jin Hua (Honeysuckle) and is a major component of the Yin Qiao San formula. Jin Hua shows stronger inhibition against Salmonella, especially typhoid bacteria and hemolytic streptococci, while Lian Qiao is more effective against Shigella and Staphylococcus aureus.
5. Hepatoprotective Effect
A 1:1 decoction of Lian Qiao can significantly reduce liver degeneration and necrosis caused by carbon tetrachloride in rats, restoring most of the accumulated liver glycogen and RNA to near normal levels. Serum alanine aminotransferase levels decreased from 337±63.5 units to 146.5±11.1 units. Oleanolic acid and ursolic acid are effective components in Lian Qiao that can lower serum alanine aminotransferase levels in experimental liver injury models.
6. Other Effects
Lian Qiao can inhibit the emetic effect of digoxin in pigeons, reducing the frequency of vomiting without changing the latency period. Its antiemetic effect is similar to that of chlorpromazine two hours after injection. It can also inhibit vomiting induced by subcutaneous injection of morphine in dogs, suggesting that its antiemetic mechanism may involve suppression of the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the medulla oblongata. Intravenous injection of Lian Qiao injection in anesthetized dogs shows significant diuretic effects, and oleanolic acid has a mild diuretic effect. The decoction of Lian Qiao has a significant inhibitory effect on phosphodiesterase.
Medicinal Value of Lian Qiao
Properties
Bitter, cool.
1. Shennong Bencao Jing: Bitter, neutral.
2. Bielu: Non-toxic.
3. Yixue Qiyuan: “Main treatment principles” states it is cool and bitter.
4. Gangmu: Slightly bitter and pungent.
Meridian Entry
Enters the Heart, Liver, and Gallbladder meridians.
1. Tangye Bencao: Hand and foot Shaoyang, Yangming meridians.
2. Gangmu: Shaoyin Heart meridian, Jueyin pericardium, Qi level.
3. Leigong Paozhi Yao Xing Jie: Enters the Heart, Liver, Gallbladder, Stomach, Sanjiao, and Large Intestine meridians.
Functions and Indications
Clears heat, detoxifies, dissipates nodules, and reduces swelling. Treats warm heat, erysipelas, rashes, carbuncles, scrofula, and stranguria.
1. Bencao Jing: Treats cold and heat, mouse wasting, scrofula, carbuncles, tumors, and heat accumulation.
2. Bielu: Eliminates white worms.
3. Yaoxing Lun: Main treatment for unblocking the five linings, urinary obstruction, and clearing heart heat.
4. Rihua Zibencao: Unblocks the small intestine, drains pus. Treats sores, relieves pain, and regulates menstruation.
5. Li Gao: Dissipates blood stasis and qi stagnation; reduces swelling.
6. Wang Haogu: Treats deafness and tinnitus.
Dosage and Administration
Internal use: Decoction, 9-15 grams; or in pills or powders. External use: Wash with decoction.
Precautions
Contraindicated in cases of spleen and stomach deficiency, qi deficiency with fever, and when carbuncles have already suppurated with thin, pale pus.
1. Bencao Jing Shu: Do not take if carbuncles have suppurated, if there is great heat due to deficiency, or if the spleen and stomach are weak and prone to diarrhea.
2. Bencao Tongxuan: Long-term use may lead to cold-related issues.
Pharmacological Research
1. Antibacterial and Antiviral
1.1. Antibacterial
Using a dilution method, the volatile oil emulsion of Lian Qiao seeds was tested for antibacterial activity. The results showed that this herb has strong antibacterial effects against 10 strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, except for a slightly lower effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The strongest effect was against Staphylococcus aureus (antibacterial potency of 1/1.024), followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, and others.
The selected test liquid with antibacterial activity was subjected to subculture tests, showing that the volatile oil of Lian Qiao seeds has thorough and stable antibacterial effects. The concentrated decoction of Lian Qiao has antibacterial activity in vitro, inhibiting Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli, and others. The antibacterial effect of Lian Qiao is similar to that of Jin Hua and is a major component of the Yin Qiao San formula. Jin Hua shows stronger inhibition against Salmonella, especially typhoid bacteria and hemolytic streptococci, while Lian Qiao is more effective against Shigella and Staphylococcus aureus.
Research on the effective antibacterial components of Lian Qiao is limited. Lian Qiao phenol has an antibacterial concentration of 1:5120 against Staphylococcus aureus and 1:1280 against Shigella. It has also been reported to have some efficacy against experimental tuberculosis in mice, but not in guinea pigs. Additionally, it has been reported to have anti-tuberculosis effects in vitro and clinically. The alcohol extract of Lian Qiao has some inhibitory effects on Leptospira, though not as strong as Huang Lian, Lychee grass, or Jin Hua.
1.2. Antifungal
Using a dilution method, the volatile oil emulsion of Lian Qiao seeds was tested against Candida albicans and tropical Candida, showing significant antifungal activity against both strains.
1.3. Antiviral
Using a method involving chicken embryos, the volatile oil emulsion of Lian Qiao seeds was tested against Asian influenza virus and type I parainfluenza virus. The results showed significant antiviral activity against both viruses when administered simultaneously with infection. The antiviral potency against both viruses was 1/65,536. Using dot hybridization, Lian Qiao decoction at concentrations of 25%-100% showed a reduction in hepatitis B virus DNA levels.
2. Effects on the Cardiovascular System
2.1. Effects of Lian Qiao Injection on Toxic Shock in Cats
In an experiment with three cats, abdominal anesthesia was performed, and blood pressure was measured via carotid artery cannulation. After intravenous injection of typhoid vaccine at 0.8-2.5 ml/kg, significant myocardial damage was observed, leading to decreased blood pressure. After intravenous injection of Lian Qiao injection at 8 g/kg, heart rhythm normalized, and myocardial contraction amplitude increased in two cats, with blood pressure rising by approximately 40 mmHg after 30 minutes, indicating a positive inotropic and pressor effect.
2.2. Effects on Capillary Permeability
Healthy mice were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received Lian Qiao injection (60 g/kg), while the control group received saline. After 10 minutes, Evans blue dye was injected, and after 30 minutes, the mice were sacrificed. The results showed that the concentration of Evans blue in the abdominal exudate was significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group, indicating that Lian Qiao injection significantly inhibits capillary permeability.
3. Inhibition of Isolated Intestinal Activity
Using guinea pigs, isolated intestinal specimens were tested. The results showed that Lian Qiao had an inhibitory effect on the isolated intestines.
4. Inhibition of Elastase Activity
Lian Qiao diluted to various concentrations showed significant inhibition of porcine pancreatic elastase activity.
5. Radioprotective Effects
Intraperitoneal injection of Lian Qiao methanol extract at 1 g/kg administered five minutes before X-ray exposure showed protective effects against skin damage in mice.
Various Discussions
1. Shennong Bencao Jing
Mainly treats cold and heat, mouse wasting, scrofula, carbuncles, tumors, and heat accumulation.
2. Ming Yi Bielu
Eliminates white worms.
3. Yaoxing Lun
Main treatment for unblocking the five linings, urinary obstruction, and clearing heart heat.
4. Rihua Zibencao
Unblocks the small intestine, drains pus. Treats sores, relieves pain, and regulates menstruation.
Ingredients
Platycodon, Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica), Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Zhe Bei Mu (Fritillaria), Zi Hua Di Ding (Viola), Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Lian Qiao, Gan Cao (Licorice), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Mu Tong (Akebia), Chan Tui (Cicada Slough), Jin Hua (Honeysuckle), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia), Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus), Chi Shao (Red Peony), Huang Qin (Scutellaria).
Functions and Indications
1. Clears heat, detoxifies, and relieves swelling and pain;
2. Treats red, swollen, and painful throat;
3. Eczema, herpes, and other rashes;
4. Acne, pimples, and various skin conditions;
5. Psoriasis and other skin diseases;
6. Sores, erysipelas, and hemorrhoids.
Dosage and Administration
12 tablets × 4 packs; 4 tablets per dose; twice daily.
Product Advantages
1. Traditional Chinese medicine for detoxification!
2. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral! Clears blood and internal toxins!
3. Covered by health insurance.
Combined Medications
For all types of fever in children, wind-heat colds, and sore throat: Wind-Heat Cold Granules + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets + Qiong Ju Shang Qing Pills.
For skin infections, ulcerations, and injuries: Baoxin Ning + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets orally, with yellow wine or saline for external application.
For herpes and acne: Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets + Zhong Jie Feng San Tablets (Liver and Gallbladder Detoxifying Oral Liquid) orally and externally.
For chronic urticaria and allergic purpura: Jing Qi Shuang Shen + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets.
For acute and subacute eczema: Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets + Xiang Sha Wei Ling Pills.
For lung abscess, liver abscess, and intestinal abscess: Antibiotics + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets.
For cervical erosion, urinary tract infections, and gonorrhea: Cephalosporins + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets.
For vomiting due to food accumulation in children or adults: Symptomatic treatment + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets.
For chronic heart disease: Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets + Xiang Sha Wei Ling Pills + Baoxin Ning Tablets.
For acute and chronic nephritis with edema: Treatment medications + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets.
For menstrual irregularities, yellow foul discharge, and scanty menstruation: Jing Qi Shuang Shen + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets.
For acute and chronic heart failure, pulmonary edema: Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets + Xiang Sha Wei Ling Pills + Baoxin Ning.
For chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): Symptomatic treatment + Jing Qi Shuang Shen + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets.
For fatty liver: Jiang Zhi Ning Granules + Liver and Gallbladder Detoxifying Capsules + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets (to soothe the liver and regulate qi).
For chronic atrophic gastritis: Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets + Xiang Sha Wei Ling Pills.
For conjunctivitis: Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets + Jiang Zhi Ning Granules (especially beneficial for those with obesity and thick blood).
For acute and chronic enteritis: Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets + Xiang Sha Wei Ling Pills (for chronic enteritis in elderly and weak patients with qi deficiency + Jing Qi Shuang Shen).
For constipation: Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets + Jing Qi Shuang Shen (for elderly and weak patients with qi deficiency).
For menopausal syndrome (irritability, insomnia, flushing): Jing Qi Shuang Shen + Qiang Li Nao Xin Kang + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets.
For neurogenic headaches and migraines: Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets + Compound Yang Jiao Granules.
For cerebral infarction and stroke sequelae: Jing Qi Shuang Shen + Xiao Shan Tong Luo Granules (Xin Nao Kang Capsules) + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets (anti-inflammatory).
For uterine fibroids and breast hyperplasia: Zhong Jie Feng San Tablets + Lian Qiao Bai Du Tablets.