The Efficacy, Uses, Contraindications, and Nutritional Value of Forsythia (Lian Qiao)
Forsythia, the fruit of the plant Forsythia suspensa, belongs to the Oleaceae family. It flowers and bears fruit 3-4 years after planting. There are two medicinal types: “Qing Qiao” (Green Forsythia) and “Lao Qiao” (Mature Forsythia). Qing Qiao is harvested in early September when the fruit is still green and unripe, briefly boiled in hot water or steamed for about 0.5 hours, then dried. Lao Qiao is harvested in early October when the fruit is fully ripe, yellow, and the shell has split, then dried and cleaned of seeds and impurities.
The Efficacy of Forsythia
Efficacy: Clears heat and detoxifies, reduces swelling and disperses nodules, treats wind-heat colds.
Nutritional Value: Contains Forsythol, Phillyrin, Phillygenin; Oleanolic acid, Betulinic acid, Ursolic acid, etc.
Suitable for: General population can consume.
Contraindications: Those with spleen and stomach deficiency, qi deficiency with fever, or who have abscesses that have ruptured with thin, pale pus should avoid Forsythia.
The Efficacy and Uses of Forsythia
1. Antipyretic effect: Forsythia decoction or compound Forsythia 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 Forsythia, administered at 20ml/kg via intraperitoneal injection, shows significant anti-exudative effects on rat models of phorbol ester-induced granuloma and reduces the fragility of microvascular walls in inflammatory lesions, promoting the formation of inflammatory barriers.
3. Effects on the cardiovascular system: The oleanolic acid contained in Forsythia fruit has a mild cardiotonic effect.
What to Pay Attention to When Consuming Forsythia?
1. Those with spleen and stomach deficiency, qi deficiency with fever, or who have abscesses that have ruptured with thin, pale pus should avoid consuming Forsythia.
2. Forsythia fruit is oval to oblong, slightly flattened, measuring 1-2.5 cm in length and 0.5-1.3 cm in diameter. “Lao Qiao” often splits from the tip, slightly curves outward, or splits into two lobes, with a fruit stem or its scar at the base.
How to Select Forsythia?
“Qing Qiao” is best when green and uncracked; “Lao Qiao” is best when yellow, with large lobes and thick shells.
How to Store Forsythia?
Store in a ventilated, dry place to prevent insect damage.