Cuscuta chinensis.Dodder.Dodder seed extract Pharmacological Actions.

Article Content:

Pharmacological Actions of Dodder Seed.

Dodder Seed Extract Cuscuta chinensis Extract photo picture image 1. Chronic Prostatitis:

Clinical studies:A formula of Semen Cuscutae,Rhizoma Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae,Rhizoma Dioscoreae,Fructus Alpiniae Oxyphyllae,Rhizoma Alismatis,Fructus Corni,and Herba Patriniae was used once per day to treat 53 cases of chronic prostatitis, for periods ranging from one to three months. The overall effective rate was reported to be 90.6%.

2. Improve Sperm Abnormality:

Clinical studies:Semen Cuscutae was used together with Herba Cistanches, Fructus Lycii, Radix Polgoni Multiflori, Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata and Fructus Schisandrae to treat 105 cases of sperm abnormality. In this review paper, the type of sperm abnormality was not defined. The patients took the medicine either once a day or every other day. One month was regarded as one treatment period. After three treatment periods, 31 cases demonstrated complete recovery, 65 cases showed some extent of recovery while 11 cases experienced no change.

3. Gynecological Effects:

Clinical studies,Effective in treating threatened abortion: Radix Dipsaci, Colla Corii Asini, Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae and Semen Cuscutae were used to treat 110 cases of threatened abortion. The patients took the medicine once a day for 10 days, and the overall effective rate was found to be 96.36%.

4. Improve Chranic Bronchits:

Clinical studies,Effective in treating threatened abortion: Radix Dipsaci, Colla Corii Asini, Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae and Semen Cuscutae were used to treat 110 cases of threatened abortion. The patients took the medicine once a day for 10 days, and the overall effective rate was found to be 96.36%.

Effects on small uteruses (lnfantile uterus). In a study of 46 cases of infantile uteruses, patients were treated with a compound formula containing Semen Cuscutae , Radix Morindae Officinalis, Rhizoma Curculiginis, Herba Epimedii, Cervus elaphus, Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata and Radix Polgoni Multiflori. Starting from the 5th day of the menstrual cycle, the medication was taken, together with 1mg diethylstilbestrol, once a day for 20 days. Following treatment, 37 cases showed complete recovery while nine cases demonstrated improvement.

Animal studies:Gavage feeding 25g/kg Semen Cuscutae water extract to mice once a day for ten days was able to promote keratinization of vaginal tract epithelium and increase the weight of the uterus.
Dodder Seed Extract Cuscuta chinensis Extract photo picture image

5. Delay Cataract Formation:Counteracting cataract

Animal studies,Delay cataract formation in rats:Rats on a galactose diet were given by gavage 4g/kg/day of a Semen Cuscutae water extract for 30 consecutive days. Results showed that Semen Cuscutae could delay the formation of cataracts in rats with a reported overall effective rate of 33.3%14. It was suggested that Semen Cuscutae did this by reducing the activity of aldose reductase and other enzymes that are responsible for galactose induced cataract formation and by enhancing the activities of sorbitol dehydrogenase, hexokinase, and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase in the rat eye lens.

In cataract lens, the activity of aldose reductase is significantly heightened, while the activities of polybasic alcohol dehydrogenase, hexokinase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and catalase are significantly lowered. If, however, Tu Si Zi decoction is administered at the same time as galactose is injected, the increase in the activity of aldose reductase can be checked, and the activities of the other four enzymes returned to within the normal range

6. Yang Strengthening Effects:
Animal studies:Improve the overall wellness of yang deficient mice:

After mice were rendered yang deficient by hydrocorticoid treatment, mice were gavage fed with a 5g/kg Semen Cuscutae decoction once a day for 7 days. It was observed that their body, kidney and thymus gland weight increased as well as increasing their white cell count, red cell count, hemoglobin content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Male mice gavage fed with 5g/kg Semen Cuscutae decoction once a day for 10 consecutive days showed prolonged swimming and hypoxia survival times. When fruit flies were fed with 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0% Semen Cuscutae water extracts for 10 days, their copulation frequency, within 11 minutes, increased. Their copulation rate increased by 47.49%, 65.52% and 78.86%, respectively.

7. Effects on Na+/K+-ATPase activity:Protecting brain tissues

Animal studies:Mice gavage fed with a 6g/kg Semen Cuscutae decoction once a day for 10 days showed increase in Na+/K+-ATPase activity.

Fed to rats, Wu Tu Granules (a formula of which Tu Si Zi is the main ingredient) can increase the levels of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), and lower the level of adenosine monophosphate (AMP) in the subjects' brain tissues. Taken as a preventive measure, the formula can reduce the release of cerebral exitatory amino acids in rats. Administered to mice, the formula is shown to enhance the subjects' memory.

8. Effect on Heart Rate and Blood Pressure:

Animal studies:Modulate heart rate and blood pressure: Decoction and tincture preparations of Semen Cuscutae were shown to affect contractility in an in vitro toad heart model. Heart rate was shown to increase with the decoction preparation but was reduced with the tincture. Intravenous injection of a 0.1g/kg Semen Cuscutae decoction to anaesthetized dogs showed reduction in their blood pressure.

9. Effects on the Endocrine System:
Animal studies

Modulate the function of the anterior pituitary-hypothalamus-ovary axis:

When female rats were fed by gavage with 10g/kg water extract of Semen Cuscutae twice a day for five consecutive days, the weights of their anterior pituitary glands, ovaries and uterus were increased. Although no change in plasma LH levels was noted, the numbers of hCG/LH receptors increased such that the Ka value was smaller when compared to the control group.

Increase LRH sensitivity in ovariectomized rats: Ovariectomized rats were fed by gavage with 10g/kg water extract of Semen Cuscutae twice a day for five days. On day six, following anesthesia, the animals were i.v. injected with d-C-LRH (luteinizing releasing hormone). Results showed that Semen Cuscutae was able to further promote luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion induced by LRH. Plasma LH levels of Semen Cuscutae treated rats reached its highest peak 90 minutes after d-C-LRH injection with an average percentage increase of 241.58%. This study demonstrated that the stimulatory effects of Semen Cuscutae on yellow body (corus luteum) production along the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis were not due to its direct stimulation on the pituitary; but thought to be due to Semen Cuscutae's ability to increase ovary receptor sites sensitive towards LRH and LH, respectively.

10. Anti-aging Effects:

Animal studies:Mulberry leaves, soaked with a 20% Semen Cuscutae decoction, were fed to silkworms three times a day. Results showed that Semen Cuscutae could prolong the larval stage of the worms, as well as their lifespan.

Administered to senile mice, Tu Si Zi can increase the activity of superoxide dismutase in the subjects' erythrocyte membrane, decrease the level of lipid peroxides in the serum and the level of cerebral lipofuscin, and decrease the activity of monoamine oxidase B in the liver.

11. Anti-cancer Effects:

Cell culture studies:At concentrations of 300mg/ml and 3000mg/ml, Semen Cuscutae water extracts were able to inhibit DNA synthesis in Ehrlich ascite carcinoma cells.

12. Anti-bacterial Effects:

Cell culture studies:Decoction of Semen Cuscutae has been shown to have in vitro inhibitory effects on Staphylococcus, Shigella flexneri, and Bacillus typhosus.

13.Deficient kidneys:

Deficient kidneys manifested as impotence, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation, lower back pain or leukorrhagia. Dadder seed (Tusizi) is used with Eucommia bark (Duzhong), Dioscorea (Shanyao) and Cibot rhizome (Gouji) for lower back pain or leukorrhagia; Dadder seed (Tusizi) is used with Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi), Cnidium fruit (Shechuangzi), Flattened milkvetch seed (Shayuanzi) and Grossy privet fruit (Nuzhenzi) for impotence.
Dodder Seed Extract Cuscuta chinensis Extract photo picture image

14.Anti-aging herb:

Dodder seed will build Essence and thus it is considered to be an anti-aging herb. It is used to build sperm, increase fertility in both men and women and is listed as an aphrodisiac in all traditional Chinese pharmacopoeias.

15.Gentle tonic for the kidney Yin and Yang:

Dodder seed is commonly used in long-term tonic programs. It is a gentle tonic for the kidney Yin and Yang, and also helps nourish Qi. It helps the kidney to consolidate the Qi. It is widely used to improve vision, nourish the sperm and marrow, strengthen bones and sinews and to strengthen sexual functions.

Dodder seed is commonly used in tonic formulations designed to benefit Yin and Yang Essence. It is most commonly used to strengthen the uro-genital functions. It is used to treat impotence, premature ejaculation, frequent urination, and leukorrhea as well as ear ringing and aching lower back, symptoms thay often accompany deficient kidney conditions that cause sexual weakness.

Dodder seed gently but efficiently helps tonify both Yin and Yang, therefore it is a very useful, safe and important herb. People suffering from kidney Yin deficiency will tend to experience symptoms of dizziness, blurred vision, spots in front of the eyes and ringing in the ears. Habitual consumption of Dodder seed can improve vision and clear away these symptoms.

Dodder seed will build Yin Essence and thus it is considered to be an anti-aging herb. It is used to build sperm, increase fertility in both men and women and is listed as an aphrodisiac in all traditional Chinese pharmacopoeias.Dodder seed will be used with either Yin or Yang tonic herbs depending on the specifics of the person's condition. Dodder seed helps consolidate the Essence and thus slows down aging and prevents loss of bodily fluids. This type of herb is critical in any program designed to rejuvenate the body and to prolong life.
Dodder Seed Extract Cuscuta chinensis Extract photo picture image

16.Medicinal virtues:

it is most effectual for melancholy diseases and to purge black or burnt choler, which is the cause of many diseases of the head and brain, as well as for the trembling of the heart, Paintings and swoonings.

It is helpful in all diseases and griefs of the spleen and the melancholy that arises from the windiness of the hypochondrium. It purgeth also the reins or kidneys by urine. It openeth obstructions of the gall and profiteth them that have jaundice. Dodders found growing upon Nettles bath by experience been found very effectual to procure plenty of urine, where it hath been stopped or hindered.

All the diseases that Saturn causes Dodder helps by sympathy, and strengthens the parts that Saturn rules.
Dodder Seed Extract Cuscuta chinensis Extract photo picture image

17.Modern uses:

Dodder is a laxative and a liver tonic. It can he used for jaundice and sciatica. The whole plant is very bitter to the taste and an infusion acts as a purge. It is better to add a little ginger and pimento to the infusion of the stems. This acts as a tonic when the kidneys, spleen or liver are affected by any condition. Half an ounce ( 14 g) of the dried plant is boiled in 1 pt (568 rnl) of water, strained and taken in doses of 1 fl oz (28 rnl). The dose of the fluid extract when available is 3o drops. This remedy should not be taken in pregnancy and, because of its purging properties, should he taken only on the advice of a medical herbalist.

The seed is aphrodisiac (arouse sexual desire), demulcent (soothing), diaphoretic, hepatic and tonic. It is decocted and used with other herbs to treat a variety of ailments. In particular, it is used in the treatment of impotence, nocturnal emissions, vertigo, lumbago, leukorrhoea, frequent urination, decreased eyesight, threatened abortion and chronic diarrhoea.
Dodder Seed Extract Cuscuta chinensis Extract photo picture image

18.For insufficiency of kidney-qi:

For insufficiency of kidney-qi, debility of the lower-jiao manifested as soreness in the loins and knees, vertigo, tinnitus, spermatorrhea, frequent micturation, impotence and premature ejaculation, it is often used with herbs for tonifying the kidney and preserving essence, such as Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum, Cortex Eucommiae, Ootheca, Fructus Schisandrae, etc.

19.For failure in nourishing eyes and blurred vision due to yin-deficiency of the liver and kidney:

For failure in nourishing eyes and blurred vision due to yin-deficiency of the liver and kidney, it can be used with herbs for nourishing the liver and bettering vision, such as Fructus Lycii, Semen Plantaginis, Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata, Semen Astragali Complanati, etc.

Besides, this herb is also used to treat kidney-deficiency, induced or threatened abortion and chronic diarrhea due to deficiency-cold of both the spleen and kidney.

20.For Habitual Constipation:

Dodder seed sweet light warm,tonify liver and kidney,used for tonify kidney and sperm clinically.Clinical experiment data showed result: once dose over than 20 grams,stool will become mashedmore times,no bellyache,bigger intestine sound.According to the character of dodder seed for tonify kidney and Yin Yang,,could be applied for treatment of habitual Constipation,base formula combine dodder seed 25 grams, foxglove root 15 grams,areca 8 grams,water decoction, daily taken. keep 3 weeks.Case proved that dry hard stoll 1 time the 4th day after decoction,continue 2 weeks,stool normal,continue 5 decoction to consolidate curative effect, keep normal and no repeat 6 months later.
Dodder Seed Extract Cuscuta chinensis Extract photo picture image

21.Protecting the liver:

Administered to mice by gastric gavage, Tu Si Zi can protect the subjects from CCl4-induced liver damages, decreasing the levels of SGPT, lactic acid and pyruvic acid in the serum.

22.Effects on the sexual function and on the reproductive system:

Administered to mice, alcohol-based extract of Tu Si Zi can significantly promote the development of the subjects' testes and epididymides. Acting like a thyrotropin, in-vitro experiments show, Tu Si Zi can promote the interstitial basic secretion of testosterone and the stimulated secretion of human chorionic gonadotropin.In rats with deficient ovaries, it can promote endometrial hyperplasia, enhance the expression of estrin receptors and progestogen receptors, inhibit the expression of IL-2 receptors in ovarian and womb interstitial cells, and increase the level of pregnendione in the serum.It can also promote in-vitro the motor capacity of human sperms and the membrane function. Hence, it is beneficial to the treatment of male infertility, and conducive to raising the success rate of artificial insemination.Tu Si Zi is also shown to increase the weight of sex organs in rats.

23.Effects on immunity:

Administered to mice of yang deficiency,Tu Si Zi can significantly improve the transformation function of the spleen cells' T- and B-lymphocytes.Depending on the dose and the concentration level, Tu Si Zi's water-based extract both promotes and inhibits lymphocyte transformation. Tu Si Zi regulates the production of IL-2 in a bi-directional manner.

24.Other effects:

Administered at large doses, EOA-1, a component of Tu Si Zi, can significantly increase the survival rate and the average survival time of transplanted low temperature-stored hearts of suckling mice.Tu Si Zi can also enhance the activity of superoxide dismutase in the erythrocyte membrane of diabetic patients, and lower the level of lipid peroxides in the serum.Administered to mice, Tu Si Zi can significantly increase the activities of Na+, K+-ATPase.And finally, Tu Si Zi can significantly inhibit cyclophosphamide-induced formation of marrow cell micronuclei in mice.