From traditional remedy to scientific breakthrough - exploring the multifaceted healing powers of ZhongJiefeng
Rich source of medicinal compounds
Recently sequenced for research
Addresses multiple pathways
Scientific proof of traditional uses
Deep in the forests and valleys of southern China, grows an unassuming plant with extraordinary healing properties that have been treasured for centuries. Known scientifically as Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai, this perennial evergreen herb goes by many names in traditional Chinese medicine—ZhongJiefeng, Jiegu Grass, or CaoShanHu—each reflecting its revered status as a natural healer 6 9 .
For generations, traditional practitioners have used this herb to treat everything from bruises, bone fractures, and arthritis to pneumonia, digestive inflammations, and even tumors 6 9 . But what makes this plant truly fascinating is how modern science is now validating these traditional uses while uncovering astonishing new medical applications that could benefit both human and animal health.
As researchers delve deeper into the chemical complexity of S. glabra, they're discovering a treasure trove of bioactive compounds with potent therapeutic effects. From fighting cancer to relieving chronic pain, this humble plant is revealing secrets that may lead to breakthrough treatments for some of medicine's most challenging conditions.
Identified Chemical Compounds
Genome Sequenced in 2025
Modern research confirms traditional uses and reveals new therapeutic applications
The essential oil extracted from S. glabra (SGEO) has demonstrated significant protective effects against intestinal inflammation in mouse studies, effectively restoring gut barrier function and reducing inflammatory responses 2 .
In studies on alcohol-induced gastric ulcers in rats, S. glabra demonstrated remarkable gastroprotective effects by modulating multiple biological pathways 6 .
| Compound | Class | Primary Known Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Isofraxidin | Coumarin | Analgesic (pain relief), NaV1.7 channel inhibition 1 5 |
| Rosmarinic acid | Phenolic acid | Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant 6 |
| Caffeic acid | Phenolic acid | Gastroprotective, anti-inflammatory 6 |
| Anhydroicaritin | Flavonoid | Anti-tumor activity 3 |
| Quercetin | Flavonoid | Multiple target modulation in cancer 3 |
Perhaps the most exciting area of S. glabra research involves its potential applications in cancer treatment. Network pharmacology studies—an approach that analyzes complex relationships between drugs, targets, and diseases—have revealed that S. glabra contains multiple compounds with anti-tumor properties against pancreatic cancer 3 .
This is particularly significant given that pancreatic cancer has a dismal 5-year survival rate of only 13%, the lowest of all major tumors, and is projected to become the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States by 2030 3 .
In laboratory studies, S. glabra extracts significantly inhibited the growth of PANC-1 pancreatic cancer cells and downregulated the expression of key genes involved in cancer progression 3 . The herb appears to fight cancer through multiple pathways simultaneously, including p53 signaling, transcriptional dysregulation in cancer, and cell cycle regulation—making it a promising multi-target therapeutic approach 3 .
Beyond direct anti-tumor effects, S. glabra may also help cancer patients by reducing side effects from conventional treatments.
One human study found it reduced radiation therapy-induced mouth sores and dry mouth in patients with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma 7 . Additionally, research suggests it may help with chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), a common and dangerous side effect of cancer treatment 7 8 .
Chronic pain affects millions worldwide, with approximately 20.5% of Americans experiencing pain on most days or every day, and 19.6 million suffering from severe pain that impacts their mental health and daily functioning 5 .
The economic burden is staggering, with pain management costs in the United States alone reaching $560-635 billion annually 5 .
Current pain medications—including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids—come with significant side effects such as gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney dysfunction, tolerance development, and addiction risk 5 .
Recent groundbreaking research has uncovered how S. glabra provides effective pain relief through inhibition of NaV1.7 channels, which are voltage-gated sodium channels crucial for pain initiation, transmission, and regulation 1 5 .
Inhibits NaV1.7 channels without dangerous side effects
Isofraxidin is the primary bioactive compound
Potential solution to the opioid crisis
Combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge scientific methods
The extract was first evaluated using hot plate-induced and acetic acid-induced pain tests in mice. These classic experiments measure pain response by recording how long it takes for mice to react to heat or how many writhing movements they make after receiving an irritant.
HEK293T cells genetically engineered to express human NaV1.7 channels were used to screen the extract and its components for channel-blocking activity.
This sophisticated electrophysiology technique allowed researchers to directly measure the flow of ions through NaV1.7 channels and determine how S. glabra compounds affect channel function.
Bioactivity-guided fractionation was used to isolate the active compound isofraxidin, which was then tested individually both in cellular systems and animal models.
The experiments yielded clear and compelling results. In the hot plate test, the S. glabra extract significantly increased withdrawal latency time from a baseline of 11.83 seconds to 26.33 seconds at the 25 mg/kg dose, demonstrating substantial pain relief 5 .
| Pain Model | Baseline Response | Response after S. glabra Treatment | Dose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot plate test | 11.83 ± 1.19 seconds | 26.33 ± 3.97 seconds | 25 mg/kg |
| Acetic acid-induced writhing | Not specified | Significant, dose-dependent reduction | 5-50 mg/kg |
The patch-clamp recordings provided the mechanistic insight: isofraxidin was found to directly bind to the pore region of the NaV1.7 channel, effectively blocking sodium ion flow and thereby preventing pain signal transmission 1 .
This research represents a perfect marriage of traditional knowledge and modern scientific validation. The traditional use of S. glabra for pain management led researchers to investigate its mechanism, resulting in the discovery of a naturally occurring NaV1.7 channel blocker with significant therapeutic potential.
Essential components for studying Sarcandra glabra's therapeutic properties
| Reagent/Method | Function/Application | Examples from Research |
|---|---|---|
| Ethanol extraction | Extracting bioactive compounds from plant material | 90% ethanol used to prepare ZJF extract 5 |
| HPLC/Gas chromatography | Separating, identifying, and quantifying compounds | Used to analyze chemical composition of extracts 6 |
| Patch-clamp electrophysiology | Measuring ion channel activity | Studying NaV1.7 channel inhibition 1 5 |
| Animal pain models | Evaluating analgesic efficacy | Hot plate and acetic acid-induced writhing tests 1 5 |
| Cell culture models | Studying mechanisms in controlled systems | HEK293T cells expressing NaV1.7 channels 1 5 |
| Network pharmacology | Identifying multi-target mechanisms | Analyzing pancreatic cancer pathways 3 |
| Metabolomics | Profiling metabolic changes | Studying gastric ulcer mechanisms 6 |
The journey of Sarcandra glabra from traditional herbal remedy to subject of cutting-edge scientific investigation exemplifies the potential of integrating traditional knowledge with modern research methodologies.
The recent publication of the S. glabra genome opens up possibilities for exploring biosynthetic pathways that produce valuable medicinal compounds .
The multi-target approach of S. glabra aligns with the growing recognition that complex diseases like cancer often require combination therapies 3 .
As research progresses, we can expect to see more standardized S. glabra-based products and possibly even isolated compounds entering clinical trials.
Sarcandra glabra stands as a powerful testament to the enduring wisdom of traditional medicine and the exciting potential of scientific discovery to validate and enhance that wisdom for the benefit of all.