Botanical Overview
Ligustrum lucidum, commonly known as Glossy privet or Nu zhen zi, belongs to the Oleaceae family. The medicinal part used is the fruit, traditionally used in East Asia, especially China.
Energetics
The fruit has a neutral temperature and moistening moisture quality, with bitter and sweet tastes. It is considered tonifying, particularly nourishing essence and blood.
Primary Actions
- Antioxidant
- Immunomodulatory
- Hepatoprotective
Indications
Western
- Fatigue
- Poor vision
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
Syndromes
TCM
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Weak lower back and knees
- Night sweats
Syndromes
- Liver and Kidney Yin Deficiency
Ayurveda
Syndromes
Unani
Syndromes
Constituents & Mechanisms
The fruit contains phytochemical families such as oleanolic acid, ligustrin, oleanolic acid saponins, flavonoids, and iridoids which contribute to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 6-12 g dried fruit daily
- Powdered fruit: 3-6 g daily
Safety & Contraindications
The fruit is generally well tolerated in traditional use. Caution is advised in pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. No notable drug interactions have been established.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental ruler associations identified.
Selected References
- Phytochemical and pharmacological studies of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. fruit (Wang et al., 2015)
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants, Volume 3 (2007)
- Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica (Bensky, Clavey, Stöger, 2004)