Botanical name: Ligustrum lucidum
© Steven Foster
Parts used and where grown
This shrub is native to China and eastern Asia and is now grown ornamentally in the United
States. The berry of ligustrum is used medicinally.
Ligustrum has been used in
connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual
health concern for complete information):
Historical or traditional use (may
or may not be supported by scientific studies)
Since ancient times, ligustrum berries have been employed as a “yin” tonic in
Traditional Chinese Medicine.1
Ligustrum was used for a wide range of conditions, including premature aging and ringing in the ears.2
Active constituents
The major constituent in ligustrum is ligustrin (oleanolic acid). Preliminary studies,
mostly conducted in China, suggest that ligustrum stimulates the immune system, decreases inflammation, and protects
the liver.3 Ligustrum is often combined with astragalus in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Although used for
long-term support of the immune system in people with depressed immune function or cancer, more research is needed to
demonstrate the optimal length of time to use ligustrum.
How much is usually taken?
Powdered, encapsulated berries, 1–3 teaspoons (5–15 grams) per day, are
sometimes recommended.4 A similar amount of berries can be made into tea by adding
1/2–1 teaspoon (2–5 grams) of powdered or crushed berries to 1 cup (250 ml) of
boiling water and steeping for ten to fifteen minutes. Alternatively, 3/4–1 teaspoon
(3–5 ml) of tincture three times per day can be taken.
Are there any side effects or interactions?
No adverse effects have been reported.
At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with ligustrum.
References:1. Benksy D, Gamble A, Kaptchuk T. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia
Medica. Seattle: Eastland Press, 1993, 366.
2. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients
Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996,
350–2.
3. Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients
Used in Foods, Drugs, and Cosmetics, 2d ed. New York: John Wiley & Sons, 1996,
350–2.
4. Foster S, Yue CX. Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the
West. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1992, 227–32.