Monograph of Rehmannia glutinosa

Rehmania glutinosa By Shizhao (Own work) [CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons Medicinal plants in Viet Nam (Institute of Materia Medica - HANOI - WHO/WPRO, 1990, p444

Also known as: Rehmannia, Chinese foxglove, Shen di huang (China),  shojio (Japan),  Shu di huang (China – cured root)

Family:Gesneriaceae Part used: Root

Qualities:   Sweet, slightly bitter, cold Key Constituents: •       Iridoid glycosides (aucubin, catapol) •       Phenethylalcohol glycosides •       Jiogultosides•       Rehmanniosides A to D •       Rehmaglutins A to D

Therapeutic Actions: Adrenal tonic1,2,3, Adrenal Trophorestorative (particularly the adrenal cortex)4 Supportive of HPA axis (particularly protective of pituitary)1,4, Antipyretic1,4 Anti hemorrhagic1,4 Anti inflammatory1,2,3,4,8 Mild Laxative4 TCM: Female tonic1,4,5 Potential Actions: Antiasthmatic Osteoprotective12 Antidepressant10 Serotonergic10 Anti-diabetic11 Hypoglycaemic11 Hypolipidemic11

Indications for use: Adrenal depletion1,3 Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) in combination with other adaptogens and immune herbs3 Supporting adrenal function particularly in the presence of hypertension1,3 Support the HPA axis and modify stress responses 2,3,11 May be useful for children with ADHD and some forms of autism that are linked with chronic stress 2 Auto immune disease1 Rheumatoid Arthritis1,4,11 Asthma1,2,4 .May be useful children with stress related Asthma2 Inflammatory skin disorders: Atopic eczema3, Psoriasis3,6. Urticaria4, Skin rashes1,4, Atopic dermatitis in children2 Acne in children and teens2 Chronic nephritis1,4,7 Fever1,4 Haemorrhage1,4 Constipation1 Haematuria1 Metrorrhagia 1 Epistaxis (nosebleeds) Osteoarthritis8 To support withdrawl from corticosteroids1  Possible therapeutic use for:   PCOS and amenorrhea1,9 Depression10,11 Metabolic syndrome, Diabetes Mellitus, Impaired glucose tolerance and Hyperlipidemia due to chronic stress and high fat diet (Rat studies with dose administered orally) 11 Osteoporosis, Bone mineral density loss 12

Cautions and Contraindications: No Contraindications for this herb has been identified, however caution should be used in pregnant patients. Excessive doses may cause diarrhoea.

Dosage: 1:2 Liquid Extract of uncured root  4.5-8.5 per day or 30-60ml per week 1.1 – 1.8 grams per day in tablet form Recommended Combinations: Astragalus for chronic nephritis

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