Nuzhenzi is a common traditional Chinese medicine with many medicinal effects that can benefit multiple organs and systems in the human body. So, what are the specific benefits and effects of Nuzhenzi? However, there are also some taboos when consuming it, as it can have negative effects on the body if not taken properly.
Enhances immune function
Nuzhenzi can help increase peripheral white blood cells and enhance the phagocytic capacity of the reticuloendothelial system, effectively enhancing cellular and humoral immunity.
Protects the liver
The quinic acid present in Nuzhenzi has a significant protective effect against acute liver damage caused by carbon tetrachloride. It can reduce the accumulation of serum alanine aminotransferase and hepatic triglycerides, promote liver cell regeneration, and prevent liver cirrhosis.
Lowers blood lipid levels
Nuzhenzi has a significant lipid-lowering effect and can significantly reduce the levels of serum cholesterol and triglycerides. It also has a reducing effect on the formation of aortic lipid plaques and coronary artery atherosclerotic plaques.
Reduces blood sugar levels
Nuzhenzi has certain preventive and therapeutic effects against diabetes caused by streptozotocin. It also has an inhibitory effect on the increase in blood sugar caused by adrenaline.
Anti-cancer effect
Nuzhenzi can exert anti-tumor effects by reversing the inhibitory effect of tumor cells on macrophages. It has a significant inhibitory effect on nine types of cancer cells in the stomach and colon, and promotes the proliferation of normal fibroblasts. It inhibits and prevents the metastasis of tumor cells by reducing the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases.
Promotes hematopoiesis
Nuzhenzi has a promoting effect on red blood cell hematopoiesis and can increase the white blood cell count in patients with decreased white blood cells due to chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Bi-directional hormonal regulation
Nuzhenzi contains both estrogen-like substances and testosterone-like substances. It has both androgenic and estrogenic effects, exhibiting bi-directional regulation of sex hormones.
Promotes hair growth
Nuzhenzi nourishes the kidneys and enriches the blood, maintaining normal blood circulation in the body and preventing premature graying of hair.
Improves vision
The function of the liver and kidneys is related to the eyes. Weakness in the kidneys and liver can lead to blurred vision and dizziness. Nuzhenzi can nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and also has a good effect in reducing intraocular pressure and relieving eye fatigue.
Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects
Nuzhenzi can activate the pituitary-adrenal cortex system and inhibit the synthesis and release of prostaglandins, thus exerting antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Anti-fatigue effect
Nuzhenzi contains a substance called luteolin, which has excellent anti-fatigue effects.
Anti-aging effect
Nuzhenzi contains a substance that significantly inhibits the production and formation of malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxide, in the brains of the elderly. It can also improve liver activity and has an anti-aging effect to a certain extent.
Anti-mutagenic effect
Methanol and water extracts of Nuzhenzi have anti-mutagenic properties, with the active components being quinic acid and ursolic acid. Water decoctions of Nuzhenzi have a significant inhibitory effect on chromosomal mutations.
Anti-photosensitivity reaction
Nuzhenzi can counteract the photooxidation effect of HpD and significantly reduce the photosensitivity reaction of the skin when applied internally.
Beautifies and removes spots
Nuzhenzi can nourish the kidneys, enrich the blood, and remove spots. It has a certain effect on yellow-brown spots or skin pigmentation in middle-aged and elderly people.
Nutritional value
Nuzhenzi mainly contains quinic acid, acetyl quinic acid, ursolic acid, glucose, palmitic acid, stearic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, as well as trace elements such as iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, and 17 hydrolyzed amino acids.
1. Quinic acid, the main component of Nuzhenzi, has a good protective effect on the liver.
2. Ursolic acid, present in Nuzhenzi, has excellent sedative, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-ulcer, and blood sugar-reducing effects, as well as significant antioxidant and central nervous system stabilizing effects.
Taboos in using Nuzhenzi
1. Nuzhenzi has a cooling nature, so it is not suitable for those with yang deficiency and dampness accumulation or those with loose stools caused by spleen and stomach deficiency and coldness.
2. Pregnant women should use Nuzhenzi with caution. Nuzhenzi is a medicine that can nourish the liver and kidneys, improve vision, and promote hair growth. Unless there are specific medical conditions requiring its use, it is generally not recommended for pregnant women as it may not be beneficial to the fetus. However, if the symptoms that Nuzhenzi can address occur during pregnancy, it can be used under the guidance of a doctor.
3. It is not recommended for infants and young children to take Nuzhenzi. Nuzhenzi has a strong tonic effect and is not suitable for infants.
