Lysimachia

Other Names

Anagallis arvensisAnagallis foeminaAnagallis minimaAnagallis tenellaBernardina sessilisChin-chien tsaoChristina LoosestrifeCoin HerbCoin WeedCommon LoosestrifeCreeping CharlieCreeping JennyCreeping JoanCreeping JohnCreeping LoosestrifeCreeping Yellow LoosestrifeDa Jin Qian CaoDui Zuo CaoEphemerum nummulariaFringed LoosestrifeGarden LoosestrifeGlaux maritimaGold Coin GrassGold Coin HerbGold Coin WeedGolden LoosestrifeGolden WillowherbGooseneck LoosestrifeGuoluhuangHerb TuppenceHerb TwopenceHerba LysimachiaeJin Qian CaoJinqiancaoLoosestrifeLu Bian HuangLysimachia arvensisLysimachia atropurpureaLysimachia barystachysLysimachia christinae HanceLysimachia ciliataLysimachia clethroidesLysimachia congestifloraLysimachia nemorumLysimachia nummulariaLysimachia punctataLysimachia terrestrisLysimachia thyrsifloraLysimachia vulgarisLysimachusa nummulariaManchurian Yellow LoosestrifeMeadow RunagatesMoneywortMyrsinaceaeMyrsinoideaePalladia atropurpureaPrimulaceaePurple Gooseneck LoosestrifeRunning JennyScarlet PimpernelShen Xian Dui Zuo CaoSichuan JinqiancaoSpotted LoosestrifeString of SovereignsSwamp CandlesTrientalis borealisTrientalis europaeaTufted LoosestrifeTwopenny GrassWandering JennyWandering SailorWandering SallyWillow HerbWillow WortWood PimpernelYellow LoosestrifeYellow PimpernelYellow RocketYellow Willowherb

Synopsis

Lysimachia: A Comprehensive Encyclopedic Reference

1. Identity: Botanical Classification, Names, and Natural Sources

Taxonomy and Classification

Lysimachia L. is the second largest genus within the subfamily Myrsinoideae of Primulaceae, comprising approximately 250 species worldwide, with China serving as the species diversity center and home to approximately 150 species. The genus consists of approximately 182 accepted species of flowering plants, traditionally classified in the family Primulaceae; based on a molecular phylogenetic study it was transferred to the family Myrsinaceae, before that family was later merged back into the Primulaceae.

Traditionally, Lysimachia was recognized as a primitive group in the family Primulaceae and related to the family Myrsinaceae. Molecular phylogenetic studies as well as morphological data supported the transfer of Lysimachia to Myrsinaceae, but in the recent system of the Angiosperm Phylogeny Group, Myrsinaceae was merged with Primulaceae, which was divided into four subfamilies: Maesoideae, Theophrastoideae, Myrsinoideae, and Primuloideae.

The tribe Lysimachieae is the second largest tribe within the subfamily Myrsinoideae of Primulaceae, mainly distributed in temperate and subtropical climates of the Northern Hemisphere, though found worldwide. It is traditionally considered a monophyletic group with six genera, namely Lysimachia L., Anagallis L., Trientalis L., Glaux L., Asterolinon Hoffmanns. & Link, and Pelletiera A. St.-Hil., characterized by the pattern of capsule dehiscence, number of corolla lobes, and corolla color.

The majority of species within the genus are distributed in temperate and subtropical regions of the Northern Hemisphere, with some species in Africa, Australia, and South America. In China, the genus has 138 species and is highly diversified in southwestern China, especially in limestone areas.

Medically Relevant Species

The genus contains numerous species of botanical and phytochemical interest, but several are of primary medicinal relevance:

Lysimachia christinae Hance — the most widely studied medicinal species, known in Chinese as Jinqiancao (金钱草, "golden coin grass"), and in Western contexts as Christina Loosestrife. It belongs to the family Primulaceae and was recorded in the 2010 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as an herb that possesses diuretic, detumescent, and detoxifying effects.
Lysimachia vulgaris L. — the Yellow Loosestrife, a European medicinal plant in the family Myrsinaceae (now Primulaceae). It is a medicinal plant that has been used in the treatment of fever, ulcer, diarrhea, and wounds in folk medicine, and has analgesic, expectorant, astringent, and anti-inflammatory activities.
Lysimachia capillipes Hemsl. — an annual flowering plant mainly distributed in parts of Asia, with diverse pharmacological interest.
Lysimachia foenum-graecum, Lysimachia nummularia, Lysimachia punctata — additional species studied for biological activity.

Morphological Features and Natural Habitat

Morphologically, the genus is defined by opposite or whorled leaves that often bear minute glandular dots; stipules are absent or reduced to a sheath, and the stems may be erect or rhizomatous. Lysimachia species often have yellow flowers and grow vigorously; they tend to grow in damp conditions.

The medically important L. christinae is mainly produced in Sichuan, Jiangsu, Hunan, Jiangxi, and Jiangnan provinces of China. The whole grass stem is 20–60 cm long, weak and flat, sparsely hairy or nearly glabrous. The leaves are opposite, oval or kidney-shaped, entire, with purplish-black streaks and long petioles. In summer, the axils of the leaves bear small yellow flowers with a particularly long flower stalk reaching the leaf end.

Common Names and Synonyms

Native to East Asia, particularly southern and central China, L. christinae is commonly called Jinqiancao — which translates to "golden coin grass" (金钱草) in Chinese, a reference to its coin-shaped leaves. In the West, it is sometimes referred to as Christina Loosestrife Herb. Formerly known as "Wu Gong Cao" (meaning "Centipede Grass"), it also carries regional names including "Dui Zuo Cao" (Jiangsu), "Lu Bian Huang" (Hunan), "Shen Xian Dui Zuo Cao" (Zhejiang), and "Da Jin Qian Cao" (Sichuan).

The pharmacopeial drug name is Lysimachiae Herba (abbreviated LH), which refers specifically to the dried whole herb of Lysimachia christinae Hance. The genus name Lysimachia is named in honor of Lysimachus, who is said to have calmed a mad ox by feeding it a member of the genus.

Common Forms and Preparations

Harvested in summer and autumn, the whole plant is dried, cut into segments, and used raw in various forms such as teas, capsules, or ointments. In research and clinical settings, preparations have included aqueous decoctions (water extracts), ethanolic extracts, total flavonoid fractions, polysaccharide isolates, and dried powdered herb. Lysimachiae Herba, called Jinqiancao in Chinese, is an authentic medical herb in Sichuan Province often used in the prescription of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

2. Traditional and Historical Use

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

The earliest recorded use of Lysimachia christinae was documented in the Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica (Bencao Gangmu Shiyi), A.D. 1776. Doctors in the Qing Dynasty recorded that it tastes bitter, sour, and slightly cold, and that it belongs to the liver, gallbladder, kidney, and bladder meridians. It was recorded to have the effects of removing dampness and jaundice, eliminating gallstones, and reducing blood stasis. Because of its potent pharmacological effects, it has been extensively utilized in the treatment of hepatobiliary and urinary system stones, jaundice, hepatitis, and cholecystitis.

In TCM it has been widely used for treating hepatobiliary lithiasis, urolithiasis, heat stranguria, nephritis edema, damp jaundice, and carbuncle. In TCM, Lysimachiae Herba is valued for its "sweet, bland, and slightly cold" properties, targeting the liver, gallbladder, kidney, and bladder meridians. It is traditionally used to "clear heat," "remove dampness," and "promote diuresis" — terms that roughly translate to reducing inflammation, detoxifying the body, and boosting urine flow.

The herb is commonly used for symptoms such as jaundice, hypochondriac pain, and urolithiasis, and it is well known as a key medicine for the treatment of lithiasis. Many studies have shown that Lysimachiae Herba has a variety of pharmacological effects such as the promotion of bile secretion, as well as anti-inflammation, analgesic, bacteriostatic, and anti-gout properties.

Lysimachia capillipes in Chinese Folk Medicine

In the early 1970s, Lysimachia capillipes Hemsl. was discovered by folk practitioners in Le'an county, Jiangxi province. It contains many bioactive components (flavonoids, saponins, volatile oils, organic acids, etc.) and has a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities. This plant medicine was used in the treatment of cold cough, asthma, rheumatism, pain, irregular menstruation, neurasthenia, restoring deficiency, expelling roundworm, and anti-tumor conditions in Chinese folk medicine.

European Traditional Use (Lysimachia vulgaris)

Two highly invasive plant species, Lysimachia vulgaris and Lythrum salicaria, are well-known for their anti-inflammatory, hemostatic, and antidiarrheal activity. These plants are most widespread on the territory of Eurasia, where their traditional medicinal use has been reported. L. vulgaris has been used in the treatment of fever, ulcer, diarrhea, and wounds in folk medicine and has analgesic, expectorant, astringent, and anti-inflammatory activities.

TCM Formulation Context

For the treatment of biliary stones, Sichuan Da Jin Qian Cao has traditionally been paired with Yin Chen, Chai Hu, Zhi Zi, and other medicines — for example, the formula "Dan Dao Pai Shi Fang" — suitable for biliary stones without obvious obstruction and infection. The treatment of stones with Jin Qian Cao requires extended duration, with traditional practice recommending intake for generally more than one month.

Zhen Zhu Cai (Lysimachia) species are well-known edible plants among the East Asian populace that clear heat and are associated with anti-aging uses.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

Overall Phytochemical Profile

Chemical constituent analyses indicate that L. christinae Hance contains several bioactive constituents: flavonoids, phenols, polysaccharides, triterpenoid saponins, volatile oils, organic acids, and quinones, though the full identity of these constituents and their pharmacological activities remain an area of active research.

Using ultrafast liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UFLC-Triple TOF-MS/MS), a total of 46 constituents were identified and inferred in Lysimachiae Herba, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, tannins, fatty acids, and coumarins.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are consistently identified as the primary and most bioactively significant class of compounds across medically used Lysimachia species. The quality standard of Lysimachiae Herba recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 version) mainly involves the quantification of quercetin and kaempferol.

Four common differential constituents identified across habitats were: 2-O-galloylgalactaric acid, quercetin 3-O-xylosyl-rutinoside, nicotiflorin, and kaempferol 3-rutinosyl 7-O-alpha-l-rhamnoside.

From Lysimachia patungensis, twelve phenolic compounds were obtained and identified, including quercetin-3,3'-di-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside, myricetrin, quercitrin, rutin, 2-hydroxynaringenin-4'-O-glucopyranoside, naringenin 7-O-glucopyranoside, liquiritin apioside, licochalcone B, tetrahydroxymethoxy chalcone, methyl-p-coumarate, 2,4,6-trihydroxy acetophenone-2-O-glucopyranoside, and vaccihein A — with quercetin-3,3'-di-O-alpha-L-rhamnoside being a new compound and several others isolated from the genus Lysimachia for the first time.

Nine heterosides, derivatives of kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin, were isolated from the drug material of Lysimachia vulgaris. Six glycosides were identified, with the structure of three additional compounds established partially, including a triglycoside of quercetin and higher-molecular glycosides of quercetin.

Using high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, the main constituent of Lysimachia christinae Hance extract was found to be rutin.

Saponins and Triterpenoids

L. christinae contains many chemical compounds including flavonoids, triterpenoids, and glucopyranosides. The antibacterial activity of L. vulgaris may arise from benzoquinone, triterpene saponaside, and tannin constituents.

Other Compound Classes

From the ethanol extract of Lysimachia pentapetala, six compounds were isolated, identified as triacontanol, beta-sitosterol, glycerol monopalmitate, succinic acid, flavonol glycosides, and nitrite.

Lysimachia capillipes Hemsl. contains many bioactive components, including flavonoids, saponins, volatile oils, and organic acids, with a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities.

After optimizing extraction protocols to maximize total flavonoid yield from L. christinae, the most active fraction had the highest total flavonoid (39.4 ± 4.55 mg RE/g), total phenolic (41.1 ± 3.07 mg GAE/g), and total polysaccharide (168.1 ± 7.07 mg GE/g) contents.

4. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

4.1 Urolithiasis (Kidney Stones)

Evidence level: Preclinical (animal models and in vitro); network pharmacology analyses; no human clinical trials identified.

Lysimachia christinae Hance is an accepted herb in traditional Chinese medicine for treating kidney stones, though the effects and mechanisms of its aqueous extract (LCH) are yet to be fully elucidated.

In a preclinical study, the function of the aqueous extract of LCH was assessed using kidney stone rat models induced by 1% ethylene glycol + 2% NH4Cl, and an in vitro model of human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) treated with calcium oxalate was also used. Treatment with LCH at different concentrations showed significant improvement in inorganic ions and renal pathological injury in nephrolithiasis rats. Consistent with in vivo findings, LCH-containing serum increased cell viability and inhibited oxidative stress and deposition of Ca2+ in HK-2 cells.

Flavonoids are natural antioxidant components of L. christinae; prior studies demonstrated that total flavonoids from L. christinae (TFL) reduced calcium and oxalic acid concentrations in urine, thus inhibiting calcium oxalate (CaOx) stone formation, and that TFL can reduce oxidative stress in renal tissue. TFL protected against injury to a renal cell line and renal tissue, reduced CaOx-induced oxidative stress in renal tissue, and reduced CaOx crystal formation.

A network pharmacology analysis was undertaken to identify the active compounds of Christina Loosestrife (Lysimachia christinae, Jin Qian Cao) in the treatment of nephrolithiasis. Active components were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. Potentially active compounds were screened based on parenteral bioavailability, and the PharmMapper integrated pharmacophore matching platform was used for target identification of active compounds in nephrolithiasis. This study was computational in nature and did not involve human subjects.

4.2 Cholelithiasis (Gallstones) and Cholecystitis

Evidence level: Animal model studies; in vitro studies; no human clinical trials identified.

The water extract of Lysimachia christinae Hance was investigated for its cholecystitis and cholagogic effects. Lithocholic acid (LCA) and Escherichia coli were used to induce cholecystitis in adult guinea pigs. The cholagogic effects were evaluated on bile secretion and bile emptying in Sprague-Dawley rats and Kunming mice. The results showed that the extract not only produced excellent anticholecystitis effects but also improved lesion severity in gallbladders induced by LCA.

In the high-dose group, the extract exhibited an antibacterial effect in acute cholecystitis, and mid-range or high doses resulted in an antipyretic effect. The water extract exhibits significant anticholecystitis activity and cholagogic action with promotion of bile secretion and bile emptying.

A separate study examining the herb's effects on preestablished cholesterol gallstones found: A single dose of aqueous extract of L. christinae (LCAE) did not lead to death or changes in body weight gain, main visceral organ indexes, histomorphology, or blood hemogram and biochemical indexes, even at doses of 50 g material/kg body weight. The study validated the effect of L. christinae on eliminating preestablished cholesterol gallstones in model animals, and also examined the effects of LCAE on bile secretion rate, lipid profiles of bile and serum, body weight, main visceral organ indexes, and histomorphology of main visceral organs.

One preclinical study found that L. christinae can be considered an efficient therapy for eliminating cholesterol gallstones induced by a high-fat and high-cholesterol diet, which may be achieved by influencing the intestinal microflora. Although L. christinae has been frequently used for cholelithiasis in the clinic, there was no experimental report relevant to its ability to prevent gallstones by affecting the intestinal microflora prior to this work.

4.3 Anti-inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Effects

Evidence level: Animal and cell-based (in vitro) preclinical studies only.

One study aimed to determine the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects of Lysimachiae Herba ethanolic extract (LHE) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated macrophages and in a LPS/D-galactosamine (GalN)-induced acute hepatitis mouse model. The production of inflammatory mediators and the activation of related pathways in macrophages were explored, as were serum aminotransferase levels and the expression of inflammatory/antioxidant molecules in liver tissues. Results revealed that LHE treatment significantly inhibited the production of inflammatory mediators in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages.

Molecular data showed that LHE remarkably increased the activities of the antioxidant pathway and inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) as well as the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) induced by LPS. Furthermore, it prevented acute liver damage caused by LPS/D-GalN-induced hepatitis by inhibiting aminotransferase levels and histopathological changes in mice. LHE significantly inhibited the activation of inflammatory pathways and increased the expression of antioxidant molecules including heme oxygenase-1/Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). In conclusion, LHE has potent anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects in LPS-stimulated macrophages and the LPS/D-GalN-induced acute hepatitis mouse model.

The ethyl acetate fraction of Lysimachia christinae showed a hypoglycemic effect based on its aldose reductase inhibitory action. Additionally, L. christinae exhibited a decreasing effect on lipid peroxidation levels and an increasing effect on glutathione-S transferase (GST) levels in alcohol-induced mice.

4.4 Antioxidant and Endothelial Protection

Evidence level: In vitro (cell studies). No clinical human trials identified.

Among four fractions of L. christinae Hance, the n-butanol (NB) fraction showed the most potent antioxidant and endothelial protective effects, attributed to its high flavonoid and phenolic content and optimal portfolio of different active ingredients. Specifically, the NB fraction had the highest total flavonoid, total phenolic, and total polysaccharide contents and revealed the strongest radical-scavenging activity, antioxidant activity, and protective effects against H2O2-induced injury in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

4.5 Neuroprotection

Evidence level: Single in vitro cell study. No animal or human studies identified.

A study discovered the neuroprotective effect of L. christinae Hance in the mouse hippocampal HT22 cell line. HT22 cells were pretreated with L. christinae extract dose-dependently (1, 10, and 100 μg/ml), followed by glutamate treatment. Cell viability, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and glutathione-related enzyme amounts were measured. L. christinae increased cell viability by inhibiting ROS and Ca2+ formation, recovering the level of MMP, and enhancing glutathione production compared with vehicle-treated groups.

L. christinae enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), so intracellular glutathione amounts were increased. Additionally, L. christinae itself acts as an antioxidant, so scavenging of ROS activity creates a synergy effect. Reduced ROS maintained Ca2+ homeostasis and prevented the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential. By these mechanisms, L. christinae noticeably attenuated glutamate-induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells. The authors noted that further in vivo experiments and structural identification should be conducted subsequently.

4.6 Anticancer Activity

Evidence level: Preclinical in vitro (cancer cell line studies) only. No animal or human studies identified for this specific endpoint.

Lysimachia christinae Hance extract (LHE) effectively showed anticancer effects by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive MCF-7 and ER-negative HCC38 human breast cancer cells. Moreover, LHE negatively regulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and decreased breast cancer cell migration.

LHE or rutin markedly decreased the proliferation and viability of both ER-positive MCF-7 and ER-negative HCC38 human breast cancer cells. LHE treatment induced morphological changes in apoptotic nuclei. An Annexin V–FITC propidium iodide staining assay revealed that apoptosis significantly increased in both breast cancer cell types after LHE treatment. Additionally, the expression of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), Bcl-2, and phospho-Akt decreased, while that of cleaved PARP and p53 increased in both cell types. Furthermore, LHE treatment inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition.

In the experiment, breast cancer cell lines were treated with LHE (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mg/ml) for 24 hr and 48 hr. These findings are in vitro only and do not establish clinical efficacy.

4.7 Antidiabetic and Metabolic Effects

Evidence level: Animal models; in vitro enzyme inhibition studies. No human clinical trials identified.

Previous studies showed that the Lysimachia genus possessed therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes mellitus with traditional uses, antidiabetic and antioxidant effects. The methanolic extract of Lysimachia candida has been shown to reduce insulin resistance in rats fed with a high-fat high-fructose diet. Lysimachia foenum-graecum and its isolated compound foenumoside B improved insulin sensitivity and metabolic profiles in ob/ob mice by PPARγ antagonism. Lysimachia paridiformis stenophylla has been shown to ameliorate lipid and carbohydrate metabolism in alloxan-induced diabetic mice due to its antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory properties.

4.8 Antihyperlipidemic Effects

Evidence level: Animal model (mouse) studies only.

Diuretic and hepatoprotective and antihyperlipidemic activities of L. christinae have been proven by scientific methods in subsequent studies. A study examining L. christinae polysaccharides investigated the underlying mechanisms by which polysaccharide fractions reduce the effects of cholesterol in mice, finding a mechanistic link between the natural polysaccharide and cholesterol metabolism. The results provided a candidate drug for treating hyperlipidemia; the L. christinae polysaccharides were produced through aqueous extraction, followed by protein removal and column chromatography, with a total purity of approximately 92%.

4.9 Antimicrobial Activity

Evidence level: In vitro laboratory studies; one study with food preservation application.

In a study comparing 70 fractions of ten Lysimachia species, the most bioactive fraction (KBZZC-05) and two isolated compounds inhibited both spoilage organisms and foodborne pathogens (MICs = 2–256 μg/mL) more effectively than potassium sorbate (MIC >256 μg/mL). This fraction removed biofilms, causing surface morphology changes in bacteria. Additionally, KBZZC-05 (128 μg/mL) extended food shelf life through its antioxidant and resistance to spoilage microorganisms.

In studies of L. vulgaris, alcoholic extracts exhibited better antibacterial activity than aqueous extracts. Ethanol extracts of plant materials may contain active components such as tannins, polyphenols, polyacetylenes, flavonols, terpenoids, alkaloids, sterols, and propolis. The antibacterial activity may come from benzoquinone, triterpene saponaside, and tannin constituents of L. vulgaris.

5. Body Systems and Health Areas of Association

Based on verified phytochemical and pharmacological research, Lysimachia species are associated with the following body systems:

Urinary System: Lysimachiae Herba has the effect of promoting diuresis and removing jaundice, along with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It is principally associated with the dissolution and expulsion of kidney and urinary stones (urolithiasis).
Hepatobiliary System: Lysimachiae Herba (L. christinae), known in Korea as "Geumjeoncho" and commonly found in East Asia, has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, viral hepatitis, cholecystitis, urinary stones, and jaundice.
Immune and Inflammatory Pathways: Via NF-κB and MAPK inhibition, and Nrf2/HO-1 upregulation, as demonstrated in preclinical models.
Cardiovascular / Endothelial: In vitro evidence for protection of endothelial cells against oxidative stress.
Neurological: Preliminary in vitro evidence for neuroprotection via antioxidant enzyme upregulation in hippocampal cell models.
Metabolic / Endocrine: Preclinical evidence for antidiabetic and lipid-lowering actions across multiple species in the genus.
Oncology: Preliminary in vitro evidence for apoptosis induction and EMT inhibition in breast cancer cell lines.

6. Mechanisms of Action

Antioxidant Mechanisms

The nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway is an important endogenous antioxidant pathway, and flavonoids are the primary natural antioxidant components of Lysimachia christinae. In renal cells, flavonoid fractions from L. christinae have been shown to engage this Nrf2/ARE pathway to reduce calcium oxalate crystal-induced oxidative stress.

Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms

LHE remarkably increased the activities of the antioxidant pathway and inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK as well as the transcriptional activity of NF-κB induced by LPS. Treatment with LHE significantly inhibited the activation of inflammatory pathways and increased the expression of antioxidant molecules including heme oxygenase-1 and Nrf2.

Choleretic and Cholagogic Mechanisms

The water extract from Lysimachia christinae Hance exhibits significant anticholecystitis activity and cholagogic action with promotion of bile secretion and bile emptying. Modulation of intestinal microflora has been identified as an additional pathway for cholesterol gallstone prevention.

Anticancer Mechanisms (In Vitro)

The expression of PARP, Bcl-2, and phospho-Akt decreased, while that of cleaved PARP and p53 increased in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, LHE treatment inhibited epithelial–mesenchymal transition, significantly upregulated E-cadherin level in MCF-7 and HCC38 cells, while vimentin level was downregulated in HCC38 cells. Transwell and wound-healing assays revealed that LHE or rutin inhibited breast cancer cell migration.

Neuroprotective Mechanisms (In Vitro)

L. christinae enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as GPx and GR, increasing intracellular glutathione amounts. It also acts directly as an antioxidant and scavenges ROS. Reduced ROS maintained Ca2+ homeostasis and prevented the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential.

7. Dosage Forms and Reported Dosages

No standardized human clinical dosages have been established in the peer-reviewed literature reviewed. The following represent dosages and forms as reported in specific studies:

In the neuroprotection cell study, HT22 cells were pretreated with L. christinae extract dose-dependently at 1, 10, and 100 μg/ml.
In the breast cancer cell study, breast cancer cell lines were treated with LHE (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8 mg/ml) for 24 hr and 48 hr.
In an acute toxicity study in mice, a single dose of aqueous extract of L. christinae did not lead to death or organ changes even at a dose of 50 g material/kg body weight. This is a preclinical finding and does not translate to human dosage recommendations.
In traditional preparations, the whole plant is harvested in summer and autumn, dried, cut into segments, and used raw in various forms such as teas, capsules, or ointments.
Traditional TCM practice recommends long-term intake for stone treatment — generally more than one month.

The quality standard in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 version) mainly involves the quantification of the marker compounds quercetin and kaempferol, rather than a fixed dose specification for clinical use.

8. Safety Considerations and Interactions

Acute Toxicity Data

In a preclinical acute toxicity study, a single dose of aqueous extract of Lysimachia christinae (LCAE) did not lead to death or changes in body weight gain, main visceral organ indexes, histomorphology of main visceral organs, or blood hemogram and biochemical indexes, even at a dose of 50 g material/kg body weight in mice. While this suggests a relatively low acute toxicity profile in rodent models, the translation of these findings to humans has not been established in controlled clinical studies.

Traditional Safety Cautions

The herb's traditional use as a diuretic carries associated cautions documented in TCM practice. Long-term diuretic use may be associated with electrolyte shifts. Use is traditionally noted to require caution in patients with diarrhea. Patients taking antidiuretic medications are noted in traditional practice sources to require awareness of potential interactions.

Lack of Human Clinical Trials

A significant limitation of the current evidence base is the near-total absence of randomized controlled human clinical trials. Many previous studies have investigated the efficacy of Lysimachiae Herba on liver-related diseases, but scientific studies of its anti-inflammatory properties and precise cellular molecular mechanisms are lacking. This absence of human data means that safety and interaction profiles in clinical populations cannot be characterized from the available peer-reviewed literature.

Quality and Habitat Variability

The landform of Sichuan Province varies greatly from east to west and the terrain is complex and diverse, which has an important influence on the chemical constituents in Lysimachiae Herba. Although Lysimachiae Herba is included in "Sichuan authentic Chinese herbal medicine records," the quality of material from different origins still lacks reliable evaluation methods. This variability in phytochemical composition depending on geographical origin is a relevant consideration for product consistency and safety profiling.

Species Identification and Substitution Risk

The common name "Jin Qian Cao" is applied in Chinese medicine to more than one botanical species. Rigorous species identification is necessary to ensure the correct plant is used, as phytochemical profiles differ substantially between species. Genomic and pharmacopeial methods are being developed to address this. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 version) mainly involves the quantification of quercetin and kaempferol as quality markers for Lysimachiae Herba.

References

Health Conditions

Health conditions that Lysimachia may help support.

No conditions available.

Body Systems

Body systems that Lysimachia may help support.

No body systems available.