Cornus fruit

Ingredient Profile

Chinese Name山茱萸
PinyinShan Zhu Yu

Modern Research Perspective

Cornus fruit contains iridoid glycosides, organic acids, tannins, and other constituents. Cell and animal studies have explored antioxidant, metabolic, renal, reproductive, and vascular pathways, but findings vary with species, processing, and dose.

Human clinical evidence for a standardized single fruit material is limited. Dose, interactions, reproductive safety, quality control, and long-term outcomes remain incompletely defined.

Traditional Function

In traditional Chinese medicine, Cornus Fruit is sour, astringent, and slightly warm. It is used to tonify the Liver and Kidney, secure essence, stabilize excessive sweating or urination, and support deficiency patterns. Its use is individualized according to deficiency and leakage.