Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata) (Pinellia ternata)

Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata) is a medicinal rhizome with limited conventional nutritional data, but several bioactive compounds have been identified and partially quantified. Macronutrients: Carbohydrates are the dominant macronutrient, comprising approximately 60-70% of dry weight, primarily as starch and polysaccharides (beta-glucans and galactomannans at roughly 10-15% of dry weight). Protein content is approximately 5-8% dry weight, including lectins and enzymes. Crude fiber content is approximately 8-12% dry weight. Fat content is minimal at approximately 1-3% dry weight, including small amounts of fatty acids. Key Bioactive Compounds: (1) Alkaloids - including ephedrine-like compounds and choline at approximately 0.01-0.05% dry weight, contributing to anti-nausea and expectorant effects. (2) Saponins (triterpene glycosides) at approximately 0.5-2% dry weight, responsible for expectorant and mucolytic activity; bioavailability is moderate but enhanced by processing (pao zhi). (3) Homogentisic acid at trace levels (approximately 0.1-0.3 mg/g dry weight), contributing to anti-inflammatory activity. (4) Beta-sitosterol at approximately 0.05-0.1% dry weight, supporting anti-inflammatory and digestive effects. (5) Oxalic acid crystals (calcium oxalate raphides) are present in raw form at significant concentrations (~2-4% dry weight), which are irritating and toxic; these are substantially reduced through processing with ginger or alum. (6) Polysaccharides including Pinellia polysaccharides (PPS) at approximately 8-12% dry weight, demonstrating immunomodulatory and anti-tumor properties in research settings. (7) Amino acids including aspartic acid, glutamic acid, and arginine are present in small quantities totaling approximately 3-5% dry weight. Minerals: Calcium is present at approximately 200-400 mg/100g dry weight (partially bound as calcium oxalate in raw form), potassium at approximately 300-500 mg/100g, magnesium at approximately 50-100 mg/100g, and iron at approximately 5-15 mg/100g. Vitamins: Limited data exists; trace amounts of B vitamins (B1, B2) have been detected but not consistently quantified. Bioavailability Notes: Raw Ban Xia has significantly reduced bioavailability of beneficial compounds due to calcium oxalate crystals causing mucosal irritation; traditional processing (pao zhi) with ginger juice, alum, or lime substantially reduces oxalate content by 60-80% and increases the bioavailability of alkaloids and saponins. Decoction (water extraction) extracts approximately 30-50% of water-soluble polysaccharides and alkaloids. Co-administration with ginger (Sheng Jiang) is traditional and pharmacologically synergistic, enhancing anti-emetic alkaloid absorption.