Herbs (Global Traditional) · Traditional Chinese Medicine
Chang Shan (Dichroa febrifuga) (Dichroa febrifuga)
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Chang Shan (Dichroa febrifuga) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing febrifugine and halofuginone as primary bioactive alkaloids. These compounds demonstrate anti-malarial activity by inhibiting protein synthesis in Plasmodium parasites and show anti-inflammatory effects through NF-κB pathway modulation.
Chang Shan (Dichroa febrifuga) is a perennial herb native to East Asia, particularly China, where the dried root has been used medicinally for over 2,000 years. The root is typically extracted through cold maceration using ethanol-water or glycerin to preserve its alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and other bioactive compounds.
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified in the available research. Current evidence is limited to preclinical pharmacological studies focusing on isolated compounds like febrifugine rather than whole herb trials in humans. Modern research remains confined to in vitro and animal models.
No clinically studied dosage ranges from human trials are available. Commercial extracts suggest ratios like 1:3 (dry root to menstruum) for tinctures, with one product providing 1156 mg dry root equivalent per serving, though without clinical backing or standardization details. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Chang Shan (Dichroa febrifuga) is not consumed as a food or nutritional supplement; it is classified as a medicinal herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and its value lies entirely in its bioactive alkaloid content rather than macro- or micronutrient contribution. **Key Bioactive Compounds:** • **Febrifugine (dichroine A)** – The principal quinazolinone alkaloid; concentrations vary by plant part but are highest in the root bark, typically reported at approximately 0.05–0.2% of dried root weight. This is the compound primarily responsible for anti-malarial activity, acting as a potent inhibitor of parasite prolyl-tRNA synthetase. • **Isofebrifugine (dichroine B)** – A stereoisomer of febrifugine found in comparable or slightly lower concentrations (~0.02–0.1% of dried root); exhibits similar but somewhat reduced anti-parasitic potency. • **Halofuginone** – A semi-synthetic derivative of febrifugine (not naturally occurring in the plant but pharmacologically relevant); studied extensively for anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor properties. • **Dichroines C and D** – Minor quinazolinone alkaloids present in trace amounts. • **4-Quinazolinone glycosides** – Including β-dichroine; present in leaves and stems at lower concentrations than in roots. • **Other constituents:** Trace amounts of flavonoids, sterols (β-sitosterol), organic acids, and volatile oils have been identified, but these are not well-quantified and are not considered pharmacologically primary. **Macronutrients:** Not applicable — Chang Shan is administered in small therapeutic doses (typically 5–9 g of dried root in decoction per traditional formulary guidelines), contributing negligible calories, protein, fat, or carbohydrate. **Vitamins & Minerals:** No significant vitamin or mineral content has been documented at therapeutic doses. **Fiber:** Not relevant at medicinal dosages. **Bioavailability Notes:** Febrifugine and isofebrifugine are orally bioavailable but have a narrow therapeutic index. Oral absorption is rapid; however, the compounds are strongly emetogenic, which historically limited dose escalation and led to the traditional practice of processing (vinegar-frying/醋炙) the root to reduce nausea and vomiting. Vinegar processing is reported to partially convert febrifugine to isofebrifugine, altering the alkaloid ratio and modestly reducing gastrointestinal toxicity. Hepatotoxicity has been observed at higher doses in animal models, indicating significant first-pass hepatic metabolism and potential for liver injury. The root (根, specifically the root cortex) contains substantially higher alkaloid concentrations than the leaves or stems, making plant-part selection critical for both efficacy and safety.
Febrifugine and halofuginone alkaloids in Chang Shan inhibit protein synthesis in malaria parasites by interfering with prolyl-tRNA synthetase. These compounds also suppress inflammatory responses by blocking NF-κB signaling pathways and reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production. The anti-malarial mechanism specifically targets the parasite's ability to synthesize essential proteins during replication cycles.
Current evidence for Chang Shan consists primarily of preclinical laboratory studies and traditional use documentation. In vitro studies demonstrate febrifugine's effectiveness against Plasmodium falciparum with IC50 values around 0.1-1.0 μM. Animal studies show anti-inflammatory effects, but no human clinical trials have been conducted to confirm safety or efficacy. The evidence remains limited to laboratory research and historical traditional medicine records.
Chang Shan contains potentially toxic alkaloids and should be used with extreme caution. Traditional reports indicate gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea at therapeutic doses. No formal drug interaction studies exist, but the herb may potentially interact with anti-malarial medications and immunosuppressive drugs. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to unknown safety profile and potential alkaloid toxicity.
