Herbs (Global Traditional) · Traditional Chinese Medicine
Leonurus japonicus
Moderate Evidencebotanical
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Leonurus japonicus is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing stachydrine and leonurine as primary bioactive compounds. The plant demonstrates clinical potential for postpartum hemorrhage prevention and shows preclinical anti-cancer activity through PI3K/AKT pathway inhibition.
Leonurus japonicus (Chinese motherwort) is a perennial herb native to East Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea, belonging to the Lamiaceae family. The aerial parts (stems and leaves) are harvested and processed through alcoholic/ethanol extracts (99% ethanol yielding 16.7%) or aqueous/hydroalcoholic extracts to produce standardized supplements rich in alkaloids and flavonoids.
Clinical evidence for Leonurus japonicus is limited primarily to one meta-analysis protocol (searches to July 2021) evaluating leonurus japonicus injection for postpartum hemorrhage prevention, though specific PMIDs and sample sizes were not provided. The majority of research consists of preclinical cell and animal studies investigating anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and muscle-protective effects, with no standalone human RCTs identified in PubMed.
No clinically studied dosage ranges for Leonurus japonicus extracts, powders, or standardized forms are specified in available human trials. Clinical formulations exist as tablets, capsules, and injections but lack published dosing details. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Leonurus japonicus (Yi Mu Cao / Chinese Motherwort) is used as a medicinal herb rather than a dietary food source, so conventional macronutrient profiling (carbohydrates, fats, protein) is not the primary focus. Its value lies in its rich bioactive compound profile: **Key Alkaloids:** • Leonurine (SCM-198) — principal bioactive alkaloid, typically 0.5–1.5% in dried aerial parts; responsible for major uterotonic, cardioprotective, and vasorelaxant effects; moderate oral bioavailability with hepatic first-pass metabolism • Stachydrine (proline betaine) — approximately 0.1–1.0% of dried herb; osmolyte with reported anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective activity • Leonuridine and leonurinine — minor alkaloids contributing to overall pharmacological profile **Terpenoids & Diterpenes:** • Leoheterin, leosibirin, and related labdane-type diterpenes — present in trace to moderate amounts; exhibit cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory properties • Ursolic acid — triterpene present at approximately 0.05–0.2%; known anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective agent **Flavonoids:** • Rutin — approximately 0.3–0.8% in dried herb; antioxidant with moderate bioavailability improved by gut microbiota hydrolysis to quercetin • Quercetin, kaempferol, and hyperoside — collectively ~0.1–0.5%; potent free radical scavengers • Genkwanin and apigenin glycosides — present in smaller quantities **Phenolic Acids:** • Caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid — approximately 0.05–0.3%; antioxidant and anti-inflammatory • Ferulic acid — trace amounts; synergistic antioxidant activity **Iridoid Glycosides:** • Leonuride (ajugol) — ~0.1–0.4%; contributes to anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects **Volatile Oils:** • Trace amounts (~0.02–0.05%) containing caryophyllene, limonene, and linalool **Minerals (approximate, per dried herb):** • Potassium: 15–25 mg/g • Calcium: 8–15 mg/g • Magnesium: 2–5 mg/g • Iron: 0.1–0.5 mg/g • Zinc and manganese: trace amounts **Vitamins:** • Vitamin C: small amounts in fresh herb (~10–30 mg/100g fresh weight), largely degraded upon drying • B-vitamins: trace, not clinically significant **Fiber & Other:** • Crude fiber: approximately 10–15% of dried aerial parts • Crude protein: approximately 8–12% of dried herb (not a practical protein source) • Polysaccharides: ~3–5%, with potential immunomodulatory activity **Bioavailability Notes:** • Leonurine shows moderate oral bioavailability (~20–40% estimated in animal models); absorption is enhanced in aqueous or hydroalcoholic extractions (traditional decoction method) • Stachydrine is water-soluble with relatively good oral absorption • Flavonoid glycosides require intestinal hydrolysis for aglycone absorption; co-administration with lipids may improve uptake of lipophilic diterpenes • Traditional preparation as a decoction (煎剂) or as injectable formulations (clinical setting) significantly alters bioavailable fraction compared to raw herb ingestion • Hepatotoxicity has been reported at high doses, attributed to diterpene accumulation — therapeutic dosing in TCM is typically 9–30 g of dried herb per decoction
Leonurus japonicus contains stachydrine and leonurine alkaloids that modulate uterine smooth muscle contractions through calcium channel regulation. Ethanol extracts inhibit the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, reducing cancer cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. The herb's cardiovascular effects involve beta-adrenergic receptor modulation and improved cardiac contractility.
A meta-analysis protocol evaluated leonurus japonicus injection combined with carboprost tromethamine in high-risk pregnant women for postpartum hemorrhage prevention, though complete results remain preliminary. Most evidence comes from preclinical studies demonstrating anti-cancer properties against various cell lines. Current clinical data is limited, with traditional use primarily supporting reproductive health applications. Rigorous human trials with standardized extracts are needed to establish therapeutic efficacy and optimal dosing protocols.
Leonurus japonicus may cause uterine stimulation and should be avoided during pregnancy except under medical supervision for postpartum hemorrhage. Potential interactions with anticoagulant medications due to bleeding-related effects require monitoring. Common side effects may include gastrointestinal upset and dizziness at higher doses. Patients with cardiovascular conditions should consult healthcare providers before use due to cardiac activity of alkaloid compounds.
