Arisaema amurense

Botanical

What is it

Arisaema amurense is a flowering plant in the arum family, native to East Asia. The rhizome (called tian nan xing) is used in traditional Chinese medicine after careful processing to reduce toxicity.

How it works

The raw rhizome contains calcium oxalate crystals and irritant compounds that can cause severe oral and gastrointestinal irritation. Traditional preparation involves boiling with ginger or other agents to reduce toxicity before use. Traditional Chinese medicine uses prepared Arisaema for 'wind-phlegm' patterns related to cough and convulsions. Modern pharmacological mechanisms are not well established in peer-reviewed literature, and human clinical trials are limited.

Dosage

Traditional decoction doses for prepared rhizome range from 3 to 10 g. There is no recommendation for unprepared raw plant material. Self-administration of any form is not recommended.

When and how to take it

Traditional decoctions are typically administered under practitioner supervision rather than as a self-administered supplement.

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Prepared Arisaema (tian nan xing)

Used in traditional Chinese medicine after ginger-juice or other processing to reduce toxicity.

Processing reduces irritant content; raw plant is toxic.

Safety

Raw Arisaema is highly irritating and potentially toxic. Even prepared rhizome can cause adverse effects. Reports include severe oropharyngeal irritation from raw exposure.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in children. Should not be used without guidance from a qualified traditional medicine practitioner.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with sedative or anticonvulsant medications due to traditional use for convulsions. Few formal pharmacokinetic interaction studies exist.

Frequently asked questions

Is Arisaema safe to use?⌄

Raw plant material is toxic. Even properly prepared forms carry risk. Use only under qualified practitioner guidance.

What is Arisaema used for?⌄

Traditional Chinese medicine uses prepared Arisaema for certain cough and convulsion patterns. Modern human evidence is limited.

References

Arisaema amurense on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Arisaema amurense on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Arisaema amurense (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.