Coin-leaved desmodium

BotanicalBest taken away from food

What is it

Coin-leaved desmodium (Desmodium styracifolium) is a legume traditionally used in Chinese medicine, where it is called guang jin qian cao. It is used for urinary stones and 'damp-heat' conditions.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Adjunctive support for urinary stones

Limited Evidence

Small clinical reports and traditional use suggest possible benefit as adjunctive therapy for kidney stones. Independent rigorous trials are limited.

How it works

Desmodium styracifolium contains flavonoids, alkaloids, and triterpenes. Animal studies and small clinical reports describe diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and stone-dissolving effects. The most studied modern use is supportive treatment for kidney stones, where it may help with stone passage in combination with conventional therapy. Independent high-quality human trials are limited.

Dosage

Traditional decoction doses use 15 to 60 g per day of the dried aerial parts. Extract supplement doses vary widely.

When and how to take it

Traditional decoctions are typically taken between meals. Drink ample water with use.

1 commercial form

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Coin-leaf desmodium aerial parts extract

Most products use a dried-aerial-part decoction or extract used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Flavonoid absorption variable; standardization not common.

Safety

Generally well tolerated in traditional doses. Reported side effects include mild gastrointestinal symptoms. People with kidney disease should consult a clinician before use.

Who should be cautious

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should avoid. Use cautiously with diuretics and consult a clinician if you have a history of kidney disease.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with diuretics and lithium. Limited formal pharmacokinetic interaction data.

Frequently asked questions

Can coin-leaf desmodium dissolve kidney stones?⌄

Traditional use is supportive in stone passage. It is not a substitute for medical evaluation and management of kidney stones.

Is it safe?⌄

Generally well tolerated in traditional doses. Pregnant people should avoid and those with kidney disease should consult a clinician first.

References

Coin-leaved desmodium on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Coin-leaved desmodium (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.