Erigeron breviscapus

Botanical

What is it

Erigeron breviscapus (deng zhan hua, lifeflower) is a flowering plant native to China. The whole plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine for stroke recovery, coronary heart disease, and visual disorders. Its active compound breviscapine (a mixture of flavonoid glycosides, primarily scutellarin) is used in Chinese pharmacy as both oral and injectable preparations.

Evidence for 3 uses

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

Stroke recovery

Good Evidence

Numerous Chinese trials support benefit, particularly with injectable breviscapine. Independent international replication is limited.

Coronary heart disease symptoms

Limited Evidence

Used as adjunct in angina; methodological quality of trials varies.

Diabetic and other retinopathies

Limited Evidence

Some Chinese trials report benefits; quality variable.

How it works

Breviscapine (scutellarin) has demonstrated vasodilatory, antiplatelet, neuroprotective, and antioxidant effects in laboratory and animal studies. In China, breviscapine injection is widely used in stroke and cardiovascular patients. Numerous clinical trials in Chinese journals support benefits in stroke recovery, although methodological quality varies. Use outside China is limited.

Dosage

Breviscapine oral preparations: 60 to 180 mg per day. Injectable preparations are used only in clinical settings under medical supervision.

When and how to take it

Oral preparations typically divided across the day. Injectable use is clinical.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Breviscapine oral tablet/capsule

Common oral form used in China.

Modest oral bioavailability.

Breviscapine injection

Intravenous form used in stroke and cardiovascular care in China.

Used in clinical settings only.

Safety

Generally well tolerated in clinical use. Mild GI upset, allergic reactions, and infrequent injection-site reactions for the IV form. Rare hepatotoxicity has been reported.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Use cautiously in people on blood thinners. Discontinue at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgery.

Interactions

May potentiate anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (additive antiplatelet effect). Theoretical interaction with calcium channel blockers and other vasodilators.

Frequently asked questions

Is Erigeron breviscapus available outside China?⌄

Limited availability. It is more widely used in China than in Western countries.

Can it replace conventional stroke treatment?⌄

No. It may be used adjunctively in some Chinese practice settings, but standard stroke care is essential.

References

Erigeron breviscapus on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Erigeron breviscapus on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Erigeron breviscapus (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.