Figwort

Botanical

What is it

Figwort refers to plants in the Scrophularia genus, including Scrophularia nodosa (European figwort) and Scrophularia ningpoensis (Chinese figwort, Xuan Shen). It has traditional uses for skin conditions and as a TCM 'yin-nourishing' herb.

Evidence for 2 uses

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

Sore throat (Xuan Shen, TCM)

Limited Evidence

Used in TCM for centuries for throat inflammation, often in combination formulas. Modern controlled trials are limited.

Skin conditions (topical / traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Western herbal tradition uses figwort externally for eczema and chronic skin conditions, but rigorous clinical evidence is lacking.

How it works

Figwort root contains iridoid glycosides (harpagoside, aucubin), phenylpropanoid glycosides, and saponins. These compounds show anti-inflammatory, mild diuretic, and antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. In TCM, Xuan Shen is used for sore throat, thirst, and inflammatory skin conditions; in Western herbalism the European species was used externally for skin disorders. Clinical evidence is limited and consists mostly of small studies and traditional reports.

Dosage

Traditional decoction uses 9-15 g of dried root daily. Tincture and extract doses vary; no standardized recommendation exists.

When and how to take it

Traditional use is divided across the day with water. Short-term use is typical.

2 commercial forms

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

Dried root extract

Used in TCM decoctions and Western tinctures.

Iridoid content varies by source.

Aerial parts liquid extract

Some Western herbal products use this form.

Lower iridoid content than root.

Safety

Generally well-tolerated in traditional dosing. May cause mild GI upset. Cardiac glycoside-like activity has been reported in some Scrophularia species, raising theoretical caution for people with heart conditions.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. People with heart conditions, on cardiac glycosides, or on blood thinners should consult a clinician. Avoid in people with diarrhea per traditional contraindications.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with cardiac medications (digoxin), anticoagulants, and diabetes drugs. Clinical interaction data are sparse.

Frequently asked questions

Is European figwort the same as Xuan Shen?⌄

They are related species in the same genus (Scrophularia) with overlapping but distinct phytochemistry.

Can it affect the heart?⌄

Some species contain cardiac glycoside-like compounds; caution is warranted if you take heart medications.

References

Figwort on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Figwort (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.