Glossy Privet

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum, nu zhen zi) is a Chinese herbal medicine using the dried fruit. Traditionally used as a yin tonic for liver and kidney support and modern research targets include immune and bone health.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Immune and bone support (within formulas)

Limited Evidence

Small Chinese clinical studies use Ligustrum within multi-herb formulas; rigorous Western trials are scarce.

How it works

The fruit contains oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, and iridoid glycosides. Studies in animal models show immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects. Often used in multi-herb traditional Chinese medicine formulas; isolated effects in modern Western trials are limited.

Dosage

Traditional decoction: 6-15 g of dried fruit per day. Extract products vary.

When and how to take it

Taken with meals once or twice daily.

2 commercial forms

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

Dried fruit / decoction

Used in TCM.

Traditional preparation.

Standardized extract

Modern herbal use.

More concentrated active fraction.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Mild GI symptoms occasional.

Who should be cautious

Caution with immunosuppressive therapy. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: limited safety data.

Interactions

Theoretical caution with immunosuppressive medications. Limited modern drug interaction data.

Food sources

Ligustrum berries (not a culinary food)

Amount
n/a
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is glossy privet toxic?⌄

The berries are toxic to humans in raw form in many privet species. Traditional preparations use specific Ligustrum lucidum fruit processed appropriately. Do not forage privet berries casually.

Is glossy privet the same as common hedge privet?⌄

All are in the Ligustrum genus, but L. lucidum is the medicinal species. Common hedge privets are typically L. ovalifolium or L. vulgare with toxic berries.

References

Glossy Privet on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Glossy Privet (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.