Ilex asprella

Botanical

What is it

Ilex asprella (Gang Mei in Chinese) is a small holly shrub native to southern China. Its roots and leaves are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for sore throat, cough, and inflammatory complaints.

Evidence for 1 use

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Sore throat and respiratory support (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Used in TCM for throat and respiratory complaints. Controlled clinical evidence is lacking.

How it works

The plant contains triterpenoid saponins, polyphenols, and ilexgenin and asprellic acid-type compounds. Laboratory studies suggest anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity in cell models, with some attention to potential effects on respiratory infections. Clinical human research is limited. Most contemporary use rests on classical TCM theory and small experimental studies of specific constituents.

Dosage

Traditional TCM doses use the root in decoction at 15-30 g per day. Modern extract products vary, and no consensus modern dose has been published.

When and how to take it

TCM decoctions are typically taken twice daily. Modern extracts often suggest with-meal dosing for tolerance.

1 commercial form

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Dried root (Gang Mei)

Used in TCM decoctions and herbal blends.

Traditional preparation; saponin content variable.

Safety

Reported side effects from traditional dosing are mild and infrequent. Long-term safety of concentrated extracts has not been formally studied.

Who should be cautious

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Discontinue if rash or GI symptoms develop.

Interactions

No well-characterized drug interactions. Theoretical effects on cytochrome P450 enzymes cannot be ruled out based on related Ilex species.

Frequently asked questions

Is Ilex asprella the same as Ilex paraguariensis (yerba mate)?⌄

No. Both are in the genus Ilex but they are different species with different chemistry and uses.

Will it help my cold or flu?⌄

Traditional use exists, but controlled human evidence is insufficient. See a clinician for severe or persistent symptoms.

References

Ilex asprella on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Ilex asprella (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.