Lophatherum

botanical
Take on an empty stomach

What is it

Lophatherum (Lophatherum gracile, known as dan zhu ye) is a perennial grass used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear heat, calm irritability, and support urinary symptoms.

Evidence for 1 use

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

TCM heat-clearing applications

Mixed

Traditional use is consistent within TCM, but modern controlled human evidence is limited.

How it works

The leaves contain triterpenoids (arundoin, friedelin), flavonoids, and phenolic acids. In TCM theory it clears heat from the heart and small intestine. Modern research is limited, with some preclinical studies suggesting anti-inflammatory and mild diuretic activity. It is commonly used in TCM herbal formulas alongside other heat-clearing herbs for conditions described as having an inflammatory or febrile character.

Dosage

Traditional decoctions use 6 to 9 g of dried leaf daily. Modern extract products vary.

When and how to take it

Traditionally taken between meals as part of a multi-herb formula.

1 commercial form

Dried leaf or decoction

Not well characterized.

Most commonly encountered in multi-herb TCM formulas rather than as standalone supplement.

Safety

Considered safe at traditional doses with limited reports of adverse effects. Long-term safety data are limited.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and lactation due to limited safety data.

Interactions

No well-documented drug interactions. Theoretical interactions with diuretics.

Frequently asked questions

What does "clear heat" mean in TCM?⌄

A traditional Chinese medicine concept that loosely corresponds to addressing inflammation, fever, or irritability symptoms.

Is lophatherum safe?⌄

Safe at traditional doses; modern long-term safety data are limited.

References

  • Lophatherum on Wikidata — Wikidata link
  • Lophatherum on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link
  • Research on Lophatherum (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.