Fructus Gardenia (Shan Zhi Zi)

Alias:
Gardenia, Shan Zhi Zi, Zhi Zi Flower

Properties:
Bitter, Cold

Pharmacological Effects:

• Gardenia (Zhi Zi) has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, draining fire, cooling the blood, promoting urination, and calming the mind. It is commonly used to treat symptoms caused by damp-heat, such as jaundice, yellow urine, thirst, constipation, and dysentery.
• Gardenia contains several active components like geniposide and genipin, which have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. These compounds help fight bacterial infections and inhibit tumor cell growth.
• Gardenia has protective effects on the liver, helping to promote detoxification and improve liver function, making it beneficial for conditions like liver dysfunction and fatty liver.
• Modern research also shows that Gardenia has a regulatory effect on the nervous system, helping to alleviate anxiety and insomnia, with sedative and calming effects.
• Additionally, Gardenia has blood pressure-lowering properties and can be used to treat symptoms related to hypertension.