Glossy Privet

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

Aligustre, Chinese Linguster, Chinese Ligustrum, Chinese Privet, Dongqingzi, Chinese Wax-leaf Privet, Joteishi, Ligustro, Ligustro Ceroso, Ligustrum, Ligustrum Fruit, Ligustrum lucidum, Nu Zhen, Nu Zhen Zi, Nuzhenzi, To-Nezumimochi, Tree Privet, Troène, Troène de Chine, Troène à Feuilles Brillantes, Trueno, White Waxtree, Yojungja.

Overview

Glossy privet is a plant. The ripe fruit is used to make medicine. Be careful not to confuse glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum) with other species of privet such as Japanese privet, border privet, Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), common privet, golden privet, and others.

Glossy privet is used for promoting growth and darkening of hair, reducing facial dark spots, rapid heartbeat (palpitations), achy joints (rheumatism), swelling, tumors, dizziness (vertigo), common cold, congestion, constipation, deafness, fever, headache, liver disease (hepatitis), trouble sleeping (insomnia), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), promoting youthfulness, and extending lifespan. It is also used to induce sweating, as a tonic, for improving immune function, and for reducing the side effects of cancer treatment (chemotherapy). Glossy privet is also used for blurred vision, dizziness, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and sore back and knees.

How does it work?

It is not well understood how glossy privet might work. There is some evidence that it may stimulate the immune system and help fight cancer.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of glossy privet for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

Glossy privet might be safe for most adults when used appropriately. Some people may have allergic reactions such as a runny nose and asthma.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of glossy privet during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergy to the pollen of olive and related plants: Glossy privet may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Oleaceae family of plants. Members of this family include common privet (Ligustrum vulgare), olive, ash, and lilac. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking glossy privet.

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Interactions


LithiumInteraction Rating: Moderate Be cautious with this combination.Talk with your health provider.

Glossy privet might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking glossy privet might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of glossy privet depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for glossy privet. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

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You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Batanero E, Gonzalez De La Pena MA, Villalba M, et al. Isolation, cDNA cloning and expression of Lig v 1, the major allergen from privet pollen. Clin Exp Allergy 1996;26:1401-10. View abstract.

Khoo KS, Ang PT. Extract of astragalus membranaceus and ligustrum lucidum does not prevent cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression. Singapore Med J 1995;36:387-90. View abstract.

Lau BH, Ruckle HC, Botolazzo T, Lui PD. Chinese medicinal herbs inhibit growth of murine renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Biother 1994;9:153-61. View abstract.

Niikawa M, Hayashi H, Sato T, et al. Isolation of substances from glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum Ait.) inhibiting the mutagenicity of benzo[a]pyrene in bacteria. Mutat Res 1993;319:1-9. View abstract.

Pajaron MJ, Vila L, Prieto I, et al. Cross-reactivity of Olea europaea with other Oleaceae species in allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Allergy 1997;52:829-35. View abstract.

Rittenhouse JR, Lui PD, Lau BH. Chinese medicinal herbs reverse macrophage suppression induced by urological tumors. J Urol 1991;146:486-90. View abstract.

Sun Y, Hersh EM, Talpaz M, et al. Immune restoration and/or augmentation of local graft versus host reaction by traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Cancer 1983;52:70-3. View abstract.