Schizonepeta

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

Cataire Japonaise, Chataire Japonaise, Hairy Sage, Herba Schizonepatae, Japanese Catnip, Japanese Mint, Jing Jie, Nepeta multifida, Schizonepetae Herba, Schizonepeta multifida, Schizonepeta Spica, Schizonepeta tenuifolia, Schizonepetae Herba, Tenuifolia.

Overview

Schizonepeta is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Schizonepeta is used for the common cold, fever, sore throat, and heavy menstrual periods. It is also used for skin disorders including eczema, allergic rashes, and psoriasis.

How does it work?

Schizonepeta contains chemicals that might help some skin conditions such as eczema.

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Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Eczema. Scientific studies have shown mixed results. Some research shows that schizonepeta in combination with 9 other herbs (Zemaphyte) might reduce redness and irritation. However, other research shows no effect.
  • Common cold.
  • Fever.
  • Sore throat.
  • Psoriasis.
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of schizonepeta 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

Schizonepeta appears to be safe in low doses for most people. In high doses, a chemical in schizonepeta might damage the liver.

QUESTION

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

Special Precautions & Warnings

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

Liver disease: There is a concern that schizonepeta might make liver disease worse. Don't use it if you have a liver problem.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of schizonepeta 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 schizonepeta. 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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References

Ding AW, Wu H, Kong LD, et al. [Research on hemostatic mechanism of extracts from carbonized Schizonepeta tenuifolia Brig]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 1993;18:598-600, 638. View abstract.

Fung AY, Look PC, Chong LY, et al. A controlled trial of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in Chinese patients with recalcitrant atopic dermatitis. Int J Dermatol 1999;38:387-92 . View abstract.

Fung D, Lau CB. Schizonepeta tenuifolia: chemistry, pharmacology, and clinical applications. J Clin Pharmacol 2002;42:30-6. View abstract.

Kirby AJ, Schmidt RJ. The antioxidant activity of Chinese herbs for eczema and of placebo herbs--I. J Ethnopharmacol 1997;56:103-8. View abstract.

Lin R, Tian J, Huang G, et al. Analysis of menthol in three traditional Chinese medicinal herbs and their compound formulation by GC-MS. Biomed Chromatogr 2002;16:229-33. View abstract.

Liu HN, Jaw SK, Wong CK. Chinese herbs and atopic dermatitis. Lancet 1993;342:1175-6.

Sheehan M, Rustin MHA, Atherton DJ, et al. Efficacy of traditional Chinese herbal therapy in adult atopic dermatitis. Lancet 1992;340:13-17. View abstract.

Sheehan MP, Atherton DJ. A controlled trial of traditional Chinese medicinal plants in widespread non-exudative atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol 1992;126:179-84. View abstract.

Shin TY, Jeong HJ, Jun SM, et al. Effect of Schizonepeta tenuifolia extract on mast cell-mediated immediate-type hypersensitivity in rats. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 1999;21:705-15. View abstract.

Tohda C, Kakihara Y, Komatsu K, Kuraishi Y. Inhibitory effects of methanol extracts of herbal medicines on substance P-induced itch-scratch response. Biol Pharm Bull 2000;23:599-601. View abstract.

Zhang W, Leonard T, Bath-Hextall F, et al. Chinese herbal medicine for atopic eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2004;4:CD002291. View abstract.

Zhou S, Koh HL, Gao Y, et al. Herbal bioactivation: the good, the bad and the ugly. Life Sci 2004;74:935-68. View abstract.