Guan Zhong (Cyrtomium Fortunei) Herb: What It Is, Benefits, and Risks

Ever heard of Guan Zhong? No, it’s not a character from a kung fu movie! It’s actually a fascinating herb that’s been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. Let’s dive into the world of this intriguing plant and uncover its secrets.

What is Guan Zhong?

Guan Zhong, also known as Cyrtomium Fortunei or “Fortune’s holly fern” in English, is a fern species native to East Asia¹. In Chinese medicine, the term “Guan Zhong” typically refers to the rhizomes and remaining leaf bases of several fern species, including²:

• Cyrtomium fortunei J.Sm.
• Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai (commonly known as “Thick-stemmed Wood Fern”)
• Osmunda japonica Thunb. (known as “Asian Royal Fern”)

These plants are widespread across various regions of China, from the northern parts to areas south of the Yangtze River.

In traditional Chinese medicine, they use the roots of this plant, drying and storing them, rather than the entire plant.

Traditional Uses of Guan Zhong

In traditional Chinese medicine, Guan Zhong has been a go-to herb for a variety of ailments. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of the herbal world! Here are some of its traditional uses:

• Clearing heat and detoxifying: Used for conditions associated with “heat” in Chinese medicine, such as fevers and infections³.
• Killing parasites: Particularly effective against intestinal worms⁴.
• Cooling blood and stopping bleeding: Used for various types of bleeding disorders⁵.

Modern Medical Benefits

Now, let’s get to the juicy part – what does modern science say about this ancient herb? While more research is needed, some studies have shown promising results:

1. Antiviral properties: Guan Zhong has shown inhibitory effects against several viruses, including influenza, mumps, and Japanese encephalitis virus⁶.
2. Antiparasitic action: The compounds from Dryopteris crassirhizoma, particularly dryocrassin and flavaspidic acids, have strong antiparasitic effects. They’re especially potent against tapeworms⁷.
3. Hemostatic effects: Guan Zhong can cause uterine contractions, which might explain its traditional use in treating certain types of bleeding⁸.
4. Hepatoprotective effects: A compound injection made from this herb and other herbs has shown promising results in treating hepatitis B⁹.
5. Anti-inflammatory properties: It’s been used successfully in treating viral keratitis (inflammation of the cornea)¹⁰.

Modern medicine has found that this herbal remedy can be used to combat inflammation, stop bleeding, resist parasites, and so on, but these are based on animal studies or a small number of samples. You should be cautious about these results — there is still hope.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

Before you rush out to buy Guan Zhong by the bushel, let’s talk about the potential downsides:

• Toxicity: Some species of Guan Zhong, particularly Dryopteris crassirhizoma, contain toxic compounds. It’s crucial not to exceed recommended dosages¹¹.
• Pregnancy concerns: Pregnant women should avoid this herb due to its effects on the uterus¹².
• Digestive issues: Those with weak digestion or “cold” stomach conditions (in TCM terms) should use caution.

How to Use it

In traditional preparations, Guan Zhong is typically used in the following ways^{13 14}:

• Decoction: 5-15 grams of the herb is boiled in water to make a tea.
• Powder: The dried herb is ground into a powder for use in pills or external applications.
• Medicinal wine: The herb is soaked in alcohol to extract its compounds.

Remember, it’s always best to consult with a qualified practitioner before using any herbal remedies. They can help you navigate the world of traditional medicine safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Guan Zhong is a fascinating herb with a long history in traditional Chinese medicine. While modern research is starting to back up some of its traditional uses, there’s still much to learn about this powerful plant. As with any herbal remedy, it’s important to approach its use with caution and respect. Who knows? Maybe Guan Zhong will be the next big thing in natural health – or maybe it’ll remain a hidden gem in the world of traditional medicine. Either way, it’s certainly a plant worth knowing about!

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7. Zhao H, Xue W. Shengjie Yang, Mingchuan Liu, Qi Zhao[J]. Med Chem Res, 2015, 24: 1644-1652. https://www.naturallivestockfarming.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/ACT-report-team-May2021-Internal-Parasites.pdf ↩︎
8. Choi S Y. Inhibitory effects of Cyrtomium fortunei J. Smith root extract on melanogenesis[J]. Pharmacognosy Magazine, 2013, 9(35): 227. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3732425/ ↩︎
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10. Wang K, Ding R, Lin J, et al. A cross-national comparison of medicinal plants used by the Miao, Yi and Lisu ethnic groups in Yanbian, China[J]. 2020. https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-116799/latest ↩︎
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