Herb Whole plant / Aerial parts (全草 quán cǎo)

Ji Cai

Shepherd's purse · 荠菜

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. · Herba Capsellae Bursa-pastoris

Also known as: Hù Shēng Cǎo (护生草), Dì Cài (地菜), Dì Mǐ Cài (地米菜),

Shepherd's purse is a common edible wild plant widely used in Chinese medicine to stop bleeding, promote urination, and benefit the eyes. It is especially valued for helping with heavy menstrual periods, blood in the urine, and red or painful eyes. As both a food and a medicine, it has a mild, gentle nature suited for most people.

Category Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness (清热燥湿药) Hemostatic herbs (止血药)
Therapeutic focus Eye Health and Vision Women's Health Urinary Health Bleeding Disorders

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cool

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān), Bland (淡 dàn)

Channels entered

Liver, Spleen, Urinary Bladder

Parts used

Whole plant / Aerial parts (全草 quán cǎo)

Available in our store
View in Store
From $24.00

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Herb Does

Every herb has a specific set of actions — here's what Ji Cai does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Ji Cai is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Eye Health and Vision Women's Health Urinary Health Bleeding Disorders

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Ji Cai performs to restore balance in the body:

Cools the Blood and Stops Bleeding Clears Heat and Promotes Urination Clears Liver Heat and Brightens the Eyes Harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach

How these actions work

'Cools Blood and stops bleeding' means Shepherd's purse can help control various types of bleeding that arise from excessive Heat in the Blood. This includes heavy menstrual periods, nosebleeds, blood in the urine, blood in the stool, and vomiting blood. Its cool nature helps settle the Blood back into its proper channels rather than letting it spill out recklessly. It contains compounds (like荠菜酸, or bursic acid) that shorten clotting time.

'Clears Heat and promotes urination' refers to the herb's ability to drain excess fluid and dampness from the body through the urinary system. Because it enters the Urinary Bladder channel and has a bland taste (which is associated with percolating dampness), it is used for edema (swelling from fluid retention), cloudy or difficult urination, and conditions where Damp-Heat accumulates in the lower body.

'Clears Liver Heat and brightens the eyes' describes how Shepherd's purse enters the Liver channel and cools Liver Heat that flares upward to the eyes. This makes it useful for red, swollen, and painful eyes, as well as cloudy vision or corneal opacities. Fresh juice from the root can even be applied directly to the eyes in traditional practice.

'Harmonizes the Spleen' reflects the herb's sweet taste, which gently supports digestive function. Classical texts note it can help settle the Stomach, aid digestion, and treat dysentery and diarrhea.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Ji Cai is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Ji Cai addresses this pattern

When Heat enters the Blood level, it agitates Blood and forces it out of the vessels, causing various types of bleeding. Jì Cài's cool nature directly counteracts this Heat in the Blood, while its sweet and bland tastes gently nourish without creating stagnation. It enters the Liver channel, which stores Blood, and its cooling action settles the Blood back into its proper pathways. This makes it particularly suited for bleeding conditions driven by Blood Heat, including heavy menstrual flow, nosebleeds, hematuria, and hematemesis.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Postmenstrual Bleeding

Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods driven by Blood Heat

Blood in Urine

Hematuria with a sense of heat or burning

Nosebleeds

Nosebleeds from upward flaring of Heat

Dark Blood In Stool

Bloody stool from Heat in the intestines

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Ji Cai is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Blood Heat

TCM Interpretation

In TCM, heavy menstrual bleeding (崩漏 bēng lòu) is most commonly understood as Blood failing to stay within its vessels. When Heat enters the Blood level, it makes the Blood reckless and uncontrollable, causing it to overflow. The Liver stores Blood and governs the smooth flow of Qi. When Liver Heat is excessive, it disrupts the Liver's ability to regulate Blood storage and release, leading to excessive menstrual flow. The Chong and Ren extraordinary vessels, which govern menstruation, become destabilized by this Heat.

Why Ji Cai Helps

Jì Cài's cool nature directly addresses the Heat that makes Blood reckless, while its action of cooling Blood and stopping bleeding targets the core mechanism. It enters the Liver channel where it calms Liver Heat and helps restore the Liver's control over Blood storage. Modern research supports this traditional use: clinical trials have shown that Shepherd's purse extract significantly reduces both heavy menstrual bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage. The herb contains compounds that promote blood clotting and help constrict uterine blood vessels.

Also commonly used for

Blood in Urine

Hematuria from various causes including kidney tuberculosis

Nosebleeds
Blurry Vision

Including corneal opacities (pterygium)

Dysentery

Both acute and chronic dysentery

High Blood Pressure

Especially Liver Yang Rising type; often paired with Xià Kū Cǎo

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Post-delivery uterine bleeding

Urinary Tract Infection

With dampness and heat symptoms

Peptic Ulcer

Gastric ulcer with bleeding

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Cool

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān), Bland (淡 dàn)

Channels Entered

Liver Spleen Urinary Bladder

Parts Used

Whole plant / Aerial parts (全草 quán cǎo)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Ji Cai — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

15-30g (dried herb); 30-60g (fresh herb)

Maximum dosage

Up to 60g of fresh herb or 30g of dried herb in decoction for short-term therapeutic use. Higher culinary amounts (up to 200g fresh) are consumed as food but should not be sustained daily at these levels.

Dosage notes

As a dual-use herb (both food and medicine), dosage varies by purpose. For hemostatic use (stopping bleeding), the standard medicinal decoction dose of 15-30g dried herb is appropriate. For clearing heat and promoting urination (edema, urinary difficulties), the same range applies. For eye conditions, classical formulas sometimes used Ji Cai externally as a fresh juice applied to the eyes, or internally as a decoction or powder. When used as food (in soups, dumplings, etc.), larger quantities of fresh herb (100-200g) can be consumed. The herb's cool nature means those with cold constitutions should use smaller doses or combine with warm-natured ingredients like ginger.

Preparation

No special decoction handling required. Ji Cai is simply decocted with the other herbs in the formula. When used fresh for external eye application (as in classical formulas for eye redness), the fresh root is pounded and the juice is squeezed out and applied directly. When preparing as food, it is advisable to blanch briefly in boiling water first to reduce oxalate content.

Processing Methods

In TCM, the same herb can be prepared in different ways to change its effects — here's how processing alters what Ji Cai does

Processing method

The whole herb is stir-fried over high heat until the exterior is charred black while the interior retains some original color (炒炭存性). It is then removed from heat and allowed to cool.

How it changes properties

Charring enhances the herb's hemostatic (止血) action through the principle that 'charred substances stop bleeding' (血见黑则止). The cool nature is reduced, making the charred form more neutral and less likely to injure the Spleen and Stomach with excessive cold. The diuretic and eye-clearing actions become secondary to the strengthened ability to stanch bleeding.

When to use this form

When the primary goal is to stop active bleeding, such as in heavy menstrual bleeding, nosebleeds, blood in the stool, or vomiting blood, and particularly when the patient has some Spleen Qi weakness that would not tolerate the raw herb's cool nature.

Common Herb Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Ji Cai for enhanced therapeutic effect

Xian He Cao
Xian He Cao 1:1 (Jì Cài 30g : Xiān Hè Cǎo 30g)

Together, Jì Cài and Xiān Hè Cǎo create a powerful hemostatic pair. Jì Cài cools Blood Heat that drives bleeding, while Xiān Hè Cǎo astringes and constricts blood vessels through its bitter, astringent nature. The combination addresses both the root cause (Heat making Blood reckless) and the symptom (active bleeding) simultaneously.

When to use: Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), uterine bleeding, and flooding and spotting (崩漏 bēng lòu) due to Blood Heat.

Che Qian Cao
Che Qian Cao 1:1 (Jì Cài 30g : Chē Qián Cǎo 30g)

Both herbs promote urination and clear Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner, but through complementary mechanisms. Jì Cài clears Heat and drains dampness through the Urinary Bladder channel, while Chē Qián Cǎo (Plantago) is a stronger diuretic that also clears Liver Heat and benefits the eyes. Together they provide enhanced fluid drainage and Heat-clearing.

When to use: Edema with difficult urination, especially yang-type edema with signs of Heat.

Bai Mao Gen
Bai Mao Gen 1:3 to 1:4 (Jì Cài 30-60g : Bái Máo Gēn 120-150g)

Both herbs cool Blood and stop bleeding, and both also promote urination. Jì Cài focuses more on the Liver channel and eye conditions, while Bái Máo Gēn (Imperata root) excels at cooling the Lung and Stomach while generating fluids. Together they provide broad-spectrum hemostatic action that covers multiple organ systems and also support urination.

When to use: Hematuria (blood in urine), or when bleeding is accompanied by Heat in the Blood with mild dehydration. Also used together for children with measles and excessive Heat.

Xia Ku Cao
Xia Ku Cao 1:1 (Jì Cài 60g : Xià Kū Cǎo 60g)

Both herbs clear Liver Heat and descend rising Yang. Jì Cài brightens the eyes and stops bleeding, while Xià Kū Cǎo (Prunella) is stronger at softening hardness and dissipating nodules. Together they provide enhanced Liver-clearing and blood pressure-lowering effects.

When to use: Hypertension due to Liver Yang Rising, with symptoms like headache, dizziness, and red eyes.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Ma Chi Xian
Ji Cai vs Ma Chi Xian

Both Jì Cài and Mǎ Chǐ Xiàn (Purslane) enter the Liver channel, cool Blood, and stop bleeding, and both can treat dysentery. However, Jì Cài is sweet and cool, enters the Urinary Bladder channel, and is better at promoting urination for edema and brightening the eyes for Liver Heat eye conditions. Mǎ Chǐ Xiàn is sour and cold, enters the Large Intestine channel, and excels at clearing Heat-toxin, making it stronger for damp-heat dysentery and skin sores or abscesses.

Xiao Ji
Ji Cai vs Xiao Ji

Both herbs cool Blood and stop bleeding, and both are used for hematuria. However, Xiǎo Jì (Small Thistle) is stronger at cooling Blood and resolving toxin, and is more commonly used for bloody urine and skin sores. Jì Cài has additional strengths in promoting urination for edema, clearing Liver Heat for eye diseases, and harmonizing the Spleen for digestive issues, making it a more versatile herb with broader applications beyond hemostasis.

Di Yu
Ji Cai vs Di Yu

Both cool Blood and stop bleeding, but Dì Yú (Sanguisorba root) is bitter, sour, and cold, with stronger astringent properties. Dì Yú focuses on lower body bleeding (especially bloody dysentery, hemorrhoidal bleeding, and uterine bleeding) and can also be applied topically for burns and eczema. Jì Cài is milder and more versatile, with additional diuretic and eye-brightening actions that Dì Yú lacks.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Ji Cai

Ji Cai can be confused with several visually similar wild plants during field collection: 1. Du Xing Cai (独行菜, Lepidium apetalum) - also in the Brassicaceae family, with similar lobed leaves. Distinguished by its much smaller, less conspicuous flowers and round (not triangular) seed pods. 2. Ni Hu Cai (泥胡菜, Hemistepta lyrata) - a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Distinguished by its two-toned leaves (green above, grey-green with white cobwebby hairs below) and purple composite flower heads rather than white four-petaled flowers. Authentic Ji Cai is identified by its characteristic basal rosette of pinnately lobed leaves, tiny white four-petaled flowers in racemes, and distinctive flattened, heart-shaped or inverted-triangular seed pods. Wild-collected Ji Cai may also be contaminated with heavy metals if gathered from polluted urban areas or roadside locations.

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Ji Cai

Non-toxic

Ji Cai is classified as non-toxic in classical sources. The Ming Yi Bie Lu explicitly states it is "wu du" (无毒, without toxicity). As a widely consumed food plant, it has a strong safety profile at dietary doses. However, very large doses of concentrated extracts may cause heart palpitations or blood pressure changes. The herb contains oxalates which can be reduced by blanching before consumption. Wild-harvested Ji Cai should be sourced carefully, as the plant readily absorbs heavy metals from contaminated soil.

Contraindications

Situations where Ji Cai should not be used or requires extra caution

Avoid

Pregnancy: Ji Cai contains compounds (including shepherd's purse acid / ji cai suan) that can stimulate uterine contractions in an oxytocin-like manner, potentially increasing risk of miscarriage. Avoid during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester.

Caution

Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold (pi wei xu han): Ji Cai is cool in nature. Those with constitutional cold in the digestive system, chronic loose stools, or cold-type abdominal pain should use with caution, as it may worsen these symptoms.

Caution

Patients taking anticoagulant medications (e.g. warfarin): Ji Cai is high in vitamin K (approximately 250 mcg per 100g), which promotes blood clotting and may reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant drugs.

Caution

History of kidney stones: Ji Cai contains oxalates that may contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Those with a history of kidney stones should avoid excessive use.

Caution

Known allergy to Brassicaceae (mustard family) plants: Some individuals may develop allergic reactions including skin itching, redness, or respiratory symptoms.

Caution

Pre-surgical patients: Ji Cai may affect the central nervous system and interact with anesthesia. Discontinue use at least two weeks before scheduled surgery.

Caution

Heart conditions: Large doses may cause heart palpitations. Those with existing cardiac conditions should exercise caution.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Contraindicated during pregnancy. Ji Cai contains compounds that have demonstrated oxytocic (uterine-contracting) effects in laboratory studies, including shepherd's purse acid (ji cai suan) and certain peptides that mimic oxytocin activity. These may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially trigger menstruation or miscarriage. WebMD classifies shepherd's purse as "LIKELY UNSAFE" during pregnancy. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) assessment also states that use should be avoided during pregnancy due to insufficient reproductive toxicity data and concern over uterotonic effects. This is consistent with the herb's traditional use to control postpartum bleeding and promote uterine involution after childbirth, actions that are clearly undesirable during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Not recommended during breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. The European Medicines Agency states that the use of Capsella preparations cannot be recommended during lactation. While Ji Cai is a commonly eaten vegetable at culinary doses, concentrated medicinal preparations should be avoided as it is unknown whether bioactive compounds (particularly those with uterotonic and hemostatic activity) transfer into breast milk or affect the nursing infant.

Children

Ji Cai is widely consumed as a food vegetable and is generally considered safe for children at culinary doses. However, the European Medicines Agency notes that no safety data have been found for the use of Capsella preparations in children, and does not recommend medicinal use in those under 18 years. For dietary use, infants and toddlers (under 3 years) should consume only small amounts, finely chopped or pureed, as the high fiber content may cause digestive discomfort. Always blanch before feeding to children to reduce oxalate content.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Ji Cai

Anticoagulant/antiplatelet medications (e.g. warfarin, heparin, aspirin): Ji Cai has a high vitamin K content (approximately 250 mcg per 100g) which promotes blood clotting. This can directly antagonize the therapeutic effect of vitamin K antagonist drugs like warfarin. Conversely, the herb's own hemostatic compounds may also interact with antiplatelet agents. Patients on anticoagulant therapy should maintain consistent, limited intake and consult their physician.

Oxytocin and uterotonic drugs: Ji Cai has demonstrated oxytocin-synergistic activity. When combined with pharmaceutical oxytocin (as studied in postpartum settings), the uterine-contracting effect may be enhanced. This interaction can be therapeutically useful under medical supervision but is dangerous if unmonitored.

Sedatives and CNS depressants: Ji Cai may cause mild drowsiness and could theoretically potentiate the effects of sedative medications or anesthesia. Discontinue at least two weeks before surgical procedures.

Antihypertensive medications: Ji Cai contains acetylcholine, choline, and other hypotensive compounds. Concurrent use with blood pressure-lowering drugs may cause additive effects, potentially leading to excessive blood pressure reduction.

Thyroid medications: As a Brassicaceae family plant, Ji Cai contains goitrogenic compounds (glucosinolates) that may interfere with thyroid function if consumed in large amounts over prolonged periods. Those on thyroid medications should use with caution.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Ji Cai

When taking Ji Cai for its cooling and hemostatic properties, avoid excessive consumption of spicy, hot, or blood-heating foods (such as chili peppers, strong alcohol, lamb, or deep-fried foods), as these may counteract its cooling and blood-calming effects. For those using it to promote urination or reduce edema, reducing salt intake is advisable. Because Ji Cai is cool in nature, those with weak digestion may pair it with warming ingredients like fresh ginger or scallion to offset its coolness. Blanching the herb before consumption reduces oxalate content and is recommended for those prone to kidney stones.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Ji Cai source plant

Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. is a small annual or biennial herbaceous plant in the Brassicaceae (mustard) family. It typically grows 10 to 50 cm tall, though occasionally reaching up to 60-70 cm. The plant emerges from a basal rosette of deeply lobed (pinnately divided) leaves that lie close to the ground. From this rosette, one or more slender, branching stems arise, bearing smaller, pointed leaves that partially clasp the stem.

The flowers are tiny (about 2.5 mm across), white, with four petals arranged in a cross shape, borne in loose elongating clusters (racemes). The most distinctive feature is the fruit: small, flattened, triangular to heart-shaped seed pods (silicles) about 6 mm long, which resemble a miniature leather purse, giving the plant its common English name "shepherd's purse." The plant grows readily in fields, roadsides, gardens, and disturbed ground across temperate and subtropical regions worldwide. In China, it grows wild throughout the country and is also cultivated in some areas, particularly in Jiangsu, Anhui, and the Shanghai suburbs.

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Ji Cai is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Spring through early summer (March to May), harvested when the whole plant is still tender, before or during early flowering. Can also be gathered in autumn from a second crop.

Primary growing regions

Ji Cai grows wild throughout China and is found in fields, roadsides, and gardens in virtually every province. It is also native to and widespread across Europe and temperate Asia. In China, cultivated Ji Cai is produced commercially in Jiangsu, Anhui, and the Shanghai suburban areas. There is no strongly defined single dao di (terroir) region for this herb, as it is an extremely common and cosmopolitan plant. However, specimens from the Jiangsu-Anhui-Shanghai corridor are considered standard commercial sources.

Quality indicators

Good quality dried Ji Cai should have the whole plant intact with roots, leaves, stems, and some triangular seed pods visible. The stems should be slender and yellowish-green in color. The leaves, though fragile and easily broken, should retain a greyish-green to olive-green color rather than appearing dark brown or blackened. The herb should have a faint, fresh, slightly grassy aroma and a mild, bland taste. The roots should be thin, fibrous, and pale brownish-white. Avoid material that is heavily yellowed, moldy, or contains excessive stem fragments with few leaves. The dried herb should not be stored longer than one year, as it loses potency with age.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Ji Cai and its therapeutic uses

《名医别录》(Ming Yi Bie Lu / Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians)

Original: 「主利肝气，和中。」

Translation: "It primarily benefits Liver Qi and harmonizes the Middle [Burner]."

《本草纲目》(Ben Cao Gang Mu / Compendium of Materia Medica) by Li Shizhen

Original: 「明目，益胃。」

Translation: "Brightens the eyes and benefits the Stomach."

《千金·食治》(Qian Jin · Shi Zhi / Dietary Therapy from Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold)

Original: 「杀诸毒。根，主目涩痛。」

Translation: "Eliminates various toxins. The root primarily treats rough, painful eyes."

《日用本草》(Ri Yong Ben Cao / Materia Medica for Daily Use)

Original: 「凉肝明目。」

Translation: "Cools the Liver and brightens the eyes."

《药性论》(Yao Xing Lun / Treatise on the Nature of Medicinal Substances)

Original: 「烧灰（服），能治赤白痢。」

Translation: "Burned to ash and taken internally, it can treat red and white dysentery."

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Ji Cai's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Ji Cai (荠菜) has been gathered as both a food and medicine in China since ancient times. According to the etymology recorded in the Zhonghua Yaohai (中华药海), the character 荠 (jì) is related to 齐 (qí, meaning "complete" or "to provide equally"), because the plant could sustain people during famines and staunch wounds on the battlefield, making its contributions "all-encompassing." Its alternative name 护生草 (hù shēng cǎo, "life-protecting herb") reflects this dual role as food and healer.

The herb was first recorded medicinally in the Qian Jin Shi Zhi (Dietary Therapy section of Sun Simiao's Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) and in the Ming Yi Bie Lu. The folk saying "三月三，荠菜赛灵丹" ("On the third day of the third month, Ji Cai is better than a miracle pill") testifies to its deep cultural significance as a spring health food. In Chinese culinary tradition, it is one of the most beloved wild vegetables, commonly used in dumplings, wontons, and soups. The plant also has a long history in European herbal medicine, where it was known as Shepherd's Purse and used primarily as a hemostatic (blood-stopping) remedy. Archaeological evidence suggests humans have used this plant for at least 8,000 years, with seeds found in Neolithic settlements in Turkey dating to around 5950 BCE.

Modern Research

5 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Ji Cai

1

Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Capsella Bursa-Pastoris on Heavy Menstrual Bleeding: A Randomized Clinical Trial (Triple-blind RCT, 2018)

Naafe M, Kariman N, Keshavarz Z, Khademi N, Mojab F, Mohammadbeigi A. J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24(7):694-700.

This triple-blind RCT with 84 women found that those taking Capsella bursa-pastoris capsules (640 mg/day) alongside mefenamic acid experienced a significantly greater reduction in menstrual bleeding compared to the group taking mefenamic acid with placebo (p < 0.001).

DOI
2

Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Capsella Bursa Pastoris on Early Postpartum Hemorrhage: A Clinical Trial Study (RCT, 2017)

Ghalandari S, Kariman N, Sheikhan Z, Mojab F, Mirzaei M, Shahrahmani H. J Altern Complement Med. 2017;23(10):794-799.

In this RCT of 100 postpartum women, sublingual drops of Capsella bursa-pastoris extract added to standard oxytocin infusion produced a significantly greater reduction in postpartum bleeding compared to oxytocin plus placebo (p < 0.001).

PubMed
3

Shepherd's Purse Polyphenols Exert Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effects via MAPK and NF-κB Pathway Suppression (In vitro and in vivo study, 2019)

Peng J, Hu T, Li J, Du J, Zhu K, Cheng B, Li K. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2019;2019:7202695.

This study identified 24 chemical compounds in shepherd's purse (mainly phenolic acids and flavonoids) and demonstrated that the extract inhibited production of inflammatory mediators (NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6) in macrophages and reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice, acting through p38 MAPK and NF-κB pathway inhibition.

DOI
4

Capsella bursa-pastoris Extract Alleviates Cataract Development by Regulating the Mitochondrial Apoptotic Pathway (Preclinical, 2022)

Xie LK, Xu XJ, Wu X, Wang MJ, Gao CF, Wang DM, Ren SM, Pan YN, Liu XQ. J Ethnopharmacol. 2022;284:114783.

This study investigated the traditional use of Ji Cai for eye disorders. The extract was shown to protect lens epithelial cells from oxidative damage by regulating the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, supporting the classical TCM indication of treating eye cloudiness (yi zhang).

PubMed
5

Traditional Uses, Bioactive Compounds, and New Findings on Pharmacological, Nutritional, Cosmetic and Biotechnology Utility of Capsella bursa-pastoris (Review, 2024)

Łukaszyk A, Kwiecień I, Szopa A. Nutrients. 2024;16(24):4390.

A comprehensive review summarizing the phytochemistry and pharmacology of shepherd's purse. The main bioactive compounds identified include flavonoids (kaempferol, quercetin), phenolic acids, amino acids, phytosterols, and vitamins. The review confirmed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anticancer, and antihemorrhagic properties.

DOI

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.