What patterns does Ji Li address?

Ji Li addresses these TCM patterns of disharmony: Liver Yang Rising, Liver Qi Stagnation, Wind-Heat, Wind Rash (Feng Zhen).

What conditions is Ji Li used for?

Ji Li is commonly used for: Headaches, High Blood Pressure, Dizziness, Red Eyes, Blurry Vision, Hives, Itchy Skin, Breast Pain, Low Breast Milk Supply, Vitiligo, Rib Pain. A TCM practitioner would consider this herb when these conditions arise from the specific patterns it addresses.

Herb Fruit (果 guǒ / 果实 guǒ shí)

Ji Li

Q: What are the TCM actions of Ji Li?

The TCM actions of Ji Li include: Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang, Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint, Dispels Wind and Brightens the Eyes, Relieves Itching, Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis.

Tribulus fruit · 蒺藜

Tribulus terrestris L. · Fructus Tribuli

Also known as: Bái Jì Lí (白蒺藜), Cì Jì Lí (刺蒺藜), Yìng Jì Lí (硬蒺藜), Jì Lí Zi (蒺藜子), Puncture vine fruit, Tribulus fruit, Caltrop fruit, Sān Jiǎo Cì (三角刺), Gǒu Wá Cì (狗娃刺)

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Tribulus fruit is a Liver-focused herb in Chinese medicine that helps calm an overactive Liver, relieve emotional tension, and clear Wind from the body. It is commonly used for headaches and dizziness related to stress or high blood pressure, eye redness, itchy skin rashes, and chest or breast discomfort caused by emotional constraint.

Category Liver-calming and Wind-extinguishing herbs (平肝息风药)

Therapeutic focus Eye Health and Vision Skin Health Headache and Dizziness Relief Emotional Wellbeing Blood Pressure Support

TCM Properties

Temperature

Slightly Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels entered

Liver

Parts used

Fruit (果 guǒ / 果实 guǒ shí)

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 Li does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

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

Eye Health and Vision Skin Health Headache and Dizziness Relief Emotional Wellbeing Blood Pressure Support

TCM Actions

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

Calms the Liver and Subdues Yang Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint Dispels Wind and Brightens the Eyes Relieves Itching Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis

How these actions work

'Calms the Liver and subdues Liver Yang' means this herb helps bring down excessive upward-rising activity from the Liver. In TCM, when the Liver becomes overactive (a pattern called Liver Yang Rising), it can cause headaches, dizziness, and irritability. Jì Lí's bitter taste has a natural descending action, and entering the Liver channel gives it a direct calming effect on Liver Yang. This is the reason it appears in prescriptions for hypertension-related headaches and dizziness.

'Soothes the Liver and resolves constraint' refers to the herb's ability to restore the smooth flow of Qi through the Liver system. When Liver Qi becomes stuck (stagnant), it causes a sense of tightness or distension in the chest and rib area, breast distension, and emotional frustration. Jì Lí's pungent taste gives it a spreading, moving quality that helps unblock this stagnation. This is why it is traditionally used for breast distension, blocked lactation, and rib-area pain.

'Dispels Wind and brightens the eyes' means Jì Lí can clear pathogenic Wind from the Liver channel, particularly Wind-Heat that attacks the eyes. Since the Liver "opens to the eyes" in TCM theory, Liver channel Wind-Heat often manifests as red, painful, itchy, or tearing eyes, and even corneal opacities. The herb's pungent quality disperses Wind while its Liver affinity directs this action to eye problems.

'Stops itching' describes the herb's ability to relieve skin itching caused by Wind, whether from external Wind-Heat or internal Blood Deficiency generating Wind. Itchy rashes and hives are commonly attributed to Wind in TCM, and Jì Lí's Wind-dispelling action addresses the root cause.

'Invigorates Blood' means it gently moves and activates Blood circulation. While not as strong as dedicated Blood-moving herbs, this action supports its effectiveness in treating breast lumps, masses, and menstrual issues related to Blood stasis combined with Liver Qi stagnation.

Patterns Addressed

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

Why Ji Li addresses this pattern

Jì Lí enters the Liver channel and has a bitter, descending nature that directly counteracts the upward surge of Liver Yang. Its calming effect on the Liver helps bring Yang back down, while its mild pungent quality prevents complete stagnation of Liver Qi. This makes it well suited for the headaches, dizziness, and irritability that characterize Liver Yang Rising, though it is milder than heavy minerals like Shí Jué Míng and is often combined with them for stronger effect.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Headaches

Headache at the temples or vertex, worsened by stress

Dizziness

Dizziness and a sense of unsteadiness

Irritability

Irritability and emotional volatility

Tinnitus

Ringing in the ears

Why Ji Li addresses this pattern

Jì Lí is pungent and enters the Liver channel, giving it a strong dispersing and unblocking action on stagnant Liver Qi. Its ability to soothe the Liver and resolve constraint addresses the core pathomechanism of this pattern, while its secondary Blood-invigorating action helps prevent Qi stagnation from progressing into Blood stasis. This combination is especially useful for rib-area distension, breast pain, and blocked lactation due to Liver Qi not flowing smoothly.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Rib Pain

Distension and pain along the ribs and flanks

Breast Pain

Breast distension or pain, especially premenstrual

Low Breast Milk Supply

Blocked lactation due to emotional stress

Chest Stiffness

A sense of fullness and oppression in the chest

Why Ji Li addresses this pattern

Jì Lí's pungent quality gives it the ability to scatter and dispel Wind-Heat from the Liver channel, which in TCM governs the eyes. When Wind-Heat attacks upward, it causes eye redness, excessive tearing, corneal opacities, and itchy, painful eyes. Jì Lí disperses this Wind-Heat while simultaneously calming the Liver, addressing both the external pathogenic factor and the organ system most affected. Its direct Liver channel entry makes it particularly targeted for eye disorders.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Red Eyes

Red, swollen, painful eyes

Excessive Sweating

Excessive tearing, especially in wind

Blurry Vision

Blurred vision or visual obstruction from corneal opacity

Commonly Used For

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

Arises from: Liver Yang Rising

TCM Interpretation

In TCM, many cases of high blood pressure correspond to Liver Yang Rising, where the Liver's Yang aspect becomes excessive and surges upward. This creates pressure in the head, manifesting as headaches, dizziness, a red face, and irritability. The root may involve Kidney Yin failing to anchor Liver Yang, or Liver Qi stagnation transforming into excessive upward movement. The head, eyes, and ears bear the brunt of this rising Yang, which is why hypertension-related symptoms concentrate in these areas.

Why Ji Li Helps

Jì Lí enters the Liver channel and has a bitter, descending quality that directly subdues rising Liver Yang. Unlike heavy mineral substances that forcefully suppress Yang, Jì Lí works more gently while also soothing Liver Qi stagnation, an important contributor to the condition. Its ability to address both the Yang Rising and the underlying Qi stagnation makes it a versatile choice. In clinical practice, it is often combined with stronger Liver-calming agents like Gōu Téng (Uncaria) and Shí Jué Míng (Abalone shell) for a more robust effect.

Arises from: Wind Rash (Feng Zhen)

TCM Interpretation

TCM views hives (urticaria) as primarily a Wind condition. Wind is the pathogenic factor that causes things to appear and disappear rapidly and to move from place to place, which matches the characteristic behaviour of hives. The Wind may be external (triggered by weather, allergens) or internal (generated by Blood Deficiency or Liver dysfunction). The Liver governs the smooth flow of Qi and stores the Blood that nourishes the skin. When the Liver is out of balance, it can generate internal Wind or fail to properly circulate Blood to the skin surface, making the body vulnerable to itchy, wandering rashes.

Why Ji Li Helps

Jì Lí is a Wind-dispelling herb that enters the Liver channel, making it targeted for Wind conditions related to Liver dysfunction. Its pungent quality allows it to reach the skin surface and scatter Wind, directly addressing the itching and the appearance of wheals. It is typically combined with other Wind-dispelling herbs like Jīng Jiè (Schizonepeta) and Fáng Fēng (Saposhnikovia) for acute cases, or with Blood-nourishing herbs like Dāng Guī (Angelica sinensis) and Hé Shǒu Wū (Polygonum) for chronic, Blood Deficiency-related itching.

Also commonly used for

Headaches

Especially tension-type or stress-related headaches with dizziness

Dizziness

Due to Liver Yang Rising or Liver Wind

Blurry Vision

Corneal opacities or pterygium

Itchy Skin

Pruritus from Wind, including eczema and dermatitis

Breast Pain

Fibrocystic breast changes, premenstrual breast distension

Low Breast Milk Supply

Insufficient lactation due to Liver Qi stagnation

Vitiligo

Classical single-herb use documented in the Qian Jin Fang

Rib Pain

Intercostal pain from Liver Qi stagnation

Herb Properties

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

Temperature

Slightly Warm

Taste

Acrid / Pungent (辛 xīn), Bitter (苦 kǔ)

Channels Entered

Liver

Parts Used

Fruit (果 guǒ / 果实 guǒ shí)

Dosage & Preparation

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

Standard dosage

6–10g

Maximum dosage

Up to 15g in decoction under practitioner supervision for acute conditions. Some classical powder formulas used larger amounts (up to 30-60g daily in divided doses over extended periods for conditions like vitiligo or breast lumps), but these require close monitoring.

Dosage notes

The standard decoction dose is 6-10g. For calming Liver Yang rising (headache, dizziness), 6-9g is typical, often combined with other Liver-pacifying herbs. For dispersing Liver Qi stagnation causing breast distension or blocked lactation, moderate doses (9-10g) are used. In powder form for skin conditions like vitiligo, classical formulas prescribed approximately 6g per dose, taken 2-3 times daily. The dry-fried form (炒蒺藜) is preferred for Liver-calming purposes, as frying moderates the herb's dispersing nature. The salt-processed form (盐蒺藜) is used when directing the herb's action downward toward the Kidneys. The raw form has stronger Wind-dispersing and Blood-moving action.

Preparation

No special decoction handling is required. Ji Li is typically dry-fried (炒) until slightly yellow and then the thorns are ground off before use. This is the standard form dispensed in herbal pharmacies (炒蒺藜). For directing the herb's action toward the lower body and Kidneys, it may be salt-processed (盐蒺藜). If using unprocessed Ji Li, the sharp thorns should still be removed or the herb wrapped in cloth (包煎) to prevent the spines from irritating the throat.

Processing Methods

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

Processing method

Stir-fried until slightly yellow in colour, then the spines are ground off (碾去刺).

How it changes properties

Stir-frying reduces the raw herb's pungent, dispersing nature. The processed form becomes less scattering and better at calming Liver Yang and resolving stagnation through a gentler, more internally directed action. Temperature and channel entry remain the same, but the therapeutic emphasis shifts from Wind-dispersing toward Liver Yang-subduing and constraint-resolving.

When to use this form

Use the stir-fried form for Liver Yang Rising with headache and dizziness, Liver Qi stagnation causing chest and rib discomfort, and blocked lactation. This is the most commonly prescribed form in clinical practice.

Common Herb Pairs

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

Ju Hua 1:1 (e.g. 9g each)

Both herbs calm the Liver and brighten the eyes, but they work through complementary mechanisms. Jì Lí excels at soothing Liver Qi stagnation and dispersing Wind, while Jú Huā (Chrysanthemum) is stronger at clearing Liver Heat and cooling. Together they provide a balanced approach to calming the Liver and treating eye problems, covering both the Wind and Heat aspects.

When to use: Liver Yang Rising with headache and dizziness, or Wind-Heat causing red, painful eyes with tearing and corneal opacities.

Man Jing Zi 1:1 (e.g. 9g each)

Jì Lí dispels Wind from the Liver channel and calms Liver Yang, while Mán Jīng Zǐ (Vitex fruit) is pungent and ascending, excelling at clearing the head and eyes and relieving Wind-related headache. Together they powerfully clear Wind-Heat from the head and eyes and relieve headache, with Jì Lí working through the Liver and Mán Jīng Zǐ directly clearing the upper body.

When to use: Wind-Heat or Liver Fire causing headache, dizziness, red eyes, and corneal opacity.

Bai Jiang Cao 1:1 (e.g. 9g each)

Jì Lí calms Liver Yang and disperses Liver Wind, while Bái Jiāng Cán (Bombyx Batryticatus, silkworm) extinguishes Wind and resolves Phlegm. Together they calm the Liver, extinguish Wind, and relieve spasm, creating a synergy that addresses headache and dizziness from Liver Wind more effectively than either alone.

When to use: Liver Wind stirring internally causing headache, dizziness, and facial spasm, or Liver Yang with Phlegm.

Sha Yuan Zi 1:1 (e.g. 9g each)

Jì Lí calms and soothes the Liver while Shā Yuàn Zǐ (Astragalus seed) tonifies Kidney Yang and nourishes Liver Yin. The combination provides balanced support to the Liver-Kidney axis: Jì Lí clears excess from the Liver while Shā Yuàn Zǐ replenishes the deficiency below, addressing both the root and the branch.

When to use: Liver-Kidney deficiency with concurrent Liver Yang or Wind symptoms, such as dizziness with blurred vision and sore lower back.

Comparable Ingredients

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

Ji Li vs Shi Jue Ming

Both Jì Lí and Shí Jué Míng (Abalone shell) calm Liver Yang and brighten the eyes. However, Jì Lí is pungent and slightly warm, working by soothing Liver Qi and dispersing Wind. It also treats Liver Qi stagnation, breast problems, and itchy skin. Shí Jué Míng is salty and cold, working by heavily anchoring Yang downward and nourishing Liver Yin. Shí Jué Míng is better for severe Liver Yang Rising with Yin Deficiency, while Jì Lí is better when Qi stagnation and Wind are prominent.

Ji Li vs Gou Teng

Both calm Liver Yang and extinguish Liver Wind, and are classified as Liver-calming herbs. Gōu Téng (Uncaria) is sweet and cool, and is stronger at clearing Liver Heat and extinguishing internal Wind with tremors and convulsions. Jì Lí is pungent-bitter and slightly warm, and is more versatile because it also soothes Liver Qi stagnation, dispels external Wind, brightens the eyes, and stops itching. Choose Gōu Téng when internal Wind and Heat predominate; choose Jì Lí when Qi stagnation, eye problems, or skin itching are part of the picture.

Ji Li vs Chai Hu

Both soothe the Liver and move stagnant Liver Qi. Chái Hú (Bupleurum) is pungent-bitter and cool, and is a stronger Liver-coursing herb that also releases the exterior and raises Yang Qi. Jì Lí is slightly warm and better at calming Liver Yang, dispelling Wind from the eyes, and stopping itching. For pure Liver Qi stagnation, Chái Hú is the stronger choice; when Liver Yang Rising or Wind symptoms (eye problems, itching) coexist with Qi stagnation, Jì Lí is more appropriate.

Common Substitutes & Adulterants

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

The most clinically important confusion involves Ji Li (刺蒺藜, Ci Ji Li, the fruit of Tribulus terrestris) being mixed up with Sha Yuan Zi (沙苑子, also historically called Sha Yuan Ji Li, the seed of Astragalus complanatus). These are entirely different herbs with very different actions: Ji Li disperses and drains (平肝疏肝, 活血祛风), while Sha Yuan Zi tonifies and secures (补肾固精). Substituting one for the other would produce the wrong clinical effect. Ji Li fruit segments are hard, axe-shaped with prominent spines, while Sha Yuan Zi seeds are small, kidney-shaped, and smooth. Another potential adulterant is the fruit of Tribulus cistoides (大花蒺藜), which grows in coastal sandy areas and has a similar appearance but different phytochemical profile. Authentic Ji Li should be identified by its characteristic five-pointed star arrangement when intact, hard woody texture, and the paired long-and-short spines on each segment.

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

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Ji Li

Slightly toxic

The Chinese Pharmacopoeia classifies Ji Li as having "slight toxicity" (有小毒). The whole plant contains steroidal saponins (diosgenin, hecogenin, and others), beta-carboline alkaloids (harmine, norharmane, tribulusterine), and trace amounts of potassium nitrite. In grazing animals (particularly sheep), consumption of fresh plant material can cause hepatogenous photosensitivity (known as "bighead disease"), where steroidal sapogenins form crystals in bile ducts and renal tubules, leading to liver damage and skin lesions. In humans, the processed fruit used in standard decoction doses (6-10g) has a well-established safety record. Occasional mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. Isolated case reports exist of kidney or liver enzyme elevations in individuals taking high-dose commercial supplements. The traditional processing method of dry-frying (炒) and removing the thorns reduces the herb's dispersing nature and mechanical irritation risk.

Contraindications

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

Avoid

Pregnancy. Ji Li has traditionally been noted to facilitate labor and promote downward movement of the fetus (催生落胎). Its Blood-moving and Qi-dispersing properties pose a risk of uterine stimulation. Pregnant women should avoid this herb.

Caution

Low blood pressure (hypotension). Ji Li has demonstrated blood pressure-lowering effects in pharmacological studies. People with already low blood pressure should use this herb with caution to avoid excessive hypotension.

Caution

Blood deficiency without stagnation. Ji Li is primarily a dispersing and draining herb (辛散苦泄). In cases of pure Blood or Yin deficiency without concurrent Liver Qi stagnation or Wind, it may further deplete the body's resources.

Caution

Pre-existing kidney or liver impairment. Isolated case reports and animal studies suggest a potential for nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity at high doses or with prolonged use. Patients with compromised kidney or liver function should use this herb with monitoring.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Contraindicated during pregnancy. Classical texts including the Ben Cao Meng Quan describe Ji Li as having the ability to "hasten birth and cause the fetus to descend" (催生落胎). The herb's Blood-moving and Qi-dispersing actions (活血祛风, 辛散苦泄) could stimulate uterine contractions and potentially lead to miscarriage or premature labor. Modern Chinese pharmacopoeias and materia medica references consistently advise pregnant women to avoid Ji Li.

Breastfeeding

Classical sources indicate that Ji Li promotes lactation and unblocks the breasts (通经下乳), making it traditionally used for insufficient milk flow due to Liver Qi stagnation. However, because the herb is classified as slightly toxic and has Blood-moving and dispersing properties, it should only be used during breastfeeding under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, at standard doses, and for a limited duration. Its potential active compounds (saponins, alkaloids) could theoretically transfer into breast milk, though no specific studies on breastmilk transfer exist.

Children

Ji Li may be used in children at appropriately reduced doses (typically one-third to one-half of the adult dose depending on age), primarily for Wind-related skin conditions such as urticaria or eczema. Due to its classification as slightly toxic, it should only be given to children under practitioner supervision. It is not suitable for long-term use in pediatric patients. Avoid use in very young children (under 3 years) unless specifically prescribed.

Drug Interactions

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

Antihypertensive medications: Ji Li has demonstrated blood pressure-lowering effects in pharmacological studies. Concurrent use with antihypertensive drugs (ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers) may produce an additive hypotensive effect. Blood pressure monitoring is advisable.

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs: Ji Li has Blood-invigorating (活血) properties. A case report documented stent thrombosis in a patient concurrently using clopidogrel and an herbal formula containing Tribulus, suggesting a complex interaction. Caution is warranted with warfarin, heparin, or antiplatelet agents.

P-glycoprotein substrate drugs: In vitro studies have shown that saponins and phenolic compounds from Tribulus terrestris can inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp) activity. This could theoretically increase blood levels and adverse effects of P-gp substrate drugs such as digoxin, cyclosporine, and certain chemotherapy agents. Clinical significance has not yet been established.

Diabetes medications: Some research suggests Tribulus may have blood sugar-lowering properties. Patients on hypoglycemic agents should monitor blood glucose levels when using Ji Li.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Ji Li

When taking Ji Li for Liver-related conditions, avoid excessive alcohol, greasy or fried foods, and strongly spicy foods, as these can generate Heat and further agitate the Liver. For skin conditions, reducing shellfish, alcohol, and other common dietary triggers for allergic reactions may support the herb's effects. When using Ji Li for eye conditions, foods that nourish the Liver and eyes (such as goji berries, chrysanthemum tea, and dark leafy greens) can complement the treatment.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Ji Li source plant

Tribulus terrestris L. is an annual or biennial creeping herbaceous plant in the Zygophyllaceae (caltrop) family. The stems are pale brownish, branching from the base, and spread flat along the ground in a mat-like fashion, reaching 10–60 cm (up to 1 m) in length. The entire plant is covered in fine silky hairs or white bristles.

The leaves are even-pinnately compound, with 5–7 pairs of small, oblong leaflets (6–15 mm long) that have a slightly asymmetric base. Small yellow flowers bloom singly from the leaf axils between May and August. The fruit, which matures from June to September, is the medicinally used part: it splits into 5 wedge-shaped segments arranged in a star pattern, each armed with two pairs of sharp spines (one long, one short). These spines are sturdy enough to puncture bicycle tires, earning the plant its English name "puncture vine."

Ji Li thrives in warm, sunny locations with well-drained sandy soil. It tolerates drought well but dislikes waterlogging. It grows wild along roadsides, field edges, sandy riverbanks, and wastelands throughout temperate and tropical zones worldwide.

Sourcing & Harvesting

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

Harvesting season

Autumn, when the fruits are fully mature. The entire plant is cut, sun-dried, and the fruits are beaten off, then cleaned of impurities.

Primary growing regions

Mainly produced in Henan, Hebei, Shandong, and Anhui provinces, with additional production in Jiangsu, Sichuan, Shanxi, and Shaanxi. The greatest volumes come from north of the Yangtze River. Henan province is recognized as a notable production region for Ji Li, listed among its historically recognized local medicinal products (道地药材). The herb also grows across Inner Mongolia and the northeastern provinces. It is a widely distributed plant found throughout temperate and tropical arid regions worldwide, including Southern Europe, India, Africa, and Australia.

Quality indicators

Good quality Ji Li fruit segments (分果瓣) should be axe-shaped, 3-6 mm long, with a yellowish-green back that is raised with prominent longitudinal ridges and intact paired spines (one long, one short pair on each segment). The sides should be grayish-white with visible net-like (reticulate) texture. The fruit should be hard and solid, feeling heavy for its size, indicating mature, fully developed seeds inside. It should have minimal odor and a distinctly bitter, slightly acrid taste. Avoid pieces that are dark, moldy, broken, or that have lost most of their spines (unless intentionally processed). The powder should be yellowish-green. After dry-frying (炒蒺藜), good quality material turns slightly yellow with a faint fragrance.

Classical Texts

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

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (《神农本草经》)

Original: 蒺藜子，味苦，温。主恶血，破症结积聚，喉痹，乳难。久服长肌肉，明目，轻身。

Translation: "Ji Li Zi, bitter in taste, warm in nature. It treats pathological Blood, breaks up masses and accumulations, throat obstruction, and difficult lactation. Long-term use grows muscle, brightens the eyes, and lightens the body."

Ming Yi Bie Lu (《名医别录》)

Original: 味辛，微寒，无毒。主身体风痒，头痛，咳逆，伤肺，肺痿，止烦，下气。

Translation: "Acrid in taste, slightly cold, non-toxic. It treats bodily Wind-itching, headache, coughing and counterflow, Lung injury, Lung atrophy, stops vexation, and descends Qi."

Ben Cao Gang Mu (《本草纲目》, Li Shizhen)

Original: 古方补肾治风，皆用刺蒺藜，后世补肾多用沙苑蒺藜，或以熬膏和药，恐其功亦不甚相远也。

Translation: "Ancient formulas for supplementing the Kidneys and treating Wind all used Ci Ji Li [thorny Tribulus]. Later generations mostly used Sha Yuan Ji Li [Astragalus complanatus seed] to supplement the Kidneys. Their functions are probably not far apart."

Ben Cao Jing Shu (《本草经疏》)

Original: 苦能泄，温能宣，辛主散，主润。故刺蒺藜主恶血，破症结积聚，喉痹，乳难，身体风痒，头痛。

Translation: "Bitter can drain, warm can open, acrid governs dispersing and moistening. Therefore Ci Ji Li treats pathological Blood, breaks up masses and accumulations, throat obstruction, difficult lactation, bodily Wind-itching, and headache."

Historical Context

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

Ji Li has one of the longest recorded histories of any Chinese medicinal herb. It was first documented in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer's Classic of Materia Medica), the oldest known Chinese pharmacological text, where it was classified as an upper-grade (上品) herb. The name "Ji Li" (蒺藜) appears even earlier in the Mao Shi Zhuan (《毛诗传》), a commentary on the Book of Songs, and was explained as a plant whose thorns injure quickly and sharply (疾而且利). In the Chu Ci (《楚辞》, Songs of Chu), Ji Li was called a "wicked plant" (恶木) and used metaphorically to represent petty, harmful people. The shape of its spiny fruit is also the origin of the legendary martial arts weapon, the "Ji Li Zi" caltrops.

A historically important distinction exists between two herbs both called "Ji Li." Ci Ji Li (刺蒺藜, "thorny Tribulus," the subject of this entry) is the fruit of Tribulus terrestris, while Sha Yuan Ji Li (沙苑蒺藜) is the seed of Astragalus complanatus, a completely different plant with tonifying rather than dispersing properties. As Li Shizhen noted in the Ben Cao Gang Mu, ancient formulas used thorny Tribulus for both Wind and Kidney conditions, but later practitioners favored Sha Yuan Ji Li specifically for Kidney tonification. The Ben Cao Xin Bian (《本草新编》) further clarified that the two herbs have quite different strengths: Ci Ji Li excels at breaking up masses and dispersing stagnation, while Sha Yuan Ji Li excels at securing essence and treating seminal loss.

Ji Li has long been valued as a key dermatological herb. The Ben Cao Gang Mu recorded using Ji Li powder alone to treat vitiligo (白癜风), a practice supported by modern clinical studies showing an effectiveness rate exceeding 80% for this condition.

Modern Research

4 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Ji Li

Comprehensive Review of Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Toxicological Properties of Tribulus terrestris L. (Review, 2020)

Stefanescu R, Tero-Vescan A, Negroiu A, et al. Biomolecules. 2020;10(5):752.

This extensive literature review covering studies from 2000 to 2020 found that Tribulus terrestris contains a complex phytochemical profile including sterol saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids. The pharmacological effects most studied were related to sexual function, but anti-hyperglycemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects were also demonstrated in laboratory and animal studies. The review noted that the chemical composition varies significantly depending on geographic origin, which may explain contradictory results across studies. Limited toxicological data flagged a potential risk of kidney damage at high doses.

Efficacy and Safety of Tribulus terrestris in Male Sexual Dysfunction (Phase IV RCT, 2017)

Kamenov Z, Fileva S, Kalinov K, Jannini EA. Maturitas. 2017;99:20-26.

This rigorous Phase IV randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 180 men (aged 18-65) with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. Participants received either standardized Tribulus terrestris extract (1500 mg/day of Tribestan) or placebo for 12 weeks. The Tribulus group showed significant improvement in erectile function scores compared to placebo after 12 weeks. No drug-related serious adverse events were observed during the study.

Tribulus terrestris for Female Sexual Dysfunction: A Systematic Review (Systematic Review, 2020)

Martimbianco ALC, Pacheco RL, Vilarino FL, et al. Rev Bras Ginecol Obstet. 2020;42(7):427-435.

This systematic review following PRISMA guidelines identified 5 randomized controlled trials (279 total participants) examining Tribulus terrestris for female sexual dysfunction. After 1-3 months of treatment, pre- and post-menopausal women randomized to Tribulus terrestris showed a significant increase in sexual function scores. A significant increase in serum testosterone levels was observed in premenopausal women after 3 months. No serious adverse events were reported. The authors concluded that more high-quality RCTs are still needed.

Effects of Tribulus Supplementation on Erectile Dysfunction and Testosterone Levels in Men: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials (Systematic Review, 2025)

Vilar Neto JO, Moraes WMA, Pinto DV, et al. Nutrients. 2025;17(7):1275.

This recent systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines screened 162 studies and ultimately included 10 eligible trials (483 total participants aged 16-70). The review found that while some evidence suggests improvements in sexual function parameters, testosterone levels did not change significantly in most studies. Half of the included studies had low methodological quality. The authors called for further well-controlled RCTs to establish reliable dose-response relationships.

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.