Nǚ Zhēn Zǐ (女贞子) — Glossy privet fruit / Ligustrum

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Nǚ Zhēn Zǐ (女贞子) — Ligustrum lucidum — is known in English as Glossy privet fruit / Ligustrum. It belongs to the category of Yin tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Nǚ Zhēn Zǐ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin
2. Clears Heat from Yin deficiency — Empty Heat
3. Brightens the eyes and prevents premature greying
4. Strengthens the lumbar spine and knees

Indications

1. Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency — dizziness, tinnitus, blurred vision and low back ache
2. Premature greying of hair and hair loss from Kidney Essence deficiency
3. Night sweats and low-grade afternoon fever from Yin deficiency
4. Eye disorders — dry eyes, blurred vision and declining eyesight
5. Menopausal symptoms from Kidney Yin deficiency

4. Key formulas containing Nǚ Zhēn Zǐ

Nǚ Zhēn Zǐ appears in the following key formulas:

• Zuo Gui Wan

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Ligustrum lucidum (Nu Zhen Zi) is one of the most important Yin tonic herbs and has attracted significant modern research, particularly for its immunomodulatory and anti-ageing properties. Key bioactive constituents include oleuropein, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and nuzhenide. Research confirms immunostimulatory effects (NK cell enhancement), anti-cancer properties (particularly relevant to chemotherapy support), anti-inflammatory activity, hepatoprotective effects and anti-ageing properties via antioxidant mechanisms. Nu Zhen Zi combined with Han Lian Cao (Eclipta) forms the classical formula Er Zhi Wan — one of the most important Liver-Kidney Yin tonic combinations in TCM.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in patients with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-Cold and diarrhoea, as the cold nature of the herb (when taken in large doses) may aggravate these conditions. The berries should be processed (steamed with rice wine) before use.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Nǚ Zhēn Zǐ as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Menopausal symptoms, Low AMH level, Fertility, Tinnitus. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.