Shǐ Jūn Zǐ (使君子) — Quisqualis fruit / Rangoon creeper

On this page

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

1. Overview

Shǐ Jūn Zǐ (使君子) — the fruit of Quisqualis indica (also classified as Combretum indicum), the Rangoon creeper — is the classical Chinese herb of choice for intestinal roundworm and pinworm in children. It belongs to the “Herbs that expel parasites” (Sha Chong Yao) category but is notably gentler and sweeter than the more bitter anti-parasitic herbs, which makes it particularly suitable for paediatric use. The English name “Rangoon creeper” refers to the ornamental flowering vine native to South and South-East Asia from which the fruit comes. It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical formulas and in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Shǐ Jūn Zǐ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Kills parasites — particularly roundworm (Ascaris) and pinworm (Enterobius)
2. Strengthens the Spleen and addresses childhood nutritional impairment (Gan Ji) with parasitic involvement

Indications

1. Roundworm with abdominal pain in children — the classical Chinese paediatric indication
2. Pinworm (threadworm) infection
3. Childhood Gan Ji syndrome — failure to thrive, abdominal distension, poor appetite, lustreless complexion, often combined with chronic parasitic infection
4. Adult roundworm and pinworm infections at appropriately adjusted doses

4. Key formulas containing Shǐ Jūn Zǐ

Shǐ Jūn Zǐ appears in the following key formulas:

• Shi Jun Zi San (Quisqualis Powder) — the classical single-herb-led preparation for childhood roundworm
• Hua Chong Wan (Transform Worms Pill) — broad-spectrum anti-parasitic combination formula
• Fei Er Wan (Fat Baby Pill) — for childhood Gan Ji with parasitic involvement

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

5. Modern research

The principal active constituent of Shi Jun Zi is quisqualic acid, an excitatory amino acid analogue that paralyses roundworms and pinworms. Modern Chinese clinical research has confirmed reliable efficacy against Ascaris and Enterobius. The herb is widely used in paediatric Chinese herbal practice for parasitic infection because of its sweet taste (better tolerated by children than bitter herbs) and good safety profile at standard doses. Modern formulations are often given as a sweet syrup or roasted nut.

6. Incompatibilities

Shǐ Jūn Zǐ is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). A classical incompatibility worth noting: Shi Jun Zi should not be taken with hot tea or hot drinks — the combination is described in classical sources as provoking hiccups, dizziness and nausea, and is consistently confirmed in modern clinical experience. As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM).

7. Cautions and contraindications

Shi Jun Zi is one of the gentler and safer anti-parasitic herbs and is the standard children’s choice in classical Chinese paediatrics. The principal cautions are: do not exceed the prescribed dose (overdose causes hiccups, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting); avoid taking with hot tea (as above); and avoid in pregnancy (insufficient safety data).

Pattern contraindications

No specific pattern contraindications at standard doses. The herb is generally safe across constitutional pictures when the parasitic indication is present.

Modern drug interactions

No significant drug interactions documented at standard therapeutic doses. As with all herbal treatments, tell your GP and your herbalist about all medications you are taking.

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.

8. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Shǐ Jūn Zǐ as part of tailored herbal formulas for confirmed roundworm and pinworm infections in children and adults (see my intestinal parasites article for the broader context). 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.

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