Di Fu Zi (Broom Cypress, Kochia Fruit)

Channels: BL Properties: Sweet, Bitter, Cold Latin: Fructus Kochiae Scopariae Chinese: 地肤子 Tone Marks: dì fū zĭ Translation: Earth Skin Seeds

Actions

Contraindications and Cautions

Herb-Drug Interactions

Toxicity and Overdose

• Rare reports of allergic reaction after oral application result in urticaria, pruritis, and vesicles on the mouth and lips.

Dosage

• 10-15 grams in decoction ¹²
• 9-15 grams in decoction ¹³

Notes

• Di Fu Zi is very similar to Ku Shen since both clear Damp Heat, Expel Wind, relieve itching and promote urination but Ku Shen clears damp heat better since it is bitter cold. Di Fu Zi is better at Expelling Wind and Damp and relieving itching.

Clinical Studies and Research

• Di Fu Zi inhited growth of dermatophytes and pathogenic fungi in vitro.
  Yun Nan Zhong Yao Zhi, 1990; 244.
• Momordin Ic and oleanolic acid from Kochiae Fructus reduce carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.
  J Med Food. 2005 Summer;8(2):177-83.
• Susceptibilities of Mycoplasma hominis to herbs.
  Am J Chin Med. ;33(2):191-6.
• Studies on Kochiae Fructus. V. Antipruritic effects of oleanolic acid glycosides and the structure-requirement.
  Biol Pharm Bull. 1998 Nov;21(11):1231-3.
• Studies on kochiae fructus. IV. Anti-allergic effects of 70% ethanol extract and its component, momordin Ic from dried fruits of Kochia scoparia L.
  Biol Pharm Bull. 1997 Nov;20(11):1165-70.
• Studies on kochiae fructus. III. Antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effects of 70% ethanol extract and its component, momordin Ic from dried fruits of Kochia scoparia L.
  Biol Pharm Bull. 1997 Oct;20(10):1086-91.
• Studies on Kochiae Fructus. I. Antipruritogenic effect of 70% ethanol extract from kochiae fructus and its active component
  Yakugaku Zasshi. 1997 Apr;117(4):193-201.