Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata) contains phenolic compounds and alkaloids that reduce respiratory mucus secretion by inhibiting mucin production in bronchial epithelial cells. The processed rhizome acts as a phlegm transformer by enhancing mucociliary clearance and reducing gastric acid secretion through serotonin pathway modulation.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Ban Xia, or Pinellia ternata, is a plant native to East Asia. It is processed to reduce toxicity and used to treat phlegm-related conditions.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Studies indicate that processed Ban Xia may effectively reduce phlegm and nausea. Further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Ban Xia (processed Pinellia ternata) is a medicinal herb rather than a dietary food, so its nutritional profile is characterized primarily by bioactive compounds rather than conventional macronutrients. Protein content is approximately 8-12% dry weight, consisting of lectins and agglutinins including the toxic Pinellia ternata agglutinin (PTA), which is largely neutralized during processing. Carbohydrates constitute roughly 50-60% dry weight, predominantly starch granules and polysaccharides (beta-glucans, homogalacturonans). Crude fiber is approximately 10-15% dry weight. Fat content is low at 1-3% dry weight, including small amounts of palmitic and linoleic acids. Key bioactive alkaloids include ephedrine (trace amounts, ~0.02-0.05 mg/g), choline (~1.5-2.5 mg/g), and homogentisic acid. Phenolic compounds include protocatechualdehyde (~0.1-0.3 mg/g) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. Organic acids include succinic acid (~2-4 mg/g) and glutaric acid. Sterols include beta-sitosterol (~0.5-1.2 mg/g) and stigmasterol. Minerals present include calcium (~2-4 mg/g dry weight), potassium (~3-6 mg/g), magnesium (~0.8-1.5 mg/g), and iron (~0.05-0.1 mg/g). Processing with ginger juice, alum, or lime significantly reduces calcium oxalate needle crystals (raphides) from approximately 16-20 mg/g to negligible levels, improving safety and bioavailability of active compounds. Water-soluble polysaccharides (15-20% dry weight) show enhanced bioavailability post-processing.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Ban Xia's phenolic compounds and alkaloids inhibit mucin secretion in respiratory epithelial cells by downregulating MUC5AC gene expression. The herb modulates serotonin 5-HT3 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, reducing nausea and vomiting. Its anti-inflammatory effects occur through inhibition of NF-κB pathway activation and reduced pro-inflammatory cytokine release.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Limited human clinical trials exist for Ban Xia as a standalone treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine studies combining Ban Xia with other herbs show modest improvements in chronic bronchitis symptoms in small trials (n=50-100 participants). Animal studies demonstrate significant reductions in airway mucus production and gastric acid secretion at doses of 200-400mg/kg. Current evidence is primarily preclinical with insufficient high-quality human data to establish definitive therapeutic efficacy.
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