# Di Yu (Sanguisorba officinalis)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/di-yu-sanguisorba-officinalis
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-18
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Sanguisorba officinalis, Great Burnet, Garden Burnet, Salad Burnet, Bloodwort, Official Burnet, Chinese Burnet

## Overview

Di Yu (Sanguisorba officinalis) contains tannins and saponins that provide hemostatic and wound healing properties. The herb works by promoting vasoconstriction and enhancing [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) for tissue repair.

## Health Benefits

- Di Yu promotes wound healing by enhancing [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health), crucial for skin repair. Studies show a 30% increase in healing speed. - It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, reducing swelling and pain through inhibition of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s. - Di Yu offers [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant), neutralizing free radicals to prevent cellular damage. - It supports [digestive health](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) by soothing the gastrointestinal tract, reducing symptoms of ulcers. - The herb improves blood circulation, which can enhance nutrient delivery to tissues. - Di Yu may lower blood sugar levels, aiding in diabetes management by improving [insulin sensitivity](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). - It has [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) properties, offering protection against bacterial infections.

## Mechanism of Action

Di Yu's tannins induce vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation through interaction with vascular smooth muscle receptors, providing hemostatic effects. The saponins and flavonoids inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. Gallic acid and other phenolic compounds scavenge [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s and stimulate fibroblast proliferation for enhanced [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health).

## Clinical Summary

Clinical studies demonstrate Di Yu's wound healing efficacy, with one controlled trial showing 30% faster healing rates compared to standard care. In vitro studies confirm [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity through cytokine inhibition, though human anti-inflammatory trials are limited. Traditional use studies support hemostatic applications, but larger randomized controlled trials are needed to establish optimal dosing and efficacy parameters.

## Nutritional Profile

Di Yu (Sanguisorba officinalis) is a medicinal herb rather than a dietary staple, so its profile is characterized primarily by bioactive compounds rather than conventional macronutrients. Key constituents include: **Tannins** (approximately 12–20% by dry weight), predominantly hydrolyzable tannins such as sanguiin H-6 and other ellagitannins, which contribute to its astringent and hemostatic properties. **Triterpenoid saponins** (3–8%), notably ziyuglycoside I (sanguisorbin) and ziyuglycoside II, which are considered the principal pharmacologically active compounds responsible for [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and wound-healing effects. **Flavonoids** including quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides (approximately 1–3%), contributing [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity. **Phenolic acids** such as gallic acid and ellagic acid (1–4%), which further enhance antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. **Sterols** including beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol are present in minor amounts. The root also contains small amounts of **vitamin A precursors (carotenoids)** and **vitamin C** (trace levels), along with minerals including **calcium** (~200–400 mg/100g dry weight), **iron** (~5–12 mg/100g dry weight), **potassium**, **manganese**, and **zinc** in trace to moderate quantities. **Dietary fiber** is present in the root material (~15–25% dry weight), though this is typically not consumed in fiber-relevant quantities given its use as a decoction or extract. **Protein content** is low, approximately 5–8% of dry weight. **Polysaccharides** (~5–10%) have been isolated and show [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) potential. **Bioavailability notes:** The tannin-rich nature of Di Yu can chelate minerals and proteins, potentially reducing the bioavailability of co-ingested nutrients. Triterpenoid saponins have moderate oral bioavailability but are enhanced when decocted (traditional preparation), which hydrolyzes glycosidic bonds and improves absorption. Ellagitannins are metabolized by gut microbiota into urolithins, which are the bioavailable active metabolites responsible for systemic antioxidant effects. Water-based extraction (decoction) typically yields 40–60% of total tannins and 50–70% of saponins from the raw root material.

## Dosage & Preparation

The typical dosage of Di Yu is 6-12 grams per day, usually in decoction form. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Di Yu is generally well-tolerated when used topically or in traditional preparations. Potential interactions may occur with anticoagulant medications due to its hemostatic properties. Gastrointestinal upset may occur with high oral doses due to tannin content. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical trials.

## Scientific Research

There is limited scientific research on Di Yu, but some studies suggest it may have [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and hemostatic properties. Further research, including RCTs, is needed to confirm these effects.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Di Yu has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries, primarily for its hemostatic properties to treat bleeding disorders. It is also used in Korean and Japanese traditional medicine.

## Synergistic Combinations

San Qi, Pu Huang, Dang Gui, E Jiao

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much Di Yu should I take for wound healing?

Traditional dosing ranges from 6-15g daily of dried root, though topical preparations are more commonly used for wounds. Consult a healthcare provider for appropriate dosing based on your specific condition.

### Can Di Yu help stop bleeding?

Yes, Di Yu has demonstrated hemostatic properties through tannin-induced vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation. It has been traditionally used to control minor bleeding and promote clotting.

### What are the active compounds in Di Yu?

Di Yu contains tannins (including gallic acid), saponins, and flavonoids as primary bioactive compounds. These constituents are responsible for its hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties.

### Is Di Yu safe to take with blood thinners?

Di Yu may interact with anticoagulant medications due to its hemostatic effects, potentially reducing their efficacy. Consult your healthcare provider before combining Di Yu with warfarin or other blood-thinning medications.

### How long does it take for Di Yu to work for inflammation?

Anti-inflammatory effects may begin within hours of application or consumption, though sustained benefits typically require consistent use for several days. Individual response varies based on the condition being treated and dosage used.

### What does clinical research show about Di Yu's effectiveness for wound healing?

Clinical studies demonstrate that Di Yu can increase wound healing speed by approximately 30% through enhanced collagen synthesis and tissue regeneration. Research has primarily focused on topical and oral applications for traumatic injuries and post-surgical wounds, with most positive outcomes documented in traditional Chinese medicine journals and peer-reviewed studies on Sanguisorba officinalis. However, more rigorous randomized controlled trials in Western medical settings are needed to establish standardized protocols and optimal dosing.

### Who should avoid taking Di Yu supplements?

Individuals with cold-spleen syndrome (characterized by digestive weakness and aversion to cold) should use Di Yu cautiously, as it has a cool thermal nature that may exacerbate their condition. Pregnant and nursing women should consult healthcare providers before use, as safety data in these populations is limited. Those with severe bleeding disorders or on multiple anticoagulant medications should seek professional guidance due to Di Yu's hemostatic properties.

### What is the most effective form of Di Yu for digestive support versus wound healing?

For digestive health, decocted forms (herbal tea) or concentrated extracts are most effective as they deliver compounds directly to the gastrointestinal tract to soothe inflammation and support mucosal healing. For wound healing, topical applications (salves, poultices) and oral supplements in powder or capsule form work synergistically, with topical forms providing direct collagen-supporting action at the wound site. The choice depends on whether the condition is internal (favoring decoction) or external (favoring topical preparation combined with oral supplementation).

### What are the main active compounds in Di Yu (Sanguisorba officinalis) and what do they do?

Di Yu contains ziyuglycoside I and II (triterpenoid saponins), hydrolysable tannins including sanguiin H-6, gallic acid, and ellagic acid as its primary bioactive constituents. The tannins drive hemostatic and astringent effects by precipitating proteins and inducing vasoconstriction, while the saponins contribute anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity. Phenolic compounds like gallic acid provide significant antioxidant capacity by scavenging reactive oxygen species and modulating NF-κB signalling pathways.

### Is Di Yu safe to use long-term, and are there any known side effects or drug interactions?

Di Yu is generally considered safe when used at traditional doses for short-to-medium durations, but high doses of its tannin content may cause gastrointestinal discomfort including nausea or constipation. Due to its hemostatic properties, caution is warranted in individuals taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin or aspirin, as additive effects on coagulation are plausible. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a qualified practitioner before use, and long-term high-dose safety data from controlled human trials remains limited.

### How does Di Yu compare to conventional wound care or hemostatic agents?

Preliminary clinical evidence suggests Di Yu extracts can accelerate wound closure by approximately 30% compared to standard care, likely through combined vasoconstriction, anti-inflammatory cytokine suppression, and fibroblast-stimulated collagen deposition. Conventional hemostatic agents such as tranexamic acid act specifically on fibrinolysis inhibition, whereas Di Yu's multi-target mechanism addresses inflammation, oxidative stress, and tissue remodelling simultaneously. However, head-to-head randomised controlled trials against established agents are lacking, so Di Yu is best viewed currently as a complementary rather than replacement option.

### What forms and doses of Di Yu are typically used, and how should it be taken?

Di Yu is traditionally prepared as a decocted root tea using approximately 6–15 grams of dried root per day, though standardised extracts in capsule or tablet form are increasingly available in nutraceutical contexts. Topical preparations including creams and poultices are also used for burns and wound healing, with concentration typically standardised to tannin or saponin content. Optimal dosing for specific conditions has not yet been established through large-scale clinical trials, so following product-specific guidance or advice from a trained practitioner is recommended.

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