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
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 for tissue repair.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Di Yu, also known as Sanguisorba officinalis, is a perennial herb native to Asia and Europe. It is harvested for its roots, which are dried and used in traditional remedies.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
There is limited scientific research on Di Yu, but some studies suggest it may have anti-inflammatory and hemostatic properties. Further research, including RCTs, is needed to confirm these effects.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
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 and wound-healing effects. Flavonoids including quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides (approximately 1–3%), contributing 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 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.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
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 production. Gallic acid and other phenolic compounds scavenge free radicals and stimulate fibroblast proliferation for enhanced collagen synthesis.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
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 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.
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