# Donglingcao (Rabdosia rubescens)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/donglingcao
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-30
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Rabdosia rubescens, Isodon rubescens, Blueflower Rabdosia, 冬凌草, Winter凌草, Dong Ling Cao, Chinese Isodon, Winter Lingzhi Grass

## Overview

Donglingcao (Rabdosia rubescens) contains oridonin and other diterpenoids that exhibit cytotoxic effects against cancer cells. This traditional Chinese medicinal herb demonstrates anti-tumor, [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support), and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties through multiple cellular pathways.

## Health Benefits

• May harm cancer cells and prevent multiplication, based on developing research [4]. • Potential anti-tumor properties, supported by traditional use [3]. • Anti-microbial benefits as per traditional applications [3]. • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects suggested by historical use [3]. • [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties indicated by traditional medicine practices [3].

## Mechanism of Action

Oridonin, the primary bioactive compound, induces apoptosis in cancer cells by activating caspase pathways and disrupting [mitochondrial](/ingredients/condition/energy) membrane potential. The herb's diterpenoids inhibit NF-κB signaling, reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production. Additionally, compounds like ponicidin and rabdoternin enhance [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects by disrupting bacterial cell membranes.

## Clinical Summary

Most research consists of preclinical studies showing oridonin's cytotoxicity against various cancer cell lines at concentrations of 10-50 μM. Limited human studies have examined safety profiles, but no large-scale clinical trials have established efficacy for specific conditions. Traditional use studies document [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects against common pathogens, though controlled trials are lacking. Current evidence remains preliminary and requires further clinical validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Donglingcao (Rabdosia rubescens) is a medicinal herb rather than a dietary staple, so macronutrient content is not nutritionally significant in typical therapeutic doses. Key bioactive compounds include: Oridonin (primary diterpenoid, approximately 0.1–1.2% dry weight of aerial parts), a potent cytotoxic and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) labdane-type diterpenoid with documented bioavailability challenges due to poor water solubility and rapid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); Ponicidin (diterpenoid, ~0.05–0.3% dry weight), structurally related to oridonin with similar bioactivity; Rosmarinic acid (phenolic acid, ~0.5–2% dry weight), a well-absorbed [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and anti-inflammatory polyphenol also found in rosemary and sage; Luteolin and apigenin (flavonoids, trace to ~0.1% dry weight), contributing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; Ursolic acid and oleanolic acid (pentacyclic triterpenes, trace amounts), supporting anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activity. Tannins are present at moderate levels (~2–5% dry weight), contributing astringent properties. Mineral content is modest and typical of aerial plant parts: potassium (~800–1200 mg/100g dry), calcium (~300–600 mg/100g dry), and magnesium (~100–200 mg/100g dry). Fiber content is significant (~15–25% dry weight) as with most herbaceous plants but is not a primary use case. Bioavailability note: Oridonin has limited oral bioavailability (~20–30% in animal models) due to first-pass metabolism; nanoformulation research is ongoing to improve delivery. Rosmarinic acid is comparatively well-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied dosage ranges for donglingcao are not available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Donglingcao may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, and liver enzyme elevation at high doses. The herb may interact with chemotherapy drugs due to its cytotoxic compounds, potentially altering drug [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is insufficient, warranting avoidance during these periods. Individuals with liver disease should exercise caution due to potential hepatotoxic effects of concentrated extracts.

## Scientific Research

No specific human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were found in the provided research. Evidence is based on preliminary studies indicating potential benefits without PMIDs.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Donglingcao has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-tumor, anti-microbial, [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), and [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) properties. It has a historical presence in China and Japan.

## Synergistic Combinations

Ginseng, Astragalus, Turmeric, Green Tea, Reishi Mushroom

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Donglingcao?

Oridonin is the primary bioactive compound, along with other diterpenoids like ponicidin and rabdoternin. These compounds are responsible for the herb's anti-cancer and antimicrobial properties through various cellular mechanisms.

### How much Donglingcao should I take daily?

Traditional preparations typically use 15-30 grams of dried herb daily as decoction. Standardized extracts vary widely in concentration, and no established therapeutic dosage exists from clinical trials.

### Can Donglingcao interact with cancer medications?

Yes, Donglingcao may interact with chemotherapy drugs due to its cytotoxic oridonin content. The herb could potentially enhance or interfere with cancer treatments, requiring medical supervision before use.

### Is Donglingcao safe for long-term use?

Long-term safety data is limited, with some studies showing potential liver enzyme elevation. Traditional use suggests relative safety, but concentrated extracts may pose greater risks than traditional preparations.

### Does Donglingcao work against bacterial infections?

Preclinical studies show antimicrobial activity against various bacteria including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus species. However, human clinical trials have not confirmed these effects or established it as a reliable antimicrobial treatment.

### What does clinical research show about Donglingcao's anti-tumor potential?

Research suggests that Donglingcao (Rabdosia rubescens) may help inhibit cancer cell proliferation and prevent tumor growth, though most studies remain in early stages of development. While traditional Chinese medicine has utilized this herb for centuries based on these properties, human clinical trials are still limited, and more rigorous research is needed to establish efficacy and safety in cancer prevention or treatment contexts. The herb's active compounds show promise in laboratory settings, but results cannot yet be generalized to all cancer types or patient populations.

### Is Donglingcao safe for pregnant women or children?

There is insufficient clinical data to confirm the safety of Donglingcao supplementation during pregnancy or in children, so it is generally not recommended for these populations without professional medical guidance. Traditional use does not automatically establish safety for vulnerable groups, and the herb's potential effects on fetal development or pediatric health have not been adequately studied. Women who are pregnant, nursing, or considering supplementation for children should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### Which form of Donglingcao—extract, powder, or dried herb—is most effective?

Standardized extracts of Donglingcao may offer more consistent dosing of active compounds compared to raw powder or dried herb forms, though direct comparative studies are limited. The bioavailability and efficacy of different preparation methods can vary based on extraction techniques and concentration levels of key constituents. The most effective form depends on individual absorption capacity and intended use, which is why professional guidance on supplement selection is important.

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