# Lonicera japonica (Japanese Honeysuckle)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/lonicera-japonica
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Lonicera japonica, Japanese Honeysuckle, Jin Yin Hua, Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, Honeysuckle Flower, Suikazura, Gold and Silver Flower, Woodbine

## Overview

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) contains chlorogenic acid and luteolin as primary bioactive compounds that inhibit [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. The herb reduces inflammatory markers like IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α through modulation of NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways.

## Health Benefits

• Reduces acute lung injury markers: Animal studies (PMID: 38750986, 38115057) show significant reduction in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) in LPS-induced lung injury models
• Alleviates inflammatory conditions: Rat studies (PMID: 26958034) demonstrate dose-dependent reduction in edema and fever in upper respiratory infection models
• Improves atopic dermatitis symptoms: Mouse studies (PMID: 36889421) show polysaccharide extract improves skin pathology through Nrf2 pathway activation
• Inhibits hepatic [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation): Rat liver studies (PMID: 11115613) demonstrate NF-κB inhibition in sepsis models
• Provides [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant): Animal research shows increased antioxidant markers and reduced oxidative stress through Nrf2/GPX4 axis activation

## Mechanism of Action

Japanese honeysuckle's chlorogenic acid and luteolin compounds suppress [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production by inhibiting nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. These bioactive compounds prevent translocation of NF-κB to the nucleus, thereby reducing transcription of pro-inflammatory genes including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. The herb also modulates [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) responses through activation of Nrf2 antioxidant pathways.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence comes primarily from animal studies rather than human clinical trials. Rat studies using LPS-induced lung injury models showed significant reductions in [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine levels at doses of 200-400mg/kg body weight. One study demonstrated dose-dependent reduction in edema formation in inflammatory conditions. However, human clinical data is lacking, limiting the strength of evidence for therapeutic applications in people.

## Nutritional Profile

Lonicera japonica is not consumed as a macronutrient source but contains well-characterized bioactive compounds. Primary bioactive constituents include: chlorogenic acid (the dominant polyphenol, ranging 1.5–5.0% dry weight in flowers, up to 8% in some extracts; CAS 327-97-9), isochlorogenic acids A/B/C (collective concentration ~0.5–2.0% dry weight), and luteolin (flavonoid, ~0.1–0.5% dry weight). Caffeic acid is present at ~0.05–0.2% dry weight. Iridoid glycosides include loganin and secoxyloganin (~0.1–0.3% dry weight). Saponins (hederacoside C, macranthoidin A/B) are present at ~0.5–1.5% dry weight in flower buds. Volatile essential oils (linalool, geraniol, α-terpineol) constitute approximately 0.1–0.3% of fresh flower weight. Flavonoids beyond luteolin include luteolin-7-glucoside, quercetin, and hyperoside at trace to minor concentrations (0.01–0.1% dry weight). Macro/micronutrient content is minimal and not therapeutically relevant; crude fiber content in dried flowers is approximately 8–12% dry weight. Protein content is low (~5–8% dry weight, primarily structural plant proteins). Mineral content includes modest potassium (~300–500 mg/100g dried material), calcium (~150–250 mg/100g), and magnesium (~80–120 mg/100g). Bioavailability notes: Chlorogenic acid undergoes hydrolysis in the gut to caffeic acid and quinic acid; oral bioavailability of intact chlorogenic acid is limited (~5–10%) but colonic microbial [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) yields bioavailable phenolic metabolites. Luteolin bioavailability is enhanced by gut microbial deglycosylation of its glucoside form. Water-based decoctions (traditional preparation) efficiently extract chlorogenic acid and flavonoid glycosides; alcohol extracts favor aglycone flavonoids and saponins. Standardized extracts are typically normalized to chlorogenic acid content (≥1.5% by HPLC per Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 standard for Flos Lonicerae Japonicae).

## Dosage & Preparation

Animal studies used 30-60 mg/kg polysaccharide extract for atopic dermatitis and varying doses of flower, leaf, and stem extracts for acute lung injury. Traditional preparations typically use aqueous decoctions of dried flowers or leaves, but specific human dosage ranges are not established in the available literature. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Japanese honeysuckle is generally considered safe when used traditionally, but comprehensive safety data is limited. The herb may interact with immunosuppressive medications due to its [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. Potential side effects include gastrointestinal upset and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established through clinical studies, so use should be avoided during these periods.

## Scientific Research

Current evidence consists primarily of animal studies and in vitro research, with no human clinical trials identified. Key studies include mice models showing lung protection (PMID: 38750986, 38115057), rat models demonstrating [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects (PMID: 26958034), and cellular studies revealing NF-κB pathway inhibition (PMID: 11115613).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Lonicera japonica has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for centuries as a treatment for [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and infectious diseases, particularly upper respiratory tract infections, skin conditions, and fever. The plant is commonly prepared as herbal soup or decoction and classified as a 'heat-clearing' remedy in TCM theory.

## Synergistic Combinations

Green tea extract, Quercetin, Curcumin, N-acetylcysteine, Resveratrol

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What compounds in Japanese honeysuckle provide anti-inflammatory effects?

The primary bioactive compounds are chlorogenic acid and luteolin, which inhibit NF-κB signaling pathways. These compounds specifically reduce production of inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α.

### How much Japanese honeysuckle was used in studies showing benefits?

Animal studies used doses ranging from 200-400mg/kg body weight to demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects. However, no human clinical trials have established safe and effective dosing for people.

### Can Japanese honeysuckle help with lung inflammation?

Animal studies show it significantly reduces lung injury markers in LPS-induced models by decreasing inflammatory cytokines. However, human studies are needed to confirm these effects in respiratory conditions.

### Is Japanese honeysuckle safe to take with other medications?

It may interact with immunosuppressive drugs due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Anyone taking medications should consult healthcare providers before using Japanese honeysuckle supplements.

### What's the difference between Japanese honeysuckle and regular honeysuckle?

Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) is a specific species with documented chlorogenic acid and luteolin content. Other honeysuckle species may have different chemical profiles and therapeutic properties.

### What forms of Japanese honeysuckle are most commonly used in supplements?

Japanese honeysuckle is available as dried flower extracts, standardized liquid extracts, and powdered preparations, with flower extracts being the most researched form in clinical studies. The extract form allows for concentrated active compounds like chlorogenic acid and isochlorogenic acid, which are difficult to obtain in sufficient quantities from whole dried flowers alone. Standardized extracts (typically 5-10% polyphenols) are preferred in research because they provide consistent dosing across different batches.

### Who should avoid taking Japanese honeysuckle supplements?

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Japanese honeysuckle supplementation due to limited safety data in these populations. Individuals with known allergies to Caprifoliaceae family plants (including other honeysuckle species) should not use this ingredient. People taking immunosuppressant medications should consult a healthcare provider before use, as Japanese honeysuckle's immune-modulating properties may interfere with medication efficacy.

### How does the research quality for Japanese honeysuckle compare to other traditional respiratory herbs?

Japanese honeysuckle has emerging preclinical evidence from multiple animal models (particularly LPS-induced lung injury models), but lacks large-scale human clinical trials compared to herbs like echinacea or elderberry. The existing research demonstrates mechanistic promise through measurable reductions in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α), but these findings are primarily from rodent studies that require human validation. More clinical trials are needed to establish efficacy and optimal dosing in human populations before drawing definitive conclusions about its effectiveness.

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