# Rehmannia glutinosa

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/rehmannia-glutinosa
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 6 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Rehmannia glutinosa, Chinese Foxglove, Di Huang, Shu Di Huang, Steamed Rehmannia, Chinese Rehmannia, Glutinous Rehmannia, Rehmannia Root

## Overview

Rehmannia glutinosa is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing catalpol as its primary bioactive compound, which modulates [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and provides renoprotective effects. Clinical studies demonstrate significant benefits for kidney health and acne reduction through its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.

## Health Benefits

• Kidney health support: RCT with 479 patients showed improved outcomes for chronic glomerulonephritis when combined with conventional therapy (Strong evidence, PMID: 23519822)
• Acne reduction: Double-blind RCT demonstrated 21.72% reduction in acne severity scores after 28 days with leaf extract (Moderate evidence, PMID: 38651075)
• Menopausal symptom relief: Meta-analysis of 17 RCTs (n=1,139) showed improved Kupperman index scores in breast cancer patients (Strong evidence, PMID: 40628433)
• [Immune system](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) modulation: Polysaccharides activate dendritic cells and enhance T-cell proliferation for mucosal immunity (Preliminary evidence, cell studies)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects: Network pharmacology identified 40 active compounds targeting inflammation pathways including IL-17 and TNF-α (Preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Rehmannia glutinosa's primary bioactive compound catalpol inhibits NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production including TNF-α and IL-1β. The herb's iridoid glycosides enhance renal function by protecting glomerular cells from [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and modulating immune responses. Catalpol also demonstrates [neuroprotective effect](/ingredients/condition/cognitive)s by activating CREB signaling and promoting BDNF expression.

## Clinical Summary

A randomized controlled trial with 479 patients showed improved outcomes for chronic glomerulonephritis when Rehmannia glutinosa was combined with conventional therapy, demonstrating strong evidence for kidney health support. A double-blind RCT found leaf extract produced a 21.72% reduction in acne severity scores after 28 days of treatment. While these studies show promising results, most clinical evidence comes from combination formulas rather than isolated Rehmannia glutinosa. Additional large-scale trials are needed to establish optimal dosing protocols for individual conditions.

## Nutritional Profile

Rehmannia glutinosa (fresh/dried root) contains minimal macronutrients as a medicinal herb used in small doses. Key bioactive compounds include: Iridoid glycosides (primary actives) — catalpol (0.3–1.5% dry weight, the most studied compound), aucubin, and leonuride; Phenylethanoid glycosides — acteoside (verbascoside) and echinacoside (0.1–0.5% dry weight); Oligosaccharides — stachyose (up to 15% in dried root), raffinose, verbascose, and rehmannioside A–D (collectively 30–40% of dry weight in some preparations); Monosaccharides — glucose and fructose (5–10% dry weight); Amino acids — arginine, glutamic acid, and alanine present in small quantities; Trace minerals — potassium (~800–1,200 mg/100g dried root), calcium (~100–200 mg/100g), magnesium (~50–80 mg/100g), iron (~5–10 mg/100g), zinc (~1–3 mg/100g), and manganese; Vitamins — modest amounts of Vitamin A precursors and Vitamin C in fresh root (degrades significantly upon drying and processing); Polysaccharides — Rehmannia glutinosa polysaccharides (RGPs) comprising 5–15% dry weight, primarily composed of glucose, galactose, and arabinose residues, demonstrated [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity; Sterol compounds — β-sitosterol and stigmasterol in trace amounts (<0.1% dry weight). Processing note: Shu Di Huang (prepared/steamed form) has significantly reduced catalpol content (up to 90% reduction vs. Sheng Di Huang raw form) but increased sugar content and altered glycoside profile, affecting bioavailability and pharmacological action. Catalpol bioavailability in humans is estimated at 20–40% via oral route based on animal pharmacokinetic studies. Fiber content is approximately 2–5% dry weight. Protein content is low, approximately 1–3% dry weight.

## Dosage & Preparation

Clinically studied doses include: Root extract standardized to acteosides at 400mg/day (two 200mg capsules twice daily) for kidney conditions; Leaf extract (RGLE) at 100mg/day for acne treatment over 56 days. Traditional TCM preparations vary widely in dosage. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Rehmannia glutinosa is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal upset reported in some users. The herb may interact with diabetes medications by affecting [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) levels and should be monitored in diabetic patients. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical trials, so use should be avoided during these periods. Individuals with digestive weakness or diarrhea should use caution as the herb's cooling nature may worsen these conditions.

## Scientific Research

Clinical evidence includes a large RCT (n=479) showing Rehmannia glutinosa acteosides (400mg/day) combined with irbesartan improved kidney function in chronic glomerulonephritis patients (PMID: 23519822). A double-blind RCT found leaf extract (100mg/day) reduced acne severity by 21.72% versus 14.20% for placebo after 28 days (PMID: 38651075). A meta-analysis of 17 RCTs (n=1,139) demonstrated benefits for perimenopausal symptoms in breast cancer patients when used as the monarch herb in TCM formulas (PMID: 40628433).

## Historical & Cultural Context

In TCM, Rehmannia glutinosa (Di Huang raw, or Shu Di Huang processed) has been used for over 2,000 years as a key herb to nourish yin, tonify blood, clear heat, and treat conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, anemia, and menopausal symptoms. It serves as the 'monarch drug' in many classical Chinese herbal medicine formulas.

## Synergistic Combinations

Irbesartan, Chinese angelica (Angelica sinensis), Astragalus, Schisandra, Goji berry

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in Rehmannia glutinosa?

Catalpol is the primary bioactive iridoid glycoside in Rehmannia glutinosa, typically comprising 0.1-0.3% of the dried root. This compound is responsible for most of the herb's anti-inflammatory and renoprotective effects through NF-κB pathway inhibition.

### How much Rehmannia glutinosa should I take daily?

Traditional dosing ranges from 9-30 grams of dried root daily, typically prepared as decoction or standardized extract. Clinical studies have used 200-400mg of concentrated extract twice daily, though optimal dosing varies by condition and individual response.

### Can Rehmannia glutinosa help with diabetes?

Preliminary studies suggest catalpol may improve insulin sensitivity and reduce blood glucose levels through AMPK pathway activation. However, clinical evidence is limited and diabetic patients should monitor blood sugar closely when using this herb alongside medications.

### What's the difference between fresh and prepared Rehmannia?

Fresh Rehmannia (Sheng Di Huang) has stronger cooling and blood-clearing properties, while prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang) is processed with wine to enhance kidney-tonifying effects. Prepared form is more commonly used for chronic kidney conditions and has reduced digestive side effects.

### Does Rehmannia glutinosa interact with blood pressure medications?

Rehmannia may have mild hypotensive effects through vasodilation and diuretic properties, potentially enhancing blood pressure medications. Patients on antihypertensive drugs should monitor blood pressure closely and consult healthcare providers before combining treatments.

### Is Rehmannia glutinosa safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Rehmannia glutinosa is traditionally contraindicated during pregnancy due to its potent blood-nourishing and cooling properties, which may affect uterine function. While some prenatal formulas in TCM practice include small amounts under professional supervision, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid supplementation without explicit approval from their healthcare provider, as safety data in these populations remains limited.

### What does clinical research show about Rehmannia glutinosa for kidney health?

A strong-evidence randomized controlled trial with 479 patients demonstrated that Rehmannia glutinosa combined with conventional therapy significantly improved outcomes in chronic glomerulonephritis, suggesting benefits for kidney function support (PMID: 23519822). However, this research supports use as an adjunct to standard medical treatment rather than a replacement, and kidney patients should consult their nephrologist before supplementing.

### Which form of Rehmannia glutinosa is most effective for acne—leaf extract versus root?

A double-blind randomized controlled trial found that Rehmannia leaf extract produced a 21.72% reduction in acne severity scores over 28 days (moderate evidence, PMID: 38651075), while traditional preparations typically use the root for internal use. Leaf extracts may offer targeted benefits for topical or acute skin concerns, though root-based formulations remain the standard for systemic health support in classical TCM applications.

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