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
Rehmannia glutinosa is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb containing catalpol as its primary bioactive compound, which modulates inflammatory pathways and provides renoprotective effects. Clinical studies demonstrate significant benefits for kidney health and acne reduction through its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.
Origin & History
Rehmannia glutinosa is a perennial herb in the Orobanchaceae family, native to China, Japan, and Korea, where its tuberous roots are the primary medicinal part used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Extracts are typically prepared from roots (raw or processed/steamed forms like Shu Di Huang) or leaves via solvent extraction or polysaccharide isolation, containing chemical classes including iridoid glycosides (e.g., acteosides), polysaccharides, and phenolic compounds.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
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).
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
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 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.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Rehmannia glutinosa's primary bioactive compound catalpol inhibits NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing inflammatory cytokine production including TNF-α and IL-1β. The herb's iridoid glycosides enhance renal function by protecting glomerular cells from oxidative stress and modulating immune responses. Catalpol also demonstrates neuroprotective effects by activating CREB signaling and promoting BDNF expression.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
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.
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