# Sanguisorba officinalis

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sanguisorba-officinalis
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-02
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Great Burnet, Garden Burnet, Official Burnet, Bloodwort, Red Knobs, Di Yu, Wari-Renge, Sanguisorba officinalis L., Burnet Root, Chinese Burnet

## Overview

Sanguisorba officinalis is a medicinal herb rich in bioactive tannins, flavonoids, and triterpenoid saponins — particularly ziyuglycoside I and II — that exert anti-inflammatory effects primarily by suppressing NF-κB signaling and [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. Its extracts have demonstrated potential in managing intestinal inflammation and improving [physical endurance](/ingredients/condition/energy) in preclinical models.

## Health Benefits

• May reduce inflammation in ulcerative colitis by inhibiting inflammatory markers (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α) - based on mouse studies (PMID: 40518692)
• Potentially improves [physical endurance](/ingredients/condition/energy) by approximately 40% - shown in 4-week mouse study (PMID: PMC7998416)
• Supports [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity) in intestinal macrophages, shifting them toward [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) profiles - demonstrated in mouse models (PMID: 32561763)
• Exhibits [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) through hydroxyl radical and DPPH scavenging - shown in in vitro studies
• Traditional hemostatic properties for bleeding disorders - historically documented but lacking modern clinical validation

## Mechanism of Action

Sanguisorba officinalis suppresses the NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing transcription of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s including IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α relevant to conditions like ulcerative colitis. Its triterpenoid saponins and polyphenolic tannins also modulate [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity) in intestinal macrophages, potentially restoring mucosal homeostasis. Additionally, bioactive constituents may enhance [mitochondrial biogenesis](/ingredients/condition/energy) and oxidative capacity in skeletal muscle, contributing to the observed improvements in physical endurance.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for Sanguisorba officinalis is largely preclinical. A mouse model of ulcerative colitis (PMID: 40518692) demonstrated significant reduction in IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α following extract administration, suggesting [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity in the gut. A separate 4-week mouse study (PMC7998416) reported approximately 40% improvement in [physical endurance](/ingredients/condition/energy) measures. No large-scale randomized controlled trials in humans have been published to date, meaning efficacy and optimal dosing in humans remain unestablished.

## Nutritional Profile

Sanguisorba officinalis (Great Burnet) contains a range of bioactive polyphenols as its primary functional constituents. Tannins are the dominant compound class, comprising approximately 17-20% dry weight, predominantly ellagitannins (sanguiin H-6, agrimoniin) and gallotannins (ziyuglycoside I and II). Triterpenoid saponins (ziyuglycoside series) are present at approximately 1-3% dry weight and are considered key pharmacologically active compounds. Flavonoids including quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides are present at roughly 0.5-1.5% dry weight. Catechins and condensed tannin precursors contribute additional [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity. Phenolic acids including gallic acid and ellagic acid are detected at approximately 0.3-0.8% dry weight. The root, which is the primary medicinal part used in European and East Asian traditions, contains higher concentrations of these compounds than aerial parts. Mineral content includes iron, calcium, and potassium in modest quantities typical of root vegetables, though precise concentrations in dried root preparations are not well-documented in Western literature. Fiber content (primarily structural polysaccharides) represents approximately 20-30% of dry weight in root preparations. Protein content is low, estimated at 5-8% dry weight. Bioavailability note: ellagitannins are hydrolyzed in the gut to ellagic acid, which is further metabolized by intestinal microbiota to urolithins (urolithin A, B), which are considered the primary bioavailable [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) metabolites; individual conversion capacity varies significantly based on [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) composition.

## Dosage & Preparation

Animal studies used oral doses of 50 mg/kg over 4 weeks without observed toxicity. In vitro studies employed polysaccharide concentrations of 62.5-250 μg/mL. No clinically validated human dosage ranges are available. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Sanguisorba officinalis has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine and is generally considered low-risk at typical herbal doses, but formal human safety trials are limited. Its high tannin content may inhibit absorption of iron, certain minerals, and some orally administered medications if taken simultaneously. Due to a lack of reproductive safety data, use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended. Potential interactions with anticoagulant or [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) drugs should be monitored given its demonstrated effects on cytokine pathways.

## Scientific Research

The current evidence for Sanguisorba officinalis consists primarily of animal studies and in vitro research, with no published human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses identified. Key studies include mouse models showing efficacy in DSS-induced colitis (PMID: 40518692, 32561763) and endurance improvement (PMID: PMC7998416), but human clinical validation is lacking.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Sanguisorba officinalis has been used for centuries in Chinese and Japanese traditional medicine for treating [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) conditions, hemostasis, diarrhea, dermatitis, nephritis, and colitis. The plant's hemostatic properties have been particularly emphasized in traditional practice and are now being investigated through modern research methods.

## Synergistic Combinations

Sophora japonica, turmeric, boswellia, quercetin, [probiotic](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is Sanguisorba officinalis used for?

Sanguisorba officinalis is used in traditional Chinese medicine for bleeding disorders, diarrhea, and inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions. Modern preclinical research suggests it may help manage intestinal inflammation — particularly in ulcerative colitis — by inhibiting cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α through NF-κB pathway suppression.

### Can Sanguisorba officinalis improve exercise performance?

A 4-week mouse study (PMC7998416) found that Sanguisorba officinalis extract improved physical endurance by approximately 40% compared to controls. The proposed mechanism involves enhanced mitochondrial function and reduced oxidative stress in skeletal muscle, though these findings have not yet been replicated in human clinical trials.

### What are the active compounds in Sanguisorba officinalis?

The primary bioactive compounds include ziyuglycoside I and II (triterpenoid saponins), ellagitannins, gallic acid, and various flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol derivatives. The tannin fraction is largely responsible for astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, while saponins contribute to immunomodulatory and endurance-related effects.

### Is Sanguisorba officinalis safe to take daily?

Sanguisorba officinalis is considered generally safe at traditional herbal doses, but long-term daily supplementation has not been formally evaluated in human safety studies. Its high tannin content may reduce absorption of dietary iron and certain medications if taken at the same time, so spacing doses from meals and other supplements is advisable.

### How does Sanguisorba officinalis help with ulcerative colitis?

In a mouse model of ulcerative colitis (PMID: 40518692), Sanguisorba officinalis extract significantly reduced mucosal inflammation by suppressing NF-κB-driven expression of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α. It also appears to support autophagy in intestinal macrophages, which may help restore normal immune homeostasis in the gut lining, though human trial data are still needed.

### What is the most bioavailable form of Sanguisorba officinalis, and how does extraction method affect its potency?

Sanguisorba officinalis is commonly available as standardized extracts, dried root powder, and decoctions, with standardized extracts offering more consistent concentrations of active compounds like tannins and polysaccharides. Extraction methods using water or alcohol-water mixtures preserve the key anti-inflammatory compounds that inhibit markers like IL-6 and TNF-α, making them more bioavailable than simple dried powder. The root is the primary used plant part in traditional medicine and commercial preparations, as it contains the highest concentration of active constituents.

### Who should avoid Sanguisorba officinalis or use it with caution?

Individuals with severe bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should use caution, as Sanguisorba officinalis has traditional hemostatic properties that may theoretically interact with blood-thinning drugs. Pregnant and nursing women should consult a healthcare provider before use, as safety data in these populations is limited. People with severe tannin sensitivity or those prone to constipation should monitor their intake, as the high tannin content may exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms in sensitive individuals.

### What does current clinical research show about the strength of evidence for Sanguisorba officinalis?

Most evidence for Sanguisorba officinalis comes from preclinical animal studies demonstrating mechanisms like inflammatory marker reduction and autophagy promotion in intestinal macrophages, rather than large-scale human trials. A 4-week mouse study showed approximately 40% improvement in physical endurance, but comparable human clinical data remains limited. While traditional use supports its safety profile, robust randomized controlled trials in human populations are needed to establish efficacy for specific health claims and determine optimal dosing.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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