# Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa, raw)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sheng-di-huang-rehmannia-glutinosa-raw
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-18
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Traditional Chinese Medicine
**Also Known As:** Rehmannia glutinosa, Chinese Foxglove, Di Huang, Raw Rehmannia, Fresh Rehmannia Root, Chinese Digitalis, Shu Di Huang

## Overview

Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa) is a traditional Chinese herb containing catalpol and rehmannioside compounds that support kidney function and reduce [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). The herb works by modulating inflammatory cytokines and enhancing renal blood flow through its iridoid glycosides.

## Health Benefits

- Sheng Di Huang supports kidney health by promoting fluid balance and detoxification, which is crucial for overall vitality. - It has [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties that soothe joint pain and reduce chronic inflammation, enhancing mobility. - Sheng Di Huang boosts blood circulation, improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, which supports energy levels. - It enhances immune function by increasing the production of [white blood cell](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)s, fortifying the body's defenses. - Studies indicate it can lower [blood glucose](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) levels by up to 15%, aiding in diabetes management. - Sheng Di Huang promotes [skin health](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) by hydrating and nourishing the skin, reducing signs of aging. - It supports [cardiovascular health](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, lowering heart disease risk.

## Mechanism of Action

Sheng Di Huang's primary bioactive compound catalpol inhibits NF-κB inflammatory pathways and reduces [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s like TNF-α and IL-1β. The herb's iridoid glycosides enhance nitric oxide production, improving renal microcirculation and glomerular filtration. Rehmannioside compounds also demonstrate nephroprotective effects by reducing [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers and supporting tubular cell regeneration.

## Clinical Summary

Most research on Sheng Di Huang consists of animal studies and traditional use documentation rather than large-scale human trials. Small clinical studies (n=30-60) suggest benefits for diabetic nephropathy when combined with conventional treatment, showing 15-25% improvement in creatinine clearance. Traditional Chinese medicine studies report positive outcomes for chronic kidney disease, but these often lack placebo controls. More rigorous human clinical trials are needed to establish definitive therapeutic dosages and efficacy.

## Nutritional Profile

Sheng Di Huang (raw Rehmannia glutinosa root) contains a complex array of bioactive compounds with limited conventional macronutrient characterization, as it is used medicinally rather than as a dietary staple. Carbohydrates are the dominant macronutrient, comprising approximately 60-70% of dry weight, primarily in the form of oligosaccharides (notably rehmannose, stachyose, and verbascose) and polysaccharides (RPS-b, RG-I type pectic polysaccharides) which contribute to [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity. Moisture content in fresh root is approximately 85-90%. Protein content is modest at approximately 5-8% dry weight, including free amino acids such as arginine, glutamic acid, and alanine. Fat content is minimal at less than 1% dry weight. Key bioactive iridoid glycosides include catalpol (0.3-1.0% dry weight, the primary active marker compound), aucubin, and rehmannioside A, B, C, and D. Phenylethanoid glycosides include acteoside (verbascoside) and echinacoside at trace to 0.1% concentrations. Sugars include d-glucose, d-galactose, and d-fructose. Trace minerals present include potassium (approximately 1,200-1,500 mg/100g dry weight), calcium (approximately 300-400 mg/100g dry weight), magnesium (approximately 80-120 mg/100g dry weight), iron (approximately 15-25 mg/100g dry weight), zinc, manganese, and phosphorus. Vitamin content is limited but includes small amounts of B vitamins and vitamin C in fresh root, largely degraded upon drying. Mannitol is present at approximately 0.5-1.5% dry weight, contributing to its slightly sweet taste. Sterol compounds including beta-sitosterol and stigmasterol are present at trace levels. Bioavailability note: Catalpol and iridoid glycosides demonstrate moderate oral bioavailability with intestinal microbiota playing a significant role in their [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) and activation; processing method (raw vs. prepared/Shu Di Huang) significantly alters the glycoside and sugar profiles.

## Dosage & Preparation

Typical dosage ranges from 9-30 grams per day. Consult a healthcare provider before use.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Sheng Di Huang is generally well-tolerated but may cause digestive upset, loose stools, or bloating in sensitive individuals. The herb can potentially interact with diabetes medications by enhancing hypoglycemic effects, requiring blood sugar monitoring. It may also amplify the effects of [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications due to its circulation-enhancing properties. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data, and individuals with severe kidney disease should consult healthcare providers before use.

## Scientific Research

Research, including some clinical trials, indicates potential benefits for [immune support](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation), but more studies are needed.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat heat-related conditions and nourish the body's yin energy.

## Synergistic Combinations

Mu Dan Pi, Bai Shao, Xuan Shen

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the difference between Sheng Di Huang and Shu Di Huang?

Sheng Di Huang is raw, unprocessed Rehmannia with cooling properties that clear heat and support kidney yin, while Shu Di Huang is steamed and processed to become warming and blood-nourishing. The raw form contains higher levels of catalpol and is traditionally used for inflammation and kidney heat patterns.

### How much Sheng Di Huang should I take daily?

Traditional dosing ranges from 9-15 grams daily of dried herb, typically prepared as decoction or tea. Standardized extracts usually recommend 300-600mg daily, providing 10-20mg of catalpol. Always start with lower doses to assess tolerance and consult practitioners for personalized dosing.

### Can Sheng Di Huang help with high blood pressure?

Preliminary studies suggest Sheng Di Huang may support healthy blood pressure through improved circulation and reduced inflammation. However, it should not replace prescribed antihypertensive medications and may interact with blood pressure drugs, requiring medical supervision.

### Does Sheng Di Huang have any proven kidney benefits?

Animal studies show Sheng Di Huang's catalpol compounds protect kidney cells from oxidative damage and improve filtration markers. Small human studies suggest benefits for diabetic kidney complications, but larger controlled trials are needed to confirm therapeutic effects in healthy individuals.

### Is Sheng Di Huang safe to take with diabetes medications?

Sheng Di Huang may enhance the blood sugar-lowering effects of diabetes medications, potentially causing hypoglycemia. Diabetic patients should monitor blood glucose closely and consult healthcare providers before combining this herb with metformin, insulin, or other antidiabetic drugs.

### Is Sheng Di Huang safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Sheng Di Huang is traditionally considered cooling and should be used with caution during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, as it may have mild uterine-stimulating properties. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner or TCM specialist before use, as individual circumstances vary. Limited modern safety data exists for this population, making professional guidance essential.

### Does Sheng Di Huang interact with blood thinning medications like warfarin?

Sheng Di Huang has mild anticoagulant properties and may potentiate the effects of blood-thinning medications such as warfarin or aspirin, increasing bleeding risk. Individuals taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs should inform their healthcare provider before using Sheng Di Huang and may require monitoring or dosage adjustments. Combining these substances without medical oversight is not recommended.

### What is the most effective form of Sheng Di Huang—raw, powdered, or decocted?

Traditional decoction (simmering the raw herb in water for 20–45 minutes) is considered the most bioavailable form, as it extracts water-soluble compounds and activates certain beneficial constituents through heat. Powdered forms and concentrated extracts offer convenience but may have reduced efficacy compared to properly prepared decoctions. For optimal results in TCM practice, raw Sheng Di Huang decocted with other complementary herbs is preferred.

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