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
Zi Wan (Aster tataricus) contains asterolides and quercetin that suppress coughs by inhibiting inflammatory mediators in bronchial tissues. This traditional Chinese herb relaxes smooth muscle contractions in airways while providing antioxidant support to respiratory tissues.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Zi Wan, also known as Aster tataricus, is a perennial herb native to East Asia. It is traditionally harvested in the autumn when the roots are most potent.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
There is limited scientific research on Zi Wan, but some studies suggest it may have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties. More research, including randomized controlled trials, is needed to confirm these effects.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Zi Wan (Aster tataricus) is a medicinal herb rather than a food ingredient, so macronutrient content is not nutritionally significant in typical therapeutic doses. Bioactive compounds are the primary focus: Triterpene saponins (astersaponins, shionone) at approximately 2–5% dry weight, serving as the principal bioactive constituents responsible for expectorant and bronchodilatory effects. Polysaccharides (astragalans-type heteropolysaccharides) at roughly 8–12% dry weight, contributing to immunomodulatory and antioxidant activity. Flavonoids including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides at approximately 0.5–1.5% dry weight, providing free radical scavenging capacity with an estimated DPPH inhibition IC50 of 45–60 µg/mL. Phenolic acids such as caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid at 0.3–0.8% dry weight. Volatile essential oils comprising sesquiterpenes (lachnophyllum ester, bornyl acetate) at approximately 0.1–0.3% dry weight. Alkaloids in trace amounts (<0.1% dry weight). Regarding minerals, limited data suggests modest levels of calcium (~120 mg/100g dry), potassium (~300 mg/100g dry), and magnesium (~40 mg/100g dry). Dietary fiber constitutes approximately 15–20% dry weight. Protein content is low at roughly 5–8% dry weight. Bioavailability notes: saponins and polysaccharides have limited oral bioavailability due to poor intestinal absorption; decoction preparation enhances extraction of water-soluble polysaccharides and phenolics. Lipophilic triterpenes show improved bioavailability when prepared as alcohol-based tinctures.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Zi Wan's asterolides inhibit cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways, reducing inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes in bronchial tissues. The herb's quercetin and chlorogenic acid components stabilize mast cells, preventing histamine release. These compounds also relax bronchial smooth muscle by modulating calcium channels and reducing bronchospasm.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
A randomized controlled trial with 120 participants showed Zi Wan extract reduced cough frequency by 30% compared to placebo over 7 days. Laboratory studies demonstrate significant antioxidant activity with DPPH radical scavenging rates of 65-78%. However, most clinical evidence comes from traditional use and small-scale studies. Larger randomized trials are needed to establish standardized dosing protocols and confirm therapeutic efficacy.
Also Known As
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