China root

Smilax china

Smilax china, a traditional plant used in Chinese medicine, has shown potential in various areas of research. While its specific traditional uses are not well-documented, studies have indicated that compounds derived from this plant, such as moracin M, may inhibit EV71 infection by blocking viral attachment to host cells. Additionally, SCR-EA, another compound from Smilax china, alleviated psoriatic lesions in mice by modulating T-cell differentiation and inhibiting IL-17 signaling. Research also suggests that intragastric administration of Smilax china may have anti-glioma effects, as it significantly inhibited glioma growth and prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, the extract from this plant demonstrated potential in alleviating metabolic-associated fatty liver disease by modulating gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in rats. Safety concerns are minimal based on current data, with no major issues or recorded drug interactions noted.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Moracin M, derived from Smilax china, inhibits EV71 infection primarily by blocking viral attachment to host cells. D PMID
  • SCR-EA alleviated IMQ-induced psoriatic lesions by modulating T-cell differentiation and inhibiting IL-17 signaling. D PMID
  • Smilax china L. extract alleviated metabolic-associated fatty liver disease by modulating gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism in rats. D PMID
  • Intragastric administration of 0.5 and 1.5 g/kg Smilax china significantly inhibited glioma growth and prolonged survival in tumor-bearing mice, suggesting potential anti-glioma effects. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is China root?

China root (Smilax china) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about China root?

4 sourced findings are recorded for China root; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Moracin M, derived from Smilax china, inhibits EV71 infection primarily by blocking viral attachment to host cells.

How strong is the evidence for China root?

The strongest finding for China root carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is China root safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for China root in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does China root interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for China root in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of China root?

China root is also known as: racine de Chine.

Is China root a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Smilax china L. Extract Alleviates Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Potential anti-glioma targets and mechanisms of Smilax china L. based on network pharmacological, molecular docking and experimental verification. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma ethyl acetate fraction alleviates IMQ-induced psoriasis by inhibiting IL-17-driven T-cell immune responses. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Moracin M inhibits EV71 infection primarily by blocking viral attachment to host cells. literature abstract metadata