FolkKB

China root

Smilax china

Smilax china is a climbing plant utilized extensively in various traditional medicine systems. It is historically employed as an alterative, diuretic, and stimulant to address conditions such as asthma, rheumatism, gout, arthritis, skin complaints, boils, and syphilis. Preliminary scientific studies suggest potential anti-viral properties against EV71, possible modulation of psoriatic lesions, and effects on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in animal models. Some research also indicates potential anti-glioma activity in mice. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded. This information is for educational purposes only.

At a glance
Traditionally for
rheumatism · alterative
Traditions
TCM · Ayurveda · Unani · traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

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

Traditional use

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 is China root traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record China root for: rheumatism, alterative, diuretic, gout, syphilis, depurative. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use China root?

China root appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, Ayurveda, Unani, traditional.

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. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Smilax china L. Extract Alleviates Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Potential anti-glioma targets and mechanisms of Smilax china L. based on network pharmacological, molecular docking and experimental verification. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma ethyl acetate fraction alleviates IMQ-induced psoriasis by inhibiting IL-17-driven T-cell immune responses. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Moracin M inhibits EV71 infection primarily by blocking viral attachment to host cells. literature abstract metadata

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