Polyscias fruticosa - Remedy for Inflammation and Digestive Health

 Polyscias fruticosa - Remedy for Inflammation and Digestive Health

Introduction

Polyscias fruticosa is a traditional medicinal shrub widely used in northern Vietnam. Its leaves and stems have long been employed in folk remedies to support digestion, reduce inflammation, and alleviate minor aches, making it a valued plant in both household and community herbal practices.

Botanical and cultural background

Polyscias fruticosa belongs to the Araliaceae family and is a perennial evergreen shrub or small tree, typically growing between 1 and 3 meters in height. The plant has compound pinnate leaves with glossy, dark green leaflets, small clustered flowers that are usually inconspicuous, and dark purple to black berries that develop after flowering. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, often found along forest edges, riverbanks, and cultivated home gardens, where soil is well-drained and moderately fertile. In northern Vietnam, provinces such as Lào Cai, Hà Giang, Tuyên Quang, Lạng Sơn, and Cao Bằng are known for wild or semi-cultivated populations of Polyscias fruticosa.

The plant is traditionally harvested during the rainy season or early post-rain months, when leaves and stems have the highest concentration of bioactive compounds, enhancing their therapeutic potential. Local ethnic groups, including the Tày, Nùng, H’mong, and Dao, have cultivated and used this plant for generations. Leaves are often prepared fresh for poultices, decoctions, or herbal baths, while dried leaves are stored for later use in infusions or medicinal formulas.

Culturally, Polyscias fruticosa carries significance beyond its medicinal uses. In many villages, it is planted near homes or communal areas as a symbol of protection, vitality, and harmony with nature. Its use in postpartum care, digestive health remedies, and anti-inflammatory treatments highlights how northern Vietnamese communities have integrated this plant into both daily healthcare practices and traditional cultural rituals.

Folk uses and preparation methods

Treatment for allergy

Prepare 150–200 g of fresh Polyscias fruticosa leaves and wash thoroughly. Boil approximately 200 ml of water, then add the leaves and cover the pot. Stir gently every few minutes while simmering. After 5–7 minutes of infusion, strain the liquid and consume as a warm decoction.

Treatment for postpartum milk duct blockage

Prepare approximately 400 g of fresh Polyscias fruticosa leaves and wash thoroughly. Boil the leaves in 300 ml of water over low heat. When the liquid is reduced to about 200 ml, remove from heat. The resulting decoction can be consumed warm.

Treatment for insomnia

Prepare 24g of Polyscias fruticosa leaves, 20g of Erythrina variegata leaves, 20g of Herba Dendrobii leaves, 12g of lotus seed embryos, and 16 g of lotus seeds. Place all ingredients in a pot with 400 ml of water and bring to a boil. Simmer over low heat until the liquid is reduced to approximately 150 ml, then remove from heat. Strain the decoction and consume twice daily.

Bioactive Compounds and Pharmacological Properties

Phytochemical studies have identified saponins, flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, and essential oils as the main constituents of Polyscias fruticosa. Saponins are associated with anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective effects, while flavonoids and polyphenols contribute antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Alkaloids present in the leaves and stems exhibit analgesic and anti-allergic activity, supporting the plant’s use in alleviating pain, allergies, and inflammatory conditions.

Pharmacological investigations indicate that Polyscias fruticosa extracts can modulate immune responses, reduce oxidative stress, and improve microcirculation, which aligns with its traditional applications in digestive support, postpartum care, and sleep regulation. Laboratory studies also suggest potential hepatoprotective, anti-fatigue, and neuroprotective effects, although more clinical research is needed to confirm efficacy in humans.

Modern science and research

In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that extracts from leaves and stems of Polyscias fruticosa possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects, supporting their use in managing mild inflammatory conditions, allergies, and general immune support. Research also indicates hepatoprotective activity, with certain saponin-rich extracts showing potential in protecting liver cells from oxidative damage.

Studies on the central nervous system suggest that the plant may have mild sedative and anxiolytic effects, which could explain its traditional application in improving sleep and reducing stress-related symptoms. Additionally, preliminary pharmacological assessments show positive effects on microcirculation and digestive function, aligning with folk remedies for postpartum care and digestive support.

Resources

1. Wikipedia (link)

2. Chemical Constituents of the Leaves of Polyscias fruticosa (Van-Mai Do, Cong-Luan Tran, Thuc-Huy Duong, Hoang-Vinh-Truong Phan, Huu-Hung Nguyen, Thi-Phuong Nguyen & Jirapast Sichaem) (link)

3. ON THE ANTIPYRETIC, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANALGESIC AND MOLLUSCICIDAL PROPERTIES OF POLYSCIAS FRUTICOSA (L) HARMS (Bernard, Bensita Mary; Pakianathan, Nilani; Divakar, Madhu C.) (link)