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 Ligustrum is a small shrub native to in China, Korea,
and Japan but is now commonly found in the south and western parts
of the United States. It is an evergreen with white flowers during
the summer and small blue-black berries in the fall. The berry of
ligustrum is used medicinally.
The primary chemical substance
in ligustrum offering medicinal value is ligustrin (oleanolic acid).
Some Chinese studies suggest that ligustrum stimulates the immune
system, decreases inflammation, and protects the liver. However,
these same findings have not been substantiated by clinical studies
in Europe or the United States. Ligustrum is frequently combined
with astragalus in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Although used for
long-term support of the immune system in people with depressed
immune function or cancer, more research is needed to demonstrate
the optimal length of time to use ligustrum or to prove it
effects.
Dosage and
Administration
Ligustrum may be taken in the
following forms:
- Powdered, encapsulated berries, 1–3 teaspoons (5–15 grams) per
day
- Tea by adding 1/2–1 teaspoon (2–5 grams) of powdered or
crushed berries to 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water and steeping
for ten to fifteen minutes
- Tinture, take 3/4–1 teaspoon (3–5 ml) of tincture three times
per day
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