Natural Herb Library

Sha Yuan Ji Li Seed

Chinese
沙苑蒺藜
Pinyin
Sha Yuan Ji Li
Latin
Semen Astragali Complanati
Botanical illustration of Seed of Flaststem Milkvetch, Phyllolobium chinense, showing Sha Yuan Ji Li seed material and diagnostic source details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Sha Yuan Ji Li (沙苑蒺藜), this sweet and astringent, warm herb enters the Kidney and Liver. Traditionally, it tonifies the Kidneys and nourishes essence ... Sha Yuan Ji Li is used for spermatorrhea, frequent urination, infertility, and lower-burner weakness from chronic deficiency, most often applied for infertility, frequent urination, and leukorrhea. Modern research has identified Complanatoside-type among its active constituents.

Part used: Seed

Also Known As

Sha Yuan Zi Flatstem Milkvetch Seed Phyllolobium chinense seed

Latin: Semen Astragali Complanati | Pinyin: Sha Yuan Ji Li | Chinese: 沙苑蒺藜

TCM Properties

Taste
sweet, astringent
Temperature
warm
Channels
Kidney, Liver

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Tonifies the Kidneys and nourishes essence ... Sha Yuan Ji Li is used for spermatorrhea, frequent urination, infertility, and lower-burner weakness from chronic deficiency.
  • Secures leakage gently ... unlike harsher astringents, it both supplements and secures, making it a good long-course herb for deficient leakage patterns.
  • Nourishes the Liver and improves vision ... traditional use extends to deficiency-type blurred vision and dim sight.

Secondary Actions

  • This is the longer import lane for the same core herb already represented by the canonical `flatstem-milkvetch-seed` page under the shorter name `Sha Yuan Zi`.
  • Modern taxonomy often places the source plant under `Phyllolobium chinense`, while medicinal trade and research still commonly use `Astragalus complanatus`.

Classic Formulas

  • Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan style pairings with Long Gu, Mu Li, and Qian Shi ... essence-securing logic for chronic leakage from Kidney deficiency.
  • Vision-support combinations with Gou Qi Zi and Ju Hua ... used when Liver-Kidney deficiency affects the eyes.
  • Reproductive-tonic formulas with Tu Si Zi and Du Zhong ... traditional strategy for infertility and low-back weakness.

Classical References

  • TCM Wiki describes Sha Yuan Ji Li as sweet, astringent, and warm, entering the Kidney and Liver to tonify the Kidneys, nourish essence, improve vision, secure essence, reduce urination, and stop leukorrhea.
  • The trade name should not be confused with the dispersing thorn-fruit herb Ci Ji Li, which belongs to a very different therapeutic lane.

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Complanatoside-type flavonoid glycosides ... major quality markers in Astragali Complanati Semen
  • Saponins and triterpenoid-related constituents ... supportive compounds in tonic pharmacology research
  • Phenolic constituents and seed lipids ... part of the broader deficiency-tonic profile

Studied Effects

  • A 2020 study profiled bioactive flavonoid glycosides in commercial Astragali Complanati Semen, strengthening the chemical basis for Sha Yuan Ji Li quality control (PMID 33081333).
  • A 2017 metabolomics-based study reported hypocholesterolemic effects from Astragali Complanati Semen, showing that modern interest extends beyond classical reproductive uses (PMID 28753987).
  • A 2013 animal study found Semen Astragali Complanati enhanced bone formation in osteoporotic rats, which offers a modern experimental bridge to its traditional use for low-back and constitutional weakness (PMID 23782721).

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Damp-Heat urinary or gynecologic disorders
  • Clearly excess patterns without underlying deficiency

Cautions

  • Sha Yuan Ji Li fits deficient leakage and weakness, not acute burning urination or active infection.
  • Taxonomy and trade labeling vary, so authenticated sourcing still matters.

Drug Interactions

  • Antihypertensive medications ... additive effects are theoretically possible based on preclinical flavonoid data

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sha Yuan Ji Li Seed used for?

Sha Yuan Ji Li Seed is traditionally used to Tonifies the Kidneys and nourishes essence ... Sha Yuan Ji Li is used for spermatorrhea, frequent urination, infertility, and lower-burner weakness from chronic deficiency., Secures leakage gently ... unlike harsher astringents, it both supplements and secures, making it a good long-course herb for deficient leakage patterns., Nourishes the Liver and improves vision ... traditional use extends to deficiency-type blurred vision and dim sight.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2020 study profiled bioactive flavonoid glycosides in commercial Astragali Complanati Semen, strengthening the chemical basis for Sha Yuan Ji Li quality control (PMID 33081333).; A 2017 metabolomics-based study reported hypocholesterolemic effects from Astragali Complanati Semen, showing that modern interest extends beyond classical reproductive uses (PMID 28753987)..

What are other names for Sha Yuan Ji Li Seed?

Sha Yuan Ji Li Seed is also known as Sha Yuan Zi, Flatstem Milkvetch Seed, Phyllolobium chinense seed. In TCM: 沙苑蒺藜 (Sha Yuan Ji Li); Semen Astragali Complanati.

Is Sha Yuan Ji Li Seed safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Sha Yuan Ji Li Seed during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What are the contraindications for Sha Yuan Ji Li Seed?

Sha Yuan Ji Li Seed should not be used in: Damp-Heat urinary or gynecologic disorders; Clearly excess patterns without underlying deficiency. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Does Sha Yuan Ji Li Seed interact with any medications?

Sha Yuan Ji Li Seed may interact with: Antihypertensive medications ... additive effects are theoretically possible based on preclinical flavonoid data. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.