Jiu Bi Ying

Jiu Bi Ying (Cortex Ilicis Rotundae) is the dried bark of Ilex rotunda Thunb., an evergreen tree or shrub in the family Aquifoliaceae (holly family). In the traditional TCM classification system, Jiu Bi Ying is considered bitter and astringent in flavor with a cool nature. It enters the Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine, and Lung meridians, giving it a versatile role in formulas that address heat-toxin patterns, bleeding disorders, and pain symptoms.

Botanical description: Ilex rotunda is an evergreen tree or large shrub growing 5–15 m tall. The bark is grayish-brown to dark gray, with a rough, corky texture and shallow fissures. The inner bark is yellowish-brown. The leaves are alternate, simple, obovate to oblong-elliptic, 4–10 cm long and 2–5 cm wide, with a rounded or obtuse apex (hence the species name "rotunda" meaning round), a cuneate base, and an entire or sparsely serrated margin. The leaves are leathery, dark green and glossy on the upper surface, and paler beneath. The flowers are small, white, and unisexual, borne in axillary clusters. The fruit is a small, globose drupe, 5–7 mm in diameter, bright red when ripe, containing 4–6 pyrenes. The bark is harvested year-round, peeled from the trunk and branches, and dried in the sun.

Habitat and cultivation: I. rotunda is widely distributed across southern China, including the provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Yunnan, and Hainan. It is also found in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and parts of Southeast Asia. The tree grows in evergreen broad-leaved forests, forest margins, hillsides, and along streams at elevations of 100–800 meters. It prefers warm, humid subtropical climates with well-drained, acidic soils. The plant is shade-tolerant and can grow in both sunny and partially shaded environments. While it is primarily collected from wild sources, cultivation efforts are increasing to meet the demand for medicinal bark.

Quality markers: High-quality Jiu Bi Ying should consist of thick bark pieces with a grayish-brown outer surface and a yellowish-brown inner surface. The bark should have a rough, corky texture and a characteristic faint odor. The taste should be bitter and astringent. The material should be free from mold, insect damage, and excessive wood or other foreign matter. Premium-grade material is characterized by thick, clean bark pieces with a pronounced corky texture and a strong bitter-astringent taste. The triterpenoid and tannin content are important quality indicators in modern quality control standards.

In the traditional Chinese medicine theoretical framework, Jiu Bi Ying is understood in terms of its effects on specific patterns of disharmony (zheng). Because Jiu Bi Ying enters the Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine, and Lung meridians and has a bitter, astringent, cool quality, it is traditionally indicated for a range of patterns involving heat-toxin, bleeding, and pain.

Clearing heat and resolving toxicity: Jiu Bi Ying is traditionally used in TCM for clearing heat and resolving toxicity. In TCM theory, heat-toxin can manifest as sore throat, dysentery, skin infections, and inflammatory conditions. Jiu Bi Ying is believed to clear heat from the blood and resolve toxic accumulations, making it useful for a range of infectious and inflammatory conditions. Its bitter flavor drains heat downward, while its cool nature reduces inflammatory activity. It is commonly used for sore throat, tonsillitis, and upper respiratory infections, as well as for skin infections such as boils and carbuncles.

Astringing and stopping bleeding: Jiu Bi Ying has a strong traditional reputation for stopping bleeding due to its astringent properties. In TCM theory, it is believed to enter the blood level and constrict the blood vessels, thereby stopping bleeding. It is indicated for various types of bleeding, including hematemesis (vomiting blood), hemoptysis (coughing blood), epistaxis (nosebleed), hematuria (blood in urine), and traumatic bleeding. For external use, the powdered bark is applied directly to wounds to stop bleeding and promote healing. The astringent tannin content is believed to be responsible for this hemostatic effect.

Relieving pain: Jiu Bi Ying is traditionally used for various types of pain, particularly those associated with heat or inflammation. Its name, meaning "Must Respond to Rescue," reflects its traditional use for acute pain conditions. It is indicated for gastric pain, abdominal pain, headache, and pain due to traumatic injury. In TCM theory, the pain-relieving effect is attributed to its ability to clear heat, resolve toxicity, and promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood. The anti-inflammatory properties of its active compounds may contribute to this analgesic effect.

Classical literature references: Jiu Bi Ying is not as extensively documented in the earliest classical TCM texts as many other herbs, but it is prominently featured in regional materia medica and modern TCM literature. The Lingnan Cai Yao Lu (Records of Herbal Collections in Lingnan) documents its traditional use for fever, sore throat, and dysentery in southern China. The Guangdong Zhong Yao (Guangdong Chinese Materia Medica) describes its use for bleeding disorders, gastric pain, and skin infections. Its inclusion in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia reflects its established status in modern TCM practice.

Jiu Bi Ying contains a range of bioactive compounds that have been the subject of pharmacological investigation. The following overview summarizes the major chemical constituents identified in the bark of Ilex rotunda and what is currently known about them from published research.

Rotundic acid: Rotundic acid is a pentacyclic triterpenoid acid that is one of the most characteristic and abundant constituents of I. rotunda. It has been studied in pre-clinical research for its anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and hepatoprotective activities. Studies have shown that rotundic acid can inhibit the proliferation of certain cancer cell lines, induce apoptosis, and modulate inflammatory signaling pathways. It has also been investigated for its protective effects against chemical-induced liver injury in animal models. However, most research has been conducted on the isolated compound rather than on whole-herb preparations, and the clinical relevance of these findings for oral TCM use is not well established.

Ilexgenin: Ilexgenin is another triterpenoid compound that is characteristic of Ilex species and has been identified in the bark of I. rotunda. Pre-clinical studies have investigated ilexgenin for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardiovascular protective effects. It has been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and reduce oxidative stress in cell-based models. The specific pharmacological profile of ilexgenin is still being characterized, and its contribution to the overall effects of Jiu Bi Ying is not fully understood.

Triterpenoid saponins: Triterpenoid saponins are a class of glycosidic compounds found in Jiu Bi Ying that have been studied for their hemolytic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. These compounds consist of a triterpenoid aglycone attached to one or more sugar chains. The saponin content of Jiu Bi Ying contributes to its overall pharmacological profile and may be partially responsible for its traditional use in treating infections and inflammatory conditions.

Flavonoids and tannins: Flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol glycosides, have been identified inI. rotunda. These compounds contribute to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the herb. Tannins, which are polyphenolic compounds with astringent properties, are abundant in the bark and are believed to be responsible for the hemostatic effect traditionally attributed to Jiu Bi Ying. Tannins can precipitate proteins and constrict tissues, which helps to stop bleeding by promoting blood clotting and vasoconstriction at the site of injury.

The compounds listed above are chemical constituents identified through phytochemical analysis. Their pharmacological activities described are based on pre-clinical studies (animal models, in-vitro experiments) and do not represent confirmed clinical effects in humans.

Jiu Bi Ying is an important herb in southern Chinese folk medicine and is included in several modern TCM formulas. Below are key traditional applications that feature Jiu Bi Ying as a component.

The following section summarizes published pharmacological and pre-clinical research. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the studies cited are animal models, in-vitro experiments, or mechanistic research — not human clinical trials. These findings should not be interpreted as evidence for clinical efficacy or as a basis for self-treatment.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities: Extracts of Ilex rotunda have been studied for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties in pre-clinical models. Research has shown that the triterpenoid constituents, particularly rotundic acid and ilexgenin, can inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory mediators such as nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in LPS-stimulated macrophage cell lines. These anti-inflammatory effects are believed to be mediated through inhibition of the NF-kappaB and MAPK signaling pathways. Analgesic activity has been demonstrated in animal models using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests. These findings provide mechanistic support for the traditional use of Jiu Bi Ying for inflammatory conditions and pain.

Antimicrobial activity: The bark extracts of I. rotunda have been studied for their antimicrobial properties against various bacterial and fungal pathogens. Research has shown inhibitory activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus species, as well as some Gram-negative bacteria. The antimicrobial activity is attributed to the triterpenoid saponin and flavonoid content. These findings are consistent with the traditional use of Jiu Bi Ying for infections such as sore throat and dysentery. However, most of this research has been conducted in vitro, and the clinical relevance for human infections has not been established.

Hemostatic and wound-healing effects: The traditional use of Jiu Bi Ying as a hemostatic agent has been investigated in some pre-clinical studies. The tannin content is believed to promote blood clotting through the precipitation of proteins and the constriction of blood vessels. In animal models, topical application of I. rotunda extracts has been shown to reduce bleeding time and promote wound healing. The hemostatic effect is thought to be mediated through both the astringent action of tannins and the anti-inflammatory effects of the triterpenoid constituents. However, clinical studies in humans are lacking.

What the research does NOT show: Despite some pre-clinical signals, the research on Jiu Bi Ying does NOT demonstrate conclusive clinical efficacy for any specific disease in humans. There is no robust evidence from large-scale, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials that Jiu Bi Ying can treat, cure, or prevent infections, bleeding disorders, or any other medical condition. The translation from in-vitro and animal models to human clinical relevance is uncertain. This page does not endorse Jiu Bi Ying as a treatment for any condition.

Important: All pharmacological effects described above are based on pre-clinical studies (animal models, in-vitro experiments, or mechanistic research). They do not constitute evidence of clinical efficacy in humans. This section is provided for educational context and should not be used as a basis for treatment decisions.

General safety profile: Jiu Bi Ying is traditionally used in TCM practice and is generally considered to have a manageable safety profile when used appropriately at standard doses under professional guidance. However, like all herbal products, it is not free of risk. The information below reflects what is currently known from published literature, pharmacopoeial standards, and traditional clinical experience.

Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold: In traditional TCM theory, Jiu Bi Ying is cool in nature with astringent properties. Individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold — characterized by poor appetite, loose stools, abdominal coldness, and a pale tongue with white coating — should use Jiu Bi Ying with caution, as its cool nature may further impair digestive function and its astringent properties may cause discomfort. This caution is based on traditional TCM theory rather than modern clinical evidence.

Constipation: Due to its astringent properties, Jiu Bi Ying may exacerbate constipation in individuals who are prone to this condition. The tannin content can bind to intestinal contents and slow down intestinal transit. Individuals with chronic constipation or those who are prone to dry stools should use Jiu Bi Ying with caution and under professional guidance.

Pregnancy and lactation: There is limited safety data on the use of Jiu Bi Ying during pregnancy and lactation. Due to its astringent and potentially uterine-stimulating effects, it should be used during pregnancy only when clearly indicated and under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. Self-administration during pregnancy and lactation is not recommended.

Tannin content and nutrient absorption: The high tannin content of Jiu Bi Ying may interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients, particularly iron and other minerals, when used in large amounts or for prolonged periods. Tannins can bind to dietary iron, forming insoluble complexes that are not absorbed by the body. Individuals with iron deficiency anemia or those at risk of mineral deficiencies should be aware of this potential effect. Prolonged use should be avoided.

Drug interactions: Due to its tannin content, Jiu Bi Ying may theoretically interfere with the absorption of certain medications, particularly alkaloid drugs and other medications that can form complexes with tannins. The astringent properties may also affect gastrointestinal transit time and drug absorption. Clinical interaction data for Jiu Bi Ying are very limited. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before combining Jiu Bi Ying with any prescription medications.

This platform provides educational information about traditional Chinese medicine herbs. It does not recommend, endorse, or prescribe the use of Jiu Bi Ying or any other herbal product for the treatment of any medical condition. All decisions regarding herbal use should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.