Dr. Grey AI

Japanese catnip

Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Japanese Catnip or Jing Jie) is a traditional Chinese/Korean medicinal herb used for colds, headaches, and allergic skin conditions. NOT related to common catnip (Nepeta cataria). NO GRADED OUTCOMES - only animal and in vitro research exists. Shows moderate anti-inflammatory effects (compared to indomethacin in one study) and may suppress allergic responses. Known as an 'immunomodulator' but human evidence is completely lacking. Contains volatile oils (pulegone, menthone) and flavonoids. Cannot recommend use without human research.

Quick Answer

What it is

Schizonepeta tenuifolia (Japanese Catnip or Jing Jie) is a traditional Chinese/Korean medicinal herb used for colds, headaches, and allergic skin conditions. NOT related to common catnip (Nepeta cataria).

Key findings

  • Grade D: Inflammation
  • Grade D: Allergic Response
  • Grade D: Antioxidant Status

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Japanese catnip

Quick Facts: Japanese catnip

  • Best Evidence:Grade D
  • Conditions Studied:3
  • Research Outcomes:4
  • Key Effect:Allergic Diseases (General)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C0
D4
3 conditions · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
D
Inflammation
In mouse peritoneal macrophages, S. tenuifolia extract inhibited TNF-alpha (48% reduction) and IL-6 (56% reduction) production, suppressed COX-2 and iNOS expression, and inhibited MAPK phosphorylation. A separate study confirmed anti-inflammatory activity via TLR4 signaling inhibition in LPS-stimulated macrophages. In a rat carrageenan-induced pleurisy model, volatile oils significantly reduced leukocytes, MPO, MDA, TNF-alpha, and IL-1beta. All evidence is preclinical.
moderate↓Improves
D
Allergic Response
In IgE-stimulated RBL-2H3 mast cells, S. tenuifolia suppressed degranulation (beta-hexosaminidase release) and reduced IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-4, and IL-6 at 100 mcg/mL. In rats, the extract dose-dependently inhibited compound 48/80-induced systemic anaphylaxis and reduced plasma histamine levels. In a DNCB-induced atopic dermatitis mouse model, treatment suppressed serum IgE, TNF-alpha, and IL-6, and downregulated NF-kappaB and MAPK expression. No human data exists.
moderate↓Improves
D
Antioxidant Status
Aqueous extracts of S. tenuifolia demonstrated radical scavenging, reducing activity, and liposome protection in vitro, attributed to polyphenolic components including hesperidin, luteolin, and diosmetin. In UVB-irradiated hairless mice, ethanolic extract reduced wrinkle formation, collagen degradation, and AGE accumulation while upregulating hyaluronan synthases and hyaluronic acid levels, suggesting protection against oxidative skin damage. All evidence is preclinical.
small↑Improves
D
Platelet Aggregation
In an in vitro study using collagen-stimulated human platelets, S. tenuifolia extract potently inhibited platelet aggregation, calcium mobilization, granule secretion, and fibrinogen binding to integrin alphaIIb-beta3 via suppression of MAPK and Akt signaling. No in vivo or human studies have been conducted.
small↓Improves

Research Citations (9)

Protective effect of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. ethanolic extract against UVB-induced skin aging and photodamage in hairless mice
(2023)
PMID: 37351505
Spectrum-effect relationship between GC-QTOF-MS fingerprint and antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities of Schizonepeta tenuifolia essential oil
(2021)
PMID: 33638568
Schizonepeta tenuifolia inhibits collagen stimulated platelet function via suppressing MAPK and Akt signaling
(2019)
PMID: 30783025
Immunomodulation Effects of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq. on the IgE-Induced Allergic Model of RBL-2H3 Cells
(2018)
PMID: 29849717
Schizonepeta tenuifolia ethanol extract exerts anti-inflammatory activity through the inhibition of TLR4 signaling in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophage cells
(2014)
PMID: 24650252
Schizonepeta tenuifolia inhibits the development of atopic dermatitis in mice
(2013)
PMID: 22949410
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous extracts of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq
(2012)
PMID: 22198607
Anti-inflammatory activity of Schizonepeta tenuifolia through the inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation in mouse peritoneal macrophages
(2008)
PMID: 19051342
Effect of Schizonepeta tenuifolia extract on mast cell-mediated immediate-type hypersensitivity in rats
(1999)
PMID: 10584206

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