Luo Shi Teng

What is Luo Shi Teng?

Luo Shi Teng, known in English as Star Jasmine Stem, is the dried stem with leaves of *Trachelospermum jasminoides*, an evergreen climbing vine in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae). The plant is native to East Asia and grows wild in China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam, typically in forests, thickets, and along hillsides. It is also widely cultivated as an ornamental for its glossy leaves and highly fragrant white, pinwheel-shaped flowers.

In Chinese medicine, the medicinal material comes mainly from wild or cultivated vines in provinces such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, and Hubei. The stems are harvested in late autumn and winter, when the plant's active constituents are thought to be most concentrated. After collection, the leafy stems are cleaned, cut into segments, and dried in the sun or shade. Good-quality Luo Shi Teng is described as having a mild, slightly bitter taste and a faint aromatic odor.

Traditional Uses in TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Luo Shi Teng is classified as a herb that clears heat, unblocks the collaterals, and dispels wind-dampness. It enters the Heart, Liver, and Kidney meridians. Its primary traditional indication is heat-type rheumatic arthralgia (bi syndrome), where joint pain, swelling, redness, and stiffness are accompanied by signs of heat. Because it "frees the collaterals," it is also used for numbness, muscle aches, and impaired movement of the limbs.

A secondary traditional use is stopping bleeding. Luo Shi Teng has been applied for bleeding disorders such as hemoptysis, epistaxis, and traumatic bleeding, often in combination with other hemostatic herbs. Some classical and modern texts also mention it for sore throat, carbuncles, and snakebite, though these uses are less common.

Modern Research and Pharmacology

The main active compounds identified in Luo Shi Teng include indole alkaloids (such as trachelospermine and related bases), lignans, flavonoids, and triterpenes. Laboratory and animal studies have reported anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and mild anticoagulant or hemostatic effects, depending on the extract and model used. Some research suggests the alkaloids may influence inflammatory signaling pathways.

However, the evidence base is limited. Most studies are in vitro or in animals, and high-quality human clinical trials are lacking. Claims about its effectiveness for arthritis or bleeding in people are based largely on traditional use and preliminary research rather than robust clinical data. Patients and clinicians should treat modern evidence as supportive but not definitive.

How to Use Luo Shi Teng

Luo Shi Teng is most commonly used as a decoction, typically at 6–12 grams of dried herb per day, though some sources cite up to 15 grams. It can also be taken as a powder (usually 1–3 grams per dose) or steeped as a tea for convenience. For rheumatic complaints, it is often combined with herbs such as Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia), Qin Jiao (Gentiana macrophylla), and Sang Zhi (Mulberry twig) to enhance wind-damp-clearing and collateral-unblocking effects. For bleeding, it may be paired with hemostatic herbs like Bai Mao Gen (Imperata cylindrica) or Xian He Cao (Agrimonia). As with most TCM herbs, formulas should be individualized by a qualified practitioner.

Safety and Contraindications

Luo Shi Teng is generally considered safe at standard doses, but it should be used with caution. Because it is classified as a cooling, heat-clearing herb, it may cause mild digestive upset such as nausea or loose stools in sensitive individuals. It is traditionally contraindicated in patients with cold-deficiency patterns or weak digestion.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Luo Shi Teng unless supervised by a qualified practitioner, as safety data are lacking. People taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs should consult a physician, given the herb's reported effects on bleeding and coagulation. Allergic reactions are possible, especially in those sensitive to plants in the Apocynaceae family. Always source herbs from reputable suppliers to avoid contamination or misidentification.