Ligustrum (Privet Fruit)
Glossy privet fruit (nu zhen zi), a Chinese tonic usually paired with astragalus. Human evidence is essentially absent; what exists is chemistry, cell work and animal studies.
Evidence last reviewed: August 2026
What the science says
- Immune support Limited evidence
Immune effects have been demonstrated mainly in animals, for example in breeding pigeons given a combined Astragalus, Epimedium and Ligustrum extract under stress. No controlled human trial supports the immune claim.
- Antioxidant and bone effects Limited evidence
Reviews of the Erzhi Pill (Ligustrum plus Eclipta) and of its marker compound specnuezhenide describe antioxidant and bone-protective activity in preclinical models. These are laboratory findings, not clinical results.
Dosage & safety
Studied doseTraditional decoctions use 6–12 g of dried fruit per day, usually within a formula; extract capsules typically supply 500 mg. Neither has been tested in a controlled trial.
SafetyFew reports of harm, but also almost no formal safety data. Loose stools are the common complaint. Avoid in pregnancy and in children given the lack of information.
Scientific references
- The modern scientific interpretation of ancient wisdom: a review of the phytochemistry and pharmacology of Erzhi Pill and its constituent botanical drugs
- Specnuezhenide: Comprehensive review of pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and ethnomedicinal uses
- Effects of Astragalus, Epimedium, and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi extractive on antioxidant capacity, production performance, and immune mechanism of breeding pigeons under stress
Where to buy
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Related in Immunity
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