Forsythia Fruit Profile

Also known as

Forsythiae suspensae, Lian Qiao, and weeping forsythia.

Introduction

Forsythia fruit is the fruit of those lovely bright yellow bushes that are often the first thing to bloom in spring in any northern climate. Native to China, forsythia grows nearly everywhere in the world. In the US it is grown mostly as an ornamental. It is named for 18th century English gardening expert William Forsyth, who was one of the founders of the Royal Horticulture Society. Although native to China, it was brought to the west by botanist Robert Fortune in 1833.

Constituents

Phenylethanoids, forsythiaside and suspensaside, lignans, phillyrin and (+)- pinoresinol O-p-D-glucoside and phenylethanoids

Parts Used

Fruit

Typical Preparations

Steamed and dried, used in decoctions and infusions, teas, capsules and extracts.

Summary

Forsythia fruit has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine, though the first mention of its most common use - in honeysuckle forsythia flower blend - is in a 1789 herbal compendium.

Precautions

There are no reports of harmful side effects of using forsythia fruit, however its use while pregnant should be avoided.

For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.