Chinese Date (Morinda officinalis)

Chinese Date (Morinda officinalis) is a member of the Rubiaceae family, native to China, Southeast Asia, and India. Traditionally, its roots, rhizomes, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its tonic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and korean traditional medicine.

Chinese Date (Morinda officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Chinese Date (Morinda officinalis) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Chinese Date
Scientific Name	Morinda officinalis
Plant Family	Rubiaceae
Genus	Morinda
Species	officinalis
Native Range	China, Southeast Asia, India
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Rhizomes, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Tonic, Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Morinda officinalis
Common Name: Chinese Date
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Indian Date, Morinda Root, Red Sanders
Plant Family: Rubiaceae
Genus: Morinda

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface pale green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are terminal clusters with flowers having five pink to reddish petals, five stamens, and a superior ovary with two carpels, exhibiting actinomorphic symmetry.
Stems: Stems are erect, branching in a dichotomous pattern, with a woody surface and smooth, glabrous epidermis.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Tonic: In herbal literature, noted as a calming tonic, for foundational support.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a moderate anti-inflammatory, for irritation-related applications.
Astringent: Traditionally described as a warming astringent, for skin-related applications.
Stimulant: Commonly referenced as a mild stimulant, in wakefulness-related contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.
Glycoside: A chemical class frequently found in roots, leaves, and seeds.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: The toxicity profile of this herb has not been clearly established.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Extract: A preparation involving the separation of plant constituents without alcohol.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.