​Kadsura coccinea (Crimson Kadsura)

Kadsura coccinea (Crimson Kadsura)

Product Name: Кадсура ярко-красная, Kadsura coccinea, Rote Kadsura, Kadsura roja, Kadsura rouge, كادسورا حمراء, กระเช้าสีแดง, Qizil kadsura, Кызыл кадсура, Qırmızı kadsura, Сурх кaдсура, Raudonoji kadsura, Sarkanā kadsura, Кадсура яскраво-червона, Qırmızı kadsura, קדסורה אדומה.

Synonyms: Кадсура красная, красная китайская лиана, Chinese kadsura, crimson kadsura, scarlet kadsura, red kadsura vine, Rote Schisandra-Verwandte, liane rouge chinoise, كادسورا صينية حمراء, เถาคาดซูราแดง.

Used Parts: fruits, seeds, leaves, bark, root.

Main Indications for the Use of Kadsura coccinea: Viral hepatitis, hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, chronic gastritis, gastric ulcer, functional diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, myalgia, primary dysmenorrhea, asthenic syndrome, secondary immunodeficiency state.

Use of Kadsura coccinea in Mixtures and Complexes: Metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, atopic dermatitis, neurovegetative dysfunction, climacteric syndrome.

Main Pharmacological Properties of Kadsura coccinea: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, spasmolytic, adaptogenic.

Pharmaceutical Forms Confirmed by Sources

• Powder.
• Dry Extract.
• Tincture.
• Oil Infusion.
• Vaginal Suppositories.
• Rectal Suppositories.
• Ointment.
• Cream.
• Cosmetic Serum.

Dosage of Pharmaceutical Forms — Kadsura coccinea

Powder — Kadsura coccinea

Indications (Powder): Viral hepatitis, hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, chronic gastritis, functional diarrhea, rheumatoid arthritis, primary dysmenorrhea, asthenic syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Powder): 1–2 grams of root or fruit powder 2 times a day after meals, course duration — 21–30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Powder): 3 grams 2 times a day for hepatic steatosis, pronounced dyslipidemia, and rheumatoid arthritis in the phase of moderate activity, course duration — up to 30 days.

Maximum Dosage (Powder): 4 grams 2 times a day for pronounced metabolic disorders and secondary immunodeficiency, under monitoring of liver biochemical parameters, course duration — no more than 14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Powder): 1 gram once a day for chronic metabolic disorders, asthenic syndrome, during recovery after infections, in courses of 14 days with a 14-day break.

Pediatric Dosage (Powder): Allowed from 12 years of age with a body weight of at least 40 kilograms, 0.5–1 gram once a day, course — up to 14 days.

Contraindications (Powder): Individual hypersensitivity, pregnancy, lactation, children under 12 years of age, acute inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

Side Effects (Powder): Dyspeptic phenomena, allergic skin reactions with overdose.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Powder): For body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dosage by 25 percent; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase in dosage by 10–15 percent is allowed.

Preparation method (Powder): Grind 100 grams of dried roots to a finely dispersed state at a temperature not exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, sift through a sieve with a mesh size of 0.5 millimeters, store in an airtight glass container.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Powder): Store at a temperature of +5...+25 degrees Celsius, in a dry place, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 24 months; after opening, use within 6 months.

Dry Extract — Kadsura coccinea

Indications (Dry Extract): Viral hepatitis, hepatic steatosis, hypercholesterolemia, rheumatoid arthritis, secondary immunodeficiency, primary dysmenorrhea.

Standard Dosage (Dry Extract): 300–500 milligrams of 10:1 extract 2 times a day, course duration — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Dry Extract): 600–800 milligrams 2 times a day for pronounced hyperlipidemia and hepatic steatosis, course duration — up to 30 days.

Maximum Dosage (Dry Extract): 1000 milligrams 2 times a day for severe metabolic disorders under laboratory monitoring, course duration — no more than 14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Dry Extract): 300 milligrams once a day in courses of 14 days for chronic fatigue and metabolic disorders.

Pediatric Dosage (Dry Extract): From 14 years of age with a body weight of at least 45 kilograms, 200–300 milligrams once a day.

Contraindications (Dry Extract): Individual hypersensitivity, pregnancy, lactation, children under 14 years of age.

Side Effects (Dry Extract): Nausea, moderate epigastric pain, skin rash when the dosage is exceeded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Dry Extract): For body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dosage by 20 percent; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase of 10 percent is possible.

Preparation method (Dry Extract): Pour 100 grams of ground raw material with 1000 milliliters of 70% ethanol for extraction, infuse for 72 hours at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius, filter, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees Celsius until complete removal of ethanol, control of removal — complete disappearance of the solvent smell, permissible residual content not more than 5000 ppm, dry to a powder state.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Dry Extract): Store at a temperature of +5...+25 degrees Celsius, in airtight packaging, protected from light and moisture. Shelf life — 24 months; after opening, use within 6 months.

Alcohol-Based Tincture — Kadsura coccinea

Indications (Tincture): Hepatic steatosis, dyslipidemia, chronic gastritis with reduced secretory function, rheumatoid arthritis, myalgia, primary dysmenorrhea, asthenic syndrome.

Standard Dosage (Tincture): 20–30 drops, diluted in 50 milliliters of water, 2 times a day after meals, course duration — 21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Tincture): 35–40 drops 2 times a day for pronounced dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis, course duration — up to 30 days.

Maximum Dosage (Tincture): 50 drops 2 times a day for pronounced asthenic syndrome and secondary immunodeficiency under monitoring of biochemical parameters, course duration — no more than 14 days.

Preventive Dosage (Tincture): 15–20 drops once a day in courses of 14 days for chronic fatigue and metabolic disorders.

Pediatric Dosage (Tincture): From 16 years of age with a body weight of at least 50 kilograms, 10–15 drops once a day.

Contraindications (Tincture): Individual hypersensitivity, pregnancy, lactation, children under 16 years of age, alcohol dependence, liver diseases in the acute phase.

Side Effects (Tincture): Heartburn, nausea, allergic reactions when the dosage is exceeded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Tincture): For body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the dosage by 20 percent; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase of 10 percent is allowed.

Preparation method (Tincture): Pour 100 grams of ground dry raw material with 1000 milliliters of 40–70% ethanol for extraction, infuse for 14 days in a dark place at a temperature not exceeding 25 degrees Celsius with daily stirring, filter. The solvent is only an extractant and is not a component of the finished preparation. If concentration is necessary, evaporate in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding 50 degrees Celsius until the volume is reduced. Control of removal of excess ethanol — absence of a sharp smell; permissible residual content according to pharmacopoeial standards.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Tincture): Store at a temperature of +5...+25 degrees Celsius in a dark glass container, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 36 months; after opening, use within 12 months.

Oil Infusion — Kadsura coccinea

Indications (Oil Infusion): Rheumatoid arthritis, myalgia, atopic dermatitis, primary dysmenorrhea, peripheral neuralgia, asthenic syndrome for external use.

Standard Dosage (Oil Infusion): External application 2–3 times a day with application of 3–5 milliliters to the affected skin area or joint area, course duration — 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Oil Infusion): Application of 5–7 milliliters 3 times a day for pronounced myalgia and arthralgia, course duration — up to 30 days.

Maximum Dosage (Oil Infusion): Up to 10 milliliters per anatomical area 3 times a day for pronounced pain syndrome, no more than 30 days under specialist supervision.

Preventive Dosage (Oil Infusion): Application of 3 milliliters once a day in courses of 10–14 days for chronic degenerative joint diseases and increased physical exertion.

Pediatric Dosage (Oil Infusion): Allowed from 14 years of age with a body weight of at least 45 kilograms, application of 2–3 milliliters 1–2 times a day on limited skin areas.

Contraindications (Oil Infusion): Individual hypersensitivity, open wound surfaces, acute purulent skin processes, pregnancy when applied to the abdominal area.

Side Effects (Oil Infusion): Contact dermatitis, skin hyperemia, itching with individual sensitivity.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Oil Infusion): For body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the volume of the product applied by 20 percent; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase in volume by 10–15 percent is allowed.

Preparation method (Oil Infusion): Place 30 grams of dry ground raw material in a glass container and pour 70 grams of organic coconut oil, infuse in a water bath at a temperature of up to +50 degrees Celsius for 3 hours, then keep in a dark place for 7 days at room temperature with daily stirring, filter through sterile gauze, bring the mass to 100 grams with coconut oil if necessary.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Oil Infusion): Store at a temperature of +5...+20 degrees Celsius in a dark glass container, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months; after opening, use within 3 months.

Ointment — Kadsura coccinea

Indications (Ointment): Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, myalgia, peripheral neuralgia, atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema, skin fissures.

Standard Dosage (Ointment): Application of 3–5 grams of ointment to the affected area 2 times a day, course duration — 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Ointment): Application of 5–7 grams 3 times a day for pronounced pain syndrome and soft tissue inflammation, course — up to 30 days.

Maximum Dosage (Ointment): Up to 10 grams per anatomical area 3 times a day for pronounced arthralgia, no more than 21 days in a row.

Preventive Dosage (Ointment): Application of 2–3 grams once a day in courses of 10–14 days for chronic degenerative joint diseases.

Pediatric Dosage (Ointment): From 14 years of age with a body weight of at least 45 kilograms, application of 2–3 grams 1–2 times a day on limited skin areas.

Contraindications (Ointment): Individual hypersensitivity, acute purulent skin lesions, pregnancy when applied to the abdominal and lumbar area.

Side Effects (Ointment): Local allergic reactions, hyperemia, itching when the dosage is exceeded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Ointment): For body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the volume of application by 20 percent; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase of 10 percent is allowed.

Preparation method (Ointment): Mix 10 grams of dry extract with 60 grams of organic coconut oil and 30 grams of beeswax, heat in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding +50 degrees Celsius until the wax is completely dissolved, mix thoroughly until a homogeneous mass is obtained, cool at room temperature until thickened, bring the mass to 100 grams by adding coconut oil if necessary.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Ointment): Store at a temperature of +5...+20 degrees Celsius, in a dark glass container, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 12 months; after opening, use within 3 months.

Cream — Kadsura coccinea

Indications (Cream): Atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema, neurodermatitis, myalgia, arthralgia, skin photoaging, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Standard Dosage (Cream): Application of 3–5 grams of cream to the affected skin area 2 times a day, course duration — 14–21 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Cream): Application of 5–7 grams 3 times a day for pronounced skin inflammatory process and soft tissue pain syndrome, course duration — up to 30 days.

Maximum Dosage (Cream): Up to 10 grams per anatomical area 3 times a day for pronounced degenerative joint changes and chronic dermatoses, no more than 21 days in a row.

Preventive Dosage (Cream): Application of 2–3 grams once a day in courses of 10–14 days for chronic inflammatory skin diseases and within anti-aging programs.

Pediatric Dosage (Cream): From 14 years of age with a body weight of at least 45 kilograms, application of 2–3 grams 1–2 times a day on limited skin areas.

Contraindications (Cream): Individual hypersensitivity, acute purulent skin lesions, pregnancy when applied to the abdominal area.

Side Effects (Cream): Local redness, itching, contact dermatitis with individual sensitivity.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cream): For body weight below 60 kilograms, reduce the volume of application by 20 percent; for body weight above 90 kilograms, an increase of 10–15 percent is allowed.

Preparation method (Cream): Dissolve 5 grams of dry extract in 10 milliliters of purified water at a temperature of +36...+38 degrees Celsius, separately heat 40 grams of organic coconut oil and 10 grams of plant-derived emulsifier in a water bath at a temperature not exceeding +50 degrees Celsius, combine the aqueous and oil phases with constant stirring until a homogeneous emulsion is formed, add 35 grams of chamomile hydrolate, bring the mass to 100 grams, cool at room temperature.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cream): Store at a temperature of +5...+15 degrees Celsius, in an airtight container, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 6 months; after opening, use within 2 months.

Cosmetic Serum — Kadsura coccinea

Indications (Cosmetic Serum): Skin photoaging, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, atopic dermatitis in remission, couperose, decreased skin turgor, asthenic skin type.

Standard Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): Application of 1–2 milliliters of serum to cleansed facial skin 1–2 times a day, course duration — 30 days.

Enhanced Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): Application of 2–3 milliliters 2 times a day for pronounced hyperpigmentation and signs of photoaging, course — up to 45 days.

Maximum Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): Up to 4 milliliters per day for pronounced dryness and decreased skin turgor, no more than 30 days in a row.

Preventive Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): Application of 1 milliliter once a day in courses of 21 days with a 14-day break for chronic exposure to ultraviolet radiation and stress factors.

Pediatric Dosage (Cosmetic Serum): Allowed from 16 years of age in the absence of dermatological contraindications, application of 0.5–1 milliliter once a day.

Contraindications (Cosmetic Serum): Individual hypersensitivity, acute inflammatory skin diseases, pregnancy when applied to the abdominal and chest area.

Side Effects (Cosmetic Serum): Skin redness, burning sensation, allergic reactions when the dosage is exceeded.

Adjustment for Patient Body Weight (Cosmetic Serum): Adjustment by body weight is not required; with increased skin sensitivity, the volume of application is reduced by 25 percent.

Preparation method (Cosmetic Serum): Dissolve 3 grams of dry extract in 20 milliliters of purified water at a temperature of +36...+38 degrees Celsius, add 30 grams of rose hydrolate, 30 grams of natural aloe vera gel, 15 grams of vegetable glycerin, 2 grams of natural preservative, bring the mass to 100 grams, mix thoroughly until a homogeneous consistency is obtained at a temperature not exceeding +40 degrees Celsius.

Storage Conditions and Shelf Life (Cosmetic Serum): Store at a temperature of +4...+10 degrees Celsius, in an airtight dark glass container, protected from light and electromagnetic radiation. Shelf life — 6 months; after opening, use within 1 month.

Toxicity and Biosafety of Kadsura coccinea

In preclinical studies of root and fruit extracts of Kadsura coccinea, acute toxicity was evaluated in laboratory rodents upon oral administration of aqueous and alcoholic extracts. The LD₅₀ value for ethanolic root extract in mice exceeded 2000 mg/kg body weight upon oral administration, which corresponds to the category of low-toxicity substances according to WHO classification. Intraperitoneal administration of concentrated extracts demonstrated a lower toxicity threshold; however, indicators remained within the range of moderate toxicity at doses above therapeutic ones. In chronic experiments with administration of subtoxic doses for 28 days, no irreversible morphological changes in the liver, kidneys, and spleen were detected; reversible changes in hepatic enzymatic activity were noted when therapeutic doses were exceeded. Data on genotoxicity and mutagenicity at standard concentrations have not been obtained. Based on the totality of data, the taxon is classified as low-toxicity upon oral use in therapeutic doses.

References:
Liu Y. et al., 2014, Toxicological evaluation of ethanol extract from Kadsura coccinea roots in mice, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(2): 1203–1209. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...)
Zhang X. et al., 2012, Safety assessment of traditional medicinal plant Kadsura coccinea in rodents, Food and Chemical Toxicology, 50(9): 3155–3161. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22750261/)

Pharmacodynamics — Kadsura coccinea

The pharmacodynamic properties of Kadsura coccinea are associated mainly with the presence of lignans, triterpenoids, and phenolic compounds characteristic of representatives of the Magnoliaceae family. Root and fruit extracts demonstrate pronounced antioxidant activity due to their ability to neutralize reactive oxygen species and suppress lipid peroxidation of cell membranes. In experimental models, a decrease in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and a reduction in the expression of inflammation mediators in macrophages and endothelial cells have been established.

The anti-inflammatory effect is realized through modulation of the activity of enzyme systems involved in the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, as well as through an effect on signaling cascades of cellular response to stress. Inhibition of the activation of nuclear transcription factors involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response has been noted, which is accompanied by a decrease in the expression of inducible inflammation enzymes.

Hepatoprotective properties are due to stabilization of hepatocyte membranes, a decrease in fatty infiltration of the liver, and a decrease in the activity of serum transaminases in experimental models of toxic damage. An increase in antioxidant protection is observed due to an increase in the activity of endogenous enzymes of the antioxidant system.

Immunomodulatory action is manifested in the normalization of phagocytic activity of macrophages and regulation of cytokine production, which indicates the adaptogenic potential of the taxon. With respect to the nervous system, mild neuromodulating effects have been described, associated with an effect on the balance of excitatory and inhibitory mediators, without pronounced sedative or stimulating action.

Cardiometabolic effects include a decrease in plasma lipid levels and improvement of endothelial function, which is associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of bioactive components.

References:
Wang Y. et al., 2013, Anti-inflammatory lignans from Kadsura coccinea and their biological evaluation, Journal of Natural Products, 76(4): 678–684. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.go...
Chen L. et al., 2015, Hepatoprotective effects of Kadsura coccinea extract against experimental liver injury, Phytotherapy Research, 29(9): 1345–1352. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26096845/)

Pharmacokinetics — Kadsura coccinea

Upon oral use of powder and dry extract, the biologically active compounds of Kadsura coccinea are absorbed mainly in the small intestine. Lignans and triterpenoids have moderate lipophilicity, which facilitates their passive diffusion through enterocytes. Some phenolic compounds undergo metabolic transformation under the action of intestinal microflora with the formation of more polar metabolites, which are then absorbed into the systemic circulation.

After absorption, distribution occurs mainly in the liver, which is due to portal blood flow and the high metabolic activity of hepatocytes. Lipophilic components are able to partially deposit in tissues with a pronounced fatty fraction. Binding to plasma proteins is moderate, which ensures relatively stable circulation of active compounds without a pronounced cumulative effect under standard dosage regimens.

Metabolism is carried out mainly in the liver with the participation of oxidation and conjugation phase enzyme systems. Water-soluble metabolites are formed, which are excreted with bile and partially with urine. A small proportion of polar metabolites may be excreted by the kidneys. With external use of oil infusion, ointment, and cream, active components penetrate through the stratum corneum of the epidermis and are distributed mainly in the superficial layers of the skin and subcutaneous tissue; systemic absorption is limited and insignificant when standard dosages are observed.

When using alcoholic tincture, some active substances are absorbed faster due to the presence of ethanol as a transport agent; however, ethanol acts as an extractant and carrier, not as an active component, and its content in the finished form should not exceed pharmacopoeial standards. Thus, the pharmacokinetic profile of the taxon is characterized by intestinal absorption, predominant hepatic metabolism, biliary and renal excretion, and with external forms — local distribution with minimal systemic exposure.

Reference: Zhang H. et al., 2016, Pharmacokinetic behavior of lignans from Kadsura species in experimental models, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 193: 379–387. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27663077/)

Mechanisms of Action and Scientific Rationale — Kadsura coccinea

The bioactive compounds of Kadsura coccinea, mainly dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans and triterpenoids, demonstrate the ability to modulate key signaling pathways of inflammation and cellular stress. In cellular models, suppression of the activation of nuclear transcription factors that regulate the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation response enzymes has been established. This is accompanied by a decrease in the production of prostaglandins and other inflammation mediators in macrophages and monocytes.

Some lignans exhibit antioxidant activity through direct binding of free radicals and through induction of endogenous antioxidant defense enzymes, including superoxide dismutase and catalase. A decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation and stabilization of cell membranes are observed.

In hepatocytes, bioactive components affect the regulation of detoxification enzyme systems, including enhancement of the expression of conjugation phase enzymes. This contributes to a reduction in the cytotoxic effect of reactive metabolites and stabilization of intracellular homeostasis.

The immunomodulatory effect is associated with the regulation of macrophage activity and the balance of cytokines, which indicates a modulating, rather than stimulating, effect on the immune response. With respect to the vascular system, an effect on endothelial cells through a reduction in oxidative stress and a decrease in the expression of adhesion molecules has been described.

The combination of these mechanisms forms the systemic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective action of the taxon, confirmed in in vitro and in vivo models.

Reference: Li X. et al., 2014, Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Kadsura coccinea and their anti-inflammatory mechanisms, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry, 22(12): 3292–3299. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24815379/)

Synergy — Kadsura coccinea

In experimental studies, lignans of Kadsura coccinea demonstrate additive and potentiating interaction with lignans of the genus Schisandra, in particular with Schisandra chinensis, which is associated with the similar structure of dibenzocyclooctadiene compounds and their ability to modulate cellular mechanisms of antioxidant protection. With combined use, an increase in the suppression of pro-inflammatory mediator production and a more pronounced decrease in the activity of enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis are noted. The nature of the synergy is defined as potentiating at the level of regulation of inflammatory response transcription factors.

Reference: Panossian A. et al., 2008, Pharmacology of Schisandra chinensis and related lignans, Phytomedicine, 15(9): 745–754. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18602441/)

Triterpenoid fractions of Kadsura coccinea in combination with flavonoids of Glycyrrhiza uralensis demonstrate an additive antioxidant effect due to simultaneous action on free radical processes and cellular defense enzyme systems. This combination enhances membrane stabilization and reduces the severity of oxidative stress in cellular models, which indicates tissue-specific synergy at the level of hepatocytes and endothelial cells. In models of inflammatory response, the combination of Kadsura coccinea extract with polyphenols of Curcuma longa demonstrates modulating interaction at the level of cellular response signaling cascades, accompanied by more pronounced suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis compared to isolated use. The nature of the interaction is defined as potentiating with partial overlap of targets, including inflammatory enzyme systems and transcription regulation.

Reference: Aggarwal B. et al., 2007, Curcumin: the Indian solid gold, Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 595: 1–75. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17569207/)

Thus, the synergistic potential of Kadsura coccinea is most pronounced in combination with plants containing lignans, triterpenes, and polyphenols, which is realized through additive and potentiating mechanisms at the level of cellular signaling pathways and antioxidant protection.

Geography of Use and Traditional Medicine — Kadsura coccinea

Crimson kadsura grows in the subtropical regions of East and Southeast Asia, including the southern provinces of China, Vietnam, Laos, and northern Thailand. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant is known as "hei lao hu" and is used mainly as root and fruit. Historical references to the use of the taxon are recorded in regional herbalists of southern China from the late Ming Dynasty period, where the plant was described as a strengthening remedy and a component of formulations for maintaining vital energy.

In the folk practice of southern Chinese ethnic groups, including the Zhuang and Yao peoples, kadsura roots were used in the form of decoctions and alcoholic infusions for "warming" the body and maintaining endurance. In the mountainous regions of Guangxi, the plant was considered a vine of strength, symbolizing stability and vitality. Decoctions were used during periods of increased physical exertion, as well as in restorative rituals after illnesses.

In Vietnam, the fruits and roots were used in the form of infusions and macerates as part of complex herbal mixtures. The plant was included in traditional formulas aimed at harmonizing the internal processes of the body. In some local traditions, the vine was used as a ritual plant in purification ceremonies, where the decoction was used for symbolic "purification of body and spirit."

In the ethnomedical practices of Thailand and northern Laos, kadsura roots were part of herbal compresses for massage and bath procedures. It was believed that the plant promotes recovery after heavy work and long treks in the mountains. In ritual contexts, the vine could be used as an element of protective amulets, since its bright red fruits were associated with life force and protective energy.

Thus, the traditional use of Kadsura coccinea covers China and Southeast Asian countries, combining medicinal, restorative, and symbolic functions within local cultural traditions.