# Chopchini

> Chopchini (Smilax china L.) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Listed in WHO Traditional Medicine strategy for both South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions. [Smilax china L.: A review of its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, actual and potential applications](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37541403/).

## Key facts

- **Botanical name:** Smilax china L.
- **Pharmacopoeia status:** Listed in WHO Traditional Medicine strategy for both South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions. Included in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (as Tu Fu Ling/Baqia). Also listed in Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. No dedicated WHO monograph.

## Names and identification

| Language | Name |
|----------|------|
| English | Chopchini |
| Latin/Botanical | *Smilax china L.* |

## Key Phytochemical Constituents

- Steroidal [saponins](/reference/saponins/) (smilagenin, [dioscin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#dioscin) - primary bioactives)
- [Flavonoids](/reference/flavonoids/) (astilbin, engeletin, isoengeletin)
- [Stilbenes](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#stilbenes) ([resveratrol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#resveratrolresveratrol), oxyresveratrol)
- [Polyphenols](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polyphenols) (caffeic acid, ferulic acid)
- [Polysaccharides](/glossary/compounds-o-q/#polysaccharides)
- [Kaempferol](/reference/kaempferol/) [glycosides](/glossary/compounds-g-l/#glycosides)
- Organic acids

## How does it work?

- Steroidal saponin anti-inflammatory pathway: Smilagenin and dioscin modulate NF-kB and MAPK signaling, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine production (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) in chronic skin conditions
- Astilbin [immunomodulatory](/reference/immunomodulatory/) action: Flavonoid astilbin selectively suppresses activated T-lymphocyte proliferation while preserving normal immune function, relevant to autoimmune skin diseases like psoriasis and pemphigus
- [Resveratrol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#resveratrolresveratrol) and stilbene [antioxidant](/reference/antioxidant/) defense: Oxyresveratrol and [resveratrol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#resveratrolresveratrol) scavenge free radicals, inhibit lipid peroxidation, and activate Nrf2/ARE pathway for endogenous antioxidant protection of skin
- [Antimicrobial](/reference/antimicrobial/) and antisyphilitic activity: Traditional use for syphilis-related skin lesions supported by broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity of saponins and flavonoids against pathogenic microorganisms

## Which traditional uses are supported by research?

- Chronic skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis): Validated by demonstrated anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities through NF-kB and T-cell modulation
- Syphilis-related skin manifestations: Traditional use supported by antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, though modern antibiotics have replaced this application
- Blood purification for skin clarity: Supported by [hepatoprotective](/reference/hepatoprotective/) and detoxification-enhancing properties of saponins and polyphenols

## What do recent clinical trials show?

- Wang M, Bai QX, Zheng XX and others 2024. [Smilax china L.: A review of its botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacological activities, actual and potential applications](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37541403/). *Journal of ethnopharmacology*. PMID [37541403](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37541403/) · [doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116992](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116992)  
  Comprehensive review identified over 200 chemical components including saponins, flavonoids, stilbenes, and polysaccharides, confirming pharmacological activities relevant to inflammatory skin disorders and immune modulation.
- Li L, Zhang L, Li Y and others 2025. [Overview of current research on traditional Chinese medicine in skin disease treatment: a bibliometric analysis from 2014 to 2024](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39745060/). *Pharmaceutical biology*. PMID [39745060](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39745060/) · [doi:10.1080/13880209.2024.2443415](https://doi.org/10.1080/13880209.2024.2443415)  
  Bibliometric analysis identified Smilax china (Baqia) as a significant traditional Chinese medicine for inflammatory skin disease treatment, with growing research interest in its stilbene and saponin compounds.

*1 further claim previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and has been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.*

## Recent safety updates

- Long history of safe traditional use in both Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine systems. No significant toxicity reported in available pharmacological studies at therapeutic doses
- Saponin content may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation in sensitive individuals with oral use. Topical application is generally well-tolerated. Limited formal long-term safety data in modern clinical settings

## What is it made of?

### Key Active Markers

- Saponins
- Dioscin
- Flavonoids
- Stilbenes
- Resveratrol
- Polyphenols
- Polysaccharides
- Kaempferol

**Analytical Methods:** HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

## Dosage forms and preparation

**Dosage Forms:** Churna (powder), Kashayam (decoction), Tablet, Capsule, Kwath Ghana (solid extract)

**Standard Dosage:** 3-6g powder twice daily; 50-100ml decoction; 500mg extract capsule; traditionally used in prolonged courses (6-12 weeks) for chronic conditions

**Bioavailability:** Smilax china—steroidal saponins ([sarsasapogenin](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sarsasapogenin) glycosides) show moderate oral bioavailability (20-30%). Saponins undergo hydrolysis by gut microbiota to release aglycones which are better absorbed. Flavonoids (kaempferol, [quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/)) show moderate absorption. Decoction provides better saponin extraction than powder. Traditional prolonged administration (Prayoga Kala) ensures steady-state tissue levels for chronic conditions like Vatarakta (gout) and Upadamsha (syphilis).

**Optimal Timing:** Before meals with warm water for anti-arthritic and blood-purifying effects; prolonged course of 6-12 weeks recommended for chronic conditions

**Standardized Extract:** Tuber extract standardized to total saponins NLT 5%; sarsasapogenin NLT 0.5%; total flavonoids NLT 2%

**Shelf Life:** 2 years (powder); 3 years (tablet/capsule); 1 year (decoction)

**Storage:** Cool, dry place in airtight containers. Tuber powder is relatively stable. Protect from moisture to prevent [starch](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#starch)-related clumping.

**Marker Compounds:** Sarsasapogenin, Smilacin, Smilagenin, [Diosgenin](/glossary/compounds-d-g/#diosgenin), Kaempferol, [Quercetin](/reference/quercetinquercetin/), [Resveratrol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#resveratrolresveratrol) (trace), Beta-[sitosterol](/glossary/compounds-q-t/#sitosterol), [Stigmasterol](/reference/stigmasterol/)

### Extraction Methods

- Aqueous decoction (1:16 reduced to 1:4) for traditional Kashayam
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60:40) for saponin-rich extract
- Ethanol extraction (70%) for flavonoid and saponin co-extraction
- Maceration in cold water for 12-24 hours

### Synergistic Combinations

- With [Guduchi](/herb/guduchi/) for Vatarakta (gouty arthritis)
- With [Sariva](/herb/sariva/) for blood purification and skin diseases
- With [Manjishtha](/herb/manjishtha/) for Raktadosha (blood disorders)
- With [Guggulu](/formulation/guggulu/) for anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic formulations
- With [Haridra](/herb/haridra/) for chronic inflammatory conditions

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Canonical version of this page: https://nighantu.ageayurveda.com/herb/chopchini/

## Sources

- Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database (700+ herbs, CC-BY-4.0)
- Web research (clinical trials, WHO monographs, safety databases)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

Published by Age Ayurveda in the Nighantu. Educational reference only, not medical advice.
Incorporates material from the Amidha Ayurveda Herb Database under CC BY 4.0.