Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Solani Lyrati Herba |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 白英 · Bai Ying |
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| Medicinal Part | Whole herbs |
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| Efficacy Category | Heat-clearing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried whole herb of Solanum lyratum Thunb. (Solanaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Bitter; Cold; Slightly toxic |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney |
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What Is Bai Ying?
Bai Ying (Bittersweet Nightshade Herb) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu, Shandong, Henan and areas south of the Yangtze River.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Bitter; Cold; Slightly toxic
Channels Entered: Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney
Bai Ying: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Solani Lyrati Herba
Botanical Origin
The dried whole herb of Solanum lyratum Thunb. (Solanaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Shaanxi, Gansu, Shandong, Henan and areas south of the Yangtze River.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is greenish, leafy, hairy.
Macroscopic Features
Stem is twining, 30~70cm long, externally grayish-yellow or dark green, covered with white hairs. Leaves alternate, often shrunken; leaf blade is ovate or harp-shaped, 3~8cm long, grayish-green. Fruit is spherical, red or black when ripe. Faint odor, taste bitter.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Bitter; Cold; Slightly toxicLiverGallbladderKidney
Traditional Functions
Clears heat and drains dampness, resolves toxin and reduces swelling.
How Bai Ying Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Bai Ying is classified among the Heat-clearing herbs.
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
