Ba Ji Tian Interactions Overview

Morinda officinalis, commonly known as Ba Ji Tian, is a perennial plant highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine for its root, which is rich in active compounds. These include morindolide, an iridoid lactone, iridoid glucosides such as monotropein and deacetyl asperulosidic acid, anthraquinones, monoterpene glycosides, and sterols like beta-sitosterol. Additionally, the root contains succinic acid, nystose, inulin-type hexasaccharide, and heptasaccharide, while its essential oil comprises compounds such as 1,2-benzedicarboxylic acid, hexadecanoic acid, hexanoic acid, nonanoic acid, aldehydes, alkenes, benzenes, and lactones. Ba Ji Tian is traditionally used to tonify the kidneys, invigorate yang, support bone health, alleviate joint pain, and enhance vitality. Moreover, constituents isolated from Ba Ji Tian have demonstrated antidepressant properties, potentially through increasing serotonergic effects. Laboratory research indicates that its antidepressant effects are linked to oligosaccharides, which impact the brain-derived neurotrophic factor pathway in the medial prefrontal cortex. Commonly prepared as a decoction or in powdered form, Ba Ji Tian continues to be a key component of traditional Chinese medicine.