Dogwood

Related Terms

Cornus controversa, Cornus kousa, Cornus macrophylla, Cornus nuttallii, Cornus officinalis, Cornus officinalis Sieb et Zucc, Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zuce, Cornus stolonifera, Cornus stolonifera Michx, dandi tablet, dogwood fruit, red-osier dogwood, zuo-gui-wan.

Background

Dogwood (Cornus spp.) is a deciduous tree that has showy, four-petal flowers in early spring. The indigenous peoples of the boreal forest in Canada traditionally used Cornus stolonifera for diabetes or its complications. Elders of the Saanich and Cowichan Coast Salish people of the southern Vancouver Island used Cornus nuttallii bark to treat respiratory ailments.
There is limited human evidence about the use of dogwood for use in cancer and as an antioxidant. However, future studies may investigate these areas further. Dogwood has been studied with other herbs to see its effects on hormone levels in postmenopausal and infertile women, although currently, there is a lack of strong evidence for these conditions.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


A traditional Chinese combination of herbs seems to have helped a woman with postmenopausal levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone to become pregnant. Although this result is interesting, further research is needed in this area.

 C


A traditional Chinese combination of herbs seems to have helped a woman with postmenopausal levels of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone to become pregnant. Although this result is interesting, further research is needed in this area.

 C


There is currently insufficient available evidence to recommend dogwood for or against the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms. More studies are needed in this area.

 C


There is currently insufficient available evidence to recommend dogwood for or against the treatment of postmenopausal symptoms. More studies are needed in this area.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (over 18 years old)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for dogwood in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Dogwood may protect against diabetic complications. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Dogwood fruit may alter cholesterol levels in the body. Use with caution.
Dogwood may have anticancer activity. Use cautiously with anticancer agents due to possible additive effects.
Dogwood may have antioxidant activity. Use cautiously with antioxidants due to possible additive effects.
Use dogwood extracts (stem and leaf) cautiously with antiretroviral agents due to possible additive effects.
Dogwood fruit may alter hormone levels and may increase fertility in infertile women. Use cautiously with estrogen, fertility agents, and birth control pills.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Chao SL, Huang LW, Yen HR. Pregnancy in premature ovarian failure after therapy using Chinese herbal medicine. Chang Gung Med J 2003;26(6):449-452.
Jeng H, Wu CM, Su SJ, et al. A substance isolated from Cornus officinalis enhances the motility of human sperm. Am J Chin Med 1997;25(3-4):301-306.
Kim HY, Oh JH. Screening of Korean forest plants for rat lens aldose reductase inhibition. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 1999;63(1):184-188.
Liang R, Chen MR, Xu X. [Effect of dandi tablet on blood lipids and sex hormones in women of postmenopausal stage]. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi 2003;23(8):593-595.
McCune LM, Johns T. Antioxidant activity in medicinal plants associated with the symptoms of diabetes mellitus used by the indigenous peoples of the North American boreal forest. J Ethnopharmacol 2002;82(2-3):197-205.
Min BS, Kim YH, Tomiyama M, et al. Inhibitory effects of Korean plants on HIV-1 activities. Phytother Res 2001;15(6):481-486.
Nishino C, Kobayashi K, Fukushima M. Halleridone, a cytotoxic constituent from Cornus controversa. J Nat Prod 1988;51(6):1281-1282.
Renault S, Croser C, Franklin JA, et al. Effects of consolidated tailings water on red-osier dogwood (Cornus stolonifera Michx) seedlings. Environ Pollut 2001;113(1):27-33.
Turner NJ, Hebda RJ. Contemporary use of bark for medicine by two Salishan native elders of southeast Vancouver Island, Canada. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;29(1):59-72.
Xu HQ, Hao HP, Zhang X, et al. Morroniside protects cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells from damage by high ambient glucose. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2004;25(4):412-415.