Fujian Radix Pseudostellariae (Heterophylly Falsestarwort Root)

Last updated 2026-11-08 — Fujian Radix Pseudostellariae: Primarily produced in the northeastern Fujian counties and cities of Zherong, Fuding, and Xiapu. Radix Pseudostellariae is the tuberous root of the perennial herbaceous plant Heterophylly Falsestarwort (Pseudostellaria heterophylla) of the Caryophyllaceae family. It is a traditional and high-quality product of Zherong County, also known as Tongshen or Haier Shen. Legend has it that Radix Pseudostellariae was first discovered at the tomb of Zhu Wen, the founding emperor of the Later Liang Dynasty in Jinling. Descendants of Zhu Wen found rare and precious herbs flourishing on the tomb during the Qingming Festival ancestral worship. They took the tuberous roots, boiled them, and tried them. As a result, they felt a significant boost in vitality and energy. After being examined by imperial physicians, it was determined that its properties and efficacy were similar to those of ginseng, and it was subsequently provided for the use of the crown prince—hence the name “Radix Pseudostellariae.” According to the “Compendium of Materia Medica – Traditional Chinese Medicine Volume,” Radix Pseudostellariae is sweet and mild, nourishes the lungs and spleen, strengthens the stomach, promotes fluid production, treats physical weakness and fatigue, poor appetite and lethargy, spleen deficiency-induced diarrhea, lung deficiency coughing with spontaneous sweating, shortness of breath, palpitations, fluid loss with thirst, and acute and chronic hepatitis. Zherong Radix Pseudostellariae, due to its unique geographical location and natural climate, features a crystal yellow color, thick and fleshy texture, and high content of active ingredients. It contains 16 types of amino acids, including all 8 essential ones for humans, accounting for 40% of the total amino acid content. It also contains seven trace elements such as iron, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, cobalt, and molybdenum. In addition, Zherong Radix Pseudostellariae contains small amounts of ginsenosides, which help benefit qi and promote fluid production without raising blood pressure or promoting dampness. It is especially effective for children’s night sweats, poor appetite, anemia improvement, and elderly people’s insomnia due to physical weakness. It is a precious tonic suitable for all ages and seasons. Zherong Radix Pseudostellariae has long been used as a quality benchmark in the medicinal materials market and enjoys a high reputation. Currently, the “Zherong Radix Pseudostellariae” certification trademark has been successfully registered, making it one of only two medicinal certification trademarks in China named after a place, and also one of the seven agricultural and sideline product certification trademarks in the province named after a place. The annual output of Zherong Radix Pseudostellariae accounts for 60% of the national total. In recent years, the unique pharmacological effects and health benefits of Zherong Radix Pseudostellariae have been increasingly recognized by consumers both at home and abroad, drawing significant attention from the pharmaceutical industry. Major companies such as Beijing Tongrentang, Jiangzhong Pharmaceutical, Wahaha Group, and Mindong Pharmaceutical Factory have developed more than ten series of health products, including “Shengmai Drink,” “Gastric Health Digestive Tablets,” “Taizile,” and “Taizaibao.”