Herbs & Botanicals · Chinese and Ayurvedic tonic root
Curculigo
Curculigo orchioides · also called Black musli, kali musli, talmuli, xian mao
Curculigo is a small tropical plant whose rhizome (underground stem) is used in Chinese medicine as xian mao and in Ayurveda as black musli (kali musli). It is traditionally used as a tonic for male vitality, sore joints and general weakness. We found no studies in people, only rat and mouse work, so its benefits are unproven. The main caution: it is not the same as safed (white) musli, and its safety in people is unknown.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Curculigo
Curculigo is an old tonic herb with no human trials. Animal studies hint at effects on sexual function, sperm, bone and joints, but nothing is proven in people. Its estrogen-like action, a possible liver-toxic compound and an effect on a drug-processing enzyme are reasons for care.
What it is
Curculigo orchioides is a plant in the star-grass family (Hypoxidaceae). Its rhizome is called xian mao in Chinese medicine and kali musli or black musli in Ayurveda.
Safed musli (white musli) is a different plant, Chlorophytum borivilianum, with a similar trade name. Curculigo glabrescens is reported as the main counterfeit of Chinese xian mao.
Traditional use
In Chinese medicine the rhizome is used for impotence, limb weakness, and arthritis of the lower back and knees. In Ayurveda it is a rasayana, or rejuvenating tonic, and an aphrodisiac. It also appears in Kampo and Unani preparations.
The compounds that stand out are curculigoside and other phenolic glycosides, with triterpenoid saponins and polysaccharides.
What the research shows
We found no trial in people. The research is rat, mouse and cell work, plus reviews. Rat studies suggest better erection scores and sperm counts, especially under diabetes or heat stress, but the abstracts give few numbers.
Bone, joint and brain findings come mostly from animals and cells, and many use isolated curculigoside rather than the whole herb. The evidence is rated insufficient for every use.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Rhizome for impotence and a weak lower back and knees in Chinese medicine (xian mao)
- Rasayana (rejuvenating tonic) and aphrodisiac in Ayurveda (kali musli)
- Ingredient in formulas for heavy periods and gynaecological complaints in Ayurveda and Unani
- Arthritis of the lower back and knees, and watery diarrhoea, in traditional Chinese medicine
Studied for research
- Erectile function and libido (insufficient; rats only)
- Sperm count and fertility (insufficient; rodents only)
- Estrogen-like activity (insufficient; rats only)
- Bone loss (insufficient; cells and rats)
- Arthritis (insufficient; mice)
- Brain protection by curculigoside (insufficient; animal and cell models)
Main compounds
- Curculigoside A (PubChem CID 158845)
- Orcinol glucoside (PubChem CID 12315192)
- Triterpenoid saponins
- Polysaccharides
Common forms
- Dried rhizome, raw or wine-processed (traditional)
Research links: Nie 2013: genus Curculigo review (PubMed) · Wang 2021: genus review since 2013 (PubMed) · Vijayanarayana 2007: estrogen-like activity in rats (PubMed) · Wang 2012: CYP3A in rats (PubMed) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
The plant and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Curculigo orchioides
- Naming authority
- Gaertn.
- Common names
- Curculigo (English); Black musli (English); Kali musli (Hindi / Ayurveda); Talmuli (Ayurveda); Xian mao (Chinese (pinyin))
- Botanical family
- Hypoxidaceae (star-grass family); older papers place it in Amaryllidaceae
- Classification
- Plantae > Hypoxidaceae > Curculigo > Curculigo orchioides
- Native range
- The 2010 review says the plant is native to India. Wider range not verified.
- Habitat
- Not verified in the sources read.
- What the plant looks like
- Roots: Not verified in sources read; Stems: Not verified in sources read; Leaves: Not verified in sources read; Flowers: Not verified in sources read; Fruit: Not verified in sources read; Seeds: Not verified in sources read; Cultivation: Not verified in sources read
- Harvest and processing
- The rhizome is the medicinal part. In Chinese practice it may be processed with yellow rice wine, which is believed to improve effect and lower toxicity (not confirmed here).
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Curculigo glabrescens; Note: Reported as the main counterfeit of Chinese xian mao; separable by lab analysis.; Name: Chlorophytum borivilianum (safed musli); Note: A different plant with a similar trade name; used in similar Ayurvedic ways.
- Sustainability and conservation
- A 2010 review calls the plant endangered. Not verified at the source.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese medicine | Rhizome (xian mao) for impotence, limb limpness, arthritis of the lower back and knees, and watery diarrhoea; a kidney-yang tonic. | Nie 2013; Wang 2021 |
| Ayurveda | Kali musli, a rasayana and vajikaran (sexual tonic) herb; reputed immune-boosting, adaptogenic and aphrodisiac; in formulas for heavy periods and gynaecological problems. | Nie 2013; Chauhan 2010; Vijayanarayana 2007 |
| Kampo and Unani | Listed as an ingredient of Kampo and Unani preparations. | Chauhan 2010; Vijayanarayana 2007 |
Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curculigoside A PubChem 158845 | Phenolic glycoside | Rhizome | Main marker compound; studied in animal and cell models of brain disease and in bone cells. 19 13 8 | Laboratory research |
| Orcinol glucoside PubChem 12315192 | Phenolic glycoside | Rhizome | Orcinol glucosides are named among the phenolic glycosides of the genus; their individual effects were not read. 18 9 | None read |
| Triterpenoid saponins (cycloartane types) | Triterpenoid | Rhizome | One new cycloartane triterpenoid ketone from the rhizome was toxic to human liver cells in a dish. 4 | Laboratory research |
| Polysaccharides and mucilage | Carbohydrate | Rhizome | Reported in reviews; activity not read. 18 2 | None read |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Estrogen-like uterine effects | Not specified | Alcohol extract raised uterine weight and glycogen in rats with ovaries removed. 16 | Animal research |
| Drug-processing enzyme | CYP3A4 | Extract lowered CYP3A activity and protein. 17 | Animal research |
| Nitric oxide release | Not specified | Extracts raised nitric oxide release in mouse immune cells, matching better erection score in rats. 14 | Lab |
| Bone-forming cells | ALP, Col I, OCN, OPG, Runx2 | Curculigoside raised these genes and OPG secretion in rat bone marrow stromal cells. 13 | Lab |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- No human data found. A 2024 paper on curculigoside oral transport was listed in PubMed but not read.
- Distribution
- The 2026 review says curculigoside can cross the blood-brain barrier (animal).
- Metabolism
- Extract lowers CYP3A activity in rats (see mechanisms).
- Elimination
- No data found.
- Bioavailability
- No human data found.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Brain and bone findings mostly come from isolated curculigoside. Sexual-function and hormone findings come from whole-rhizome extracts. Toxicity findings come from a rhizome compound and a leaf extract. These are not interchangeable.
Nutritional composition
Curculigo is a medicinal herb, not a food, and has no established nutrient role.
9 not enough evidence
What is Curculigo good for?
The studied uses and how strong the evidence is. For Curculigo, none has been tested in people, so every use is rated insufficient.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Erectile function and libido (rat studies only)
Not enough evidenceIn rats, water extracts of Curculigo rhizome improved mating behaviour and an erection score. No trial in people was found. It is a traditional aphrodisiac, but that is not proof it works in men.
3 studiesAqueous (water) extracts of the herb in rats. Not the capsules or pow…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial was found in the sources read.
Results
In diabetic male rats, an aqueous extract eased the harm of high blood sugar on mating behaviour and erection index. In a second rat study of four Ayurvedic herbs, Curculigo raised the erection index and nitric oxide release in cells, but Chlorophytum borivilianum (safed musli) performed best.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstracts read.
Why this rating
Only rat studies, from one overlapping research group, with no human data. Traditional use does not count as evidence of effect.
Form and dose studied
Aqueous (water) extracts of the herb in rats. Not the capsules or powders sold to people.
Who was studied
Male rats (healthy and diabetic).
Limits
Animal work only; small rat groups; abstracts give no numbers; results cannot be carried over to men.
Why researchers looked
Curculigo is a classic Ayurvedic and Chinese remedy for impotence, so researchers tested it in male rats.
Traditional use
Used in Ayurveda (kali musli, a vajikaran rasayana or sexual tonic) and in Chinese medicine (xian mao) for impotence.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
Authors point to antioxidant and anabolic activity and to nitric oxide release in cells. Not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Safety in people is not established. See the safety section.
Sperm count and fertility (mouse and rat studies only)
Not enough evidenceIn rats and mice, Curculigo extracts raised sperm counts or protected sperm production under stress. No human fertility study was found.
3 studiesAqueous rhizome extracts in rodents.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial was found.
Results
In diabetic rats, the extract improved sperm count and seminal fructose. In heat-stressed mice, an aqueous rhizome extract left more sperm-forming cells and sperm and higher total testosterone than heat alone. In unstressed mice it did not change testosterone or testis structure.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstracts read.
Why this rating
Animal studies only; the effect appeared when the animals were stressed (diabetes, heat), not in healthy animals.
Form and dose studied
Aqueous rhizome extracts in rodents.
Who was studied
Male rats and mice.
Limits
Animal only; abstracts give no numbers; no human semen or fertility data.
Why researchers looked
Traditional use for low vitality and sperm weakness led to tests of sperm production in animals.
Traditional use
Used traditionally in Ayurveda as a reproductive tonic.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
Authors credit antioxidant effects and higher testosterone in heat-stressed mice. Not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Animal data on hormones also raise a caution; see the safety section.
Traditional kidney-yang tonic and Ayurvedic rasayana
Not enough evidenceIn Chinese medicine xian mao is a warming kidney-yang tonic for impotence, weak limbs, and sore lower back and knees. In Ayurveda, black musli (kali musli, talmuli) is a rasayana (rejuvenating tonic) and aphrodisiac. This is traditional use. No human trial tests it.
3 studiesTraditional use: dried rhizome in formulas or as a powder, according …
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial was found.
Results
Reviews describe the traditional uses; they do not report tests in people.
Effect sizes as reported
Not applicable.
Why this rating
The reviews describe traditional use; there are no human tests of tonic or energy effects.
Form and dose studied
Traditional use: dried rhizome in formulas or as a powder, according to the reviews. No preparation is endorsed here.
Who was studied
Traditional users: men with impotence and weakness, and others.
Limits
Folk use is not evidence of safety or effect; many traditional tonics have not been tested.
Why researchers looked
This is the herb's reason for being in two long medical traditions.
Traditional use
TCM: impotence, limb limpness, arthritis of the lumbar and knee joints and watery diarrhoea. Ayurveda: an immune-boosting and aphrodisiac herb and adaptogen.
Proposed mechanism Traditional
The notion of kidney-yang deficiency is a traditional concept with no direct modern equivalent. One rat study built a hydrocortisone-based model of it.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Traditional texts describe it as warming ('pungent-hot'); see the safety section for the yin-deficiency caution.
Estrogen-like activity and women's reproductive use (rat study)
Not enough evidenceIn rats with the ovaries removed, an alcohol extract of the rhizome acted somewhat like estrogen. It is used in some Ayurvedic formulas for heavy periods and other gynaecological problems. There is no human evidence, and this activity is a reason for caution as well as interest.
2 studiesAlcohol extract of rhizome; comparison with diethylstilbestrol.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial was found.
Results
In ovariectomised rats given an alcohol extract for 7 days, vaginal cornification, uterine weight and uterine glycogen rose compared with vehicle (P<0.001 for uterine weight and glycogen), with growth changes in the uterine lining.
Effect sizes as reported
Uterine weight and glycogen P<0.001 versus vehicle; no other numbers in abstract.
Why this rating
One short rat study; shows hormone-like activity but no benefit or harm in women.
Form and dose studied
Alcohol extract of rhizome; comparison with diethylstilbestrol.
Who was studied
Young female rats with ovaries removed.
Limits
Rats; 7 days; no human data; hormone-like effects may be a safety issue for some people.
Why researchers looked
The Ayurvedic and Unani use in menstrual and gynaecological formulas led to a test of estrogen-like action.
Traditional use
Present in several Ayurvedic and Unani formulas for heavy menstrual bleeding and gynaecological problems.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
Uterine growth changes in rats, as with the drug diethylstilbestrol, which suggests a hormone-like action. Not shown in women.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
People with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid unstudied estrogen-like herbs unless a clinician agrees.
Bone loss and osteoporosis (rat and cell studies)
Not enough evidenceReviews list Curculigo among Chinese medicines active against bone loss in rats, and its compound curculigoside helped bone-forming cells grow in a dish. No human bone trial was found.
2 studiesIsolated curculigoside in cells; whole-herb tests in rats are describ…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial was found.
Results
A review of rat models of osteoporosis lists C. orchioides as active. Curculigoside at 100 micromolar raised growth and bone-forming markers of rat bone marrow stromal cells with no toxicity.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in abstracts.
Why this rating
Cell and animal findings only; the isolated compound is not the whole herb.
Form and dose studied
Isolated curculigoside in cells; whole-herb tests in rats are described only in a review.
Who was studied
Rat cells and rat models.
Limits
No human data; review abstract does not detail how Curculigo was tested.
Why researchers looked
Kidney-tonic herbs are traditionally linked to bones, so Curculigo has been tested in models of bone loss after menopause.
Traditional use
TCM links kidney function to bones and the lower back and knees.
Proposed mechanism Lab
In cells from rats, curculigoside raised bone-forming gene activity and osteoprotegerin, a protein that restrains bone breakdown. Not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Arthritis and joint pain (mouse studies)
Not enough evidenceCurculigo is used in Chinese medicine for sore joints in the lower back and knees. Mice with arthritis had less joint swelling when given raw or wine-processed rhizome extract. No human trial was found.
2 studiesRaw and yellow-rice-wine-processed rhizome extracts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial was found.
Results
In mice with collagen-induced arthritis, both raw and wine-processed rhizome extracts reduced paw swelling, arthritis scores and joint inflammation.
Effect sizes as reported
Numbers not read in the abstract.
Why this rating
One recent mouse and cell study; abstract only partly read; no human data.
Form and dose studied
Raw and yellow-rice-wine-processed rhizome extracts.
Who was studied
Mice and cells.
Limits
Animal only; comparison of raw versus processed result was not confirmed.
Why researchers looked
Traditional use for arthritis of the lumbar and knee joints led to tests in arthritis models.
Traditional use
Traditional Chinese medicine: rhizome used for rheumatic conditions.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
Reduced joint and blood inflammation signals in mice and in cells. Not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Processing is meant to reduce toxicity in TCM; not confirmed here.
Brain protection by curculigoside (animal and cell models)
Not enough evidenceA 2026 review says curculigoside, the main compound, helped in animal and cell models of Alzheimer disease, depression, stroke and other brain conditions. No human trials of Curculigo for the brain were found.
1 studiesIsolated curculigoside, not whole-herb products.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial was found.
Results
The review reports efficacy of isolated curculigoside in models of several brain conditions.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
Review of animal and cell models of an isolated compound.
Form and dose studied
Isolated curculigoside, not whole-herb products.
Who was studied
Animal and cell models.
Limits
No human data; isolated compound; authors state clinical translation is still to be evaluated.
Why researchers looked
In Chinese medicine the kidney and brain are linked, and curculigoside can cross the blood-brain barrier, so it has been tested in brain disease models.
Traditional use
Kidney-tonic use in TCM; no traditional brain-specific use is documented in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
Authors cite effects on nerve messengers, toxic proteins, inflammation and antioxidant pathways. Animal and cell work only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Antioxidant, blood sugar and other lab activity
Not enough evidenceReviews list antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic and antitumour activity from lab and animal work. None has been shown in people.
2 studiesExtracts and isolated compounds of rhizome.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial was found.
Results
The 2021 review lists anti-diabetes, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, osteoporosis, antioxidant, antitumour and neuroprotective activity. The 2010 review makes similar claims.
Effect sizes as reported
None.
Why this rating
Reviews of lab and animal work only.
Form and dose studied
Extracts and isolated compounds of rhizome.
Who was studied
Cells and animals.
Limits
Lab findings often fail in people.
Why researchers looked
Phenolic glycosides and saponins in the rhizome are antioxidants in the lab, so many activities were screened.
Traditional use
Ayurvedic reviews describe it as immunostimulant, liver-protecting, antioxidant, anticancer and antidiabetic.
Proposed mechanism Lab
Chemistry and cell-based activity; not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Chemotherapy side effects (mouse study)
Not enough evidenceIn mice with tumours, an alcohol extract eased some harm from the cancer drug cyclophosphamide and increased the drug's tumour effect. This is a mouse finding only and no advice for people having chemotherapy.
1 studiesAlcohol extract of the herb with cyclophosphamide.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial was found.
Results
In mice, 20 mg/kg of extract reversed some immune suppression and gut damage from cyclophosphamide, lowered liver enzymes raised by the drug, and enhanced tumour reduction.
Effect sizes as reported
No numbers in the abstract.
Why this rating
One mouse study; combination with a drug; no human data.
Form and dose studied
Alcohol extract of the herb with cyclophosphamide.
Who was studied
Mice with lymphoma tumours.
Limits
Animal only. People having chemotherapy must not add herbs without their cancer team.
Why researchers looked
Immune-boosting and antioxidant properties led to a test alongside a cancer drug.
Traditional use
Ayurvedic reputation as an immune-boosting herb.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
Authors point to antioxidant effects and lower inflammatory signals. Animal only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Herbs can interact with cancer drugs; see the safety section.
Connections to the rest of health
How Curculigo connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libido Support | Not enough evidence | Erectile function and libido (rat studies only): In rats, water extracts of Curculigo rhizome improved mating behaviour and an erection score. No trial in people was found. It is a traditional aphrodisiac, but that is not proof it works in men. | 15 14 10 | |
| Mens Vitality | Not enough evidence | Erectile function and libido (rat studies only): In rats, water extracts of Curculigo rhizome improved mating behaviour and an erection score. No trial in people was found. It is a traditional aphrodisiac, but that is not proof it works in men. Sperm count and fertility (mouse and rat studies only): In rats and mice, Curculigo extracts raised sperm counts or protected sperm production under stress. No human fertility study was found. | 15 14 10 1 | |
| Fertility Support | Not enough evidence | Sperm count and fertility (mouse and rat studies only): In rats and mice, Curculigo extracts raised sperm counts or protected sperm production under stress. No human fertility study was found. | 15 14 1 | |
| Mens Vitality | Not enough evidence | Traditional kidney-yang tonic and Ayurvedic rasayana: In Chinese medicine xian mao is a warming kidney-yang tonic for impotence, weak limbs, and sore lower back and knees. In Ayurveda, black musli (kali musli, talmuli) is a rasayana (rejuvenating tonic) and aphrodisiac. This is traditional use. No human trial tests it. | 10 18 2 | |
| Daily Vitality | Not enough evidence | Traditional kidney-yang tonic and Ayurvedic rasayana: In Chinese medicine xian mao is a warming kidney-yang tonic for impotence, weak limbs, and sore lower back and knees. In Ayurveda, black musli (kali musli, talmuli) is a rasayana (rejuvenating tonic) and aphrodisiac. This is traditional use. No human trial tests it. | 10 18 2 | |
| Hormone Balance | Not enough evidence | Estrogen-like activity and women's reproductive use (rat study): In rats with the ovaries removed, an alcohol extract of the rhizome acted somewhat like estrogen. It is used in some Ayurvedic formulas for heavy periods and other gynaecological problems. There is no human evidence, and this activity is a reason for caution as well as interest. | 16 10 | |
| Womens Wellness | Not enough evidence | Estrogen-like activity and women's reproductive use (rat study): In rats with the ovaries removed, an alcohol extract of the rhizome acted somewhat like estrogen. It is used in some Ayurvedic formulas for heavy periods and other gynaecological problems. There is no human evidence, and this activity is a reason for caution as well as interest. | 16 10 | |
| Bone Health | Not enough evidence | Bone loss and osteoporosis (rat and cell studies): Reviews list Curculigo among Chinese medicines active against bone loss in rats, and its compound curculigoside helped bone-forming cells grow in a dish. No human bone trial was found. | 12 13 | |
| Joint Support | Not enough evidence | Arthritis and joint pain (mouse studies): Curculigo is used in Chinese medicine for sore joints in the lower back and knees. Mice with arthritis had less joint swelling when given raw or wine-processed rhizome extract. No human trial was found. | 11 10 | |
| Brain Health | Not enough evidence | Brain protection by curculigoside (animal and cell models): A 2026 review says curculigoside, the main compound, helped in animal and cell models of Alzheimer disease, depression, stroke and other brain conditions. No human trials of Curculigo for the brain were found. | 19 | |
| Memory Support | Not enough evidence | Brain protection by curculigoside (animal and cell models): A 2026 review says curculigoside, the main compound, helped in animal and cell models of Alzheimer disease, depression, stroke and other brain conditions. No human trials of Curculigo for the brain were found. | 19 | |
| Cellular Protection | Not enough evidence | Antioxidant, blood sugar and other lab activity: Reviews list antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic and antitumour activity from lab and animal work. None has been shown in people. | 18 2 | |
| Blood Sugar Balance | Not enough evidence | Antioxidant, blood sugar and other lab activity: Reviews list antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antidiabetic and antitumour activity from lab and animal work. None has been shown in people. | 18 2 | |
| Immune Support | Not enough evidence | Chemotherapy side effects (mouse study): In mice with tumours, an alcohol extract eased some harm from the cancer drug cyclophosphamide and increased the drug's tumour effect. This is a mouse finding only and no advice for people having chemotherapy. | 7 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reproductive System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Erectile function and libido (rat studies only) Studied for: Sperm count and fertility (mouse and rat studies only) | 15 14 10 1 18 2 16 |
| Musculoskeletal System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Traditional kidney-yang tonic and Ayurvedic rasayana Studied for: Bone loss and osteoporosis (rat and cell studies) | 10 18 2 12 13 11 |
| Nervous System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Brain protection by curculigoside (animal and cell models) | 19 |
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Antioxidant, blood sugar and other lab activity | 18 2 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Chemotherapy side effects (mouse study) | 7 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sperm count | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: increase. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 15 1 |
| Serum testosterone | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 15 |
| Penile erection index (rats) | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: increase. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 14 15 |
| Uterine weight (rats) | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: increase. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 16 |
| Bone-forming markers in cells | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: increase. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 13 |
| Paw swelling and arthritis score (mice) | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: decrease. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 11 |
| Liver enzymes after cyclophosphamide (mice) | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: decrease. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 7 |
J. Genes, receptors and enzymes
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CYP3A4 | Preliminary mechanism | Animal | Lowered in rats by the extract. | 17 |
K. Biological pathways
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Osteoprotegerin (OPG) | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Raised by curculigoside in rat bone marrow stromal cells. | 13 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curculigoside A | Biological association | In vitro | Main marker compound; studied in animal and cell models of brain disease and in bone cells. Preparation or compound: Rhizome |
19 13 8 |
| Orcinol glucoside | Biological association | None read | Orcinol glucosides are named among the phenolic glycosides of the genus; their individual effects were not read. Preparation or compound: Rhizome |
18 9 |
| Triterpenoid saponins (cycloartane types) | Biological association | In vitro | One new cycloartane triterpenoid ketone from the rhizome was toxic to human liver cells in a dish. Preparation or compound: Rhizome |
4 |
| Polysaccharides and mucilage | Biological association | None read | Reported in reviews; activity not read. Preparation or compound: Rhizome |
18 2 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
Evidence at a glance: what changed in 1 lab markers
Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.
The evidence
The research centre for Curculigo. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We started from our existing Curculigo summary and added about 20 PubMed lookups, read as abstracts. Plant names were checked in GBIF and compound IDs in PubChem. EMA, NCCIH, LiverTox and LactMed were not read.
Study library: every study we checked 19
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bui-Le 2023 Protective Effect of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Extract on Heat Stress-Induced Spermatogenesis Complications in Murine Model. Curr Issues Mol Biol · PMID 37185736 · DOI |
Animal study mouse |
48 Male mice (8 groups of 6), with or without 40 C heat exposure |
Aqueous C. orchioides rhizome extract at three levels (100, 200, 400 mg/kg a day) rhizome |
Without heat stress, the extract did not change testis structure or testosterone. Under heat stress, treated mice had more sperm-forming cells and sperm than untreated heat-stressed mice, and higher total testosterone. Higher sperm cells and testosterone than heat-stress controls (numbers not in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Testis tissue, sperm cells, serum testosterone Limitations: Mice, not people; abstract gives no numbers. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Chauhan 2010 Curculigo orchioides: the black gold with numerous health benefits. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao · PMID 20619136 · DOI |
Narrative review review |
Review of Curculigo orchioides | C. orchioides rhizome mainly |
The review calls it an endangered rasayana herb, popularly known as kali musli, native to India and a prized adaptogen and aphrodisiac in Ayurveda. Claimed activities include aphrodisiac, immune-stimulating, liver-protecting, antioxidant, anticancer and antidiabetic effects. No human effect size Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Biological activities, chemistry Limitations: Narrative review; the claims are not human-tested in the abstract; "endangered" is the authors' description and was not checked against IUCN. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| GBIF Secretariat 2026 GBIF Backbone Taxonomy match: Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (key 2853024) GBIF API (api.gbif.org), checked 2026-10-25 · Source |
Database record plant taxonomy |
unspecified |
Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. is an ACCEPTED species in the family Hypoxidaceae (match confidence 99, exact). Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Accepted name and family Limitations: One database; the 2010 review lists the family as Amaryllidaceae, an older placement. Read: API record | |
| Jiao 2013 A new hepatotoxic triterpenoid ketone from Curculigo orchioides. Fitoterapia · PMID 23127566 · DOI |
In vitro study human liver cell line |
Human liver cell line HL-7702 | Five compounds isolated from C. orchioides rhizome, including a new cycloartane triterpenoid ketone rhizome compounds |
The title and abstract describe a new triterpenoid ketone from the rhizome that was toxic to human liver cells in a dish. The abstract read does not give the size of the effect. Not given in abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Toxicity to liver cells Limitations: Cell line study only; says nothing about liver injury in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Kushalan 2022 Toxicity Assessment of Curculigo orchioides Leaf Extract Using Drosophila melanogaster: A Preliminary Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health · PMID 36429955 · DOI |
Animal study fruit fly |
Fruit flies exposed through food | Aqueous leaf extract of C. orchioides leaf |
Exposure during development reduced emergence and caused wing malformations. In adult flies, reproduction and lifespan were reduced. The authors raise concern about indiscriminate use of plant extracts. Adverse effects in flies (numbers not in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Development, lifespan, reproduction, movement, cell stress and cell death Limitations: Fruit flies; LEAF extract, not the rhizome used in medicine; preliminary study. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Liu 2022 Discrimination of Curculigo orchioides Rhizoma and Curculigo glabrescens Rhizoma using stable isotope and mineral element analyses coupled with chemometrics. Sci Rep · PMID 35869256 · DOI |
Lab analysis plant material analysis |
Authentic and counterfeit rhizome samples | C. orchioides rhizome versus C. glabrescens rhizome rhizome |
The authors say market research found C. glabrescens rhizome to be the main counterfeit of C. orchioides rhizome, and that the two can be told apart by isotope and mineral analysis, even as powder. 100% classification in their model Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Species identification by isotopes and minerals Limitations: Lab method study; does not say how common the substitution is in products. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Murali 2015 Enhancement of cancer chemotherapeutic efficacy of cyclophosphamide by Curculigo orchioides Gaertn and its ameliorative effects on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress. Integr Cancer Ther · PMID 25575532 · DOI |
Animal study mouse |
Mice with lymphoma tumours given cyclophosphamide | Methanol/alcohol extract of C. orchioides (20 mg/kg) with cyclophosphamide herb (part not stated in abstract) |
The extract reversed some of the immune suppression and gut damage caused by cyclophosphamide, lowered liver enzymes (GPT, ALP) raised by the drug and increased the drug's tumour-shrinking effect. Improvement versus drug alone (numbers not in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Tumour size, immune signals, blood counts, liver enzymes Limitations: Mice, not people; combination with a cancer drug. Not advice for people having chemotherapy. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| NCBI PubChem 2026 PubChem compound record: Curculigoside A (CID 158845) PubChem REST API, checked 2026-10-25 · Source |
Database record chemistry |
unspecified |
Curculigoside A is PubChem CID 158845, formula C22H26O11. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Compound identity Limitations: Identity only; says nothing about activity. Read: API record | |
| NCBI PubChem 2026 PubChem compound record: Orcinol glucoside (CID 12315192) PubChem REST API, checked 2026-10-25 · Source |
Database record chemistry |
unspecified |
Orcinol glucoside is PubChem CID 12315192, formula C13H18O7. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Compound identity Limitations: Identity only; says nothing about activity. Read: API record | |
| Nie 2013 Medicinal plants of genus Curculigo: traditional uses and a phytochemical and ethnopharmacological review. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 23562803 · DOI |
Narrative review review (mostly traditional use, lab and animal work) |
Review of the genus Curculigo (three species used in medicine) | Curculigo plant material and extracts rhizome and other parts |
C. orchioides is used in traditional Chinese medicine for impotence, limb limpness, arthritis of the lower back and knees and watery diarrhoea, and in Ayurveda as an immune-boosting herb and aphrodisiac. No human effect size Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Traditional uses, chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology Limitations: Narrative review; abstract read; the review itself draws on lab and animal work and books of folk use. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Pan 2026 Spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology reveal key anti-rheumatoid arthritis and attenuated toxicity components of processed curculigo rhizome. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 42508543 · DOI |
Animal study mouse and cells |
Mice with collagen-induced arthritis; joint cells and immune cells in a dish | Raw and yellow-rice-wine-processed Curculigo rhizome extracts rhizome |
Both raw and wine-processed rhizome eased arthritis signs in mice. The authors say wine processing is a classical practice believed to improve effect and reduce toxicity, and they set out to test that. The abstract text read was cut before the comparison result. Reduced swelling and scores in mice (numbers not read) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Paw swelling, arthritis score, joint inflammation, blood inflammation signals Limitations: Mice and cells; the abstract was only read in part; processing and toxicity comparison not confirmed here. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract (partly read) |
| Rufus 2013 Beneficial effects of traditional Chinese medicine on the treatment of osteoporosis on ovariectomised rat models. Curr Drug Targets · PMID 24354584 · DOI |
Narrative review review (rat models) |
Review of Chinese medicines tested in rats with ovaries removed | Several Chinese medicines, including Curculigo orchioides not stated in abstract |
The review lists Curculigo orchioides among plants that proved active in preventing post-menopausal-type bone loss in rat models. No human effect size Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Bone loss after menopause-like estrogen loss in rats Limitations: Review of rat work; abstract does not describe how Curculigo was tested. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Shen 2013 Curculigoside promotes osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells from ovariectomized rats. J Pharm Pharmacol · PMID 23738728 · DOI |
In vitro study rat cells |
Bone marrow stromal cells from rats with ovaries removed | Isolated curculigoside (10, 100, 500 micromolar) rhizome compound |
No toxicity to the cells. Curculigoside at 100 micromolar raised cell growth, bone-forming gene activity and osteoprotegerin release. Dose-related rise in bone-forming markers (numbers not in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Cell growth, bone-forming gene activity, mineral deposits Limitations: Cells from rats in a dish; an isolated compound, not the whole herb. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Thakur 2011 Improvement of penile erection, sperm count and seminal fructose levels in vivo and nitric oxide release in vitro by ayurvedic herbs. Andrologia · PMID 21486409 · DOI |
Animal study rat and mouse cells |
Male Wistar rats; mouse macrophage cell line | Freeze-dried water extracts of four Ayurvedic herbs, including C. orchioides (100 mg/kg in rats) herb (part not stated in abstract) |
All four extracts, including Curculigo, improved sperm count, seminal fructose and erection index. The authors report Chlorophytum borivilianum (safed musli) gave the strongest response of the four. Improved versus control (numbers not in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Penile erection index, sperm count, seminal fructose, nitric oxide release in cells Limitations: Rats and cells, not people; Curculigo was not the top performer; abstract gives no numbers. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Thakur 2012 Effect of Curculigo orchioides on hyperglycemia-induced oligospermia and sexual dysfunction in male rats. Int J Impot Res · PMID 21918533 · DOI |
Animal study rat |
48 Male rats made diabetic with streptozotocin (6 groups of 8, 28 days) |
Aqueous extract of C. orchioides (compared with glibenclamide and sildenafil) rhizome (herb; part not stated in abstract) |
The extract eased the damage from long-term high blood sugar on male sexual behaviour, sperm count, penile erection index and seminal fructose. Improved versus untreated diabetic rats (numbers not in abstract) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Mating behaviour, sperm count, penile erection index, seminal fructose, blood glucose, testosterone Limitations: Rats, not people; diabetes model; abstract gives no numbers. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Vijayanarayana 2007 Evaluation of estrogenic activity of alcoholic extract of rhizomes of Curculigo orchioides. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 17900835 · DOI |
Animal study rat |
45 Young female rats with both ovaries removed (5 groups of 9, 7 days) |
Alcohol extract of C. orchioides rhizome (300, 600, 1200 mg/kg a day) compared with diethylstilbestrol rhizome |
The extract increased vaginal cornification, uterine weight and glycogen and caused growth changes in the uterine lining, which are signs of estrogen-like action in rats. Significant rises versus vehicle (uterine weight and glycogen P<0.001) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Vaginal cornification, uterine weight, uterine glycogen, uterine tissue Limitations: Rats, not people; short study; it shows hormone-like activity in animals, not a benefit or a risk in humans. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Wang 2012 Curculigo orchioides (Xian Mao) modifies the activity and protein expression of CYP3A in normal and Kidney-Yang Deficiency model rats. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 22974543 · DOI |
Animal study rat |
Normal rats and hydrocortisone-induced "kidney-yang deficiency" model rats; rat liver preparations | Xian Mao (C. orchioides) extract, 7 days by mouth herb (part not stated in abstract) |
In liver preparations, 1 mg/mL of the extract cut CYP3A activity by 59%. In rats, three levels of the extract also lowered CYP3A activity and CYP3A4 protein. CYP3A activity down 59% in vitro (P<0.001); also down in treated rats Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: CYP3A enzyme activity and CYP3A4 protein Limitations: Rats and test-tube work; CYP3A is a major drug-processing enzyme in people, but no human data exist. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Wang 2021 Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Activity of Plants of Genus Curculigo: An Updated Review Since 2013. Molecules · PMID 34205154 · DOI |
Narrative review review (mostly lab and animal work) |
Review of literature from 2013 to 2021 on the genus Curculigo | Curculigo plants, extracts and isolated compounds rhizome mainly |
The genus has been used in China for impotence, limb limpness and arthritis of the lower back and knees. New compounds (curculigine, phenolic glycosides, orcinosides, polysaccharides) were isolated. Reported activities include anti-diabetes, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, bone, antioxidant, antitumour and neuroprotective effects. The authors say the pharmacological mechanisms need further study. No human effect size Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Compounds, activities in lab and animal models Limitations: Narrative review; abstract read; no human trials described in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
| Zheng 2026 From medicinal herb to neuroprotective candidate: A review of curculigoside's potential in central nervous system disorders. J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 41419043 · DOI |
Narrative review review (animal and cell models) |
Review of studies published before 31 May 2025 | Curculigoside (main phenolic glycoside of C. orchioides rhizome), isolated rhizome compound |
Curculigoside showed benefit in animal and cell models of several brain conditions. The review points to effects on nerve messengers, toxic proteins and inflammation. No human effect size Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Models of Alzheimer disease, stress disorder, depression, stroke and other brain conditions Limitations: Review of mostly animal and cell work; the abstract does not describe human trials. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in abstract Read: abstract |
What we do not know yet
- No human trial of Curculigo for any use
- No human safety data
- LiverTox, EMA/HMPC, NCCIH and LactMed were not searched
- No analysis of marketed products
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any rating or safety wording.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Other 7
Sperm count
Increase in trials
The number of sperm in a semen or testis sample.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Main outcome of rodent fertility tests.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Animal signal only.
Safety implication
Not a safety marker; no human data.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | Improved sperm count in diabetic rats given the aqueous extract (numbers not in abstract) | Diabetic male rats | Aqueous extract of C. orchioides |
| 1 | More sperm-forming cells and sperm in heat-stressed mice given the extract than in untreated heat-stressed mice | Male mice | Aqueous rhizome extract |
Serum testosterone
Mixed results in trials
The level of the main male sex hormone in blood.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Checked to see if the extract changes male hormones.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Hormone effects appear only under stress in mice and are not shown in people.
Safety implication
Hormone changes can matter in hormone-sensitive conditions.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Total testosterone higher in heat-exposed mice given the extract; no change in mice not exposed to heat | Male mice | Aqueous rhizome extract |
| 15 | Testosterone was measured; the abstract reports overall improvement in sexual function parameters but gives no testosterone number | Diabetic male rats | Aqueous extract |
Penile erection index (rats)
Increase in trials
A visual score of erection in male rats.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The usual rat measure for aphrodisiac claims.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Rat measure; not a human outcome.
Safety implication
None.
Uterine weight (rats)
Increase in trials
The wet weight of the uterus in rats with ovaries removed.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A classic test of estrogen-like action.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Shows hormone-like action in rats only.
Safety implication
Estrogen-like action may matter for hormone-sensitive conditions.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Higher uterine weight and glycogen than vehicle (P<0.001), a sign of estrogen-like action | Female rats, ovaries removed | Alcohol extract of rhizome, three levels for 7 days |
Bone-forming markers in cells
Increase in trials
Alkaline phosphatase, collagen, osteocalcin and similar signs of bone-building cell activity.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Used to see if curculigoside helps bone cells mature.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Cell-dish finding only.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | Bone-forming gene activity and osteoprotegerin secretion rose with 100 micromolar curculigoside | Rat bone marrow stromal cells | Isolated curculigoside |
Paw swelling and arthritis score (mice)
Decrease in trials
Measures of joint swelling and severity in arthritic mice.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The usual animal measure of arthritis severity.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Animal signal only.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Reduced paw swelling, arthritis scores and synovial inflammation with raw and wine-processed rhizome extract | Mice with collagen-induced arthritis | Raw and wine-processed rhizome extracts |
Liver enzymes after cyclophosphamide (mice)
Decrease in trials
GPT (ALT) and ALP in serum and liver, markers of liver stress.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Checked to see if the extract eased drug-induced liver stress.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Mouse finding; conflicts in spirit with a cell study showing a toxic rhizome compound (see safety).
Safety implication
Liver safety in people is not known.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Extract lowered GPT and ALP raised by cyclophosphamide | Mice with tumours | Alcohol extract, 20 mg/kg with cyclophosphamide |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 5
- No human safety data. We found no human trial and no case report on Curculigo. Safety in people is unknown. The reviews we read describe toxicology as limited. Authoritative guidance 10
- A liver-cell toxic compound was found in the rhizome. Researchers isolated a new triterpenoid ketone from the rhizome that was toxic to human liver cells in a dish. This is a test-tube finding, not a report of liver injury in people. Lab 4
- It may slow a drug-processing enzyme. In rats and liver preparations, the extract lowered the activity of CYP3A, an enzyme that processes many medicines. Whether this happens in people is not known. Animal research 17
- Estrogen-like action in rats. An alcohol extract acted like estrogen in female rats. It should be avoided in pregnancy and hormone-sensitive conditions unless a clinician agrees. Animal research 16
- Do not confuse it with safed musli or a look-alike plant. Black musli (kali musli) is Curculigo. White musli (safed musli) is a different plant, Chlorophytum. A look-alike, Curculigo glabrescens, is reported as the main counterfeit of the Chinese medicine. Lab 6 14
Side effects 2
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduced fertility and lifespan in fruit flies given a LEAF extract Leaf, not rhizome; fruit flies; preliminary. It shows toxicity depends on the plant part and preparation. | Not established | unknown for people unknown | Animal research 5 |
| No adverse effects documented in people No human trial or case series was found, so side effects in people are simply unknown. | Not established | not known unknown | Authoritative guidance 10 |
Liver
No case report of liver injury from Curculigo was found in the sources read, and LiverTox was not searched. A cell study found a toxic compound in the rhizome. A mouse study in the opposite direction found lower liver enzymes after a cancer drug. These do not settle whether the herb is safe for the human liver. 4 7
How often. Not known.
Monitoring. No monitoring guidance exists. People with liver disease or on liver-affecting medicines should ask their doctor before use.
- .
- .
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Curculigo supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 3
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicines processed by the CYP3A enzyme (many statins, some immune drugs, some cancer drugs, some hormone drugs) drug | CYP3A activity fell by 59% in a liver test with the extract and was lowered in treated rats. | Unknown in people; could in theory raise levels of some medicines. | Animal research Not enough evidence 17 | Ask your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take regular medicines. |
| Cancer drugs such as cyclophosphamide drug | In mice the extract changed cyclophosphamide's side effects and its tumour effect. | Unknown in people. | Animal research Not enough evidence 7 | People having cancer treatment should tell their cancer team about any herb. |
| Hormone medicines, birth-control pills and anti-estrogen drugs drug | Estrogen-like action in ovariectomised rats. | Unknown in people; theoretical only. | Pharmacological theory Not enough evidence 16 | Ask your doctor or pharmacist before use. |
Who should check first 5
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | No human safety data and animal data show hormone-like action. Best avoided. | Pharmacological theory 16 |
| Hormone-sensitive conditions (some breast, uterine or ovarian cancers, endometriosis) | Estrogen-like action in rats; ask a clinician before use. | Pharmacological theory 16 |
| Liver disease | A liver-cell toxic compound was isolated; human safety is unknown. Ask a clinician. | Lab 4 |
| 'Yin deficiency with heat' signs in traditional Chinese medicine | Traditional Chinese teaching calls xian mao warming ('pungent-hot') and cautions against it for people with signs of heat from yin deficiency, such as night sweats or hot palms and soles. This is traditional teaching, NOT verified in a source we read in full, and it is untested. | Traditional use 17 |
| Children | No data. Best avoided. | Authoritative guidance |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Human toxicity is unknown. The reviews say toxicity depends on which part and how it is prepared.
Animal. A fruit-fly study found harm to development, reproduction and lifespan with a leaf extract. Our existing summary also notes that short-term rhizome and root tolerance was seen in preclinical data, and that wine-processing is a traditional step believed to reduce toxicity; neither was confirmed in this round.
Human doses studied. No dose advice is given here.
High dose or long term signals. Not found in people.
Overdose response. Unknown.
Genotoxicity. Not found.
Toxic plant parts. The rhizome is the medicinal part. A cycloartane triterpenoid ketone from the rhizome was toxic to human liver cells in a dish. A leaf extract was toxic to fruit flies.
No analysis of products for heavy metals, pesticides or fillers was found. Species substitution is documented.
Counterfeit rhizome. Market research cited by the authors found Curculigo glabrescens rhizome to be the major counterfeit of the Chinese medicine Curculigo orchioides rhizome. A lab method can tell them apart, even in powder. 6
Similar trade names. Kali musli or black musli is Curculigo orchioides. Safed musli or white musli is Chlorophytum borivilianum, a different plant used in similar Ayurvedic ways; the two are compared in one rat study. 14
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|
When to get medical help
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools: stop and get urgent medical care.
- Severe stomach pain, ongoing vomiting or unusual bleeding: get medical care.
- Any allergic reaction (swelling of face or throat, trouble breathing): call emergency services.
Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is Curculigo?
Is black musli the same as safed musli?
No. Black musli is Curculigo orchioides. Safed musli is Chlorophytum borivilianum, a different plant used in similar Ayurvedic ways. In one rat study safed musli gave the stronger response of the four herbs tested.
Does Curculigo help erectile dysfunction?
Does it raise testosterone or sperm count?
Only in animals. In heat-stressed mice, an extract was linked to more sperm and higher testosterone; in unstressed mice it did not change testosterone. No human data exist.
Is it good for bones or joints?
Can it harm the liver?
Unknown in people. We found no human case reports, but a compound from the rhizome was toxic to human liver cells in a dish. Anyone with liver disease should ask a clinician first.
Does it interact with medicines?
Possibly. In rats and in a liver test, it lowered CYP3A, an enzyme that processes many medicines. It has not been tested in people. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take regular medicines.
Does it act like estrogen?
In female rats with the ovaries removed, an alcohol extract showed estrogen-like effects on the uterus. This has not been tested in women, so people with hormone-sensitive conditions should ask a clinician.
Is it safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
There is no human safety data and rat data suggest hormone-like action, so it is best avoided.
What does 'heat' or 'yin deficiency' mean for this herb?
In traditional Chinese medicine xian mao is a warming kidney-yang herb, and practitioners caution against it for people with signs of heat from yin deficiency. This is a traditional teaching and has not been tested.
How do I know I am buying the right plant?
Look for the full Latin name (Curculigo orchioides), the plant part and an independent lab test. A look-alike species is reported as a common counterfeit in China. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Is the plant endangered?
A 2010 review calls it endangered. We did not check this against the IUCN record, so treat it as unconfirmed.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We started from our existing Curculigo summary and added about 20 PubMed lookups, read as abstracts. Plant names were checked in GBIF and compound IDs in PubChem. EMA, NCCIH, LiverTox and LactMed were not read.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. Industry links are flagged where an abstract shows them.
Sources 19
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Bui-Le TN, Hoang-Tan Q, Hoang-Viet H, et al.. Protective Effect of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. Extract on Heat Stress-Induced Spermatogenesis Complications in Murine Model.. Curr Issues Mol Biol. 2023. PMID 37185736. DOI 10.3390/cimb45040212. (abstract)
- Chauhan NS, Sharma V, Thakur M, et al.. Curculigo orchioides: the black gold with numerous health benefits.. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2010. PMID 20619136. DOI 10.3736/jcim20100703. (abstract)
- GBIF Secretariat. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy match: Curculigo orchioides Gaertn. (key 2853024). GBIF API (api.gbif.org), checked 2026-10-25. 2026. (API record)
- Jiao W, Chen X, Wang H, et al.. A new hepatotoxic triterpenoid ketone from Curculigo orchioides.. Fitoterapia. 2013. PMID 23127566. DOI 10.1016/j.fitote.2012.10.016. (abstract)
- Kushalan S, D'Souza LC, Aloysius K, et al.. Toxicity Assessment of Curculigo orchioides Leaf Extract Using Drosophila melanogaster: A Preliminary Study.. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022. PMID 36429955. DOI 10.3390/ijerph192215218. (abstract)
- Liu Y, Guo Y, Gong S, et al.. Discrimination of Curculigo orchioides Rhizoma and Curculigo glabrescens Rhizoma using stable isotope and mineral element analyses coupled with chemometrics.. Sci Rep. 2022. PMID 35869256. DOI 10.1038/s41598-022-16851-7. (abstract)
- Murali VP, Kuttan G. Enhancement of cancer chemotherapeutic efficacy of cyclophosphamide by Curculigo orchioides Gaertn and its ameliorative effects on cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress.. Integr Cancer Ther. 2015. PMID 25575532. DOI 10.1177/1534735414564424. (abstract)
- NCBI PubChem. PubChem compound record: Curculigoside A (CID 158845). PubChem REST API, checked 2026-10-25. 2026. (API record)
- NCBI PubChem. PubChem compound record: Orcinol glucoside (CID 12315192). PubChem REST API, checked 2026-10-25. 2026. (API record)
- Nie Y, Dong X, He Y, et al.. Medicinal plants of genus Curculigo: traditional uses and a phytochemical and ethnopharmacological review.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2013. PMID 23562803. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2013.03.066. (abstract)
- Pan MH, Liu SF, Yu JL, et al.. Spectrum-effect relationship and network pharmacology reveal key anti-rheumatoid arthritis and attenuated toxicity components of processed curculigo rhizome.. J Ethnopharmacol. 2026. PMID 42508543. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2026.122244. (abstract (partly read))
- Rufus P, Mohamed N, Shuid AN. Beneficial effects of traditional Chinese medicine on the treatment of osteoporosis on ovariectomised rat models.. Curr Drug Targets. 2013. PMID 24354584. DOI 10.2174/1389450114666131220160357. (abstract)
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