Scientific name: Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai
Family: Chloranthaceae

Morphological Characteristics

Sarcandra glabra is a small shrub, typically 1–2 meters in height, with smooth stems, swollen nodes, and round, hairless branches. Leaves are opposite, with oblong or lanceolate blades, 7–18 cm long and 2–7 cm wide, featuring 5–7 pairs of lateral veins. Petioles are short, around 5–8 mm. Leaf margins are serrated with sharp teeth. The plant flowers from May and continues blooming until November. Fruits begin to ripen at the end of August and remain on the plant until February of the following year. Inflorescences are compound spikes at the shoot tips with short branches. Flowers are small, white, sessile, and have a single stamen. The ovary is ovate and lacks a style. The fruit is small, nearly round (4×6 mm), fleshy, and brick red in color. Flowering season is from June to July, and fruiting occurs from August to September.

Distribution

Sarcandra glabra grows best in areas with deep, well-aerated, humus-rich soils, low in stones, high water retention capacity but good drainage, and consistent moisture throughout the growing period. It is distributed in countries such as China, Korea, Japan, India, Vietnam, and Malaysia. In Vietnam, it naturally occurs on rocky mountains, forest edges, and moist hillsides in areas like Hà Giang, Cao Bằng, Lạng Sơn, Hòa Bình, Kon Tum, and Lâm Đồng.

Medicinal Properties

The plant contains three bioactive compounds: Chloranoside A, tertorigenin 7-glucoside, and 1β;3β-Dihydroxylup-20(29)-ene, which are effective in treating joint disorders such as rheumatism, joint pain, and digestive diseases. Powdered leaves exhibit antioxidant activity in the DPPH system and are thus used in anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer therapies.

In traditional medicine, Sarcandra glabra is slightly warm, bitter and pungent in taste, and is used to activate blood circulation, relieve pain, expel wind-dampness, reduce inflammation, and detoxify. The roots are soaked in alcohol to relieve chest pain. Leaves are decocted to treat tuberculosis, applied externally for snake bites, or used as herbal alcohol for massaging wounds, boils, rheumatism, and bone/joint pain.

Morphology of Sarcandra glabra

Propagation Methods

Sarcandra glabra can be propagated via stem cuttings or tissue culture.

Seedling Standards:

• From stem cuttings:

  • Seedlings should be 15–20 cm tall with 5–6 leaves.

  • They must exhibit good vigor, healthy root systems, and be disease-free, with lush green foliage.

  • Age: 3 months from propagation to transplant.

• From tissue culture:

  • Same standards as above.

  • Tissue-cultured seedlings are genetically uniform, retain mother plant traits, and have strong disease resistance but are more expensive.

Planting Season

Optimal planting time is from March to April annually.

Soil Preparation and Planting Technique

The soil must be thoroughly plowed, weeded without herbicides, and sun-dried to loosen and eliminate pest residues. Plowing depth: 20–30 cm. During soil preparation, apply a basal fertilizer mix of well-decomposed manure. Beds should be raised (35–40 cm high, 120 cm wide) with good drainage and no waterlogging.

Planting Density and Spacing

• Spacing: 1.0 x 1.0 m

• Density: 10,000 plants/ha (standard soil); 5,000 plants/ha (fertile soil)

Fertilization

• Basal application: At soil preparation, apply 5,000 kg of well-rotted manure + 150 kg of organic biofertilizer, mixed into planting holes and lightly covered with soil to avoid root burn.

• Top dressing: Divided into 3 applications annually:

  • 1st application: 2–3 months after planting: 100 kg of organic biofertilizer

  • 2nd application: Peak growth stage (July–August): 5,000 kg manure + 150 kg organic biofertilizer

  • 3rd application: Final boost (November–December): 100 kg organic biofertilizer

Planting and Care Techniques

• Planting: Dig holes in rows, add basal fertilizers, cover with a layer of soil, place seedlings beside the fertilizer (not directly on it), and press soil firmly around the base.

• Weeding and Soil Loosening: Regularly weed, especially during wet seasons. Loosen soil and mound bases 2–3 times annually to enhance aeration.

• Watering: Water immediately after planting. For the first 30 days, irrigate daily to maintain 70–80% soil moisture for rooting and recovery. Continue soil moisture management throughout the growing period. Always irrigate after fertilization for nutrient absorption. Use clean surface water only.

• Drainage: The plant is moisture-loving but intolerant of waterlogging. Raised beds and immediate drainage during flooding are essential, particularly for young plants.

• Gap Filling: Replace dead or weak seedlings within 1–2 months to ensure uniform stand.

• Weeding frequency: Once a month for the first two months; then reduce frequency. Combine with fertilizer application and soil mounding.

Pest and Disease Management

Although generally hardy, regular monitoring is essential. Maintain field hygiene, remove diseased or old leaves and crop residues, and destroy them. Use botanical pesticides if pests are detected. Employ Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to reduce chemical pesticide use—prohibited substances must not be used.

Harvest and Post-Harvest Handling

• Harvest timing: After 3 years, the whole plant can be harvested during dry days in summer and autumn.

• Harvest tools & preparation: Prepare knives, ropes, transportation carts, drying mats, plastic bags, jute sacks, labels. Tools must be clean, rust-free, and uncontaminated.

• Transportation: Clean transport vehicles prior to use. Do not use those previously carrying fertilizers, pesticides, livestock, or other contaminants. Avoid trampling or compressing the herbs during loading. Unload promptly to avoid spoilage from heat.

Processing

1. Removing impurities: Manually clean off weeds and diseased/moldy leaves.

2. Washing: Rinse 2–3 times with clean water to remove soil. Drain on racks before drying.

3. Drying:

   • Sun-dry on bamboo trays, mats, or tarpaulins.

   • Alternatively, use a medicinal herb dryer.

   • Turn regularly for uniform drying.

   • Sun-dry for 4–5 consecutive days or dry at 35–40°C for 26–30 hours until moisture <13%.

   • Ensure fire safety during drying.

Packaging and Storage

• Packaging: Use double-layered packaging—inner thick plastic, outer jute sack. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and preserve aroma.

• Labeling: Each package must include:

  • Herb name

  • Weight

  • Harvest location

  • Collector’s name and address

  • Harvest and packaging dates

• Storage:

  • Store on shelves 50 cm off the ground and 20–30 cm from walls.

  • Keep in dry, well-ventilated warehouses.

  • Avoid proximity to chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides).

  • Do not stack excessively.

  • Keep storage separate from animals.

  • Do not use rodenticides or termite poisons.

  • Regularly inspect storage for threats to quality.

  • After packaging and labeling, immediately contact herbal medicine dealers for procurement.

Record-Keeping and Traceability

Maintain detailed records of planting, care, harvesting, and daily processing activities. Affix records to each package using labels or warehouse tags for full traceability.