Herbs & Botanicals · Herbs · A Chinese heat-clearing flower with mostly formula research
Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua)
Lonicera japonica Thunb. (dried flower bud, Lonicerae japonicae flos) · also called Jin yin hua, Japanese honeysuckle, honeysuckle flower, ren dong
Honeysuckle in this page means the dried flower bud or early flower of Lonicera japonica, called jin yin hua in Chinese medicine. Its quality marker is chlorogenic acid, and it also holds luteolin-type flavonoids. Most human research tests combination formulas (Lianhua Qingwen, Reduning injection), which are kept apart here. It is not the same as European honeysuckle berries, which are toxic.
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 Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua)
Honeysuckle (jin yin hua) is the dried flower bud of Lonicera japonica, a heat-clearing herb in Chinese medicine. Most trials test formulas that include it, so they cannot show what the flower does alone. The evidence is low certainty, and the plant's berries and leaves are poisonous.
What it is
Jin yin hua is the dried bud or early flower of Lonicera japonica, a climbing vine of the honeysuckle family. It has been used as a tea and medicine in China for about 1,500 years.
The Chinese Pharmacopoeia sets a quality standard based on chlorogenic acid.
Traditional and current uses
Chinese medicine uses it to clear heat and toxins: fever, sore throat, boils and 'wind-heat' colds, often with forsythia.
Today it is a common ingredient in patent medicines such as Lianhua Qingwen and Shuanghuanglian. None of the traditional uses has been confirmed by good trials of the flower alone.
Formulas are not the herb
Lianhua Qingwen has about 13 herbs including ephedra. Reduning injection has three herbs. Yin Qiao San is a honeysuckle and forsythia powder.
Trial results for these combinations cannot be credited to honeysuckle alone, and their side effects cannot be blamed on it either.
What the research shows
COVID-19: a 2021 meta-analysis of 9 trials found added benefit with honeysuckle products. Influenza: a 32-trial meta-analysis of a combination formula was positive. Hand, foot and mouth disease: two trials of an herbal injection gave mixed results.
Rash from cancer drugs: a 2026 meta-analysis of 7 trials was hopeful but low certainty. Gut, liver and blood-sugar claims come from lab and animal work only.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Heat-clearing and detoxifying herb for fever, sore throat and 'wind-heat' colds (Chinese medicine).
- Boils, carbuncles and skin infections.
- Flower tea.
- Paired with forsythia in the Yin Qiao San formula (named for the two herbs).
Studied for research
- COVID-19 add-on (honeysuckle products), low
- COVID-19 and influenza (Lianhua Qingwen combination), low
- Hand, foot and mouth disease (herbal injection combination), insufficient
- Rash from EGFR-inhibitor drugs, low
- Colds and sore throat, insufficient
- Gut and colitis (lab only), very-low
- Liver and blood sugar (animals), very-low
Main compounds
- Chlorogenic acid (quality marker)
- Luteolin and cynaroside (flavonoids)
- Loganin and other iridoids
Common forms
- Dried flower bud tea or decoction
- Extracts
- Chinese patent medicines and formulas (combinations)
- Herbal injections (hospital use)
Research links: Honeysuckle added to COVID-19 care: meta-analysis (2021) · Honeysuckle for EGFR-inhibitor rash: meta-analysis (2026) · Lianhua Qingwen for influenza: meta-analysis (2024) · Review of Lonicerae japonicae flos (2022) · Compound honeysuckle drug eruption: case report (2022) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
The plant and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Lonicera japonica Thunb.
- Naming authority
- Thunb.
- Common names
- Honeysuckle, Japanese honeysuckle (English); Jin yin hua (Lonicerae japonicae flos) (Chinese); Ren dong (vine name) (Chinese)
- Botanical family
- Caprifoliaceae (honeysuckle family).
- Classification
- Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Dipsacales > Caprifoliaceae > Lonicera > Lonicera japonica
- Native range
- Not verified in our sources; the NSW fact sheet calls it an environmental weed in southern Australia.
- Habitat
- Warm, humid climates, tolerant of cold, drought and waterlogging (2022 review); grown mainly in Shandong, Henan and other Chinese provinces.
- What the plant looks like
- Roots: Not verified.; Stems: Climbing vine; stems red or purplish and hairy when young (NSW fact sheet).; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Fragrant tubular two-lipped flowers in pairs (NSW). The dried drug is a long rod-shaped bud, 2-3 cm, thick at the top, yellowish-white (2022 review).; Fruit: Oval, black, shiny berries (NSW) - poisonous.
- Cultivation
- Cultivated for the drug in China; a spreading weed elsewhere.
- Harvest and processing
- Buds or early flowers are dried; used in decoction, tea and patent medicines.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Lonicerae Flos group (Lonicera macranthoides, L. confusa, L. hypoglauca, L. fulvotomentosa and others); Note: Older Chinese pharmacopoeia editions grouped these with L. japonica; they are now a separate drug. Some caused stronger allergic-type reactions in animals.; Name: European and ornamental honeysuckles (berries); Note: Garden honeysuckle berries are reported toxic; not covered here and not verified in a source we read.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not verified.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese medicine (from about AD 220-450) | Listed in the Ming Yi Bie Lu as a top-grade herb; used as tea and medicine for more than 1,500 years to clear heat and toxins. | p36339557 |
| Compendium of Materia Medica (1578) | Detailed description of the flower and its uses. | p26257818 |
| Chinese Pharmacopoeia | Listed for carbuncles, sore throat and feverish illness; the 2020 edition sets chlorogenic acid at not less than 1.5%. | p36339557 |
| Qing-era caution (1695) | A text says it is not suited to people with qi deficiency and loose stools from poor appetite. | p36339557 |
| EMA / HMPC | No monograph found; not verified. | p36339557 |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorogenic acid PubChem 1794427 | phenolic acid (caffeoylquinic) | Flower bud Pharmacopoeia standard: not less than 1.5% | The quality-marker compound; antioxidant and antibacterial in the lab. 21 10 | Laboratory research |
| Luteolin PubChem 5280445 | flavonoid | Flower bud | Listed among the flavonoids of the flower; lab anti-inflammatory research. 21 11 | Laboratory research |
| Cynaroside (luteolin-7-O-glucoside) PubChem 5280637 | flavonoid glycoside | Flower bud | Blocked CYP1A2, 3A4 and 2C9 in human liver microsomes (test tube). 15 12 | Laboratory research |
| Loganin PubChem 87691 | iridoid | Flower bud | Named with chlorogenic acid among components behind anti-allergy effects in mouse tests. 7 13 | Animal research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| NF-kB and MAPK inflammation signals; gut barrier and microbes | NFKB1, MAPK | Reported to reduce inflammatory mediators in lab and animal work. 4 | Animal research |
| Metformin transporter MATE1 | SLC47A1 | Ethanol extract blocked MATE1 in cells and raised liver metformin in rats. 3 | Animal research |
| Liver drug-metabolising enzymes | CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9 | Cynaroside inhibited them in human liver microsomes. 15 | Laboratory research |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- Not studied in people.
- Distribution
- One rat study found higher liver metformin with the extract.
- Metabolism
- Not studied in people.
- Elimination
- Not studied.
- Bioavailability
- Not studied in people.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
Many mechanism and interaction results come from single isolated compounds (cynaroside, chlorogenic acid). The whole flower contains many compounds, and Chinese formulas add other herbs. Results with isolated compounds do not show what a tea, capsule or formula does.
Nutritional composition
Honeysuckle flower is used as a tea and food in China (2022 review) but is not a meaningful source of nutrients; it is a medicinal herb.
4 low certainty3 very low certainty3 not enough evidence
What is Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua) good for?
The proposed uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. Most is formula research, traditional use or lab and animal work, and each is labelled that way.
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.
COVID-19 (honeysuckle products added to standard care)
Low certaintyA 2021 meta-analysis pooled 9 trials in adults in China. When honeysuckle products were added to standard care, lung scans, cure rates and the number of people turning severe looked better than with standard care alone. The trials mixed different honeysuckle products, including combinations, so this is not proof that honeysuckle alone works.
1 studiesNo amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One systematic review (Du 2021) of 9 randomized trials with 1,286 adults. Honeysuckle (single herb or in combinations) plus standard care was compared with standard care alone.
Results
Better lung CT, more clinical cures, fewer people converting to severe illness, better fever and cough scores, and lower white cell count and CRP. Adverse events were not increased.
Effect sizes as reported
Lung CT RR 1.24 (95% CI 1.12-1.37); clinical cure RR 1.21 (1.12-1.31); conversion to severe RR 0.50 (0.33-0.76).
Why this rating
Trials were mostly from China, products and combinations differed, the abstract gives no overall quality rating, and the authors themselves ask for more high-quality trials.
Form and dose studied
No amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Who was studied
Adults with COVID-19, 2020-2021 era treatment settings.
Limits
Add-on to standard care, not a replacement. Mixed products. Not shown for current COVID-19 variants or vaccinated people.
Why researchers looked
Honeysuckle is a standard 'heat-clearing' herb in Chinese medicine, and Chinese hospitals used it during the pandemic.
Traditional use
The flower is traditionally used for fever and feverish infections in Chinese medicine.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
Not shown in people. Lab work reports anti-inflammatory and antiviral effects of the flower's compounds.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No increase in adverse events reported in the pooled trials. This is not a safety guarantee.
COVID-19 (Lianhua Qingwen formula, a combination)
Low certaintyLianhua Qingwen is a 13-herb Chinese patent medicine that contains honeysuckle but also forsythia, ephedra, rhubarb and others. In a 2022 trial in 120 people with symptom-free COVID-19, more people turned test-negative sooner than with no treatment. A 2023 meta-analysis also leaned positive but gave no numbers. These results are for the whole formula, not honeysuckle.
3 studiesNo amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One randomized open-label trial (Zhang 2022, 120 people, control group had no treatment) and one meta-analysis (Xu 2023, trial count not stated in its abstract).
Results
In the trial, more people in the capsule group turned virus-test negative and did so sooner; fewer developed symptoms. No serious adverse events were documented. The meta-analysis abstract says fever, progression to severe disease and chest imaging may improve.
Effect sizes as reported
Test-negative rate difference 21.66% (95% CI 4.34 to 37.27); time to negative 7.5 vs 14.5 days; symptom appearance difference -31.67% (-46.83 to -13.82).
Why this rating
Combination product; open-label trial with no placebo; small; one country; the meta-analysis abstract itself says evidence was lacking.
Form and dose studied
No amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Who was studied
Symptom-free or mild COVID-19, adults, China.
Limits
COMBINATION. The formula includes ephedra, which has its own risks, so safety cannot be read across to honeysuckle.
Why researchers looked
Widely used in China for COVID-19 and influenza.
Traditional use
Lianhua Qingwen is one of the best-known Chinese patent medicines for feverish respiratory infections.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not established. A formula of many herbs; the contribution of honeysuckle is unknown.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No serious adverse events in the trial; a small trial cannot show rare harms.
Influenza (Lianhua Qingwen formula added to usual drugs)
Low certaintyA 2024 meta-analysis of 32 trials (3,592 Chinese patients) found higher effective and cure rates when Lianhua Qingwen was added to usual influenza drugs. It is a many-herb formula, so the result does not show what honeysuckle alone does.
2 studiesNo amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One meta-analysis (Yuan 2024) of 32 randomized trials. The formula plus conventional drugs was compared with conventional drugs alone.
Results
Clinical effective rate and cure rate were higher with the formula added.
Effect sizes as reported
Effective rate RR 1.22 (1.18-1.26); cure rate RR 1.54 (1.35-1.75).
Why this rating
Combination product, trials mostly Chinese and often open, no overall quality rating in the abstract, and the 'fewer adverse reactions' result compares after with before treatment rather than with a control group.
Form and dose studied
No amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Who was studied
Chinese patients with influenza.
Limits
Cannot separate honeysuckle from the other herbs. No trial of honeysuckle alone for influenza was found.
Why researchers looked
Influenza and 'wind-heat' colds are a core traditional use of honeysuckle formulas.
Traditional use
Honeysuckle is paired with forsythia in the classic Yin Qiao San formula for 'wind-heat' colds and influenza.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
Unknown for the formula in people. Lab studies report antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity of single compounds.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Adverse event reporting in the meta-analysis was weak. Not a safety guarantee.
Hand, foot and mouth disease in children (Reduning injection, a combination)
Not enough evidenceTwo randomized hospital trials in children tested Reduning, a herbal injection made of honeysuckle, Artemisia annua and gardenia. It helped some symptoms when added to usual care (fever relief, rash, less need for sedatives) but not others (mouth ulcers, major complications). It is an injection given in hospital, not a tea or capsule.
2 studiesNo amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Two randomized trials: mild disease (Zhang 2013, 360 children) and severe disease (Li 2014, 355 children).
Results
Mild disease: only injection plus Western medicine beat Western medicine alone for fever relief onset and rash; mouth ulcer healing did not differ. Severe disease: no difference in major complications or (significantly) in fever clearance, but less sedative use; no deaths or important adverse events.
Effect sizes as reported
Severe disease: median fever clearance 18 h (95% CI 4.0-24.0) with the injection vs 20 h (6.0-25.0) usual care, not significant; sedative use reduced, p=0.008. Mild disease: p-values only in the abstract.
Why this rating
Injection combination, honeysuckle is one of three herbs, mixed results, no effect sizes for the mild-disease trial, and no oral honeysuckle product was tested.
Form and dose studied
No amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Who was studied
Children with mild or severe hand, foot and mouth disease in Chinese hospitals.
Limits
Does not apply to teas, capsules or home use. The honeysuckle contribution is unknown.
Why researchers looked
Hand, foot and mouth disease has no specific antiviral treatment, and Chinese hospitals use herbal injections.
Traditional use
Honeysuckle formulas are traditionally used for feverish rashes and sores in children.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Unknown. Honeysuckle is one of three herbs.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
No adverse reactions or important adverse events were reported in these two trials. Herbal injections can cause allergic reactions in general (see safety).
Colds, sore throat and fever (traditional use)
Not enough evidenceIn Chinese medicine the flower is a main herb for 'wind-heat' colds, sore throat and fever, often with forsythia. We found no trial of honeysuckle alone for the common cold or sore throat. The trial evidence that exists is for combination formulas in influenza and COVID-19.
1 studiesNo amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None for honeysuckle alone in colds or sore throat found. The 2022 review describes traditional use and compound formulas that contain the flower.
Results
Not applicable. Tradition is not proof.
Effect sizes as reported
Not applicable.
Why this rating
Traditional use only for the single herb; trials are of combinations for other illnesses.
Form and dose studied
No amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Who was studied
Not applicable.
Limits
No placebo-controlled trial of honeysuckle tea or capsules in colds was found.
Why researchers looked
Core traditional indication.
Traditional use
Recorded for about 1,500 years and listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as a heat-clearing, detoxifying herb.
Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory
Not shown in people.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See the safety tab.
Skin rash from EGFR-inhibitor cancer drugs
Low certaintyA 2026 meta-analysis of 7 trials (534 people) found fewer moderate-or-worse rashes when honeysuckle products were used to prevent the rash, and a better response when used to treat it. The authors rated certainty low to very low, so this is a hopeful early signal, not a proven treatment.
1 studiesNo amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
One systematic review (Liu 2026) of 7 randomized trials, products including single herb or compound, used on the skin or by mouth plus on the skin.
Results
Prevention: fewer grade 2 or worse rashes and later onset; overall rash and rash duration not clearly different. Treatment: better clinical response. Quality of life improved. No severe adverse events documented where safety was reported.
Effect sizes as reported
Grade 2+ rash RR 0.43 (0.29-0.65; 2 trials); onset delayed 8.87 days (5.30-12.44; 1 trial); overall rash RR 0.84 (0.69-1.01, not significant); response RR 1.35 (1.13-1.62; 5 trials).
Why this rating
Authors graded evidence low to very low (GRADE). Few trials per outcome; products, amounts and outcome measures differ.
Form and dose studied
No amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Who was studied
People having EGFR-inhibitor cancer treatment, in China.
Limits
Mixed products. Cancer care team should decide on any skin product.
Why researchers looked
EGFR-inhibitor cancer drugs often cause an acne-like rash, and Chinese oncology clinics use honeysuckle washes and mixtures for it.
Traditional use
Honeysuckle is traditionally used on and for hot, red, inflamed skin and sores.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
Not shown. Lab work reports anti-inflammatory effects.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Plant contact can itself irritate skin in some people (see safety). Ask the cancer team before use.
Boils, sores and skin infections (traditional use)
Not enough evidenceTraditional Chinese medicine uses the flower for boils, carbuncles and sores. We found no trial of honeysuckle alone for skin infections.
2 studiesNo amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None found for honeysuckle alone.
Results
Not applicable.
Effect sizes as reported
Not applicable.
Why this rating
Traditional use only.
Form and dose studied
No amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Who was studied
Not applicable.
Limits
No human trial found.
Why researchers looked
Traditional use.
Traditional use
Recorded for about 1,500 years; the Pharmacopoeia lists carbuncles and pus-forming skin disease.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
Lab studies report antibacterial activity of extracts.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
See safety.
Gut health, ulcerative colitis and bowel cancer (lab and animal only)
Very low certaintyA 2026 review describes how compounds in the flower calm gut inflammation and protect the gut lining in lab and animal work. The authors say strong clinical evidence is lacking. There is no human evidence yet.
1 studiesNo amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None found.
Results
Lab and animal findings only.
Effect sizes as reported
Not applicable.
Why this rating
Lab and animal evidence only; no human trial.
Form and dose studied
No amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Who was studied
Cells and animals.
Limits
No human data.
Why researchers looked
Chlorogenic acid and flavonoids are studied for anti-inflammatory effects in the gut.
Traditional use
Used traditionally for dysentery and diarrhoea.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
Reported to act on NF-kB and MAPK inflammation signals and gut microbes in lab and animal studies.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Not a statement about safety or benefit in people.
Anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects (lab only)
Very low certaintyCell and animal studies report anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. These are lab findings and do not show a benefit in people. The reviews note many studies lack control groups.
2 studiesNo amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None for these lab effects.
Results
Lab effects only.
Effect sizes as reported
Not applicable.
Why this rating
Lab and animal only.
Form and dose studied
No amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Who was studied
Cells and animals.
Limits
Many cited studies lack control groups; mechanisms not fully explored.
Why researchers looked
Chemistry-driven research on the flower's compounds.
Traditional use
Underlies the traditional 'clear heat and toxin' idea.
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
Proposed effects on inflammation signals in cells and animals.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None.
Liver protection and blood sugar (animal studies)
Very low certaintyIn mice and rats, extracts protected the liver from alcohol or chemical injury and affected blood sugar and fats. No human trial of these uses was found.
2 studiesNo amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
None found.
Results
Animal results only (for example a chlorogenic-acid-rich water extract protected mice against alcohol-induced liver injury, per the 2015 review).
Effect sizes as reported
Not applicable.
Why this rating
Animal evidence only.
Form and dose studied
No amounts are given here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Who was studied
Mice and rats.
Limits
Not a model of human liver disease or diabetes.
Why researchers looked
Animal screening of the flower's compounds.
Traditional use
Some old texts mention liver and gallbladder uses.
Proposed mechanism Animal research
Animal findings, including antioxidant effects and, in one rat study, an effect on metformin handling in the liver.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Liver here is a research topic, not a promise of benefit. See safety for the metformin interaction signal.
Connections to the rest of health
How Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua) 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immune Support | Potential benefit | Low certainty | COVID-19 (honeysuckle products added to standard care): A 2021 meta-analysis pooled 9 trials in adults in China. When honeysuckle products were added to standard care, lung scans, cure rates and the number of people turning severe looked better than with standard care alone. The trials mixed different honeysuckle products, including combinations, so this is not proof that honeysuckle alone works. COVID-19 (Lianhua Qingwen formula, a combination): Lianhua Qingwen is a 13-herb Chinese patent medicine that contains honeysuckle but also forsythia, ephedra, rhubarb and others. In a 2022 trial in 120 people with symptom-free COVID-19, more people turned test-negative sooner than with no treatment. A 2023 meta-analysis also leaned positive but gave no numbers. These results are for the whole formula, not honeysuckle. | 1 20 17 21 18 19 6 |
| Immune Support | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Colds, sore throat and fever (traditional use): In Chinese medicine the flower is a main herb for 'wind-heat' colds, sore throat and fever, often with forsythia. We found no trial of honeysuckle alone for the common cold or sore throat. The trial evidence that exists is for combination formulas in influenza and COVID-19. | 21 |
| Healthy Skin | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Skin rash from EGFR-inhibitor cancer drugs: A 2026 meta-analysis of 7 trials (534 people) found fewer moderate-or-worse rashes when honeysuckle products were used to prevent the rash, and a better response when used to treat it. The authors rated certainty low to very low, so this is a hopeful early signal, not a proven treatment. | 8 |
| Inflammation Balance | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Skin rash from EGFR-inhibitor cancer drugs: A 2026 meta-analysis of 7 trials (534 people) found fewer moderate-or-worse rashes when honeysuckle products were used to prevent the rash, and a better response when used to treat it. The authors rated certainty low to very low, so this is a hopeful early signal, not a proven treatment. | 8 |
| Healthy Skin | Traditional use | Not enough evidence | Boils, sores and skin infections (traditional use): Traditional Chinese medicine uses the flower for boils, carbuncles and sores. We found no trial of honeysuckle alone for skin infections. | 21 7 |
| Gut Health | Preliminary mechanism | Very low certainty | Gut health, ulcerative colitis and bowel cancer (lab and animal only): A 2026 review describes how compounds in the flower calm gut inflammation and protect the gut lining in lab and animal work. The authors say strong clinical evidence is lacking. There is no human evidence yet. | 4 |
| Digestive Support | Preliminary mechanism | Very low certainty | Gut health, ulcerative colitis and bowel cancer (lab and animal only): A 2026 review describes how compounds in the flower calm gut inflammation and protect the gut lining in lab and animal work. The authors say strong clinical evidence is lacking. There is no human evidence yet. | 4 |
| Inflammation Balance | Preliminary mechanism | Very low certainty | Anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects (lab only): Cell and animal studies report anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. These are lab findings and do not show a benefit in people. The reviews note many studies lack control groups. | 21 7 |
| Immune Support | Preliminary mechanism | Very low certainty | Anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial effects (lab only): Cell and animal studies report anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant effects. These are lab findings and do not show a benefit in people. The reviews note many studies lack control groups. | 21 7 |
| Liver Support | Preliminary mechanism | Very low certainty | Liver protection and blood sugar (animal studies): In mice and rats, extracts protected the liver from alcohol or chemical injury and affected blood sugar and fats. No human trial of these uses was found. | 7 3 |
| Blood Sugar Balance | Preliminary mechanism | Very low certainty | Liver protection and blood sugar (animal studies): In mice and rats, extracts protected the liver from alcohol or chemical injury and affected blood sugar and fats. No human trial of these uses was found. | 7 3 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immune system | Potential benefit | Low certainty | Add-on to standard care in COVID-19 and influenza trials; honeysuckle alone not tested. Preparation or compound: Combination formulas containing the flower bud |
1 18 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: COVID-19 (honeysuckle products added to standard care) Studied for: COVID-19 (Lianhua Qingwen formula, a combination) | 1 20 17 21 18 19 6 7 |
| Respiratory System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: COVID-19 (honeysuckle products added to standard care) Studied for: COVID-19 (Lianhua Qingwen formula, a combination) | 1 20 17 21 18 |
| Integumentary System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Hand, foot and mouth disease in children (Reduning injection, a combination) Studied for: Skin rash from EGFR-inhibitor cancer drugs | 19 6 8 21 7 |
| Digestive System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Gut health, ulcerative colitis and bowel cancer (lab and animal only) | 4 |
| Hepatic System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Liver protection and blood sugar (animal studies) | 7 3 |
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Liver protection and blood sugar (animal studies) | 7 3 |
C. Body parts and organs
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skin | Adverse effect or risk | Not enough evidence | Case report of drug eruption; plant contact irritation. Case report of allergic drug eruption; garden plant can irritate skin. Preparation or compound: Compound granules; contact with the garden plant |
22 14 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lung CT and progression to severe COVID-19 | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
| C-reactive protein (CRP) and white cell count | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
| Time to a negative virus test | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 20 |
| Time to fever clearance (children with hand, foot and mouth disease) | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 19 |
| Moderate-or-worse (grade 2+) rash | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 8 |
| Time to rash and treatment response | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: mixed. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 8 |
J. Genes, receptors and enzymes
K. Biological pathways
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NF-kB / MAPK signalling | Preliminary mechanism | Animal | Reported in lab and animal work. | 4 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chlorogenic acid | Biological association | In vitro | The quality-marker compound; antioxidant and antibacterial in the lab. Preparation or compound: Flower bud |
21 10 |
| Luteolin | Biological association | In vitro | Listed among the flavonoids of the flower; lab anti-inflammatory research. Preparation or compound: Flower bud |
21 11 |
| Cynaroside (luteolin-7-O-glucoside) | Biological association | In vitro | Blocked CYP1A2, 3A4 and 2C9 in human liver microsomes (test tube). Preparation or compound: Flower bud |
15 12 |
| Loganin | Biological association | Animal | Named with chlorogenic acid among components behind anti-allergy effects in mouse tests. Preparation or compound: Flower bud |
7 13 |
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 6 lab markers
Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.
The evidence
The research centre for Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua). 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 summary, then searched PubMed, read abstracts of the COVID-19, influenza, hand-foot-mouth disease and rash trials and reviews, read parts of two review articles, checked the NSW poisoning fact sheet, and checked the plant name in GBIF and NCBI and compounds in PubChem. Not found or not read: EMA monograph (access error), NCCIH herb page (404), LiverTox and LactMed entries, FDA, WHO, Commission E. Certainty ratings are the compiler's reading. No study is cited that we could not verify.
Study library: every study we checked 22
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Du 2021 Add-On Effect of Honeysuckle in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Front Pharmacol · PMID 34603023 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
1286 Adults with COVID-19 in 9 randomized trials (mostly China) |
Honeysuckle products (single herb or in combinations) added to standard care flower bud or newly opened flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs Standard care alone |
Better lung CT, more cures and fewer people turning severe when honeysuckle was added to standard care. Adverse events were not increased. Lung CT RR 1.24; clinical cure RR 1.21; conversion to severe RR 0.50 (CT 1.12-1.37; cure 1.12-1.31; severe 0.33-0.76) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Lung CT, clinical cure, conversion to severe disease, symptom scores, WBC and CRP Limitations: Trials mixed different honeysuckle products and combinations; Cochrane risk-of-bias tool applied but the abstract gives no overall quality rating; authors say more high-quality trials are needed. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared Read: abstract |
| GBIF 2026 GBIF Backbone: Lonicera japonica Thunb. GBIF API (usageKey 5334240) · Source |
Database record n/a |
Name check | flower bud / flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) not applicable not applicable · vs not applicable |
Exact match, confidence 100, status ACCEPTED, family Caprifoliaceae, order Dipsacales (checked 2026-10-25). none Methods, limits and fundingLimitations: Taxonomy record only. Read: full-text (API response) |
| Han 2019 Lonicera japonica extract increases metformin distribution in the liver without change of systemic exposed metformin in rats J Ethnopharmacol · PMID 31004727 · DOI |
Animal research animal+in-vitro |
Cells expressing human transporters, and rats | Lonicerae Flos ethanol extract with metformin flower bud or newly opened flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs Metformin alone |
The extract blocked the MATE1 transporter in cells. In rats, 28 days of co-treatment raised liver metformin levels without changing blood levels and improved glucose tolerance. qualitative Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Metformin uptake, blood levels, liver levels, glucose tolerance Limitations: Cells and rats only. Unknown whether this happens in people. Funding and conflicts: Not read Read: abstract |
| Huang 2026 Lonicerae Japonicae Flos as a Dietary Natural Product: Bioactive Constituents, Gut Health Modulation, and Therapeutic Potential in Ulcerative Colitis and Colorectal Cancer Food Sci Nutr · PMID 42756874 · DOI |
Narrative review human+animal+in-vitro (review) |
Review of lab and animal work on the flower in ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer | Lonicerae japonicae flos constituents flower bud or newly opened flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs not applicable |
Describes anti-inflammatory and gut-barrier mechanisms in lab and animal work. The authors say robust clinical evidence is lacking. none (narrative) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Mechanisms in the gut Limitations: Narrative review; mostly lab and animal work. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| Jiang 2026 The Anaphylactic and Anti-allergenic Properties of Shuanghuanglian: A Review Comb Chem High Throughput Screen · PMID 39812057 · DOI |
Narrative review animal+in-vitro (review) |
Review of lab and animal studies on Shuanghuanglian (honeysuckle, scutellaria, forsythia) | Shuanghuanglian injection and its herbs flower bud or newly opened flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) plus two other herbs amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs not applicable |
Injected Shuanghuanglian and some of its compounds caused allergic reactions in animals; the herbs given other ways showed anti-allergy effects in animals. none (narrative) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Allergic reactions and anti-allergy effects Limitations: Animal and lab data; injection product, not a tea or capsule. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| Li 2014 Comparison between Chinese Herbal Medicines and Conventional Therapy in the Treatment of Severe Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 24719639 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
355 Children with severe hand, foot and mouth disease |
Reduning injection plus usual care; a separate herbal enema arm also tested Reduning = Artemisia annua, honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and gardenia amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs Usual care alone |
No difference in major complications. Fever cleared in 18 hours with the injection vs 20 hours usual care (not significant). Less sedative use with the injection (p=0.008). No deaths or important adverse events. Median fever clearance 18 h vs 20 h (not significant) (Reduning 4.0-24.0; usual care 6.0-25.0) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Complications, time to fever clearance, sedative use Limitations: COMBINATION herbal injection. Fever result not significant for Reduning; the enema arm (not honeysuckle) was the one with a significant fever result. Funding and conflicts: Not read Read: full-text (composition passage) and abstract |
| Li 2015 Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Lonicerae Flos: A Systematic Pharmacology Review Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 26257818 · DOI |
Systematic review animal+in-vitro (review) |
Review of lab, animal and traditional-use reports on the flower | Lonicerae japonicae flos and Lonicerae flos (a different group of Lonicera species) flower bud or newly opened flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs not applicable |
Describes many lab and animal effects. Reports that some other Lonicera species caused allergic-type reactions in animals, and that alcohol extracts of the flower interrupted early pregnancy in mice and dogs while a water extract did not harm pregnant rats. none (narrative) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pharmacology and toxicology; species differences Limitations: Mostly animal and lab work; injected extracts in some tests; no human safety data. Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement read Read: full-text (read in parts) |
| Liu 2026 Safety and efficacy of honeysuckle therapy for epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-related rash: a systematic review and meta-analysis Front Pharmacol · PMID 42741450 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
534 People with rash from EGFR-inhibitor cancer drugs in 7 randomized trials |
Honeysuckle therapy: single herb or compound products, topical or by mouth plus topical flower bud or newly opened flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) (product details vary) amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs Usual care or control |
Fewer moderate-or-worse rashes when used to prevent, and a better response when used to treat. Overall rash incidence and rash duration were not clearly different. Prevention: grade 2+ rash RR 0.43; onset delayed by 8.87 days (1 trial); treatment response RR 1.35 (RR 0.29-0.65; onset 5.30-12.44 days; response 1.13-1.62) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Grade 2 or worse rash, time to rash, response of rash, quality of life Limitations: Certainty of evidence low to very low (GRADE, authors). Few trials per outcome; products, amounts and outcome measures differ. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared Registration: PROSPERO CRD420251035535 Read: abstract |
| Liu 2026 DNA Barcoding for Identification and Traceability in the Entire Industrial Chain of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos Plants (Basel) · PMID 42884833 · DOI |
Other other |
94 94 samples from the Lonicerae japonicae flos supply chain |
Seeds, leaves, flower buds, decoction pieces and Chinese patent medicines flower bud or newly opened flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs not applicable |
19 adulterants were found in 72 commercial samples: 8 of 10 seed samples, 2 of 14 flower bud samples, 4 of 25 decoction pieces and 5 of 23 patent medicines. The usual substitute was the cheaper Lonicerae Flos group. 19 of 72 commercial samples Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Species identification by DNA barcoding Limitations: One Chinese study; sample selection not described in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| NCBI PubChem 2026 PubChem compound record: Chlorogenic acid (CID 1794427) PubChem PUG REST · Source |
Database record n/a |
Compound identity check | flower bud / flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) not applicable not applicable · vs not applicable |
CID 1794427, formula C16H18O9 (name lookup via the PubChem API, checked 2026-10-25). none Methods, limits and fundingLimitations: Identity record only. Read: full-text (API response) |
| NCBI PubChem 2026 PubChem compound record: Luteolin (CID 5280445) PubChem PUG REST · Source |
Database record n/a |
Compound identity check | flower bud / flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) not applicable not applicable · vs not applicable |
CID 5280445, formula C15H10O6 (name lookup via the PubChem API, checked 2026-10-25). none Methods, limits and fundingLimitations: Identity record only. Read: full-text (API response) |
| NCBI PubChem 2026 PubChem compound record: Cynaroside (luteolin-7-O-glucoside) (CID 5280637) PubChem PUG REST · Source |
Database record n/a |
Compound identity check | flower bud / flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) not applicable not applicable · vs not applicable |
CID 5280637, formula C21H20O11 (name lookup via the PubChem API, checked 2026-10-25). none Methods, limits and fundingLimitations: Identity record only. Read: full-text (API response) |
| NCBI PubChem 2026 PubChem compound record: Loganin (CID 87691) PubChem PUG REST · Source |
Database record n/a |
Compound identity check | flower bud / flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) not applicable not applicable · vs not applicable |
CID 87691, formula C17H26O10 (name lookup via the PubChem API, checked 2026-10-25). none Methods, limits and fundingLimitations: Identity record only. Read: full-text (API response) |
| NSW Department of Primary Industries 2026 Japanese honeysuckle (WeedWise) NSW WeedWise · Source |
Authoritative guidance n/a |
Human poisoning information for the Japanese honeysuckle plant | Japanese honeysuckle plant (berries and leaves) flower bud / flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) not applicable not applicable · vs not applicable |
Says the plant is toxic to humans causing discomfort and irritation, not life-threatening. Berries and leaves are poisonous if eaten and cause stomach and gut irritation. The plant irritates the skin and contact can cause rashes. none Methods, limits and fundingLimitations: Weed fact sheet, not a medical monograph; about the garden plant, not the dried flower bud. Read: full-text (page read 2026-10-25) |
| Wang 2019 In vitro Inhibitory Effects of Cynaroside on Human Liver Cytochrome P450 Enzymes Pharmacology · PMID 31587003 · DOI |
Laboratory research in-vitro |
Human liver microsomes | Cynaroside (luteolin-7-glucoside) isolated from Lonicera japonica single compound amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs not applicable |
Cynaroside blocked CYP1A2, CYP3A4 and CYP2C9 in the test tube and was a time-dependent blocker of CYP3A4. IC50 21.74 (1A2), 15.88 (3A4), 16.58 (2C9) micromol/L Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Activity of 8 liver CYP enzymes Limitations: Isolated compound in a test tube; the whole flower or a tea may give much lower levels. The authors say clinical studies are needed. Funding and conflicts: Not read Read: abstract |
| Wu 2021 Human health risk assessment of pesticide residues in honeysuckle samples from different planting bases in China Sci Total Environ · PMID 33121779 · DOI |
Other other |
151 151 honeysuckle samples from planting bases in China, 2017-2018 |
Dried honeysuckle buds and early flowers flower bud or newly opened flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs not applicable |
99.3% of samples held at least one pesticide (up to 31). 10 unauthorised pesticides were found. Estimated acute risk was above the safe threshold for carbofuran for fetuses, infants and pregnant or nursing women, and the combined insecticide risk was above threshold for children and that group. Detected in 150 of 151 samples; HQa carbofuran 1.54; HIa 1.34 (children), 3.36 (specific group) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Pesticide residues and estimated health risk Limitations: Samples from Chinese planting bases in 2017-2018; not the same as any particular product on sale today. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| Xu 2023 Meta-analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Lianhua Qingwen in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019 J Anesth Transl Med · PMID 38380434 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
Adults with COVID-19 | Lianhua Qingwen (combination that includes honeysuckle) plus usual medicine Honeysuckle is one of many herbs in the formula amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs Usual medicine alone |
The abstract says the combination may shorten fever, reduce adverse events and the rate of turning severe, and improve symptoms and chest imaging. The abstract gives no numbers. not given in the abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Fever, progression to severe disease, symptoms, chest imaging Limitations: COMBINATION product. The abstract itself says evidence for use in COVID-19 was lacking and the topic is controversial. Number of trials not stated in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: No conflict of interest declared Read: abstract |
| Yuan 2024 Efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingwen as an adjuvant treatment for influenza in Chinese patients: A meta-analysis Medicine (Baltimore) · PMID 38241551 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
3592 Chinese patients with influenza in 32 trials |
Lianhua Qingwen (a 13-herb combination that includes honeysuckle) plus usual drugs Honeysuckle is one of many herbs; the formula also includes ephedra amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs Usual drugs alone |
Higher effective and cure rates with the combination added. Effective rate RR 1.22; cure rate RR 1.54 (1.18-1.26; 1.35-1.75) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Clinical effective rate, cure rate, adverse reactions Limitations: COMBINATION product, so honeysuckle's own effect cannot be separated. The adverse-reaction result compares after with before treatment, not with a control group. No quality rating given in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: No funding or conflicts declared Read: abstract |
| Zhang 2013 Reduning injection for fever, rash, and ulcers in children with mild hand, foot, and mouth disease: a randomized controlled clinical study J Tradit Chin Med · PMID 24660604 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
360 Children with mild hand, foot and mouth disease, 5 Chinese hospitals |
Reduning injection (herbal injection) alone or with Western medicine Reduning = three herbs: Artemisia annua, honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) and gardenia (composition from the severe-HFMD paper) amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs Western medicine alone |
Only the herbal injection plus Western medicine beat Western medicine alone for onset of fever relief and rash; mouth ulcer healing did not differ between groups. No adverse reactions observed. p<0.05 for the combination vs Western medicine alone; no numbers in the abstract Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Time to fever drop, fever and rash recovery, mouth ulcer healing Limitations: COMBINATION herbal injection (not a tea or capsule). Honeysuckle is one of three herbs. Abstract gives p-values, not effect sizes. Funding and conflicts: Not read Read: abstract |
| Zhang 2022 Effectiveness of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule in Treatment of Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Multicenter Trial J Integr Complement Med · PMID 36342811 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
120 People with symptom-free COVID-19 in China |
Lianhua Qingwen capsule (combination that includes honeysuckle) Honeysuckle is one of many herbs in the formula amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs Isolated observation, no treatment (open, not placebo) |
More people turned test-negative sooner, fewer developed symptoms. No serious adverse events documented. Test-negative rate difference 21.66%; time 7.5 vs 14.5 days; symptoms difference -31.67% (4.34 to 37.27 (rate); -46.83 to -13.82 (symptoms)) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Rate and time of turning virus-test negative Limitations: COMBINATION product. Control group got no placebo, so people knew their group. 120 people, one country. Funding and conflicts: Registered ChiCTR2100042066; funding not read Registration: ChiCTR2100042066 Read: abstract |
| Zheng 2022 Systematic review of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos: A significant food and traditional Chinese medicine Front Pharmacol · PMID 36339557 · DOI |
Narrative review human+animal+in-vitro (review) |
Review of botany, uses, chemistry and lab pharmacology of the flower, 1986-2022 | Lonicerae japonicae flos (LJF) flower bud or newly opened flower (Lonicerae japonicae flos) amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs not applicable |
Describes long traditional use, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia quality standard (chlorogenic acid at least 1.5%), compound formulas that contain the flower, and mostly lab and animal findings. Reports some animal toxicity data. none (narrative) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Traditional use, chemistry, compound formulas, lab effects, toxicity Limitations: Many cited studies lack control groups; the review says mechanisms are not fully explored. Read in parts (full text searched by topic). Funding and conflicts: No conflict statement read Read: full-text (read in parts) |
| Zhou 2022 Compound-honeysuckle-induced drug eruption with special manifestations: A case report World J Clin Cases · PMID 36158492 · DOI |
Case report |
1 20-year-old man |
Compound honeysuckle granules (Chinese patent medicine) Combination product amounts not reproduced here not applicable · vs None |
Itchy rash on chest and abdomen the day after taking the granules, with raised eosinophils. Cleared after 2 weeks of antihistamine and hormone treatment, no recurrence at over 1 month. single case Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Rash and itching Limitations: One case; the product was a combination so the cause cannot be pinned to honeysuckle itself. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared Read: abstract |
What we do not know yet
- What the evidence supports: low-certainty added benefit from honeysuckle-containing products in COVID-19, and from a formula in influenza.
- What is uncertain: whether honeysuckle alone does anything, because nearly all trials test combinations.
- What is unstudied in people: honeysuckle tea or capsules for colds, interactions, liver safety, pregnancy, breastfeeding and long-term use.
- Safety evidence is mostly case-level, animal or test-tube; no EMA, NCCIH or LiverTox entry was found.
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 evidence rating or safety wording. New publications never change ratings automatically.
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".
Inflammatory 1
C-reactive protein (CRP) and white cell count
Lowered in trials
Blood tests that rise with inflammation and infection.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Used to follow inflammation during infection.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A lower blood marker does not by itself mean people feel or do better.
Safety implication
None.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WBC and CRP were reported improved (P<0.05); the abstract gives no values. | Adults with COVID-19, 9 trials | Honeysuckle products plus standard care |
Other 5
Lung CT and progression to severe COVID-19
Mixed results in trials
A lung scan score of pneumonia and the share of people whose illness turns severe.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Shows how far the lung infection has spread and whether people get worse.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Scan and category results; real-world benefit for people today is not shown.
Safety implication
None reported.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lung CT improvement RR 1.24 (1.12-1.37); conversion to severe RR 0.50 (0.33-0.76) with honeysuckle added to standard care. | Adults with COVID-19, 9 trials | Honeysuckle products (single and combination) plus standard care |
Time to a negative virus test
Lowered in trials
The number of days until a throat swab test no longer finds the virus.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A measure of how fast the body clears the virus.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Open trial with no placebo; formula, not honeysuckle alone.
Safety implication
No serious adverse events documented.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 7.5 days with the capsule vs 14.5 days with no treatment (p=0.018); more people turned negative (difference 21.66%). | 120 people with symptom-free COVID-19 | Lianhua Qingwen capsule (combination) |
Time to fever clearance (children with hand, foot and mouth disease)
Mixed results in trials
Hours until the temperature returns to normal.
Not enough evidenceResults and what it means
Why it was measured
A main symptom in this illness.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Mixed; injection combination only.
Safety implication
No adverse reactions reported.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Severe disease: 18 h (CI 4.0-24.0) with the injection vs 20 h (6.0-25.0) usual care, not significant. | 355 children with severe disease | Reduning injection (honeysuckle, Artemisia annua, gardenia) plus usual care |
| 19 | Mild disease: antifebrile effect onset was better only for the injection plus Western medicine group than Western medicine alone (p<0.05). | 360 children with mild disease | Reduning injection with or without Western medicine |
Moderate-or-worse (grade 2+) rash
Lowered in trials
Rash graded by cancer-care scales; grade 2 or higher means it affects daily life.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Main outcome for rash prevention.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A real-world outcome, but based on 2 trials and low-certainty evidence.
Safety implication
No severe product-related adverse events were documented.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Prevention: grade 2+ rash RR 0.43 (0.29-0.65; 2 trials). Overall rash incidence RR 0.84 (0.69-1.01), not significant. | People on EGFR-inhibitor drugs | Honeysuckle products (single or compound; skin or mouth plus skin) |
Time to rash and treatment response
Mixed results in trials
Days until the rash first appears, and the share who improve with treatment.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Shows delay of rash and response once it is there.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Single-trial result for onset; duration not clearly changed.
Safety implication
None reported.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Onset delayed by 8.87 days (5.30-12.44; 1 trial). Rash duration -4.43 days (-9.69 to 0.83), not significant. Treatment response RR 1.35 (1.13-1.62; 5 trials). | People on EGFR-inhibitor drugs | Honeysuckle products |
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 4
- Honeysuckle flower on its own has almost no human safety data. Most human trials tested combination formulas or an injection. They reported few adverse events, but small trials cannot show rare harms, and the other herbs in a formula (such as ephedra in Lianhua Qingwen) have their own risks. Meta-analysis 1 8 18 21
- Allergic reactions are the main reported risk. A case report describes an itchy rash with raised eosinophils the day after taking compound honeysuckle granules. Injectable products containing honeysuckle caused allergic reactions in animals. How often people react to the flower itself is not known. Case report 22 5
- Berries and leaves of the plant are poisonous. An Australian government fact sheet says Japanese honeysuckle berries and leaves cause stomach and gut irritation if eaten, and the plant can irritate skin. The medicinal part is the dried flower bud, not the berry. Other garden honeysuckle berries are reported toxic too, but we did not read a source on those. Authoritative guidance 14
- Other Lonicera species are not interchangeable. Flowers of other Lonicera species are a separate drug and caused stronger allergic-type reactions in animals. Substitution with that cheaper group is documented in the Chinese supply chain. Animal research 7 9
Side effects 5
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Itchy skin rash or drug eruption (allergy) One case with a combination granule product; cause not pinned to honeysuckle alone. | Not established | moderate Cleared in 2 weeks with antihistamine and hormone treatment in the case report. | Case report 22 |
| Anaphylaxis-type reaction to injectable honeysuckle products Shown in animals with Shuanghuanglian injection; injections are not teas or capsules. | Not established | severe Not stated. | Animal research 5 |
| Skin irritation or rash on contact with the plant About the garden plant, not the dried flower. | Not established | mild Not stated. | Authoritative guidance 14 |
| Stomach and gut irritation from eating berries or leaves Not the medicinal flower bud. | Not established | moderate The fact sheet calls the poisoning discomfort and irritation, not life-threatening. | Authoritative guidance 14 |
| No severe adverse events were documented in the trials Reported as no increase or no severe events; trials were small and mostly of combinations. Not a safety guarantee. | Not established | mild Not applicable. | Meta-analysis 1 8 20 |
Liver
We found no LiverTox entry for honeysuckle and no published human case of liver injury from the flower alone in our PubMed searches. Rat and mouse studies report liver protection, but one mouse toxicity report in the 2022 review (high deaths at a high dose of an unclear preparation) is described without enough detail to judge. No case reports does not prove safety. People with liver disease should ask a doctor. 21
How often. No frequency data.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice found.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua) supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 5
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metformin prescription | An ethanol extract blocked the MATE1 transporter in cells and, over 28 days in rats, raised metformin levels in the liver (not in blood) with better glucose tolerance. | Unknown in people. No human interaction study. | Animal research Very low certainty 3 | Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take metformin and want to use honeysuckle extracts. |
| Medicines cleared by CYP3A4, CYP1A2 or CYP2C9 (many common drugs) prescription | The flower compound cynaroside blocked these liver enzymes in a test tube. | Unknown. A tea or capsule may deliver far less than the test-tube amounts. | Laboratory research Very low certainty 15 | Ask a pharmacist before combining with medicines that have narrow safety margins. |
| Medicines that suppress the immune system prescription | The 2015 review reports the flower changes immune responses in animals, including in graft-rejection models. | Unknown in people. | Animal research Very low certainty 7 | Do not combine without medical advice. |
| Blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs and planned surgery prescription | Some websites mention a theoretical bleeding risk; we did not read a source that shows it, so we make no claim. | Not established. | Pharmacological theory Not enough evidence | Tell your surgeon and prescriber about any herbal product. |
| Ephedra and other herbs in combination formulas herb | Lianhua Qingwen lists ephedra among its herbs, and ephedra has its own stimulant and heart risks. | Applies to the formula, not to honeysuckle itself. | Pharmacological theory Not enough evidence 21 | Read the full ingredient list of any formula. |
Who should check first 5
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Known allergy to honeysuckle or to a formula containing it | Avoid. | Case report 22 |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | Avoid unless a doctor agrees. Alcohol extracts of the flower interrupted early pregnancy in mice and (by injection) in dogs; a water extract caused no harm in pregnant rats. No human pregnancy data and no breastfeeding data were found. | Animal research 7 |
| Weak digestion with loose stools (traditional caution) | An old Chinese text says the herb is not suited to people with qi deficiency and loose stools from poor appetite. This is a traditional caution, not a trial result. | Traditional use 21 |
| Children | The hand-foot-mouth disease trials were in hospital with a herbal injection. They are not evidence for home use. | Controlled trial 19 6 |
| Eating wild or garden honeysuckle berries or leaves | Do not eat them. | Authoritative guidance 14 |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Berries and leaves of the plant are poisonous. For the dried flower bud, no human toxicity data were found, and animal data are limited.
Animal. The 2022 review reports an acute LD50 of 72.12 g/kg for an aqueous extract (animal species not stated in the passage we read) and a mouse long-term report with high deaths at a high dose, described without enough detail to judge.
Human doses studied. Trials used finished products; amounts are not given here.
High dose or long term signals. None established in people.
Overdose response. No overdose reports found.
Genotoxicity. The 2015 review reports no genotoxicity in a mouse sperm-shape test.
Toxic plant parts. Berries and leaves (Japanese honeysuckle, per the NSW fact sheet). European and ornamental honeysuckle berries are reported toxic but were not verified in a source we read.
Pesticide residues and species mix-ups are documented in China-grown material.
Pesticide residues. 99.3% of 151 honeysuckle samples held at least one pesticide, and 10 unauthorised pesticides were detected. Estimated acute risk exceeded the threshold for carbofuran for a fetus, infant, or pregnant or nursing woman, and combined insecticide risk exceeded it for children. 16
Adulteration with a different Lonicera group. 19 adulterants in 72 commercial samples (8 of 10 seed, 2 of 14 flower bud, 4 of 25 decoction pieces, 5 of 23 patent medicines). 9
When to get medical help
- Hives, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or trouble breathing after taking a product: stop and seek emergency care.
- Widespread rash with fever: stop and see a doctor.
- A child or pet has eaten berries: contact poison control or a doctor.
- Persistent vomiting or severe stomach pain after eating plant parts: seek care.
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 honeysuckle (jin yin hua)?
Does honeysuckle help COVID-19?
A 2021 meta-analysis of 9 trials found better lung scans, more cures and fewer severe cases when honeysuckle products were added to standard care. The trials were mixed, mostly Chinese and low certainty, and it is not a replacement for medical care.
Does it help colds or the flu?
We found no trial of honeysuckle alone for the common cold. A meta-analysis of 32 trials found benefit for Lianhua Qingwen, a many-herb formula with honeysuckle, added to usual flu drugs.
Are formula studies the same as honeysuckle studies?
Does it help hand, foot and mouth disease?
Can it help skin rash from cancer drugs?
A 2026 meta-analysis of 7 trials found fewer moderate-or-worse rashes with prevention use and a better response when treating, but certainty was low to very low. Ask the cancer care team first.
What are the side effects?
Are the berries safe?
No. Berries and leaves of Japanese honeysuckle are poisonous if eaten and cause stomach irritation. The medicinal part is the dried flower bud. Other garden honeysuckle berries are reported toxic but we did not read a source on them.
Is it safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Not established. Alcohol extracts interrupted early pregnancy in mice and injected extracts in dogs, while a water extract did not harm pregnant rats. No human or breastfeeding data were found. Avoid unless a doctor agrees.
Does it interact with medicines?
Is it safe for the liver?
We found no LiverTox entry and no human case of liver injury from the flower alone. Animal studies suggest liver protection, but that is not proof of safety in people.
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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 summary, then searched PubMed, read abstracts of the COVID-19, influenza, hand-foot-mouth disease and rash trials and reviews, read parts of two review articles, checked the NSW poisoning fact sheet, and checked the plant name in GBIF and NCBI and compounds in PubChem. Not found or not read: EMA monograph (access error), NCCIH herb page (404), LiverTox and LactMed entries, FDA, WHO, Commission E. Certainty ratings are the compiler's reading. No study is cited that we could not verify.
- 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. If one is added later it will be labelled and kept apart from the evidence.
Sources 22
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Du XQ, Shi LP, Cao WF et al.. Add-On Effect of Honeysuckle in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2021. PMID 34603023. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2021.708636. (abstract)
- GBIF. GBIF Backbone: Lonicera japonica Thunb.. GBIF API (usageKey 5334240). 2026. (full-text (API response))
- Han SY, Chae HS, You BH et al.. Lonicera japonica extract increases metformin distribution in the liver without change of systemic exposed metformin in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019. PMID 31004727. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2019.111892. (abstract)
- Huang X, Zhang L, Shi Z et al.. Lonicerae Japonicae Flos as a Dietary Natural Product: Bioactive Constituents, Gut Health Modulation, and Therapeutic Potential in Ulcerative Colitis and Colorectal Cancer. Food Sci Nutr. 2026. PMID 42756874. DOI 10.1002/fsn3.72366. (abstract)
- Jiang X, Li J, Yao X et al.. The Anaphylactic and Anti-allergenic Properties of Shuanghuanglian: A Review. Comb Chem High Throughput Screen. 2026. PMID 39812057. DOI 10.2174/0113862073328626241107044327. (abstract)
- Li X, Zhang X, Ding J et al.. Comparison between Chinese Herbal Medicines and Conventional Therapy in the Treatment of Severe Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2014. PMID 24719639. DOI 10.1155/2014/140764. (full-text (composition passage) and abstract)
- Li Y, Cai W, Weng X et al.. Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Lonicerae Flos: A Systematic Pharmacology Review. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015. PMID 26257818. DOI 10.1155/2015/905063. (full-text (read in parts))
- Liu LF, Liu S, Jiao J et al.. Safety and efficacy of honeysuckle therapy for epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor-related rash: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2026. PMID 42741450. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2026.1875649. (abstract)
- Liu R, Shi Z, Xu W et al.. DNA Barcoding for Identification and Traceability in the Entire Industrial Chain of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. Plants (Basel). 2026. PMID 42884833. DOI 10.3390/plants15192968. (abstract)
- NCBI PubChem. PubChem compound record: Chlorogenic acid (CID 1794427). PubChem PUG REST. 2026. (full-text (API response))
- NCBI PubChem. PubChem compound record: Luteolin (CID 5280445). PubChem PUG REST. 2026. (full-text (API response))
- NCBI PubChem. PubChem compound record: Cynaroside (luteolin-7-O-glucoside) (CID 5280637). PubChem PUG REST. 2026. (full-text (API response))
- NCBI PubChem. PubChem compound record: Loganin (CID 87691). PubChem PUG REST. 2026. (full-text (API response))
- NSW Department of Primary Industries. Japanese honeysuckle (WeedWise). NSW WeedWise. 2026. (full-text (page read 2026-10-25))
- Wang L, Ma X, Wang J et al.. In vitro Inhibitory Effects of Cynaroside on Human Liver Cytochrome P450 Enzymes. Pharmacology. 2019. PMID 31587003. DOI 10.1159/000502172. (abstract)
- Wu P, Wang P, Gu M et al.. Human health risk assessment of pesticide residues in honeysuckle samples from different planting bases in China. Sci Total Environ. 2021. PMID 33121779. DOI 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142747. (abstract)
- Xu Q, Song K, Clifford SP et al.. Meta-analysis of Traditional Chinese Medicine Lianhua Qingwen in the Treatment of Coronavirus Disease 2019. J Anesth Transl Med. 2023. PMID 38380434. DOI 10.58888/2957-3912-2023-06-21. (abstract)
- Yuan C, Guan Y. Efficacy and safety of Lianhua Qingwen as an adjuvant treatment for influenza in Chinese patients: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024. PMID 38241551. DOI 10.1097/MD.0000000000036986. (abstract)
- Zhang G, Zhao J, He L et al.. Reduning injection for fever, rash, and ulcers in children with mild hand, foot, and mouth disease: a randomized controlled clinical study. J Tradit Chin Med. 2013. PMID 24660604. DOI 10.1016/s0254-6272(14)60005-4. (abstract)
- Zhang L, Wu L, Xu X et al.. Effectiveness of Lianhua Qingwen Capsule in Treatment of Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients: A Randomized, Controlled Multicenter Trial. J Integr Complement Med. 2022. PMID 36342811. DOI 10.1089/jicm.2021.0352. (abstract)
- Zheng S, Liu S, Hou A et al.. Systematic review of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos: A significant food and traditional Chinese medicine. Front Pharmacol. 2022. PMID 36339557. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2022.1013992. (full-text (read in parts))
- Zhou LF, Lu R. Compound-honeysuckle-induced drug eruption with special manifestations: A case report. World J Clin Cases. 2022. PMID 36158492. DOI 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i22.8018. (abstract)