Is the Chinese herbal medicine "Zao Jia" the same as "Zao Jiao"?

Generally, the Chinese herb Gleditsia is referred to as Zao Jia.

Zao Jia and Gleditsia are different names for the same plant, derived from the fruit or seeds of the Gleditsia tree, which belongs to the legume family. Zao Jia has a pungent and salty taste and a warm nature, with slight toxicity. It acts on the lung and large intestine meridians, and has functions of expelling wind-phlegm, opening the orifices, and killing parasites. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as facial paralysis due to stroke, epilepsy, scabies, and癣 (skin fungal infections).

The main active components of Zao Jia include saponins, flavonoids, and alkaloids, among which saponins are the primary pharmacological constituents. Saponins have strong surfactant properties, which can promote the expulsion of respiratory secretions and aid in the treatment of respiratory diseases. Additionally, Zao Jia exhibits certain antibacterial and antiviral effects, making it useful in preventing and treating some skin diseases and gastrointestinal parasitic infections.

When using Zao Jia, it is important to follow the principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, selecting appropriate administration methods and dosages based on the patient's specific condition. Pregnant women and individuals with weak constitutions should use it cautiously, and self-purchasing and self-administration should be avoided to ensure its efficacy and safety.