In the picturesque landscapes of Pingtan, an unassuming herb known locally as "Bitter Herb" is making waves in the world of traditional and modern medicine. This is the Pingtan Ajuga, a plant hailed as a miracle remedy by locals for generations and is now poised to become a global phenomenon.

For centuries, Pingtan residents have relied on Ajuga for its remarkable healing properties. "Whenever we had sore throats, fevers, or even external injuries, our elders would pluck a few sprigs of Ajuga from their yards or the wild," reminisces a local. "Boiled or crushed for external application, it worked wonders."

Recently, the Pingtan Ajuga project garnered attention by securing a spot in the finals of the Sixth "China's Wings" Entrepreneurship and Innovation Competition, winning the third prize and igniting a new spark of commercialization for this non-heritage cultural gem.

Scaling Up Cultivation

Wu Zhengzhong inspects the Ajuga growth at the base.

At the National Geographical Indication (Pingtan) Medicinal Plant Experimental Base in Hancuo Village, farmers busily weed the fields, where Pingtan Lvkang Cooperative now cultivates an impressive 128 mu of Ajuga. Wu Zhengzhong, the cooperative's head, returned to Pingtan in 2020 to embark on this endeavor, inspired by the region's "Hometown Merchants Return" initiative. "Ajuga has potent anti-inflammatory properties," says Wu. "By founding the cooperative with the village, we aim to bring this miracle herb to more people while creating jobs for villagers."

The journey to large-scale cultivation hasn't been easy. Snails posed a significant threat to the herb, but Wu found a solution: a concoction of various herbs mixed with tea oil that effectively kept the pests at bay while preserving the herb's medicinal value. He plans to patent this innovation.

Medical Research and Recognition

The passion behind Wu's endeavor stems from Dr. Ke Qing, a retired researcher from the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. Born in Pingtan, Dr. Ke has dedicated two decades to studying Ajuga, discovering its exceptional medicinal value in treating pelvic inflammatory disease and uterine fibroids. "My mother's uterine fibroids showed significant improvement with Ajuga after two years of conservative treatment," recalls Dr. Ke. "This sparked my interest, leading to a national 863 Plan project on its therapeutic potential."

Research indicates that the acetylharpagide content in Pingtan Ajuga is 13.7 times higher than the standard set by the national pharmacopoeia, positioning it as a promising candidate for cancer prevention, inflammation reduction, and immune regulation. 'We've entered Phase III clinical trials, and receiving approval will pave the way for nationwide sales,' says Dr. Ke.

From Local Remedy to Modern Medicine

Pingtan Ajuga's journey to becoming a district-level intangible cultural heritage item in 2023 underscores its growing recognition. "The project's craft, production process, societal value, and prospects met our rigorous criteria," explains Lai Min, a member of the Cultural Heritage Expert Panel.

In local clinics like Shi Gongwen's and Shi Xiuchun's, Ajuga has been a staple for decades. "My grandmother used it for wounds, and I've been using it for over 55 years in my practice," says Shi Gongwen. "It's passed down through generations, and my son will continue the tradition."

A Step Towards Industrialization

With its unique medicinal properties and growing demand, Pingtan Ajuga is poised for industrialization. Wu and Dr. Ke's efforts have not only unlocked the herb's potential but also ignited a spark of economic revitalization in the region. "Pingtan Ajuga's journey from home remedy to modern medicine is a testament to the power of traditional knowledge and modern research," concludes Wu.

As Pingtan Ajuga continues to captivate the world with its healing wonders, its story serves as a beacon of hope for the future of traditional medicine and rural development.