Fructus gardeniae belong to the Rubiacea family (madder plants).

They are used primarily for disorders based on processes of becoming hot.

Fructus gardeniae are used to treat disorders including fever accompanied by restlessness, insomnia, boils and ulcers, painful bladder dysfunctions and nosebleeds.
It is referred to as a cooling medicine (Refrigerantium caloris intimae)

Fructus gardenia are contained in remedies such as the coptis decoction, which alleviates toxic effects (Huang Lian Jie Du Tang) and Rhizoma gastrodiae and Ramalus uncariae potion (Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin).