|
Summary |
| System
Affected |
anal, circulation,
hemorrhoid, female, vascular |
| Bodily
actions |
alterative,
antipyretic, carminative, diaphoretic, gall bladder, liver, menstruation |
Important Chinese tonic herb for the liver and circulatory
system. Bitter root help moderate emotional instability associated with
sluggish liver function. Also used for abodominal bloating, menstrual
pain, hemorrhoids, herpes, fever and malaria.
The active ingredients in bupleurum root include
saponins and plant sterols, which have been shown to lower fevers and
reduce inflammation in animal studies. It is used for a variety of
conditions, including inflammatory conditions, angina, nausea, vomiting,
and
fever. It also strengthens the stomach and intestines
and promotes blood circulation to the liver.
In traditional Chinese medicine, bupleurum is not usually used alone, but
rather as part of various herbal remedies. In TCM terminology, it reduces
fever and resolves the shao yang level; spreads liver qi (good for
vertigo, emotional instability and menstrual problems), and raises yang qi
in spleen/stomach deficiency.
When taken in the proper dosage, there are no known adverse reactions
associated with bupleurum. However, large doses of bupleurum may cause
dizziness or diarrhea, due to its high saponin content. It should not be
taken by patients with high blood pressure, or by women who are pregnant
or nursing. There are no known drug interactions with bupleurum.
Bupleurum is typically used as part of a larger, more complex herbal
formula. The amount to be taken depends in large part on the condition
being treated. For general use, many practitioners recommend 1.5-6 grams
of dried bupleurum root in a decoction, or 3-12 ml of a 1:2 extract.
References:
Bone, K., Bupleurum: a natural steroid effect. Can J Herbalism Winter
1996;22-41.
Duke, James, Handbook of Phytochemical Constituents of GRAS Herbs and
Other Economic Plants. Boca Raton, FL. CRC Press, 1992.
Jin RL, Shi L, Kuang Y., Comparative studies on the roots of wild and
cultured bupleurum chinense. DC Chung Yao Tung Pao April 1988;23:11-3.
Ohtsu S, Irumi S, Iwanaga S, et al. Analysis of mitogenic substances in
bupleurum chinense by ESR spectroscopy. Biol Pharm Bull Jan
1997;20:97-100.
Zhang J., Comparison on saikosaponin levels in the root of bupleurum
chinense of various sizes. Chung Yao Tung Pao April 1985;20:13-4.
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