Botanical Overview
Bupleurum chinense, commonly known as Chinese Thoroughwax or Chai Hu, is a medicinal plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. Native to China and East Asia, the root of Bupleurum chinense is harvested for its medicinal properties. It is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine as a key herb in formulas to treat various systemic conditions.
Energetics
The root exhibits a cooling temperature and drying moisture energetics accompanied by a bitter and acrid taste. Its directionality is ascending and outward, with a tonifying effect on the body’s qi energy, particularly impacting liver and digestive functions.
Primary Actions
- Hepatoprotective
- Anti-inflammatory
- Immunomodulatory
- Antipyretic
- Spasmolytic
Indications
Western
- Fever
- Inflammation
- Jaundice
- Digestive disturbances
- Chills
- Pain
- Immune dysregulation
Syndromes
- Hepatitis
- Influenza
- Chronic liver diseases
- Gastrointestinal spasms
TCM
- Alternating chills and fever
- Hypochondriac pain
- Bitter taste in mouth
- Poor appetite
- Depression
Syndromes
- Liver Qi stagnation
- Shao Yang syndrome
- Liver Qi constraint
Ayurveda
No specific documented indications.
Unani
No specific documented indications.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include saikosaponins, polyacetylenes, flavonoids, and essential oils which contribute to the herb’s hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 3-9 grams daily
- Tincture standardized to saikosaponins
- Powder: 1-3 grams daily
Safety & Contraindications
Bupleurum chinense is generally safe when used at recommended doses but may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or photosensitivity in sensitive individuals. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Potential drug interactions exist with medications metabolized by liver enzymes and anticoagulants.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-established planetary or elemental rulers documented in authoritative sources for Bupleurum chinense.
Selected References
- Pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics of Bupleurum chinense and its constituents – Wang, Y. et al., 2015
- WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants – 2007
- Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities of Bupleurum chinense – Li, X. et al., 2018
- Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China – 2020