What is Bupleurum chinense?Uses and Application.

  seminal trace...Radix Bupleuri.Bupleurum.5:1.10:1Extract....

   What is Bupleurum chinense?:Botanical Basic Date of Bupleurum chinense

 Botanical Source:The root of Bupleurum chinense DC. (Fam. Umbelliferae). Customarily called " Bei chaihu"(North Chinese Thorowax Root).
 Botanical names: Bupleurum chinense, Bupleurum falcatum,Bupleurum chinense syn. B. scorzoneraefolium
 Common names:Thorowax, Saiko, Hare's ear,Chai hu,Radix Bupleuri Chinensis,Bupleurum,Chinese Thorowax Root,Hare's Ear Root,Chinese Thorowax Root,Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu),Bupleurum,Chinese Thorowax Root,Bupleurum chinense root
 Synoms:Bei Chai Hu, Chi Hu, Chinese Thoroughwax, Hare's Ear Root,Sickle-leaf Hare's-ear, Thoroughwax. Bupleurum chinense; Bupleurum exaltatum; Bupleurum falcatum; Bupleurum fruticosum; Bupleurum longifolium; Bupleurum multinerve; Bupleurum octoradiatum; Bupleurum rotundifolium; Bupleurum scorzonerifolium.
 Habitat of Bupleurum chinense:
 Bupleurum grows in China and is cultivated throughout the central and eastern parts of that country. Bupleurum is also found in other parts of Asia and in Europe. Bupleurum is propagated from seed in spring or by root division in autumn and requires well-drained soil and plenty of sun. The root is unearthed in spring and autumn.Distribution mainly in Chinese provinces such as Hebei, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Henan and Shaanxi.

 

 What is Bupleurum chinense?Botanical Basic Date of Bupleurum chinense.
 Narrative history of Bupleurum chinense.
 Description and plant part used of Bupleurum chinense.
 Phytochemicals and constituents of Bupleurum chinense.
 Uses and Application of Bupleurum(Chinese Thorowax Root,Bupleurum chinense root).


   Narrative history of Bupleurum chinense:

 Bupleurum is also known as Hare's Ear. Bupleurum Root is one of the most important herbs used in Chinese herbalism. The Chinese name for Bupleurum, chai hu, means "kindling of the barbarians". First mentioned in text from the 1st century BC, bupleurum is one of China's "harmony" herbs, balancing different organs and energies within the body. Bupleurum is used as a tonic, strengthening the action of the digestive tract, improving liver function, and helping to push blood to the surface of the body. Recent research in China has confirmed traditional use, showing that bupleurum protects the liver.


   Description and plant part used of Bupleurum chinense:

 The part of this plant used medicinally is the root, which is dug up in Spring or Autumn, dried in the sun, and then cut into short pieces. Bupleurum is not a tonic herb, but it is useful in the tonic system because of its ability to relieve liver tension and digestive disturbances, and because its actions are detoxifying & anti-microbial. Bupleurum has the ability to clear "stagnation" virtually anywhere in the body. It can be used to relieve spasms, muscle tension, lumps, and bleeding due to menstrual irregularity. An essential oil in Bupleurum is responsible for its ability to relieve surface heat.

 Bupleurum or Chinese thorough wax is a perennial herb growing wild on the sunny sides of sedge thickets. Its leaves are alternative, and broad linear-lanceolate; its apexes are acuminate; its bases gradually narrowing; the margins are intact and parallel veins 7 to 9 inches. In the autumn, small golden flowers that are either terminal or axillary appear to form compound umbellate inflorescences. The seed capsule is flat and elliptical in shape.

 Parts used and where grown: These Asian plants are part of the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family, and resemble dill or fennel. However, bupleurum has long thin leaves rather than the lacy appearance of fennel and dill leaves. The Chinese name for bupleurum, chai hu, means ¡°kindling of the barbarians.¡± The origin of this name is unclear. The roots of the plant are used in herbal medicine.

 Harvest & Processing:Dig out roots in spring and autumn; remove leaves and soil; dry under the sun.

 Cylindrical, or long and conical; 6-15 cm long, 3-8 mm in diameter. Top part bulgy; top end with remnants of 3-15 caudexes or short fibrous leaf bases; lower part often rameous (branched). Outer surface dull blackish-brown or light brown, marked with longitudinal wrinkles, lateral root scars and lenticels. Hard and pliable, does not break easily. When broken, surface fibrous and lobate (lobe-like); cortex light brown; xylem yellowish-white. Odour: slightly fragrant; taste: slightly bitter.


   Phytochemicals and constituents of Bupleurum chinense:

 Bupleurum contains constituents known as saikosaponins that appear to account for much of the medicinal activity of the plant. Test tube studies have shown that the sho-saiko-to combination can increase production of various chemicals (known as cytokines) that immune cells use to signal one another. Test tube studies have also found that saikosaponins can inhibit growth of liver cancer cells, and are anti-inflammatory.
 Bupleurumol;Triterpenoid saponins -saikosides (saikosaponins);Flavonoids (rutin)
 Saikosides-Research has revealed that the saikosides are potent medicines.They appear to protect the liver from toxicity and strengthen liver function, even in people suffering from immune system disorders.

 

   Uses and Application of Bupleurum(Chinese Thorowax Root,Bupleurum chinense root):

 This herb is anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective, mild sedative, antipyretic (reduces fever), analgesic, adaptogen, and anti-tussive. The primary chemical constituents of Bupleurum Root include fatty acids, glycosides, oleic acid, palmitic acid, quercetin, and narcissin. This herb also contains constituents known as saikosaponins that appear to account for much of the medicinal activity of the plant. Bupleurum Root is a primary herb in dozens of classical formulations which serve a wide variety of harmonizing activities, all of which regulate body energy, help relieve blockages in the body, and discharges the toxins safely out of the system. As time go by, these Bupleurum-based formulas typically become less and less necessary, until eventually they only need to be used occasionally, if at all. It can be used for treating the common cold that is accompanied by alternating symptoms of chills and fever, chest pain, prolapse of the anus, uterus, & other internal organs, and irregular menstruation. It is also effective for women with menstrual problems associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Regarding its effective liver cleansing capabilities, one of its most important activities is to continually eliminate impurities and waste matter from the system - Bupleurum has a unique reputation for deeply cleansing this overburdened organ.
 One of the most important activities of the liver is to continually eliminate impurities and waste matter from our systems. The Chinese herb bupleurum has a unique reputation for deeply cleansing this overburdened organ. Planetary formulas Bupleurum lever cleanse ?combines this Chinese classic with renowned herbs from three continents to facilitate deep internal cleansing
 Bupleurum chinensis. Clears the liver, reduces heat, and clears liver qi stagnation. Research indicates thatit can lower blood pressure and protect the liver from toxins. 1:1, 50% alcohol
 Bupleurum contains constituents known as saikosaponins that appear to account for much of the medicinal activity of the plant. Bupleurum increase endogenous production of interferon, simultaneous use with exogenous interferon can cause excessive levels in the bloodstream. Test tube studies have shown that Bupleurum can increase production of various chemicals (known as cytokines) that immune cells use to signal one another.
 Many studies have also found that saikosaponins can inhibit growth of liver cancer cells. Human trials, only one double-blind, have shown that the bupleurum-containing formula sho-saiko-to may help reduce symptoms and blood liver enzyme levels in children and adults with chronic active viral hepatitis. Bupleurum also has been found to inhibit human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in vivo.
 Anti-inflammatory:The saikosides stimulate the body's production of corticosteroids and increase their anti - inflammatory effect.

  Historical or traditional use of Bupleurum:

 Bupleurum has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years to help relieve numerous conditions. Most particularly, infections with fever, liver problems, indigestion, hemorrhoids, and uterine prolapse.1
 Bupleurum is a key ingredient in the formula known as sho-saiko-to. This is a traditional herbal medicine formula based on the traditional Chinese formula xiao-chai-hu-tang. In English, it has been called minor bupleurum formula. Bupleurum makes up 16% of the formula for sho-saiko-to (see below for the complete contents of the formula). Results reported for sho-saiko-to cannot be attributed solely to bupleurum because the other herbs in the formula also contribute.

  Bupleurum as liver tonic:

 Ancient Chinese remedy - Bupleurum has been taken in China for over 2,000 years as a liver tonic. Bupleurum is traditionally believed to strengthen liver qi and to have a tonic action on the spleen and stomach. In Chinese medicine, bupleurum is used to treat "disharmony" between the liver and the spleen, a condition that manifests itself in problems of the digestive system such, as abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and indigestion.
 Liver problems - In common with milk thistle and members of the Glycyrrhiza genus -for example, licorice and gan cao - bupleurum is an excellent remedy for a poorly functioning or weakened liver. Its anti-inflammatory action may contribute to its overall use in the treatment of liver disease.

  Bupleurum used as Fever medicine:

 Fever-In China, bupleurum is taken to reduce fever, especially in instances when it is accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth; irritability, and either vomiting and abdominal pain, or dizziness and vertigo.
 Other uses - Bupleurum is sometimes useful in the treatment of hemorrhoids and of prolapsed tissue in the pelvis, such as a prolapse of the uterus.

  Orally use of Bupleurum:

 Orally, Chai Hu / Bupleurum is used for fevers, flu, the common cold, cough, fatigue, headache, tinnitus, liver disorders, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea, depression, anorexia, cancer, inflammation, lung congestion, malaria, angina, epilepsy, pain, muscle cramps, rheumatism, asthma, bronchitis, indigestion, ulcers, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, constipation, as a sedative, antioxidant, antiseptic, antifungal, antiviral, as an immune stimulant, and for reducing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It is also used orally for increasing sweating, as a protectant against kidney problems, a liver tonic, and a spleen and stomach toner.
 In combination, Chai Hu / Bupleurum is used in many herbal formulas. It is included in a Chinese herbal formula used for treating thrombocytopenic purpura and in a herbal formula (Xiao-chai-hu-tang) used for various chronic liver diseases. Bupleurum is used orally in combination with Panax ginseng and licorice to help stimulate adrenal gland function, particularly in patients with a history of long-term corticosteroid use.


  Scientific References:

  1.What is Bupleurum chinense?Uses and Application.