What is Bupleurum chinense?Uses and Application.

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

Bupleurum Extract Radix Bupleuri Bupleurum chinense Bupleurum falcatum Bupleurum chinense syn B scorzoneraefolium North Chinese Thorowax Root photo picture image 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.

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.