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Note - the monographs are provided for informational purposes only, and are not to be used for self-medication.

Bupleurum falcatum Bitter & cool

Common name: Bupleurum, Chai Hu, Hare’s Ear Root

Bupleurm chinense can also be used.(1)

Part Used: * Root

Constitiuents: * Saikosaponins (triterpenoid saponins):(10)

• • Anti-inflammatory
  • Decreases plasma cholesterol
  • Increases protein synthesis in liver

Actions:(1) * Anti-inflammatory: enhances glucocorticoids by increasing ACTH(5)

• • Hepatoprotective
  • Hepatic
  • Adaptogen– TCM= hormonal receptor sites + saponins = amphoteric(2
  • Hepatotonic – bitter, hypocholesterolemic, choleretic, cholagogue
  • Anti-pyretic
  • Mild sedative (TCM = emotional instability/mood swings)
  • Diaphoretic
  • Anti-malarial
  • Carminative
  • Antitussive
  • Depurative

• Bacterio-static, immune stimulant

Specific Indication:(3) Hepatitis with liver enlargement & pain in upper right quadrant

Indications:(1) * Acute/chronic liver disease

• • Chemical liver damage, poor liver function
  • Hepatomegaly &/or splenomegaly
  • Chronic hepatitis
  • Chronic inflammatory disorders, esp. auto-immune disease
  • Acute infections, common cold, chills, fever, chronic cough
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Indigestion
  • Malaria
  • Asthma
  • Haemorrhoids (TCM = prolapse is due to spleen energy deficiency)

Caution: May increase bowel movements & flatulence, slight sedative effect.(1)

Dosage: Root: 1.5 – 6gm/day (1)

FE: 1:2 1.5-3ml/day, 25-60ml/wk (10)

Bibliography

• (1) Bone, K. Clinical Applcations of Ayurvedic and Chinese Herbs, Phytotherapy Press: Australia, 1997.

• (2) Mills, S. The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine, Penguin Books: UK, 1991.
• (3) British Herbal Pharmacopeia, UK, 1983.
• (4) Hoffmann, D. The New Holistic Herbal, Element Books: Australia, 1996.
• (5) Murray & Pizzorno, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Llittle, Brown & Co: UK, 1996.
• (6) Mills, S. The Complete Guide of Modern Herbalism, Harper Collins Publishers: UK, 1994.
• (7) Murray, M. The Healing Power of Herbs, Prima Publishing: USA, 1995.
• (8) Potterton, D. (ed.), Culpepper’s Colour Herbal, W.Foulsham & Co: Sydney, 1983.
• (9) Holmes, P. Energetics of Western Herbs Vol 1, Nat Trp, Berkeley, 1986.
• (10) Ses Salmond, Materia Medica Class Notes, Nature Care College, 1997.
• (11) Melanie Koeman, Materia Medica Class Notes, Nature Care College, 1998.
• (12) Mediherb, Modern Phytotherapist, Vol 3, No. 1, Summer 1996, p.10
• (13) Mediherb, Monitor, No.25, March 1998.
• (14) Mediherb, Summary of Uses of Ayuvedic & Chinese Herbs, 1998.