Bupleurum root is used orally in formulas to treat acute infections such as common cold and influenza and for other disorders including uterine and rectal prolapse, stress, depression, liver disorders, gynaecological disorders such as premenstrual syndrome, dysmenorrhoea, irregular menses, anorexia, inflammation, mild pain, muscle cramps, indigestion, ulcers, haemorrhoids, diarrhoea and constipation. It has been shown to have sedative, analgesic, immune stimulant, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, stomachic, carminative, antitussive, anti-cancer, antibacterial, antiviral, anticholesterolemic and antilipemic actions.
History
Bupleurum falcatum root (chai hu) as a medicinal herb, first appeared in Divine Husbandman’s Classic of the Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing) written by an unknown author or authors in the Eastern Han Dynasty (25-220CE)
‘Treatise on Shanghan and Other Diseases’ (Shang Han Za Bing Lun ) by the physician, Zhang Zhong-Jing, appeared at the end of the Han Dynasty, 220CE, Shortly after it was published, it was lost during war in the Eastern Han Dynasty. During the Jin Dynasty (3rd century), Wang Shu-he gathered the book together from various sources and published it in two volumes, the ‘Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders’ (shang han lun) and the ‘Essentials from the Golden Cabinet’ (jin gui yao lue) which is the form in which we have it today.
The formulas in the ‘Discussion of Cold-Induced Disorders’ (shang han lun) included the formula Minor Bupleurum (xiao chai hu tang). This formula was traditionally used for harmonizing Lesser Yang syndrome (shao yang bing zheng) in acute febrile diseases caused by Cold (See Medicinal Properties below) and known as an effective herbal formula for post-viral recovery. The formula is still in common use.
Frigid Extremities Powder (si ni san) is a four herb combination containing Bupleurum from the ‘Essentials from the Golden Cabinet’ (jin gui yao lue). It is the foundation of many Liver Qi regulating formulas including “Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver’ (chai hu shu gan san).
The most widely used formulas containing Bupleurum are ‘Rambling Powder’ (xiao yao san) and the variation ‘Augmented Rambling Powder (jia wei xiao yao san). ‘Rambling Powder’ first appeared in the ‘Formulary of the Tai Ping Welfare Dispensary Bureau’ 1151CE, a collection of formulas from the public dispensaries of the Song Dynasty (960-1279CE). Often used as a base formula for gynecological or chronic hepatic disorders, it is also commonly used for Liver Qi stagnation from the stress and busyness of the contemporary lifestyle.
‘Augmented Rambling Powder’ with the addition of Gardenia jasminoides (shan zhi zi) and Paeonia suffrutucosa (mu dan pi) which clear heat, is one of the most frequently used formulas in Japan, especially for emotional disorders associated with hormonal changes in women such as premenstrual syndrome and menopause. The formula was first recorded in the ‘Summary of Internal Medicine’ (nei ke hai yao) edited by Wen Sheng in the mid 19th century.
Botanical outline
Bupleurum belongs to the family Apiaceae which includes parsley, celery, carrots, coriander, angelica, fennel, anise, caraway and poison hemlock. It is found growing throughout Europe, including Britain, and Asia north to the subarctic, east to Japan.
In Bensky, Clavey and Stöger’s Materia Medica 3rd Edition, 2004 a distinction is made between Northern bupleurum (bei chai hu,) being the root of Bupleurum chinensis, and Southern Bupleurum (nan chai hu) being the root or whole plant of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium. The root is the part used medicinally. The root of Bupleurum chinensis is described as larger and firmer and straighter while that of B, scorzonerifolium is described as thinner, pliable and more twisted. However in the WHO monographs they comment that Bupleurum chinense D.C. and B. scorzonerifolium Willd. have been treated as different species but are actually synonyms of B. falcatum L. var. scorzonerifolium. WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants Vol. 1 http://apps.who.int/medicinedocs/en/d/Js2200e/9.html#Js2200e.9
- Bupleurum falcatum is a perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.6 m (2ft). Its leaves are alternative, and broad linear-lanceolate; its apexes are acuminate; its bases gradually narrowing; the margins are intact and have 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. It grows throughout China. It is collected in the spring and autumn and sun dried.
Medicinal properties
TCM: Bupleurum falcatum is a bitter, acrid, cooling herb entering the channels of the Gall Bladder, Liver, Pericarium and Triple Burner. It has a lifting, dispersing and draining action useful in releasing pathogens from the exterior, draining heat and regulating Qi. This makes it particularly effective in treating Shao Yang syndrome, one of the six stages of disease progression explained in Shang Han Lun (Discussion of Cold-induced Disorders). eg. Minor Bupleurum Decoction (Xiao chai hu tang)
The Shao Yang is situated between the exterior and interior. Conflict between external pathogens and internal disharmony will manifest in alternating spells of fever and chills. Qi stagnation and eventual heat in the gallbladder channel (Shao Yang channel), may give rise to chest and hypochondriac fullness and discomfort, a bitter taste in the mouth, nausea and vomiting, vertigo and irritability.
Bupleurum is used in formulas for stress and stress related problems. In TCM clinical practice this includes diagnoses of Qi or Liver Qi stagnation. eg Bupleurum and Dang gui formula (Xiao yao san). Bupleurum formulas also treat disorders of the liver and gallbladder (e.g. hepatitis, cholecystitis).
Bupleurum’s lifting action makes it especially useful in formulas for abnormal descent of Qi in patterns of Spleen and Stomach deficiency such as prolapse, haemorrhoids, dragging sensation, bleeding. eg Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction (bu zhong yi qi tang).
Because of its rising and dispersing nature, care should be taken in cases of rising Liver Yang or severe deficiency of Yin.
General: The main chemical constituents identified include triterpene saponins or saikosides, also known as saikosaponins, coumarins, polysaccharides, fatty acids, flavonoids, lignans, polyacetylenes, and steroids.Saikosides protect the liver from toxicity and strengthen its function. They also stimulate the body’s production of corticosteroids and increase their anti-inflammatory affect.The root is alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, antipyretic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, haemolytic, hepatic, pectoral, sedative, anti-histaminic.