Overview of the efficacy and functions of Prunella vulgaris

Prunella vulgaris (scientific name: Prunella vulgaris), also known as Prunella vulgaris, is a common Chinese medicinal material that has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, reducing swelling and dissipating knots, improving eyesight and lowering blood pressure.Its main active ingredients include triterpenes, flavonoids and polysaccharides, which are widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat red and swollen eyes, scrofula, phlegm cores and hypertension.Modern research shows that Prunella vulgaris also has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.In terms of content structure, this article will introduce its traditional medicinal value, efficacy supported by modern research, applicable groups and precautions in order to help readers fully understand the application and limitations of this herbal medicine.

Traditional medicinal value and historical evolution

Prunella vulgaris is listed as the middle grade in "Shen Nong's Materia Medica", and it is recorded that it "maintains cold and heat, scrofula and rat fistula".Li Shizhen of the Ming Dynasty further elaborated on its characteristics of "dispersing qi and relieving heat and poison" in "Compendium of Materia Medica".Traditional Chinese medicine is often used clinically to treat headaches, red eyes caused by inflammation of the liver fire, as well as clumping diseases such as breast hyperplasia and thyroid nodules.The dried fruits are used as medicine, and are often combined with chrysanthemum and cassia seeds to enhance the effect of clearing the liver and improving eyesight.The traditional usage is mainly decoction or external application, which reflects the traditional Chinese medicine theory of "reducing heat with cold".

Efficacy proven by modern research

Recent studies have found that rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid in Prunella vulgaris have significant anti-inflammatory effects and can inhibit COX-2 enzyme activity (

experimental data

Inhibition rate is about 47.3%

).Its polysaccharide component can increase macrophage activity and enhance immunity.In 2015, the journal "Chinese Herbal Medicine" pointed out that the antihypertensive effect of Prunella vulgaris extract on hypertensive rats is related to vasodilation.In addition, its antioxidant capacity is equivalent to 68% of vitamin E (

DPPH method determination

IC50=12.4μg/mL

), but it should be noted that most of these studies are in vitro or animal experiments.

Applicable people and precautions for use

Prunella vulgaris is suitable for people with dry eyes and headaches caused by strong liver fire, as well as for people with mild hypertension.However, people with spleen and stomach deficiency should use it with caution as it may cause diarrhea.It is forbidden for pregnant women and patients with hypotension.It is recommended that the daily dosage should not exceed 10 grams and should be taken continuously for no more than 2 weeks.When combined with western medicine, there should be an interval of 2 hours to avoid affecting the effect of antihypertensive drugs.Professor Zhang Ming from Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine reminded: "Although Prunella vulgaris is a natural herbal medicine, it still needs to be used based on syndrome differentiation and cannot replace regular treatment."

Summary and scientific cognition suggestions

As a typical herbal medicine that combines traditional and modern research, Prunella vulgaris has practical value for its functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, lowering blood pressure and dissipating stagnation, but its limitations need to be viewed rationally.It is recommended to use it under the guidance of a doctor and avoid blindly pursuing "purely natural" efficacy.In the future, more clinical experiments are needed to verify its safety and long-term effects to promote the modern development of traditional Chinese medicine.

Citing sources

1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition 1
2. Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica"
3. "Chinese Herbal Medicine" Volume 46, 2015
4. Interview record with Professor Zhang Ming from Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine