Overview of the efficacy and functions of Bupleurum

Bupleurum is a medicinal material commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to soothe the liver, relieve depression, and relieve internal and external problems. Its core functions include:Soothe the liver and relieve stagnation, reduce fever and relieve external symptoms, and promote Yang Qi, mainly used to treat colds, fever, chest and hypochondrium pain, and irregular menstruation. The secondary effects include modern pharmacological activities such as regulating immunity, anti-inflammatory and liver protection. This article will focus on its traditional applications and modern research, analyzing its primary and secondary mechanisms and applicable scenarios in layers.

Soothing the liver and relieving depression: the core role of regulating qi in traditional Chinese medicine

The most outstanding effect of Bupleurum Bupleuri isSoothe the liver and relieve depression, Chinese medicine believes that it can clear the stagnation of liver qi and relieve symptoms such as chest and hypochondrium fullness, headache and dizziness caused by poor mood. Classic prescriptions such asBupleurum Soothing Gan PowderIt is used as the main medicine and is often used clinically to treat chronic hepatitis, depression and other patients with liver qi discomfort. Modern research shows that its active ingredient saikosaponin can exert antidepressant effects by regulating neurotransmitters (see Table 1).

Reduces fever and relieves symptoms: traditional application for exogenous diseases

Northern Bupleurumantipyretic solutionThe efficacy has been recorded in "Treatise on Febrile Diseases" and is often combined with Scutellaria baicalensis.Xiaochaihu Tang, for cold symptoms caused by alternation of cold and heat. Its diaphoretic and antipyretic effect is related to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, and it has a relieving effect on early stage fever and malaria of influenza. It should be noted that people with yin deficiency and low blood should use it with caution to avoid damaging body fluids.

The synergistic effect of rising yang, raising depression and immune regulation

In Buzhong Yiqi Decoction, Bupleurum Bupleuri acts as an adjuvantLift Yang QiIt can improve the symptoms of qi subsidence such as visceroptosis, chronic diarrhea and anal prolapse. Modern research has found that its polysaccharide components can activate macrophages and enhance immunity. Japanese scholar Jun Ito pointed out in a 1995 study that Bupleuri extract can increase NK cell activity, but it needs to be used rationally under the guidance of a doctor.

Summary: The combination of traditional wisdom and modern science

As a multi-target medicinal material, Bupleurum not only inherits the core value of soothing the liver and relieving stagnation in traditional Chinese medicine, but has also been proven to have modern pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory and liver protection. Syndrome differentiation and treatment are required during use, and long-term use of large doses should be avoided. Its development potential is reflected in the fields of auxiliary treatment of liver diseases and emotional diseases, but further clinical verification is needed.

Citing sources

1. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition (Part 1)
2. Explanation of Xiaobuihu Decoction in Zhang Zhongjing’s "Treatise on Febrile Diseases"
3. Jun Ito, Tokyo Pharmaceutical University, Japan, "Research on Immunomodulation of Saikosaponin" (1995)
4. Research on the antidepressant mechanism of Bupleurum in the 12th issue of "Chinese Herbal Medicine" magazine in 2018