Single Herb Glossary
Léi Wán 雷丸
| Pharmaceutical name | Omphalia fruiting body of Omphalia (lapidescens) |
| Category | Parasites |
| Key Properties | Kills parasites Clears damp-heat in ST and Intestines Treats childhood nutritional impairment |
| Properties | Bitter Cold Sl Toxic |
| Tropism | LI, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Kills Parasites 2) Opens up Areas of Stagnation and Reduces Childhood Nutritional Impairment 3) Clears Heat, Resolves Dampness, Unblocks the Yang Organs, and Kills Bugs |
| Dosages | 6-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with Cold and Def of Sp/St; Do not use in decoctions (contains enzymes which will be denatured/destroyed if heated over 60 C; may be taken with alkaline solution such as rice water to neutralize gastric acid) |
| Contraindications (Western) | May have side effects such as nausea and abdominal discomfort; mild and self-limiting |
| Chemical Composition | Proteolytic enzyme, β-glucan |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antiparasitic (tapeworm): tapeworms were placed into three environments at 37°C: 30% Lei Wan solution, normal saline, and distilled water; in the Lei Wan solution, all tapeworms died in between 2.5 and 9 hours; in normal saline, all tapeworms appeared normal after 9 hours, and continued to live for up to 62 hours; in distilled water, tapeworms lived for 24 to 30 hours; also noted that Lei Wan solution was most effective at pH 8, and was ineffective in an acidic environment • Antiparasitic (roundworm): in in vitro studies, alcohol extract showed marked inhibitory influence against roundworms while water extract was ineffective; ineffectiveness of water extract attributed to destruction of the active constituents when the substance was cooked at high temperatures |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.