Single Herb Glossary
Xiǎo Huí Xiāng 小茴香
| Pharmaceutical name | Foeniculi Fructus Foeniculum vulgare Fennel fruit |
| Category | Warm Interior, Expel Cold |
| Key Properties | Harmonizes the Middle Warms the Lower Burner Treats bulging disorders |
| Properties | Acrid Warm |
| Tropism | LV, KD, SP, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Disperses Cold, Warms Liver & Kidneys, and Stops Pain (Cold Shan (bulging) disorder) 2) Regulates the Qi and Harmonizes the Stomach |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Blazing Fire with Yin Def; caution during pregnancy |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Essential oil 3-6% (trans-anethole, limonene, fenchone, estragole, ɣ-terpinene, α-pinene, mycene, β-pinene, camphor, camphene, methoxyphenyl acetone, sabinene, α-phellandrene, p-cymene, cineole, 4-terpineol, transfenchol acetate, anethole, anisaldenyde), petroselinic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Gastrointestinal: various effects on gastrointestinal system; stimulates smooth muscle to increase peristalsis; also exerts inhibitory effect on secretion of gastric acid • Effect on the liver: one study found that continuous administration of essential oil of Xiao Hui Xiang for 10 days increases weight of liver; has been proposed that the herb may promote regeneration of liver cells |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Ciprofloxacin: absorption and disposition of ciprofloxacin in rats may be affected when given concurrently with Xiao Hui Xiang; in one study, rats were divided into two groups with one receiving ciprofloxacin only and the other receiving both ciprofloxacin and Xiao Hui Xiang; blood and urine samples were collected after 6 and 24 hours and analyzed by HPLC; compared with control group, study found that there was a decrease of maximum plasma concentration by 83%, of area under the curve by 48%, and of urinary recovery by 43% in treatment group; furthermore, apparent volume of distribution and terminal half-life were both increased; mechanism of herb-drug interaction attributed to high content of metal cations present in the herb; researchers concluded that if the two agents are to be used concurrently, an adequate dosing interval is required to ensure efficacy of ciprofloxacin |
| 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.