Single Herb Glossary
Lù Róng 鹿茸
| Pharmaceutical name | Cervi Cornu pantotrichurn deer (antler) velvet |
| Category | Tonify Yang |
| Key Properties | Fortifies the primal yang Generates essence Augments the marrow |
| Properties | Sweet Salty Warm |
| Tropism | KD, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Tonifies KD & Fortifies Yang (fatigue, impotence, cold limbs, sore/weak lower back/knees, copious urination) 2) Warms Yang, Regulates Chong & Ren, Stabilizes Dai Vessel 3) Tonifies DU, Augments Essence & Blood, Strengthens Sinew & Bone (development problems) 4) Tonifies & Nourishes Qi & Blood (chronic boils) |
| Dosages | 1-2g in pill or powder, or chased with a strained decoction |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Heat from Yin Def, Heat in the blood level, phlegm-heat in the LU, blazing ST fire, or a warm-heat pathogen disease |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Pantocrine, lysophosphatidyl choline, ganglioside, putrescine, spermindine, spermine, PGE1, PGE2, PGF, chondroitin sulfate, androgen, estradiol, oestrone, ceramide, lecithin, cephalin, cholesterol, lipids, ganglioside, sphingomyeline, calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cardiovascular: cardiovascular effect varies according to dosage; at low doses, no significant change; at moderate doses, displays positive chronotropic and inotropic effects, leading to increased cardiac output; at large doses, has negative chronotropic and inotropic effects, leading to dilation of blood vessels and decreased blood pressure; clinical applications include treatment of arrhythmia and hypotension caused by profuse blood loss • Endocrine: plasma levels of testosterone were evaluated in mice who received oral administration of Lu Rang at 100 to 200 mg/kg; testosterone levels increased significantly in old and young mice, but no change was observed in normal adult mice • Gastrointestinal: stimulates production of PGE2 and commonly used for treatment of peptic ulcers • Effect on healing: pantocrine shown to enhance healing of chronic wounds, ulcerations, and bone fractures • General strengthening: pantocrine is a general tonic that has demonstrated marked effectiveness to increase work capacity, improve sleep, increase appetite, and decrease muscle fatigue; long-term administration associated with an increase in body weight and red blood cell count |
| 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.