Single Herb Glossary
Dù Zhòng 杜仲
| Pharmaceutical name | Eucommiae Cortex Eucommia bark |
| Category | Tonify Yang |
| Key Properties | Tonifies the LV & KD Strengthens the sinews and bones Quiets the fetus |
| Properties | Sweet Slightly acrid Warm |
| Tropism | KD, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Tonifies LV & KD, Strengthens the sinews & bones (weak painful back and knees) 2) Aids in the smooth flow of Qi and blood (weak sinew and bone) 3) Calms the fetus (charred for threat of miscarriage) 4) Recently used for dizziness and lightheadedness (hypertension) from rising LV yang |
| Dosages | 9-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Heat from Yin Deficiency |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Pinoresinol, gutta-percha, eucommioside I, eucommiol, ulmoprenol, eucommioside, alkaloids, proteins, amino acid, organic acid, vitamins, microelements |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Sedative: sedative effect on CNS; significantly reduced spontaneous physical activity in mice, compared to administration of normal saline • Immunostimulant: decoction at 12 g/kg increased phagocytic activity of macrophages in mice; similar impact observed using bark, leaves, or twigs • Anti-inflammatory: demonstrated marked anti-inflammatory effects in rats; mechanism of effect attributed to its stimulating effect on endocrine system and consequent secretion of steroids from adrenal cortex; bark and leaves are stronger than twigs for this action • Antihypertensive: administration in various preparations significantly reduces blood pressure in anesthetized rabbits and dogs; water extract found to be stronger than alcohol extract; dry-fried determined to be more effective than unprocessed herb; tolerance was noted when herb was repeatedly injected intravenously within a short period of time; mechanism of action to reduce blood pressure attributed to dilation of blood vessels • Uterine relaxant: blocks stimulation and contraction of uterus in a dose-dependent fashion; water and alcohol extracts are comparable in potency; however, salt-fried Du Zhong more effective than unprocessed version • Adaptogenic: significantly prolonged swimming time in mice; leaves, however, did not exhibit a statistically significant influence • Antibiotic: decoction shows inhibitory influence on S. aureus, Bacillus dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus anthracis, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and β-hemolytic streptococcus |
| 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.