Single Herb Glossary
Yù Jīn 鬱金
| Pharmaceutical name | Curcumae Radix curcuma tuber "constrained gold" |
| Category | Invigorate Blood |
| Key Properties | Cools the blood Breaks up stasis Promotes the movement of qi Relieves constraint |
| Properties | Acrid Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | HT, LU, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Invigorate Blood & Stops Pain while Promoting Movement of Qi & Resolving Constraint (emotional constraint/pain) 2) Clear Heat & Cools the Blood 3) Clears the Heart & Opens the Orifices (weak function) 4) Benefits the Gallbladder & Reduces Jaundice (Topically/Internally for sores) |
| Dosages | 6-12g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | contraindicated in patients without Qi and Blood stagnation or those with underlying Yin Deficiency and Bleeding; Caution during pregnancy |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Essential oils, d-camphene, d-camphor, 1-α-curcumene, 1-β-curcumene, curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, turmerone, starch, lipids, carvone |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Hepatoprotective: compared with placebo group, administration of Yu Jin associated with 10% greater reduction of SGOT and SGPT in mice and rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage; in addition, essential oil has shown promising effects in treatment of viral hepatitis, by altering immune system • Antihyperlipidemic: administration in animals once daily for 40 days demonstrated marked reduction in both plasma and liver content of cholesterol and triglycerides • Gastrointestinal: according to an animal study, oral administration of decoction increases secretion of gastric acid, lowers pH in stomach and duodenum, and promotes production and excretion of bile |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: herb has antiplatelet action, should be used with caution in patients who take anticoagulant or antiplatelet med ications; may potentiate effect of drugs such as warfarin • This herb antagonizes or is antagonized by Ding Xiang (Flos Caryophylli) |
| 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.