Single Herb Glossary
Xiān Hè Căo 仙鶴草
| Pharmaceutical name | Agrimoniae Herba agrimony "immortal crane herb" |
| Category | Stop Bleeding |
| Key Properties | Binds and Inhibits Bleeding |
| Properties | Bitter Astringent Neutral |
| Tropism | LU, LV, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Restrains Leakage of Blood & Stops Bleeding 2) Alleviates Diarrhea & Dysenteric Disorders 3) Kills Parasites (topical, vaginal wash) |
| Dosages | 6-12g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Astringent in nature, avoid use with diarrhea or dysentery, may contribute to retention of pathogens; may cause palpitations and flushing |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Agrimol, agrimonolide, agrimonine A, B, C, D, E; vanillic acid, ellagic acid, L-taxifoine, cosmosilin, vitamin K |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Hemostatic: administration in rabbits and dogs via intravenous injection at 2 mg/kg, demonstrated increase in platelets and reduction in bleeding time • Cardiovascular: varying effects on cardiovascular system in rabbits and frogs; water extract decreases blood pressure and has inhibiting effect on heart; alcohol extract increases blood pressure and has stimulating effect on heart • Gastrointestinal: water extract has direct effect on smooth muscles of gastrointestinal tract; at low dosages, has stimulating effect; at high dosages, has inhibiting effect • Antibiotic: has inhibitory effect against S. aureus, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis • Antiparasitic: administration at 300 mg/kg has demonstrated marked effectiveness for treatment of schistosomiasis within 3 to 5 days • Antiparasitic: demonstrated marked antiparasitic effect against roundworm, tapeworm and others • Spermicidal: extract killed all sperm in all samples, human and animal, within 1 to 5 minutes • Antineoplastic: extract has demonstrated preliminary effectiveness against tumor cells in mice |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Anticoagulant drugs: contains vitamin K, which may reduce anticoagulant effect of warfarin (Coumadin); should be used with caution, in order to prevent formation of clots |
| 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.