Single Herb Glossary
Zǐ Wǎn 紫菀
| Pharmaceutical name | Asteris Radix Aster root Purple Aster |
| Category | Stop Cough, Calm Wheezing |
| Key Properties | Stops cough Facilitates urination (enters both Qi & blood aspects) |
| Properties | Acrid Bitter Slightly Warm |
| Tropism | LU |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Relieves coughs, expels phlegm: for cough of Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat, LU def & consumption types -acrid:dispersing, bitter:draining, warm & moistening without drying- |
| Dosages | 5-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: cough due to excess Heat or Yin Deficiency Fire |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Astersaponin, shionone, quercetin, friedelin, epifriedelinol, shionoside A, B, astersaponins A, B, C, D, E, F; phytosterol glucosides, lachnophyllol, lachnophyllol acetate, anethole, butyl-D-ribuloside, cyclopeptide |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Respiratory: oral administration in rabbits associated with marked expectorant effect that lasted for approximately 4 hours; it did not, however, show significant antitussive or antiasthmatic effects • Antibiotic: inhibitory influence against E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus proteus, Salmonella typhi, Bacillus paratyphosus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae, and some dermatophytes and influenza viruses • Antineoplastic: demonstrated preliminary inhibitory effects on growth of cancer cells in mice |
| 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.