Single Herb Glossary
Guā Lóu Pí 瓜蔞皮
| Pharmaceutical name | Trichosanthis Pericarpium trichosanthes peel |
| Category | Transform Phlegm Heat |
| Key Properties | Cools and Transforms Phlegm-Heat, Facilitates the Flow of Qi in the Chest, Disperses Constrained Clumping |
| Properties | Sweet Cold |
| Tropism | LU, ST, LI |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears the Lungs and Transforms Phlegm 2) Regulates the Qi and Expands the Chest |
| Dosages | 6-12g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: SP/ST Def & Weakness |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Fatty oil, organic acids |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cardiovascular: according to laboratory studies, extract of Gua Lou Shi (Fructus Trichosanthis) dilates coronary arteries, increases blood perfusion, and reduces oxygen requirement of cardiac muscle; upon more detailed study, determined that Gua Lou Pi (Pericarpium Trichosanthis) has strongest effect on cardiovascular system, followed by Gua Lou Ren (Semen Trichosanthis), and then Gua Lou Shi (Fructus Trichosanthis) |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Incompatible with Fu Zi, Wu Tou, and Cao Wu |
| 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.