Single Herb Glossary
Huáng Yào Zǐ 黄藥子
| Pharmaceutical name | Dioscoreae bulbiferae Rhizoma dioscorea bulbifera tuber "yellow medicine seed" |
| Category | Transform Phlegm Heat |
| Key Properties | Toxic Reduces scrofula Cools the Blood Alleviates Bleeding Resolves Toxicity |
| Properties | Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | LV, LU |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Dissipates Nodules and Reduces Goiter 2) Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity 3) Cools the Blood and Stops Bleeding 4) Stops Coughs and Calms Wheezing |
| Dosages | 6-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Toxic, overdosage must strictly be avoided. Not be administered to patients with a history of hepatic dysfunction; long-term use may cause vomiting, diarhea, abdominal pain and other gastrointestinal issues |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Disgenin, yamogenin, diosbulbins A, B, C, D; iodine |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Effect on the thyroid gland: in rats with normal thyroid glands, oral administration did not affect body weight, basal metabolic rate, or weight of thyroid gland; in subjects with hypertrophy of thyroid gland caused by a small amount of potassium thiocyanate or by lack of iodine in diet, herb had marked therapeutic effect to reduce enlargement and increase content of serum protein-bound iodine • Cardiovascular: water and alcohol preparations show inhibitory action on frog heart specimens • Effects on smooth muscle: water and alcohol preparations inhibit smooth muscle of intestines in rabbits, but stimulate smooth muscle of uterus in rabbits and rats; alcohol preparation has faster onset of action and more potent effect • Antibiotic: inhibitory action on various pathogenic fungi |
| 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.