Single Herb Glossary
Jié Gěng 桔梗
| Pharmaceutical name | Platycodi Radix platycodon root, balloon flower root |
| Category | Transform Phlegm-Cold |
| Key Properties | Causes the Qi and the Actions of Other Herbs to Rise, Soothes the Throat, Releases the Exterior, Transforms Phlegm, Expels Pus |
| Properties | Bitter Acrid Neutral |
| Tropism | LU |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Opens Up & Dissem LU Qi, Dispels Ph, Benefits Throat 2) Pushes Out Pus 3) Opens Up & Raises LU Qi while also directing the actions of other herbs to the Upper Regions of the Body |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Chronic cough from Yin Deficiency or in patients with a tendency to cough up blood. 3-9g |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Platycodigenin, polygalacic acid, platycogenic acid A, B, C; glucose, amino acids |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Expectorant and antitussive: decoction at 1 g/kg has marked expectorant effect in anesthetized dogs and cats; intraperitoneal injection effective in suppressing cough in guinea pigs • Cardiovascular: intravenous injection associated with decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate in rats; also dilated blood vessels and increased blood perfusion to peripheral parts of body • Anti-inflammatory: associated with suppressed sensitivity for allergic reaction and decreased capillary permeability • Gastrointestinal: beneficial in treatment of stomach and duodenal ulcers; at 1/5th the LD50, herb exerts close to 100% inhibition of secretion of gastric acid in mice • Antidiabetic: oral administration of water or alcohol extract in rabbits may lower plasma glucose levels and prevent sharp increases in levels following meals; alcohol extract was more effective than water extract • Others: analgesic, antihyperlipidemic, sedative, and antipyretic effects |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Tuo Li Xiao Du Yin (Support the Interior and Eliminate Toxin Drink) 托裡消毒飲 Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Emperor of Heavens Special Pill to Tonify the HT) 天王補心丹 (天王补心丹) Xing Su San (Apricot Kernel and Perilla Leaf Powder) 杏蘇散 (杏苏散) |
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.