Single Herb Glossary
Niú Huáng 牛黄
| Pharmaceutical name | Bovis Calculus cattle bezoar (gallstones) "cattle yellow" |
| Category | Aromatic Herbs that Open the Orifices |
| Key Properties | Cools Heat, Dredges Phlegm, Clears the Consciousness, Cools the Blood, Resolves Toxicity |
| Properties | Bitter Cool |
| Tropism | HT, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears HT, Opens Orifices, Awakens Spirit, & Dislodge Phlegm (coma) 2) Clears LV, Res Tox, Exting Wind, & Stops Tremors (convulsions) 3) Drains Heat & Resolves Fire Toxicity (sores) |
| Dosages | 0.2-0.5g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Pregnancy. Should not be used for conditions that are not associated with Excess Heat or in cases of SP/ST Deficiency |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Bile acid, bilirubin, cholesterol, amino acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Effects on the central nervous system: associated with sedative, anticonvulsive and antipyretic effects; in one study, both Niu Huang and Ren Gong Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis Syntheticum) decreased spontaneous movement in mice; Niu Huang also reported to counter stimulation induced by caffeine and enhance sedation caused by morphine and barbiturates; though exact mechanism of action unclear, Niu Huang does have anticonvulsant effects, especially against convulsions induced by camphor or caffeine; both Niu Huang and Ren Gong Niu Huang showed marked effectiveness against artificially-induced fever in rats and rabbits • Cardiovascular: associated with inhibitory influence on cardiovascular system characterized by decrease of blood pressure and heart rate; oral administration of 0.1 g/kg significantly lowered blood pressure in mice with essential or renal hypertension; hypotensive effect reversed by atropine • Smooth muscle relaxant: Niu Huang and Ren Gong Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis Syntheticum) have little effect on normal contraction of intestines; they do, however, relieve intestinal spasms and cramps by inhibiting stimulation of smooth muscle by substances including (but not limited to) acetylcholine and barium chloride • Cholagogic: according to studies in rabbits, herb has mild stimulating effect on production and secretion of bile; mild action attributed to mixed function of Niu Huang to simultaneously relax and contract muscles and sphincter of the bile duct • Hematological: associated with increase in red blood cell count in rabbits, with or without removal of the spleen; in another study, herb demonstrated positive dose-effect relationship in treatment of anemia in rabbits • Anti-inflammatory: administration intraperitoneal injection once daily for 3 days beneficial in treating ear inflammation in mice • Antibiotic: inhibits Mycobacterium tuberculosis and S. aureus |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Sedatives: mild sedative effect; reduces stimulation induced by caffeine and enhances stimulation induced by morphine and barbiturates |
| 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.