Single Herb Glossary
Gé Gēn 葛根
| Pharmaceutical name | Puerariae Radix kudzu root |
| Category | Cool, Acrid, Release the Exterior |
| Key Properties | Raises clear Yang qi (Yang Ming) Encourages ST qi Release Heat (muscle) & vents rashes Alleviates thirst by raising ST fluids, treats diarrhea |
| Properties | Sweet Acrid Cool |
| Tropism | SP, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Discharges Exterior Condition, releases Muscles (Headache, stiff upper back) 2) Relieves Heat & generate Fluids (wasting & thirsting, diabetes) 3) Vents (rashes) & Discharges Measles 4) Raises the Yang, Stops (any) Diarrhea (Excess or Deficiency) 5) Treats Symptoms of Hypertension |
| Dosages | 9-21 g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with Cold in ST, Yang Def, may cause nausea/vomiting Caution during summer when excess perspiration accompanies Wind-Heat invasion |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Isoflavonoids 1.43 to 12.30% (puerarin, daidzin, daidzein, daidzein 4,7-diglucoside, formononetin, genistein), triterpenoid sapogenols |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cardiovascular: marked effectiveness in dilating coronary blood vessels, relieving spasms of these vessels, and reducing oxygen requirement of cardiac muscles; administration of water or alcohol extracts via intraperitoneal or subcutaneous injection effective in treating rats with acute myocardial ischemia; also dilates the blood vessels of the brain and increases local perfusion • Antiplatelet: puerarin inhibits platelet aggregation in mice • Antihypertensive: water and alcohol extracts have marked effectiveness in lowering blood pressure • Antipyretic: mild antipyretic action through vessel dilation • Antidiabetic: decoction has mild influence in lowering blood glucose levels • Antispasmodic: relieves intestinal muscle spasms and cramps • Antialcoholic: isoflavonoids, namely daidzin and daidzein, associated with marked antialcoholic effects in hamsters which consumed large amounts of ethanol |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Antidiabetics: use with caution with insulin, sulfonylureas, and other antidiabetic medications as combination may have a synergistic effect, leading to hypoglycemia • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: use with caution in patients who take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications; may potentiate the effect of drugs such as warfarin |
| 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.