Single Herb Glossary
Tiān Huā Fěn 天花粉
| Pharmaceutical name | Trichosanthis Radix Trichosanthes (Kirilowii) root, snake gourd root |
| Category | Clear Heat, Drain Fire |
| Key Properties | Cools heat Generates fluids Resolves toxicity, Reduces swelling Invigorates the blood |
| Properties | Bitter Sl. Sweet Cold |
| Tropism | LU, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Drains Heat and Generates Fluids 2) Clears & Drains LU Heat, Transforms Phlegm, Moistens LU Dryness (cough w/ thick sputum) 3) Resolves Toxicity and Expels Pus (toxic sores, breast abscess, hemorrhoids) |
| Dosages | 10-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: pregnancy; Caution w/ Cold from SP & ST Def |
| Contraindications (Western) | Common side effects: fever, headache, dermatitis, sore throat, muscle stiffness Rare side effects: swelling, hypotension, arrhythmia, bleeding from liver or spleen |
| Chemical Composition | Trichosanthin, stigmasterol, α-spinasterol, starch, amino acids |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Abortifacient: in China, associated with termination of pregnancy; proposed mechanism of action includes direct effect on placental villi and trophocytes leading to necrosis and death of the cells; also stimulates smooth muscle of uterus to produce contractions • Antineoplastic: demonstrated good results in treating cancer of the trophocyte; also effective in treating liver cancer with ascites in mice; not been shown to be effective for other types of cancer • Hyperglycemic: raises blood glucose levels in rabbits, especially in subjects that have been fasting • Antibiotic: inhibits activity of β-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumonia, and Bacillus diphtheria; also has inhibiting influence on replication of HIV virus in vitro |
| 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.