Single Herb Glossary
Xià Kū Cǎo 夏枯草
| Pharmaceutical name | Prunellae Spica Prunella vulgaris spike selfheal spike “summer withering grass” |
| Category | Clear Heat, Drain Fire |
| Key Properties | Cools Liver fire Disperses clumps Benefits the eyes |
| Properties | Bitter Acrid Cold |
| Tropism | GB, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Liver Fire, Brightens the Eyes 2) Clears Heat, Dissipates Nodules 3) Used for Hypertension with Liver Fire or ascending Yang |
| Dosages | 9-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with SP & ST weakness & Def |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Prunellin, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, carotene, camphor, fenchone, rutin, hyperin, hyperside, delphinidin, cyanidin, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, deucosterol, β-amyrin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antihypertensive: water and alcohol extracts have rapid onset of effect in reducing blood pressure; antihypertensive effect generally attributed to vasodilation; in dogs with renal hypertension, daily administration was effective in reducing blood pressure; unfortunately, blood pressure returned to previous levels upon discontinuation of herbal therapy; stems, leaves, flowers and entire plant all have antihypertensive functions • Anti-inflammatory: marked anti-inflammatory action in rabbits; exact mechanism of action unclear, may be due in part to increased secretion of ACTH and/or glucocorticoids • Antibiotic: inhibitory effects against Shigella spp., Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Streptococcus spp., and dermatophytes • Effect on lipoma: marked effectiveness in treating lipoma in animals; however, this therapeutic effect only achieved with large dosage, which is associated with toxic reactions • Smooth muscle stimulant: stimulates contractility of uterine and intestinal muscles |
| 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.