Single Herb Glossary
Lián Qiáo 連翘
| Pharmaceutical name | Forsythiae Fructus Forsythia (suspense) fruit |
| Category | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity |
| Key Properties | Cools & vents Heat, esp HT & Upper Jiao Resolves toxicity Disperses clumps |
| Properties | Bitter Sl. Acrid Sl. Cold |
| Tropism | HT, LU, GB |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Heat & Resolves Toxicity (Wind-Heat & Qi level) 2) Reduces Abcesses & Dissipates Clumps Carbuncles (Yang), superficial excess “King of Carbuncles” Heart Fire: vexation, delirium from febrile disease |
| Dosages | 6-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with patients experiencing diarrhea or sores which are neither red nor painful; No side effects within normal dosage |
| Contraindications (Western) | One report of photodermatitis, w/ erythema & papular rashes on skin areas exposed to light |
| Chemical Composition | Lignoids: (phillyrin, phillygenin, (+)-pinorseinol, (+)-pinoresinol-β-D-glucoside), oleanolic acid, betulic acid, ursolic acid, rutin, forsythoside A, C, D; essential oils (α-pinene, β-pinene; terpinen-40ol; β-cymene) |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: essential oil demonstrated broad spectrum inhibitory effects against S. aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Bacillus dysenteriae, α-hemolytic streptococcus, β-hemolytic streptococcus, Neisseria catarrhalis, Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacillus proteus, Bordetella pertussis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, leptospira, and some dermatophytes and influenza viruses • Anti-inflammatory: injection decreases permeability of blood vessels to reduce inflammation in guinea pigs • Cardiovascular: mixed effect on blood pressure; in anesthetized cats in shock, intravenous injection (dosage equivalent to 8 g/kg of dried herb) associated with increases of blood pressure and cardiac contraction; in another study with healthy subjects, injection of a water extract associated with reduction in blood pressure • Others: hepatoprotective, antipyretic, antiemetic and diuretic effects |
| 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.