Single Herb Glossary
Pú Gōng Yīng 蒲公英
| Pharmaceutical name | Taraxaci Herba Taraxacum mongolicicum Dandelion | 
| Category | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity | 
| Key Properties | Cools Heat, Resolves Toxicity Directs downward Facilitates urination Tropism to BREAST  | 
                    
| Properties | Bitter Sweet Cold  | 
                    
| Tropism | LV, ST | 
| Actions & Indications | 1) Reduces Abscesses & Dissipates Nodules 2) Clears LV & Clears the Eyes 3) Clears Heat, Resolves Damp, Unblocks Painful Urinary Dribbling Carbuncles, sores, abscesses (deep) Mastitis & Intestines  | 
                    
| Dosages | 9-30g | 
| Contraindications (TCM) | Yin sores or carbuncles lacking redness and pain; Large dosages may cause diarrhea  | 
                    
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Taraxacerin, taraxasterol, taraxicin, xanthoph | 
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: bactericidal effects in vitro against S. aureus, β-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Diplococcus meningitidis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus dysenteriae and Salmonella typhi • Others: immune-enhancing, hepatoprotective, diuretic and cholagogic effects  | 
                    
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Quinolone antibiotics: concurrent use with quinolone antibiotics may influence bioavailability and disposition of quinolone antibiotics; in one study, rats receiving both Pu Gong Ying did not significantly alter bioavailability of ciprofloxacin but lowered the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) by 73% , increased apparent volume of distribution threefold and increased terminal half-life from 1.96 hours to 5.71 hours; decrease of maximum plasma concentration of ciprofloxacin attributed to high mineral content of Pu Gong Ying | 
| 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.
