Single Herb Glossary
Bǎn Lán Gēn 板藍根
| Pharmaceutical name | Isatidis/Baphicacanthis Radix Isatis indigotica root woad root |
| Category | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity |
| Key Properties | Drains Heat, Resolves Fire Toxicity Cools the blood Benefits the throat |
| Properties | Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | HT, LU, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Drains Heat, Resolves Fire Toxins, Cools Blood, Benefits Throat Throat mumps, swollen face Cools Blood macules (flush) |
| Dosages | 9-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution: Cold & Deficiency of SP/ST |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Indican, indigo, indirubin, isatan B, uridine, hypoxanthine, uracil, salicylic acid, qingdainone, daucosterol, adenosine, kinetin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: marked antibacterial effects in vitro against S. aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, E. coli, Salmonella typhi, and leptospira; also effective against certain influenza viruses • Immunostimulant: intraperitoneal injection associated with increased activity of natural killer (NK) cells in mice; however, there was no increased production of said cells observed • Antiplatelet: associated with marked inhibition of platelet aggregation in rabbits |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Sulfonylurea antidiabetics and sulfonamide antibiotics: patients who are allergic to sulfonylureas and sulfonamides may also be allergic to Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis), Da Qing Ye (Folium Isatidis) and Ban Lan Gen (Radix Isatidis) • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: use with caution in patients who take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications; may potentiate 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.