Single Herb Glossary
Dà Qīng Yè 大青葉
| Pharmaceutical name | Isatidis Folium Polygonum tinctorium leaf isatis leaf, woad leaf |
| Category | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity |
| Key Properties | Strongly cools Heat Toxin or pathogenic Heat in both the Qi & Blood levels |
| Properties | Bitter Salty Very Cold |
| Tropism | HT, LU, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Heat & Resolves Fire Toxicity: Throat, LU, Dispels rashes 2) Cools the Blood & Dissipates Maculae |
| Dosages | 9-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Cold & Deficiency of SP/ST |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Indigo, indican, indirubin, fryptanthrin, glucobrassicin, neoglucobrassicin, glycobrassicin-1-sulzonate |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: broad-spectrum antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal effects; decoction effective against S. aureus, α-hemolytic streptococcus, Diplococcus meningitidis, Salmonella typhi, E. coli, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus dysenteriae, leptospira, encephalitis B virus, and HBsAg; fryptanthrin has strong effect against various pathogenic fungi, especially ones on skin and feet • Antineoplastic: indirubin shown to have positive inhibiting effect against cancer cells in treating leukemia, sarcoma, and lung cancer in mice • Anti-inflammatory: mild anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects |
| 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) |
| 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.