Single Herb Glossary
Dì Gǔ Pí 地骨皮
| Pharmaceutical name | Lycii Cortex Barbary wolfberry root bark “earth bone bark” |
| Category | Clear Heat from Deficiency |
| Key Properties | Eliminates heat from both excess & deficiency in the blood Cools the Lungs |
| Properties | Sweet Bland Cold |
| Tropism | LU, LV, KD |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Cools Blood & Reduces Steaming (steaming bone with sweating) 2) Clears & drains LU heat: cough, wheezing 3) External Wash for Genital Itching combined with other herbs (KD Fire: toothache) |
| Dosages | 6-15g 50g+ - vertigo, palpitations, nausea/vomiting, premature contractions |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Exterior Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat Caution in patients who have true Cold but false Heat SP and ST Deficiency with loose stool No toxic side-effects if within normal dosage |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Betaine, lyciumins A, B; kukoamine A, lyciumamide, cinnamic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: inhibits activity of typhoid, paratyphoid and shigella • Antihypertensive: intravenous injection of preparation in anesthetized dogs, cats and rats lowered blood pressure by 53%, 67%, and 27%, respectively; alcohol extracts and kukoamine A also have antihypertensive effects; lyciumins A and B are angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and have marked effects to lower blood pressure • Antipyretic: both oral and intravenous administrations of water and alcohol extracts have marked effectiveness in reducing body temperature in rabbits • Antidiabetic: oral ingestion of decoction at 8 g/kg lowered blood glucose in healthy rabbits by 14% for up to 7 or 8 hours |
| 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.