Single Herb Glossary
Zǐ Cǎo 紫草
| Pharmaceutical name | Arnebiae/Lithospermi Radix |
| Category | Clear Heat, Cool Blood |
| Key Properties | Cools & Invigorates blood Resolves toxicity Facilitates passage of stool & urine |
| Properties | Sweet Cold |
| Tropism | HT, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Heat, Cools the blood, Relieves Fire toxicity, Vents Rashes 2) Clears Damp-Heat from Skin 3) Moistens LI: used if rashes are accompanied by constipation or urinary dysfunction |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: loose stools, SP deficiency Caution with long-term use; high dosage may cause LV cancer |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Lithospermidin A, B; deoxyshikonin, dimethylacrylalkannin, acetylshikonin, dl-acetylalkannin, β-acetoxyisovalerylalkannin, dl-shikonin, β-hydroxyisovalerylalkannin, l-methoxy-acetylshikonin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: inhibits S. aureus, E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, and some dermatophytes and influenza viruses; also has inhibitory effect against herpes virus; shown effectiveness in HBsAg in patients with hepatitis B • Anti-inflammatory: marked anti-inflammatory effects, and promotes healing in animals • Contraceptive: demonstrated effectiveness as a contraceptive; extract inhibited the estrual cycle in rats; effect was completely reversible upon discontinuation of treatment; in follow-up studies, determined that oral administration is associated with inhibition of gonad-stimulating hormone and chorionic gonadotropin; net result of such endocrine influence is decrease in weight of ovaries and uterus • Cardiotonic: in anesthetized rabbits and toads, administration of Zi Cao from Xinjiang province (Arnebiae Euchroma) has stimulating effect on heart at low doses, and an inhibitory effect at high doses; administration associated with sharp decline of blood pressure in anesthetized animals, but has no significant effect on awake subjects • Gastrointestinal: oral administration of decoction has stimulating effect on smooth muscle of intestines, leading to contraction • Antineoplastic: antineoplastic effects by interfering with DNA synthesis of cancer cells at G2 phase; preliminary tests showed effectiveness against chorioepithelioma, chorioadenoma and acute lymphocytic leukemia; also decreases he incidence of breast cancer in mice |
| 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.