Single Herb Glossary
Bā Dòu 巴豆
| Pharmaceutical name | Crotonus Fructus Croton seed "clinging bean" |
| Category | Downward Draining |
| Key Properties | Drives cold accumulation downward and out of the body |
| Properties | Acrid Hot Toxic |
| Tropism | ST, LI |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Warmly Unblocks & Vigorously Purges 2) Drives out Water, reduces edema 3) Breaks up clogged phlegm & improves condition of throat 4) Promotes the healing of abscesses and ulcers |
| Dosages | 0.1-0.3g /day: pills/capsules (only in defatted form) Otherwise for external use only (except to face or genital areas) |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Pregnancy, weak patients |
| Contraindications (Western) | CI during pregnancy, may irritate uterus and cause abortion; direct contact on skin or mucus membranes may cause dermatitis, itching, burning sensations, swelling and other allergic reactions |
| Chemical Composition | Croton resin, phorbol, crotonic acid, cocarcinogen, crotin, crotonoside, ricinine |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cathartic: stimulating effect on mucous membranes of intestines, leading to increased secretion, peristalsis, and bowel movements within 30 minutes to 3 hours • Antibiotic: decoction has inhibitory effect against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. aureus, and Corynebacterium diphtheriae • Analgesic: essential oil administered via oral, subcutaneous or intraperitoneal injection, has analgesic effect in mice; exact mechanism of action unclear • Antineoplastic: extract had inhibiting effect on growth of cancer cells in mice with sarcoma, cervical cancer, and skin cancer |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • This herb antagonizes or is antagonized by Qian Niu Zi |
| 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.