Single Herb Glossary
Fu Ling 茯苓
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| Pharmaceutical name | Poria Poria cocos fungus sclerotium of tuckahoe, China root, hoelen, Indian bread |
| Category | Drain Damp |
| Key Properties | Tonifies the Spleen Eliminates dampness Calms the Heart spirit |
| Properties | Sweet Bland Neutral |
| Tropism | HT, SP, KD, LU |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Promotes Urination 2) Strengthens the Spleen, Harmonizes Middle Burner 3) Strengthens the Spleen, Transforms Phlegm 4) Quiets the Heart & Calms the Spirit |
| Dosages | 9-15 g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with yin deficiency, sunken Spleen qi, or cold from deficiency with spermatorrhea. |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Pachymose, pachyman, pachymaran, tumulosic acid, poriaic acid A, B, C |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Diuretic: in one study, a 70% alcohol extract (alcohol was removed prior to administration) associated with significant increase in urine output in healthy rabbits; in another study, intravenous injection of water extract showed no diuretic effect in dogs or mice • Antineoplastic: a derivative of pachyman inhibits cancer cell activity in mice with sarcoma • Sedative: intraperitoneal injection of decoction of Fu Shen (Poria Paradicis) had mild sedative effect in mice previously dosed with or without caffeine • Antibiotic: water decoction has bacteriostatic effect on S. aureus, E. coli, and Bacillus proteus, alcohol-extracted form has bactericidal effect against leptospira |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Ethanol: in an in vitro study, a preparation including Fu Ling, Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae Tenufoliae), and Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori) found to reduce ethanol-induced impairment of memory registration; also ameliorated scopolamine-induced memory registration deficit; these results suggest that this herbal preparation ameliorates impairment effect of ethanol on learning and memory processes • Diuretics: prudent to avoid combination of herbs and drugs that exert diuretic effects, as there may be additive or synergistic effects. Combination therapy may lead to excessive loss of fluid and electrolytes |
| 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.