Single Herb Glossary
Yin Chen (Hao) 茵陳蒿
| Pharmaceutical name | Artemisiae scopariae Herba Artemisia capillaris herb virgate wormwood “mattress old wormwood” |
| Category | Drain Damp |
| Key Properties | Treats jaundice by facilitating the removal of dampness and clearing heat |
| Properties | Bitter Slightly Cold |
| Tropism | LV, SP, GB, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Heat, Resolves Dampness, Reduces Jaundice 2) Clears Heat, Facilitates Resolution of Dampness |
| Dosages | 9-30g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Contraindicated if no Damp-Heat present |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Capillanol, capillarin, capillarisin, capillartemisin A, B; capillene, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, phydroxya cetophenone, 6,7-dimethoxycoumarin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cholagogic: stimulating effect on gallbladder function observed in dogs following administration in various preparation forms, including but not limited to water extract, alcohol extract, and essential oil • Hepatoprotective: subcutaneous injection of decoction showed marked protective effect against carbon chloride-induced liver damage; in another study, oral administration of decoction stimulated activity of cytochrome P-450 and increased weight of the liver in mice; Yin Chen Hao Tang (Artemisia Scoparia Decoction) effective in reducing SGPT and SGOT levels • Antihypertensive: both water and alcohol extracts lowered blood pressure in anesthetized rats, cats and rabbits; while its effect was not negated by atropine, Yin Chen Hao did not lower blood pressure elevated by adrenalin; duration of antihypertensive action following intravenous injection approximately 120 to 160 minutes • Antihyperlipidemic: decoction at 3g/kg/day for 2 to 3 weeks lowered both plasma cholesterols and β-lipoproteins in rabbits • Antibiotic: decoction has varying degrees of inhibitory effectiveness against such pathogens as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Bacillus anthracis, Salmonella typhi, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E. coli, Bacillus dysenteriae, Bacillus subtilis, S. aureus, Diplococcus meningitidis, and influenza virus; essential oil effective against dermatophytes • Antipyretic: intraperitoneal injection effectively lowered body temperature for approximately 3 to 4 hours in rats with artificially-induced fever • Others: mild diuretic and anti-parasitic effects |
| 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.