Single Herb Glossary
Hou Po 厚樸
| Pharmaceutical name | Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex |
| Category | Aromatic that Transform Dampness |
| Key Properties | Regulate Qi, directs downward Disperses fullness Dries dampness Reduces phlegm |
| Properties | Bitter Acrid Warm |
| Tropism | LI, LU, SP, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Promotes movementt of Qi in MJ & resolves stagnation 2) Promotes movementt of Qi downward, dries damp, transforms phlegm – obstructing MJ 3) Directs Qi downward, reduces phlegm, calms wheezing |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution during pregnancy, Qi Def |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Essential oils (machilol), magnolol, magnocurarine, magnoloside |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Gastrointestinal: inhibitory influence on gastrointestinal system, leading to decreased secretion of gastric acid and reduced contractions in the duodenum • Anticoagulant: magnolol has mild anticoagulant effect • CNS suppressant: extract given via intraperitoneal and oral administration demonstrated inhibiting effect on CNS; exact mechanism of action unclear, may be related to GABA receptors • Antihypertensive: intravenous injection of magnocurarine at 3 mg/kg in cats lowered blood pressure by 20 mmHg for 10 minutes • Respiratory: decoction has stimulating effect on respiratory system at small doses, but an inhibiting effect at large doses • Antibiotic: extract has inhibitory effect against Streptococcus matuans, S. aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and Bacillus dysenteriae |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: should be used with caution in patients who take anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Ban Xia Hou Po Tang (Pinellia & Magnolia Bark Decoction) 半夏厚朴湯 Huang Long Tang (Yellow Dragon Decoction) 黃龍湯 Qian Jin Nei Tuo San (Powder to Support the Interior Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces) 千金内托散 San Ren Tang (Three Nut Decoction) 三仁湯 Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin (Newly Augmented Mosla Drink) 新加香薷飲 Bie Jia Jian Wan (delete Qiang Lang) (Soft-Shelled Turtle Dec) 鳖甲煎丸 （减蜣螂） Bu Huan Jin Zheng Qi San (Rectify the Qi Powder Worth More than Gold) 不換金正氣散 Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) 大承氣湯 (大承气汤) Da Yuan Yin (Reach the Source Drink) 達原飲 Shi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin (Sixteen Ingredient Drink for Qi Flow) 十六味流氣飲 Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (Perilla Fruit Decoction for Directing Qi down) 蘇子降氣湯 (苏子降气汤) |
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.