What are the effects, functions and contraindications of Bupleurum

Bupleurum is a very common Chinese medicine. Its main function is to clear away heat and fire, soothe the liver and stomach. It has a good therapeutic effect on some diseases such as fever, cold, irregular menstruation, chest pain, etc. Let me introduce it in detail below.

Bupleurum tastes bitter and is slightly cold in nature. It enters the liver and gallbladder meridians. It has the effects of clearing the surface and relieving heat, soothing the liver and relieving depression, and raising Yang Qi. It is widely used for colds and fever, alternating chills and fever, malaria, chest and flank pain, rectal prolapse, uterine prolapse, and irregular menstruation. In clinical practice, there are more and more preparations based on Bupleurum, such as Zheng Chaihuyin Capsules, Chaihu Pills, Xiao Chaihu Granules, Da Chaihu Granules, Chaihu Shugan Pills, etc. However, there are also compatibility and contraindications in the use of Bupleurum preparations.

Bupleurum contains quercetin, which is a pentahydroxyflavonoid with multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups and 5-OH and 4-keto structures in its molecular structure. When taken together with western medicines containing various metal ions, such as aluminum, calcium, ferrous, zinc, bismuth, magnesium and other preparations (rhamnose bismuth magnesium tablets, calcium gluconate tablets, ferrous sulfate tablets, etc.), it can form metal ion complexes, thereby affecting intestinal absorption and reducing efficacy. Therefore, they should not be taken together. When vitamin C and bupleurum preparations are used together, the saponins contained in bupleurum can be broken down into aglycones and sugars, thus affecting the therapeutic effect.

Bupleurum is light and has a thin aroma. It is ascending, dispersing and dry. Therefore, people with true yin deficiency, hyperactivity of liver yang, and oral erosions should not take it in large quantities or for a long time. Bupleurum can lower blood pressure and slow down heart rate, so patients with hypotension and heart failure should not use this preparation in large quantities or for a long time. Bupleurum can increase blood sugar, so it should be used with caution in diabetic patients. In addition, people with adrenocortical hyperfunction syndrome, depression, infants, young children, and the elderly should not take it in large quantities for a long time.