Single Herb Glossary
Mài Yá 麥芽
| Pharmaceutical name | Hordei Fructus germinatus Hordeum vulgare fruit, barley sprouts, malt |
| Category | Food Stagnation |
| Key Properties | Reduces food stagnation due to starches and fruits Softens areas of hardness Improves the appetite |
| Properties | Sweet Neutral |
| Tropism | LV, SP, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Reduces Food Stagnation, Strengthens the Stomach 2) Restrains Lactation 3) Facilitates the Smooth Flow of Liver Qi |
| Dosages | 9-15g. For restraining lactation, use 30-60g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution during Lactation, except in a very low dosage (up to 9g); caution in patients without food stagnation, prolonged use may injure Qi. |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Amylase, invertase, esterase, proteinase, oxidase, catalyticase, cellobiosase, gentiobiosase, lichenase, emulsin, peroxidisomerase, hordenine, maltoxin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Gastrointestinal: contains many different enzymes to facilitate digestion of starches and carbohydrates • Antidiabetic: oral ingestion lowers blood glucose levels in human and rabbits; furthermore, 5% intravenous injection may lower blood glucose levels by 40% or more, for up to 7 hours, in rabbits |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Antidiabetics: herbs that lower plasma glucose levels should be used with caution with insulin, sulfonylureas, and other antidiabetic medications, as the combination may have a synergistic effect, leading to hypoglycemia |
| 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.