Single Herb Glossary
Fù Zǐ(Zhì) （製）附子
| Pharmaceutical name | Aconiti Radix lateralis preparata Aconitum carmichaeli root, processed aconite accessory root, daughter root of Szechuan aconite |
| Category | Warm Interior, Expel Cold |
| Key Properties | Revives devastated yang qi Tonifies the fire at the gate of vitality Guides the actions of other herbs into all twelve channels Expels cold-damp painful obstruction |
| Properties | Acrid Hot Toxic |
| Tropism | HT, KD, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Revives the Yang and Rescues from Rebellion (Ni reversal/Inversion; WM: shock) 2) Warms the Fire and Assists the Yang (Upper HT, ST, KD) 3) Disperses Cold, Warms the Channels, and Alleviates Pain (Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Warm all 12 channels) |
| Dosages | 3-15g; (<9g), boil for 30-60 minutes before adding other herbs to the decoction |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Pregnancy; Yin Def and abundant yang, true heat and false cold; consumption of alcohol contraindicated |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Aconitine, mesaconitine, hypaconitine, isodelphinine, benzoylmesaconitine, coryneine, atisines, aminophenols, neoline, 15- α-hydroxyneoline, higenamine, dl-demethyl coclaurine, salsolinol |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cardiovascular: administration associated with positive inotropic and chronotropic effects; in animal experiments, intravenous injection increased cardiac contractility, dilated blood vessels, and increased cardiac output; also increases heart rate and treats patients with bradycardia or bradyarrhythmia; experiments in cats and rats shown Fu Zi to be beneficial in treatment of shock, as it increases blood pressure and cardiac contraction • Anti-inflammatory: oral administration of 20% Fu Zi decoction at 2.5 ml/100g in rats demonstrated marked effectiveness to reduce inflammation and swelling in joints; exact mechanism of action unclear; some studies show that it stimulates secretions by the adrenal cortex, leading to anti-inflammatory activity; other studies, however, show that it has anti-inflammatory influence even in animals whose adrenal glands have been removed • Analgesic: intraperitoneal injection significantly increased pain tolerance in mice and rats |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Antiarrhythmics: patients with history of cardiovascular disorders or are taking antiarrhythmic medications should take Fu Zi with extreme caution • Incompatible with Bai Ji (Rhizoma Bletillae), Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Preparatum), Chuan Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae), Zhe Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii), Gua Lou (Fructus Trichosanthis), Gua Lou Ren (Semen Trichosanthis), Gua Lou Pi (Pericarpium Trichosanthis), Tian Hua Fen (Radix Trichosanthis), and Bai Lian (Radix Ampelopsis) |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Shen Fu Tang (Ginseng and Aconite Accessory Root Decoction) 蔘附湯 Tu Si Zi Wan (Cuscuta Seed Pill) 菟絲子丸 Wen Pi Tang (Warm the SP decoction) 溫脾湯 Zan Yu Dan (Special Pill to Aid Fertility) 贊育丹 Si Ni Tang (Frigid extremeties decoction) 四逆湯 Bai Zhu Fu Zi Tang (White Atractylodes and Aconite Accessory Root Decoction) 白朮附子湯 Di Huang Yin Zi (Rehmannia Drink) 地黃飲子 Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang (Cinnamon Twig, Peony, and Anemarrhena Decoction) 桂枝芍藥知母湯 Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang (Restore and Revive the Yang Decoction) 回陽救急湯 Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi pill) 金櫃腎氣丸 (金柜肾气丸) Shi Pi Yin (Bolster the Spleen Decoction) 實脾飲 Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pill) 烏梅丸 (乌梅丸) Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San(Coix, Aconite Accesory root & Patrinia Powder) 薏苡附子敗醬散 Zhen Wu Tang (Black Turtle Decoction; True Warrior Decoction) 真武湯 (真武汤) Bie Jia Jian Wan (delete Qiang Lang) (Soft-Shelled Turtle Dec) 鳖甲煎丸 （减蜣螂） Da Huang Fu Zi Tang (Rhubarb and Aconite Accessory Root Decoction) 大黃附子湯 Huang Tu Tang (delete Zao Xin Tu) (Yellow Earth Decoction) 黃土湯（減灶心土） Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan (Golden coffer Kidney Qi Pill) 濟生腎氣丸 (济生肾气丸) Xiao Xu Ming Tang (Minor Prolong Life Decoction) 小續命湯 |
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.