Single Herb Glossary
Shān Yào 山藥
| Pharmaceutical name | Dioscoreae Rhizoma chinese yam "mountain herb" |
| Category | Tonify Qi |
| Key Properties | Tonifies the qi and yin of the Lungs, Spleen, and Kidneys; Secures the essence |
| Properties | Sweet Neutral |
| Tropism | KD, LU, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Tonifies & Augments SP & ST (fatigue, diarrhea, spontaneous sweat) 2) Tonifies LU Qi & Augments LU Yin 3) Tonifies KD and Also Stabilizes & Binds |
| Dosages | 9-30g; when a large dosage is required, 60-240g may be used |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Excess heat; not to be used by itself w/ accumulation of Dampness marked by fullness in the abdomen. |
| Contraindications (Western) | May cause minor symptoms of abdominal fullness, distention, poor appetite; if indigestion occurs, add Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) to regulate Qi |
| Chemical Composition | Choline, dopamine, batasine, abscisin, starch 16%, mannan, phytic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antidiabetic: administration lowers blood glucose levels in mice; in one study, oral ingestion of decoction at 30 g/kg/day for 10 days lowered blood glucose levels in mice by approximately 10 to 30 mg/dL; in another study, oral ingestion of decoction at 30 g/kg effectively controlled the normally sharp increase of blood glucose following intraperitoneal injection of glucose at 2 g/kg • Gastrointestinal: decoction stimulates intestines and increases peristalsis in mice |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Antidiabetics: prudent to use with caution when insulin, sulfonylureas, and other antidiabetic medications are present; combination of antidiabetic herbs and drugs may have a synergistic effect, leading to hypoglycemia |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Tu Si Zi Wan (Cuscuta Seed Pill) 菟絲子丸 Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-ingredient pill with rehmannia) 六味地黃丸 Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginsing, poria and white atractylodes powder) 蔘苓白朮散 Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi pill) 金櫃腎氣丸 (金柜肾气丸) Yu Ye Tang (Jade Fluid Decoction) 玉液湯 Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan (Eight Immortal Pill for Longevity) 八仙長壽丸 Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang (Bupleurum and Cinnamon Twig Decoction) 柴胡桂枝湯 |
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.