Single Herb Glossary
Jiāng Huáng 薑黃
| Pharmaceutical name | Curcumae longae Rhizoma turmeric rhizome "ginger yellow" |
| Category | Invigorate Blood |
| Key Properties | Invigorate the blood, Breaks Up Blood Stasis Drives Qi downward Treats wind-damp painful obstruction |
| Properties | Acrid Bitter Warm |
| Tropism | SP, ST, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Invigorates the Blood & Unblocks Menstruation 2) Promotes the Movement of Qi & Alleviates Pain (physical) 3) Expel Wind & Promote Movement of Blood(Wind Damp Bi: upper limb/shoulder tropism) |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Pregnancy; caution with deficiency patients or those without Blood stagnation |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethm.:ycurcumin, curcuminoids, turmerone, zingiberene, phellandrene, cineole, sabinene, borneo, arturmerone, caryophyllene |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antihyperlipidernic: lowers both cholesterol and triglyceride levels in rats and rabbits • Anti-inflammatory: administration of 30 mg/kg of curcumin or 60 mg/kg of decoction has marked anti-inflammatory effect in rats; effect similar to phenylbutazone • Antiplatelet: administration at various doses (20, 40, 60, and 80 mg/kg/day) has shown marked action to inhibit aggregation of platelets; maximum antiplatelet effect was reached at 40 mg/kg/day, with no significant increase in potency linked to the higher doses; effect to inhibit platelet aggregation mediated by preferential inhibition of PAF- and AA-induced aggregation; also inhibited formation of thromboxane A2 (TXA2) by platelets (IC50; 70 microM); curcumin-mediated preferential inhibition of PAF- and AA-induced platelet aggregation may involve inhibitory action on TXA2 synthesis and Ca2+ signaling, but without involvement of PKC • Cholagogic: many components, including, but not limited to, curcumin and essential oils, demonstrated marked effectiveness to increase production and excretion of bile • Uterine stimulant: administration of decoction via intraperitoneal or subcutaneous routes at 10 g/kg terminated pregnancy in 90 to 100% of mice between 6 and 18 days of pregnancy; dosage of 5 g/kg did not terminate pregnancy; proposed mechanism of action is stimulation and contraction of uterus |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: herb has antiplatelet action, should be used with caution in patients who take anticoagulant or antiplatelet med ications; may potentiate effect of drugs such as warfarin |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Zhong Man Fen Xiao Wan (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Pill) 中滿分消丸 |
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.