Single Herb Glossary
Yì Mǔ Cǎo 益母草
| Pharmaceutical name | Leonuri Herba leonurus,Chinese motherwort "benefit mother herb" |
| Category | Invigorate Blood |
| Key Properties | Invigorates the blood Regulates Menstruation Facilitates Urination, Resolves Toxicity |
| Properties | Acrid Bitter Slightly Cold |
| Tropism | HT, LV, UB |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Invigorates the Blood & Dispels Stasis (Gynecology) 2) Promotes Urination & Reduces Swelling (blood in urine) 3) Clears Heat & Resolves Toxicity (sores/abscess) |
| Dosages | 9-15g (large doses up to 30g) |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Yin deficiency or insufficient blood, Yang Deficiency with prolapse and during pregnancy. |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Leonurine, stachydrine, leonuridien, leonurinine, lauric acid, linolenic acid, sterol, prehispanolone, 4-guanidino-1-butanol, vitamin A |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Uterine stimulant: water or alcohol extracts demonstrated stimulating effect on uterus of rabbits, cats, dogs, and guinea pigs; onset of action approximately 15 to 20 minutes following oral administration of decoction; stimulating effect observed whether or not animals are pregnant, and in both early and late pregnancy; in regard to medicinal parts of the plant, leaf has strongest stimulating effect, root has milder influence, and stem has none • Cardiovascular: small dose has stimulating effect on cardiac contraction, while large dose has inhibiting effect; intravenous injection of preparation at 2 mg/kg exerts hypotensive effect with duration of only a few minutes • Antiplatelet: alcohol extract administered via injection demonstrated marked effect to inhibit aggregation of platelets • Respiratory: small dose stimulates respiratory system to increase frequency and depth of respiration; large dose inhibits respiratory system to weaken strength and disrupt rhythm of respiration • Renal: in one study, 20 ml of a preparation (equivalent to 60 grams of bulk herb) administered via intravenous injection showed marked effectiveness in treatment of acute renal failure in dogs, using such evaluating criteria as BUN, FE-Na and renal blood flow |
| 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) |
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction) 天麻芶藤飲 (天麻勾藤饮) Ba Zhen Yi Mu Wan (Eight Treasure Pill to Benefit Mothers) 八珍益母丸 |
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.