Single Herb Glossary
Yán Hú Suǒ 延胡索
| Pharmaceutical name | Corydalis Rhizoma "extended barbarian rope" |
| Category | Invigorate Blood |
| Key Properties | invigorates the blood Strongly stops pain |
| Properties | Acrid, Bitter Warm |
| Tropism | HT, LV, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Breaks up blood stasis, promotes the movement of qi, and (Strongly) Alleviates Pain |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI during pregnancy; caution with patients who have pain with an underlying deficiency, herb may consume Qi and Blood |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | D-corydaline, dl-tetrahydropalmatine, corydalis L, protopine, 1-tetrahydrocoptisine, 1-tetrahydrocolumbamine, corydalis H, corydalis I, corybulbine, B-homochelidonine, coptisine, dehydrocorydaline, corydalmine, dehydrocorydalmine, and columbamine |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Analgesic: demonstrated strong analgesic effect, with dl-tetrahydropalmatine and corydalis I as strongest components; when compared to morphine, has shown slower onset and weaker analgesic effect when given by injection; evaluation of analgesic effect based on weight showed Yan Hu Suo to be approximately 100:1 in effect by comparison to morphine; however, has not been associated with any signs or symptoms related to dependence; in addition, development of tolerance occurs approximately 100% faster with morphine than with Yan Hu Suo • Analgesic: demonstrated in research study that, combined with herb, analgesic effect of electroacupuncture increased significantly, when compared to control group that received electro-acupuncture only • Sedative and tranquilizing: demonstrated sedative and tranquilizing effects in rabbits, mice, dogs and monkeys • Effects on the central nervous system: tetrahydropalmatine demonstrated marked analgesic, sedative, tranquilizing and hypnotic actions on CNS • Anti-inflammatory: extract demonstrated marked anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting histamine release and formation of edema in arthritic rats; extract found to be effective in both acute and chronic phases of inflammation • Antiulcer: suppresses secretion of gastric acid when given at dosage of 80 mg/kg in rabbits and mice • Cardiovascular: shown to decrease resistance of blood flow and increase blood perfusion to coronary arteries in cats; decreases oxygen consumption of cardiac muscle and increases contractility of heart • Adrenocortical: shown to increase hormone secretion from adrenal glands when given via injection to mice at a dosage of 70 mg/kg; • Muscle relaxant: demonstrated muscle-relaxant effect in rabbits and mice |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Jia Wei Wu Yao Tang (Augmented Lindera Decoction) 加味烏藥湯 Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis from the Lower Abdomen Decoction) 少腹逐瘀湯 |
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.