Single Herb Glossary
Pú Huáng 蒲黃
| Pharmaceutical name | Typhae Pollen typha pollen, cattail pollen, bulrush |
| Category | Stop Bleeding |
| Key Properties | Stops Bleeding, Removes Blood Stasis Promotes Urination. DuiYao with WuLingZhi -> ShiXiaoSan “sudden smile” |
| Properties | Sweet Acrid Neutral |
| Tropism | LV, HT, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Stops Bleeding (Exterior & Interior) 2) Invigorates Blood & Dispels Blood Stasis 3) Promotes Urination & Stops Bleeding (Blood Lin) |
| Dosages | 3-9g (Bag) |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution during pregnancy and in absence of blood stagnation. Unprepared (raw) form prohibited during pregnancy |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Isorhamnetin, pentacosane, α-sitosterol, palmitic acid, a-typhasterol, quercetin, kaempferol 3-glucosires, hentriacontanol, nonacosanediol, arachidonic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Hemostatic: water or alcohol extracts in rabbits reduced bleeding time; subcutaneous injection in rabbits increased number of platelets and reduced thrombin time; topical application stopped bleeding; furthermore, charred Pu Huang showed hemostatic effect better than unprocessed Pu Huang; conversely, administration of Pu Huang demonstrated antiplatelet effects in 31 patients with coronary artery disease and atherosclerosis; antiplatelet effect comparable to 300 mg/day of aspirin • Cardiovascular: administration associated with increased contractility of heart, increased blood perfusion to coronary arteries, decreased blood pressure, and decreased peripheral vascular resistance • Antihypertensive: water or alcohol extracts via injection demonstrated marked effectiveness in reduction of heart rate and blood pressure in cats, rabbits, and dogs; oral intake, however, showed little or no effect on blood pressure • Antihyperlipidemic: demonstrated marked effect to elevate high density lipoprotein (HDL) and lower total cholesterol (TC) levels; proposed mechanisms of action include decrease in absorption and increase in utilization of cholesterols • Effects on the uterus: water or alcohol extract has stimulating effect on uterus at small dosages; at larger dosages, overstimulation may lead to spasms and cramps; injection during third trimester of pregnancy induces labor in mice and rats • Gastrointestinal: administration of extract in rabbits demonstrated increased intestinal peristalsis and relieved intestinal cramps; water extract especially effective for treatment of peptic ulcer and enteritis • Anti-inflammatory: decoction showed marked anti-inflammatory action, especially for treatment of burns and arthritis; proposed mechanisms of action include improved circulation and decreased permeability of blood vessels • Immunologic: administration may affect both cellular and humoral immunity; at small dosages, has little or no effect; at moderate dosages, inhibits immune system; at large dosages, stimulates immune system; immune-enhancing effect associated with increased phagocytic activity by macrophages |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs: San Qi has unique action to regulate blood, with action to invigorate blood circulation and stop bleeding; use of this herb may interfere with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications |
| Classical Formula(s) |
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.