Single Herb Glossary
Qiàn Cǎo Gēn 茜草根
| Pharmaceutical name | Rubiae Radix madder root, rubia root |
| Category | Stop Bleeding |
| Key Properties | Cools the blood, Stops bleeding Removes blood stasis |
| Properties | Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | HT, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Cools Blood & Stops Bleeding 2) Invigorates Blood & Dispels Blood Stasis (especially chest/flank pain) |
| Dosages | 9-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with Deficiency Cold in the SP & ST, diminished blood, & Yin Deficiency Fire. Do not use long term. (Potential mutagen) |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Purpurin, purpuroxanthin, alizarin, munjistin, pseudopurpurin, physcion, quinizarin, rubian, rubimaillin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Hemostatic: marked effectiveness in reducing bleeding time in rabbits; duration of action was 2 to 48 hours when given orally, and 30 to 60 minutes when given via intraperitoneal injection; charred herb was more effective than fresh herb • Antibiotic: inhibitory effect against S. aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and dermatophytes • Antitussive and expectorant: water extract administered orally to mice at 75 g/kg demonstrated marked antitussive and expectorant effects; alcohol extract had no such effect • Antispasmodic: water extract administered orally to rabbits relaxes the smooth muscle of the intestines to treat intestinal spasms and cramps • Effect on kidney stones: a diet regimen containing 20% Qian Cao showed promise in preventing or minimizing the formation of kidney stones in mice • Immunostimulant: associated with 151.9% rise in white blood cell count, compared to a placebo, in mice and dogs |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
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.