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Niú Huáng 牛黄

Pharmaceutical name Bovis Calculus cattle bezoar (gallstones) "cattle yellow"
Category Aromatic Herbs that Open the Orifices
Key Properties Cools Heat, Dredges Phlegm, Clears the
Consciousness, Cools the Blood, Resolves Toxicity
Properties Bitter
Cool
Tropism HT, LV
Actions & Indications 1) Clears HT, Opens Orifices, Awakens Spirit, & Dislodge Phlegm (coma)
2) Clears LV, Res Tox, Exting Wind, & Stops Tremors (convulsions)
3) Drains Heat & Resolves Fire Toxicity (sores)
Dosages 0.2-0.5g
Contraindications (TCM) Pregnancy. Should not be used for conditions that are not associated with Excess Heat or in cases of SP/ST Deficiency
Contraindications (Western)
Chemical Composition Bile acid, bilirubin, cholesterol, amino acid
Pharmacological Effects • Effects on the central nervous system: associated with sedative, anticonvulsive and antipyretic effects; in one study, both Niu Huang and Ren Gong Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis Syntheticum) decreased spontaneous movement in mice; Niu Huang also reported to counter stimulation induced by caffeine and enhance sedation caused by morphine and barbiturates; though exact mechanism of action unclear, Niu Huang does have anticonvulsant effects, especially against convulsions induced by camphor or caffeine; both Niu Huang and Ren Gong Niu Huang showed marked effectiveness against artificially-induced fever in rats and rabbits
• Cardiovascular: associated with inhibitory influence on cardiovascular system characterized by decrease of blood pressure and heart rate; oral administration of 0.1 g/kg significantly lowered blood pressure in mice with essential or renal hypertension; hypotensive effect reversed by atropine
• Smooth muscle relaxant: Niu Huang and Ren Gong Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis Syntheticum) have little effect on normal contraction of intestines; they do, however, relieve intestinal spasms and cramps by inhibiting stimulation of smooth muscle by substances including (but not limited to) acetylcholine and barium chloride
• Cholagogic: according to studies in rabbits, herb has mild stimulating effect on production and secretion of bile; mild action attributed to mixed function of Niu Huang to simultaneously relax and contract muscles and sphincter of the bile duct
• Hematological: associated with increase in red blood cell count in rabbits, with or without removal of the spleen; in another study, herb demonstrated positive dose-effect relationship in treatment of anemia in rabbits
• Anti-inflammatory: administration intraperitoneal injection once daily for 3 days beneficial in treating ear inflammation in mice
• Antibiotic: inhibits Mycobacterium tuberculosis and S. aureus
Herb-Drug Interactions • Sedatives: mild sedative effect; reduces stimulation induced by caffeine and enhances stimulation induced by morphine and barbiturates
Classical Formula(s)


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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.