Single Herb Glossary
Dì Lóng 地龍
| Pharmaceutical name | Pheretima earthworm, lumbricus "earth dragon” |
| Category | Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors |
| Key Properties | Drains Heat, Extinguishes Wind Stops Spasms And Convulsions Calms Wheezing Unblocks The Collaterals Facilitates Urination |
| Properties | Salty Cold |
| Tropism | UB, LV, LU, SP |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Drains Heat, Settle Convulsions, Exting Wind, & Stop Spasm 2) Clear Heat, unblocks & promotes movement in Channels & Collaterals (Bi/stroke) 3) Clears Heat & Calms Wheezing (LU Heat) 4) Clears Heat & Promotes Urination 5) Used for Hypertension Associated with Rising Liver Yang |
| Dosages | 4.5-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Contraindicated in those with weak Spleen & Stomach Caution in those with heat from excess Caution during pregnancy |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Lumbrofebrine, lumbritin, terrestrolumbrolysin, adenine, hypoxanthine, choline, guanine, guanidine, arachidonic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antiasthmatic: alcohol extract has significant impact to dilate bronchi and relieve asthma in rats and rabbits • Cardiovascular: water and alcohol extracts in mice have marked effect to lower blood pressure, with peak effect observed 90 minutes after ingestion and duration of action lasting 2 to 3 hours; exact mechanism of action unclear, but thought to be related to CNS; probanthine reverses hypotensive effect of herb, but atropine does not • Uterine stimulant: injection of herb preparation has strong stimulating effect on smooth muscle of uterus, leading to contraction and spasms in rabbits and rats • Antiseizure: intraperitoneal injection of alcohol extract at 20 g/kg to treat seizures in mice has effect comparable to 20 mg/kg of phenobarbital • Antipyretic: reduces body temperature in rabbits with artificially-induced fever; antipyretic effect slightly weaker than that of aspirin • Hematological: administration via oral or intravenous injection inhibits formation of thrombi and facilitates their dissolution |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang (Tonify the Yang to Restore Five [-Tenths] Decoction 補陽還五湯 (补阳还五汤) Xiao Huo Luo Dan (Minor Invigorate the Collaterals Special Pill) 小活絡丹 (小活络丹) |
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.