Single Herb Glossary
Quán Xiē 全蠍
| Pharmaceutical name | Scorpio scorpion, buthus “whole scorpion” |
| Category | Extinguish Wind and Stop Tremors |
| Key Properties | Strongly Extinguishes Liver Wind, Stops Spasms and Pain |
| Properties | Salty Acrid Neutral Toxic |
| Tropism | LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Extinguishes Wind and Stops Tremors & Convulsions 2) Tracks Down Wind, Unblocks Collaterals, & Stops Pain (migraine/Bi) 3) Attacks & Resolves Fire Toxicity and Dissipates Nodules |
| Dosages | 2-4.5g decoctions 0.6-1g powdered & swallowed |
| Contraindications (TCM) | In patterns of Blood Deficiency with Wind and during pregnancy Always use with caution & never exceed recommended dosage |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Buthatoxin, trimethylamine, taurine, betaine |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antiseizure: administration in mice showed marked effectiveness in treating seizures artificially induced by caffeine and megimide • Antiepileptic: in rats with artificially-induced epilepsy, intravenous injection effective in reducing severity and duration of epileptic episodes, and preventing recurrent incidences • Cardiovascular: associated with positive inotropic effect and negative chronotropic effect; also has prolonged effect to reduce blood pressure • Antineoplastic: has demonstrated preliminary preventative and treatment effectiveness against sarcoma in mice |
| 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.