Single Herb Glossary
Mǎ Dōu Líng 馬兜鈴
| Pharmaceutical name | Aristolochiae Fructus birthwort fruit, aristolochia fruit "bell of a horse's hat" |
| Category | Obsolete and Prohibited Substances |
| Key Properties | Toxic, Cools Lung Heat Directs Lung Qi Downward Transforms Phlegm Alleviates Cough |
| Properties | Bitter Sl. Cold |
| Tropism | LU, LI |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears LU, Transform Phlegm, Stop Cough, & Calms Wheezing 2) Clears & Drains Heat from Excess in the Large Intestine while Reducing Swelling & Pain |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Wheezing due to Cold or Def. Readily Injures SP & ST (cause Diar & Vomit). To avoid vomiting & other S/E, herb should not be prescribed in large dose or long period of time |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Magnoflorine, aristolochic acid, aristolochinic acid, allantoin, diblic acid |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Expectorant: mild expectorant effect in anesthetized rabbits; effect is much weaker than Zi Wan (RadixAsteris) and Tian Nan Xing (Rhizoma Arisaematis) • Antibiotic: inhibiting influence against Diplococcus pneumoniae and some pathogenic fungi • Antihypertensive: associated with mild and prolonged effect to lower blood pressure; however, some subjects reported side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite |
| 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.