Single Herb Glossary
Dàn Zhú Yè 淡竹葉
| Pharmaceutical name | Lophatheri Herba Lophatherum Gracile Herb “Bland bamboo leaf” |
| Category | Clear Heat, Drain Fire |
| Key Properties | Leaches out dampness & Facilitates Urination Treats Irritability associated with Heat |
| Properties | Sweet Bland Cold |
| Tropism | HT, SI, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Heat & Eliminates Irritability 2) Promotes Urination & Clears Damp (rough, scanty, painful urination) |
| Dosages | 6-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Use with caution during pregnancy |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Arundoin, cylindrin, taraxerol, friedelin, β-sitosterol, organic acids, amino acids, and sugars |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antipyretic: in animal studies, antipyretic action similar to phenacetin; the active constituent that lowers temperature can be extracted with water, but not with alcohol • Diuretic: in human studies, 10 grams increased elimination of water and chlorides; when compared to other diuretic herbs, such as Fu Ling (Poria), Zhu Ling (Polyporus) or Chuan Mu Tong (Caulis Clematidis Armandii), Dan Zhu Ye is weaker as a diuretic, but stronger in excretion of chlorides |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Diuretics: concurrent use with diuretic drugs may lead to increased elimination of water and/or electrolytes |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Liang Ge San (Cool the Diaphragm powder) 涼膈散 Qing Gong Tang (Clear the Palace Decoction) 清宫湯 Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Clear Summerheat and Augment the Qi Decoction) 清暑益氣湯 Qing Ying Tang (clear the nutritive-level decoction)清營湯 (清营汤) San Ren Tang (Three Nut Decoction) 三仁湯 Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder) 銀翹散 (银翘散) Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (Lophatherum and Gypsum Decoction) 竹葉石膏湯 |
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.