Single Herb Glossary
Lóng Dǎn Cǎo 龍膽草
| Pharmaceutical name | Gentianae Radix Gentiana scabra root (Chinese) gentian root “dragon GB grass” |
| Category | Clear Heat, Dry Dampness |
| Key Properties | Drains fire from Excess in LV & GB Eliminates Lower Jiao Damp-Heat (GB) |
| Properties | Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | GB, LV, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Drains Damp Heat from the Liver and Gall Bladder channels (& organ) genital, Lower Jiao rashes 2) Drains & Pacifies Excessive Liver Fire convulsions, spasms; red eyes, ear/ShaoYang |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Def and Cold of SP & ST, Qi or Blood Def |
| Contraindications (Western) | Taken before meals, small dose may stimulate gastric acid secretion & enhance digestion/absorption; large doses may cause headache, facial flushing, dizziness; possible drowsiness and sedation |
| Chemical Composition | Gentiopicrin, gentiopicroside, sweroside, swertiamarin, amarogentin, amaroswerin, gentianine, gentianose, sucrose |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cholagogic: oral ingestion or intravenous injection shown to increase production and excretion of bile in dogs • Hepatoprotective: gentiopicroside has hepatoprotective effects in mice, especially against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage • Diuretic: intravenous injection at 10g/kg increased average urine output from 0.76 ml per 30 minutes to 2.64 ml per 30 minutes in rabbits • Effects on the CNS: at small dosages, excitatory effects on CNS; at large dosages, sedative and tranquilizing effects; furthermore, reported that preparation of Long Dan Cao decreased spontaneous activity in mice and potentiated sedative effect of barbiturates • Antibiotic: inhibitory effects against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus proteus, Salmonella typhi, Diplococcus meningitidis, S. aureus, and some dermatophytes • Gastrointestinal: administration of gentiopicroside via gastric tube associated with increase in gastric acid secretion in dogs; no effect when given sublingually or via intravenous injection |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Diuretics: concurrent use with diuretic drugs may lead to increased elimination of water and/or electrolytes • Sedatives: potentiates sedative effect of barbiturates |
| 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.