Single Herb Glossary
Chuān Xīn Lián 穿心蓮
| Pharmaceutical name | Andrographitis Herba Andrographis paniculata herb green chiretta, kariyat “penetrate the heart lotus” “thread-the-heart lotus” |
| Category | Clear Heat, Resolve Toxicity |
| Key Properties | Cools, Resolves Toxicity |
| Properties | Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | LI, LU, SI, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Heat & Resolves Fire Toxicity (Dysentery, stranguria, rash, Throat/LU Damp-Heat) 2) Clears Heat, Dries Dampness & Stops Diarrhea |
| Dosages | 6-15g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Bitter and cold; can readiiy injure ST Qi Should not take long term or too high a dose |
| Contraindications (Western) | Caution during pregnancy, abortifacient effect |
| Chemical Composition | Andrographolide, neoandrographolide, deoxyandrographolide, ninandrographolide, deoxyandrographiside, andrographiside, andrographoside, homoandrograholide |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Antibiotic: mild inhibitory effect in vitro against Diplococcus pneumoniae and β-hemolytic streptococcus; however, quite effective in treating infections in vivo; has been proposed that its effectiveness in treating infections due in part to immune-enhancing effect • Antipyretic: andrographolide and neoandrographolide have antibiotic effects and are effective in reducing fever associated with infection • Anti-inflammatory: administration associated with stimulation of adrenal cortex and secretion of corticosteroids, thereby exerting anti-inflammatory effects • Immunostimulant: decoction enhances immune system and increases phagocytic activity of white blood cells • Antivenin: extract may be used as anti-snake venom, markedly delayed death of mice following snake bites; exact mechanism of action unclear • Abortifacient: intraperitoneal injection terminated pregnancy in mice in first, second or third trimester • Hepatoprotective and cholagogic: increases weight of liver and production and excretion of bile acid; in laboratory studies, andrographolide effective in protecting liver against foreign substances, such as carbon tetrachloride, and effectively lowered SGPT and SGOT • Cardiovascular: water extract found to have marked effect on cardiovascular system by decreasing mean arterial blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner, without significant decrease in heart rate; exact mechanism of action unclear, but it has been suggested that the hypotensive effect is related to α-adrenoceptors, not β-adrenoceptors |
| 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.