Single Herb Glossary
Hú Huáng Liān 胡黃連
| Pharmaceutical name | Picrorhizae Rhizoma “barbarian yellow link” |
| Category | Clear Heat from Deficiency |
| Key Properties | Clears heat from both excess & def Cools blood Dries dampness |
| Properties | Bitter Cold |
| Tropism | LV, ST, LI |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Clears Heat from Deficiency (Steaming bone) 2) Clears heat, Reduces Childhood Nutritional Impairment 3) Drains Damp-Heat (Dysentery) |
| Dosages | 1.5-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with Deficiency & Cold of SP/ST |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Kutkin, picroside I, picroside II, kutkoside, D-mannitol, vanillic acid, kutkiol, kutkisterol, apocynin, picroside, putkoside, kurroside |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Cholagogic: vanilloylcatalpol, a derivative of picroside II, markedly increases production and excretion of bile in mice; also has hepatoprotective effects, especially against carbon tetrachloride • Antibiotic: shown to inhibit growth of some dermatophytes and pathogenic fungi |
| 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.