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Xuán Shēn 玄参

Pharmaceutical name Scrophulariae Ningpoensis Radix “dark ginseng”
Category Clear Heat, Cool Blood
Key Properties Enriches yin, Moistens dryness
Drains fire, Resolves toxicity
Softens hardness
Transforms phlegm-heat
Tropism to Throat
Properties Salty
Bitter
Sweet
Cold
Tropism KD, LU, ST
Actions & Indications 1) Clears Heat & Cools the Blood (Steaming bone)
2) Nourishes the Yin (Generate Fluid)
3) Softens Hardness & Dissipates Nodules (Scrofula)
Dosages 9-15g
Contraindications (TCM) CI: Cold-Damp in SP/ST
Contraindications (Western)
Chemical Composition Scrophularin, iridioid, harpagoside, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and stearic acid
Pharmacological Effects • Antihypertensive: in dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals, water and alcohol extracts demonstrated antihypertensive action via vasodilation; oral ingestion of decoction at 2 g/kg twice daily effective in reducing blood pressure in dogs with renal hypertension; intravenous injection dilated blood vessels, decreased heart rate, and increased urine output in mice; alcohol extract increased blood flow to the coronary arteries and decreased oxygen requirement by the cardiac muscles
• Antidiabetic: subcutaneous injection reduces blood glucose in rabbits
• Antibiotic: A 50% decoction has inhibitory effect in vitro against S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and some pathogenic fungi
• Others: sedative and antipyretic effects
Herb-Drug Interactions • Incompatible with Li Lu (Veratri nigri Radix et Rhizoma)
Classical Formula(s)


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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.