Single Herb Glossary
Qín Jiāo 秦艽
| Pharmaceutical name | Gentianae macrophyllae Radix large gentian root, gentiana macrophylla root, chin-chiu |
| Category | Dispel Wind-Dampness |
| Key Properties | Dispels wind-dampness Eliminates tidal fever and steaming bone disorder For Excess or Deficiency Bi; Heat or Cold Bi |
| Properties | Bitter Acrid Slightly Cold |
| Tropism | GB, LV, ST |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Dispels Wind Damp & Soothes the Sinews and Collaterals 2) Clears Heat from Deficiency (steaming bone) 3) Resolves Dampness & Reduces Jaundice (Damp-Heat) 4) Moistens Intestines, Unblock Bowels (use with other herbs) |
| Dosages | 3-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with Cold or Deficiency of Sp/St, loose stools |
| Contraindications (Western) | May cause drowsiness and sedation |
| Chemical Composition | Gentianine, gentianidine, gentiopieroside, gentianel, homoorientin, sapoknaretin |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Anti-inflammatory: gentianine demonstrated marked anti-inflammatory action via stimulation of endocrine system to increase secretion of hormones by adrenal glands • Sedative: demonstrated sedative effects via inhibition of CNS in mice and rats; prolonged sleeping time when combined with barbiturates; high dose sometimes associated with excitation of the CNS • Cardiovascular: gentianine shown to lower blood pressure and decrease heart rate in guinea pigs, dogs and rabbits; antihypertensive effect has short duration, but is not affected by injection of atropine • Hyperglycemic: gentianine associated with increase in blood glucose levels in mice; mechanism attributed to stimulation of endocrine system; when adrenal glands of subjects were removed, gentianine could no longer raise blood glucose levels |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Sedatives: inhibitory effect on the central nervous system to induce sedation; potentiates sedative effect ofbarbiturates |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Shu Zao Yin Zi (Dredging and Cutting Drink) 疏鑿飲子 Da Qin Jiao Tang (Major Large Gentian Decoction) 大秦艽湯 Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Angelica Pubescens and Sang-Ji-Sheng Decoction)獨活寄生湯 Qin Jiao Bie Jia San (Large gentian and Soft-Shelled Turtle Shell Powder) 秦艽鱉甲散 Jia Wei Xiang Su San (Augmented Cyperus and Perilla Leaf Powder) 加味香蘇散 |
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.