Single Herb Glossary
Wǔ Jiā Pí 五加皮
| Pharmaceutical name | Acanthopanacis Cortex, Eleutherococci gracilistyli Cortex “bark of five additions” |
| Category | Dispel Wind-Dampness |
| Key Properties | Clears wind-dampness Warms the Kidneys and Liver Stops pain Strengthens the sinews |
| Properties | Acrid Bitter Warm |
| Tropism | KD, LV |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Dispels Wind-Damp, Strengthens Sinews & Bones 2) Transforms Damp & Reduces Swelling Urinary Difficulty, edema |
| Dosages | 4.5-9g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | |
| Contraindications (Western) | May cause drowsiness and sedation |
| Chemical Composition | Palmitic acid, linolenic acid, tannin, vitamin A, vitamin B |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Adaptogenic: associated with marked adaptogenic effect; in mice that were given the herb daily for 9 days, significant increase in swimming endurance compared to performance of placebo group that did not receive any herbs • Immunostimulant: shown marked effectiveness in enhancing immune system; therapeutic benefits include elevated white blood cell count, increased phagocytic activity, and increased production of interferon • Sedative: associated with only mild sedative effects in mice; however, potentiates sedative effect of barbiturates and leads to prolonged sleeping time • Anti-inflammatory and analgesic: intraperitoneal injection has marked anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in rats; in another study, oral administration of alcohol extract reduced pain and swelling for up to five hours, with peak effect at hours two and three • Vasodilative: dilates blood vessels to increase blood perfusion to coronary artery and thus decrease blood pressure • Others: antitussive, expectorant, antiasthmatic and antineoplastic properties |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Sedatives: mild sedative effect, and 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.