HERBAL MONOGRAPHS CHIRETTA 187Chinese Thoroughwax
(Chai-Hu)
Bupleurum chinense
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part of the plant is the root.
Flower and Fruit: The inflorescence is a compound umbel.
The flower structures are arranged in fives. The flowers are
radial and small; the petals are yellowish, almost orbicular;
the calyx teeth are insignificant. The ovary is inferior and 2-
chambered. The fruit is a double achaene.
Leaves, Stem and Root: Thoroughwax is an upright herba-
ceous perennial, which grows about 30 to 70 cm high. The
leaves are alternate, arranged in spirals, simple and entire.
The stem is hollow, gnarled and branched.
Habitat: China, Japan and central EuropeProduction: Bupleuri roots are the dried roots of Bupleurum
chinense. They are collected in the wild.
Not to be Confused With: May be confused with Bupleurum
4F longiradiatum.
Other Names: Chai Hu
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Triterpene saponins (saikosides.1.2 to 4.9%, content declin-
ing with the diameter of the root): saikosaponins a, bl, b2, c
and d, aglycones are the so-called saikogenins
Steroids: sterols, including alpha-spinasterol, stigmasterolPolyynes: saikodiine A, B and CEFFECTS
The drug is not usually used alone, but rather used in various
drug mixtures.
The saiko saponins or saikogenins that the drug contains
have exhibited antipyretic, edema-protective and anti-inflam-
matory effects in animal experiments. At the same time, an
inducement of the depletion -of corticosterone and a liver-
protective effect could be demonstrated, as could a sedative
A- and an analgesic effect. The drug is also credited with
antitussive, anti-ulcerogenic and blood-pressure lowering
characteristics.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Chinese Thoroughwax is used for inflam-
matory conditions (oriental regions).
Chinese Medicine: Preparations are used for shivering and
fever, jaundice, chest pain, bitter taste in the mouth, nausea,
vomiting, malaria and deafness.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: No health hazards are known in conjunction with
the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.Pregnancy: The drug is not to be administered during
pregnancy.
OVERDOSAGE
The ingestion of larger dosages of the drug may lead to
gastroenteritis, intestinal colic and diarrhea, due to the
saponin content.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Whole drug and cut drug prepara-
tions for internal and external use.
Preparation: The drug is usually only used in Chinese and
Japanese medicine in compounded preparations.
Storage: Should be well sealed (to protect against insects),
and air dried.
LITERATURE
Hansel R, Keller K. Rimpler H, Schneider G (Ed). Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. AufL. Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Verlag Berlin, Heidelberg. New York. 1992-
1994.
Jin RL. Shi L, Kuang Y, Comparative studies on the roots of
wild and cultured Bupleurum chinense. DC Chung Yao Tung
Pao, 20:11-3, 61, 1988 Apr.
Ohtsu S, Izumi S, Iwanaga S, Ohno N, Yadomae T. Analysis
of mitogenic substances in Bupleurum chinense by ESR
spectroscopy. Biol Pharm Bull, 20:97-100, 1997 Jan.
Zhang J, Comparison on saikosaponin levels in the root of
Bupleurum chinense of various sizes. Chung Yao Tung Pao.
20:13-4, 1985 Apr.Chionanthus virginicus
See FringetreeChiretta
Swertia chirata
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the herb, which is cut
and dried when the seed is ripe.
Flower and Fruit: The numerous flowers are small and form
a yellow panicle. The fruit is a single-valved capsule, which
tastes very bitter and is odorless.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is an annual and grows up
to 90 cm high. The branching stem is brown or purplish. 2 to