Bupleurum Purchase & Information
Alternative Names
Bupleuri, Bei Chai Hu, Buplèvre, Buplèvre Chinois, Bupleurum Chinese, Buplèvre à Feuilles de Scorsonère, Buplèvre à Feuilles Rondes, Buplèvre Ligneux, Buplèvre à Longues Feuilles, Chinese Thoroughwax, Chi Hu, Chinese Bupleurum, Chai Hu, Hare's Ear Root, Radix Bupleuri, Shrubby Hare's-ear, Saiko, Sickle-leaf Hare's-ear, Thoroughwax
Scientific Name
Bupleurum falcatum
Why Do People Use Bupleurum?
The oral preparations of Bupleurum falcatum (Bupleurum), like bupleurum powder, are utilized for flu (influenza), liver disorders, fever, common cold, swine flu, fatigue, cough, tinnitus and headache. Bupleurum powder is also utilized for hyperlipidemia, depression, dysmenorrhea, cancer, insomnia, anorexia, malaria illness, pneumonia, epilepsy, angina, rheumatism, muscle cramps problems, bronchitis, asthma issues, ulcers, hemorrhoids, indigestion, constipation issues, diarrhea and for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) In a number of herbal formulas, Bupleurum chinense is used as an essential ingredient. It is also included in a Japanese herbal formula (Xiao-chai-hu-tang, TJ-9, Sho-saiko-to), used for the treatment of chronic liver disease and hepatitis, and is also included in Chinese herbal formula utilized for curing thrombocytopenic purpura. The oral preparations of bupleurum powder are also utilized in mixture with licorice and Panax ginseng to help with the function of adrenal gland.
Is It Safe To Use?
Regarding the effectiveness of Bupleurum falcatum there is insufficient reliable information available.
Lactation and Pregnancy - Regarding the effectiveness of bupleurum in pregnancy & lactation there is insufficient reliable information available; so it should be avoided in such conditions.
How Effective Is Bupleurum?
Regarding effectiveness of bupleurum there is insufficient reliable information available.
How Bupleurum Works?
The root is the most effective part of bupleurum. A number of compounds are separated from Bupleurum falcatum and utilized in conventional Chinese medicines. These substances include polysaccharides, polyacetylenes and saikosaponins. Saikosaponin substances are more or less the same among members of bupleurum species. However, there is prominent variability in the amount of these saikosaponins in different species. Accordingly, pharmacological activity is variable in each species. Content of saikosaponin is highest among Bupleurum Chinese (1.7%) and Bupleurum falcatum (2%-8%).
When used for the treatment of infections like flu and common cold, bupleurum powder is believed to function because of its ability to boost the activity of immune system. Results of in vitro studies (studies conducted in laboratory) have shown that Bupleurum falcatum may be useful in stimulating the proliferation of protective cells like B-lymphocytes with resultant increase in the level of protective immunoglobulins. Moreover, bupleurum increases the number of antibody binding sites on the surface of macrophages, which eventually leads to the increased activity of macrophages in laboratory investigations. Salkasaponin-d, a constituent of Bupleurum falcatum, seems to promote the level of interleukin 2 (IL-2) and enhance the expression of IL-2 receptors. These features make it able to regulate the function of T-lymphocytes. Finally, use of bupleurum may also increase the production of IL-1, activity of macrophages and response of antibodies.
Bupleurum powder is also reported to have cough relieving properties.
It is also believed to help with conditions like peptic ulcer disease due to its ability to enhance the protection offered by the mucosal layer of the stomach and decrease the secretion of pepsin and gastric acid by the stomach.
There are a number of effects of Bupleurum falcatum that have not yet been proved in humans. These effects include hepatoprotectant, antitumor, antiplatelet, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and spam reliving effects.
Results of some investigations also suggest that bupleurum containing Japanese herbal formula, Sho-saiko-to enhances the HIV-1 inhibiting activity of drugs like lamivudine (Epivir, 3TC).
What Are The Side Effects /Adverse Reactions of Bupleurum?
Bupleurum powder, when used orally, can cause side effect like sedation, flatulence and increased bowel movements. Sho-saiko-to, a Japanese herbal formula with bupleurum in it, is related with pulmonary edema, eosinophilic pneumonia and a number of cases of pneumonitis. This formula is utilized with interferon-alpha and is helpful for chronic active hepatitis patients. But this could cause a number of cases of pneumonitis.
How Bupleurum Interacts With Other Herbs and Supplements?
Not known.
How Bupleurum Interacts With Drugs?
Immunosuppressants - This represents a moderate interaction of bupleurum powder with other drugs. Human immune system may be stimulated by Bupleurum falcatum. Therefore, it may interfere with immunosuppressive therapy. Drugs causing immunosuppression include basiliximab, azathioprine (Imuran), daclizumab, cyclosporine (Sandimmune, Neoral), mycophenolate (CellCept), muromonab-CD3 (Orthoclone OKT3) tacrolimus (Prograf, FK506), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), prednisone (Orasone , Deltasone), sirolimus (Rapamune), and others.
How Bupleurum Interacts With Foods?
Not known.
How Bupleurum Interacts With Lab Tests?
Not known.
How Bupleurum Interacts With Diseases and Conditions?
Autoimmune Diseases - Bupleurum powder appears to boost human immune function. Human autoimmune diseases may worsen following the oral consumption of bupleurum. So, patients who are suffering from autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), multiple sclerosis (MS) or others should avoid or use Bupleurum chinense after proper recommendation of physician.
What Should Be the Dose/Administration of Bupleurum?
ORAL Bupleurum powder dosage should be 1.5-6.0 grams every day.
In the form of fluid extracts, Bupleurum should be used in a dosage of 1.5-3 mL every day or 25-60 mL in whole week.
Comments
Japanese herbal formulas including (SST, Sho-saiko-to, Inc, HepCare), which consist of bupleurum and different herbal contents, are presently being evaluated in a phase II trial at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center for hepatitis C.
General Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Specification sheet links below are a standard copy of the COA less the batch or lot number and manufactures dates. Specification sheet can be dated and should only be considered as a general information. Please contact and request an up to date COA if needed for specific updated information before placing order by filling out the contact form with product name and SKU number. If ordering quantities of twenty five kilos or more contact for availability.