Ginseng (Ren Shen) is a popular herbal tonic that combat fatigue and boosts our immune-system function. The botanical name is known as Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. and the Pharm. name is Radix Ginseng. The plant's medicinal portion is the root, tasted sweet and slightly bitter. It is warm in property and enters the lung, spleen and heart organs and its meridians.
Action:
1. To replenish the Qi (vital energy) 2. To promote the secretion of body fluids 3. To tonify the spleen and lung 4. Sedative, cardiotonic and anti-fatigue
Indication:
1. Shock and prostration
2. Diarrhea and loss of appetite due to the hypofunction of the spleen
3. Dehydration, diabetes
4. Palpitation, insomnia, forgetfulness
5. Fatigue, extreme weakness
Contra-indication: For a person with true heat and pathogenic fever factors
Chemical Component: panaxosides, essential oil (panacene, panaxynol), saponin (ginsenoside), protopanaxadiol, protopanaxatriol. Recommended Dosage: 3-9 gm. (30gm. For shock)
Pharm. Action:
1. Action on the central nervous system:
a. Balance the excitatory and inhibitory process of the cerebral cortex
b. Enhance the conditioned reflex
c. Increase the ability of analysis
d. Reduce fatigue - can prolong the swimming time of rats
2. Influence on the response of the organism:
a. Similar action as the adaptogen - can increase the defence ability of the organism
b. Prevent the febrile action caused by injection of vaccines in rabbits
c. Increase the process of healing in injury situations
d. Reduce the toxicity of certain chemicals
e. Anti-histamine - no significant anti-histamine reaction
3. Action on the endocrine system:
a. Excitatory action on the pituitary-adrenal cortex system
- increase the function on the adrenal cortex system
- increase the immunity response to outside stimuli
- increase the resistance to diseases
b. Stimulate the pituitary gland to produce more sex hormones
c. Increase the function of the thyroid in a short period if a large dosage of ginseng is given to the rabbits
d. Anti-diuretic - action similar to dehydroxycortisone
4. Action on the metabolism:
a. Reduce blood sugar - synergistic action with insulin
b. Regulate the metabolism of cholesterol - prevent the incidence of hypercholesterolemia
c. Increase appetite and absorption of the digestive system
d. Increase the synthesis of protein ribose and nuleic acid
5. Action on the circulatory system:
a. Cardiac tonic - action similar to cardiac glycoside. A small dosage can increase the contraction of heart, but a large dosage can cause toxic reaction.
b. Stimulate the production of red and white blood cells
6. Action on the reticuloendothelial system:
a. Increase the immune response of the body
b. Stimulate the production of immunoglobulins
c. Increase the production of white blood cells and prevent the decrease of wbc.
d. Increase the production of lymphocytes and promote the transformation of lymphoblast
7. Anti-anaphylaxis:
a. Prevent anaphylactic shock caused by horse serum
b. Significant inhibition on allergic edema
(Source : The handbook of Chinese Herbs)
Ginseng Actions & indication
Invigorating primordial qi, tranquilizing the mind, improving wisdom, promoting the production of body fluid to quench thirst, tonifying the spleen and lung and delaying senility. It is used for : (1) Debility due to severe and long-standing diseases; (2) Magersucht, poor appetite and loose stool; (3) Insomnia, amnesia, palpitation and severe palpitation, etc.
Direction and Dosage
Take 3 grams of ginseng slice orally, once a day, Or, take 5-10 grams for decoction, which is to be taken in several doses.
Caution
It is contraindicated for those with excess syndromes, heat syndromes and sufficient vital-qi, black false hellebore, faeces trogopterorum or Chinese honey locust should be avoided to be used together with ginseng. Ginseng efficacy may be reduced if one drinks tea or has radish during administration period.
Contemporary Study Summary
1. Chemical Compositions
Ginseng contains panaxosides, panacene, panaxynol, Panax acid, prositisol, choline, amino acid, peptide, panose A,B,C glucose, fructose, maltose, vitamins B1, B2, nicotinic acid, pantothenic acid and trace elements as Ge, Sr and Rb, etc
2. Main Pharmacological Actions
(1) Anti-senility and prolong life, (2) Anti-fatigue; (3) Strengthen the heart; (4) Improve immune
function; (5) Stimulate marrow hemopoiesis and liver detoxification; (6) Improve adaptability.
Toxicological Study
"Ginseng abuse syndrome" may be induced if one had a long period of continuing consumption of big dosage. One consumption of extremely big dosage may lead to death.
(Source : The Collection of Ageing Delaying Traditional Chinese Medicines With Color Illustration)
Other Indications:
Taxation damage with low food intake and lassitude; stomach reflux; efflux diarrhea; vacuity cough with rapid, distressed, dyspneic breathing; spontaneous sweating; fulminant desertion; fright palpitation; dizziness; impotence; frequent urination; uterine bleeding; chronic fright wind; enduring vacuity; insufficiency of qi, blood, and fluids.
(Source : The Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica, page 40)
Used for gastric carcinoma, lung cancer, carcinoma of esphagus, mammary cancer, tumor, carcinoma of uterus, malignant lymphoma.
(Source : Kang Ai Zhi Wu Yao Ji Qi Yang Fang, page 19.)
Also used for Hodgkin's disease, chorionic epithelioma, acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute monocytic leukemia, lymphocarcinoma, reticulum cell sarcoma, hypertension and primary thrombocytopenic purpura. External application for burns.
(Source : Kang Ai Zhong Yao, Page 14.)
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Dang Gui
Dong quai (Chinese angelica root) is no medicinal newcomer, the herbs boasts a long, distinguished history as an analgesic, blood tonic, diuretic, muscle regulator, and sedative.
The botanical name is known as Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels and the pharm. name is Radix Angelicae Sinensis. The tastes are sweet, pungent and warm. It influences the liver, heart and spleen.
Action:
1. To nourish the blood and to invigorate the blood circulation
2. Used as emollient and laxative
Indication:
1. Anemia, abdominal pain
2. Dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea and other menstrual disorders
3. Traumatic injury, arthritis, coronary heart disease, angina pectoris
4. Constipation of the aged and debilitated
Contra-indication: For a person with diarrhea or abdominal fullness
Chemical Component:
Essential oil (safrole, ligustilide, butylidenphthalide, valerophenone-o-carboxylic acid), falcarindio, furo-coumarin (bergapten), vitamin B (nicotinic acid, folic acid, vitamin B12), and vitamin A. Recommended Dosage: 3 - 12 gm
Comment:
Dang Gui head is a hemostatic; the body is used to nourish blood; the tail-end is used to invigorate blood circulation; the whole Dang Gui is used to regulate blood metabolism.
Pharm. Action:
1. Action on the uterus - two fold:
a. Excitatory - increase the contraction of the uterus; (the water soluble and non-volatil component)
b. Inhibitory - the volatile component can relax the muscle of the uterus.
2. Prevent the decrease of liver glycogen and protect the liver.
3. Prevent the deficiency of vitamin E.
4. Anti-pernicious anemia - because of the concentration of folic acid and vitamin B12
5. Lower blood cholesterol - has therapeutic effect on experimental rats with atherosclerosis
6. Increase the flow of blood to the coronary artery and prevent myocardial ischemia, caused by pituitrin. It is used for coronary heart disease, thrombophlebitis, cerebral arteriosclerosis, and constrictive arteritis.
7. Anti-bacterial - inhibit the growth of Bacillus dysenteriae, B. typhi, B. comma, B. cholerae, hemolytic streptococci, etc.
8. Sedative and analgesic
9. Anti-inflammatory
10. Action similar to quinidine - has therapeutic effect on auricular fibrillation induced artificially by ACTH or electricity
11. Clinically used for treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans - can relieve pain, increase the local circulation of blood, increase the temperature of skin, prevent the formation and development of necrosis, and promote the healing process.
12. No female sex hormone action.
(Source : The handbook of chinese herbs)
Other Indications:
Menstrual irregularities, menstrual pain, uterine bleeding, bi, impact injury, yong and ju, and blood vacuity constipation. Daily dosage: 5 - 10 g. Contraindicated in spleen damp.
(Source : The Illustrated Chinese Material Medica, page25 )
Used for carcinoma of mammary gland, leukemia, carcinoma of liver, intestinal cancer and post chemotherapy.
(Source : Kang Ai Zhi Wu Yao Ji Qi Yang Fang)
Prescription
DANG GUI HONG ZAO CHONG JI
Ingredients : Chinese angelica root and chinese-date.
Actions and indications : promoting blood circulation and regulating menstruation, strengthening the spleen and invigorating qi. It is used for irregular menstruation and poor appetite due to spleen deficiency. Direction and dosage : Take 20 grams orally, 2-3 times a day.
DANG GUI YANG XUE WAN
Ingredients : Rehmannia root, Chinese angelica root, astragalus root, nutgrass flatsedge rhizome, poria, bighead atractylodes rhizome, white peony, eucommia bark, ass-hide glue and moutan bark.
Actions and indications : Invigorating qi and nourishing blood. It is used for deficiency of both qi and blood, soreness of waist, abdominal distention and irregular menstruation. Direction and dosage : Take 20 grams orally, 3 times a day. Caution : It is contraindicated for pregnant women.
(Source : The Collection of ageing delaying traditional chinese medicines with color illustration)
Gou Qî Zi
Gou Qi Zi (Wolfberry fruit; Lycium fruit) , the dried fruit is ovate, spindle-shaped. The skin is bright or dark red. Large, red fruits with few seeds and sweet flesh are best. The botanical name is Lycium chinense Mill.; Lycium barbarum L; and the pharma name is known as Fructus Lycii. The taste is sweet with neutral properties. It enters the liver and kidney channels.
Action:
1. To replenish the liver and kidney Yin (vital essence) 2. To nourish the blood 3. To improve eyesight
Indication:
1. Impotence, nocturnal emission, aching back and legs 2.Vertigo, decreased eye-sight 3. Diabetes mellitus. Contra-indication: For a person with true heat; diarrhea; and spleen dampness.
Chemical Component::
Carotene, vitamin B1, B2, and C, nicotinic acid, ß-sitosterol, linoleic acid, Ca, P, Fe. Recommended Dosage: 6 - 15gm.
Pharm. Action:
1. Lower the concentration of blood sugar in diabetes.
2. Inhibit the deposition of fat in liver cells and promote the regeneration of liver cells.
3. Lower blood cholesterol and prevent the formation of atherosclerosis.
4. Can enhance the nonspecific immunity, phagocytosis of the macrophage, and the production of T-lymphocytes.
(Source : The handbook of chinese herbs)
Actions and Indications
Nourishing yin and moistening the lung, tonifying the liver and kidney, nourishing the blood and improving acuity of sight. It is used for : (1) Hectic fever due to yin deficiency; (2) Dizziness, blurred vision, decline of sight, soreness and lassitude of the loins and knees, spermatorrhoea and diabetes, etc.
Prescriptions
1. GOU QI GAO
Ingredients : Wolfberry fruit.
Actions and indications : Tonifying the kidney, promoting the production of body fluid, nourishing the liver and improving sight. It is used for deficiency of the liver and kidney, soreness and lassitude of the loins and knees, dizziness and blurred vision. Direction and dosage : Take 9-15 grams orally, twice a day.
2. GOU QI JIU
Ingredients : Wolfberry fruit, Chinese angelica root, fleece-flower root, capejasmine, cynomorium, safflower, psoralea fruit, poria ophiopogon root and achyranthes root, etc.
Actions and indications : Tonifying the liver and kidney, nourishing blood and improving eye sight. It is used for deficiency of both the liver and kidney, dizziness, blurred vision, and soreness and pain of the loins and knees. Direction and dosage : Take 10-15ml orally, twice a day. Caution : It is contraindicated for patients with hypertension.
3. QI JU WAN
Ingredients : Wolfberry fruit, chrysanthemum flower, prepared rehmannia root, poria, Chinese yam, alisma, schisandra fruit and glossy privet fruit, etc. Actions and indications : Nourishing yin and improving eye sight. It is used for yin deficiency of the liver and kidney, dark vision, dizziness and tinnitus. Direction and dosage : Take 9 grams orally, twice a day.
4. QI JU DI HUANG WAN
Ingredients : Wolfberry fruit, chrysanthemum flower, prepared rehmannia root, dogwood fruit, moutan bark, Chinese yam, poria and alisma. Actions and indications : Nourishing the kidney and tonifying the liver. It is used for yin deficiency of the liver and kidney, dizziness, tinnitus and blurred vision. Direction and dosage : Take 6-9 grams orally, twice a day.
Chemical Compositions
The fruit contains betaine, zeaxanthine, physalien, carotene, ß-sitosterol, thiamine, riboflavine, niacin, ascorbic acid, linoleic acid, vitamins B1,B2, C, various amino acids, and elements such as Ca, P and Fe, etc.
Main Pharmacological Actions
1. Lower blood sugar 2. Lower the level of serum cholesterol and increase phospholipid 3. Improve cell's immune function 4. Act as choline 5. Increase the level of testosterone and strengthen the body 6. Protect the liver
(Source : The Collection of Ageing Delaying Traditional Chinese Medicines with Color Illustration)
Other Indications:
Liver-kidney yin depletion; weak, weakening and aching of knees and lumbago; dizziness; copious tears; vacuity taxation cough; wasting thirst; seminal emission. Daily dosage: 5 - 10g.
(Source : The Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica, page 142)
Used for multiple myeloma, carcinoma of pancreas and liver cancer.
(Source : Kang Ai Zhi Wu Yao Ji Qi Yang Fang, page 507)
Huáng Qí
Common Name: Astragalus root
Botanical Name: Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge.
Astragalus mongholicus Bge.
Pharm. Name: Radix Astragali
Used Part: Root
Taste and Property: Sweet, slightly warm
Embryonic Property: Spleen and lung
Action:
1. To replenish the Qi (vital energy) and stop perspiration
2. To consolidate the defensive energy
3. To dispel pus and accelerate the healing of wounds
4. To regulate the water metabolism and reduce edema
Indication:
1. Spontaneous and night sweat, prolapse of the anus and uterus
2. Abscess and chronic ulcers
3. Chronic nephritis with edema and proteinuria
Contra-indication :
For a person with excess (Shi) symptoms and deficiency of Yin (vital energy) symptoms
Chemical Component:
Sugars, choline, folic acid, amino acids, ß-sitosterol, betaine, astragalan, astragalin. Recommended Dosage: 9-15 grams
Pharm. Action:
1. Excitatory action on the central nervous system.
2. Increase the phagocytosis of reticuloendothelial system
3. Cardiotonic - increase the contraction of the heart. This effect is significantly seen in patients with cardiac failure caused by poisoning or fatigue.
4. Lower blood pressure - by dilating the blood vessels and increase the circulationof blood to the skin.
5. Diuretic - increase the secretion of sodium.
6. Decrease protein in urine - decrease the concentration of protein in urine in chronic nephritic patients, and inhibit the episode of serum nephritis.
7. Prevent the loss of concentration of glycogen in liver.
8. Anti-bacterial - inhibit the growth of staphylococci, hemolytic streptococci, pheumococci, corynebacterium diphtheriae, and Bacillus dysenteriae.
9. Prolong estrus in mice.
10. Decrease blood sugar in rabbits.
11. Inhibit the secretion of gastric juice and increase PH value.
12. Anti-cancer - increases the content of cAMP and inhibits the growth of tumor cells. It increases the sensitivity to interferon, which is similar to adenylate cyclase in action. It increases the production of macrophages, plasma cells and antibodies. It is effective against the immunosuppressants. It is effective for both cellular and humoral immunity.
(Source : The handbook of Chinese Herbs)
Actions and Indications
Invigorating qi, elevating the spleen-yang, consolidating superficial resistance to stop sweating, promoting pus discharge and tissue generation and promoting diuresis to alleviate edema, etc.
It is used for: 1) Debility due to qi deficiency, fatigue, prolapsed of the viscera and prolapsed of rectum due to chronic diarrhea; (2) Edema of limbs, dysuria, palpitation and shortness of breath, etc.
Direction and Dosage: Be decocted first, take 9-30 grams daily.
Caution: It is contraindicated for those with excess syndromes and with hyperactivity of yang due to yin deficiency.
CONTEMPORARY STUDY SUMMARY
Chemical Compositions
The root contains cane sugar, glucuronic acid, mucilage, several amino acids, bitters, choline, betaine, folic acid, 2', 4'-dihydroxy-5, 6-dimethoxyisoflavane, kumatakenin, ß-sitosterol and many trace elements as Se, Si, Zn, Co, Cu, Mo, etc.
Main Pharmacological Actions
1) Strengthen the body; 2) Anti-aging and prolong life. The root can prolong the growing life of body's kidney cells and lung cells; 3) Regulate immune balance and improve cells immune function; 4)Inhibit platelet aggregation; (5) Induce diuresis.
(Source : The Collection of Ageing Delaying Traditional Chinese Medicines with Color Illustration)
Other Indications:
Spontaneous external bleeding; night sweating; blood bi; water swelling; persistent yong and ju Daily dosage: 5 - 10g. Contraindicated in repletion patterns and yang exuberance due to yin .
Source: The Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica, page 30
Used for carcinoma stomach, tumor of bladder, carcinoma of cervix, tumor of bone, malignae lymphoma and cerebroma.
Source: An Illustrated Guide to Antineoplastic Chinese Herbal Medicine, page 645
Hé Shôu Wu
Common Name: Fleeceflower root
Botanical Name: Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.
Pharm. Name: Radix Polygoni Multiflori
Used Part: Tuberous root
Taste and Property: Sweet, bitter, astringent, slightly warm
Embryonic Property: Liver and kidney
Action:
1. To replenish the vital essence of the liver and kidney
2. To nourish the blood
3. Laxative
4. Detoxicant
Indication:
1. Early greying of hair, aching back and knees, neurasthenia, insomnia, palpitation
2. Anemia
3. Constipation of the elderly
4. Boils, abscess, scrofula
5. Hypercholesteremia
Contra-indication: For a person with diarrhea
Chemical Component:
Anthraquinone (chrysophanol, chrysophanic acid, rhein, chrysophanic acid anthrone, emodin, methylemodin), tannin, lecithin
Recommended Dosage: 9 - 25gm
Pharm. Action:
1. Action on blood sugar - after a period of 30 - 60 minute of the oral intake of the decoction by the rabbits, the blood sugar concentration will reach the highest point, then slowly decline.
2. Increase liver glycogen content - experiment done on the hungry adrenalectomized mice.
3. Lower blood cholesterol - reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines, prevent the deposition of cholesterol in liver, and prevent the formation of atheosclerosis.
4. Lecithin is the essential ingredient in the formation of nerve tissues, blood cells and other cell membranes.
5. Cardiotonic - excitatory action on the frog's heart in vitro.
6. Laxative - because of anthraquinone (rhein and emodin)
7. Anti-bacterial - inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, bacillus dysenteriae.
8. Action similar to adrenalcorticoid hormone.
(Source: The handbook of chinese herbs)
Nature and Taste
Raw : bitter, astringent in taste and neutral in nature.
Prepared : bitter, sweet in taste and warm in nature.
Action and Indications
Processed fleece-flower root: invigorating the liver and kidney, replenishing vital essence and blood, blackening hair, strengthening bones and tendons and prolonging life.
Raw fleece-flower root: loosening the bowel to relieve constipation, detoxicating and removing damp-heat.
It is used for: 1) Sallow complexion due to deficiency of blood, dizziness, tinnitus, early whitening of hair, soreness and lassitude of loins and knees, numbness of limbs and hyperlipemia. Frequent use can cure dyszoospermia; (2) Constipation due to dry intestine, abscess, scrofula, sores and carbuncle.
Direction and Dosage : Be decocted first, take 9-30 grams daily..
Toxicological Study
Raw fleece-flower root is more toxic than prepared one. In general, there are no side effects in clinical applications. But some people will have more times of stool, affect with slight diarrhea and abdominal pain after administration. A few will feel chest distress and intense heat inside.
Caution : It is contraindicated for patients with loose stool or with serious damp phlegm.
Prescription:
QI BAO MEI RAN DAN
Ingredients: Fleece-flower root (prepared), Chinese angelica root, psoralea fruit, wolfberry fruit, dodder seed, poria and achyranthes root.
Actions and indications : Tonifying the liver and kidney and blackening hair. It is used for deficiency of both the liver and kidney, early whitening of hair, loose teeth, spermatorrhea, night sweat, dysphoria, thirst, emaciated body and lassitude of tendons and bones.
Direction and dosage: Take 9 grams orally, twice a day.
Caution : Cold and pungent stimulants are prohibited to be eaten.
(Source : The Collection of Ageing Delaying Traditional Chinese Medicines with Color Illustration)
Other Indications:
Liver-kidney yin depletion with signs such as premature greying of the hair, weakness of lumbar and knees, and seminal emission; blood vacuity dizziness; uterine bleeding; vaginal discharge; enduring malaria; swollen yong; intestinal wind; hemorrhoids.
Source : The Illustrated Chinese Materia Medica, page 52
Used for tumors of bone, acute leukemia and intracranial malignant tumor.
Source : Kang Ai Zhi Wu Yao Ji Qi Yang Fang, page 389