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Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinense, Bupleurum falcatum) Be aware that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and dietary supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products containing or claiming to contain bupleurum. Decisions to use herbs or supplements should be carefully considered. Individuals using prescription drugs should discuss taking herbs or supplements with a pharmacist or health care professional before starting.
Scientists have studied bupleurum for the following health problems: Fever | Chinese publications have mentioned small studies that suggest bupleurum may be helpful for reducing fever. However, safety and effectiveness have not been established. In traditional Chinese medicine, bupleurum is often used in combination with other herbs. | Hepatitis | Chinese publications have mentioned small studies that suggest bupleurum may improve symptoms of hepatitis. However, safety and effectiveness have not been established, and these studies have tested bupleurum in combination with other herbs. Better research is needed to provide more definitive answers. | Primary thrombocytopenic purpura | One case series from China suggests that primary thrombocytopenic purpura (abnormally low blood platelet counts, which increase risk of bleeding) may respond, in some cases, to treatment with bupleurum-containing herbal formulas. There are no controlled studies of the use of herbals in this condition to date, so definitive conclusions are not possible. | Minimal brain dysfunction | A combination containing bupleurum was assessed in one study as a treatment for children with minimal brain dysfunction. Further randomized, clinical trials will need to be done before recommending for or against the use of bupleurum for minimal brain dysfunction. | Liver cancer (prevention) | Sho-saiko-to, the Japanese version of the classical Bupleurum-based formula, has been examined in one clinical trial for a possible role in preventing liver cancer in patients with cirrhosis. Further research is needed to confirm these results. |
Bupleurum has been suggested for many other uses, based on tradition or on scientific theories. However, these uses have not been thoroughly studied in humans, and there is limited scientific evidence about safety or effectiveness. Some of these suggested uses are for conditions that are potentially serious and even life-threatening. You should consult a health care professional before using bupleurum for any unproven use. Adrenal insufficiency
Allergic asthma
Amenorrhea (lack of menstrual period)
Angina
Anorexia
Antibacterial
Antiemetic
Antifungal
Anti-inflammatory
Antioxidant
Antiseptic
Antiviral
Asthma
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Birth control
Bronchitis
Cancer
Common cold
Constipation
Cough
Deafness
Dementia
Depression
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual period)
Epigastric pain
Epilepsy
Fatigue
Fevers
Gallbladder disease
Gastric adenocarcinoma
Gastric ulcer
Gastrointestinal disorders
Headache
Hemorrhoids
Herpes simplex
High cholesterol
HIV
Hot flashes
Immune system enhancer
Immune system suppressant | Indigestion
Inflammation
Influenza
Kidney diseases
Kidney protective effects
Liver cancer
Liver diseases
Liver infection
Liver injury
Liver protective effects
Liver tonic
Lung congestion
Malaria
Melanoma
Menstrual cramps
Menstrual period disorders
Muscle cramps
Muscle pain
Nausea
Pain
Pancreatitis
Parkinson's disease
Poliovirus
Premenstrual syndrome
Pulmonary edema
Rectal prolapse
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sedation
Solid tumors
Spleen disorders
Stomach and spleen toner
Stomach ulcers
Sweating
Systemic lupus erythematosus
Tinnitus
Tuberculosis
Ulcers
Upper respiratory tract infection
Uterine prolapse
Vertigo
Vomiting
Wound healing |
Allergies Individuals with allergies to plants in the Apiaceae and the Umbelliferae (carrot) families, such as snakeroot, cow parsnip and poison hemlock, are more likely to have allergic reactions to bupleurum. Multiple cases of allergic reactions to bupleurum injections have been reported. Side Effects Few side effects have been reported from bupleurum taken by mouth at recommended doses. The most common complaints include sedation, drowsiness and lethargy. Use caution if you are driving or operating heavy machinery. There have been reports of decreased appetite, nausea, heartburn (reflux), abdominal distension, flatulence (gas) and increased bowel movements after taking large doses of bupleurum. In a laboratory study, bupleurum has been associated with inhibition of human platelet activation, which may increase the risk of bleeding. In patients using herbal combination products that contain bupleurum, there is at least one published case of eosinophilic pneumonia and pulmonary edema (fluid in the lungs), and there are several reported cases of pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs). It is not clear if these effects were caused by bupleurum or other ingredients in the preparations. Hepatitis has been reported. Bupleurum may increase blood sugar levels and stimulate the adrenal gland. Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure or other chronic health conditions should consult a health care professional before taking bupleurum. Pregnancy And Breast-Feeding Bupleurum cannot be recommended during pregnancy or breast-feeding because of a lack of scientific information.
Interactions with drugs, supplements and other herbs have not been thoroughly studied. The interactions listed below have been reported in scientific publications. If you are taking prescription drugs, speak with a health care professional or pharmacist before using herbs or dietary supplements. Interactions With Drugs Bupleurum may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some prescription drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines, such as lorazepam (Ativan); barbiturates, such as phenobarbital; narcotics, such as codeine; and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. Bupleurum may enhance the activity of lamivudine (Epivir) and drugs that suppress the immune system. Because bupleurum may stimulate the adrenal gland, it may affect corticosteroids, drugs used for high blood pressure and diuretics (water pills). Individuals taking prescription drugs should consult a health care professional before starting bupleurum. In a laboratory study, bupleurum has been associated with inhibition of human platelet activation, which may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with other drugs that also increase the risk of bleeding. Bupleurum has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in animals and may have additive effects with cholesterol-lowering dugs. Buplerum has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels in animals and therefore may have added effects when taken with drugs that lower blood sugar levels. Bupleurum may interact with drugs broken down by the liver, drugs used for Alzheimer's, antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, and tolbutamide. Interactions With Herbs And Dietary Supplements Bupleurum may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements, such as valerian. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery. Bupleurum may enhance the activity of herbs and dietary supplements that suppress the immune system. Bupleurum may stimulate the adrenal gland and may have effects on herbs and supplements that affect corticosteroid levels, lower blood pressure or act as diuretics. Individuals taking other herbs or supplements should consult a health care professional before starting therapy with bupleurum. In a laboratory study, bupleurum has been associated with inhibition of human platelet activation, which may increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken with other herbs and supplements that also increase the risk of bleeding. Bupleurum has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels in animals and may have additive effects with cholesterol-lowering herbs and supplements. Buplerum has been shown to decrease blood sugar levels in animals and therefore may have added effects when taken with herbs and supplements that lower blood sugar levels. Bupleurum may interact with herbs and supplements broken down by the liver.
The doses listed below are based on scientific research, publications or traditional use. Because most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly studied or monitored, safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients even within the same brand. Combination products often contain small amounts of each ingredient and may not be effective. Appropriate dosing should be discussed with a health care professional before starting therapy; always read the recommendations on a product's label. The dosing for unproven uses should be approached cautiously, because scientific information is limited in these areas. Adults (Aged 18 Or Older) Bupleurum root: Doses of 1.5 to nine grams per day by mouth have been reported. Fluid extract: Doses of 1.5 to three milliliters of extract (1:2) per day by mouth have been reported. Combination therapy sho-saiko-to: Doses of 5.4 to 7/5 grams have been studied. Children (Younger Than 18) The dosing and safety of bupleurum have not been studied thoroughly in children, and it is recommended that you discuss doses with a health care professional before your child starts therapy.
Although bupleurum has been suggested for many uses, it has not been scientifically proven as effective or safe for the treatment of any health condition. Some reports suggest effectiveness for treating fevers or improving symptoms of hepatitis. Combination products have been studied for other indications, and there are many unproven uses. Bupleurum may cause drowsiness or gastrointestinal side effects or increase the effects of bleeding. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should not take bupleurum, and individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure or other medical conditions should check with a health care professional before starting therapy. If you are allergic to plants in the Apiaceae or Umbelliferae (carrot) families (for example, snakeroot, cow parsnip or poison hemlock), you may also be allergic to bupleurum. Contact a health care professional immediately if you experience side effects. The information in this monograph was prepared by the professional staff at Natural Standard, based on thorough systematic review of scientific evidence. The material was reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School with final editing approved by Natural Standard.
- Natural Standard: An organization that produces scientifically based reviews of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) topics
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services dedicated to research
Selected Scientific Studies: Bupleurum Natural Standard reviewed more than 186 articles to prepare the professional monograph from which this version was created. Some of the more recent studies are listed below: - Aiba T, Takahashi T, Suzuki K, Okoshi S, Nomoto M, Uno K, Aoyagi Y. Liver injury induced by a Japanese herbal medicine, sairei-to (TJ-114, Bupleurum and Hoelen Combination, Chai-Ling-Tang) R1. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2007 May;22(5):762-3.
- Ikegami F, Sumino M, Fujii Y, Akiba T, Satoh T. Pharmacology and toxicology of Bupleurum root-containing Kampo medicines in clinical use. Hum Exp Toxicol. 2006 Aug;25(8):481-94.
- Katou K, Mori K. Autoimmune hepatitis with drug-induced pneumonia due to sho-saiko-to. Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi 1999;37(8):641-646.
- Kiguchi T, Kimura F, Niiya K, et al. Acute thrombocytopenic purpura after ingestion of Sho-saiko-to for hepatitis. Liver 2000;20(6):491.
- Kim SY, Yun-Choi HS. Platelet anti-aggregating activities of bupleurumin from the aerial parts of Bupleurum falcatum. Arch Pharm Res. 2007 May;30(5):561-4.
- Park KH, Park J, Koh D, Lim Y. Effect of saikosaponin-A, a triterpenoid glycoside, isolated from Bupleurum falcatum on experimental allergic asthma. Phytother Res 2002;Jun, 16(4):359-363.
- Shimizu I. Sho-saiko-to: Japanese herbal medicine for protection against hepatic fibrosis and carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2000;15 Suppl:D84-D90.
- Yu D, Zhao X, Xu X, et al. Treatment of primary thrombocytopenic purpura by modified minor decoction of bupleurum. J Trad Chin Med 1995;15(2):96-98.
Last updated September 04, 2008
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