Chinese medicinal herb: A clinical monogragh of Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu)

Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu) is one of the most commonly used herbs in the Chinese medicine clinical practcie. In Chinese medicine, it is beliveed that Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu) is acrid, cool and bitter and enters Liver and Gallbladder meridians. It is used to reduce fever, release the stagnation of Liver Qi and raise clear Yang. Details of its actions, indications, contraindications, dosage and control are discussed from Chinese medicine perspective. In western medicine, the clinical and experimental studies have shown that Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu) has antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, immune-regulatory and anti-tumour effects. Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu) also has effects on central nervous system, cardiovascular system, digestive system and metabolism. this monograph presents details of its pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics and mechanism, toxicology and interactions as well as side effects with evidence from comprehensive literature search. Guidelines for its use and regulatory control in different countires are also reviewed.