BUPLEURUM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Bupleurum is an herb or woody shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North America. There are about 200 different species. Its root is used as medicine.

Bupleurum is included in many Chinese and Japanese traditional herbal formulas. It might help stimulate the immune system and protect the liver.

People use bupleurum for asthma, depression, flu, hepatitis, liver cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for BUPLEURUM overview.

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Bupleurum is possibly safe. It's been used as part of a Japanese herbal formula called Sho-saiko-to for up to 5 years. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include nausea. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bupleurum is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Bupleurum might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using bupleurum.

Bleeding disorders: Chemicals in bupleurum might slow blood clotting. This might make bleeding disorders worse.

Diabetes: Chemicals in bupleurum might increase blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use bupleurum. The dose of your diabetes medication may need to be changed.

Surgery: Chemicals in bupleurum might prolong bleeding or increase blood sugar levels. Stop taking saikosaponins at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with BUPLEURUM
Bupleurum can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking bupleurum along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with BUPLEURUM
Chemicals in bupleurum, called saikosaponins, might increase blood sugar levels. Taking bupleurum along with diabetes medications might reduce the effects of these medications. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BUPLEURUM
Bupleurum might slow blood clotting. Taking bupleurum along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

Bupleurum is most often used by adults in combination with other ingredients in traditional medicine herbal formulas. Speak with your healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Sun XB, Matsumoto T, and Yamada H. Effects of a polysaccharide fraction from the roots of Bupleurum falcatum L. on experimental gastric ulcer models in rats and mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 1991;43(10):699-704. View abstract.

Tajiri, H., Kozaiwa, K., Ozaki, Y., Miki, K., Shimuzu, K., and Okada, S. Effect of sho-saiko-to(xiao-chai-hu-tang) on HBeAg clearance in children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and with sustained liver disease. Am J Chin Med 1991;19(2):121-129. View abstract.

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Ahn BZ, Yoon YD, Lee YH, et al. Inhibitory effect of bupleuri radix saponins on adhesion of some solid tumor cells and relation to hemolytic action: screening of 232 herbal drugs for anti-cell adhesion. Planta Med 1998;64:220-4. View abstract.

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Ishizaki T, Sasaki F, Ameshima S, et al. Pneumonitis during interferon and/or herbal drug therapy in patients with chronic active hepatitis. Eur Respir J 1996;9:2691-6. View abstract.

Izumi S, Ohno N, Kawakita T, et al. Wide range of molecular weight distribution of mitogenic substance(s) in the hot water extract of a Chinese herbal medicine, Bupleurum chinense. Biol Pharm Bull 1997;20:759-64. View abstract.

Jing H, Jiang Y, Luo S. [Chemical constituents of the roots of Bupleurum longicaule Wall. ex DC. var. franchetii de Boiss and B. chaishoui Shan et Sheh]. Chung Kuo Chung Yao Tsa Chih 1996;21:739-41,762. View abstract.

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Matsumoto T, Yamada H. Regulation of immune complexes binding of macrophages by pectic polysaccharide from Bupleurum falcatum L.: pharmacological evidence for the requirement of intracellular calcium/calmodulin on Fc receptor up-regulation by bupleuran 2IIb. J Pharm Pharmacol 1995;47:152-6. View abstract.

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Sugiyama H, Nagai M, Kotajima F, et al. [A case of interstitial pneumonia with chronic hepatitis C following interferon-alfa and sho-saiko-to therapy]. Arerugi 1995;44:711-4.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.

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BUPLEURUM - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with BUPLEURUM

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with BUPLEURUM

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BUPLEURUM

Dosing

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BUPLEURUM - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with BUPLEURUM

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with BUPLEURUM

Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with BUPLEURUM

Dosing

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