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

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.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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:

Agosti, R., Duke, R. K., Chrubasik, J. E., and Chrubasik, S. Effectiveness of Petasites hybridus preparations in the prophylaxis of migraine: a systematic review. Phytomedicine. 2006;13(9-10):743-746. View abstract.

Aydin, A. A., Zerbes, V., Parlar, H., and Letzel, T. The medical plant butterbur (Petasites): analytical and physiological (re)view. J Pharm Biomed.Anal. 3-5-2013;75:220-229. View abstract.

Brune, K., Bickel, D., and Peskar, B. A. Gastro-protective effects by extracts of Petasites hybridus: the role of inhibition of peptido-leukotriene synthesis. Planta Med. 1993;59(6):494-496. View abstract.

Debrunner, B. and Meier, B. Petasites hybridus: a tool for interdisciplinary research in phytotherapy. Pharm.Acta Helv. 1998;72(6):359-362. View abstract.

Degenring FH and Bommer S. Prevention de la migraine par Petadolor H (Petaforce

Diener, H. C. [Migraine prevention with Petasites]. Med Monatsschr.Pharm 2006;29(1):40. View abstract.

Evans, R. W. and Taylor, F. R. "Natural" or alternative medications for migraine prevention. Headache 2006;46(6):1012-1018. View abstract.

Evers, S. Treatment of migraine with prophylactic drugs. Expert.Opin.Pharmacother. 2008;9(15):2565-2573. View abstract.

Evers, S., Afra, J., Frese, A., Goadsby, P. J., Linde, M., May, A., and Sandor, P. S. EFNS guideline on the drug treatment of migraine - report of an EFNS task force. Eur J Neurol. 2006;13(6):560-572. View abstract.

Evers, S., Afra, J., Frese, A., Goadsby, P. J., Linde, M., May, A., and Sandor, P. S. EFNS guideline on the drug treatment of migraine--revised report of an EFNS task force. Eur J Neurol. 2009;16(9):968-981. View abstract.

Fiebich, B. L., Grozdeva, M., Hess, S., Hull, M., Danesch, U., Bodensieck, A., and Bauer, R. Petasites hybridus extracts in vitro inhibit COX-2 and PGE2 release by direct interaction with the enzyme and by preventing p42/44 MAP kinase activation in rat primary microglial cells. Planta Med 2005;71(1):12-19. View abstract.

Grossman, W. and Schmidramsl, H. An extract of Petasites hybridus is effective in the prophylaxis of migraine. Altern.Med.Rev. 2001;6(3):303-310. View abstract.

Guo, R., Pittler, M. H., and Ernst, E. Herbal medicines for the treatment of allergic rhinitis: a systematic review. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2007;99(6):483-495. View abstract.

Lee, J. S., Yang, E. J., Yun, C. Y., Kim, D. H., and Kim, I. S. Suppressive effect of Petasites japonicus extract on ovalbumin-induced airway inflammation in an asthmatic mouse model. J Ethnopharmacol. 1-27-2011;133(2):551-557. View abstract.

Leimgruber, A. [Allergo-immunology]. Rev.Med Suisse 1-11-2006;2(48):89-92. View abstract.

Haranaka, K., Satomi, N., Sakurai, A., Haranaka, R., Okada, N., and Kobayashi, M. Antitumor activities and tumor necrosis factor producibility of traditional Chinese medicines and crude drugs. Cancer Immunol Immunother. 1985;20(1):1-5. View abstract.

Sugiyama H, Nagai M, Kotajima F, and et al. [A case of interstitial pneumonia with chronic hepatitis C following interferon-alfa and sho-saiko-to therapy]. Arerugi 1995;44(7):711-714. View abstract.

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.

Ushio Y and Abe H. Inactivation of measles virus and herpes simplex virus by saikosaponin d. Planta Med 1992;58(2):171-173. View abstract.

Wu, S. J., Lin, Y. H., Chu, C. C., Tsai, Y. H., and Chao, J. C. Curcumin or saikosaponin a improves hepatic antioxidant capacity and protects against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats. J Med.Food 2008;11(2):224-229. View abstract.

Xie, Y., Lu, W., Cao, S., Jiang, X., Yin, M., and Tang, W. Preparation of bupleurum nasal spray and evaluation on its safety and efficacy. Chem Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 2006;54(1):48-53. View abstract.

Yokoyama H, Hiai S, and Oura H. Chemical structures and corticosterone secretion-inducing activities of saikosaponins. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo) 1981;29(2):500-504. View abstract.

Zhang, S., Cheng, Z., Huang, B., and Li, J. [The effect of he jie decoction on the TCRV beta 7 of chronic hepatitis B patients]. Zhong.Yao Cai. 2002;25(6):451-453. View abstract.

Zong Z, Fujikawa-Yamamoto K, Tanino M, and et al. Saikosaponin b2-induced apoptosis of cultured B16 melanoma cell line through down-regulation of PKC activity. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2-15-1996;219(2):480-485. View abstract.

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.

Bermejo Benito P, Abad Martinez MJ, Silvan Sen AM, et al. In vivo and in vitro antiinflammatory activity of saikosaponins. Life Sci 1998;63:1147-56. View abstract.

Bupleurum falcatum Bitter & cool. The Australian Naturopath Network web site. Available at: www.comcen.com.au/~sburgess/herbs/Monographs/bupleuru.htm

Chang WC, Hsu FL. Inhibition of platelet activation and endothelial cell injury by flavan-3-ol and saikosaponin compounds. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1991;44:51-6. View abstract.

Chiu HF, Lin CC, Yen MH, et al. Pharmacological and pathological studies on hepatic protective crude drugs from Taiwan (V): The effects of Bombax malabarica and Scutellaria rivularis. Am J Chin Med 1992;20:257-64. View abstract.

Daibo A, Yoshida Y, Kitazawa S, et al. [A case of pneumonitis and hepatic injury caused by a herbal drug (sho-saiko-to)]. Nippon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 1992;30:1583-8. View abstract.

Estevez-Braun A, Estevez-Reyes R, Moujir LM, et al. Antibiotic activity and absolute configuation of 8S-heptadeca-2(Z),9(Z)-diene-4,6-diyne-1,8-diol from Bupleurum salicifolium. J Nat Prod 1994;57:1178-82. View abstract.

Guinea MC, Parellada J, Lacaille-Dubois MA, Wagner H. Biologically active triterpene saponins from Bupleurum fruticosum. Planta Med 1994;60:163-7. View abstract.

Hattori T, Ito M, Suzuki Y. [Studies on antinephritic effects of plant components in rats (1). Effects of saikosaponins original-type anti-GBM nephritis in rats and its mechanisms]. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi 1991;97:13-21. View abstract.

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.

Just MJ, Recio MC, Giner RM, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of unusual lupane saponins from Bupleurum fruticescens. Planta Med 1998;64:404-7. View abstract.

Kang Y, Gao Y, Li X, et al. Bupleurum chinense exerts a mild antipyretic effect on LPS-induced pyrexia rats involving inhibition of peripheral TNF-a production. J Ethnopharmacol 2023;310:116375. View abstract.

Kato M, Pu MY, Isobe K, et al. Characterization of the immunoregulatory action of saikosaponin-d. Cell Immunol 1994;159:15-25. View abstract.

Kobashi Y, Nakajima M, Niki Y, Matsushima T. [A case of acute eosinophilic pneumonia due to Sho-saiko-to]. Nippon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 1997;35:1372-7. View abstract.

Lin M, Zhang W, Su J. Toxic polyacetylenes in the genus Bupleurum (Apiaceae) - Distribution, toxicity, molecular mechanism and analysis. J Ethnopharmacol. 2016;193:566-573. View abstract.

Lorente I, Ocete MA, Zarzuelo A, et al. Bioactivity of the essential oil of Bupleurum fruticosum. J Nat Prod 1989;52:267-72. View abstract.

Martin S, Padilla E, Ocete MA, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil of Bupleurum fruticescens. Planta Med 1993;59:533-6. View abstract.

Matsumoto T, Moriguchi R, Yamada H. Role of polymorphonuclear leucocytes and oxygen-derived free radicals in the formation of gastric lesions induced by HCl/ethanol, and a possible mechanism of protection by anti-ulcer polysaccharide. J Pharm Pharmacol 1993;45:535-9. View abstract.

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.

Meng X, Liu S, Deng X, et al. Clinical efficacy of Bupleurum inula flower soup for immune damage intervention in Hashimoto's thyroiditis: A placebo-controlled randomized trial. Front Pharmacol 2022;13:1049618. View abstract.

Miyazaki E, Ando M, Ih K, et al. [Pulmonary edema associated with the Chinese medicine shosaikoto]. Nihon Kokyuki Gakkai Zasshi 1998;36:776-80. View abstract.

Nakagawa A, Yamaguchi T, Takao T, Amano H. [Five cases of drug induced pneumonitis due to Sho-saiko-to or interferon-alpha or both]. Nippon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 1995;33:1361-6. View abstract.

Piras G, Makino M, Baba M. Sho-saiko-to, a traditional Kampo medicine, enhances the anti-HIV-1 activity of lamivudine (3TC) in vitro. Microbiol Immunol 1997;41:835-9. View abstract.

Pistelli L, Noccioli C, Giachi I, et al. Lupane-triterpenes from Bupleurum flavum. Nat Prod Res. 2005;19(8):783-8. View abstract.

Sato A, Toyoshima M, Kondo A, et al. [Pneumonitis induced by the herbal medicine Sho-saiko-to in Japan]. Nippon Kyobu Shikkan Gakkai Zasshi 1997;35:391-5. View abstract.

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.

Teschke R, Zhang L, Long H, et al. Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal hepatotoxicity: a tabular compilation of reported cases. Ann Hepatol. 2015;14(1):7-19. View abstract.

Ushio Y, Oda Y, Abe H. Effect of saikosaponin on the immune responses in mice. Int J Immunopharmacol 1991;13:501-8. View abstract.

Wada Y, Kubo M. [Acute lymphoblastic leukemia complicated by type C hepatitis during treatment and further by acute interstitial pneumonia due to sho-saiko-to in 7-year-old]. Arerugi 1997;46:1148-55. View abstract.

Xiong XJ, Chu FY, Li HX, He QY. Clinical application of the TCM classic formulae for treating chronic bronchitis. J Tradit Chin Med. 2011;31(1):69-72. View abstract.

Yamada H. [Structure and pharmacological activity of pectic polysaccharides from the roots of Bupleurum falcatum L]. Nippon Yakurigaku Zasshi 1995;106:229-37. View abstract.

Yang L, Shergis JL, Di YM, et al. Managing depression with Bupleurum chinense herbal formula: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Altern Complement Med 2020;26(1):8-24. doi: 10.1089/acm.2019.0105. View abstract.

Yao J, Zhang H, Ma L, et al. Effect of traditional Chinese medicine Bupleurum in the treatment of influenza A (H1N1). Pak J Pharm Sci. 2018;31(4(Special)):1713-1717. View abstract.

Yen MH, Lin CC, Chuang CH, Liu SY. Evaluation of root quality of Bupleurum species by TLC scanner and the liver protective effects of xiao-chai-hu-tang prepared using three different Bupleurum species. J Ethnopharmacol 1991;34:155-65. View abstract.

Zhang H, Huang J. Preliminary study of traditional Chinese medicine treatment of minimal brain dysfunction: analysis of 100 cases. Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1990;10:278-9, 260. View abstract.

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 licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. 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.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2024 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

BUPLEURUM - Uses, Side Effects, and More