Friday, 1 November 2013

Chinese Herbs– Xia Ku Cao (Spica Prunellae Vulgaris)

Xia Ku Cao is also known as Common Selfheal plant. The acrid, bitter and slightly cold herb has been used in TCM to treat goiter. tuberculosis of lymph nodes (scrofula), breast cancer, headache and dizziness. hypertension. vaginal infection,  bleeding during menopause, pain and ache of the muscles and bone, acute hepatitis,Herpes simplex I & II, etc., as it disperses Liver-Fire and nodules, etc. by enhancing the functions of liver and gallbladder channels.

Ingredients
1. Oleanolic acid
2. Ursolic acid
3. Rutin
4. Hyperoside
5. Caffeic acid
6. Vitamin B11
7. Vitamin C and K
8. Tanin
9. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Immunosuppressive activity
in the study to evaluate the immunosuppressive activity of the ethanol extract of Spica Prunellae (Prunella vulgaris fruiting spikes) (EESP) consisting of a mixture of triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannins and polysaccharide, showed that the total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2b levels in the immunized mice were significantly reduced by EESP. Moreover, the suppressing effects on the antibody responses to OVA in the immunized mice were dose-dependently enhanced according to the increase of EESP. The results suggest that EESP could suppress the cellular and humoral response in mice(1).
2.  Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of spleen deficiency
2. Prolonged period of usage can cause stomach irritation.
3. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
4. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=Spica%20Prunellae%20Vulgaris

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