How It Works
Bottom Line: There is not enough evidence to proof that bupleurum can individually treat cancer, liver disease, infections, or other medical conditions in human. It is used in herbal formulas such as Sho-saiko-to.Compounds called saikosaponins have been isolated from bupleurum in laboratory experiments. Saikosaponins are considered to be mainly responsible for the plant's medicinal activities. In laboratory studies, saikosaponins are able to interfere with the processes that cause inflammation, as well as cause cell death (apoptosis) in cancer cells by increasing the expression of tumor-suppressor genes. Saikosaponin-d in particular has shown ability to enhance mouse T-lymphocytes function in laboratory tests. It is not known whether these effects occur in the human body. Scientists also think that bupleurum may kill bacteria and viruses.
Purported Uses
NOTE: The following uses and descriptions of effectiveness apply to bupleurum only. Please see the Sho-saiko-to monograph for information regarding the effectiveness of bupleurum in combination with other herbs.
To treat cancer
Components of bupleurum can cause cancer cell death (apoptosis) in laboratory experiments, but it is not known whether this effect occurs in humans. No clinical trials have been performed to test this use.
To treat liver diseases, including hepatitis and cirrhosis of the liver
Although bupleurum is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat liver diseases, no scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat the common cold
Bupleurum may have antiviral activity, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it is effective in treating colds.
As a fever reducer
Although bupleurum is used in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce fever, no scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat infections
Bupleurum may have anti-bacterial activity, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it is effective in treating infections.
To reduce inflammation
Laboratory studies show that components of bupleurum interfere with the processes that cause inflammation, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it is effective in reducing inflammation.
To treat malaria
Bupleurum may have anti-viral activity, but there is no proof from clinical trials that it is effective in treating malaria.
Research Evidence
Most of the clinical studies performed using bupleurum have been performed in Japan using formulas like
Sho-saiko-to.
Warnings
- This product is regulated by the F.D.A. as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
- Bupleurum is the major ingredient in an herbal formula, Sho-saiko-to, which has been associated with interstitial pneumonitis.
Side Effects
Large doses of bupleurum can cause nausea and vomiting, facial and extremity edema (swelling), abdominal distention and constipation.
Scientific Name
Bupleurum chinense, Bupleurum scorzoneraefolium
Common Name
Chai Hu, hare's ear root, thorowax root, saiko
Clinical Summary
Derived from the root of the plant. Bupleurum is a common herb used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine. It is frequently prescribed in combination with other herbs to treat cold, fever, malaria, gastrointestinal disorders and chronic liver diseases (1). In vitro studies show that Bupleurum has antiinflammatory, antiviral (4) (7) and antiproliferation activities (9). An animal studies shows Bupleurum has an inhibitory activity against allergic asthma (10). Herbal formulas, such as Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Sho-saiko-to), that contain bupleurum as major ingredient have been found to be effective in treating hepatitis and liver cancers. The major components, saikosaponins, are believed to contribute to bupleurum's medicinal properties. Large doses of bupleurum may cause nausea and vomiting (1).
Purported uses
- Cancer treatment
- Cirrhosis
- Common cold
- Fever
- Hepatitis
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Liver disease
- Malaria
Constituents
Saikosaponins (a, b1, b2, c, d)
Bupleurumol
Essential oils
Fat(2)
Mechanism of Action
The saikosaponins in bupleurum are mainly responsible for the plant's medicinal activities. In vitro studies indicate saikosaponins have antiinflammatory effects by inhibiting arachidonic acid metabolism
(4). It also a weak antihistamine activity in animals
(10). Saikosaponin-d has immunoregulatory activity by promoting interleukin-2 production and receptor expression as well as modulating T-lymphocyte function
(3). Its in vitro apoptotic effect is thought to be partly mediated by increases in c-myc and p53 mRNA levels accompanied by a decrease in bcl-2 mRNA level
(6)and by the inhibition of telomerase activity
(9). In additon, bupleurum saponins has anti-adhesive and hemolytic activities on some solid tumor cells
(5) (8). Bupleurum may also have antibiotic and antiviral properties
(7).
Warnings
Bupleurum is the major ingredient in an herbal formula, Sho-saiko-to, which has been associated with interstitial pneumonitis.
Adverse Reactions
Reported: Large doses of bupleurum can cause nausea and vomiting, facial and extremity edema, gastrointestinal distention and constipation.
(1) (2)
Literature Summary and Critique
Most of the published clinical studies involving bupleurum have been performed in Japan using formulas like Sho saiko to
References
- Bensky D, Gamble A. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. Revised Ed. Seattle: Eastland Press; 1993.
- Huang KC. The Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs, Second Ed. New York: CRC Press; 1999.
- Kato M, et al. Characterization of the immunoregulatory action of saikosaponin-d. Cell Immunol 1994;159:15-25.
- Bermejo Benito P, et al. In vivo and in vitro antiinflammatory activity of saikosaponins. Life Sci 1998;63:1147-56.
- Wu W, Hsu H. Involvement of p-15(INK4b) and p-16(INK4a) gene expression in saikosaponin a and TPA-induced growth inhibition of HepG2 cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001;285:183-7.
- Hsu M, et al. Effect of saikosaponin, a triterpene saponin, on apoptosis in lymphocytes: association with c-myc, p53, and bcl-2 mRNA. Br J Pharmacol 2000;131:1285-93.
- Ushio Y, Abe H. Inactivation of measles virus and herpes simplex virus by saikosaponin d. Planta Med 1992;58:171-3.
- Ahn B. 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.
- Cheng YL, et al. Acetone extract of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium inhibits proliferation of A549 human lung cancer cells via inducing apoptosis and suppressing telomerase activity. Life Sci. 2003 Sep 19;73(18):2383-94.
- Park KH, et al. Effect of saikosaponin-A, a triterpenoid glycoside, isolated from Bupleurum falcatum on experimental allergic asthma. Phytother Res. 2002 Jun;16(4):359-63.
