Chinese Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinense)

Chinese Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinense) is a member of the Apiaceae family, native to China, Korea, and Japan. Traditionally, its roots, rhizomes, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and korean traditional medicine.

Chinese Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinense) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Chinese Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinense) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Chinese Bupleurum
Scientific Name	Bupleurum chinense
Plant Family	Apiaceae
Genus	Bupleurum
Species	chinense
Native Range	China, Korea, Japan
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Rhizomes, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Bupleurum chinense
Common Name: Chinese Bupleurum
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Chinese Thoroughwax, Chinense Bupleurum, Chinese Thoroughwort
Plant Family: Apiaceae
Genus: Bupleurum

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 80 centimeters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with upper surface glabrous and dull green, lower surface glabrous and lighter green, featuring distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are racemes of small, yellow flowers with five petals, arranged in a spiral, displaying actinomorphic symmetry and lacking distinct markings.
Stems: Elongated, cylindrical stems with opposite branching, hairy surfaces, and prominent nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Tincture

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Commonly referenced as a mild anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a warming tonic, for foundational support.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a calming bitter, in taste-driven classifications.
Antispasmodic: In herbal literature, noted as a cooling antispasmodic, in smooth muscle contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Saponin: Plant-derived compounds characterized by their soap-like properties.
Glycoside: A broad class of compounds composed of a sugar bound to a non-sugar component.
Terpenoid: Naturally occurring metabolites widely distributed in leaves, flowers, and roots.

Modern Research Overview

Modern scientific investigation of this plant has focused on identifying its chemical constituents and examining their properties in controlled research settings. Comprehensive study summaries will be incorporated into this section as additional sources are reviewed.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.