Common names: Thorowax, Saiko, Hare’s ear, Chai hu
Botanical names: Bupleurum chinense, Bupleurum falcatum
The roots of the plant are used in herbal medicine.Bupleurum contains constituents known as saikosaponins that appear to account for much of the medicinal activity of the plant. Test tube studies have shown that the sho-saiko-to combination can increase production of various chemicals (known as cytokines) that immune cells use to signal one another. Test tube studies have also found that saikosaponins can inhibit growth of liver cancer cells, and are anti- inflammatory.
Traditional uses: adrenal fatigue, anorexia, asthma, bronchitis, cancer,
common cold, cough, depression, diarrhea, dyspepsia, fatigue, fever,
gastritis, headache, hypercholesterolemia, inflammation, influenza, insomnia, lung congestion, menopausal symptoms, menstrual disorders, morning sickness, nausea, neurosis, painful menstruation, PMS, postpartum depression,rheumatism, sore throat, stomachache, tinnitus, ulcers, vomiting arthritis, cardiovascular disease, common cold, dermatitis, dizziness, edema heart palpitation, hepatitis, immunodeficiency, inflammation, jaundice, liver disorders, skin disorders, spasms