A voice for
herbal medicine

We share traditional, scientific and practical insights written by experienced herbalists and health experts from the world of herbal medicine and natural health

  • Herb overview

    Safety

    Has several traditional contraindications and conditions for use.

    Sustainability

    Status: Low risk

    Key constituents

    Saikosaponins

    Quality

    China
    Mainly cultivated
    Wild harvested has risk of contamination

    Key actions

    Releases the Exterior
    Regulates the Liver
    Raises yang

    Key indications

    Fevers
    Nervous disorders
    Gynaecology
    Prolapse

    Key energetics

    Light
    Dispersing
    Cooling

    Preperation and dosage

    Root
    3–10 g/per day
    Dosage determines effect

  • How does it feel?

    Chai hu (bupleurum) is bitter, acrid, cool and light, raising and dispersing heat (1). This also allows it to raise clear qi to the head and relieve constraint providing a sense of lightness and brightness of vision (2).

    Chai hu (Bupleurum chinense)
    Chai hu root (Bupleurum chinense)
    Chai hu (Bupleurum chinense)

  • Into the heart of chai hu

    Chai hu (Bupleurum chinense)
    Chai hu (Bupleurum chinense)

    Chai hu (bupleurum) is closely associated with the shaoyang (lesser yang) channels and disorders. Shaoyang is described in the Simple Questions of the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic, as the ‘pivot’ and so these disorders often have alternating, contradictory symptoms. In particular, the Discussion of Cold Damage, (2nd century CE) describes this pivot as ‘half interior and half exterior’” where the conflict between a pathogenic qi, that wants to penetrate deeper, and the correct qi, which wants to expel the disease and restore order, results in symptoms that fluctuate back and forth (5). 

    Furthermore, its effects depend on its dosage. Using its light, dispersing properties, one can provide a gentle lift to the body’s yang, a dispersal of constrained qi, or the lifting of a lingering pathogen from its hiding place to be released through the exterior depending on whether a small, medium or large dose is administered (1).

    The famous Yuan dynasty physician Li Gao also said that it “focuses on the blood in the yin organs, while in the channels it focuses on the qi (1),” making it a highly versatile herb that can treat a wide range of disorders depending on which herbs are chosen to assist its action. For disorders of blood stasis, it is often combined with herbs like dang gui (Angelica sinensis), while for disorders of qi stagnation, it may be combined with herbs like bitter orange (Citrus aurantium).

    For Blood deficiency, it is often combined with rehmannia (Rehmannia glutinosa), peony root (Paeonia lactiflora) or goji berries (Lycium barbarum), and for qi deficiency, it is combined with ginseng (Panax ginseng), atractyloides (Atractylodes macrocephala), fu ling (Poria cocos) or honey fried liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). This is also reflected in its temperature, for which has historically been debated as to whether it is neutral or cool.

    The Divine Farmers Materia Medica states that it is neutral, while the Discussion of Cold Damage tends to use it for clearing heat, leaving most subsequent texts to state both and settle on it being slightly cooling (2,5). Again, this means it can treat hot or cold disorders with the appropriate combinations. For heat, it is often combined with baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis), while for cold it may be combined with ginger (Zingiber officinale) or cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum).

  • What practitioners say

    Immune systemImmune system

    The immune enhancing effects of chai hu can be seen in both its traditional and modern applications. Traditionally it has been used to resolve shaoyang conditions, which have the characteristic of alternating symptoms, between fever and chills (1), or between interior and exterior (3), as well as being able to resolve Liver qi stagnation that often produces signs that would equate to systemic inflammation like headaches, flank pain, red eyes and abdominal bloating.

    The modern perspective parallels the traditional indications with research reporting immunomodulatory activities both helping to resolve fevers and reduce inflammation by suppressing excessive immune activity, while also having antiviral properties against certain strains of influenza, coronavirus and hepatitis viruses, and some strains of bacteria (6). 

    This might make it seem like chai hu can be used in any situation, since it regulates the immune system in both directions, but Chinese medicine considers it very important to determine whether the disorder really is a shaoyang type, or whether it is truly external or internal. A shaoyang disorder is characterised by alternating fever and chills, a dry mouth or throat, a bitter taste, a feeling of fullness in the ribsides, possible dry heaves and dizziness (5).

    A fully exterior (taiyang) type disorder is characterised by simultaneous fever and chills, with a particular aversion to cold or drafts, and accompanied by a stiff neck, body aches, unusual sweating (either spontaneous or completely absent) and probable nasal congestion, cough or wheezing, and demands a formula that regulates this superficial sweating response with diaphoretics like ephedra (Ephedra sinica) or cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum).

    Failure to differentiate these two can leave an open pathway for the pathogen to penetrate deeper and become harder to treat (3). Likewise, a purely internal disorder that is characterised by deficiency can be exacerbated by the pungent, dispersing nature of this herb, so the pivoting nature of the disorder must be ascertained before prescribing (1).

    Nervous system

    The actions of chai hu on the nervous system also sees its traditional activities mirrored by the western research. Chai hu is probably the main herb used to treat Liver qi stagnation which is characterised by irritability and emotional instability, neurological signs like dizziness, vertigo, headaches and sensory disturbances, and disruption of the gut-brain axis that produces flank pain and fullness, abdominal bloating and pain (1,3), especially if exacerbated by emotional frustration and distress.

    The Liver also regulates the menstrual cycle, which can be disrupted by psychological stress, so many gynaecological conditions are also described as Liver qi stagnation in Chinese medicine (7). Chai hu has demonstrated a variety of neuroprotective effects, including antidepressant, anti-epileptic,  and anti-cerebral ischemic injury, as well as reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s (8). This may contribute to it being the chief ingredient in the formula xiao yao san, which is the most commonly prescribed formula for anxiety and depression (9), functional gastrointestinal disorders (10) and premenstrual syndromes (9,10,11).

    Similar to the immune system, it can be tempting to see its broad spectrum of action and frequency of prescription as a reason to prescribe chai hu in every situation of psychological imbalance, but traditional texts do not support this. While it is very common to see this in prescriptions for mild presentations with the characteristic shaoyang pattern of fluctuating symptoms, more serious psychological disorders with episodes of mania and withdrawal have been attributed to the yangming organs since the earliest canonical writings of Chinese medicine and are treated very differently due to the intense heat involved (4).

    Severe anger is also considered to be a pattern of Liver Fire, which also does not respond well to chai hu (3), where its raising quality can lift the fire upwards leading to an exacerbation of symptoms, so it is important to assess the degree of heat involved when prescribing this herb.

    Reproductive system

    Chai hu is also one of the most frequently prescribed herbs for premenstrual symptoms in China and Taiwan, for amenorrhoea in Japan and menstrual irregularity in Pakistan (11). It is especially used in the formula xiao yao san and chai hu shu gan san, where it is combined with peony root, which adds pain relieving effects, along with Blood nourishing and Liver softening effects to assist chai hu in alleviating menstrual cramps and pain. 

    In smaller doses, it also treats prolapse, including uterine prolapse, where it is combined with chinese cimicifuga (sheng ma) and astragalus (huang qi), that also have yang raising properties in order to counter the sinking that causes organs to prolapse (1). This strategy is employed in the formula bu zhong yi qi tang which is often used for prolapses, and can also be used for deficiency heat, commonly seen in menopause, where the small dose of chai hu allows for the heat to be dispersed while the tonifying herbs prevent the loss of yin that would normally result from higher doses of acrid, dispersing chai hu.

    Digestive system

    Chai hu is used to treat a number of digestive symptoms such as reflux, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, distension of the abdomen and haemorrhoids. Despite some of its mechanisms deriving from its polysaccharide content which may interact with the intestinal microbiota, it is not primarily a digestive herb (12). Instead it exerts an indirect action by influencing the emotional, nervous and immune systems, affecting the digestion through the gut–brain axis.

    This is described in Chinese medicine as the Liver invading the Spleen, or as Wood overacting on Earth, and refers to many patterns that might be equivalent to irritable bowel syndrome or premenstrual bloating, where the cause of the digestive symptoms are related to the complex interaction of psychology, neurology, endocrine and immune systems affecting the digestion (13,14). 

  • Chai hu research

    Chai hu root (Bupleurum chinense)
    Chai hu root (Bupleurum chinense)

    Exploring the therapeutic potential of bupleurum in medical treatment: A comprehensive overview

    This comprehensive review examined the therapeutic potential of bupleurum. They discuss its chemical composition, going beyond the saponins that most studies focus on, mentioning its polysaccharide, volatile oil, flavonoid and coumarin  content and relate these to anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, anti-aging, anti-epileptic, antipyretic and antiviral properties. They cite studies which found inhibitory action against tumours of the liver, stomach, colon, breast, lung, cervix and skin.

    Against inflammation, they cite studies that have investigated rhinitis, colitis, osteoarthritis and mastitis. Antidepressant, anti-ageing, anti-epileptic and antipyretic effects are also discussed, along with brief mention of its effects in Alzheimer’s, ischaemic injury of the brain and heart, allergic asthma, diabetes and hepatoprotective activities. Among the challenges faced, they mention the poor bioavailability of saikosaponins, and discuss possible interactions with metal ion drugs and anticoagulants for which more systematic research is needed (8). 

    Bupleurum in the treatment of depression disorder: A comprehensive review

    This review summarised the research literature of bupleurum on depression, identifying multiple active constituents such as saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, rutin, puerarin, and quercetin, each with a separate mechanisms of action that include the regulation of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, brain derived neurotrophic factor, intracellular signalling pathways and protection of neurons through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities (15).

    Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology for exploring the effect and mechanism of Radix Bupleuri and Radix Paeoniae Alba herb-pair on anti-hepatitis: A review

    This review investigated the common pairing of bupleurum with white peony root (Paeonia lactiflora) in the treatment of hepatitis. This herb pair is common in formulas that use bupleurum to regulate the liver, including Rambling Powder (xiao yao san) and Bupleurum Powder to Dredge the Liver (chai hu shu gan san). Bupleurum was found to have the chief role in this herb pair, containing five of the seven active compounds, while peony root contained only three (one being shared by both).

    Among these, quercetin contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory effects with demonstrated activity against hepatitis B, C and drug induced hepatitis. Kaempferol and isorhamnetin were also identified as having antiviral effects against hepatitis B virus. Petunidin was suggested to be effective through antioxidant effects which could exert a hepatoprotective effect. A chromone (3,5,6,7-tetramethoxy-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) chromone) was also identified as contributing to its hepatoprotective effects through anti-inflammatory and antihepatoma activities (16).

    Modulating the gut microbiota and inflammation is involved in the effect of bupleurum polysaccharides against diabetic nephropathy in mice

    Most research on bupleurum focuses on saikosaponins, however this study investigated the role of bupleurum’s polysaccharide content on the gut microbiota, finding that it increased the diversity and proportion of gut protective species, improving the gut barrier and reducing colon and kidney inflammation. Other research supports this conclusion (12).

    A further study found that the antidepressant effect of the formula chai hu shu gan san is at least partially due to modulating effects on the gut microbiota (17). Separately, another found that bupleurum and peony increased Lactobacillus populations and ameliorated tryptophan synthesis and metabolism disorders (18).

    Finally, another study identifyied a specific microbiota-gut-brain axis that involves the inhibition of Ruminococcus, which leads to leukotriene B4 expression and despair behaviour (19). However, all of these studies were performed in rats and their relevance to human physiology has not been as thoroughly explored.

  • Traditional actions

    Herbal actions describe therapeutic changes that occur in the body in response to taking a herb. These actions are used to express how a herb physiologically influences cells, tissues, organs or systems. Clinical observations are traditionally what have defined these actions: an increase in urine output, diuretic; improved wound healing, vulnerary; or a reduction in fever, antipyretic. These descriptors too have become a means to group herbs by their effects on the body — herbs with a nervine action have become the nervines, herbs with a bitter action are the bitters. Recognising herbs as members of these groups provides a preliminary familiarity with their mechanisms from which to then develop an understanding of their affinities and nuance and discern their clinical significance.

    Western actions

    Chinese actions

  • Traditional energetic actions

    Herbal energetics are the descriptions Herbalists have given to plants, mushrooms, lichens, foods, and some minerals based on the direct experience of how they taste, feel, and work in the body. All traditional health systems use these principles to explain how the environment we live in and absorb, impacts our health. Find out more about traditional energetic actions in our article “An introduction to herbal energetics“.

  • What can I use chai hu for?

    Chai hu is a very versatile herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has a broad spectrum of uses, but which can be loosely categorised into the immune, nervous, digestive and hormonal systems. This makes it a very effective herb for modulating the axes where these connect, when emotional instability leads to digestive or inflammatory conditions, or when hormonal cycles cause pain, irritability and emotional distress (1,3).

    In practice it can be used for indications as diverse as fevers, including malarial fevers, sore throat, reflux, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, distension of the chest, flanks, abdomen or breasts, jaundice, headache, dizziness, vertigo, pain, emotional instability, menstrual problems, prolapse, haemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, fatigue, skin conditions and eye or ear disorders (1,3).

  • Did you know?

    Bupleurum is used in floristry where it is a popular choice of filler for its many branches and small yellow-green flowers (20).

  • Botanical description

    Chai hu is an erect, hairless, perennial herb, approximately 50–85 cm tall with a long woody taproot that constitutes the medicinal part (21).

    The stems have several multibranched bases without fibrous sheaths, and alternate or simple leaves that change shape up the stem, starting as lance shaped near the base and turning into tiny inflorescences of large, loose and widely spreading compound umbels, 2–6 cm in diameter, at the tip.

    Flowers of chai hu are tiny with five bright yellow petals, and fruits are dry, brown and organised in umbellate clusters.

  • Common names

    • Bupleurum root 
    • Hare’s ear root
    • Thorowax root

  • Habitat

    Endemic to China where it grows in grasslands and disturbed places at 100–2700 m altitude (21). B. chinense is widely is native to the whole of China but particularly cultivated in the north, while B. scorzonerifolium grows mainly in the south and east.

  • How to grow chai hu

    Growing from the seed is most common, despite germination being capricious. Surface sow the seeds in a well-draining, prepared garden bed when soil temperatures are at least 16 ℃ and cover with a light dusting of soil, then keep moderately moist until germination. This usually occurs within 14 days. Thin the plants until they are spaced approximately 31 cm apart. Divide the plant in spring. It needs little extra food and has few insect and pest issues (22).

  • Herbal preparation of chai hu

    Decocting pieces are prepared by removing the roots and drying them, then softened with water, sliced and dried again (21). The unprocessed herb has the strongest ability to lift and disperse and is most often used to treat fevers and prolapse (1).

    • Cu chai hu: Dry fried with vinegar over a moderate flame until the liquid is absorbed, this preparation focuses the actions of the herb on the Liver, enhancing its ability to regulate qi, harmonise the Blood and stop pain (1,3).
    • Chao chai hu: Dry fried until slightly scorched, sometimes with wine or bran, to reduce its cooling properties but enhance its ability to raise clear yang (1).
    • Chun chai hu: B. chinense picked in the early spring, when it is just a young shoot and has a heavily perfumed aroma and light clearing texture which embody the lifting and spreading nature of spring, thus enhancing its dispersing and draining activities (1).

  • Plant parts used

    Root

  • Dosage

    • Tincture (1:3 | 25%): Up to 6 ml per day, dosage should be advised by a practitioner (23).
    • Infusion/decoction: 3–10 g, with maximum dosages sometimes as high as 60 g (3).
    • Powder: Ground into powder, 1–1.5 g.

  • Constituents

    • Saponins
      • Saikosaponin A: The primary active triterpenoid saponin with anti-inflammatory, antitumor, organ protective, neuroprotective, and antidepressant properties with potential applications across a wide range of diseases (24). Used a quality marker compound that should be present at no less than 0.8% of total extractives (25).
      • Saikosaponin D: The epimer of saikosaponin A with the same basic structure and similar pharmacological activities (26). It has displayed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, antifibrotic and anti-tumour effects, researched for its role in the treatment of myocardial injury, pulmonary diseases, hepatic disorders, renal pathologies, neurological disorders, diabetes and cancer. (27). Used a quality marker compound that should be present at no less than 0.8% of total extractives (25).
      • Saikosaponin C: Another triterpenoid saponin with similar structure as saikosaponins A and D but with weaker activity, with some anti-apoptotic, antiviral and nephroprotective effects demonstrated in research (26). Used a quality marker compound that should be present at no less than 0.8% of total extractives (25).
      • Saikosaponin B2: A different type of saikosaponin with some antiviral effects on coronavirus and hepatitis C through inhibition of the early reproductive stages but not considered a main active compound (26).

  • Chai hu recipe

    Xiao Yao San (Rambling Powder)

    This famous formula derives its name from the first chapter of the Daoist classic, the Zhuangzi, and translates as “free and unfettered” or “rambling without a destination” (28). It uses chai hu as its chief ingredient to regulate stagnant Liver qi, accompanied by other herbs which regulate the Blood, nourish deficiency and reduce bloating. This makes it an ideal formula for addressing many of the modern concerns with stress and busy lifestyle that stagnate the qi, deplete the Blood and damage the digestive system (29).

    The association of the Liver with regulating the menstrual cycle, and the use of supporting herbs that regulate the Blood, nourish deficiency and reduce bloating have also made it a popular choice for a variety of gynaecological disorders throughout much of history (6). It is also the most commonly prescribed formula in Chinese medicine for anxiety and depression and functional gastrointestinal disorders (9,10).

    Its traditional indications of spasmodic pain under the ribsides, headache, dizziness, a bitter taste or dry mouth and throat, fatigue, reduced appetite, a pale red tongue and wiry but deficient pulse (6).

    Ingredients

    How to make Xiao Yao San

    • Grind the first six ingredients into a powder.
    • Bake the ginger root to focus the effect on warming the interior instead of releasing the exterior. 
    • Make a decoction with the mint, ginger slices and 6–9 g of the powder.
    • Most commonly made as a decoction by reducing the dosages to 9 g each (4.5 g of liquorice), or using powdered extracts, or pills.
    • Some common modifications include the addition of moutan peony (mu dan pi) and gardenia (zhi zi) for pronounced signs of heat, or rehmannia for severe blood deficiency, or the addition of mulberry leaves for accompanying wind-heat with red eyes and sore throat (6).
Are herbs safe?

Are herbs safe?

  • Safety

    Chai hu is generally considered safe when taken orally. One case of allergic reaction has been reported resulting in pruritus and papular rash, dizziness, headache and a sense of oppression or pain in the chest (1). It should not be given intramuscularly as this can easily cause allergic reactions (1).

  • Interactions

    In vitro and animal studies have suggested potential interaction with cytochrome P450 enzymes (2C9, 2E1, 2D6, and 3A4 substrates), but clinical relevance has yet to be determined (30).

  • Contraindications

    Traditional contraindications include long term use and in those who are severely yin deficient or suffer from rising yang (3). This is due to its light, dispersing nature which gives it the potential to consume yin and raise yang. It is also prohibited in purely exterior conditions as it may enable the pathogen to penetrate deeper, making it harder to treat (3).

  • Sustainability status of chai hu

    Chai hu has traditionally been harvested from the wild.

    However, with the rise in its use for medicinal purposes, there is a movement towards more sustainable harvesting methods. It is classed as least concern on the IUCN redlist (31,32). 

    Read our article on Herbal quality & safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

  • Quality control

    B. chinense is widely cultivated in Hebei, Henan and Shaanxi provinces, while B. scorzonerifolium is mostly wild harvested from the dry grasslands, forests and shrub margins of central, north and northeast China (21).

    The key distinguishing features are that B. chinense has a cylindrical or long conical shape with enlarged root head with remnants of stem and leaf bases; is dark-to-light brown, hard and pliable, not easily broken, with a fibrous surface when fractured; and is slightly fragrant, while B. scorzonerifolium are relatively thin, conical shaped with an apex like a “broom head” that has many hair-like withered leaf fibres; is reddish-brown or dark brown, with thin and dense round lines commonly seen near the root head; a slightly soft and easily broken texture, with the fractured surface not obviously fibrous; and a rancid oil odour (33).

    Both are accepted medicinal species in the Chinese pharmacopoeia but B. chinense is the predominant source due to being crop harvested and reduced the risk of accidental contamination (21). B. falcatum is the official source for chai hu in Japanese Kampo medicine.

    Common adulterants include B. longiradiatum which was the cause of several acute adverse reactions in 1973 due to cytotoxic bupleurotoxin and acetylbupleurotoxin, resulting in this species being banned as an official species in the Chinese pharmacopoeia (1). This root is more cylindrical, without an obviously enlarged root-head and lacks fibrous leaf bases, but has a distinct zone (1–4 cm) of widely spaced annulations, a yellowish-brown external surface, pliable but difficult to break texture and a pungent creosote-like odour (21). Laboratory tests are recommended for reliable identification.

  • References

    1. Bensky D, Clavey S & Stoger E. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd Edition. Seattle: Eastland Press. 2004.
    2. Yang SZ. The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica: A Translation of the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing. Boulder: Blue Poppy Press. 1998.
    3. Chen, JK, Chen T. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology. City of Industry: Art of Medicine Press. 2008. 
    4. Unschuld PU, Tessenow H. (2011). Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen: An Annotated Translation of Huang Di’s Inner Classic – Basic Questions. Berkeley: University of California Press. 2011.
    5. Liu, G. Discussion of Cold Damage (Shang Han Lun): Commentaries and Clinical Applications. London: Singing Dragon. 2016. 
    6. Yang F, Dong X, Yin X, Wang W, You L, Ni J. Radix Bupleuri: A Review of Traditional Uses, Botany, Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, and Toxicology. Biomed Res Int. 2017;2017:7597596. doi:10.1155/2017/7597596 
    7. Saadedine M, Berga SL, Faubion SS, Shufelt CL. The silent pandemic of stress: impact on menstrual cycle and ovulation. Stress. 2025;28(1):2457767. doi:10.1080/10253890.2025.2457767
    8. Tian Y, Guo J, Jiang X, et al. Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of Bupleurum in Medical Treatment: A Comprehensive Overview. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2025;18(9):1331. Published 2025 Sep 5. doi:10.3390/ph18091331
    9. Chen J, Lei C, Li X, et al. Research progress on classical traditional chinese medicine formula xiaoyaosan in the treatment of depression. Front Pharmacol. 2022;13:925514. Published 2022 Aug 4. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.925514
    10. Liu Q, Shi Z, Zhang T, et al. Efficacy and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicine Xiao Yao San in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A meta-Analysis and Trial Sequential Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Front Pharmacol. 2022;12:821802. Published 2022 Jan 20. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.821802
    11. Jiao M, Liu X, Ren Y, et al. Comparison of Herbal Medicines Used for Women’s Menstruation Diseases in Different Areas of the World. Front Pharmacol. 2022;12:751207. Published 2022 Feb 4. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.751207
    12. Feng Y, Weng H, Ling L, et al. Modulating the gut microbiota and inflammation is involved in the effect of Bupleurum polysaccharides against diabetic nephropathy in mice. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019;132:1001-1011. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.03.242 
    13. Aggeletopoulou I, Papantoniou K, Pastras P, Triantos C. Unraveling the Pathophysiology of Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Mechanisms and Insights. Int J Mol Sci. 2025;26(21):10598. Published 2025 Oct 30. doi:10.3390/ijms262110598
    14. Hannan K, Li X, Mehta A, et al. Mood symptoms and gut function across the menstrual cycle in individuals with premenstrual syndrome. Horm Behav. 2024;166:105634. doi:10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105634
    15. Ran S, Peng R, Guo Q, Cui J, Chen G, Wang Z. Bupleurum in Treatment of Depression Disorder: A Comprehensive Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024;17(4):512. Published 2024 Apr 16. doi:10.3390/ph17040512
    16. Huang L, Yu Q, Peng H, Zhen Z. Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology for exploring the effect and mechanism of Radix Bupleuri and Radix Paeoniae Alba herb-pair on anti-hepatitis: A review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023;102(48):e35443. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000035443 
    17. Yu M, Jia HM, Zhang T, et al. Gut Microbiota is the Key to the Antidepressant Effect of Chaihu-Shu-Gan-San. Metabolites. 2020;10(2):63. Published 2020 Feb 10. doi:10.3390/metabo10020063 
    18. Lv JL, Bai Y, Lv YE, et al. Integrated colon microbiome and metabolomics to elucidate the antidepressant mechanisms of the Radix Bupleuri-Radix Paeoniae Alba herb pair. Metab Brain Dis. 2024;40(1):45. Published 2024 Nov 28. doi:10.1007/s11011-024-01450-4 
    19. Zhang H, Zhang S, Li X, Wang W, Kuang H. Bupleurum polysaccharide improves CUMS-induced depressive behavior in rats by regulating the “microbiota-gut-brain Axis”: a mechanism study based on metabolomics and metagenomics. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci. Published online December 23, 2025. doi:10.1016/j.jchromb.2025.124905 
    20. Bupleurum. Floral Design Institute. Accessed Dec 31, 2025. https://www.floraldesigninstitute.com/blogs/resources-flower-library/bupleurum
    21. Leon, C. & Lin, YL. Chinese Medicinal Plants, Herbal Drugs and Substitutes: An Identification Guide. Kew: Kew Publishing. 2017.
    22. Grant BL. What Is Bupleurum: How To Grow Bupleurum Herb Plants. Gardening Know How. Accessed Jan 10, 2026. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/bupleurum/growing-bupleurum-herb-plants.htm  
    23. Bupleurum chinense / CHAI HU / 1:3 25%. Herbal Apothecary.  Accessed Jan 10, 2026. https://herbalapothecaryuk.com/products/bupleurum-chinense-chai-hu-13-25 
    24. Sun XH, Chai YH, Bai XT, Li HX, Xi YM. Pharmacology, medical uses, and clinical translational challenges of Saikosaponin A: A review. Heliyon. 2024;10(22):e40427. Published 2024 Nov 15. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e4042
    25. Taiwan Herbal Pharmacopeia 4th Edition, English Version. Taiwan: Ministry of Health of Welfare. 2022.
    26. Yuan B, Yang R, Ma Y, Zhou S, Zhang X, Liu Y. A systematic review of the active saikosaponins and extracts isolated from Radix Bupleuri and their applications. Pharm Biol. 2017;55(1):620-635. doi:10.1080/13880209.2016.1262433 
    27. Gu S, Zheng Y, Chen C, et al. Research progress on the molecular mechanisms of Saikosaponin D in various diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med. 2025;55(3):37. doi:10.3892/ijmm.2024.5478 
    28. Scheid, V. Bensky, D., Ellis, A., Barolet, R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies. 2nd edition. Seattle: Eastland Press. 2009.
    29. Chen, JK, Chen T. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. City of Industry: Art of Medicine Press. 2015.
    30. Bupleurum. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Published Jun 1, 2022. Accessed Jan 10, 2026. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/bupleurum 
    31. Zhao Z, Chen H. Chinese Medicinal Identification: An Illustrated Approach. Taos: Paradigm Publications. 2014.
    32. Chappuis E. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Bupleurum falcatum. IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Published March 31, 2014. Accessed January 17, 2026. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/202943/2758159 
    33. Zhu L, Liang Z, Yi T, et al. Comparison of chemical profiles between the root and aerial parts from three Bupleurum species based on a UHPLC-QTOF-MS metabolomics approach. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2017;17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-1816-y 

Related herbs

Bai shao (Paeoniae radix alba)

Bai shao

Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)

Baikal skullcap

Related conditions

Nervous system health

Nervous system health

Immunity

Immunity

Related articles

Wild and cultivated tian ma 

Chinese herb sustainability: Who is responsible?

give herbs a chance

Give herbs a chance

Sign up to our newsletter

Sign up to our newsletter to receive the very latest in herbal insights.

Resources