Bupleurum

Bupleurum (Bupleurum spp.) is a genus of the umbellifer family that is valued as a medicinal plant primarily in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Various species such as Bupleurum chinense and Bupleurum falcatum are attributed various properties in traditional medicine that are said to have a beneficial effect on health (1)

What benefits does Bupleurum offer?

In Asia, various Bupleurum species are used for a wide variety of purposes. The plant is credited with numerous effects, some of which could likewise be linked to the plant in studies. As always, various studies are cited, but as usual they should be interpreted critically, since some of them are animal studies and the results cannot simply be transferred.

  • Liver health: Bupleurum is traditionally used to support liver function and for conditions such as hepatitis (2,3,4,5).
  • Anti-inflammatory effect: The plant contains saponins, which have an anti-inflammatory effect and can help with conditions such as arthritis (2,6,7).
  • Immunomodulation: Bupleurum is used to strengthen the immune system and prevent colds and flu (2,6,8).
  • Stress reduction: In TCM, Bupleurum is used to treat stress, anxiety, depression, and mood swings (2,3,6).
  • Antimicrobial effect: In studies, active compounds from Bupleurum showed an antimicrobial effect and had a positive effect in cases of influenza (2,9).
  • Antidiabetic effect: In various animal studies, the plant showed a blood sugar-lowering effect and could be linked to increased insulin levels (10,11)

How does Bupleurum work?

The effects are based on various bioactive constituents:

  • Saponins: These saponins are responsible for the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties (2,3).
  • Flavonoids and polysaccharides: These support the antioxidant effect and the protection of liver cells (2,12).

Side effects and risks

  • Gastrointestinal complaints: High doses can lead to diarrhea or stomach cramps.
  • Liver strain: In sensitive individuals or with prolonged use, strain on the liver can occur, as the plant's constituents can have a hepatotoxic effect (13).
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Bupleurum should be avoided during these phases, as its safety has not been sufficiently studied.

Conclusion

Bupleurum is, in traditional medicine, a valuable medicinal plant with potentially anti-inflammatory, liver-strengthening, and immunomodulating properties. However, it should be used with caution, especially with prolonged use or in high doses, as liver toxicity is possible.

Sources:

 

  1. Ashour, M.L. and Wink, M. (2011), Genus Bupleurum: a review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology and modes of action. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 63: 305-321. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-7158.2010.01170.x
  2. Teng, L., Guo, X., Ma, Y., Xu, L., Wei, J., & Xiao, P. (2023). A comprehensive review on traditional and modern research of the genus Bupleurum (Bupleurum L., Apiaceae) in recent 10 years. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 306, 116129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.116129
  3. Bak, S.B.; Song, Y.R.; Bae, S.J.; Lee, W.Y.; Kim, Y.W. Integrative approach to uncover antioxidant properties of Bupleuri Radix and its active compounds: Multiscale interactome-level analysis with experimental validation. Free Radic. Biol. Med. 2023, 199, 141–153.
  4. Zheng, Q.; Li, X.; Huang, N.; Li, F.; Ge, J.; Wang, D.; Sun, R.; Liu, R. Saikosaponins ameliorate hyperlipidemia in rats by enhancing hepatic lipid and cholesterol metabolism. J. Ethnopharmacol. 2023, 305, 116110.
  5. Ikegami, F.; Sumino, M.; Fujii, Y.; Akiba, T.; Satoh, T. Pharmacology and Toxicology of Bupleurum Root-Containing Kampo Medicines in Clinical Use. Human. Exp. Toxicol. 2006, 25, 481–494.
  6. Law BY, Mo JF, Wong VK. Autophagic effects of Chaihu (dried roots of Bupleurum Chinense DC or Bupleurum scorzoneraefolium WILD). Chin Med. 2014 Sep 11;9:21. doi: 10.1186/1749-8546-9-21. PMID: 25228909; PMCID: PMC4165614.
  7. Cholet J, Decombat C, Vareille-Delarbre M, Gainche M, Berry A, Senejoux F, Ripoche I, Delort L, Vermerie M, Fraisse D, Felgines C, Ranouille E, Berthon JY, Priam J, Saunier E, Tourrette A, Troin Y, Thebaud G, Chalard P, Caldefie-Chezet F. In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Activities of an Extract from the Roots of Bupleurum rotundifolium. Medicines (Basel). 2019 Oct 11;6(4):101. doi: 10.3390/medicines6040101. PMID: 31614667; PMCID: PMC6963863.
  8. Radulović N, Stevanović M, Nešić M, Stojanović N, Ranđelović P, Ranđelović V. Constituents of Bupleurum praealtum and Bupleurum veronense with Potential Immunomodulatory Activity. J Nat Prod. 2020 Oct 23;83(10):2902-2914. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00437. Epub 2020 Oct 8. PMID: 33030341.
  9. Yao J, Zhang H, Ma L, Mu X, Wang Y, Lu Y, Yu P, Dai H. Effect of traditional Chinese medicine Bupleurum in the treatment of influenza A (H1N1). Pak J Pharm Sci. 2018 Jul;31(4(Special)):1713-1717. PMID: 30203768.
  10. Feng Y, Weng H, Ling L, Zeng T, Zhang Y, Chen D, Li H. Modulating the gut microbiota and inflammation is involved in the effect of Bupleurum polysaccharides against diabetic nephropathy in mice. Int J Biol Macromol. 2019 Jul 1;132:1001-1011. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.03.242. Epub 2019 Apr 1. PMID: 30946910.
  11. Pan L, Weng H, Li H, Liu Z, Xu Y, Zhou C, Lu X, Su X, Zhang Y, Chen D. Therapeutic Effects of Bupleurum Polysaccharides in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Mice. PLoS One. 2015 Jul 15;10(7):e0133212. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133212. PMID: 26176625; PMCID: PMC4503743.
  12. Mu S, Yang W, Huang G. Antioxidant activities and mechanisms of polysaccharides. Chem Biol Drug Des. 2021 Mar;97(3):628-632. doi: 10.1111/cbdd.13798. Epub 2020 Oct 8. PMID: 32946177.
  13. 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. Epub 2017 May 16. PMID: 28593176; PMCID: PMC5448051. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2008.04.011)