Apiaceae · root
Chinese bupleurum
Bupleurum chinense
Root is the textbook spreader of Liver Qi in this catalog. Preclinical pharmacology outruns human monotherapy trials.
Safety first
Rare hepatotoxicity reports with chai-hu-containing formulas (especially prolonged or high-dose). Not a PMS prescription. Apiaceae identity matters.
Tradition vs trials
Traditional record. Bensky and the Pharmacopoeia: Chai Hu releases the exterior and spreads Liver Qi. Chief of Xiao Yao San and Chai Hu Shu Gan San.
Trial literature. Saikosaponin pharmacology is mostly experimental. Formula studies are heterogeneous. Hepatotoxicity signals are why safety is caution.
Practical ranges
Educational ranges — not a prescription. Culinary use is not an extract.
root in formulas
Classical formula ranges; isolated high-dose chai-hu is not a DIY project
Chinese Pharmacopoeia / Bensky — Educational range only — not a prescription. A licensed clinician individualizes product, dose, and duration.
Pregnancy, nursing, children
- Pregnancy. Classical caution in some texts; avoid unsupervised.
- Nursing. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
- Children. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
Contraindications
- known liver injury while using chai-hu formulas
- do not reconstruct Xiao Yao San as PMS self-care
Key interactions
- hepatotoxic drugs · caution
Rare liver-injury reports with chai-hu formulas.