Xia Ku Cao (Prunella vulgaris spike): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Xia Ku Cao work for thyroid nodules?

Xia Ku Cao works by reducing inflammation and regulating immune function through active compounds like rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it enters the Liver and Gallbladder channels to clear heat and dissipate phlegm nodules. This mechanism helps shrink thyroid enlargement and lymph node swellings by addressing the underlying pathological accumulation, making it a primary herb for goiter and thyroid health (Evidence Level: C/Traditional).

Does Xia Ku Cao interact with thyroid medication?

While specific human drug interaction studies are limited, Xia Ku Cao may theoretically interact with thyroid medications like levothyroxine due to its effects on thyroid tissue. Because it actively influences thyroid function and reduces nodules, it could alter the efficacy of hormone replacement therapies. Patients taking prescription thyroid medication should consult a healthcare provider before adding this herb to their regimen to monitor for potential interactions (Evidence Level: D).

Is Xia Ku Cao safe to take during pregnancy?

Xia Ku Cao is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. In TCM theory, it is a cooling herb that clears heat and moves blood, properties that can be contraindicated during gestation. Additionally, there is insufficient safety data regarding its active compounds, such as ursolic acid, on fetal development. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use this herb without strict medical supervision (Evidence Level: C).

What is the standard dosage for Xia Ku Cao?

The standard adult dosage for Xia Ku Cao is 9 to 15 grams of dried spikes when prepared as a decoction. For concentrated extracts, a typical dosage is 500 mg taken twice daily. Dosage may vary based on the specific condition being treated, such as thyroid nodules versus eye conditions. It is best taken under the guidance of a qualified herbalist to ensure appropriate potency (Evidence Level: Traditional).

What are the side effects of Prunella vulgaris?

Side effects of Xia Ku Cao (Prunella vulgaris) are generally mild but may include gastrointestinal upset, such as diarrhea or stomach discomfort. This is particularly common in individuals with a 'cold' constitution or Spleen Qi deficiency, as the herb's cooling nature can aggravate these conditions. If digestive symptoms occur, discontinuing use or reducing the dosage is recommended to restore balance (Evidence Level: Traditional).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 10 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Xia Ku Cao (Prunella vulgaris) is a medicinal and edible plant used in traditional medicine for treating cardiovascular diseases, hyperthyroidism, and other ailments [PMID:37992723, 39142171, 35754326].

Contexte

Prunella vulgaris, known as Xia Ku Cao in Chinese, is a low-growing perennial herb found in Asia, Europe, and North America [PMID:37992723, 35754326].

Usages traditionnels

It is traditionally used in cultures including China, India, Japan, Korea, Russia, and Eastern Europe to treat fever, heal wounds, and manage cardiovascular diseases [PMID:35754326, 37992723]. It is also used in formulas for softening hard lumps and resolving hard tissue masses [PMID:28529560].

Composés actifs

Bioactive components include luteolin, phenolic acids (caffeic acid, ursolic acid, and rosmarinic acid), and volatile organic compounds [PMID:38879922, 37992723, 35754326].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include suppressing NLRP3 activation to alleviate cardiac remodeling [PMID:37992723], restoring Tfh/Tfr balance and alleviating oxidative stress in Graves' disease [PMID:38879922], and restoring intestinal microbiota homeostasis to improve hepatic metabolism disturbances in hyperlipidemia [PMID:41764835]. It has also been shown to inhibit GnRH mRNA and protein expression in GT1-7 cells [PMID:26925153].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DHyperthyroidism (Graves' disease)

A case report indicated that TCM therapy including Xia Ku Cao helped a patient return to a euthyroid state and maintain it for several years [PMID:21058888].

Preuve DCardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction

Aqueous extract and phenolic acids from P. vulgaris alleviated cardiac remodeling in rat models [PMID:37992723].

Preuve DGraves' disease

XKC and luteolin restored Tfh/Tfr balance and alleviated oxidative stress in a mouse model [PMID:38879922].

Preuve DHyperlipidemia

Xia Ku Cao Paste improved hepatic metabolism disturbances and restored intestinal microbiota homeostasis in HFD-induced rats [PMID:41764835].

Preuve DBreast Cancer

Ruanjian Sanjie decoction (containing Xia ku cao) exhibited antitumor activity by inducing cell apoptosis in breast cancer xenografts and in vitro cells [PMID:28529560].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (rats/mice), and a single case report, indicating a low overall strength of clinical evidence (Level D).

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 37992723 (2024) — Phenolic acids from Prunella vulgaris alleviate cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction partially by suppressing NLRP3 activation. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
2.PMID: 38879922 (2024) — Mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L. and luteolin in restoring Tfh/Tfr balance and alleviating oxidative stress in Graves' disease. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
3.PMID: 41764835 (2026) — Xia Ku Cao Paste restores intestinal microbiota homeostasis and improves hepatic metabolism disturbances to alleviate hyperlipidemia. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
4.PMID: 39142171 (2024) — Characterization and identification of the wide-polarity multicomponents from Prunella vulgaris by offline two-dimensional liquid chromatography and hydrophilic interaction chromatography coupled to ion mobility-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. · Journal of chromatography. A
5.PMID: 35449810

Xia Ku Cao

Sources et citations

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