How does Bupleurum scorzonerifolium work in the body?

Bupleurum scorzonerifolium primarily exerts its effects through active compounds known as saikosaponins. These compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties by modulating inflammatory cytokines and stabilizing liver cell membranes. Research suggests these mechanisms help reduce fever and protect liver tissue from damage, supporting its traditional use for liver conditions (Evidence Level: C).

Does Bupleurum interact with prescription medications?

Bupleurum may interact with immunosuppressant drugs because of its immune-modulating properties, potentially reducing their efficacy. Due to its effects on liver enzyme activity, it may also alter the metabolism of various pharmaceuticals. Patients taking anticoagulants or sedatives should exercise caution. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining this herb with prescription medications (Evidence Level: C).

What is the recommended dosage for Bupleurum root?

The standard adult dosage for Bupleurum scorzonerifolium is 3 to 9 grams of the dried root, typically administered as a decoction. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is rarely used as a single herb but combined in formulas to harmonize effects. Dosage should be adjusted based on individual tolerance and specific health conditions (Evidence Level: Traditional).

Is Bupleurum safe to take during pregnancy?

Bupleurum scorzonerifolium is considered unsafe during pregnancy and is contraindicated, particularly at high doses. Traditional use suggests it may promote uterine stimulation or cause other adverse effects harmful to the fetus. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid this herb unless under the strict supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner (Evidence Level: C).

What are the side effects of taking Bupleurum?

Common side effects associated with Bupleurum include gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort. It is contraindicated for individuals with autoimmune diseases because it stimulates immune activity, potentially worsening symptoms. Users should discontinue use if severe digestive symptoms occur and consult a healthcare professional (Evidence Level: C).

Bupleurum scorzonerifolium (Bupleurum scorzonerifolium)

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. is a perennial herbaceous plant of the Apiaceae family used in traditional Chinese medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, and anti-tumor properties [PMID: 40723421, 40865657, 41011202].

Background

Also known as Nan Chai Hu or red Bupleurum, it is widely cultivated in Asian countries including China, Russia, Mongolia, North Korea, and Japan [PMID: 40865657, 40723421]. It is one of the two official sources of Bupleuri Radix in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 [PMID: 35909726].

Traditional uses

Historically, the roots and aerial parts have been used for over 2000 years to treat fever, liver disorders, inflammatory conditions, and emotional imbalances such as depression [PMID: 40865657]. It is specifically noted for its ability to clear liver heat and soothe the liver to relieve depression [PMID: 37570602, 40816588].

Active compounds

The primary active components are saikosaponins (specifically saikosaponin a, c, and d) [PMID: 36586383, 36280622]. Other bioactive substances include polysaccharides, flavonoids, volatile oils, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and polyacetylenes [PMID: 41011202, 39997744, 34871788].

Mechanism of action

Saikosaponins may alleviate depression by binding and inhibiting P2X7 expression to reduce microglial pyroptosis [PMID: 39637473]. Saikosaponin a has been shown to activate the tet1/dll3/notch1 signaling pathway to promote hippocampal neurogenesis [PMID: 37844745]. Polysaccharides from the plant act as free radical scavengers, increasing superoxide dismutase activity and decreasing reactive oxygen species [PMID: 21948115].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DDepression

Extracts and vinegar-baked preparations significantly improved depression-like behaviors and levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in rat models [PMID: 38217462, 36586383].

Evidence DNeuroinflammation

Polyacetylenes isolated from roots displayed inhibitory activities against LPS-induced NO release in BV-2 microglial cells [PMID: 34871788].

Evidence DLiver Cancer

The herbal pair Bupleurum scorzonerifolium-Paeonia lactiflora showed activity against human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells [PMID: 35850814].

Evidence DUVB-induced oxidative stress

Crude polysaccharides inhibited HaCaT cell death and protected against UVB-induced DNA damage [PMID: 21948115].

Safety & adverse effects

Saikosaponin D is identified as both a primary antitumour component and a main toxic component in Bupleuri Radix [PMID: 34714209].

Evidence summary

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models (rats, zebrafish, mice), and phytochemical analyses; there is a lack of human clinical trial data.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 35909726 (2022) — Metabolomics Analysis Reveals the Differences Between Bupleurum chinense DC. and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. · Frontiers in plant science
2.PMID: 36280622 (2022) — Screening saikosaponin d (SSd)-producing endophytic fungi from Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. · World journal of microbiology & biotechnology
3.PMID: 39637473 (2025) — Saikosaponins from Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. alleviates microglial pyroptosis in depression by binding and inhibiting P2X7 expression. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
4.PMID: 37570602 (2023) — Quantitative and Differential Analysis between Bupleurum chinense DC. and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. Using HPLC-MS and GC-MS Coupled with Multivariate Statistical Analysis. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 39997744

Bupleurum scorzonerifolium

Sources & Citations