Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Yin Chen Hao work to treat jaundice?

Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris) works primarily through its choleretic action, stimulating bile production and flow from the liver. Active compounds including scoparone, chlorogenic acid, and capillin have demonstrated hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory studies. These constituents help reduce bilirubin levels by enhancing liver function and promoting bile excretion. Traditional Chinese Medicine describes this mechanism as clearing damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder channels. Evidence level: C (preliminary clinical evidence and traditional use).

Does Yin Chen Hao interact with any medications?

Limited formal drug interaction studies exist for Yin Chen Hao. Due to its effects on liver function and bile secretion, it may theoretically alter the metabolism of hepatically-processed medications, including certain statins, anticoagulants, and immunosuppressants. Patients taking hepatotoxic medications should exercise caution. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before combining Yin Chen Hao with prescription medications. Evidence level: C (theoretical interactions based on pharmacological properties).

What is the recommended dosage of Yin Chen Hao for adults?

The standard adult dosage for Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris) is 10-30 grams daily when prepared as a decoction. The herb is typically boiled in water for 20-30 minutes to extract the active compounds. Lower doses of 10-15 grams are common for mild conditions, while higher doses of 20-30 grams may be used for acute jaundice or hepatitis under professional supervision. Always follow guidance from a qualified TCM practitioner. Evidence level: Traditional.

Is Yin Chen Hao safe to take during pregnancy?

Traditional Chinese Medicine sources classify Yin Chen Hao as generally safe during pregnancy when used appropriately for its indicated conditions. However, pregnant women should only use this herb under the supervision of a qualified TCM practitioner who can assess whether it suits their specific presentation. The herb's cooling and draining properties require careful matching to the patient's constitution. Self-medication during pregnancy is not recommended. Evidence level: Traditional use.

What is Yin Chen Hao used for in Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Yin Chen Hao is considered the premier TCM herb for treating jaundice and liver-gallbladder disorders. Primary indications include infectious hepatitis, cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation), and various forms of jaundice characterized by yellow discoloration of skin and eyes. It specifically treats damp-heat conditions affecting the liver and gallbladder channels. The herb is contraindicated in cold-deficiency jaundice, where warming herbs would be more appropriate. Evidence level: C.

What are the side effects of Yin Chen Hao?

Yin Chen Hao is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. The most commonly reported side effects are mild digestive disturbances, including nausea, bloating, or loose stools, particularly when taken on an empty stomach or at higher doses. These effects typically resolve by taking the decoction with food or reducing dosage. Allergic reactions are rare but possible in individuals sensitive to plants in the Asteraceae family. Evidence level: Traditional.

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

Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia capillaris) is a traditional medicinal herb primarily used for treating liver dysfunction, cholestasis, and jaundice [PMID:32877694, PMID:34680529].

Background

Artemisia capillaris Thunb., also known as Yin Chen Hao or capillary wormwood, is a plant in the Asteraceae family used extensively in traditional Chinese medicine [PMID:39515682, PMID:34680529].

Traditional uses

It is traditionally used to clear dampness and heat, promote gallbladder function, reduce jaundice, and treat hepatic disorders [PMID:39515682, PMID:24716150, PMID:39067315]. It has also been used in the treatment of neonatal jaundice [PMID:9104069].

Active compounds

Bioactive compounds include scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin), chlorogenic acid, capillarisin, scopoletin, rhein, geniposide, and emodin [PMID:34680529, PMID:28275293].

Mechanism of action

Pharmacological actions include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antisteatotic, antiviral, and antitumor properties [PMID:34680529]. Specific mechanisms include the inhibition of hepatic steatosis, apoptosis, and necrosis [PMID:28275293], regulation of the YAP/TAZ-signaling pathway in MASH [PMID:40683423], inhibition of miR-34a-5p to activate Sirt1-mediated hepatic lipid metabolism [PMID:39515682], and modulation of the FXR-FGF15 pathway via gut microbiota regulation [PMID:40732223]. Scoparone specifically affects immune cells and signaling pathways such as TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB and mTOR suppression [PMID:39958341, PMID:40490231].

Clinical evidence

Evidence CChronic Hepatitis B

Demonstrates therapeutic advantages through modulation of immune pathways and intervention in HBV lifecycle targets [PMID:40708494]

Evidence CCholestatic Liver Disease/Hepatitis

Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) is used to treat cholestasis and mitigate cholestatic liver injury [PMID:38583348, PMID:40732223]

Evidence DMetabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD/MASH)

Water extract alleviates MASLD by inhibiting miR-34a-5p [PMID:39515682]; Injinoryeong-san (containing A. capillaris) attenuates MASH via YAP/TAZ-signaling [PMID:40683423]

Evidence DBiliary Obstructive Cirrhosis

Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang (YCHT) alleviates biliary obstructive cirrhosis in rats by inhibiting biliary epithelial cell proliferation and activation [PMID:25829784]

Evidence DRenal Injury

Water extract attenuates adriamycin-induced renal injury by regulating apoptosis through the ROS/MAPK axis [PMID:34984698]

Evidence D

Safety & adverse effects

While used for liver protection, some reports indicate a risk of liver injury associated with other ingredients in Yinchenhao decoction, such as Rheum palmatum L. and Gardenia jasmonoides [PMID:38583348]. Additionally, some traditional Chinese medicine injections may cause pseudo-allergic reactions [PMID:39067315].

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of review articles (Level C) and preclinical animal or in vitro studies (Level D). There is strong preclinical evidence for hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects, but high-level clinical trial data (Level A/B) is not provided in the abstracts.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 28275293 (2017) — Therapeutic mechanism of Yīn-Chén-Hāo decoction in hepatic diseases. · World journal of gastroenterology
2.PMID: 40708494 (2025) — The Role of Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B. · The American journal of Chinese medicine
3.PMID: 40553824 (2025) — Investigating therapeutic effects and the underlying mechanisms of jia-wei-yin-chen-hao-tang in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 24716150 (2013) — Recent Studies and Progression of Yin Chen Hao ( Yīn Chén Hāo), a Long-term Used Traditional Chinese Medicine. · Journal of traditional and complementary medicine
5.PMID: 34680529 (2021) — The Pharmacological Effects and Pharmacokinetics of Active Compounds of Artemisia capillaris.

Yin Chen Hao

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Yin Chen Hao

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Physalis peruviana

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Yin Chen Hao

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Yin Chen Hao

Related Herbs

Hu Zhang

Andrographis Echioides

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources