ABSTRACT

Bupleurum root The Bupleurum root was recorded in the Chinese oldest existing pharmacopoeia, Materia Medica of Shen Nong (Mori, ed. 1933a). It has anti-pyretic effects, detoxifying effects, analgesic effects and anti-inflammatory effects and has been noted as an important crude drug successively in classical pharmacopoeia in China and Japan. It is a component of such Kampo prescription as Shosaiko-to (Xiachaihutang), Dai-saiko-to (Dachaihutang), Sairei-to (Chailingtang), Shigyaku-san (Sinisan) and so on. The Pharmacopoeia of Japan, 13th edition, Supplement I (Committee for editing of the commentaries on Japan Pharmacopoeia, 1998a) specifies that the Bupleurum root is the root of Bupleurum falcatum L. (Umbelliferae).