{"id":307865,"date":"2026-02-27T09:28:08","date_gmt":"2026-02-27T09:28:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=307865"},"modified":"2026-04-16T14:09:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-16T13:09:16","slug":"chai-hu","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/chai-hu\/","title":{"rendered":"Chai hu"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":307894,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"163c9f1a-0435-4a26-bcb0-ee711f1c6581","beyondwords_preview_token":"8531eba0-459e-4d64-af34-b09f917f7699","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[],"conditions":[685,693,701,696,698],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[18,786,1820],"western_action":[990,992,1810,1823,993,994,1132,997,1004,1014,1015,2064,1019],"chinese_action":[1030],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1510,1512,1506,1526,1519,1521,2029],"writer":[1242],"region":[1898],"class_list":["post-307865","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","conditions-digestive-system","conditions-endocrine-system","conditions-immune-system","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-reproductive-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-cooling","sense-pungent","western_action-analgesic","western_action-anti-inflammatory","western_action-antidepressant","western_action-antihyperlipidaemic","western_action-antimicrobial","western_action-antioxidant","western_action-antipyretic","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-cholagogue-and-choleretic","western_action-hepatoprotective","western_action-immunomodulant","western_action-neuroprotective","western_action-sedative","chinese_action-release-the-exterior-jie-biao","energetics_action-acrid-taste-chinese","energetics_action-bitter-taste-chinese","energetics_action-cool-temperature-chinese","energetics_action-gallbladder-channel-chinese","energetics_action-liver-channel-chinese","energetics_action-pericardium-channel-chinese","energetics_action-san-jiao-channel-chinese","writer-steve-woodley","region-traditional-chinese-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20260227","herb_author":1242,"banner_text":"Chai hu is a Chinese herb that supports immunity and hormonal balance","latin_name":"Bupleurum chinense<\/span><\/i>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Apiaceae","herb_summary":"Chai hu is used in Chinese medicine for a variety of conditions that affect the immune, nervous, digestive and hormonal activities of the body.","key_benefits":"","how_does_it_feel":"Chai hu<\/span><\/i> (bupleurum) is bitter, acrid, cool and light, raising and dispersing heat (1). This also allows it to raise clear <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i> to the head and relieve constraint providing a sense of lightness and brightness of vision (2).<\/span>","hdif_image_1":307894,"hdif_image_2":307895,"hdif_image_3":307893,"hdif_video":"","sense":[18,786,1820],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"Chai hu<\/span><\/i> is a very versatile herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has a broad spectrum of uses, but which can be loosely categorised into the immune, nervous, digestive and hormonal systems. This makes it a very effective herb for modulating the axes where these connect, when emotional instability leads to digestive or inflammatory conditions, or when hormonal cycles cause pain, irritability and emotional distress (1,3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn practice it can be used for indications as diverse as fevers, including malarial fevers, sore throat, reflux, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, distension of the chest, flanks, abdomen or breasts, jaundice, <\/span>headache<\/span><\/a>, dizziness, vertigo, pain, emotional instability, <\/span>menstrual problems<\/span><\/a>, prolapse, haemorrhoids, vaginal discharge, <\/span>fatigue<\/span><\/a>, skin conditions and eye or ear disorders (1,3).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_307897\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"512\"]\"Chai Chai hu (Bupleurum chinense<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nChai hu<\/span><\/i> (bupleurum) is closely associated with the <\/span>shaoyang<\/span><\/i> (lesser yang) channels and disorders. <\/span>Shaoyang<\/span><\/i> is described in the <\/span>Simple Questions of the Yellow Emperor\u2019s Inner Classic<\/span><\/i>, as the \u2018pivot\u2019 and so these disorders often have alternating, contradictory symptoms. In particular, the<\/span> Discussion of Cold Damage<\/span><\/i>, (2nd century CE) describes this pivot as \u2018half interior and half exterior\u2019\u201d where the conflict between a pathogenic <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i>, that wants to penetrate deeper, and the correct <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i>, which wants to expel the disease and restore order, results in symptoms that fluctuate back and forth (5).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nFurthermore, its effects depend on its dosage. Using its light, dispersing properties, one can provide a gentle lift to the body\u2019s <\/span>yang<\/span><\/i>, a dispersal of constrained <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i>, or the lifting of a lingering pathogen from its hiding place to be released through the exterior depending on whether a small, medium or large dose is administered (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe famous Yuan dynasty physician Li Gao also said that it \u201cfocuses on the blood in the <\/span>yin<\/span><\/i> organs, while in the channels it focuses on the <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i> (1),\u201d making it a highly versatile herb that can treat a wide range of disorders depending on which herbs are chosen to assist its action. For disorders of blood stasis, it is often combined with herbs like <\/span>dang gui<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Angelica sinensis<\/span><\/i>), while for disorders of <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i> stagnation, it may be combined with herbs like <\/span>bitter orange<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Citrus aurantium<\/span><\/i>). <\/span>\r\n\r\nFor Blood deficiency, it is often combined with <\/span>rehmannia<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Rehmannia glutinosa<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>peony root<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Paeonia lactiflora<\/span><\/i>) or <\/span>goji berries<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Lycium barbarum<\/span><\/i>), and for <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i> deficiency, it is combined with <\/span>ginseng<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Panax ginseng<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>atractyloides<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Atractylodes macrocephala<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>fu ling<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Poria cocos<\/span><\/i>) or honey fried <\/span>liquorice<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Glycyrrhiza glabra<\/span><\/i>). This is also reflected in its temperature, for which has historically been debated as to whether it is neutral or cool. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe <\/span>Divine Farmers Materia Medica <\/span><\/i>states that it is neutral, while the <\/span>Discussion of Cold Damage<\/span><\/i> tends to use it for clearing heat, leaving most subsequent texts to state both and settle on it being slightly cooling (2,5). Again, this means it can treat hot or cold disorders with the appropriate combinations. For heat, it is often combined with <\/span>baikal skullcap<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Scutellaria baicalensis<\/span><\/i>), while for cold it may be combined with <\/span>ginger<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Zingiber officinale<\/span><\/i>) or <\/span>cinnamon<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Cinnamomum verum<\/span><\/i>).<\/span>","tradtional_uses":"[caption id=\"attachment_307894\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"512\"]\"Chai Chai hu (Bupleurum chinense<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nThe primary use for <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> in the <\/span>Discussion of Cold Damage<\/span><\/i> is to expel pathogens at the <\/span>shaoyang<\/span><\/i> level. This refers to the pivot, between the exterior and interior and occurs when an exterior (<\/span>taiyang<\/span><\/i>) pathogen remains untreated and cannot be expelled, or is treated incorrectly using purging therapies that weaken the interior, allow the pathogen to sink deeper (5). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe key symptoms are a bitter taste in the mouth, a dry throat and dizziness, along with a hardening feeling and fullness under the ribsides, dry heaves with an inability to eat, alternating chills and fever, and deep, tight pulses. If any of these symptoms are present, it can be treated with Small Bupleurum Decoction (<\/span>xiao chai hu tang<\/span><\/i>) which employs a large dose (24 g) of <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> to expel the pathogen, and then moderate doses (9 g) of <\/span>baikal skullcap<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>ginseng<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>pinellia<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Pinellia ternata<\/span><\/i>), <\/span>liquorice<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>ginger<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>jujube berries<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Ziziphus jujuba<\/span><\/i>), which assist with the various manifestations while strengthening the immune system to facilitate the release.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe second use of <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> employs moderate doses (6\u20139 g) to exploit its raising and dispersing action and affinity for the Liver just enough to lift constrained qi and facilitate its release. The <\/span>Discussion of Cold Damage<\/span><\/i> outlines this use in the formula known as Frigid Extremities Powder (<\/span>si ni san<\/span><\/i>), which is differentiated from similar patterns presenting with cold hands and feet by the fact that the centre appears to show contrary signs of heat such as cough, palpitations, abnormal urination, abdominal pain, or diarrhoea, indicating that <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i> is stagnating and failing to reach the extremities rather than being deficient (5). <\/span>\r\n\r\nIn this formula, 7.5 g of <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> is combined with equal weights of immature <\/span>bitter orange<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>peony root<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>liquorice<\/span><\/a>, ground into powder and 6\u20139 g is prepared with rice soup. Another classic formula uses <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> to dredge the Liver (<\/span>chai hu shu gan san<\/span><\/i>) by combining chai hu with tangerine peel, mature <\/span>bitter orange<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>peony root<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>liquorice<\/span><\/a> and cyperus rhizome for treating all kinds of Liver <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i> stagnation with sensations of fullness and pain, frustration that easily gives rise to anger, or frequent sighing (6).<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe third use of <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> employs small doses (up to 3 g) to raise the <\/span>yang<\/span><\/i>, specifically the clear <\/span>yang<\/span><\/i> of the Stomach and Gallbladder when <\/span>yang<\/span><\/i> is sinking (1). Sinking <\/span>yang<\/span><\/i> refers to conditions such as prolapse, haemorhoids, sensations of heaviness or dragging downwards, vaginal discharge, bleeding or exhaustion. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThis is exemplified in the formula Tonify the Middle to Augment the Qi Decoction (<\/span>bu zhong yi qi tang<\/span><\/i>) where a core of strongly tonifying herbs (<\/span>astragalus<\/span><\/a> 12 g, <\/span>ginseng<\/span><\/a> 9 g, <\/span>atractyloides<\/span><\/a> 9 g, <\/span>dang gui<\/span><\/a> 6 g and <\/span>liquorice<\/span><\/a> 3 g) is combined with a moderate dose of aged tangerine peel to facilitate digestion and a small dose (3 g) of Chinese <\/span>cimicifuga<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> (6).<\/span>\r\n\r\n This formula also uses <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> in another capacity, to disperse deficiency fire that causes a low grade fever that occurs at regular intervals, especially the afternoon or evening, or that feels as though it is coming from the bones and worsens upon exertion. This is due to the body\u2019s <\/span>yin<\/span><\/i> being deficient, in which case the acrid, dispersing properties of <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> would normally be contraindicated, but in a small enough dose and combined with tonifying herbs in this formula, it can serve as an assistant to lift and release this \u201cempty heat.\u201d<\/span>\r\n\r\nFinally, <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> can act as a guide herb, directing other herbs to the <\/span>shaoyang<\/span><\/i> channels with which it is associated. This is particularly relevant in the treatment of headaches, where the <\/span>shaoyang<\/span><\/i> channels run along the sides of the head, meaning that it focuses a formula for headaches on the temples (3). However, caution needs to be taken that these are not due to Liver <\/span>yang<\/span><\/i> rising which might have a similar presentation, but with symptoms such as visual disturbances and sensitivity to light. This is because of the ability of <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> to raise <\/span>yang<\/span><\/i> and deplete <\/span>yin<\/span><\/i> which will exacerbate this disorder.<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"ImmuneImmune system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nThe immune enhancing effects of <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> can be seen in both its traditional and modern applications. Traditionally it has been used to resolve <\/span>shaoyang<\/span><\/i> conditions, which have the characteristic of alternating symptoms, between fever and chills (1), or between interior and exterior (3), as well as being able to resolve Liver <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i> stagnation that often produces signs that would equate to systemic inflammation like headaches, flank pain, red eyes and abdominal bloating. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe modern perspective parallels the traditional indications with research reporting immunomodulatory activities both helping to resolve fevers and reduce inflammation by suppressing excessive immune activity, while also having <\/span>antiviral<\/span><\/a> properties against certain strains of influenza, coronavirus and hepatitis viruses, and some strains of bacteria (6).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis might make it seem like <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> can be used in any situation, since it regulates the immune system in both directions, but Chinese medicine considers it very important to determine whether the disorder really is a <\/span>shaoyang<\/span><\/i> type, or whether it is truly external or internal. A <\/span>shaoyang<\/span><\/i> disorder is characterised by alternating fever and chills, a dry mouth or throat, a bitter taste, a feeling of fullness in the ribsides, possible dry heaves and dizziness (5). <\/span>\r\n\r\nA fully exterior (<\/span>taiyang<\/span><\/i>) type disorder is characterised by simultaneous fever and chills, with a particular aversion to cold or drafts, and accompanied by a stiff neck, body aches, unusual sweating (either spontaneous or completely absent) and probable nasal congestion, cough or wheezing, and demands a formula that regulates this superficial sweating response with diaphoretics like ephedra (<\/span>Ephedra sinica<\/span><\/i>) or <\/span>cinnamon<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Cinnamomum verum<\/span><\/i>). <\/span>\r\n\r\nFailure to differentiate these two can leave an open pathway for the pathogen to penetrate deeper and become harder to treat (3). Likewise, a purely internal disorder that is characterised by deficiency can be exacerbated by the pungent, dispersing nature of this herb, so the pivoting nature of the disorder must be ascertained before prescribing (1).<\/span>\r\n

Nervous system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nThe actions of <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> on the nervous system also sees its traditional activities mirrored by the western research. <\/span>Chai hu<\/span><\/i> is probably the main herb used to treat Liver <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i> stagnation which is characterised by irritability and emotional instability, neurological signs like dizziness, vertigo, headaches and sensory disturbances, and disruption of the gut-brain axis that produces flank pain and fullness, abdominal bloating and pain (1,3), especially if exacerbated by emotional frustration and distress. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Liver also regulates the menstrual cycle, which can be disrupted by psychological stress, so many gynaecological conditions are also described as Liver <\/span>qi<\/span><\/i> stagnation in Chinese medicine (7). <\/span>Chai hu<\/span><\/i> has demonstrated a variety of neuroprotective effects, including <\/span>antidepressant<\/span><\/a>, anti-epileptic,\u00a0 and anti-cerebral ischemic injury, as well as reducing the risk of Alzheimer\u2019s (8). This may contribute to it being the chief ingredient in the formula <\/span>xiao yao san<\/span><\/i>, which is the most commonly prescribed formula for anxiety and depression (9), functional gastrointestinal disorders (10) and premenstrual syndromes (9,10,11).<\/span>\r\n\r\nSimilar to the immune system, it can be tempting to see its broad spectrum of action and frequency of prescription as a reason to prescribe <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> in every situation of psychological imbalance, but traditional texts do not support this. While it is very common to see this in prescriptions for mild presentations with the characteristic <\/span>shaoyang<\/span><\/i> pattern of fluctuating symptoms, more serious psychological disorders with episodes of mania and withdrawal have been attributed to the <\/span>yangming<\/span><\/i> organs since the earliest canonical writings of Chinese medicine and are treated very differently due to the intense heat involved (4). <\/span>\r\n\r\nSevere anger is also considered to be a pattern of Liver Fire, which also does not respond well to <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> (3), where its raising quality can lift the fire upwards leading to an exacerbation of symptoms, so it is important to assess the degree of heat involved when prescribing this herb.<\/span>\r\n

Reproductive system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nChai hu<\/span><\/i> is also one of the most frequently prescribed herbs for premenstrual symptoms in China and Taiwan, for amenorrhoea in Japan and menstrual irregularity in Pakistan (11). It is especially used in the formula <\/span>xiao yao san<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>chai hu shu gan san<\/span><\/i>, where it is combined with <\/span>peony root<\/span><\/a>, which adds pain relieving effects, along with Blood nourishing and Liver softening effects to assist <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> in alleviating menstrual cramps and pain.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIn smaller doses, it also treats prolapse, including uterine prolapse, where it is combined with chinese cimicifuga (<\/span>sheng ma<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>astragalus<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>huang qi<\/span><\/i>), that also have <\/span>yang<\/span><\/i> raising properties in order to counter the sinking that causes organs to prolapse (1). This strategy is employed in the formula <\/span>bu zhong yi qi tang<\/span><\/i> which is often used for prolapses, and can also be used for deficiency heat, commonly seen in menopause, where the small dose of <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i> allows for the heat to be dispersed while the tonifying herbs prevent the loss of <\/span>yin<\/span><\/i> that would normally result from higher doses of acrid, dispersing <\/span>chai hu<\/span><\/i>.<\/span>\r\n

Digestive system<\/a><\/h3>\r\nChai hu<\/span><\/i> is used to treat a number of digestive symptoms such as reflux, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, distension of the abdomen and haemorrhoids. Despite some of its mechanisms deriving from its polysaccharide content which may interact with the intestinal microbiota, it is not primarily a digestive herb (12). Instead it exerts an indirect action by influencing the emotional, nervous and immune systems, affecting the digestion through the gut\u2013brain axis. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThis is described in Chinese medicine as the Liver invading the Spleen, or as Wood overacting on Earth, and refers to many patterns that might be equivalent to irritable bowel syndrome or premenstrual bloating, where the cause of the digestive symptoms are related to the complex interaction of psychology, neurology, endocrine and immune systems affecting the digestion (13,14).\u00a0<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_307898\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"509\"]\"Chai Chai hu root (Bupleurum chinense<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Exploring the therapeutic potential of bupleurum in medical treatment: A comprehensive overview<\/h3>\r\nThis comprehensive review examined the therapeutic potential of bupleurum. They discuss its chemical composition, going beyond the saponins that most studies focus on, mentioning its polysaccharide, volatile oil, flavonoid and coumarin\u00a0 content and relate these to anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, <\/span>antidepressant<\/span><\/a>, anti-aging, anti-epileptic, antipyretic and <\/span>antiviral<\/span><\/a> properties. They cite studies which found inhibitory action against tumours of the liver, stomach, colon, breast, lung, cervix and skin. <\/span>\r\n\r\nAgainst inflammation, they cite studies that have investigated rhinitis, colitis, <\/span>osteoarthritis<\/span><\/a> and mastitis. Antidepressant, anti-ageing, anti-epileptic and <\/span>antipyretic<\/span><\/a> effects are also discussed, along with brief mention of its effects in Alzheimer's, ischaemic injury of the brain and heart, allergic <\/span>asthma<\/span><\/a>, diabetes and hepatoprotective activities. Among the challenges faced, they mention the poor bioavailability of saikosaponins, and discuss possible interactions with metal ion drugs and anticoagulants for which more systematic research is needed (8).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Bupleurum in the treatment of depression disorder: A comprehensive review<\/h3>\r\nThis review summarised the research literature of bupleurum on depression, identifying multiple active constituents such as saikosaponin A, saikosaponin D, rutin, puerarin, and quercetin, each with a separate mechanisms of action that include the regulation of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, brain derived neurotrophic factor, intracellular signalling pathways and protection of neurons through anti-inflammatory and <\/span>antioxidant<\/span><\/a> activities (15).<\/span>\r\n

Network pharmacology and molecular docking technology for exploring the effect and mechanism of Radix Bupleuri<\/i> and Radix Paeoniae Alba<\/i> herb-pair on anti-hepatitis: A review<\/h3>\r\nThis review investigated the common pairing of bupleurum with <\/span>white peony root<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Paeonia lactiflora<\/span><\/i>) in the treatment of hepatitis. This herb pair is common in formulas that use bupleurum to regulate the liver, including Rambling Powder (<\/span>xiao yao san<\/span><\/i>) and Bupleurum Powder to Dredge the Liver (<\/span>chai hu shu gan san<\/span><\/i>). Bupleurum was found to have the chief role in this herb pair, containing five of the seven active compounds, while peony root contained only three (one being shared by both). <\/span>\r\n\r\nAmong these, quercetin contains antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory effects with demonstrated activity against hepatitis B, C and drug induced hepatitis. Kaempferol and isorhamnetin were also identified as having antiviral effects against hepatitis B virus. Petunidin was suggested to be effective through antioxidant effects which could exert a hepatoprotective effect. A chromone (3,5,6,7-tetramethoxy-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl) chromone) was also identified as contributing to its hepatoprotective effects through anti-inflammatory and antihepatoma activities (16).<\/span>\r\n

Modulating the gut microbiota and inflammation is involved in the effect of bupleurum polysaccharides against diabetic nephropathy in mice<\/h3>\r\nMost research on bupleurum focuses on saikosaponins, however this study investigated the role of bupleurum\u2019s polysaccharide content on the gut microbiota, finding that it increased the diversity and proportion of gut protective species, improving the gut barrier and reducing colon and kidney inflammation. Other research supports this conclusion (12).<\/span>\r\n\r\nA further study found that the antidepressant effect of the formula <\/span>chai hu shu gan san<\/span><\/i> is at least partially due to modulating effects on the gut microbiota (17). Separately, another found that bupleurum and peony increased <\/span>Lactobacillus <\/span><\/i>populations and ameliorated tryptophan synthesis and metabolism disorders (18).<\/span>\r\n\r\n Finally, another study identifyied a specific microbiota-gut-brain axis that involves the inhibition of <\/span>Ruminococcus<\/span><\/i>, which leads to leukotriene B4 expression and despair behaviour (19). However, all of these studies were performed in rats and their relevance to human physiology has not been as thoroughly explored.<\/span>","did_you_know":"Bupleurum is used in floristry where it is a popular choice of filler for its many branches and small yellow-green flowers (20).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":307907},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Chai hu is an erect, hairless, perennial herb, approximately 50\u201385 cm tall with a long woody taproot that constitutes the medicinal part (21). <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe stems have several multibranched bases without fibrous sheaths, and alternate or simple leaves that change shape up the stem, starting as lance shaped near the base and turning into tiny inflorescences of large, loose and widely spreading compound umbels, 2\u20136 cm in diameter, at the tip. <\/span>\r\n\r\nFlowers of chai hu are tiny with five bright yellow petals, and fruits are dry, brown and organised in umbellate clusters.<\/span>","common_names":"