Lophatherum Herb
- Chinese
- 淡竹叶
- Pinyin
- Dan Zhu Ye
- Latin
- Herba Lophatheri
Known in TCM as Dan Zhu Ye (淡竹叶), this sweet and bland, cold herb enters the Heart, Stomach, and Small Intestine. Traditionally, it clears Heart Fire and relieves irritability; treats restlessness, insomnia, and mouth and tongue sores from Heart Fire, most often applied for insomnia, mouth sores, and urinary tract infection. Modern research has identified Flavonoid among its active constituents.
Part used: Whole herb
Also Known As
Latin: Herba Lophatheri | Pinyin: Dan Zhu Ye | Chinese: 淡竹叶
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sweet, bland
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Heart, Stomach, Small Intestine
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Clears Heart Fire and relieves irritability; treats restlessness, insomnia, and mouth and tongue sores from Heart Fire
- Clears Heat and promotes urination; guides Heat downward and out through the urine for Damp-Heat stranguria and scanty, burning urination
Secondary Actions
- Clears residual Heat in the aftermath of febrile disease, relieving thirst and low-grade fever
Classic Formulas
- Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (Lophatherum and Gypsum Decoction)
Classical References
- Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen, 1578) records Dan Zhu Ye for clearing Heart Heat and promoting urination
- Included in the classical formula Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang from the Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage, Zhang Zhongjing, c. 200 CE) for residual Heat after febrile illness
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Flavonoid C-glycosides (luteolin, isoorientin, luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside)
- Phenolic acids (hydroxybenzoic acids)
- Triterpenoids
Studied Effects
- Antipyretic and diuretic activity supporting traditional Heat-clearing use
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity from flavonoid constituents
- Antiviral activity investigated for flavone C-glycoside constituents
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Cautions
- Cold and bland; avoid in cases of Yang deficiency or frequent urination without Heat signs
Conditions
- Insomnia Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Mouth Sores Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Urinary Tract Infection Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Fever Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Edema Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lophatherum Herb used for?
Lophatherum Herb is traditionally used to Clears Heart Fire and relieves irritability; treats restlessness, insomnia, and mouth and tongue sores from Heart Fire, Clears Heat and promotes urination; guides Heat downward and out through the urine for Damp-Heat stranguria and scanty, burning urination. Research has investigated its effects on: Antipyretic and diuretic activity supporting traditional Heat-clearing use; Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity from flavonoid constituents.
What are other names for Lophatherum Herb?
Lophatherum Herb is also known as Lophatherum gracile, Bamboo Leaves (Lophatherum), Lophatheri. In TCM: 淡竹叶 (Dan Zhu Ye); Herba Lophatheri.
Is Lophatherum Herb safe during pregnancy?
Lophatherum Herb is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.