Natural Herb Library

Paniculate Bolbostemma

Chinese
土贝母
Pinyin
Tu Bei Mu
Latin
Rhizoma Bolbostemmae
Botanical illustration of Paniculate Bolbostemma, Bolbostemma paniculatum, showing climbing habit, tuberous rhizome, and diagnostic Tu Bei Mu details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Tu Bei Mu (土贝母), this bitter, cold herb enters the Lung and Stomach. Traditionally, it clears Heat and resolves toxicity; disperses swelling and dissipates nodules for breast abscess, breast carbuncle, and mammary gland hyperplasia, most often applied for breast abscess, carbuncle, and lymphadenitis. Modern research has identified Tubeimosides among its active constituents.

Part used: Rhizome

Also Known As

Bolbostemma paniculatum

Latin: Rhizoma Bolbostemmae | Pinyin: Tu Bei Mu | Chinese: 土贝母

TCM Properties

Taste
bitter
Temperature
cold
Channels
Lung, Stomach

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Clears Heat and resolves toxicity; disperses swelling and dissipates nodules for breast abscess, breast carbuncle, and mammary gland hyperplasia
  • Documented since the Qing dynasty (Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica, Zhao Xuemin) specifically for toxin-dispersing, swelling-reducing action

Secondary Actions

  • Applied both internally and topically for suppurative skin and glandular conditions

Classical References

  • Ben Cao Gang Mu Shi Yi (Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica, Zhao Xuemin, Qing Dynasty) documents Tu Bei Mu for breast abscess and carbuncle swelling

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Tubeimosides I-IV (oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins)

Studied Effects

  • Tubeimosides show cytotoxic, antitumor, and antiviral activity in preclinical studies
  • Systems pharmacology analysis identifies multiple mechanisms relevant to hepatocellular carcinoma treatment
  • Extracts inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis and autophagy across multiple cancer cell lines in vitro

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold

Cautions

  • Cold and bitter; not for prolonged use in deficiency-type patterns

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Paniculate Bolbostemma used for?

Paniculate Bolbostemma is traditionally used to Clears Heat and resolves toxicity; disperses swelling and dissipates nodules for breast abscess, breast carbuncle, and mammary gland hyperplasia, Documented since the Qing dynasty (Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica, Zhao Xuemin) specifically for toxin-dispersing, swelling-reducing action. Research has investigated its effects on: Tubeimosides show cytotoxic, antitumor, and antiviral activity in preclinical studies; Systems pharmacology analysis identifies multiple mechanisms relevant to hepatocellular carcinoma treatment.

What are other names for Paniculate Bolbostemma?

Paniculate Bolbostemma is also known as Bolbostemma paniculatum. In TCM: 土贝母 (Tu Bei Mu); Rhizoma Bolbostemmae.

Is Paniculate Bolbostemma safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Paniculate Bolbostemma during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What are the contraindications for Paniculate Bolbostemma?

Paniculate Bolbostemma should not be used in: Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.