Xuan Hu Corydalis Root
- Chinese
- 玄胡
- Pinyin
- Xuan Hu
- Latin
- Rhizoma Corydalis
Known in TCM as Xuan Hu (玄胡), this acrid and bitter, warm herb enters the Heart, Liver, and Spleen. Traditionally, it invigorates Blood, moves qi, and relieves pain ... Xuan Hu stays in the core corydalis role for obstructive pain patterns involving both distention and fixation, most often applied for abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea, and chest pain. Modern research has identified Tetrahydropalmatine among its active constituents.
Part used: Rhizome
Also Known As
Latin: Rhizoma Corydalis | Pinyin: Xuan Hu | Chinese: 玄胡
TCM Properties
- Taste
- acrid, bitter
- Temperature
- warm
- Channels
- Heart, Liver, Spleen
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Invigorates Blood, moves qi, and relieves pain ... Xuan Hu stays in the core corydalis role for obstructive pain patterns involving both distention and fixation.
- Relieves pain in the chest, flanks, epigastrium, and lower abdomen ... it is especially relevant when constrained movement is more central than deficiency or inflammation alone.
- Extends to traumatic and gynecologic pain ... Xuan Hu remains part of the same practical raw-tuber dispensing tradition used for blood-stasis and qi-stagnation pain.
Secondary Actions
- The illustration prompt distinguishes Xuan Hu as a rougher mixed lot with more broken pieces and shorter cuts, which is a legitimate inventory distinction but not a new herb identity.
- This page therefore preserves the alias and lot style while keeping the clinical content aligned with raw Corydalis yanhusuo.
Classic Formulas
- Jin Ling Zi San ... constrained pain formula where corydalis helps move both qi and blood.
- Yan Hu Suo Zhi Tong Wan ... established corydalis-centered pain formula lineage.
- Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang modifications and trauma pairings ... common contexts for corydalis when lower-abdominal or injury pain is driven by stasis.
Classical References
- Classical herbology places corydalis among the most versatile pain-relieving herbs precisely because it treats both qi stagnation and blood stasis.
- Xuan Hu should be read as a naming shortcut within that same medicinal lineage.
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Tetrahydropalmatine ... key analgesic-associated alkaloid
- Dehydrocorybulbine ... pain-related alkaloid studied in modern models
- Protopine and related isoquinoline alkaloids ... supportive constituents within raw corydalis chemistry
- Mixed alkaloid fractions ... the principal pharmacologic group discussed in corydalis reviews
Studied Effects
- A 2021 review synthesized the analgesic properties of Corydalis yanhusuo and confirmed how central its alkaloid profile remains to contemporary pain research (PMID 34946576).
- Experimental work demonstrated significant antinociceptive activity in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models, reinforcing classical use for stagnation pain (PMID 27622550).
- A 2022 review of processing, compatibility, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and safety remains especially relevant when editorially separating raw and prepared corydalis records (PMID 35003289).
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Heavy menstrual bleeding without stasis
- Severe qi or blood deficiency pain without obstruction
Cautions
- Xuan Hu is still a moving pain herb and may aggravate bleeding or overly disperse weak patients without actual stasis.
- Its alkaloid content may produce dizziness, sedation, or gastrointestinal upset in sensitive individuals.
- Mixed-lot commercial appearance does not change the herb's safety boundaries.
Conditions
- Abdominal Pain Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
- Dysmenorrhea Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
- Chest Pain Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Traumatic Injury Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Xuan Hu Corydalis Root used for?
Xuan Hu Corydalis Root is traditionally used to Invigorates Blood, moves qi, and relieves pain ... Xuan Hu stays in the core corydalis role for obstructive pain patterns involving both distention and fixation., Relieves pain in the chest, flanks, epigastrium, and lower abdomen ... it is especially relevant when constrained movement is more central than deficiency or inflammation alone., Extends to traumatic and gynecologic pain ... Xuan Hu remains part of the same practical raw-tuber dispensing tradition used for blood-stasis and qi-stagnation pain.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2021 review synthesized the analgesic properties of Corydalis yanhusuo and confirmed how central its alkaloid profile remains to contemporary pain research (PMID 34946576).; Experimental work demonstrated significant antinociceptive activity in inflammatory and neuropathic pain models, reinforcing classical use for stagnation pain (PMID 27622550)..
What are other names for Xuan Hu Corydalis Root?
Xuan Hu Corydalis Root is also known as Corydalis, Yan Hu Suo, Yuan Hu. In TCM: 玄胡 (Xuan Hu); Rhizoma Corydalis.
Is Xuan Hu Corydalis Root safe during pregnancy?
Xuan Hu Corydalis Root is not recommended during pregnancy.
What are the contraindications for Xuan Hu Corydalis Root?
Xuan Hu Corydalis Root should not be used in: Pregnancy; Heavy menstrual bleeding without stasis; Severe qi or blood deficiency pain without obstruction. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.