Bupleuri Radix: A Comprehensive Review of its Pharmacological Properties and Clinical Applications

Bupleuri radix is the dried root of 'Bupleurum chinense DC.' or 'Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd.' In China, people call it Chaihu. The earliest record of Chaihu can be traced to Sheng Nong's herbal classic. The Chinese Pharmacopoeia mentions that Chaihu has a pungent, bitter, and slightly cold nature. Returning to the liver, gallbladder, and lung meridians, it has the functions of dispersing and reducing fever, relieving liver stagnation, and elevating yang qi. In clinical practice, Chaihu is commonly used to treat diseases such as colds, fever, cold and heat exchange, chest and flank pain, irregular menstruation, uterine prolapse, and anal prolapse. Phytochemistry studies show that Bupleuri radix contains rich compounds, mainly saponins, polysaccharides, flavonoids, polysaccharides, volatile oil and other components. All the active compounds isolated from Radix Bupleuri exhibited excellent pharmacological activities, with antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, improved glycolipid metabolism, neuroprotective effects. Yuan Kang et al (36934787) found that Chaihu aqueous extract had a definite but mild antipyretic effect on LPS induced fever in rats by directly inhibiting the production of TNF-α by monocytes. Seon beer bak et al (36841364) verified that saikosaponin a has therapeutic potential in the treatment of oxidative liver injury by multiscale interactome level analysis with experiments. Lin Lin Chen et al (36447385) saikosaponin d attenuates cancer cachexia by directly inhibiting Stat3. Qian Zhou et al (35491088) found that saikosaponin a could inhibit human bladder cancer T24 in vitro and in vivo sang min Park et al (36304143) found that saikosaponin a extract could have anticancer effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis and the growth of 5637 cells. Qi Zheng et al (36581162) found that saikosaponins were able to ameliorate hyperlipidemia in rats by enhancing hepatic lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Qingwei Xiang et al (36920548) saikosaponin d can attenuate peripheral neuropathy in diabetic rats by regulating the AQP1 / RhoA / ROCK signaling pathway. Xiao Li et al (36002654) demonstrated the synergistic neuroprotective effects of saikosaponin with plumbagin on corticosterone-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells by regulating metabolic disorders and neuroinflammation. Atsushi Tsuge et al (36735163) found that Bupleurum in Buzhong Yiqi Decoction containing Chaihu Han Fang activates regulatory T cells to exert anti-allergic effects in a mouse model of contact hypersensitivity.

In conclusion, Bupleuri radix, also known as Chaihu, is a traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of use. Its therapeutic effects are attributed to its various active compounds, including saponins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids. These compounds have been found to exhibit potent pharmacological activities, such as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antitumor, and neuroprotective effects. Studies have also shown that Chaihu can be effective in treating a range of diseases, including fever, liver stagnation, irregular menstruation, and cancer cachexia. Additionally, Bupleurum-containing decoctions have been shown to activate regulatory T cells, demonstrating its potential as an effective treatment for allergies. As such, Bupleuri radix holds great promise as a therapeutic agent for a range of diseases and disorders.