Bupleurum: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Bupleurum is an herb or woody shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North America. There are about 200 different species. Its root is used as medicine.

Bupleurum is included in many Chinese and Japanese traditional herbal formulas. It might help stimulate the immune system and protect the liver.

People use bupleurum for asthma, depression, flu, hepatitis, liver cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Bupleurum overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Bupleurum is possibly safe. It's been used as part of a Japanese herbal formula called Sho-saiko-to for up to 5 years. It's usually well-tolerated. Side effects might include nausea.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bupleurum is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Auto-immune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus, SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), or other conditions: Bupleurum might cause the immune system to become more active. This could increase the symptoms of auto-immune diseases. If you have one of these conditions, it's best to avoid using bupleurum.

Bleeding disorders: Chemicals in bupleurum might slow blood clotting. This might make bleeding disorders worse.

Diabetes: Chemicals in bupleurum might increase blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use bupleurum. The dose of your diabetes medication may need to be changed.

Surgery: Chemicals in bupleurum might prolong bleeding or increase blood sugar levels. Stop taking saikosaponins at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that decrease the immune system (Immunosuppressants) interacts with Bupleurum
Bupleurum can increase the activity of the immune system. Some medications, such as those used after a transplant, decrease the activity of the immune system. Taking bupleurum along with these medications might decrease the effects of these medications.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with Bupleurum
Chemicals in bupleurum, called saikosaponins, might increase blood sugar levels. Taking bupleurum along with diabetes medications might reduce the effects of these medications. Monitor your blood sugar closely.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Bupleurum
Bupleurum might slow blood clotting. Taking bupleurum along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

Dosing

Bupleurum is most often used by adults in combination with other ingredients in traditional medicine herbal formulas. Speak with your healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

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Bupleurum - Uses, Side Effects, and More