Evidence supporting the use of: Bupleurum
For the health condition: Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bupleurum (especially Bupleurum chinense) is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for liver and gallbladder conditions. In TCM, Bupleurum is a key ingredient in formulas such as Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), which is classically prescribed for patterns described as "liver qi stagnation" and is thought to harmonize the liver and support bile flow. The rationale in TCM is that stagnation in the liver can affect the flow of bile through the gallbladder, leading to symptoms such as digestive discomfort, a sensation of fullness, or even jaundice. Bupleurum is believed to "soothe the liver" and "promote the flow of qi," indirectly supporting gallbladder health or compensating for sluggish bile flow after gallbladder removal. However, scientific evidence to support Bupleurum's use specifically for gallbladder conditions (either sluggish function or post-cholecystectomy) is limited. Some animal studies suggest hepatoprotective and choleretic (bile flow-promoting) effects, but robust clinical data in humans is lacking. The use of Bupleurum for gallbladder support is therefore primarily justified by traditional use rather than modern scientific validation.
More about Bupleurum
More about Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Other ingredients used for Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
American LiverleafAngelica
apple
artichoke
atractylodes
avens
Baccharoides anthelmintica
barberry
beet
Berberis (unspecified)
bile
bile acid
bile salt
birch
bitter grass
bitter principals
black nightshade
Boerhavia diffusa
boldo
bovine
Brassica
Bupleurum
bupleurum falcatum
bur-reed
burdock
carqueja
castor oil
chicory
cholic acid
cleavers
colocynth
cornsilk
costus
couch grass
cynarin
dandelion
dehydrocholic acid
Dianthus
duodenal substance
endive
enzymes blend (proprietary)
fat liver oil
fiber
Fumaria parviflora
fumitory
ginger
goldenrod
Hedyotis
Herb Robert
horseradish
Indian bael
Kefir
Kokilaksha
lemon
licorice root
lipase
Milk thistle
Momordica
mustard seed
Myrrh
oregon grape
ox bile
pancreatin
papaya
parsley
pear
peony
phellodendron amurense
phosphatidylcholine
probiotics
punarnava
rockweed
Sete sangrias
Sichuan Lovage
Silybum
silymarin
Solanum indicum
Southern Tsangshu
Taraxacum
Taurocholic acid
Taurodeoxycholic acid
Triphala
turmeric
Varuna
Wax Gourd
Winter Begonia
Wulinshen
Other health conditions supported by Bupleurum
Abdominal PainAnxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Convalescence
Dizziness
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Hepatitis
Infection
Inflammation
Influenza
Insomnia
Liver Detoxification
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Stress
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores
