Evidence supporting the use of: Bupleurum (unspecified)
For the health condition: Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bupleurum, particularly Bupleurum chinense and Bupleurum falcatum, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In TCM, Bupleurum is a key ingredient in several classical herbal formulas, such as Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), which are sometimes used for conditions described as "liver stagnation," "fever," or "swelling," including swellings associated with lymph nodes or glands. The theoretical basis for its use is rooted in TCM concepts of harmonizing and dispersing "pathogenic factors" and promoting the flow of Qi, rather than direct anatomical or physiological effects on the lymphatic system as understood in Western medicine.
There are very limited scientific studies examining Bupleurum's effects on swollen lymph nodes or glands specifically. Some preclinical research has suggested anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of Bupleurum extracts and its active constituents (such as saikosaponins). However, these studies generally do not address lymphadenopathy directly, and there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials supporting its use for this indication in modern medicine. Current usage for swollen lymph nodes relies primarily on traditional practice and historical precedent rather than robust scientific validation.
More about Bupleurum (unspecified)
More about Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Other ingredients used for Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
burdockcat's claw
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
echinacea purpurea
fu ling
ginger
goldenseal
licorice root
platycodon root
slippery elm bark
sarsaparilla
atractylodes
rubia cordifolia
lingzhi
pau d'arco
prickly ash
teasel
ganoderma
hydrangea
polyporus
cleavers
Aralia
Andrographis
Baliospermum
Barleria
Banyan
Black Nightshade
Bupleurum
Chinese Mountain Ant
Calotropis gigantea
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Codonopsis
Cinquefoil
Crinum latifolium
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Castor Oil
Copaiba Oil
Deer Root
Devil's Club
Dipsacus
Echinacea
Embelia
Mistletoe
Spikenard
Other health conditions supported by Bupleurum (unspecified)
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Allergies (respiratory)
Anxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Bronchitis
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Jaundice (adults)
Liver Detoxification
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen)
Menopause
Menstrual Irregularity
Nausea and Vomiting