1.BUPLEURUM ROOT (CHAI HU): Bupleurum is one of the most important herbs used in Chinese herbalism. Because of its calming properties, it has the ability to relieve liver tension and digestive disturbances. It is the primary herb regulating body energy, for relieving blockages in the body, to be discharged safely out of the system. Combined with white peony, bupleurum will clean the blood and improve normal liver metabolism. Bupleurum root also increases protein synthesis in the liver contributing to a more balanced and healthy liver. The primary chemical constituents of bupleurum root include: saikosaponins, fatty acids, glycosides, oleic acid, palmitic acid, quercetin and narcissin. Research in Japan, beginning in the early 1960s and continuing today, has revealed that the saikosides are potent chemicals. They appear to protect the liver and strengthen liver function. Bupleurum grows in China and has been taken by the Chinese for over 2,000 years.

2. WHITE PEONY (BAI SHAO YAO): The peony flower is the national flower of China. Peony root is highly prized for its ability to relax muscle and cleanse the blood. It relieves cramps and spasms anywhere in the body and is highly effective in relieving menstrual pain. It is believed to extend life and to promote beauty. Men should use peony as well, since it has an anti-aging effect without affecting hormones. White peony is used primarily to nourish the blood circulation and to smooth and relax the liver. There are no known drug interactions with white peony root.

3. PRIVET FRUIT-LIGUSTRUM (NU ZHEN ZI): Privet fruit (ligustrum) is a shrub native to China and eastern Asia, but is now grown ornamentally in the United States. Used for a wide range of conditions, privet fruit is a tonic for the liver and kidneys. Privet fruit has gained a reputation as a powerful strengthening herb. It is now used clinically for this purpose in Japan and China. It is often combined with Lycium fruit or astragalus. The major constituent in privet fruit is ligustrin (oleanolic acid). Studies in China suggest that privet fruit decreases liver heat and supports and protects the liver. At regular doses, privet fruit has practically no toxicity.

4. ECLIPTA (HAN LIAN CAO): Eclipta is found in the lowlands of East Asia from China to Australia. The leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable and also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a cooling and restorative herb that supports the liver, the mind and eyes. The leaf extract is considered to be a powerful liver tonic and rejuvenative, and especially good for the hair. In India, Ayurvedic tradition uses eclipta to address conditions of poor liver health. Studies in mice show protective effects of Eclipta against known liver irritation. Eclipta can be applied topically for traumatic injury. Compounds found in eclipta suggest that it has cooling properties. In Chinese Medicine, eclipta clears deficient heat and cools the blood. It is often used in combination with privet fruit and lycium to boost the immune system. It is well tolerated and has a high margin of safety. The American Herbal Products Association has stated there are no known drug interactions with eclipta.

5. LYCIUM BERRY-WOLFBERRY FRUIT (GOU QI ZI): Lycium berry fruit contains polysaccharides which have been demonstrated to strongly fortify the immune system. It is very rich in Vitamins C and B, and is the richest source of carotenoids, (including beta-carotene) in the world. It also contains 18 amino acids, numerous trace elements including germanium, and beta-sitosterol, helpful in clearing heat from the body. Lycium fruit traditionally has been a long favorite herb of Chinese martial artists and athletes because it strengthens the legs and increases vitality. It is also one of the fundamental sexual tonic herbs used in Chinese herbalism, especially when combined with other herbs such as cordyceps, astragalus, ginseng and schizandra. The berries are very nourishing and strengthening to the liver. Lycium fruit has absolutely no toxicity.

6. ANDROGRAPHIS (CHUAN XIN LIAN): Andrographis is also used to protect the liver, and to dispel irritants from the body. In Scandinavian countries, it is commonly used as an aid in common colds. Research has confirmed that, properly administered, andrographis can be liver-protective, The primary medicinal component of andrographis is andrographolide. The herb has been used medicinally for centuries and has been extensively studied; most of these studies have been performed within the last half of the 20th century. In Ayurvedic medicine (a system used in India), there are at least 26 different formulations containing andrographis that are used as aids in promoting good liver health. Grown in the subtropical areas of China and Southeast Asia, safety studies and clinical trials using andrographis have not reported any toxic effects.

7. SICHUAN LOVAGE ROOT-LIGUSTICUM (CHUAN XIONG): The Sichuan lovage rhizome is a perennial plant with white flowers, grown in Sichuan, China, that bear fruit in August and September of each year. It is considered by Eastern medical view to regulate and invigorate the blood, dispel wind and to relieve pain. It is most commonly used as an analgesic in headache and rheumatic pain, swelling, and pain due to traumatic injury. It primarily promotes a healthy circulation to the liver, and imparts a vital energy to the body.

8. ASTRAGALUS ROOT (HUANG QI): Astragalus is one of the oldest known herbs in Chinese Medicine and has been used for over 2000 years to strengthen the body as a whole, strengthen muscle, and improve metabolic functions. It is considered a tonic that protects the body from liver irritation. In China, astragalus is sometimes considered superior to ginseng as an energizer for young people. Astragalus has been proven to have potent immune-modulating effects in both animals and humans and it helps antibody response. It tends to protect the white blood cells,and the polysaccharides found in astragalus are potent anti-oxidants, hundreds of times stronger than Vitamin E, and stronger than that of grape seed extract. Astragalus is also rich in zinc and selenium. Astragalus may be added to almost any tonic formulation designed to strengthen the entire body. It is superb for young or old people, male or female. There are no known side effects associated with standardized astragalus extract.

9. PORIA (FU LING): Poria is very widely used in Chinese herbalism as a tonic to benefit the internal organs. It is a solid fungus which grows on the roots of old pine trees. It is a safe and effective herb, used in hundreds of classical formulas to improve the flow of water through the body. Recent research has discovered that poria is a powerful immune system tonic. Poria is tranquilizing to the mind, and taken for a long time it can relieve hunger and lengthen the life. Poria is a very safe herb.

10. MELIA FRUIT (CHUAN LIAN ZI): Also known as the Sichuan pagoda tree, melia regulates qi (energy pathways) and stops pain, especially flank pain and pain in the lower ribs or abdomen. This is usually caused by liver-stomach disharmony or liver qi (energy) stagnation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the 2 main functions of the liver are to store the blood and to regulate body energy (qi). The liver regulates qi by promoting its free flow. When the liver is in poor health, qi does not flow freely and smoothly, thereby stagnating. This stagnation of the liver-energy (qi) involves the stomach and is manifested as stomachache, abdominal and rib pain. By regulating the liver qi, the herb calms the liver and alleviates pain.

11. PEACH KERNEL (TAO REN): Peach kernel is found in all parts of China. Peach kernel helps promote healthy circulation, and acts as a laxative for dry intestines. It is said to "loosen the belly" and open stoppages of the liver. It helps to regulate menstruation and can be used after traumatic injuries with swelling and pain. Its major constituents are: oleic acid, glyceric acid, linoleic acid, and amygdalin emulsion.

12. SCHIZANDRA FRUIT (WU WEI ZI): Schizandra is one of the primary liver cleansing and hepatic protective herbs used in Chinese herbalism. By taking schizandra regularly, it is possible to rid the body of annoying problems before they have a chance to do serious damage. It can promote and enhance protein and nucleic acid synthesis. The protective action of schizandra is partly due to its ability to promote the regeneration of mitochondria in hepatic cells. This can improve liver cell function. From the fruit of schizandra, 7 active liver enzyme-supporting ingredients have been currently isolated. Schizandra fruit also contains various lignans, mainly schizandrins, which have been found to support good liver health, stimulate natural liver repair and preserve normal liver functioning. These properties appear to be related to the various anti-oxidant abilities of the schizandrins. There also have been numerous reports on schizandra's ability to quicken reflexes, control anger and combat insomnia, headaches and dizziness. A recent study concluded that schizandra might be helpful in people who are depressed. Schizandra generates vitality and radiant beauty when used regularly. It is a safe and powerful tonic herb which is mildly calming for both men and women.

13. SOPHORA ROOT (SHAN DOU GEN): The active ingredient in sophora root is oxymatrine. Oxymatrine can improve overall liver well-being through its affect on the cytochrome P450 pathway. Thus, it can strengthen the cleansing capability of the liver. In China, the alkaloids are often given by injection, but since this method of administration is not currently available in the west, oral dosing is used here instead. Chinese researchers have also used the alkaloids in capsule form, with results that appear similar to the injection. Tests done at the Shanghai Second Medical University confirmed that sophora safely helped to calm and protect the liver, with no adverse reactions.

14. SICHUAN OX KNEE ROOT (CHUAN NIU XI): This is the root of the Achyranthes, a perennial plant, grown in China, Japan and India. It promotes healthy blood circulation, regulates menstruation, nourishes the liver and kidneys and strengthens bones and muscles. Ox knee root acts predominantly on the lower half of the body and is used also in aiding aching back and knees. Used in combination with peach kernel, it helps soreness and pain of the waist and knees due to prolonged arthralgia. It disperses heat from the liver which can be responsible for dizziness, headaches and nose bleeding, thereby calming the liver. The Chinese consider emotions to have very powerful effects on the functioning of the internal organs, and strong or unresolved emotions can damage the organs with which they are associated. The primary emotion associated with the liver is anger, however, the liver is also responsible for keeping all of the emotions in a state of smooth flow. When there is emotional stress, the liver is overwhelmed and several types of liver weakness can result. Ox knee root helps nourish the liver and keep it healthy by promoting good blood circulation.

15. LICORICE (GAN CAO): Licorice is the most frequently used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been extensively studied. It is a sweet, mild herb and has many functions. Licorice is the most broad-spectrum natural cleansing agent known, ridding the body of over 1200 different irritants, without any distressful side effects. When combined with white peony root, it is a superb anti-spasmodic to relax both smooth and striated muscle and is famous for relieving cramps in the stomach, calves, and feet. Licorice root is rich in flavonoids, amino acids and biotin. As a tea, it can calm coughing without the drowsiness. It is safe in a carefully prepared formulation. Since the herb is powerful, only small doses are usually sufficient to achieve excellent results. Many Chinese formulas use licorice as a harmonizing ingredient. It is believed that licorice harmonizes the ingredients in an herbal formulation, eliminating harshness of action and promoting smooth activity of the herbs.

RECOMMENDED READING

1. Guinea MC, Parellada J, Lacaille-Dubois MA, Wagner H.
Biologically active triterpene saponins from Bupleurum fruticosum. Planta Med. 1994 Apr;60 (2):163-7.

2. Yen MH, Lin CC, Chuang CH, Liu SY. Evaluation of root quality of Bupleurum species by TLC scanner and the liver protective effects of "xiao-chai-hu-tang" prepared using three different Bupleurum species. J Ethnopharmacol. 1991 Sep; 34(2-3):155-65.

3. Chow LW, Loo WT, Sham JS. Effects of a herbal compound containing
bupleurum on human lymphocytes. Hong Kong Med J. 2001 Dec; 7(4):408-13.

4. Xie C. [Effects of danggui shaoyao powder on blood rheological indexes and prostaglandin F2 alpha in dysmenorrhea patients. Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 Jul; 10(7):410-2, 389.

5. Qin L, Zhang SH, Li XL. Studies on immunoregulating effect of monkshood root and peony root used singly and in combination. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2002 Jul; 27(7):541-4.

6. Tabata K, Matsumoto K, Murakami Y, Watanabe H.
Ameliorative effects of paeoniflorin, a major constituent of peony root, on adenosine A1 receptor-mediated impairment of passive avoidance performance and long-term potentiation in the hippocampus. Biol Pharm Bull. 2001 May; 24(5):496-500.

7. Yim TK, Wu WK, Pak WF, Ko KM. Hepatoprotective action of an oleanolic acid-enriched extract of Ligustrum lucidum fruits is mediated through an enhancement on hepatic glutathione regeneration capacity in mice. Phytother Res. 2001 Nov; 15(7):589-92.

8. He ZD, But PPH, Chan TW, Dong H, Xu HX, Lau CP, Sun HD.
Antioxidative glucosides from the fruits of Ligustrum lucidum. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2001 Jun; 49(6):780-4.

9. Konno K, Hirayama C, Yasui H, Nakamura M. Enzymatic activation of oleuropein: A protein crosslinker used as a chemical defense in the privet tree
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1999 Aug 3; 96(16):9159-64

10. Jiang H, Huang X, Yang Y, Zhang Q. Studies on the antilipid peroxidation of nine sorts of Chinese herbal medicines with the function of protecting liver.
Zhong Yao Cai. 1997 Dec; 20(12):624-6.

11. Sawant M, Isaac JC, Narayanan S. Analgesic studies on total alkaloids and alcohol extracts of Eclipta alba (Linn.) Hassk. Phytother Res. 2004 Feb; 18(2):111-3.

12. Saxena AK, Singh B, Anand KK. Hepatoprotective effects of Eclipta alba on subcellular levels in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 1993 Dec; 40(3):155-61.

13. Singh B, Saxena AK, Chandan BK, Agarwal SG, Anand KK.
In vivo hepatoprotective activity of active fraction from ethanolic extract of Eclipta alba leaves.Indian J Physiol Pharmacol. 2001 Oct; 45(4):435-41.

14. Han Y, Xia C, Cheng X, Xiang R, Liu H, Yan Q, Xu D.
Preliminary studies on chemical constituents and pharmacological action of Eclipta prostrata L.
Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Nov; 23(11):680-2, 703.

15. He J, Li Y, Wei S, Guo M, Fu W. Effects of mixture of Astragalus membranaceus, Fructus Ligustri lucidi and Eclipta prostrata on immune function in mice Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 1992 Sep; 23(4):408-11.

16. Chin YW, Lim SW, Kim SH, Shin DY, Suh YG, Kim YB, Kim YC,
Kim J. Hepatoprotective pyrrole derivatives of Lycium chinense fruits. Bioorg Med Chem Lett. 2003 Jan 6; 13(1):79-81.

17. Kim SY, Lee EJ, Kim HP, Kim YC, Moon A, Kim YC. A novel cerebroside from lycii fructus preserves the hepatic glutathione redox system in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes. Biol Pharm Bull. 1999 Aug; 22(8):873-5.

18. Kim SY, Lee EJ, Kim HP, Lee HS, Kim YC. LCC, a cerebroside from Lycium chinense, protects primary cultured rat hepatocytes exposed to galactosamine.
Phytother Res. 2000 Sep; 14(6):448-51

19. Huang Y, Lu J, Shen Y, Lu J. The protective effects of total flavonoids from Lycium Barbarum L. on lipid peroxidation of liver mitochondria and red blood cell in rats Wei Sheng Yan Jiu. 1999 Mar 30; 28(2):115-6.

20. Kim SY, Choi YH, Huh H, Kim J, Kim YC, Lee HS. New antihepatotoxic cerebroside from Lycium chinense fruits. J Nat Prod. 1997 Mar; 60(3):274-6.

21. Kapil A, Koul IB, Banerjee SK, Gupta BD.
Antihepatotoxic effects of major diterpenoid constituents of Andrographis paniculata. Biochem Pharmacol. 1993 Jul 6; 46(1):182-5.

22. Handa SS, Sharma A. Hepatoprotective activity of andrographolide from Andrographis paniculata against carbontetrachloride. Indian J Med Res. 1990 Aug; 92:276-83.

23. Ram VJ. Herbal preparations as a source of hepatoprotective agents.
Drug News Perspect. 2001 Aug; 14(6):353-63.

24. Choudhury BR, Haque SJ, Poddar MK. In vivo and in vitro effects of kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) extract and andrographolide on hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes. Planta Med. 1987 Apr; 53(2):135-40. No abstract available.

25. Sinclair S. Chinese herbs: a clinical review of Astragalus, Ligusticum, and Schizandrae. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Oct; 3(5):338-44. Review.

26. He J, Li Y, Wei S, Guo M, Fu W. Effects of mixture of Astragalus membranaceus, Fructus Ligustri lucidi and Eclipta prostrata on immune function in mice Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 1992 Sep; 23(4):408-11.

27. Zhang ZL, Wen QZ, Liu CX. Hepatoprotective effects of astraglus root.J Ethnopharmacol. 1990 Sep; 30(2):145-9.

28. Kinjo J, Udayama M, Okawa M, Nohara T. Study of structure--hepatoprotective relationships of oleanene-type triterpenoidal glucuronides obtained from several fabaceous plants on rat primary hepatocyte cultures. Biol Pharm Bull. 1999 Feb; 22(2):203-6.

29. Li XY. Immunomodulating Chinese herbal medicines. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 1991; 86 Suppl 2:159-64.

30. Block KI, Mead MN. Immune system effects of echinacea, ginseng, and astragalus: a review. Integr Cancer Ther. 2003 Sep; 2(3):247-67. Review.

31. Chen KT, Su CH, Hsin LH, Su YC, Su YP, Lin JG.
Reducing fatigue of athletes following oral administration of huangqi jianzhong tang. Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2002 Aug; 23(8):757-61.

32. Hong GX, Qin WC, Huang LS. Memory-improving effect of aqueous extract of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1994 Nov; 19(11):687-8, 704.

33. Yu JC, Min ZD, Ip NY. Melia toosendan regulates PC12 Cell differentiation via the activation of protein kinase A and extracellular signal-regulated kinases. Neurosignals. 2004 Sep-Oct; 13(5):248-57.

34. Wang ZF, Shi YL. Modulation of inward rectifier potassium channel by toosendanin, a presynaptic blocker. Neurosci Res. 2001 Jul; 40(3):211-5.

35. Xu Y, Shi Y. Action of toosendanin on the membrane current of mouse motor nerve terminals. Brain Res. 1993 Dec 17; 631(1):46-50.

36. Yan-yong C, Zeng-bao S, Lian-niang L. Studies of Fructus schizandrae. IV. Isolation and determination of the active compounds (in lowering high SGPT levels) of Schizandra chinensis Baill. Sci Sin. 1976 Mar-Apr; 19(2):276-90.

37. Liu GT. Pharmacological actions and clinical use of fructus schizandrae.
Chin Med J (Engl). 1989 Oct; 102(10):740-9.

38. Li XY. Bioactivity of neolignans from fructus Schizandrae. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz. 1991; 86 Suppl 2:31-7. Review.

39. Shibata S. A drug over the millennia: pharmacognosy, chemistry, and pharmacology of licorice. Yakugaku Zasshi. 2000 Oct; 120(10):849- 62. Review.

40. Archakov AI, Sel'tsovskii AP, Lisov VI, Tsyganov DI,
Kniazhev VA, Ipatova OM, Torkhovskaia TI. Phosphogliv: mechanism of therapeutic action and clinical efficacy. Vopr Med Khim. 2002 Mar-Apr; 48(2):139-53. Review.