baitouweng

Baitouweng refers primarily to the dried root of Pulsatilla chinensis, a herb widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its bitter, cold properties targeting the stomach, liver, and large intestine meridians[1][8]. In medicinal formulas, baitouweng is used to clear heat and toxins, particularly for intestinal disorders like dysentery, diarrhea, ulcerative colitis, and intestinal infections[1][8]. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, and hemostatic effects, and research suggests it can also promote intestinal mucosal healing and modulate inflammatory cytokines[2][3][4]. The principal modern clinical application is as the lead ingredient in the classical formula Baitouweng decoction, which has demonstrated symptom improvement and better safety profiles versus some Western medicines in ulcerative colitis, partly by modulating tryptophan metabolism, regulating inflammatory cytokines, and enhancing the intestinal barrier through pathways such as AHR/IL-22[2][3][4]. The main active constituent is anemonin, a powerful irritant at high doses found in the root[8].

Other names

Bai Tou WengPulsatilla chinensisChinese anemone rootPulsatilla decoctionBai-Tou-Weng-Tang