huashanshen

Huashanshen (HSS), also known as the Huashanshen dripping pill, is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation derived from the plant Physochlaina infundibularis. It is primarily used for the treatment of respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic airway inflammation. The main active ingredients are tropane alkaloids, including atropine, anisodamine, and scopolamine. Mechanistically, HSS exerts anti-asthmatic effects by inhibiting airway inflammation through suppression of inflammatory cytokines (interleukin-4, interleukin-5, interleukin-13) and blocking phosphorylation/nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 protein. Additionally, certain alkaloids in HSS act as selective muscarinic receptor antagonists—particularly targeting M2 and M3 subtypes—which may contribute to its bronchodilatory effects[1][3][5]. Clinically and preclinically it has been shown to improve lung function by reducing eosinophilic infiltration and inflammatory cell counts in models of asthma[1][4]. In traditional use it is also employed for wheezing/coughing relief as well as symptoms like palpitation or insomnia[2].

Brand names

Huashanshen dripping pillHSS

Other names

Physochlaina infundibularisPhysochlainae Radix