Anti-inflammatory effect via heat-clearing herbs

Heat-clearing herbs are a category of traditional Chinese herbs thought to clear internal heat, “purge fire,” remove toxins, and reduce inflammation. Their preparations commonly include herbal compounds such as berberine, chlorogenic acid, and forsythoside, which have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects in preclinical and clinical studies. These effects result from the modulation of inflammatory cytokines, inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways (such as NF-κB and TLR4), and antimicrobial actions. In TCM practice, these herbs are used to treat conditions believed to result from internal heat, such as gastritis, sore throat, and carbuncles. While their efficacy in certain inflammatory conditions is supported by some research, the precise molecular targets are diverse and vary depending on the specific herb and its active constituents.

Other names

Heat-clearing herbsHeat-clearing and detoxifying herbsQingre herbsHeat-clearing Chinese herbs (HCCHs)

Inhibition of inflammatory cytokines and mediators (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β); Inhibition of inflammatory signaling pathways (e.g., NF-κB, TLR4, p38/AP-1); Interference with chemokines; Antimicrobial effects via inhibition of microbial adherence and growth; Antioxidant effects (increasing SOD and glutathione peroxidase activities); Reduction of oxidative stress