Radix Bupleuri (Chaihu) (RB)

Chaihu, scientifically known as Radix Bupleuri, is a foundational botanical medicine in traditional Chinese and Asian pharmacopoeias, derived primarily from the dried roots of Bupleurum chinense DC. or Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd [3][5]. It is not a single molecular target but rather a complex herbal mixture containing a diverse array of bioactive compounds, including triterpenoid saponins (saikosaponins A, C, and D), flavonoids, and essential oils [2][5]. These components exert pleiotropic pharmacological effects by modulating multiple biological networks, such as the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α via the NF-κB signaling pathway, and the induction of autophagy to alleviate liver stagnation [3][8][11]. Clinical applications of Chaihu span the treatment of febrile diseases, chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and emotional disorders like depression and anxiety [1][6][14]. It is frequently formulated in complex prescriptions such as Xiao Chai Hu Tang to harmonize the 'Shao Yang' stage of illness in traditional medicine theory [4][7]. Despite its therapeutic utility, Chaihu presents notable safety challenges, including the risk of dose-dependent hepatotoxicity and serious herb-drug interactions, most notably with interferon-alpha, which has been linked to cases of interstitial pneumonia [5][9]. Ongoing research utilizes network pharmacology to further define the specific molecular targets of its individual constituents in various disease contexts [10][13].

Other names

Chai HuBupleurum rootThorowax rootBei Chai HuNan Chai HuBupleuri Radix

Modulation of the IL-6/HIF-1alpha signaling pathway, inhibition of NF-kappaB activation, induction of autophagy, and regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.