Andrographis Herba
Aliases：Yī Jiàn Xǐ (Joy at First Sight), Kǔ Dǎn Cǎo (Bitter Gallbladder Herb), Yìn Dù Cǎo (Indian Herb), Lǎn Hé Lián (Olive-Core Lotus), Sì Fāng Lián (Square Lotus), Zhǎn Shé Jiàn (Snake-Slaying Sword), Rì Xíng Qiān Lǐ (Traveling a Thousand Li per Day), Chūn Lián Qiū Liǔ (Spring Lotus, Autumn Willow), Jīn Xiāng Cǎo (Golden Fragrant Herb), Jīn Ěr Gōu (Golden Ear Hook), Kǔ Cǎo (Bitter Herb).
Chuān Xīn Lián is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried aerial part of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees, a plant belonging to the genus Andrographis of the family Acanthaceae. This annual herb has a quadrangular stem with many branches, slightly swollen nodes, and a brittle texture that breaks easily. The leaves are opposite, crumpled; when flattened, they are lanceolate or ovate-lanceolate, green on the upper surface and greyish-green on the lower surface. It has a faint odor and an extremely bitter taste. As its taste is intensely bitter and the bitterness is perceived as directly piercing the heart, it is named “Chuān Xīn Lián” (piercing the heart). Chuān Xīn Lián is included in Volume I of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2015 edition).
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and detoxifies; cools the blood and reduces swelling.
Indications
Indicated for common cold with fever, sore throat, mouth sores, whooping cough and chronic cough, diarrhea and dysentery, painful urination due to heat strangury, carbuncles and sores, and snake or insect bites. It may also be used for lung-heat cough, whooping cough, lung abscess, cholecystitis, hypertension, and burns and scalds.
Modern Pharmacology
Anti-inflammatory effects: Chuān Xīn Lián exhibits significant anti-inflammatory activity. Antipyretic effects: Possesses antipyretic activity. Antibacterial effects: The decoction of Chuān Xīn Lián shows varying degrees of inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus hemolyticus, Shigella, and Salmonella typhi. It also shows certain inhibitory effects against Leptospira, Streptococcus type A, and Neisseria catarrhalis. Antiviral effects: Exhibits antiviral activity. Antitumor effects: Andrographolide exhibits antitumor activity, inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Immunomodulatory effects: Enhances the phagocytic capacity of human white blood cells against bacteria. Cardiovascular protective effects: Exhibits cardiovascular protective activity. Hepatoprotective effects: Possesses hepatoprotective activity.
Ingredients
Chuān Xīn Lián mainly contains lactone components, such as andrographolide, dehydroandrographolide, neoandrographolide, panicolide, and others. In addition, it also contains flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, sterols, saponins, sugars, and condensed tannins. Andrographolide is considered to be the main material basis for the pharmacological effects of Chuān Xīn Lián.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 6–9 g. As the decoction may easily cause vomiting, it is often made into pills, powders, or tablets for administration. For external use: apply an appropriate amount.
Contraindications
Not suitable for patients with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold. Should not be taken in large doses or for prolonged periods—as the herb is cold and bitter in nature and may impair the Stomach. Use with caution in patients with Yang deficiency. Use with caution during pregnancy. Contraindicated in those allergic to this product. During the medication period, a light diet is recommended; avoid tobacco, alcohol, and spicy, cold, raw, and greasy foods. Concurrent use with tonic Chinese herbs is not recommended.
Selected Formulas
For mild cold with fever (empirical formula) Take an appropriate amount of Chuanxinlian (Andrographis paniculata), grind into powder. Take 3g each time, three times daily, with boiled water. For dysentery (empirical formula) Take 15g of Chuanxinlian and 10g of Chenpi (tangerine peel). Decoct to obtain 100ml of liquid, take half in the morning and half in the evening, one dose daily. For bacillary dysentery, amoebic dysentery, and enteritis (empirical formula) Take 10–15 fresh leaves of Chuanxinlian, decoct in water, add honey, and drink. For pharyngitis (empirical formula) Take 9g of fresh Chuanxinlian, chew and swallow. For furuncles and carbuncles (empirical formula) Mix Chuanxinlian powder with Vaseline to make a 30% ointment, apply to the affected area, and change once daily. For whooping cough (empirical formula) Take 3 leaves of Chuanxinlian, soak in water, mix with honey, and take three times daily. For venomous snake bite (empirical formula) Take 30g of Chuanxinlian, 9g of Qiyeyizhihua (Paris polyphylla), 30g of Banzhilian (Scutellaria barbata), and 30g of Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis diffusa). Decoct in water and take 1–2 doses daily. For bronchopneumonia (empirical formula) Take 15g each of Chuanxinlian and Shidagonglao (Mahonia fortunei). Decoct to obtain 100ml of liquid, take one dose daily in two divided portions.
Daily Consumption
Cold Dressed Chuān Xīn Lián: Wash the Chuān Xīn Lián and soak it in cold boiled water for 10 minutes. Bring water to a boil in a pot, add a little salt and oil, then blanch the Chuān Xīn Lián in the boiling water. Remove, rinse in cold boiled water, and drain thoroughly. Add minced garlic, minced ginger, vinegar, light soy sauce, salt, sugar, and sesame oil, then mix well. It has the effect of clearing heat and cooling the blood. Stir-fried Chuān Xīn Lián: Sauté sliced garlic in oil until fragrant, then add the blanched Chuān Xīn Lián and stir-fry quickly. Season with salt and MSG to taste. Chuān Xīn Lián and Honey Drink: Take 3 leaves of Chuān Xīn Lián, soak in water, and mix with honey. Take three times daily. It can be used for whooping cough.
Medicinal Parts
Dried aerial parts.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place.
