Evidence supporting the use of: Bupleurum falcatum
For the health condition: Anxiety
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bupleurum falcatum, known as Chai Hu in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has been used for centuries in Asia as a component of herbal formulas intended to "soothe the liver" and address emotional disturbances such as irritability, stress, and symptoms that may align with what is now termed anxiety. Its use in TCM is primarily documented as part of complex formulas like Xiao Yao San, which is prescribed for mood regulation, emotional instability, and somatic symptoms associated with psychological distress. However, most of the traditional support is anecdotal or based on centuries-old medical texts, rather than controlled clinical studies.
Modern scientific research on Bupleurum falcatum’s direct effects on anxiety is limited and mostly preclinical. Some animal studies have suggested that saikosaponins, a group of compounds found in Bupleurum, may exert anxiolytic-like effects by modulating neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin and GABAergic pathways. However, robust human clinical trials are lacking, and evidence remains insufficient to conclude efficacy or safety for treating anxiety specifically. Most of the available data is either from animal models or from studies of combined herbal formulas rather than Bupleurum alone.
In summary, while Bupleurum falcatum is traditionally used to support emotional well-being and may possess biologically active compounds, the evidence supporting its use for anxiety in humans remains weak and primarily based on traditional usage rather than strong scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Anxiety
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)alpha-pinene
amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black cumin
bupleurum falcatum
California poppy
cannabis sativa oil
chamomile
Chinese salvia root
citrus oil
clove
cordyceps
curcumin
damiana
DHA (docosahexaeonic acid)
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
fennel
gardenia
ginkgo biloba
ginseng
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
green tea
guayusa
hemp oil
hops
Indian tinospora
inositol
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-glycine
l-theanine
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lactobacillus brevis
lactobacillus fermentum
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus helveticus
lactobacillus paracasei
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
lactobacillus reuteri
lactobacillus rhamnosus
lactobacillus salivarius
lavender
lion's mane
lithium orotate
maca
magnesium
magnolia
matcha
melatonin
mint
motherwort
muira puama
n-acetyl-cysteine (NAC)
omega-3 fatty acids
passionflower
phellodendron amurense
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
polygala root
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
pregnenolone
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
reishi mushroom
relora® (proprietary)
rhizome
rhodiola
rose oil
rosemary
saffron
sage
SAMe (s-adenosyl-l-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
spearmint leaf
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
valerian root
velvet bean
vitamin B
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin C
zinc
squawvine
catnip
gastrodia
cardamom
shen-chu
mugwort
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
peony
lingzhi
lemongrass
kanna
silk tree
chrysanthemum
ganoderma
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
menthol oil
St. John's Wort
wood betony
hypothalamus
herbal blend (proprietary)
indigo leaves
cocoa
soursop
geranium
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Ash
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Ardisia
Agrimony
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Aconite
Agmatine
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Asteracea
Aniracetam
Amor seco
Betony
Black Seed
Bifidobacterium
Baikal Skullcap
Bifidobacterium adolescentis
Balsam
Bayleaf
Bacopin
Baicalein
Brahmi
Bacopa
Bee products
Bombax
Bacteria
Bifidobacteria
Bupleurum
bacoside
Baicalin
Borneol
Camellia sinensis
Centella triterpenes
Caryophyllene
Common Monkey Flower
Cinnamomum
Clary sage
Capillary Artemisia
Citron
Chinese Raisintree
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Curcuma
Catuaba
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Clostridium butyricum
Convolvulus prostratus
Convolvulus Pluricaulis
Clerodendrum indicum
Canscora
Cannabigerol
Dodeca-2E, 4E-Dienoic Acid Isobutylamide
Dragonhead
Erythrina
Essential Oil Blend
Eugenol
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Mimosa
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
yohimbine
Other health conditions supported by bupleurum falcatum
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Allergies (respiratory)
Anxiety
Autoimmune Disorders
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (general)
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Constipation (adults)
Convalescence
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gastritis
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Menopause
Migraine
Nephritis
Nervousness
Pain (general remedies for)
PMS (general)
Psoriasis
Rhinitis
Rhinitis, Allergic
Stress
Ulcers
Products containing bupleurum falcatum
Nature's Sunshine Blood Stimulator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Breathe Activator TCM (formerly Breathe E-Z)
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Positive Pack
Nature's Sunshine Chinese TCM Negative Pack
Nature's Sunshine Hepatic System
Nature's Sunshine IF-C
Nature's Sunshine IF-C TCM
Nature's Sunshine Immune System
Nature's Sunshine Liver Balance (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Liver Balance TCM
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Lung Support TCM
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator (Chinese)
Nature's Sunshine Mood Elevator TCM
Nature's Sunshine Respiratory System (30 Day Program)
Nature's Sunshine Tiao He Cleanse
Nature's Sunshine VS-C
Nature's Sunshine VS-C
Nature's Sunshine VS-C® TCM