Evidence supporting the use of: Bupleurum falcatum
For the health condition: Cirrhosis of the Liver

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bupleurum falcatum has a long-standing history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), where it is a key component of several herbal formulas—including the well-known Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction)—that are traditionally used to support liver health and treat conditions such as cirrhosis and hepatitis. In TCM, Bupleurum is thought to "soothe the liver" and help with "liver qi stagnation," concepts that are not directly translatable to Western biomedical terminology but are associated with a range of hepatic disorders.

Modern research into Bupleurum’s effects on liver disease is limited but growing. Preclinical (animal and in vitro) studies suggest that Bupleurum species, particularly their saikosaponin constituents, may possess anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and hepatoprotective properties. Some animal models of liver injury have demonstrated that extracts of Bupleurum can reduce markers of liver damage and fibrosis. However, high-quality clinical trials in humans with cirrhosis are lacking, and evidence in humans remains insufficient to make strong recommendations for its use by Western medical standards.

In summary, the use of Bupleurum falcatum for cirrhosis of the liver is primarily justified by traditional use, with some preliminary scientific signals from laboratory and animal studies, but limited clinical evidence. For this reason, the evidence rating is a 2 out of 5, reflecting promising but not yet clinically proven effects.

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