Bǎn Lán Gēn · Isatis Root
Bǎn Lán Gēn (板蓝根, Isatis Root) is a herb of Cold nature and Bitter flavor, in the “Heat-Clearing and Toxin-Resolving” category. Tradition uses it to clear Heat and Toxins, Cool Blood, Benefit Throat.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Bǎn Lán Gēn
- Characters
- 板蓝根
- Botanical name
- Isatis indigotica Fortune ex Lindl.
- Family
- Brassicaceae
- Part used
- Root
- Nature
- Cold
- Flavor
- Bitter
- Meridians
- Heart, Stomach
- Category
- Heat-Clearing and Toxin-Resolving
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Origin
- China
Actions according to tradition
- Clear Heat and Toxins
- Cool Blood
- Benefit Throat
- Reduce Swelling
Traditional uses
- Epidemic febrile diseases with high fever and sore throat
- Mumps and throat swelling
- Jaundice from damp-heat
- Erysipelas and skin toxin infections
- Scarlet fever and rash diseases
Studied effects and current applications
- Powerfully clears heat toxins and cools blood
- Reduces throat inflammation and swelling
- Anti-viral against influenza and other respiratory viruses
- Reduces fever in acute infections
- Supports immune response against pathogens
Applications under investigation
- Influenza and viral infections
- Tonsillitis and pharyngitis
- Hepatitis B and liver conditions
- Meningitis support therapy
- COVID-19 research (antiviral)
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Spleen and stomach deficiency cold
- No heat-toxin pattern present
Relative contraindications
- Excessive or long-term use
- Pregnancy
- Use cautiously in pregnancy. Cold nature should be monitored.
- Breastfeeding
- Use with caution and only for short-term acute infections.
- Children
- Widely used in children for fever, sore throat, and viral infections.
- Older adults
- Short-term use for acute conditions. Combine with spleen-supporting herbs.
Possible adverse effects
- Diarrhea from cold nature
- Digestive upset with long-term use
When to stop
- Infection resolves
- Loose stools develop
- After 7-10 days of acute use
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antiviral medications | Acyclovir, Oseltamivir | Mild | Possible complementary antiviral effects Generally safe combination for acute viral infection |
| Immunosuppressants | Cyclosporine | Mild | Immunostimulating effect may oppose immunosuppression Avoid in transplant patients |
With other herbs
- honeysuckle Synergistic antiviral and heat-clearing effects
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 9-15 grams daily
- Granules
- 3-6g granules dissolved in water 3 times daily
- Acute use
- 3-7 days
- Chronic use
- 1-2 weeks max
- Maximum
- Short-term for acute infections only
- Children
- Widely used in children for fever, sore throat, and viral infections.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 9-15g in 3 cups water 30 min. Take warm 3 times daily.
Acute fever, sore throat, viral infections
Dissolve 3-6g granules in hot water. Take 3 times daily during illness.
Convenient acute infection treatment
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Glucosinolates (indole-3-carbinol), epigoitrin and polysaccharides
Oxazolidinone (glucosinolate hydrolysis product) · Antiviral, anti-inflammatory
Neuraminidase inhibition of influenza and hemagglutinin, blocking viral entry · 0.02-0.1% in dry root
Indoles (from glucosinolates) · Anticancer, antiestrogenic, antiviral
CYP1A1/1A2 modulation, estrogen metabolism, tumor angiogenesis inhibition · Traces; hydrolysis product by myrosinase
Aromatic amino acid and lignan · Antiviral, antibacterial
Viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibition, direct antibacterial activity · 0.01-0.1%
Polysaccharides · Immunomodulator, antiviral
Activation of NK cells and macrophages, induction of interferons · 10-25% in aqueous extract
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (October-November), 1-2 year old plants
Isatis tinctoria roots harvested in autumn. The leaves are also used separately (大青叶 Dà Qīng Yè). The roots are washed and dried in the sun.
Root washed, cut into slices and dried in the sun. It contains indirubin, indica and sinigrin among other active ingredients with powerful antiviral and antibacterial action.
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
