Bupleurum is a distinctive genus that is easily recognized by the simple leaves and conspicuous bracts and bracteoles. Species within Bupleurum are, however, notoriously difficult to identify on account of wide morphological variation within a species, often spread across wide geographic distributions. Many Bupleurum species are difficult to characterize, as is evident by complex classifications where all possible taxonomic ranks have been used. Several taxa are recorded only from a few collections, and it is likely that future work will reduce the number of species[].

Common Name:

General Information

Bupleurum microcephalum is an erect, biennial plant with a solitary stem that is several-branched above, growing from an unbranched taproot; the plant grows 50 - 100cm tall[].
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild - the roots being used as a regional substitute for the major traditional Chinese medicine 'chai hu' (Bupleurum chinense)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China (southern Gansu, western Sichuan, southeast Xizang)

Habitat

Among shrubs, open slopes, roadsides; at elevations from 1,400 - 3,200 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Biennial
Height	0.75 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

According to the Flora of China[] there are around 180 accepted species of Bupleurum (as of 2013) of which 42 species (22 of them endemic) are found in China. Most, if not all of these Chinese species are used medicinally, with two of them (Bupleurum chinense and Bupleurum scorzonerifolium being some of the most important and widely used herbs in Chinese Herbal medicine[].
Other species in the genus also have medicinal potential. The roots of Bupleurum species in general contain a range of medicinally active compounds including saponins, sterols, lignans, flavonoids, coumarins, polysaccharides and essential oils[].
Traditionally the root is used to regulate the metabolism, for the treatment of fever, pain and inflammation associated with influenza and the common cold. In addition, Bupleurum species are also used as analgesics in the treatment of distending pain in the hypochondriac region of the upper abdomen and against amenorrhoea. Many Bupleuri extracts have been used for improvement and protection against chronic hepatitis, nephrotic syndrome and autoimmune diseases[].
Recorded below are the specific medicinal uses we have come across for this species. Many of the Bupleurum species not included in the database are likely to also have a range of potential applications[].

This species is used as regional substitute for the traditional Chinese medicine 'chai hu' (Bupleurum chinense), in particular for the treatment of coughs, fevers, and influenza[].

Chai hu root has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 2,000 years[]. It is a bitter herb that is used to harmonize the body, balancing the different organs and energies within the body[]. It strengthens the digestive tract, acts as a tonic for the liver and circulatory system, lowers fevers and has anti-viral effects[].
The root is alterative, analgesic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiperiodic, antipyretic, antiviral, carminative, diaphoretic, emmenagogue, haemolytic, hepatic, pectoral, sedative[, , 174. 176, , , , ]. It is taken internally in the treatment of malaria, blackwater fever, uterine and rectal prolapse, haemorrhoids, sluggish liver, menstrual disorders, abdominal bloating etc[].
The roots are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried[].

The root contains saikosides[]. These saponin-like substances have been shown to protect the liver from toxicity whilst also strengthening its function, even in people with immune system disorders[]. These saikosides also stimulate the body's production of corticosteroids and increase their anti-inflammatory affect[].

The plant is often used in preparations with other herbs to treat the side effects of steroids[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 8 weeks at 15°c[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in the summer or following spring.