All-Grass of Decumbent Bugle
- Chinese
- 白毛夏枯草
- Pinyin
- Bai Mao Xia Ku Cao
- Latin
- Herba Ajugae Ciliatae
Known in TCM as Bai Mao Xia Ku Cao (白毛夏枯草), this bitter and sweet, cold herb enters the Lung and Liver. Traditionally, it clears heat and relieves toxicity, most often applied for pharyngitis, bronchitis, and upper respiratory infection. Modern research has identified Neo-clerodane diterpenoids (ajugaciliatins A–J) among its active constituents.
Part used: Whole herb
Also Known As
Latin: Herba Ajugae Ciliatae | Pinyin: Bai Mao Xia Ku Cao | Chinese: 白毛夏枯草
TCM Properties
- Taste
- bitter, sweet
- Temperature
- cold
- Channels
- Lung, Liver
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Clears heat and relieves toxicity … used for tonsillitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia with yellow phlegm, and heat toxicity patterns
- Cools blood and stops bleeding … used for hemoptysis, epistaxis, hematemesis, and hematuria from heat entering the blood level
Secondary Actions
- Resolves phlegm and relieves cough … used for productive cough with yellow phlegm and asthmatic wheezing from Lung heat
- Reduces swelling and dissipates masses … used for furuncles, carbuncles, and breast lumps from heat toxicity accumulation
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Neo-clerodane diterpenoids (ajugaciliatins A–J) … series of 10 new diterpenoids unique to A. ciliata; moderate neuroprotective effects against MPP+-induced dopaminergic cell death
- Ecdysteroids (20-hydroxyecdysone, cyasterone, ajugasterone B, ajugasterone C, ajugalactone) … phytoecdysteroids with anabolic, adaptogenic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties
- Polyphenols … antioxidant flavonoids and phenolic acids
- Saponins and alkaloids … additional bioactive secondary metabolites
Studied Effects
- Neuroprotective neo-clerodane diterpenoids … isolation of 10 new ajugaciliatins (A–J) and 17 known analogues from whole plant; multiple compounds exhibit moderate neuroprotective effects against MPP+-induced neuronal death in dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells, suggesting potential in Parkinson's disease research (PMID 21682262)
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Contraindications
- Cold-type cough and Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold … bitter-cold nature contraindicated in cold-deficient constitutions without Lung heat or heat toxicity
Cautions
- MSK page not found … drug interaction data not available from Memorial Sloan Kettering integrative medicine database
Conditions
- Pharyngitis Traditional ★★★★☆ JSON
- Bronchitis Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Upper Respiratory Infection Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is All-Grass of Decumbent Bugle used for?
All-Grass of Decumbent Bugle is traditionally used to Clears heat and relieves toxicity … used for tonsillitis, pharyngitis, upper respiratory infections, bronchitis, pneumonia with yellow phlegm, and heat toxicity patterns, Cools blood and stops bleeding … used for hemoptysis, epistaxis, hematemesis, and hematuria from heat entering the blood level. Research has investigated its effects on: Neuroprotective neo-clerodane diterpenoids … isolation of 10 new ajugaciliatins (A–J) and 17 known analogues from whole plant; multiple compounds exhibit moderate neuroprotective effects against MPP+-induced neuronal death in dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells, suggesting potential in Parkinson's disease research (PMID 21682262).
What are other names for All-Grass of Decumbent Bugle?
All-Grass of Decumbent Bugle is also known as Ajuga. In TCM: 白毛夏枯草 (Bai Mao Xia Ku Cao); Herba Ajugae Ciliatae.
Is All-Grass of Decumbent Bugle safe during pregnancy?
The safety of All-Grass of Decumbent Bugle during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.
What are the contraindications for All-Grass of Decumbent Bugle?
All-Grass of Decumbent Bugle should not be used in: Cold-type cough and Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold … bitter-cold nature contraindicated in cold-deficient constitutions without Lung heat or heat toxicity. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.