Bupleurum

Bupleurum chinense

Evidence: BFamily: Apiaceae

Core TCM veterinary herb; liver-mover and harmonizer in formulas like Xiao Yao San and Minor Bupleurum. Treats liver stagnation, hepatitis, and fever in integrative practice.

Consult Your Veterinarian First

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian before using herbal remedies for your pet — especially if they are on medication, pregnant, or have existing health conditions.

Species Safety

An herb safe for one species may be toxic to another.

Dogs

Safe

Duration: long term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: safe

Cats

Safe

Duration: moderate term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: safe

Horses

Safe

Duration: long term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: safe

Rabbits

No Data

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: caution

Birds

No Data

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: caution

Guinea Pigs

No Data

Duration: short term

Pregnancy: cautionYoung: caution

Dosing Guide

General guidance only — always consult your veterinarian.

SpeciesFormDoseFrequencyNotes
Dogsdried herb0.25-0.5 grams /kgtwice dailyPer 10kg; typically within TCM formula, not as single herb. Consult TCVM vet.
Catscapsule25-50 mg /kgtwice dailyPer 5kg; powdered extract within formula. TCVM guidance recommended.
Horsesdried herb10-20 gramstwice dailyFor 450kg horse within TCM formula; rarely single herb in equine practice.

Active Compounds

Saikosaponins(saponin)
Bupleurumol(volatile oil)
Quercetin(flavonoid)
Rutin(flavonoid)

Compounds marked Cat Unsafe (phenols and many terpenes) cannot be metabolized by feline livers.

Safety Warnings

Surgery Warning

Use within formulas under TCVM practitioner guidance; monitor liver enzymes with long-term use.

Essential Oil Form

Strong traditional TCM evidence; moderate modern research on saikosaponin hepatoprotection and immunomodulation.

Quick Info

Plant Family

Apiaceae

Parts Used

root

Available Forms

dried herb, capsule, alcohol tincture, tea

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