Jin Gu Cao
StarAjuga decumbens Thunb.
Also known as: Chin Ku Ts'ao · Wade–Giles
Traditionally used for
- Nose & throat
- Cough & breathing
- Digestion
- Bowel health
- Urinary & fluids
- Blood pressure
- Skin
Cautions & contraindications
- Pregnancy
☯ TCM Properties
Relieves cough and resolves phlegm, clears heat and cools the Blood, resolves swelling and removes toxicity; . Promotes tissue regeneration, stops bleeding; Nourishes tendons; Lowers blood pressure due to Liver Heat
Traditional Chinese Uses
Jin Gu Cao, the whole herb of Ajuga decumbens (decumbent bugle), is a bitter-sweet, cold heat-clearing herb entering the Lung and Liver channels. It clears Heat and cools the Blood, relieves cough and resolves Phlegm, reduces swelling and resolves toxicity, promotes tissue regeneration and stops bleeding, and is noted to help lower blood pressure arising from Liver Heat.
It is used for Lung-heat cough, whooping cough and bronchitis, Heat-toxin sore throat and tonsillitis, coughing or vomiting of blood and nosebleed, dysentery, painful urinary dribbling, and topically for boils, carbuncles and traumatic injury. The fresh herb is often pounded for juice or poultice, the dried herb decocted; it is used cautiously in Cold-deficiency patterns.
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Botanical Description
The title for this record consists of the single character 'B' and appears to be a dataset entry error or truncation rather than a legitimate herb name. No botanical or pharmacological identification can be made from this fragment. Editorial fields are left unpopulated pending correction of the source record.
Active Constituents
20-Hydroxyecdysone (ecdysterone)
PhytoecdysteroidConcentration: Major phytoecdysteroid of the plant
A steroid-hormone analogue reported to have anabolic, anti-inflammatory and hypoglycemic activity and to support tendon/connective-tissue and metabolic function.
Cyasterone
PhytoecdysteroidConcentration: Characteristic phytoecdysteroid constituent
Ecdysteroid contributing to the plant's anabolic and anti-inflammatory activity.
Makisterone A
PhytoecdysteroidConcentration: Minor phytoecdysteroid
Additional ecdysteroid isolated from Ajuga species with hormone-modulating activity.
Ajugacumbins A-D
neo-Clerodane diterpenoidsConcentration: Characteristic diterpenoid class of A. decumbens
Insect-antifeedant neo-clerodane diterpenoids reported to show cytotoxic/anticancer activity and to modulate superoxide anion generation and elastase release in vitro.
8-O-Acetylharpagide / harpagide
Iridoid glycosidesConcentration: Documented iridoid constituents
Iridoid glycosides with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity typical of the genus Ajuga.
Luteolin and apigenin glycosides
FlavonoidsConcentration: Documented flavonoid constituents
Flavones contributing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antitussive/expectorant effects consistent with the herb's traditional use for cough and heat.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 15–30 g | Daily | — | — | 中国药典 2020 monograph 【筋骨草】【用法与用量】15～30g。外用适量，捣烂敷患处。 【性味与归经】苦，寒。归肺经。 — Matched to ChP by romanised drug name (pinyin 'Jin Gu Cao' → 筋骨草); the romanisation is unique across all 649 ChP monographs, and the match was cross-checked against this record's own TCM temperature. Quoted verbatim. |
Dosage Calculator
⚖ Dosage Calculator
A weight-based mathematical estimate for Jin Gu Cao. Not a prescription.
Preparation Methods
Decoction (water extract)
Parts: whole herb
Commonly 15-30 g of the dried whole herb (or a larger dose of fresh herb) is decocted in water and taken for cough, heat and blood-cooling indications.
Fresh herb poultice (external)
Parts: fresh whole herb
Fresh herb is pounded and applied topically to swellings, traumatic injuries and sores to reduce swelling, relieve toxicity and promote tissue healing.
⚠ Safety & Contraindications
- Pregnancy
Contraindications
Its use is prohibited in pregnant women.
Source: Xi S, Gong Y. Essentials of Chinese Materia Medica and Medical Formulas. Academic Press/Elsevier, 2017, pp. 73–79.
Historical Texts
Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Zhonghua Renmin Gongheguo Yaodian), Part I, 1977 edition
Modern (1977)Southern Chinese folk materia medica (Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi)
Traditional (documented in provincial herbals)References
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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