Platycodon’s functions: focused on upper respiratory throat infection
By Karina • Jun 3rd, 2008 • Category: Cough, LungsExpectorant action:
It’s the saponins (皂苷) that come into play here. Platycodon has up to at least 18 different saponins, with platycodin (桔梗皂苷) making up the bulk of it. Although Platycodon refers to the dried-up root, the other parts of the plant e.g. root bark, stem, leaf, flower, fruit also have expectorant action.
What happens is that the saponins irritate the gastric mucosa (胃黏膜), which by reflex action, cause the glands in the bronchial tubes to secrete fluids. These fluids dilute the phlegm, making it easier to expectorate.
Anti-inflammatory:
This action has to do with the Pituitary-Adrenal Axis. Tests (see 重要药理学) have shown corticosterone (皮质酮) and ACTH levels rising upon injecting the saponins into the abdominal cavity.
Increased Immunity:
Increases macrophage function. Increases lysozyme (溶菌酶) activity.
According to the classics, it also carries all other herbs to dedicate their gifts to treating the chest and lungs.
To treat 平喘: 桔梗’s 皂苷 is an H1-R antagonist - it inhibits histamine release that causes bronchial spasm. hence great for upper respiratory tract problems dur to excessive histamine release.