Yin Chen Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Yin Chen Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Yin chen, also known as capillary wormwood, should not be confused with other wormwood varieties like Artemisia herba-alba, Sweet Annie, or Mugwort. It's generally considered safe when used orally and appropriately, but high doses (15 grams or more) can lead to adverse effects, including numbness, tremors, arrhythmias, and fainting. Pregnant and lactating individuals should avoid its use.

How Is Yin Chen Thought To Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Yin chen is sourced from two species of Artemisia, namely A. scoparia and A. capillaris. The above-ground parts of this plant contain various constituents, including chlorogenic acid, esculetin, flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones. The essential oil of yin chen consists of compounds like alpha-pinene, limonene, and beta-caryophyllene.

Yin chen's mechanisms of action encompass:

• Antibacterial Effects: Its essential oil has demonstrated antibacterial properties against various bacteria, possibly through morphological changes and membrane leakage.
• Anticancer Effects: Research indicates that yin chen extract can induce apoptosis and inhibit cancer cell proliferation by targeting cellular signaling pathways. It also hinders the migration and invasion of cancer cells into healthy tissues.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: An aqueous extract of yin chen has been found to reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide levels.
• Antiviral Effects: Yin chen exhibits antiviral effects against hepatitis B virus (HBV) in laboratory settings, possibly due to specific compounds.
• Hepatoprotective Effects: Yin chen can protect the liver against injury and stimulate bile secretion. It may also prevent apoptosis of liver cells in various hepatitis conditions.
• Lipid Lowering Effects: In animal studies, a combination of herbs containing yin chen has been associated with reduced body weight, total cholesterol, and triglycerides.
• Sedative Effects: Studies on mice suggest that yin chen has sedative-hypnotic effects, potentially related to the potentiation of the GABA-A receptor.

Pharmacokinetics

There is limited reliable information available regarding the pharmacokinetics of yin chen.

Interaction Overview

With Drugs: Yin chen may interact with CNS depressants and pentobarbital, enhancing their therapeutic and adverse effects.

With Supplements: Yin chen may have sedative effects and interact with other herbs and supplements with sedative properties.

With Conditions: Specific interactions with medical conditions are not known.

With Lab Tests: There are no known interactions with lab tests associated with yin chen.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Common side effects of yin chen use include abdominal distension, dizziness, and nausea. While these are generally mild, serious adverse effects like cardiac arrhythmias, fainting, numbness, and tremors are rare but possible.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is a lack of reliable information regarding the standardization of yin chen supplements.

What Is Yin Chen Typically Used For?

Yin chen has been explored for several potential uses, but there is insufficient reliable evidence to support its effectiveness for these purposes. These include:

• Asthma
• Biliary disorders
• Dysmenorrhea
• Liver disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Neonatal jaundice

More research is needed to determine the efficacy of yin chen for these conditions.

Drugs that interact with Yin Chen