The Latest on the Benefits and Effects, Side Effects and Contraindications of Forsythia

I. Benefits and Effects

1. Clearing heat and detoxifying: Its main benefit is that it can clear heat and detoxify, and in many clinical settings it is mostly used to treat wind-heat, and can relieve discomforts such as cough, headache and fever.

2. Protecting the liver: It can also protect the liver, and after consumption it can help lower transaminases, ensure that the levels of ribonucleic acid and liver glycogen remain within a normal range, and can also effectively relieve the phenomenon of liver cell necrosis.

3. Antibacterial: In addition, it also has an antibacterial effect, which can include Salmonella typhi, Vibrio cholerae, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus and others. Because it contains forsythiaside A, volatile oil and forsythol, it has a very good bacteriostatic effect.

4. Regulating blood pressure: After reasonable consumption it can play a role in regulating blood pressure. For animals with high blood pressure it can lower blood pressure, and for animals with low blood pressure it can raise blood pressure. Because it can dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow perfusion, it has the effect of stabilising blood pressure.

II. Side Effects and Contraindications

Although it has many benefits, it also has side effects, and it must be used under a doctor's instructions to avoid undesirable consequences. It can easily cause indigestion, diarrhoea and so on. During the course of consumption and treatment it can also easily damage the liver and kidneys, and there may occasionally be symptoms of hepatotoxicity. In addition, there may also be allergic reactions, with the appearance of skin rashes.