What are the effects and functions of Banlangen (Isatis root)?

Banlangen (Isatis root) is a traditional Chinese medicine preparation commonly used to prevent colds. What is generally sold on the market is Banlangen granules, which can be dissolved in water and taken on their own. The effects and functions of Banlangen (Isatis root) are as follows:

1. Clearing heat and detoxifying

Banlangen (Isatis root) has an anti-bacterial endotoxin effect. Bacterial endotoxin is what traditional Chinese medicine calls "heat toxin," mainly the toxin released after bacteria are killed. Research has found that the organic acids, alkaloids, nucleosides and other types of chemical components contained in Banlangen (Isatis root) can directly neutralize and degrade endotoxin or destroy the normal structure of bacterial endotoxin, while also inhibiting the synthesis and excessive release of inflammatory mediators induced by endotoxin. Banlangen (Isatis root) has the effects of resisting oxygen free radicals and enhancing immunity.

2. Antibacterial and antiviral

Banlangen (Isatis root) has a bactericidal effect on many kinds of bacteria. The water infusion of Banlangen (Isatis root) has an inhibitory effect on Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Sarcina octamer, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi A, Shigella (Shigella shigae, Shigella flexneri) bacilli, Salmonella enteritidis and others; the acetone extract also has a similar effect, and is effective against hemolytic streptococcus (all using the agar well plate method). Its antibacterial effect on Neisseria meningitidis type A is similar to that of garlic and honeysuckle. It has a clear inhibitory effect on influenza virus strain PR8 and strain Jingke 68-1. In test tubes, Banlangen (Isatis root) has the effect of killing Leptospira.

3. Improving immune function: Intraperitoneal injection of Banlangen (Isatis root) polysaccharide 50mg/kg in mice can significantly promote immune function in mice, manifested as: it can significantly increase spleen weight in normal mice. Total white blood cell count and lymphocyte count; it has a clear antagonistic effect on the reduction of spleen index, total white blood cell count and lymphocyte count in mice with immune function suppressed by hydrocortisone; it significantly enhances the delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction in normal mice induced by dinitrochlorobenzene and in mice with immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide;

4. Anti-Leptospira effect: Banlangen (Isatis root) or Daqingye (Isatis leaf) at more than 1:100 both have the effect of killing Leptospira in test tubes.

How to consume Banlangen (Isatis root)

1. Banlangen (Isatis root) soup: when the Banlangen (Isatis root) sprouts have grown to 15-20cm, the Banlangen (Isatis root) can be washed clean with leaves and roots, and just a little oil, salt and MSG added like when cooking bok choy; it has a slightly bitter taste;

2. Plain stir-fried Banlangen (Isatis root): first add a little oil, add a little chili, garlic and scallion, then add the cut Banlangen (Isatis root) and stir-fry.

Traditional Chinese medicine proven prescriptions for Banlangen (Isatis root)

① For the prevention and treatment of epidemic Japanese encephalitis B, for prevention use 3 qian of Banlangen (Isatis root) decocted and taken, 1 dose per day, taken for 5 consecutive days.

For treatment, use 50% or 200% Banlangen (Isatis root) injection, 2 milliliters each time by intramuscular injection, 2 to 3 times per day.

Or decoct Banlangen (Isatis root) and take it; for comatose patients give it by nasal feeding, 2 liang per day for those under 12 years old, 2 to 4 liang for those 13 years old and above, taken all at once or divided into 2 doses, for 2 to 3 consecutive weeks; it may also be taken once every 2 hours, 2 to 2.5 qian each time for adults, 1 to 2 qian for those under 15 years old, and after body temperature drops to normal, reduce the dosage and frequency as appropriate, and stop the medication after 2 days.

During treatment, necessary acupuncture, Western medicine and other symptomatic treatment and supportive therapy should be coordinated.