Arisaema cum bile

BotanicalTCM herb

What is it

Arisaema cum bile ('dan nan xing') is a processed form of Arisaema rhizome used in traditional Chinese medicine, where the raw rhizome is treated with ox bile to reduce its toxicity. It is used for what TCM describes as resolving phlegm and calming wind.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cough, phlegm, seizures (traditional Chinese use)

Mixed Evidence

Used in traditional formulas; no rigorous modern RCTs support specific clinical use.

How it works

Raw Arisaema species contain calcium oxalate raphides and other irritant constituents that cause severe oral/throat irritation; bile processing reduces these. The processed form is used in traditional formulas for cough, phlegm, and seizure disorders. Mechanism in modern pharmacological terms is not well defined; some triterpenoid and saponin constituents have shown CNS and antitussive activity in animals.

Dosage

Traditional doses are 3–10 g of processed rhizome decoction. No FDA-approved dose. DSLD label data is limited.

When and how to take it

Used as part of traditional Chinese formulas, typically multiple times daily as decoction. No evidence-based timing standard.

1 commercial form

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Bile-processed Arisaema rhizome

Processing is critical to reduce toxicity.

Not characterized in modern pharmacokinetic studies.

Safety

Processing reduces but may not eliminate oxalate-related toxicity. Raw or improperly processed Arisaema is potentially toxic to the mouth, throat, and GI tract. Use should be guided by trained TCM practitioners.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy (traditionally contraindicated). Not appropriate for self-prescription due to processing requirements.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with antiepileptic drugs and CNS depressants based on traditional indications, though clinical interaction data is absent.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use raw Arisaema instead?⌄

No. Raw Arisaema is acutely irritating and potentially toxic. Bile-processed forms are intended to reduce this hazard.

References

Arisaema cum bile on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Arisaema cum bile (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.