Bupleurum (Bupleurum chinense)

Bupleurum chinense root contains minimal macronutrients as it is used medicinally in small doses (typical dried root dose: 3–9g/day). Key bioactive compounds include: Saikosaponins (primary active constituents) at approximately 0.3–2.8% dry weight, comprising saikosaponin-a, -b1, -b2, -c, and -d — saikosaponin-a and -d are most pharmacologically active and show highest bioavailability when decocted in water at ~70–100°C; Polysaccharides (bupleuran 2IIb and related fractions) at approximately 3–8% dry weight, contributing to immunomodulatory effects; Flavonoids including rutin, isorhamnetin, and quercetin derivatives at approximately 0.1–0.5% dry weight; Lignans including bupleurumol at trace concentrations (<0.1% dry weight); Volatile oils (primarily caprylic acid, lauric acid, and myristic acid derivatives) at approximately 0.02–0.1% dry weight; Sterols including α-spinasterol and stigmasterol at approximately 0.05–0.2% dry weight; Polyacetylenes at trace levels. Mineral content includes selenium (concentration varies significantly by soil origin, estimated 0.01–0.05 mg/100g dry weight — relevant to reported hepatoprotective selenium-enhancement mechanisms), potassium (~200–400 mg/100g dry weight), calcium (~100–200 mg/100g dry weight), and magnesium (~50–100 mg/100g dry weight). Crude fiber content is approximately 20–35% dry weight, primarily insoluble. Protein content is approximately 8–12% dry weight but nutritionally irrelevant at medicinal doses. Bioavailability note: Saikosaponins undergo significant hydrolysis during hot-water decoction, converting saikosaponin-a/-d to more bioavailable prosaikogenins; oral bioavailability of intact saikosaponins is low (~5–15%) due to gut microbial metabolism, though metabolites retain activity. Co-administration with licorice root (as in traditional formulas) may enhance absorption via P-glycoprotein inhibition.