Herbs & Botanicals · Chinese herb for jaundice

Capillary wormwood

Q: What is capillary wormwood used for?

Mostly for jaundice and liver and gallbladder complaints in Chinese medicine. Human studies are of formulas that contain it, such as Yin Chen Hao Tang, and the evidence is low certainty.

Q: Can capillary wormwood treat jaundice in a baby?

No home treatment is recommended. A baby with yellow skin or eyes needs a doctor the same day. In China, hospital products such as Yinzhihuang injection have been added to usual care in trials; the authors of the 2024 review say the evidence is not enough to recommend routine use.

Q: What is Yin Chen Hao Tang?

A classic Chinese formula of capillary wormwood, gardenia and rhubarb, used for jaundice. Human trials were of this formula or related products, not the herb alone.

Q: Does it help fatty liver?

One 24-week placebo-controlled trial of 130 adults with Yinchenhao decoction found less liver fat and lower liver enzymes than placebo. It is one trial of the formula, so the result is not firm.

Q: Can it harm the liver?

Possibly. A compilation of case reports lists Yin Chen Hao among Chinese herbs with an established link to liver injury, and the authors of a 2024 analysis note liver injury reports for rhubarb and gardenia, two other formula ingredients. How often this happens is unknown.

Q: Is it safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Not known. No safety data for the herb alone were found. Trials of the formula with UDCA in pregnancy cholestasis report benefit in the abstract but not safety. Ask your obstetrician or midwife.

Q: Does it thin the blood?

Unknown. Scoparone is a coumarin and compounds from the herb reduced platelet clumping in the test tube, but no study in people was found. Tell your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take blood thinners or have surgery planned.

Q: Can it cause allergies?

It can in people sensitive to the daisy family. Pollen and some plant compounds from Artemisia and related plants cross-react. See the Mugwort page for the same family.

Q: Is capillary wormwood the same as sweet wormwood?

No. Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) is a different species and the source of artemisinin. Capillary wormwood is Artemisia capillaris. See the Sweet wormwood profile.

Q: Which compounds are in it?

The main ones named in reviews are scoparone, scopoletin, capillarisin and chlorogenic acid. Most research on them is in cells and animals.

Artemisia capillaris Thunb. · also called Yin chen hao, yin chen, capillary wormwood, Herba Artemisiae Capillaris

Capillary wormwood (yin chen hao) is a daisy-family herb used in Chinese medicine for jaundice and for what is called liver and gallbladder heat. Most human studies tested formulas that contain it, such as Yin Chen Hao Tang, so they do not show what the herb does alone. Evidence is low certainty, and liver injury has been reported with Yin Chen Hao products. Jaundice in a baby or an adult always needs a doctor.

General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update October 25, 2026 · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made

About Capillary wormwood

Capillary wormwood (Artemisia capillaris, yin chen hao) is the main herb of a classic Chinese formula for jaundice. Human studies from China suggest the formula and related products lower bilirubin and liver tests, but they are low certainty and they test mixtures. The herb is also linked to liver injury in case reports. It is not a substitute for medical care, especially for jaundice in a baby.

What it is

Capillary wormwood is a daisy-family plant (Asteraceae) in the same genus as mugwort and sweet wormwood. The aerial part (the herb above ground) is used. It contains coumarins such as scoparone and scopoletin, a chromone called capillarisin and chlorogenic acid.

Yin chen is also the name used for a related species, Artemisia scoparia, which is sold under the same name in some products. Check the label.

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Traditional and current uses

In Chinese medicine the herb is the main ingredient of Yin Chen Hao Tang, with gardenia and rhubarb, used for jaundice from 'damp-heat'. Patent products such as Yinzhihuang add other herbs and are used in hospital for newborn jaundice alongside light therapy.

Reviews date the formula's use at over a thousand years, or over 2,000 years; the exact age is not settled.

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What the research shows

Short trials from China report lower bilirubin and liver tests with the formulas. One 24-week placebo-controlled trial of the formula in fatty liver was positive. The reviewers of these trials say the evidence is limited by small size, lack of blinding and short follow-up. We found no trial of the herb alone.

Lab and animal studies are plentiful, mostly on scoparone, and show anti-inflammatory and liver-protective effects that have not been proven in people.

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At a glance

Traditional uses history, not proof

Chinese medicine: the main herb of Yin Chen Hao Tang, with gardenia and rhubarb, for jaundice from 'damp-heat'.
Asian traditional medicine: used for fever, pain, inflammation, cholestasis (blocked bile flow) and jaundice, according to a 2015 review.
Modern China: ingredient of patent medicines such as Yinzhihuang, used in hospitals alongside light therapy for newborn jaundice.

Studied for research

Jaundice and blocked bile flow in adults, formula trials, low
Newborn jaundice, add-on trials of Yinzhihuang products, low
Fatty liver disease, one formula trial, low
Itching liver condition of pregnancy, add-on to UDCA, low
Liver protection in cells and animals, insufficient for people
Hepatitis B, cirrhosis and liver cancer, lab research only

Main compounds

Scoparone, a coumarin; studied in cells and animals
Scopoletin, a coumarin
Capillarisin, a chromone
Chlorogenic acid, a plant phenolic

Common forms

Dried herb as a decoction in Chinese medicine
Yin Chen Hao Tang (three-herb formula)
Granules and extracts (content varies)
Yinzhihuang granules and injection (hospital multi-herb products)

Research links: Che 2026: Yinchenhao decoction in obstructive jaundice, review (PubMed) · Li 2024: Yinzhihuang injection for newborn jaundice, meta-analysis (PubMed) · Xu 2026: Yinchenhao decoction in fatty liver, randomized trial (PubMed) · Teschke 2015: Chinese herbs and liver injury, case compilation (PubMed) · Jang 2015: Artemisia capillaris in liver diseases, survey (PubMed) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library

The plant and its history

Accepted scientific name: Artemisia capillaris
Naming authority: Thunb.
Synonyms: Artemisia capillaris subsp. capillaris; Absinthium mollissimum Besser
Common names: Capillary wormwood (English); Yin chen hao (Chinese (pinyin)); Yin chen (Chinese (pinyin)); Herba Artemisiae Capillaris (Latin)
Botanical family: Asteraceae (daisy family), per GBIF.
Classification: Plantae > Tracheophyta > Magnoliopsida > Asterales > Asteraceae > Artemisia > Artemisia capillaris
Native range: Not verified in the sources read.
Habitat: Not verified in the sources read.
What the plant looks like: Roots: Not verified.; Stems: Not verified.; Leaves: Not verified.; Flowers: Not verified.; Fruit: Not verified.
Cultivation: Not verified.
Harvest and processing: Not verified in the sources read; the aerial part (herb) is the part used in the reviews.
Look-alikes and adulterants: Name: Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kit.; Note: A separate accepted species in GBIF (key 3120713). It is the other plant sold as yin chen, and a 2024 review names it as the yin chen in Yinzhihuang.; Name: Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris); Note: Another Artemisia and a well-known pollen allergen. See the Mugwort profile.; Name: Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua); Note: Another Artemisia, source of artemisinin. See the Sweet wormwood profile.
Sustainability and conservation: Not checked.

Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof

Tradition or era	Documented use	Source
Traditional Chinese medicine	The herb is the main ingredient of Yin Chen Hao Tang, with gardenia and rhubarb, for jaundice and damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder. One 2020 review says the decoction has been used for over a thousand years; a 2021 review says over 2,000 years. Both agree it is very old; the exact age is not settled in the sources read.	Hui 2020; Shi 2021
Asian traditional medicine	Used for fever, pain, inflammation, cholestasis and jaundice (from our existing summary of the 2015 survey).	Jang 2015
Modern China	Patent products such as Yinzhihuang granules and injection (herb with gardenia and other herbs) are used alongside light therapy in newborn jaundice, and formula trials exist for cholestasis, fatty liver and pregnancy cholestasis.	Li 2024; Feng 2022; Xu 2026
Regulators	No EMA/HMPC monograph or NCCIH page found. NOT verified.	None

Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.

What is inside, and how it may work

What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.

Main compounds

Compound	Family	Where it is concentrated	Activity studied	Level of evidence
Scoparone PubChem 8417	Coumarin	aerial part	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic and lipid-lowering effects in lab and animal work. A coumarin, a chemical family that includes some blood thinners (precaution only). ^{6 5 13}	Lab/animal
Scopoletin PubChem 5280460	Coumarin	aerial part	Listed with scoparone, capillarisin and chlorogenic acid as a main active compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antisteatotic, antiviral and antitumour properties; also a breakdown product of scoparone. ^{5 6 14}	Lab/animal
Isoscopoletin PubChem 69894	Coumarin	formed in the body	A main first breakdown product of scoparone. ^{6 15}	Animal research
Capillarisin PubChem 5281342	Chromone	aerial part	Listed as a main active compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. ^{5 16}	Lab/animal
Chlorogenic acid PubChem 1794427	Phenolic acid	aerial part	Listed as a main active compound; the only one with a relatively long half-life in the pharmacokinetic review. ^{5 17}	Lab/animal

Mechanisms, receptors and pathways

Target or pathway	Gene or receptor	What was found	Level
Bile-acid handling in the liver (EGFR-CAR axis, CYP3A, UGT1A1, SULT2A1)	CAR, EGFR	The 2026 review reports that in obstructive jaundice models the formula reduced EGFR activation and promoted CAR movement into the cell nucleus, raising bile-acid-metabolising enzymes and efflux transporters. This is from rodent work quoted in the review. ¹	Animal research
Bile acid and fat metabolism in people with fatty liver	n/a	In a 24-week placebo-controlled trial the formula changed several bile acids (TDCA, GDCA, DCA, GLCA and the GDCA ratio) but not eicosanoids. ²¹	Human data
Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic and choleretic effects	n/a	Reported in lab and animal work on the herb and on scoparone. ^{7 6}	Lab/animal
Platelet clumping	n/a	Fifteen compounds from the aerial part reduced platelet clumping in the test tube; which ones is not given in the abstract. ²⁰	Lab
Network pharmacology of the formula	n/a	A computational analysis linked key targets of the three herbs to inflammation response and bile transport. These are predictions, not proof. ¹¹	Computational

Absorption, metabolism and elimination

Absorption: The main compounds reach their highest blood level within about 1 hour (review of mostly animal work).
Distribution: Not found.
Metabolism: Scoparone is broken down to isoscopoletin and scopoletin.
Elimination: Chlorogenic acid has a relatively long half-life compared with the other main compounds; details not given.
Bioavailability: Liver disease may raise scoparone levels because the liver clears it more slowly. High-dose formulas may raise levels of several components.

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Isolated compounds versus whole extracts

Almost all human data are for formulas (Yinchenhao decoction with gardenia and rhubarb; Yinzhihuang products with other herbs). We found no trial of the single herb and none of isolated scoparone, scopoletin or capillarisin. Isolated compounds (especially scoparone) have been studied in cells and animals. A formula's effects may come from other ingredients, so nothing in this profile should be read as proof that capillary wormwood alone does it.

Nutritional composition

Capillary wormwood is not a food or a nutrient source in the sources read, and no nutrient data were found.

10benefits and uses looked at

22studies and sources checked

Low certaintybest evidence rating found

6lab markers tracked in trials

5 low certainty1 very low certainty4 not enough evidence

What is Capillary wormwood good for?

The main proposed uses and how strong the human evidence is for each. "Low" means small, short or mixed studies; "very low" or "insufficient" means almost nothing in people. Nothing here is rated above low. Almost all human trials tested formulas that contain capillary wormwood, not the herb alone, so these results cannot be moved to a tea or a supplement. Jaundice always needs a doctor.

Jaundice and blocked bile flow in adults (formula)Low certaintyTrials from China of Yin Chen Hao Tang, a three-herb formula with gardenia and rhubarb, report lower liver and bilirubin tests than conventional drugs. A 2026 review quotes a meta-analysis of 15 trials (1,405 patients) and a 2024 network analysis of 20 studies (1,591 patients). The authors of the review say the trials were small, mostly unblinded and short, and that long-term safety is unknown. Evidence is for the formula, not the herb alone. Newborn jaundice (Yinzhihuang products added to usual care)Low certaintyA 2024 review of 22 trials (2,714 newborns) found lower bilirubin and faster clearing with a multi-herb injection added to routine care. A 2022 review of 19 trials (2,221 newborns) found the same for granules with light therapy; four of its six authors are tied to the maker. The 2024 authors say the evidence is not enough to recommend routine use. A baby with jaundice needs a doctor. Capillary wormwood on its own for jaundiceNot enough evidenceWe found no human trial of the single herb for jaundice. All human evidence is for formulas that contain it. Fatty liver disease (formula)Low certaintyOne randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 130 adults over 24 weeks found less liver fat on MRI and lower ALT, AST and ALP with Yinchenhao decoction than with placebo, and no serious adverse events. It is one trial of the formula. Itching liver condition in pregnancy (add-on to UDCA)Low certaintyA 2021 network analysis of 38 trials (3,841 women) found that Yinchenhao-type prescriptions plus UDCA eased itching and lowered bile acids more than UDCA alone. The abstract does not report safety for mother or baby. This condition needs specialist care. Liver protection in cells and animalsNot enough evidenceLab and animal studies report antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bile-promoting and anti-scarring effects of the herb and of scoparone. A review of 19 animal studies of the formula found lower bilirubin and liver enzymes in cholestasis models. These are not proof in people. Hepatitis B, liver scarring and liver cancerNot enough evidenceA 2015 review discusses antiviral, anti-scarring and anti-tumour effects from lab studies. No human trial of the single herb was found. Fever, pain, inflammation and other traditional claimsNot enough evidenceThe herb is traditionally used for fever, pain and inflammation. No trial evidence for these was read.

Benefits, one by one

Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.

Jaundice and blocked bile flow in adults (Yinchenhao decoction, as add-on)

Low certainty

Trials from China of a three-herb formula that has capillary wormwood as its main herb found lower liver and bilirubin blood markers than usual drugs. The trials were small, mostly not blinded and short. They do not show that the herb alone works. Jaundice always needs a doctor.

2 studiesHuman trials used formulas or products, not the herb alone: Yinchenha…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

A 2026 narrative review describes a 2015 meta-analysis of 15 trials (1,405 patients with cholestasis) comparing the formula with conventional drugs, mainly UDCA. It reports lower ALT, AST, total bilirubin and direct bilirubin with the formula and no reported adverse outcomes. We did not open that meta-analysis; the figures come from the review. A 2024 network meta-analysis of 20 studies (1,591 patients) ranked the formula plus conventional treatment best on efficacy, AST and total bilirubin, and found different herb ratios worked best for different markers. The same authors point out that liver injury has been reported with rhubarb and gardenia, two of the formula's three ingredients. The 2026 review lists the limits of the evidence: small samples, differences between trials, lack of blinding and short follow-up, and says long-term safety data are lacking.

Results

Positive for lower bilirubin and liver enzymes in short trials of the formula as an add-on. Nothing shows the herb on its own does this.

Effect sizes as reported

15-trial meta-analysis (second-hand): lower ALT, AST, TBIL, DBIL than conventional drugs; no effect sizes in the sources read. 2024 network meta-analysis: rankings only (SUCRA), no effect sizes in the abstract.

Why this rating

Most trials are small, unblinded and short; the main numbers were read second-hand; the studied product is a formula, not the herb. Two of the three ingredients have their own liver-injury reports.

Form and dose studied

Human trials used formulas or products, not the herb alone: Yinchenhao decoction (capillary wormwood, gardenia and rhubarb), or Yinzhihuang products (capillary wormwood with gardenia, honeysuckle and Baikal skullcap in the granule; a hospital injection form). Amounts and preparation methods are not given here.

Who was studied

Adults with cholestasis, obstructive jaundice or cholestatic hepatitis, mostly in China, many also on conventional treatment.

Limits

Evidence is for the formula, not the herb alone. Trials were short and mostly open-label. Long-term safety is not established.

Why researchers looked

Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes) is the classic Chinese use of the herb, and the formula is the traditional jaundice formula.

Traditional use

Capillary wormwood (yin chen hao) is a long-standing Chinese herb for jaundice and for what Chinese medicine calls liver and gallbladder damp-heat. The formula Yin Chen Hao Tang is described as clearing heat, detoxifying and promoting diuresis to resolve jaundice, mainly for 'damp-heat' jaundice.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

Lab and animal work suggests the formula changes how bile acids are handled in the liver and calms inflammation and liver-cell damage. This is not proof in people.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Jaundice in a baby or an adult needs a medical assessment. This herb is not a home treatment for jaundice. Liver injury has been reported with Yin Chen Hao products; see the safety section.

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Newborn jaundice (Yinzhihuang injection added to usual care)

Low certainty

A 2024 review of 22 trials (2,714 newborns in hospital) found lower bilirubin and faster jaundice clearing when a multi-herb injection that contains yin chen was added to usual care. The authors said the evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as routine treatment. A baby with jaundice needs a doctor, not a herbal remedy.

1 studiesA mixed-herb injection given in hospital alongside routine care. It i…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Li 2024 pooled 22 randomized trials (2,714 newborns). Compared with routine treatment alone, the injection group had a higher total effective rate (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.20), lower serum bilirubin on day 3 (MD -36.80, 95% CI -52.07 to -21.53) and day 5 (MD -4.18, 95% CI -7.50 to -0.86) and a shorter time to jaundice resolution (MD -2.46, 95% CI -2.81 to -2.10). Adverse effects were described in four trials, with an incidence of 8.60%. The authors wrote that the injection 'appears to be safe' but the current evidence is not enough to recommend it as a routine treatment.

Results

Positive for bilirubin and clearing time as an add-on in hospital; rated by the authors as needing confirmation.

Effect sizes as reported

Total effective rate RR 1.15 (1.11 to 1.20); bilirubin day 3 MD -36.80 (-52.07 to -21.53); day 5 MD -4.18 (-7.50 to -0.86); time to resolution MD -2.46 (-2.81 to -2.10). Units not in the abstract.

Why this rating

The authors themselves call for stronger trials before recommending it. The product is a mixed-herb injection given in hospital. Which adverse effects occurred is not in the abstract.

Form and dose studied

A mixed-herb injection given in hospital alongside routine care. It is not a herb, tea or supplement for babies.

Who was studied

Newborns with high bilirubin treated in hospital, China.

Limits

Mixed formula; hospital injection; study quality limits; no long-term follow-up.

Why researchers looked

Yinzhihuang is a well-known Chinese product used alongside light therapy for babies with high bilirubin.

Traditional use

Yinzhihuang is described in the review as a well-known Chinese herbal formula for newborn high bilirubin.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

The injection contains several herbs; how it might lower bilirubin was not described in the abstract.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

A baby with jaundice needs a doctor. Do not give any herbal product to a baby for jaundice unless a paediatrician has prescribed it.

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Newborn jaundice (Yinzhihuang granules plus light therapy)

Low certainty

A 2022 review of 19 trials (2,221 newborns) found lower bilirubin and shorter hospital stays when granules from a four-herb product were added to light therapy. Four of the six authors work for the company whose product this is, so read it with care. A baby with jaundice needs a doctor.

1 studiesGranules of a four-herb patent medicine given with light therapy in h…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Feng 2022 pooled 19 randomized trials (2,221 newborns with pathologic jaundice) of granules (extracts of Artemisia capillaris, Gardenia jasminoides, Lonicera japonica and Scutellaria baicalensis) plus light therapy against light therapy alone. Total bilirubin was lower (WMD -30.34, 95% CI -35.44 to -25.23), as were direct bilirubin (WMD -15.03, 95% CI -23.54 to -6.52), indirect bilirubin (WMD -11.22, 95% CI -17.50 to -4.95), recovery time and hospital stay (WMD -3.83, 95% CI -4.89 to -2.76). Adverse reactions (diarrhea, rash, fever) were less common in the granule group (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.59). The authors cite differences between trials and ask for multicenter trials with follow-up.

Results

Positive for bilirubin, recovery time and hospital stay in short add-on trials. The authors link to the product's manufacturer.

Effect sizes as reported

Total bilirubin WMD -30.34 (-35.44 to -25.23); direct WMD -15.03 (-23.54 to -6.52); indirect WMD -11.22 (-17.50 to -4.95); recovery time WMD -2.96 (-3.92 to -2.00); hospital stay WMD -3.83 (-4.89 to -2.76). Units not in the abstract.

Why this rating

Industry-linked authors; differences between trials; four-herb product, not capillary wormwood alone.

Form and dose studied

Granules of a four-herb patent medicine given with light therapy in hospital.

Who was studied

Newborns with pathologic jaundice treated in hospital, China.

Limits

Industry-linked review; mixed product; short trials.

Why researchers looked

Yinzhihuang granules are a Chinese patent medicine used with light therapy in newborn jaundice.

Traditional use

The granule is described in the review as a well-known traditional Chinese patent medicine for liver injury in China.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Mechanism not described in the abstract.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

A baby with jaundice needs a doctor. Do not give any herbal product to a baby for jaundice unless a paediatrician has prescribed it.

Capillary wormwood on its own for jaundice

Not enough evidence

We found no human trial of the single herb for jaundice in the sources read. The human evidence is all for formulas that contain it.

2 studiesNot applicable.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Our search for trials of Artemisia capillaris on its own found none in the sources read. The reviews we read describe trials of Yinchenhao decoction and Yinzhihuang products, and laboratory or animal work on the herb and its compounds.

Results

Nothing to report for the herb alone.

Effect sizes as reported

None.

Why this rating

No human trial of the single herb was found.

Form and dose studied

Not applicable.

Who was studied

Not applicable.

Limits

Search was limited to a few PubMed queries; Chinese-language trials of the single herb may exist.

Why researchers looked

Readers often ask whether the herb alone does what the formulas do.

Traditional use

The herb is the main ingredient of the traditional jaundice formula.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Not applicable.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Jaundice in a baby or an adult needs a medical assessment. This herb is not a home treatment for jaundice. Liver injury has been reported with Yin Chen Hao products; see the safety section.

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Bile-flow blockage in animal models (Yinchenhao decoction)

Very low certainty

A review of 19 animal studies (404 animals) found that the three-herb formula lowered bilirubin, bile acids and liver enzymes in rats and mice with induced bile blockage. This is lab research only and does not prove the same in people.

1 studiesNot applicable.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Shi 2021 pooled 19 animal studies (404 animals) in five types of cholestasis models. Treated animals had lower total, direct and indirect bilirubin, total bile acid, ALT, AST and ALP than untreated model animals. Effects were strongest in the bile-duct-ligation model. The authors say the conclusion should be confirmed with better-designed studies.

Results

Positive in animal models only.

Effect sizes as reported

P values reported in the abstract; no effect sizes were read.

Why this rating

Animal data only; human relevance unknown.

Form and dose studied

Not applicable.

Who was studied

Rats and mice with induced cholestasis.

Limits

Animal studies of variable quality; formula not herb alone.

Why researchers looked

Animal studies show whether a traditional formula has any effect before trials in people.

Traditional use

Capillary wormwood (yin chen hao) is a long-standing Chinese herb for jaundice and for what Chinese medicine calls liver and gallbladder damp-heat.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

The formula appears to change bile-acid handling and liver inflammation in rodents.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Animal results do not show safety or benefit in people.

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Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Yinchenhao decoction)

Low certainty

One 24-week trial of 130 adults with fatty liver found less liver fat and lower liver enzymes with the three-herb formula than with placebo, with no serious side effects reported in the abstract. It is one trial and it tested the formula, not the herb alone.

1 studiesFormula granules (three-herb Yinchenhao decoction); amounts not given…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Xu 2026: randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 130 adults with NAFLD, formula granules or placebo for 24 weeks. Liver fat on MRI (MRI-PDFF), CAP (a scan-based fat score), ALT, AST, ALP and BMI fell more in the formula group than in the placebo group (all P < 0.05). No serious adverse events were observed. TDCA, GDCA, DCA, GLCA and the GDCA ratio changed compared with placebo.

Results

Positive in one placebo-controlled trial.

Effect sizes as reported

All P < 0.05; mean differences not in the abstract.

Why this rating

One trial, 24 weeks, formula not herb alone, funding not given in the abstract.

Form and dose studied

Formula granules (three-herb Yinchenhao decoction); amounts not given here.

Who was studied

Adults with NAFLD, China.

Limits

One trial; short follow-up; mean differences not read.

Why researchers looked

The formula is thought to change bile-acid handling and inflammation, which matter in fatty liver.

Traditional use

Capillary wormwood (yin chen hao) is a long-standing Chinese herb for jaundice and for what Chinese medicine calls liver and gallbladder damp-heat.

Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism

The trial found some bile acids changed with the formula; eicosanoids (inflammation chemicals) did not.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Fatty liver needs medical follow-up. Liver injury has been reported with Yin Chen Hao products.

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Itching liver condition in pregnancy (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy)

Low certainty

A 2021 network analysis of 38 trials (3,841 pregnant women) found that Yinchenhao-type prescriptions added to the standard drug UDCA eased itching and lowered bile acids and liver enzymes more than UDCA alone. The abstract reports only benefits, not safety for mother or baby. This condition needs specialist care and should never be self-treated.

2 studiesChinese prescriptions or patent medicines resembling Yinchenhao decoc…

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Jiang 2021 pooled 38 randomized trials (3,841 patients). Seven different prescriptions or patent medicines of Yinchenhao type plus UDCA beat UDCA alone for pruritus (itch) score, total bile acid, ALT and AST. The best-ranked recipe was a Yinchenhao-like prescription plus UDCA. The abstract does not describe safety, baby outcomes or study quality.

Results

Positive for itch and blood markers as an add-on to UDCA; safety unknown from the abstract.

Effect sizes as reported

Direction of effect only in the abstract.

Why this rating

Network analysis of many small trials; add-on to a standard drug; safety and baby outcomes not in the abstract; mixed prescriptions.

Form and dose studied

Chinese prescriptions or patent medicines resembling Yinchenhao decoction, taken with UDCA under clinical care.

Who was studied

Pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.

Limits

Efficacy only; no safety data in the abstract; trial quality unknown to us.

Why researchers looked

Yinchenhao-type formulas are used in China as add-ons to UDCA in this condition.

Traditional use

Capillary wormwood (yin chen hao) is a long-standing Chinese herb for jaundice and for what Chinese medicine calls liver and gallbladder damp-heat.

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Not described in the abstract.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

The 2026 review lists registered trials of the formula in pregnancy-related cholestasis. Whether the herb is safe in pregnancy is not shown. Never take it in pregnancy unless your obstetrician agrees.

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Liver protection in cells and animals

Not enough evidence

Lab and animal studies report antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bile-promoting, anti-fatty-liver and anti-scarring effects of the herb and its compounds, especially scoparone. This is the strongest-sounding part of the literature, and it is not proof in people.

4 studiesHerb extracts and isolated compounds in cell and animal experiments.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Jang 2015 and Hui 2020 review the lab and animal literature: antisteatotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, choleretic, antiviral, antifibrotic and antitumour findings for the herb and for scoparone. Neither abstract describes a human trial of the single herb or of isolated scoparone.

Results

Positive in cells and animals only.

Effect sizes as reported

None given.

Why this rating

Lab and animal research only; our searches found no human trial of the single herb.

Form and dose studied

Herb extracts and isolated compounds in cell and animal experiments.

Who was studied

Cells, rodents.

Limits

Reviews, not trials. Results in animals often do not carry over to people.

Why researchers looked

Researchers study the herb's compounds to explain the traditional jaundice use.

Traditional use

Traditional use for liver conditions in Asia.

Proposed mechanism Animal research

Scoparone is reported to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic and lipid-lowering effects in cells and animals.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

A 13-week rat study at up to 2000 mg per kg per day found no significant adverse effects, but that does not settle safety in people.

^{7 6 5 22}

Hepatitis B, liver scarring and liver cancer (lab research)

Not enough evidence

A 2015 review discusses possible antiviral, anti-scarring and anti-tumour effects based on laboratory studies. No human trial evidence was read for the herb alone.

2 studiesNot applicable.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Jang 2015 summarises lab evidence for hepatitis B virus infection, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. No clinical trial of the single herb is described in the abstract. Wu 2001 found 15 compounds from the herb reduced platelet clumping in the test tube and three showed activity against HIV in cells; that is a different question and also only a test-tube result.

Results

Lab results only.

Effect sizes as reported

None.

Why this rating

Cell and animal work only.

Form and dose studied

Not applicable.

Who was studied

Cells, animals.

Limits

Not tested in people with these diseases for the herb alone in the sources read.

Why researchers looked

Chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis are common liver problems in East Asia, where the herb is used.

Traditional use

Used in Asian traditional medicine for liver disease.

Proposed mechanism Laboratory research

Reported antiviral, antifibrotic and antitumour activity in lab models.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

People with hepatitis B, cirrhosis or liver cancer need specialist care; herbs can interact with treatment.

^{7 20}

Traditional use for fever, pain, inflammation, and other claims

Not enough evidence

In Asian traditional medicine the herb has long been used for fever, pain, inflammation and jaundice. A 2021 review also lists uses in metabolic syndrome, psoriasis and enterovirus infection. We found no trial evidence for fever or pain.

2 studiesNot applicable.

Studies, doses and limits

What the trials found

Traditional use is not evidence of benefit. The 2021 review abstract says the herb contributes to the treatment of viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, hepatoma, metabolic syndrome, psoriasis and enterovirus 'in the clinic', but it does not give trials, numbers or study quality, and we did not read the full text.

Results

No trial evidence read.

Effect sizes as reported

None.

Why this rating

No trials or numbers were read for these uses.

Form and dose studied

Not applicable.

Who was studied

Not applicable.

Limits

Claims are not backed by numbers in the sources read.

Why researchers looked

Traditional use points researchers to what to test.

Traditional use

The herb has long been used in Asian traditional medicine for fever, pain, inflammation, cholestasis and jaundice (from our existing summary of the 2015 review; not re-checked word for word).

Proposed mechanism Pharmacological theory

Not applicable.

A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.

Fever, severe pain or jaundice need a medical assessment.

^{7 5}

Connections to the rest of health

How Capillary wormwood connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.

Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes

Kind of connection Connected to Search

A. Wellness goals

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Liver Support	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Jaundice and blocked bile flow in adults (Yinchenhao decoction, as add-on): Trials from China of a three-herb formula that has capillary wormwood as its main herb found lower liver and bilirubin blood markers than usual drugs. The trials were small, mostly not blinded and short. They do not show that the herb alone works. Jaundice always needs a doctor. Newborn jaundice (Yinzhihuang injection added to usual care): A 2024 review of 22 trials (2,714 newborns in hospital) found lower bilirubin and faster jaundice clearing when a multi-herb injection that contains yin chen was added to usual care. The authors said the evidence is not strong enough to recommend it as routine treatment. A baby with jaundice needs a doctor, not a herbal remedy.	^{1 11 10 2 21 8}
Liver Support	Traditional use	Not enough evidence	Capillary wormwood on its own for jaundice: We found no human trial of the single herb for jaundice in the sources read. The human evidence is all for formulas that contain it.	^{1 7}
Liver Support	Preliminary mechanism	Very low certainty	Bile-flow blockage in animal models (Yinchenhao decoction): A review of 19 animal studies (404 animals) found that the three-herb formula lowered bilirubin, bile acids and liver enzymes in rats and mice with induced bile blockage. This is lab research only and does not prove the same in people. Liver protection in cells and animals: Lab and animal studies report antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bile-promoting, anti-fatty-liver and anti-scarring effects of the herb and its compounds, especially scoparone. This is the strongest-sounding part of the literature, and it is not proof in people.	^{18 7 6 5 22 20}
Metabolic Health	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Yinchenhao decoction): One 24-week trial of 130 adults with fatty liver found less liver fat and lower liver enzymes with the three-herb formula than with placebo, with no serious side effects reported in the abstract. It is one trial and it tested the formula, not the herb alone.	²¹
Womens Wellness	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Itching liver condition in pregnancy (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy): A 2021 network analysis of 38 trials (3,841 pregnant women) found that Yinchenhao-type prescriptions added to the standard drug UDCA eased itching and lowered bile acids and liver enzymes more than UDCA alone. The abstract reports only benefits, not safety for mother or baby. This condition needs specialist care and should never be self-treated.	^{8 1}
Inflammation Balance	Preliminary mechanism	Not enough evidence	Liver protection in cells and animals: Lab and animal studies report antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, bile-promoting, anti-fatty-liver and anti-scarring effects of the herb and its compounds, especially scoparone. This is the strongest-sounding part of the literature, and it is not proof in people.	^{7 6 5 22}
Inflammation Balance	Traditional use	Not enough evidence	Traditional use for fever, pain, inflammation, and other claims: In Asian traditional medicine the herb has long been used for fever, pain, inflammation and jaundice. A 2021 review also lists uses in metabolic syndrome, psoriasis and enterovirus infection. We found no trial evidence for fever or pain.	^{7 5}

B. Body systems

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Liver system	Potential benefit	Low certainty	Lower bilirubin and liver tests in short trials; not shown for the herb alone. Preparation or compound: Yinchenhao decoction and Yinzhihuang products	^{1 10 2}
Hepatic System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Jaundice and blocked bile flow in adults (Yinchenhao decoction, as add-on) Studied for: Newborn jaundice (Yinzhihuang injection added to usual care)	^{1 11 10 2 7 18 21 8 6 5 22 20}
Digestive System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Jaundice and blocked bile flow in adults (Yinchenhao decoction, as add-on)	^{1 11}
Metabolism Weight	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Yinchenhao decoction)	²¹
Reproductive System	Biological association	Low certainty	Studied for: Itching liver condition in pregnancy (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy)	^{8 1}
Immune System	Biological association	Not enough evidence	Studied for: Traditional use for fever, pain, inflammation, and other claims	^{7 5}

C. Body parts and organs

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Liver	Adverse effect or risk	Very low certainty	Case reports of liver injury; frequency unknown. Preparation or compound: Yin Chen Hao products	¹⁹

I. Biomarkers

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
ALT	Demonstrated clinical effect	Low certainty	Lower in short trials of the formula. Preparation or compound: Yinchenhao decoction	^{21 11}
AST	Demonstrated clinical effect	Low certainty	Lower in short trials of the formula. Preparation or compound: Yinchenhao decoction	^{21 11}
Bilirubin	Demonstrated clinical effect	Low certainty	Lower in add-on trials in newborns and adults. Preparation or compound: Yinzhihuang products; Yinchenhao decoction	^{10 2 11}
Total serum bilirubin (newborns)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{10 2}
ALT, AST, total and direct bilirubin (adults with cholestasis)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{1 11}
Time to jaundice clearing and hospital stay (newborns)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	^{10 2}
Liver fat on MRI (MRI-PDFF) and CAP	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²¹
ALT, AST and ALP (adults with fatty liver)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	²¹
Itch score and total bile acid (pregnancy cholestasis)	Biological association	Low certainty	Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit.	⁸

J. Genes, receptors and enzymes

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
CAR (NR1I3)	Preliminary mechanism	Animal	Bile-acid-handling regulator reported to be activated by the formula in rodents.	¹
EGFR	Preliminary mechanism	Animal	Reported to be inhibited by the formula in an obstructive jaundice model.	¹
CYP3A, UGT1A1, SULT2A1	Preliminary mechanism	Animal	Liver enzymes reported to be raised by the formula in rodents.	¹

K. Biological pathways

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Bile acid metabolism	Preliminary mechanism	Human	Several bile acids changed in the fatty liver trial.	²¹

L. Active compounds

Connected to	Kind of connection	Evidence status	Context	Studies
Scoparone	Biological association	Lab/animal	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic and lipid-lowering effects in lab and animal work. A coumarin, a chemical family that includes some blood thinners (precaution only). Preparation or compound: aerial part	^{6 5 13}
Scopoletin	Biological association	Lab/animal	Listed with scoparone, capillarisin and chlorogenic acid as a main active compound with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antisteatotic, antiviral and antitumour properties; also a breakdown product of scoparone. Preparation or compound: aerial part	^{5 6 14}
Isoscopoletin	Biological association	Animal	A main first breakdown product of scoparone. Preparation or compound: formed in the body	^{6 15}
Capillarisin	Biological association	Lab/animal	Listed as a main active compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Preparation or compound: aerial part	^{5 16}
Chlorogenic acid	Biological association	Lab/animal	Listed as a main active compound; the only one with a relatively long half-life in the pharmacokinetic review. Preparation or compound: aerial part	^{5 17}

Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).

Evidence at a glance: what changed in 6 lab markers

Tap a number to show only those markers. Counts are markers, not people.

Organ function3 Other3

The evidence

The research centre for Capillary wormwood. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.

Evidence by outcome

Jaundice and blocked bile flow in adults (Yinchenhao decoction, as add-on) 2 studies Low certainty Newborn jaundice (Yinzhihuang injection added to usual care) 1 studies Low certainty Newborn jaundice (Yinzhihuang granules plus light therapy) 1 studies Low certainty Capillary wormwood on its own for jaundice 2 studies Not enough evidence Bile-flow blockage in animal models (Yinchenhao decoction) 1 studies Very low certainty Fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (Yinchenhao decoction) 1 studies · 130 people in trials Low certainty Itching liver condition in pregnancy (intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy) 2 studies Low certainty Liver protection in cells and animals 4 studies Not enough evidence Hepatitis B, liver scarring and liver cancer (lab research) 2 studies Not enough evidence Traditional use for fever, pain, inflammation, and other claims 2 studies Not enough evidence

Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).

How we rate evidence

High certainty

Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.

Moderate certainty

Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.

Low certainty

Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.

Very low certainty

Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.

Mixed findings

Trials or reviews disagree with each other.

Not enough evidence

Not enough human research to say either way.

Evidence against

Good research found no benefit, or found harm.

We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We built this page from our existing summary of the herb, then searched PubMed and read abstracts for the main reviews, trials and safety reports, plus the full text of one 2026 review through Europe PMC. Plant names were checked in GBIF and NCBI Taxonomy and compounds in PubChem. Several things were not verified: no EMA, NCCIH or LactMed page was found, NIH LiverTox could not be read, the 15-trial adult meta-analysis and the liver-injury table row for Yin Chen Hao are quoted second-hand, and the general advice that jaundice in a baby needs a doctor is a standard medical principle that we did not source on this page. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading, not formal grades. No study is cited that we could not verify.

Study library: every study we checked 22

Design Research type Plant part Year from Search

Study	Design	People	Product, dose, length	Result
Che 2026 Adjuvant therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Yinchenhao decoction in obstructive jaundice: a narrative review. Front Pharmacol · PMID 42256407 · DOI	Narrative review	People with obstructive jaundice and cholestasis (review of trials, animal and lab work)	Yinchenhao decoction (Artemisia capillaris + Gardenia jasminoides + Rheum palmatum) aerial part (herb) in a three-herb formula Not stated in the abstract. Not applicable (review) · vs Mostly usual drugs such as UDCA in the trials the review describes	Reviews the formula as add-on therapy for obstructive jaundice. Describes a 2015 meta-analysis of 15 trials (1,405 patients) that found lower liver and bilirubin blood markers than conventional drugs (mainly UDCA), a 2021 animal meta-analysis and a 2024 network meta-analysis. States that clinical evidence is limited by small samples, differences between trials, lack of blinding and short follow-up, that long-term safety data are lacking, and that claims of high safety and low toxicity need checking. Numbers for the 15-trial meta-analysis are as quoted inside this review; the original meta-analysis was not opened. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Efficacy, active compounds, pharmacokinetics and mechanisms of the formula as add-on treatment Limitations: Narrative review (not a systematic search). Trial numbers are second-hand. Some mechanism work is rodent only. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no commercial or financial relationships. Read: full-text (Europe PMC) + abstract
Feng 2022 Therapeutic efficacy and safety of Yinzhihuang granules with phototherapy in neonatal pathologic jaundice: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytomedicine · PMID 35325827 · DOI	Meta-analysis	2221 Newborns with pathologic jaundice	Yinzhihuang granules (extracts of Artemisia capillaris, Gardenia jasminoides, Lonicera japonica and Scutellaria baicalensis) plus phototherapy aerial part (herb) in a four-herb granule Not stated in the abstract. Not stated in the abstract. · vs Phototherapy alone	19 trials. Granules plus phototherapy gave lower bilirubin, shorter recovery and shorter hospital stay than phototherapy alone. Adverse reactions (diarrhea, rash, fever) were less common in the granule group. The authors note differences between trials and call for larger follow-up trials. Total bilirubin WMD -30.34 (95% CI -35.44 to -25.23); direct bilirubin WMD -15.03 (-23.54 to -6.52); indirect bilirubin WMD -11.22 (-17.50 to -4.95); recovery time WMD -2.96 (-3.92 to -2.00); hospital stay WMD -3.83 (-4.89 to -2.76); adverse reactions RR 0.44 (0.33 to 0.59). Units are not given in the abstract. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Total, direct and indirect bilirubin, recovery time, hospital stay, liver function indices, adverse reactions Limitations: Differences between included trials; the authors say more multicenter trials with follow-up are needed. Four-herb product, not the single herb. Funding and conflicts: Industry link: four of the six authors are affiliated with Lunan Pharmaceutical Group or its subsidiary, according to the PubMed author list; the abstract does not say who made the Yinzhihuang granules studied. Read: abstract
GBIF 2026 GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match: Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kit. GBIF API · Source	Database record	Plant name check		Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kit. is a separate ACCEPTED species (usage key 3120713) in Asteraceae. It is the other plant sold as yin chen. n/a Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Accepted name Limitations: Taxonomic database only. Read: read
GBIF 2026 GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match: Artemisia capillaris Thunb. GBIF API · Source	Database record	Plant name check		Artemisia capillaris Thunb. is an ACCEPTED name in the family Asteraceae (usage key 3120722); exact match. Many infraspecific names and Absinthium mollissimum Besser are listed as synonyms. n/a Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Accepted name, family, synonyms Limitations: Taxonomic database; says nothing about use or safety. Read: read
Hsueh 2021 The Pharmacological Effects and Pharmacokinetics of Active Compounds of Artemisia capillaris. Biomedicines · PMID 34680529 · DOI	Narrative review in-vitro, animal and review	Review of lab, animal and clinical reports	Artemisia capillaris compounds: scoparone, capillarisin, scopoletin, chlorogenic acid aerial part (herb) and compounds Not stated in the abstract. Not stated in the abstract. · vs Not applicable (review)	Lists scoparone, capillarisin, scopoletin and chlorogenic acid as the main active compounds with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antisteatotic, antiviral and antitumour properties. Main compounds reach their highest blood level within about 1 hour; only chlorogenic acid has a relatively long half-life. The authors say the dosing schedule should be considered carefully to balance benefit and side effects. None given. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetics Limitations: Narrative review. Pharmacokinetic work is mostly in animals. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract
Hui 2020 Scoparone as a therapeutic drug in liver diseases: Pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and molecular mechanisms of action. Pharmacol Res · PMID 32877694 · DOI	Narrative review in-vitro and animal	Review of lab and animal studies of scoparone	Scoparone (a coumarin from A. capillaris) isolated compound Not stated in the abstract. Not stated in the abstract. · vs Not applicable (review)	Describes anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic and lipid-lowering effects. Isoscopoletin and scopoletin are the main first breakdown products of scoparone. Liver disease may raise scoparone levels because the liver clears it more slowly, and high-dose formulas may raise levels of several components. None given. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, mechanisms Limitations: Mostly lab and animal work. No human trial of isolated scoparone is described in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated. Read: abstract
Jang 2015 A Survey of Therapeutic Effects of Artemisia capillaris in Liver Diseases. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med · PMID 26366183 · DOI	Narrative review in-vitro and animal	Mostly cell and animal research on liver disease	Artemisia capillaris herb and its compounds aerial part (herb) and isolated compounds Not stated in the abstract. Not stated in the abstract. · vs Not applicable (review)	Reports antisteatotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, choleretic (bile-promoting), antiviral, antifibrotic and antitumour activities, supporting possible use in hepatitis B, cirrhosis and liver cancer. None given. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Reported liver-related activities Limitations: Narrative review. Mostly laboratory and animal work. No human trial of the single herb is described in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not stated. Read: abstract
Jiang 2021 Comparative Evidence for Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Treatment With Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy: A Network Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol · PMID 34916949 · DOI	Network meta analysis	3841 Pregnant women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in 38 trials	Chinese prescriptions or patent medicines resembling Yinchenhao decoction, plus UDCA aerial part (herb) in Yinchenhao-type prescriptions Not stated in the abstract. Not stated in the abstract. · vs UDCA alone	38 trials. Yinchenhao-type prescriptions plus UDCA eased the itch score and lowered total bile acid, ALT and AST more than UDCA alone. The abstract reports efficacy only; safety for the mother or baby is not described there. Direction of effect only in the abstract. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Pruritus (itch) score, total bile acid, ALT, AST Limitations: Efficacy outcomes only in the abstract. Trial quality is not described in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no commercial or financial relationships. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020188831 Read: abstract
Ključevšek 2025 Allergic Potential of Medicinal Plants From the Asteraceae Family. Health Sci Rep · PMID 39995792 · DOI	Narrative review	People sensitive to daisy-family plants	Asteraceae medicinal plants, including Artemisia species pollen and plant material Not stated in the abstract. Not stated in the abstract. · vs Not applicable (review)	Daisy-family plants can cause immediate and delayed allergic reactions. Panallergens in Artemisia and ragweed pollen cause cross-reactions, and sesquiterpene lactones can irritate the skin and, in sensitized people, cause reactions after swallowing. A. capillaris itself is not singled out in the abstract. None given. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Allergic and skin-sensitizing potential Limitations: General review of the family. Not specific to A. capillaris. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract
Li 2024 Yinzhihuang injection as adjuvant treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Front Pharmacol · PMID 39703394 · DOI	Meta-analysis	2714 Newborn babies with high bilirubin (neonatal hyperbilirubinemia) in hospital	Yinzhihuang injection (a hospital-given, multi-herb injection that includes yin chen) aerial part (herb) in a multi-herb injection Not stated in the abstract. Not stated in the abstract. · vs Routine treatment alone	22 trials. The injection group did better than routine care alone on total effective rate, serum bilirubin on day 3 and day 5, and time to jaundice resolution. Adverse effects were described in four trials, incidence 8.60%. The authors conclude the evidence is not enough to recommend the injection as a routine treatment. Total effective rate RR 1.15 (95% CI 1.11 to 1.20); bilirubin day 3 MD -36.80 (-52.07 to -21.53); day 5 MD -4.18 (-7.50 to -0.86); time to resolution MD -2.46 (-2.81 to -2.10). Units are not given in the abstract. (See effect) Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Total effective rate, serum bilirubin, time to jaundice resolution, adverse effects Limitations: Trials need confirmation with stronger methods (authors' own words). Which adverse effects occurred is not given in the abstract. Mixed-herb injection, not the single herb. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no commercial or financial relationships. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42024556811 Read: abstract + full text (Europe PMC)
Luo 2024 Optimized therapeutic potential of Yinchenhao decoction for cholestatic hepatitis by combined network meta-analysis and network pharmacology. Phytomedicine · PMID 38583348 · DOI	Network meta analysis human + computational	1591 Patients with cholestatic hepatitis in 20 trials	Yinchenhao decoction at different herb ratios (Artemisia capillaris : Gardenia : Rheum) plus conventional treatment aerial part (herb) in a three-herb formula Different ratios compared; amounts per herb are not given in this record Not stated in the abstract · vs Conventional treatment	20 trials, 1,591 patients. Formula plus conventional treatment ranked best on efficacy and on AST and total bilirubin; different ratios ranked best for different markers. The authors say liver injury has been reported with two of the formula's ingredients (rhubarb and gardenia) and ask whether the formula is still safe enough. Rankings (SUCRA) only in the abstract; no effect sizes given there. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Efficacy, ALT, AST, total bilirubin Limitations: Ranking of ratios, not a head-to-head trial of ratios. Combined with computer-based network pharmacology, which is a prediction, not proof. Funding and conflicts: Author group includes a co-author from the University of Mainz; no funding statement in the abstract. Read: abstract
NCBI 2026 NCBI Taxonomy: Artemisia capillaris (taxid 265783) NCBI Taxonomy · Source	Database record	Plant name check		Artemisia capillaris is listed as a species with taxonomy id 265783. n/a Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Taxonomy id Limitations: Taxonomic database only. Read: read
PubChem 2026 PubChem compound record: Scoparone (CID 8417) PubChem · Source	Database record	Compound identity check		Scoparone: CID 8417, formula C11H10O4. n/a Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CID and molecular formula Limitations: Chemical database only. Read: read
PubChem 2026 PubChem compound record: Scopoletin (CID 5280460) PubChem · Source	Database record	Compound identity check		Scopoletin: CID 5280460, formula C10H8O4. n/a Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CID and molecular formula Limitations: Chemical database only. Read: read
PubChem 2026 PubChem compound record: Isoscopoletin (CID 69894) PubChem · Source	Database record	Compound identity check		Isoscopoletin: CID 69894, formula C10H8O4. n/a Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CID and molecular formula Limitations: Chemical database only. Read: read
PubChem 2026 PubChem compound record: Capillarisin (CID 5281342) PubChem · Source	Database record	Compound identity check		Capillarisin: CID 5281342, formula C16H12O7. n/a Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CID and molecular formula Limitations: Chemical database only. Read: read
PubChem 2026 PubChem compound record: Chlorogenic acid (CID 1794427) PubChem · Source	Database record	Compound identity check		Chlorogenic acid: CID 1794427, formula C16H18O9. n/a Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: CID and molecular formula Limitations: Chemical database only. Read: read
Shi 2021 Preclinical evidence of Yinchenhao decoction on cholestasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies. Phytother Res · PMID 32975338 · DOI	Meta analysis (animal) animal	404 19 animal studies (404 animals) of experimental cholestasis	Yinchenhao decoction aerial part (herb) in a three-herb formula Not stated in the abstract. Not stated in the abstract. · vs Untreated model animals	Bilirubin, bile acids and liver enzymes were lower in treated animals than in untreated model animals. The authors say the formula looks promising but needs better-designed studies. P < 0.00001 for most markers; see abstract. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Bilirubin, bile acids, ALT, AST, ALP Limitations: Animal studies only. Not evidence for people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated. Read: abstract
Teschke 2015 Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal hepatotoxicity: a tabular compilation of reported cases. Ann Hepatol · PMID 25536637	Systematic review (compilation of case reports)	Published case reports of liver injury with Chinese herbs (77 publications, 57 herbs and mixtures)	Chinese herbs and herbal mixtures, including Yin Chen Hao as sold (plant part and species not specified in the abstract) Not stated in the abstract. Not stated in the abstract. · vs Not applicable	Causality was established for 28 of 57 herbs or mixtures. Yin Chen Hao is on the list of 28, as are Da Huang (rhubarb), Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis) and Ge Gen/Kudzu. In the table (read earlier, not re-opened in this round) Yin Chen Hao has one case rated probable and seven further reported cases without a rating, and the product may have been a mixture. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Causality of liver injury (CIOMS scale or re-exposure) Limitations: Selective literature search (the authors' wording); how often injury happens is unknown; the table row for Yin Chen Hao was not re-checked in this round. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract (table row summary-only)
Wu 2001 New constituents and antiplatelet aggregation and anti-HIV principles of Artemisia capillaris. Bioorg Med Chem · PMID 11197349 · DOI	Laboratory research in-vitro	Test-tube assays	Compounds isolated from the aerial part of Artemisia capillaris aerial part Not stated in the abstract. Not stated in the abstract. · vs Not stated in the abstract.	Four new coumarins and 70 known compounds were isolated. Fifteen of them reduced platelet clumping in the test tube and three showed activity against HIV in cells. None given. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Antiplatelet aggregation and anti-HIV activity Limitations: Test-tube only. The abstract does not say which compounds were active in which test, and nothing was tested in people. Funding and conflicts: Not stated. Read: abstract
Xu 2026 Yinchenhao Decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Integr Med · PMID 41905832 · DOI	Controlled trial	130 Adults with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)	Yinchenhao Decoction granules (three-herb formula) aerial part (herb) in a three-herb formula Not stated in the abstract. 24 weeks · vs Placebo	After 24 weeks, liver fat (MRI-PDFF), CAP, ALT, AST, ALP and BMI fell more in the formula group than in the placebo group (all P < 0.05). No serious adverse events were seen. Some bile acids changed; eicosanoids did not. All P < 0.05; mean differences are not in the abstract. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Change in liver fat (MRI-PDFF), CAP, metabolic markers, liver tests, bile acids and eicosanoids Limitations: One trial, 24 weeks, formula not the single herb. Funding is not given in the abstract. Funding and conflicts: Not given in the abstract. Registration: ChiCTR2000034868 Read: abstract
Yun 2017 A comprehensive study on in vitro and in vivo toxicological evaluation of Artemisia capillaris. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol · PMID 28487065 · DOI	Animal safety study animal	Rats of both sexes (13-week study) and cell and animal genotoxicity tests	Artemisia capillaris extract (oral, rats) extract (part not stated in the abstract) Five dose levels from 25 to 2000 mg per kg body weight per day (rats) 13 weeks · vs Control rats	No significant adverse effects in rats up to the highest dose tested (2000 mg per kg per day), which the authors set as the no-observed-adverse-effect level. The extract was not genotoxic in the Ames test, an in vitro chromosome test or an in vivo micronucleus test. No harm seen at the highest dose tested; this is an animal result. Methods, limits and funding Outcomes: Body weight, blood tests, organ weights, tissue examination, genotoxicity Limitations: Rats only. The authors conclude the extract is safe for human consumption; that is their conclusion from rat and cell tests and should be read next to the human case reports of liver injury. Funding and conflicts: Authors from Seoul National University; funding not given in the abstract. Read: abstract

What we do not know yet

What the evidence supports: low certainty that formulas containing capillary wormwood lower bilirubin and liver tests in short trials.
What is uncertain: whether the herb alone does anything in people; we found no trial of it.
Trials were small, mostly unblinded and short; newborn trials were add-ons to usual care, and one product review has maker-linked authors.
Long-term safety is not established, and the frequency of liver injury is unknown.
Pregnancy, breastfeeding and blood-thinner interactions have no human data for the herb alone.
Which species (A. capillaris or A. scoparia) is in a product is often not stated.
Chinese-language trials were not searched, and regulator pages (EMA, NCCIH, LiverTox, LactMed) were not found or could not be read.

How new research is added

New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and are placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any evidence rating or safety wording. New publications never change ratings automatically.

Lab markers

What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".

Organ function 3

▼

Total serum bilirubin (newborns)

Lowered in trials

Bilirubin is the yellow pigment that builds up in the blood and causes jaundice. Doctors measure it in the blood.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

The main test used to follow jaundice in newborns and to decide on treatment.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A bilirubin number is a lab marker, not proof of better health. The authors of the injection review say the evidence is not enough to recommend routine use.

Safety implication

A baby with jaundice needs a doctor's assessment; do not delay it.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁰	Injection plus routine care vs routine care alone: day 3 MD -36.80 (95% CI -52.07 to -21.53); day 5 MD -4.18 (95% CI -7.50 to -0.86). Units not given in the abstract.	2,714 newborns in 22 trials	Yinzhihuang injection (multi-herb)
²	Granules plus light therapy vs light therapy alone: total bilirubin WMD -30.34 (95% CI -35.44 to -25.23); direct WMD -15.03 (-23.54 to -6.52); indirect WMD -11.22 (-17.50 to -4.95). Units not given in the abstract.	2,221 newborns in 19 trials	Yinzhihuang granules (four-herb) plus phototherapy

^{10 2}

▼

ALT, AST, total and direct bilirubin (adults with cholestasis)

Lowered in trials

ALT and AST are liver enzymes that rise when liver cells are damaged. Total and direct bilirubin rise when bile cannot flow.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Standard blood tests used to follow cholestasis and liver damage.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Lower blood markers do not show better survival, fewer complications or a cure.

Safety implication

Two ingredients of the formula (rhubarb, gardenia) have reported liver injury.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹	As described in the review: the 2015 meta-analysis of 15 trials found lower ALT, AST, TBIL and DBIL with the formula than with conventional drugs, mainly UDCA. No numbers were read.	1,405 patients with cholestasis (as quoted in the review)	Yinchenhao decoction
¹¹	Network meta-analysis ranked the formula (plus conventional treatment) best on AST and total bilirubin; a different ratio ranked best on ALT. No effect sizes in the abstract.	1,591 patients, 20 studies	Yinchenhao decoction at different ratios plus conventional treatment

^{1 11}

▼

ALT, AST and ALP (adults with fatty liver)

Lowered in trials

Liver blood tests that rise when liver cells or bile ducts are stressed or damaged.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Standard markers of liver stress.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Statistical difference in one trial; clinical size unknown from the abstract.

Safety implication

Because liver injury has been reported with Yin Chen Hao products, anyone using one should have liver tests followed by a doctor.

Study	Result	People	Product
²¹	ALT, AST and ALP decreased significantly in the formula group compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Values not in the abstract.	130 adults with NAFLD	Yinchenhao decoction granules, 24 weeks

²¹

Other 3

▼

Time to jaundice clearing and hospital stay (newborns)

Lowered in trials

How long it takes for visible jaundice to go away, and how long the baby stays in hospital.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

A practical measure that matters to families and hospitals.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Closer to a real-life outcome than a lab value, but the trials were of mixed quality and open to bias.

Safety implication

Not a reason to delay medical care.

Study	Result	People	Product
¹⁰	Time to jaundice resolution MD -2.46 (95% CI -2.81 to -2.10). Unit not given in the abstract.	22 trials, 2,714 newborns	Yinzhihuang injection
²	Recovery time WMD -2.96 (95% CI -3.92 to -2.00); hospitalization time WMD -3.83 (95% CI -4.89 to -2.76). Units not given in the abstract.	19 trials, 2,221 newborns	Yinzhihuang granules plus phototherapy

^{10 2}

▼

Liver fat on MRI (MRI-PDFF) and CAP

Lowered in trials

MRI-PDFF measures the share of the liver that is fat on a scan. CAP is a scan-based fat score from a liver stiffness device.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Primary outcome of the fatty liver trial.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

A change in a scan marker; the abstract does not give whether the change is large enough to matter in daily health.

Safety implication

No serious adverse events were observed in the trial.

Study	Result	People	Product
²¹	MRI-PDFF (average) and CAP decreased significantly in the formula group compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Values not in the abstract.	130 adults with NAFLD	Yinchenhao decoction granules, 24 weeks

²¹

▼

Itch score and total bile acid (pregnancy cholestasis)

Lowered in trials

Itch (pruritus) is the main symptom of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Total bile acid in the blood is the main lab marker.

Low certainty

Results and what it means

Why it was measured

Primary outcomes of the network analysis.

Statistical vs. clinical meaning

Direction only; the abstract gives no sizes, baby outcomes or safety data.

Safety implication

Safety in pregnancy is not shown by this result.

Study	Result	People	Product
⁸	Yinchenhao-type prescriptions plus UDCA gave a larger drop in itch score, total bile acid, ALT and AST than UDCA alone. Numbers not in the abstract.	3,841 pregnant women in 38 trials	Yinchenhao-type prescription or patent medicine plus UDCA

⁸

Safety

What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.

Main points to know 8

Jaundice always needs a doctor. A baby with yellow skin or eyes needs a doctor or midwife the same day. Do not treat newborn jaundice with herbs. Jaundice in an adult can be a sign of gallstones, hepatitis, bile duct blockage or other serious illness. Capillary wormwood is a traditional jaundice herb, but taking it can delay the diagnosis that matters. The newborn and adult studies in this profile were done in hospital, with usual care alongside. Authoritative guidance (general medical principle; not verified in a source opened this round) ^{10 2}
Liver injury has been reported with Yin Chen Hao. A compilation of reported cases of liver injury from Chinese herbs lists Yin Chen Hao among 28 of 57 herbs or mixtures where a link was established. In the table, one case was rated probable and seven more were reported without a rating, and the product may have been a mixture. How often this happens is unknown. Other herbs on the same list include rhubarb (Da Huang) and Baikal skullcap (Huang Qin), which are in some Yin Chen Hao formulas. Case report compilation ¹⁹
Most human evidence is for formulas, not the herb. Trials tested Yinchenhao decoction (with gardenia and rhubarb) or Yinzhihuang products (with other herbs). Safety results from them cannot be assigned to capillary wormwood alone, and a 2026 review says long-term safety data for the formula are lacking and the claim of 'high safety and low toxicity' needs checking. Narrative review ^{1 2 10}
Two ingredients of the classic formula have their own liver-injury reports. The authors of a 2024 network analysis state that liver injury has been reported with rhubarb and gardenia, two of the three ingredients of Yinchenhao decoction, and they tested whether changing the ratio could make it safer. Meta analysis (authors' statement) ¹¹
Blood-thinning effects are possible but unproven. Scoparone is a coumarin, a chemical family that includes some blood thinners. In the test tube, 15 compounds from the herb reduced platelet clumping. We found no study in people of the herb with blood thinners or before surgery, so the risk is unknown; this is a precaution, not a finding. Pharmacological theory + in vitro ^{20 6}
Daisy-family allergy. Artemisia belongs to the daisy family (Asteraceae). Pollen and sesquiterpene lactones from daisy-family plants can cause allergic reactions, including cross-reactions. A. capillaris is not singled out in the review. Narrative review ⁹
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: no safety data for the herb. No safety data for the single herb in pregnancy or breastfeeding were found. Trials of formula plus UDCA in pregnancy cholestasis report benefit in the abstract but not safety. Do not use unless your obstetrician or midwife agrees. Insufficient ^{8 1}
Name and species mix-ups. Yin chen can be A. capillaris or A. scoparia in commerce. A 2024 review names Artemisiae Scopariae Herba as the yin chen in Yinzhihuang. Check the species on the label; cautions for one may not apply to the other. Authoritative guidance (database check) ^{10 3 4}

Side effects 5

Effect	How often	Severity and recovery	Evidence
Diarrhea, rash and fever (reported adverse reactions in newborn trials of Yinzhihuang granules plus light therapy) These were less common in the granule group than in the light-therapy-only group (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.59). The reactions may be linked to the jaundice or its treatment rather than to the herbs.	Not established	mild to moderate (not stated) Not stated in the abstract.	Meta-analysis ²
Adverse effects with Yinzhihuang injection in newborns Type of adverse effects not given in the abstract. Whether it was higher or lower than the control group is not stated.	8.60% in four trials	not stated Not stated in the abstract.	Meta-analysis ¹⁰
Liver injury Case reports with Yin Chen Hao, possibly in mixtures. Frequency unknown.	Not established	can be serious Not described in the abstract.	Case report ¹⁹
Allergic reactions General risk with daisy-family medicinal plants, not measured for A. capillaris.	Not established	varies Varies	Narrative review ⁹
No serious adverse events in one 24-week fatty-liver trial of the formula Single trial of 130 adults; too small to rule out rare problems.	Not established	none serious Not applicable	Controlled trial ²¹

Liver

Capillary wormwood is mostly known as a liver herb, but it also appears in reports of liver injury. A compilation of Chinese-herb liver-injury cases (Teschke 2015; selective literature search, 77 publications, 57 herbs or mixtures) names Yin Chen Hao among the 28 with established causality. In the table row, one case was rated probable and seven further cases were reported; the product may have been a mixture, and we did not re-open the table row in this round. Rhubarb (Da Huang) and Baikal skullcap (Huang Qin), found in some Yin Chen Hao products, are also on the list. The 2024 network analysis says liver injury has been reported with rhubarb and gardenia. By contrast, trials of the formula in cholestasis and fatty liver report lower liver tests, and a 13-week rat study at up to 2000 mg per kg per day found no significant adverse effects. Together this means: signals of benefit in controlled settings, and individual reports of harm with commercial products. ^{19 11 22 21}

How often. Not known. The compilation is a selective search of published case reports and cannot give how often injury happens.

Monitoring. Anyone with liver disease who uses a Yin Chen Hao product should do so only with their doctor and with liver blood tests followed. Stop and see a doctor for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, severe itching, belly pain or unusual tiredness. NIH LiverTox was not readable in this round (access blocked), so it is not cited.

This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Capillary wormwood supports liver health.

Medicines and supplements 5

With	Why it matters	Importance	Evidence	What to do
Blood thinners (warfarin, apixaban, rivaroxaban) and antiplatelet medicines (aspirin, clopidogrel) drug	Scoparone is a coumarin, and compounds from the herb reduced platelet clumping in the test tube. Neither fact has been shown to change bleeding in people.	Unknown. No study in people was found.	Pharmacological theory + in vitro Not enough evidence ^{20 6}	Tell your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take any blood thinner or have surgery planned.
Medicines cleared by liver enzymes (CYP3A and UGT1A1 substrates) drug	In rodents, the formula increased CAR-driven liver enzymes including CYP3A, UGT1A1 and SULT2A1. Whether this changes drug levels in people is not known.	Unknown.	Animal research Not enough evidence ¹	Ask a pharmacist before combining with prescription medicines, especially those with a narrow safety margin.
Other herbs or medicines that can injure the liver herb/drug	Rhubarb, gardenia and Baikal skullcap in formulas have their own liver-injury reports.	Possible added liver risk; not quantified.	Case report compilation Not enough evidence ^{19 11}	Avoid stacking several liver-active herbs; have liver tests checked by a doctor.
UDCA (usual cholestasis medicine) drug	Trials added the formula to UDCA; the abstracts do not report an interaction.	Not reported.	Rct and meta analysis Not enough evidence ^{8 1}	Only combine under a doctor's care.
Other medicines in general drug	Liver disease may raise blood levels of scoparone because the liver clears it more slowly; high-dose formulas may raise levels of several components.	Pharmacokinetic review, mostly animal data.	Pharmacological theory Not enough evidence ^{6 5}	Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all herbs you use.

Who should check first 7

Situation	Advice	Evidence
A baby with jaundice	A baby with yellow skin or eyes needs a doctor or midwife the same day. Do not treat newborn jaundice with herbs.	Authoritative guidance (general medical principle; not verified in a source opened this round) ¹⁰
Adults with new yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or pale stools	See a doctor first. Do not use herbs in place of an assessment.	Authoritative guidance (general medical principle)
Pregnancy	Do not use unless your obstetrician agrees. No safety data for the single herb were found; formula trials in pregnancy cholestasis did not report safety in the abstract.	Insufficient ^{8 1}
Breastfeeding	No data found (no LactMed entry found). Ask your doctor or midwife.	Insufficient
Known liver disease or earlier herb-induced liver injury	Use only under specialist care, with liver tests followed.	Case report compilation ¹⁹
Allergy to daisy-family plants (ragweed, mugwort, chrysanthemum) or Artemisia pollen	Avoid unless an allergist agrees.	Narrative review ⁹
Taking blood thinners or planning surgery	Ask your doctor or pharmacist first (precaution; unproven).	Pharmacological theory ^{20 6}

Overdose, product quality and regulators

Summary. The only toxicity study we read is in rats: a 13-week study of an A. capillaris extract found no significant adverse effects up to the highest dose tested and no genotoxicity in standard tests. Human reports of liver injury with Yin Chen Hao products exist.

Animal. Yun 2017: 13-week oral study in male and female rats at five dose levels up to 2000 mg per kg body weight per day. No significant adverse effects on food intake, body weight, deaths, blood counts, blood chemistry, organ weights or tissue examination; the authors set the no-observed-adverse-effect level at the highest dose tested.

Human doses studied. No dose advice is given here. Human trials used formula granules or hospital injections and are described in the benefits files.

High dose or long term signals. A 2026 review says systematic long-term safety data for the formula are lacking.

Overdose response. Not found in the sources read.

Genotoxicity. Negative in the Ames test, an in vitro chromosome aberration test and an in vivo micronucleus test (Yun 2017, rat extract).

Toxic plant parts. Not found in the sources read. The aerial part is the part used.

No contamination data (heavy metals, pesticides, aflatoxin) for A. capillaris products were found. Species mix-up is the documented issue.

Two plants sold as yin chen. A. capillaris Thunb. and A. scoparia Waldst. & Kit. are separate accepted species in GBIF. A 2024 review names Artemisiae Scopariae Herba as the yin chen in Yinzhihuang. ^{4 3 10}

Mixed products. Most clinical products are mixtures (granule with gardenia, honeysuckle and Baikal skullcap; formula with gardenia and rhubarb). A liver-injury case may be due to any ingredient. ^{2 19}

Body	Action	Date

When to get medical help

Yellow skin or eyes in a baby, especially in the first 24 hours, or a baby who is sleepy, feeding poorly, or has pale stools or dark urine: see a doctor or midwife the same day.
Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools or severe itching in an adult.
Pain in the upper right belly, vomiting blood, black stools or unusual bruising.
Fever with yellowing skin.
Rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or trouble breathing (allergic reaction): get emergency help.
Confusion or extreme sleepiness (a sign of severe liver trouble).

Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.

General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is capillary wormwood used for?

Mostly for jaundice and liver and gallbladder complaints in Chinese medicine. Human studies are of formulas that contain it, such as Yin Chen Hao Tang, and the evidence is low certainty.

^{1 7}

Can capillary wormwood treat jaundice in a baby?

No home treatment is recommended. A baby with yellow skin or eyes needs a doctor the same day. In China, hospital products such as Yinzhihuang injection have been added to usual care in trials; the authors of the 2024 review say the evidence is not enough to recommend routine use.

^{10 2}

What is Yin Chen Hao Tang?

A classic Chinese formula of capillary wormwood, gardenia and rhubarb, used for jaundice. Human trials were of this formula or related products, not the herb alone.

^{1 11}

Does it help fatty liver?

One 24-week placebo-controlled trial of 130 adults with Yinchenhao decoction found less liver fat and lower liver enzymes than placebo. It is one trial of the formula, so the result is not firm.

²¹

Can it harm the liver?

Possibly. A compilation of case reports lists Yin Chen Hao among Chinese herbs with an established link to liver injury, and the authors of a 2024 analysis note liver injury reports for rhubarb and gardenia, two other formula ingredients. How often this happens is unknown.

^{19 11}

Is it safe in pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Not known. No safety data for the herb alone were found. Trials of the formula with UDCA in pregnancy cholestasis report benefit in the abstract but not safety. Ask your obstetrician or midwife.

^{8 1}

Does it thin the blood?

Unknown. Scoparone is a coumarin and compounds from the herb reduced platelet clumping in the test tube, but no study in people was found. Tell your doctor or pharmacist before use if you take blood thinners or have surgery planned.

^{20 6}

Can it cause allergies?

It can in people sensitive to the daisy family. Pollen and some plant compounds from Artemisia and related plants cross-react. See the Mugwort page for the same family.

⁹

Is capillary wormwood the same as sweet wormwood?

No. Sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua) is a different species and the source of artemisinin. Capillary wormwood is Artemisia capillaris. See the Sweet wormwood profile.

⁴

Which compounds are in it?

The main ones named in reviews are scoparone, scopoletin, capillarisin and chlorogenic acid. Most research on them is in cells and animals.

^{5 13 16}

Is the species always Artemisia capillaris?

No. Yin chen can also mean Artemisia scoparia in commerce, and a 2024 review names it as the yin chen in Yinzhihuang. Check the species on the label.

^{3 10}

Why does it matter that trials tested formulas?

Because the benefit or harm could come from other ingredients such as gardenia, rhubarb, honeysuckle or Baikal skullcap. The herb alone has no human trial that we found.

^{1 2}

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Editorial transparency

Written by: AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
Medical review: None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
First published: 2026-10-25
Last substantive update: 2026-10-25
How we research: We built this page from our existing summary of the herb, then searched PubMed and read abstracts for the main reviews, trials and safety reports, plus the full text of one 2026 review through Europe PMC. Plant names were checked in GBIF and NCBI Taxonomy and compounds in PubChem. Several things were not verified: no EMA, NCCIH or LactMed page was found, NIH LiverTox could not be read, the 15-trial adult meta-analysis and the liver-injury table row for Yin Chen Hao are quoted second-hand, and the general advice that jaundice in a baby needs a doctor is a standard medical principle that we did not source on this page. Certainty ratings are the compiler's own reading, not formal grades. No study is cited that we could not verify.
How we rate evidence: See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
Independence: No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown. If one is added later it will be labelled and kept apart from the evidence.

Sources 22

Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.

Che SH, Saad SA, Ju ML, et al.. Adjuvant therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Yinchenhao decoction in obstructive jaundice: a narrative review.. Front Pharmacol. 2026. PMID 42256407. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2026.1811123. (full-text (Europe PMC) + abstract)
Feng Q, Huang Z, Su L, et al.. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of Yinzhihuang granules with phototherapy in neonatal pathologic jaundice: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis.. Phytomedicine. 2022. PMID 35325827. DOI 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154051. (abstract)
GBIF. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match: Artemisia scoparia Waldst. & Kit.. GBIF API. 2026. (read)
GBIF. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy species match: Artemisia capillaris Thunb.. GBIF API. 2026. (read)
Hsueh TP, Lin WL, Dalley JW, et al.. The Pharmacological Effects and Pharmacokinetics of Active Compounds of Artemisia capillaris.. Biomedicines. 2021. PMID 34680529. DOI 10.3390/biomedicines9101412. (abstract)
Hui Y, Wang X, Yu Z, et al.. Scoparone as a therapeutic drug in liver diseases: Pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and molecular mechanisms of action.. Pharmacol Res. 2020. PMID 32877694. DOI 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105170. (abstract)
Jang E, Kim BJ, Lee KT, et al.. A Survey of Therapeutic Effects of Artemisia capillaris in Liver Diseases.. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015. PMID 26366183. DOI 10.1155/2015/728137. (abstract)
Jiang Y, Li H, Song D, et al.. Comparative Evidence for Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy Treatment With Traditional Chinese Medicine Therapy: A Network Meta-Analysis.. Front Pharmacol. 2021. PMID 34916949. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2021.774884. (abstract)
Ključevšek T, Kreft S. Allergic Potential of Medicinal Plants From the Asteraceae Family.. Health Sci Rep. 2025. PMID 39995792. DOI 10.1002/hsr2.70398. (abstract)
Li J, Zhang L, Chen Z, et al.. Yinzhihuang injection as adjuvant treatment for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.. Front Pharmacol. 2024. PMID 39703394. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2024.1467325. (abstract + full text (Europe PMC))
Luo S, Huang M, Lu X, et al.. Optimized therapeutic potential of Yinchenhao decoction for cholestatic hepatitis by combined network meta-analysis and network pharmacology.. Phytomedicine. 2024. PMID 38583348. DOI 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155573. (abstract)
NCBI. NCBI Taxonomy: Artemisia capillaris (taxid 265783). NCBI Taxonomy. 2026. (read)
PubChem. PubChem compound record: Scoparone (CID 8417). PubChem. 2026. (read)
PubChem. PubChem compound record: Scopoletin (CID 5280460). PubChem. 2026. (read)
PubChem. PubChem compound record: Isoscopoletin (CID 69894). PubChem. 2026. (read)
PubChem. PubChem compound record: Capillarisin (CID 5281342). PubChem. 2026. (read)
PubChem. PubChem compound record: Chlorogenic acid (CID 1794427). PubChem. 2026. (read)
Shi K, Wen J, Zeng J, et al.. Preclinical evidence of Yinchenhao decoction on cholestasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal studies.. Phytother Res. 2021. PMID 32975338. DOI 10.1002/ptr.6806. (abstract)
Teschke R, Zhang L, Long H, et al.. Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal hepatotoxicity: a tabular compilation of reported cases.. Ann Hepatol. 2015. PMID 25536637. (abstract (table row summary-only))
Wu TS, Tsang ZJ, Wu PL, et al.. New constituents and antiplatelet aggregation and anti-HIV principles of Artemisia capillaris.. Bioorg Med Chem. 2001. PMID 11197349. DOI 10.1016/s0968-0896(00)00225-x. (abstract)
Xu FP, Yang C, Yu SH, et al.. Yinchenhao Decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.. J Integr Med. 2026. PMID 41905832. DOI 10.1016/j.joim.2026.03.003. (abstract)
Yun JW, Kim SH, Kim YS, et al.. A comprehensive study on in vitro and in vivo toxicological evaluation of Artemisia capillaris.. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2017. PMID 28487065. DOI 10.1016/j.yrtph.2017.05.010. (abstract)

Education, not medical advice. This page is for general information. It does not diagnose or treat any condition and is not a substitute for care from a qualified health professional. Natural does not automatically mean safe. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before changing your care, especially if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a health condition.