CALCULUS BOVIS | NIU-HUANG | OX GALLSTONES

Calculus bovis, also known as ox gallstones or niu-huang, are dried gallstones from cattle, primarily used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). They are harvested from cattle (Bos taurus domesticus) and have a long history of use in China and other Asian countries. The gallstones are valued for their purported ability to cool the body, clear heat, and relieve various symptoms like fever, convulsions, and stroke.

Traditional Uses:
In TCM, calculus bovis is believed to have various properties, including cooling the body, clearing heat and toxins, and promoting the circulation of qi (vital energy). It is used to treat a range of conditions, including high fever, convulsions, epilepsy, stroke, sore throat, and central nervous system disorders.

Origin and Types:
The gallstones can originate from different sources, including naturally occurring calculus bovis (NCB), artificially cultivated calculus bovis (CBA), calculus bovis from a specific type of grass (CBS), and cultivated calculus bovis (CCB).

Chemical Composition:
Research has identified numerous chemical components in calculus bovis, some of which are believed to contribute to its medicinal properties.

Pharmacological Activities:
Studies have explored the pharmacological effects of calculus bovis, including its potential anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and anti-cancer properties.

Current Research:
Ongoing research focuses on understanding the active ingredients in calculus bovis, exploring its mechanisms of action, and investigating its potential therapeutic applications, including its use in treating liver diseases and cancer.