The "Bupleurum" in "Bupleurum depletes liver yin" refers to the Bupleurum method in the Minor Bupleurum Decoction.

Xu Ling-tai, in his commentary on the Bupleurum entry in the Shennong Bencao Jing, also did not record that Bupleurum depletes liver yin. However, when discussing the differences and similarities in the medicinal properties of Starwort Root and Bupleurum, he pointed out: "If Bupleurum is used to treat deficiency fatigue, then cough, fever... the yin fire will rise more and more." He clearly stated that Starwort Root must be used to treat deficiency fatigue, and Bupleurum should not be used.

Zhang Xi-chun was skilled in using Bupleurum to treat malaria and believed that "if yin deficiency is encountered, or if heat enters the uterus, it is advisable to use more yin-enriching and blood-cooling medicines... Therefore, in my treatment of malaria, there are cases cured by heavy use of Unprocessed Rehmannia Root and Prepared Rehmannia Root, and cases cured by heavy use of raw Gypsum and Anemarrhena... However, Bupleurum is always used in the prescription."