ABSTRACT
Danggui Sinitang is first recorded in the Treatise on Cold Damage written by ZHANG Zhongjing in the Han dynasty. It is composed of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Asari Radix et Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Tetrapanacis Medulla, and Jujubae Fructus and serves as a classic formula for treating the syndrome of blood deficiency and cold reversal. This study systematically reviews the records of Danggui Sinitang in ancient Chinese medicine books of various dynasties and the modern clinical applications to probe into the composition, plant species, processing, dosage, decocting method, and indications of Danggui Sinitang, aiming to provide a reference for the development and clinical application of this classic formula. The review of the records showed that there were a variety of records of Danggui Sinitang with different composition, and the composition of this formula listed in the Treatise on Cold Damage has a significant impact on later generations and has been used by medical practitioners throughout history. Although the dosage of some drugs decreased during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the medical practitioners continued to use the original formula. In terms of processing, although there were slight changes in the processing of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Tetrapanacis Medulla, the original processing method was inherited. In terms of indications, Danggui Sinitang was designed to treat cold reversal due to blood deficiency and dysentery. Furthermore, it was used to treat headache, convulsive disease, infantile convulsion, and private part adduction in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nowadays, this formula is mostly used to treat diabetes peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, Raynaud's disease and other diseases. In terms of precautions, ancient physicians believed that Danggui Sinitang should not be taken by pregnant women and should only be used for limb chills caused by blood deficiency and cold coagulation. For limb chills caused by other reasons, this formula should not be used indiscriminately. Modern research has not reported any serious adverse reactions related to this formula. Danggui Sinitang has a definite therapeutic effect. In subsequent research and development, quality control standards of Danggui Sinitang should be established while its safety is ensured, and the related preparations should be developed and applied.
ABSTRACT
Taohe Chengqitang is a classical prescription published in The Catalogue of Ancient Classic Recipes (The First Batch). This study systematically summarized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ancient books and modern clinical reports on Taohe Chengqitang and investigated its origin, composition, basis, and historical evolution in processing requirements, dosage, preparation and administration, and functions. The findings indicated different opinions on drug basis, preparation of decoction pieces, and drug dosage conversion. Based on sufficient literature review, the actual development needs of classical prescriptions, and the usage habits of modern clinical practice, this study recommended dried mature seeds of Prunus persica or P. davidiana for Persicae Semen, dried twigs of Cinnamomum cassia for Cinnamomi Ramulus, honey-fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, raw Rheum palmatum, R. tanguticum, or R. offìcinale for Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and mirabilite for Natrii Sulfas. In terms of drug dosage, the doses directed converted from weights and measures in the Han dynasty were large. According to the common doses in modern clinical practice, conversion was carried out based on 6 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus, 6 g of Natrii Sulfas, 6 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and 12 g of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. The weight of Persicae Semen should be determined according to the actual measurement. In terms of preparation and administration, the drugs in the pot were decocted with 1 400 mL of water to obtain 500 mL of decoction, which was filtered and slightly boiled in the presence of Natrii Sulfas. About 100 mL of warm decoction was taken before meals, three times a day. It was recorded in the ancient books that Taohe Chengqitang was indicated for the syndromes of heat invading the bladder and accumulating inside in the case of released exterior syndrome in Taiyang. After symptom-based flexible application by doctors, it is currently commonly used in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, constipation, chronic renal failure, and other diseases.
ABSTRACT
Taohe Chengqitang is a classical prescription published in The Catalogue of Ancient Classic Recipes (The First Batch). This study systematically summarized traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) ancient books and modern clinical reports on Taohe Chengqitang and investigated its origin, composition, basis, and historical evolution in processing requirements, dosage, preparation and administration, and functions. The findings indicated different opinions on drug basis, preparation of decoction pieces, and drug dosage conversion. Based on sufficient literature review, the actual development needs of classical prescriptions, and the usage habits of modern clinical practice, this study recommended dried mature seeds of Prunus persica or P. davidiana for Persicae Semen, dried twigs of Cinnamomum cassia for Cinnamomi Ramulus, honey-fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis for Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, raw Rheum palmatum, R. tanguticum, or R. offìcinale for Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, and mirabilite for Natrii Sulfas. In terms of drug dosage, the doses directed converted from weights and measures in the Han dynasty were large. According to the common doses in modern clinical practice, conversion was carried out based on 6 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus, 6 g of Natrii Sulfas, 6 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and 12 g of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. The weight of Persicae Semen should be determined according to the actual measurement. In terms of preparation and administration, the drugs in the pot were decocted with 1 400 mL of water to obtain 500 mL of decoction, which was filtered and slightly boiled in the presence of Natrii Sulfas. About 100 mL of warm decoction was taken before meals, three times a day. It was recorded in the ancient books that Taohe Chengqitang was indicated for the syndromes of heat invading the bladder and accumulating inside in the case of released exterior syndrome in Taiyang. After symptom-based flexible application by doctors, it is currently commonly used in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy, constipation, chronic renal failure, and other diseases.