Textual Research and Modern Clinical Application of Famous Classical Formula Maimendongtang / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo systematically review the ancient and modern literature about Maimendongtang, so as to provide a scientific basis for the modern clinical application and preparation research and development of Maimendongtang. MethodThe Chinese Medical Code (version 5) was searched with "Maimendongtang" as the keyword. The modern clinical studies of Maimendongtang were retrieved from CNKI with “Maimendongtang” as the keyword and the time interval from January 1, 1975 to December 31, 2022. The articles involving the main symptoms, herb composition, dosage, and decocting and medication methods of Maimendongtang were selected and screened according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Finally, the information including the book name, indications, herbs, dosage, and decocting and medication methods were included to summarize the ancient and modern application of Maimendongtang. ResultA total of 357 publications of Maimendongtang were included, involving 115 ancient books. Maimendongtang was first published in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber by ZHANG Zhongjing in the Han dynasty. It is composed of Ophiopogonis Radix, Pinelliae Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Semen Oryzae Sativae, Jujubae Fructus, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. Despite the slight changes during the inheritance by later generations, the indications, herb composition, dosage, and decocting and medication methods of this formula were generally consistent with those in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber. A total of 182 modern articles were included to analyze the clinical application of Maimendongtang. This formula was mainly used to treat respiratory system diseases, digestive system diseases, tumor-related diseases, etc. ConclusionAccording to the textual research on the ancient and modern literature, the composition, dosage, indications, and decocting and medication methods of Maimendongtang are basically consistent with those recorded in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber. The modern clinical application not only follows the main indications but also expands the clinical application scope of this formula, which is mainly used to treat patients with the syndrome of yin deficiency of lung and stomach. The modern clinical application of Maimendongtang has promoted the inheritance and innovation of classic famous prescriptions and provided a scientific basis for the drug research and development.