Chai Hu Shu Gan Yin

Functions

Chai Hu Shu Gan Yin relieves the depressed liver, soothes the liver, and regulates qi circulation. It regulates qi by alleviating mental depression and dispersing pathogen accumulation. The formula is used to treat chest pain, hypochondrium pain, abdominal distention, poor appetite, and dysmenorrhea.

Dosage Info

Oral administration: One dose is decocted and divided into 2 administrations given in one day. For pills: 6 to 9g, 3 times a day, and is given with boiled warm water before meals. 5:1 concentrated extracts: 9grams/day

Ingredients

Precautions

If yin deficiency symptoms occur, such as red tongue with less fur, dry mouth and throat, and vexation and insomnia, treatment should be terminated.

Pharmacology

Choleretic effects: When the decoction was given to rats through the stomach at 3ml/each, the results showed that it had significant effects on promoting the production and excretion of bile in rats with stagnation of liver-qi. (1)

Increasing the volume of blood flow in brain and liver and cardiac output: The effects of this formula on rabbit brain, liver rheogram, and heart differential rheogram showed that, 5 and 10 minutes after administration, the contraction wave amplitude of brain rheogram increased remarkably (P

Clinical Applications

Treating epigastralgia, abdominal distention and eructation
42 cases were treated with the herbs Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Zhi Qiao (Aurantium Fruit), Zhi Xiang Fu (processed Cypreus), Yu Jin (Curcuma Root), Chen Pi (Citrus), Yuan Hu (Corydalis Tuber), Chuang Xiong (Cnidium), Gan Cao (Licorice), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), and Xu Chang Qing (Panicled Swallowwort Root). The formula was modified according to the individual’s symptoms. One dose of the decoction was taken daily. The results showed that after 1 to 3 months of treatment, 2 cases were resolved, 25 cases had significant effectiveness, 14 cases were improved, and 1 case did not show any effectiveness. The total effectiveness rate was 97.6%. (2)

50 cases of epigastralgia, abdominal distention, eructation, and pain in hypochondriac region were treated. The herbs used were Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Zhi Qiao (Aurantium Fruit), Zhi Xiang Fu (processed Cyprus), Chuang Xiong (Cnidium), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The formula was modified according to each individual’s symptoms. The results showed that 6 cases were resolved, 26 cases had significant improvement, 17 cases had improvement, and 1 case had no improvement. The total effectiveness rate was 98%. (3)

This modified formula was used to treat 25 cases of anorexia, abdominal distention, insomnia, and amnesia caused by gastroenteritis. The herbs used were Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Chen Pi (Citrus), Hou Pu (Magnolia Bark), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Ban Xia (Pinella), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The formula was modified according to each individual’s symptoms. One dose consisted of 300ml of a decoction, given once in the morning and once in the evening. The results showed that 18 cases were significantly improved, 12 cases had improved, and 5 cases had not improved. (4)

Treating migraine
Modified Chai Hu Shu Gan Yin was used to treat 66 cases of migraine. The herbs used were Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Chuang Xiong (Cnidium), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The formula was modified according to each patient’s symptoms. The results showed that 40 cases were resolved, 15 cases were greatly improved, 8 cases had somewhat improved, and 3 cases did not improve. The total effectiveness rate was 95.5%. (5)

Treating general male sexual disorder
18 cases of male sexual disorder were treated. The single herbs used were Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Ban Xia (Pinella), Bai Shao (White Peony Root) and Chuan Niu Xi (Chuan Achyranthes), Lu Lu Tong (Liquidambar), Ma Qian Zi (Nut-vomitive poisonnut seed), and Xiang Fu (Cyperus). One dose of a decoction was given each day. The results showed that 12 cases were resolved, 3 cases had some improvement, and 3 cases had no improvement. (6)

Treating sexual impotence
20 cases of sexual impotence due to stagnation of liver-qi and blood stasis were treated with Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Chuang Xiong (Cnidium), Yu Jin (Curcuma Root), Mi Gan Cao (processed Licorice), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), and Wu Gong (Centipede). This mixture was made into a powder, and then modified to the individual’s symptoms. One dose was decocted in water and divided into 3 individual doses to be taken, for 20 days, which constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. The results showed that after 2 to 3 courses of the treatment, 15 cases were resolved, 3 cases had improved, and 2 cases showed ineffectiveness. The total effectiveness rate was 90%. (7)

Treating orchitis
37 cases of the patients were treated with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan Yin. The results showed that after 2 courses of treatment, 32 cases were resolved, 4 cases had improved, and 1 case had no effectiveness. The total effectiveness rate was 97.3%. (8)

Treating postherpetic neuralgia
40 cases were treated with 12 g of Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), as well as prepared Ru Xiang (Mastic), Mo Yao (Myrhh), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Yuan Hu (Corydalis Tuber), Chuang Xiong (Cnidium), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Xi Xin (Wild Ginger), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The herbs were decocted in water and one dose was divided and administered twice daily (morning and evening). The doses were administered for 10 days, which established one course of treatment. After treatment, 30 cases were resolved, 8 cases were improved, and 2 cases were unsuccessful, with the total effectiveness rate of 95%. (9)

Treating hyperplasia of mammary glands
This modified formula was used to treat 78 cases of hyperlasia of the mammary glands. For the patients of stagnation of the liver-qi type, Yu Jin (Curcuma Root), Ru Xiang (Mastic), Mo Yao (Myrhh), Wang Bu Liu Xing (Vaccaria), Qing Pi (Blue Citrus), and Fo Shou (Finger Citron) were added. For the patients with stagnancy of qi and blood stasis, the following herbs were added: Ru Xiang (Mastic), Mo Yao (Myrhh), San Leng (Burreed Tuber), E Shu (Zedoaria), Qing Pi (Blue Citrus), and Chuan Lian Zi (Melia). For the patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis, these herbs were added: Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Huang Qi (Astragalus Root), Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium), Yu Jin (Curcuma Root), Dan Shen (Salvia), and Tu Bie Cong (Ground Beetle). For the phlegm stagnancy type, Fa Ban Xia (prepared Pinellia), Zhi Nan Xing (processed Arisaema), Bai Jie Zi (White Mustard Seed), Jiang Can (Silkworm), and Gua Lou Pi (Trichosanthese Peel) were added. One dose was decocted in water, and divided into 2 or 3 administrations. One month constituted one course of treatment. The results showed that 32 cases were resolved, 33 cases showed significant improvement, 11 cases showed some improvement, and 2 cases did not improve. (10)

56 cases of hyperplasia of the mammary glands were treated with the modified formula. After treatment, 29 cases were clinically resolved, 14 cases had significant effectiveness, 11 cases were improved, and 2 cases were unsuccessful, with the total effectiveness rate of 96.4%. (11)

Treating ascariasis of biliary tract
51 cases of ascariasis of the biliary tract were treated. The single herbs used were Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Chuang Xiong (Cnidium), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Chuang Lian Zi (Melia), Yu Jin (Curcuma Root), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Chen Pi (Citrus), and Pian Jiang Huang (Curcuma), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Yin Chen (Oriental Wormwood), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Wu Mei (Mume), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Tuber), Shou Da Huang (cooked Rhubarb), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The formula was decocted in water, and given once a day. For children younger than 12 years, the dosage was reduced to 1/2 to 2/3 of the regular dose. In the control group, 47 cases were treated with 0.5mg of atropine by intramuscular injection, 3 times a day; 30ml orally of 33% magnesium sulfate, 3 times a day; 75mg/kg/day of piperazine citrate orally, once daily; and gentamicin, 80000 U each time by intramuscular injection, twice a day. For children, the doses were reduced based on different situations. One course of treatment consisted of 3 days. The results for the two groups were, respectively: 45 cases and 32 cases were resolved and in 42 and 27 cases, the pain ceased. (12)

The formula with Sheng Da Huang (Rhubarb) added, was used to treat 11 cases of disease of the biliary tract, with 1 to 15 doses. All cases were resolved. (13)

Treating insomnia
30 cases of obstinate insomnia were treated with Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Chuang Xiong (Cnidium), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The formula was modified according to the individual’s symptoms. 10 days constituted one course of treatment. The results showed that 26 cases were clinically resolved, 3 cases had improved, and 1 case did not improve. The total effectiveness rate was 96.7%. (14)

Others
Chai Hu Shu Gan Yin was applied to treat 120 cases of hypochondriac pain caused by rib fractures. 96 cases received satisfactory results, 21 cases had good results, and 3 cases had some improvement. The total effectiveness rate was 97.5%. (15)

32 cases of back pain related to childbirth were treated with this formula, with 28 cases resolved 4 cases improved. The total effectiveness rate was 100%. (16)

The formula was also used to treat 42 cases of irritable bowel syndrome. 16 cases were resolved, 15 cases were significantly improved, 8 cases were improved, and 3 cases were unchanged. The total effectiveness rate was 92.8%. (17)

References

  1. Wang Xi, et al, Research on choleretic effects of Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang. Journal of Applied Internal Medicine in TCM. 1989;3(1):11.
  2. Zhou Ling. Treating 42 cases of epigastralgia by relieving and soothing the depressed liver. Jiangxi Journal of TCM. 1998;29(4):7.
  3. Xue Yong Ling. Treating 50 cases of epigastralgia with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan San. Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Herbs. 1995;(11):18.
  4. Sheng Zhi Zhong. Treating 50 cases of gastroneurosis with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan San. Sichuan Journal of TCM. 1995;13(6):26.
  5. Liang Guang Yi. Treating 66 cases of migraine with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan San. Beijing Journal of TCM. 1998;17(1):48.
  6. Zhang Hai Bo, et al. Treating male sexual disorder by soothing the liver and resolving phlegm. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine Information. 1998;14(3):35.
  7. Chang Jian Guo, et al. Treating 20 cases of sexual impotence of stagnation of the liver-qi and blood stasis by soothing the liver and promoting blood circulation. Shanxi Journal of TCM. 1998;14(3):35.
  8. Zhang Hong Jun, et al. Treating 20 cases of orchitis with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan San. Shaanxi Journal of TCM. 1993;14(2):54.
  9. Yang Hong, et al. Treating 40 cases of on postherpetic neuralgia with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan San. Hebei Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy. 1998;13(3):6.
  10. He Xiao Li. Treating 78 cases of hyperplasia of mammary glands with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan Tong. Yunnan Journal of TCM and Chinese Drug. 1999;20(3):26.
  11. He Zeng Fu. Clinical observation on treating 56 cases of hyperplasia of mammary glands with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan Tang. Yunnan Journal of TCM and Chinese Drug. 1997;18(3):26-27.
  12. Luo Xiao Hua. Treating 51 cases of ascariasis of biliary tract with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan San. Hunan Journal of TCM and Pharmacy. 1999;5(7):32.
  13. Xue Yao Dong. Treating 11 cases of biliary tract with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan San. Heilongjiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 1991;(5):32.
  14. Dong Chang Hua. Treating 30 cases of obstinate insomnia with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan San. National Journal of Medicine Forum. 1993;8(6):27.
  15. Huang Yong Xiong. Treating 120 cases of hypochondriac pain caused by fracture of rib with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan San. Guangxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 1999;22(4)37.
  16. Liu Rong. Treating 32 cases of puerperal lumbago with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan San. AnHui Journal of Clinical Application of TCM. 1999;11(6):384.
  17. Yang Xiao Bin. Treating irritable intestinal disease with modified Chai Hu Shu Gan San. Journal of Yunnan College of TCM. 2000;23(3):50.