Bu Yang Huan Wu

Functions

Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang enriches qi, promotes blood circulation, and dredges meridians. It is mainly used to treat apoplectic sequelae (stroke) and other conditions such as hemiplegia, eye and mouth distortion, stiffness in the tongue and aphasia, atrophy and paralysis of lower limbs, and frequent or uncontrollable urination.

Dosage Info

Decoction: boil the herbs with an appropriate amount of water; orally taken once a day, in the morning and evening. 5:1 concentrated extracts: 9g/day.

Ingredients

Precautions

Acute toxicity experiments of a Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang granule preparation indicated that the maximum dosage of Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang is greater than 27.5g/kg and 3g/kg for intragastric administration and intravenous administration, respectively. (1)

Pharmacology

Effect on myocardium: Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang can enhance the contractility of cat papillary muscles. This effect is dependent on the dose concentration. (2)

Effect of anticoagulation and anti-thrombosis: Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang has significant anticoagulant actions both in vitro and in vivo and has a striking dose-effect relationship. Except for inhibiting the activity of thrombase, it can also suppress the former process of thromboplastinogenase production. (3) Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang can significantly resist ADP-induced platelet agglutination and thrombosis in rabbits. (4) , (5) It can also lower the platelet activating factor (PAF) levels in veins after the formation of venous thrombosis. It has no noticeable effects on PAF levels before the formation of thrombosis. It can significantly lower venous thrombosis formation rates, reduce the dry weight of venous thrombosis, and the thrombosis-body weight index. (6)

Effects of anti-inflammation and immunologic enhancement: Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang has a striking effect on auricular inflammation, capillary permeability of the abdominal cavity, and carrageenin–induced arthritis in mice. It also has an inhibitory effect on plastic ring granuloma, displaying anti-exudative and proliferating inflammation. After administration of Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang, immune organs increased in weight. The phagocytic power of the phagocytes and the specific antibody hemolysin levels were enhanced significantly. (7)

Influence on blood rheology: At a dosage of 5 to 10g/kg, Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang has no effect on the blood rheology in normal animals but it can lengthen red blood cell electrophoretic migration duration. (8) Supplemented Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang can lower the whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity, and shorten erythrocyte electrophoretic migration duration in a rat. (9) Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang may lower whole blood high and low shearing specific viscosity, packed cell volume, plasma ratio viscosity, platelet aggregation rate, serum cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in rabbits. (10)

Influence on microcirculation: After intragastric administration of Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang or Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang plus Che Qian Cao (Plantain) and Bai Mao Gen (Imperata), the auricular arteries dilate and the net number of capillaries increased in ICR mice of the two groups. (11) In 65 cases of hemorrhagic fever of nephrotic syndrome patients, after treatment with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang, the number of the capillary loops of nail fold, the calibers of the afferent and efferent branches and blood flow velocity increase, the exudation, hemorrhage, erythrocyte aggregation and thrombosis reduce significantly. (12)

Protective effect on cerebral ischemic injury: Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang can resist the decline of erythrocyte C3bR levels and SOD activity, inhibit production of malonyldialdehyde (MDA) in the erythrocytes and brain tissues, and raise lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in brain tissues in cerebral ischemia rats. (13)

Repairing nerve injury: After severing the middle segment (about 6 cm) of the sciatic nerve, the two ends of the nerve were connected with a segment of silica gel tube in Sprague Dawley rats. The treatment group was administered Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang for 4 consecutive weeks while those in the control group were fed with routine forage. The results showed that the conduction velocity of pulses in the newly regenerative nerve of the treatment group was significantly faster than that of the control group (P

Clinical Applications

Treatment of apoplectic sequelae (stroke)
45 cases of apoplectic sequelae were treated with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. The herbs used included Huang Qi (Astragalus), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Tao Ren (Persica), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Di Long (Earthworm), and Chuan Xiong (Cnidium). This formula was modified according to the individual’s symptoms. It was orally taken once a day, in a decoction and divided into 3 separate administrations. One month constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. The results showed that 6 cases were resolved, 24 had significant improvement, 11 had some improvement, and 4 cases had not improved. The total effectiveness rate was 91.1%. (14)

29 cases of apoplectic sequelae were treated with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. The formula was combined with an external treatment. The herbs used were Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Di Long (Earthworm), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Ju Luo (Tangerine pericarp vascular bundle), and Gan Cao (Licorice). These herbs were decocted in water and taken in the morning and evening. In addition, Xi Xin (Wild Ginger), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Di Long (Earthworm), Ru Xiang (Mastic), Mo Yao (Myrrha), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Wu Gong (Centipede), and Zhang Nao (Camphora) were immersed in wine (50°, 2000ml) for a period of time. Absorbent cotton balls were used to apply the extract to the local limbs along the meridian course. Then a three-edged needle or a plum-blossom needle was used to tap the skin along meridian until bleeding occurred. After 13 to 98 days of treatment, 19 cases were resolved, 6 had significant improvement, 3 had some improvement, and 1 case had no improvement. (15)

16 cases of apoplectic dementia treated with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. This formula consisted of Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Tao Ren (Persica), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Shi Chang Pu (Grassleaved Sweetflag Rhizome), Yu Jin (Curcuma Root), Dan Xing (Arisaema), Di Long (Earthworm), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), and Tian Zhu Huang (Concretio Silicea Bambusae). The results showed that 3 cases were resolved, 11 had noticeable improvement, and 2 cases had no improvement. The total effectiveness rate was 87.5%. (16)

82 cases of limb pain resulting from a stroke were treated with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. The formula used the following single herbs: Huang Qi (Astragalus), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Ji Xue Teng (Milettia), Di Long (Earthworm), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Tao Ren (Persica), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Chuan Shan Jia (Anteater Scales), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The formula was taken once a day. 15 days constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. The results indicated that after 3 to 4 courses, 68 cases considerably improved, 11 had some improvement, and 3 cases had no improvement. The total effectiveness rate was 96.3%. (17)

Treatment of hyperlipemia
82 cases of hyperlipidemia were treated with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. The formula used the following herbs: Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Di Long (Earthworm), Ze Xie (Alisma), Hu Zhang (Giant Knotweed Rhizome), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Tao Ren (Persica), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Shou Wu (Fleece-flower Root), Jue Ming Zi (Cassia Seed), and dried Shan Zha (Crataegus). 3 weeks constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. In the control group, 40 cases of hyperlipidemia were treated with sulphate polysaccharide 100mg/time, 3 times a day. The results for both the treatment and control groups were, respectively, 41 and 20 cases had marked improvement, 37 and 15 had some improvement, and 4 and 5 cases had no improvement. The total effectiveness rates were 95% and 87.5%, respectively. (18)

Treatment of cerebral thrombosis
40 cases of cerebral thrombosis were treated with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. The formula used Huang Qi (Astragalus), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Yin Chen (Oriental Wormwood), Tao Ren (Persica), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Di Long (Earthworm), Chi Shao (Peony Red), and Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root). The results indicated that 25 cases showed significant improvement, 12 had some improvement, and 3 had no improvement. The total effectiveness rate was 92%. (19)

Treatment of cerebral trauma
42 cases of traumatic injury were treated with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. The herbs used were Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Gou Teng (Uncaria), parched Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Di Long (Earthworm), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Long Chi (Dragon Tooth), and Gan Cao (Licorice). This formula was taken once a day, for 15 days, which constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. The results showed that 17 cases were resolved, 20 cases were improved, and 5 cases had no significant improvement. The total effectiveness rate was 88%. (20)

Treatment of cerebral accident
76 cases of cerebral accident were treated with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. The herbs used were Huang Qi (Astragalus), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Tao Ren (Persica), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Di Long (Earthworm), and Chuan Xiong (Cnidium). The formula was taken once a day for 30 days, which constituted one course of treatment. The results showed that after one course of treatment, 48 cases were resolved and 28 had improved. The total effectiveness rate was 100%. (21)

Treatment of hypotension
30 cases of hypotension were treated with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. The herbs used included Huang Qi (Astragalus), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Dan Shen (Salvia), and Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig). The formula was taken once a day. 2 weeks constituted one therapeutic course of treatment. The results showed that 25 cases showed remarkable improvement, 4 showed some improvement, and one case had no improvement. The effectiveness rate was 97%. (22)

Treatment of diabetes with periphery nervous lesion
Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang was used to treat 35 cases of diabetes with peripheral nervous lesions. The herbs used were Huang Qi (Astragalus), Tao Ren (Persica), Hong Hua (Carthamus), Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root), Chi Shao (Peony Red), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Di Long (Earthworm), dried Di Huang (Rehmannia), Dan Shen (Salvia), Niu Xi (Achyranthes), Ji Xue Teng (Milettia), and Wei Ling Xian (Clematis). The formula was taken once a day. 12 days constituted one course of treatment. After 3 treatment courses, 14 cases were resolved, 17 showed some improvement, and 4 did not have any significant changes. The total effectiveness rate was 88.6%. (23)

Treatment of other disorders
Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s effectiveness rate was 86.15% in the treatment of periphery nerve separation anastomosis and in recovery. (24) The total effectiveness rate of Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang in the treatment of 87 cases of cervical spondylopathy (Wobbler’s syndrome) was 80.5%. (25) In the treatment of 20 cases of ischemic anterior optic disc lesions, Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s total effectiveness rate was 78.26%. (26) In treatment for 60 cases of general pain after pregnancy, 45 cases were resolved, 11 cases had marked improvement, and 4 had no change. (27) In treating 38 cases of lupus tuberculosis with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang, the total effectiveness rate was 86.9%. (28)

References

  1. Chen Shu Qing, et al. Therapeutic effects and toxicity of Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang capsules. Journal of Chinese and Western Pharmacy. 2000;15(4):259-261.
  2. Zhang Suo Hua, et al. Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s effects on basic physiological characteristics on cardiac muscles. Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Application of TCM. 1988;4(3):23-24.
  3. Huo Shi Lin, et al. Experimental research on Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s effects on blood clotting. Journal of Hunan College of TCM. 1989;9(4):212-214.
  4. Xie Ren Ming, et al. Effects on Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s effect on platelet aggregation and in vivo thrombus formation. Journal of Yunnan College of TCM. 1989;12(2):10-13.
  5. Duan Deng Zhi, et al. Modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s effect on counteracting thrombus formation and dissolving thrombus. Yunan Journal of TCM. 1992;13(1):23-25.
  6. Zhang Ji Ping, et al. Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s effect on venous platelet active factor level before and after venous thrombus formation. China Journal of Experimental Recipes. 1998;4(5):18-22.
  7. Duan Jin Yun. Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s anti-inflammatory and immune pharmacology effects. Journal of Integrated Medicine. 1989;9(3):164-166.
  8. Xu Qing Ai, et al. Experimental research on Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s effects on animal cerebral circulation and blood rheology. Journal of Chinese Patented Medicine. 1990;12(12):25-26.
  9. Lin Hua, et al. Modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s effect in invigorating the blood and removing blood stasis in rats. Journal of New Chinese Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology. 1997;8(4):239-240.
  10. Jie Jian Guo, et al. Research on Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s effect on cerebral apoplexy in rabbits. Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Application of TCM. 1993;9(4):1-2.
  11. Lu Sheng Kang, et al. Experimental research in modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s effect on auricular microcirculation in rats. Zhejiang Journal of Integrated Medicine. 1998;8(2):87-88.
  12. Sun Yu Ming, et al. Clinical observation on Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang capsules’ effect on HFRS induced micro-circulation impedance. Zhejiang Journal of Integrated Medicine. 1998;8(5):267-268.
  13. Xu Yao, et al. Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang’s protective effects on cerebral ischemia injuries in rats. Journal of Modern Integrated Medicine. 2000;9(11):983-985.
  14. Dong Gui Fen. Treating 45 cases of apoplectic sequelae with modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Sichuan Journal of TCM. 1998;16(12):27.
  15. Xu Wen Wang. Treating 29 cases of apoplectic sequelae with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang combined with external treatment. Inner Mongolia Journal of TCM. 1999;18(3):21.
  16. Zhang Yang Guan. Treating 16 cases of apoplectic dementia with modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Jiangsu Journal of TCM. 1998;19(3):21.
  17. Ying Dan Song, et al. Using Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang to treat 82 cases of limb pain as a result of apoplexy. Sichuan Journal of TCM. 1999;17(5):34.
  18. Zhang Xiu Yun. Clinical observations on treating 82 cases of hyperlipidemia with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Xinjiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 1999;17(5):34.
  19. Che Yu Guang. Brief research into treating cerebral thrombosis with modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Liaoning Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 1998;25(5): 208.
  20. Feng Xin Song. Treating 42 cases of traumatic injury syndrome with modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Journal of New TCM. 1998;30(7): 31-32.
  21. Geng Ping, et al. Treating 76 cases of cerebral accident with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Hebei Journal of Integrated Medicine. 1998;21(3):28.
  22. Zeng Zhu Han. Treating 30 cases of hypotension with modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Journal of Chengdu University of TMC and Pharmacy. 1998;21(3)28.
  23. Yang Jian Hong. Treating 35 cases of diabetes with peripheral nervous lesion with Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Journal of Applied Internal Medicine in TCM. 1999;13(3):27.
  24. Xu Zhao Dong, et al. Therapeutic observation effects of modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang on functional recovery after peripheral nervous separation anastomosis. Journal of New TCM. 1998;30(6):20-21.
  25. Yuan Ying Tao. Treating cervical spondylopathy with modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Fujian Journal of Chinese Medicine. 1998;29(4):17.
  26. Li Shu Na, et al. Treating 20 cases of ischemic anterior optic dis lesion with modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Hebei Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy. 1998;13(4):19-20.
  27. Wu Chao Xia. Treating 60 case of general pain after delivery with modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Henan Journal of TCM. 1999;19(1):49.
  28. Li Feng Xian, et al. Treating 38 cases of lupus tuberculosis with modified Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 1999;40(9):561.