Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San

Functions

Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San functions to dispel wind and alleviate pain. The formula is mainly used to treat headache due to wind-cold pathogen, aversion to cold, fever, stuffy nose, and dizziness.

Dosage Info

Powder is taken 3-6g at a time, twice a day, infused with tea, taken after meal. Infused preparation is taken 1-2 packs a time, 2 times a day, infused with boiling water. Orally taken solution is taken 10-20ml a time, 2 times a day, with tea after meal. Water pill is taken 3-6g a time, 2 times a day, with tea after meal. Tablet is taken 4-6 tablets a time, 3 times a day, after infusion with hot boiled water. Infused preparation is taken 1 pack a time, 3 times a day, following infused with boiling water. 5:1 concentrated extract: 9 grams/day.

Ingredients

• Bo He
• Chuan Xiong
• Fang Feng
• Gan Cao
• Jing Jie
• Xi Xin
• Qiang Huo

Precautions

Acute Toxicity: Experiments show that administered to mice at 1ml (containing 1 gram of the formula) each time, twice a day, for three days, the formula does not result in deaths in the subjects. (1)

Contraindications: headache due to deficiency of yin and heat of excess type.

Pharmacology

Analgesic effect: Experiments on mice involving the hot plate method and acetic acid body-torsion method show that the formula has a pronounced analgesic effect. The effect peaks between 15-30 minutes after administration and lasts for 2-3 hours. The formula can decrease the number of times of mice’s body-torsion that is induced by acetic acid. The effect increases with dosage. (2)

Sedative effect: The formula enhances the central inhibitory effect of pentobarbital sodium and, in mice, shortens sleep latency period and prolongs sleep time. The formula works synergistically with pentobarbital sodium, making it possible for pentobarbital sodium in sub-threshold dosage to induce anesthesia in animals. (3)

Anti-inflammatory effect: The formula has inhibitory effects on dimethylbenzene-induced increase in capillary permeability in mice. It can antagonize H⁺ stimulation-induced increase in capillary permeability in mice’s abdominal cavity. It can also antagonize inflammation in [rat] paws caused by egg white and Halidrys siliquosa glue. (4)

Antipyretic effect: The formula has a relatively strong antipyretic effect on nitro-group powder-induced fever in rats. The effect becomes pronounced 30 minutes after administration and lasts more than 2 hours. (5)

Anti-hypoxia effect: The formula can reduce oxygen consumption of mice, extend the survival time of mice after their common carotid arteries have been ligated, and enhance mouse brain’s tolerance for hypoxia. (6)

Clinical Applications

Headache
Yang, et al. treated 57 cases of migraine a modification of this formula. The modified formula consisted of Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Bai Zhi (Angelica), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root), Xi Xin (Wild Ginger) and Gan Cao (Licorice). One dose of the formula in decoction (300ml) was taken per day (equally divided into two portions to be taken in the morning and in the evening). The results: 24 cases resolved, 21 cases much improved, 5 cases improved, and the remaining 7 cases did not respond to the treatment, with a total effective rate of 87.7%. (7)

Hu, et al. treated 65 cases of migraine with this formula and modified Qing Zhen Tang. The herbs used were Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Dan Shen (Salvia), Bai Zhi (Angelica), Fang Feng (Siler), Grassleaved Sweetflag Rhizome (Rhizoma Acori Graminei), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root), Atractylodes (Rhizoma Atractylodis), Xi Xin (Wild Ginger), Cimicifuga (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The decoction was taken one dose a day for 10 days. The results: 20 cases resolved, 25 cases much improved, 16 cases improved, and the remaining 4 cases did not respond to the treatment, with a total effective rate of 93.9%. (8)

Yang treated 80 cases of headache with a modification of this formula, and reported that 30 cases resolved, 31 cases much improved, 18 cases improved, and the remaining 1 case did not respond to the treatment. (9)

Wang treated 54 cases of nervous headache with a modification of this formula. The modified formula consisted of Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Dan Shen (Salvia), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Fang Feng (Siler), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Tuber), Bai Zhi (Angelica), Bo He (Mentha), and Xi Xin (Wild Ginger). One dose in decoction was taken daily (administered at half-dose portions twice a day), and 7 days comprised one course of treatment. The results: 16 cases resolved, 21 cases much improved, 14 cases improved, and the remaining 3 cases did not respond to the treatment, with a total effective rate of 94.4%. (10)

Yao treated 19 cases of headache due to internal injury with Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San plus Wu Gong (Centipede) or Quan Xie (Scorpion) and Jiang Can (Silkworm). The formula was modified to suit individual patients’ symptoms. One dose of the formula in decoction was equally divided into 3 portions for oral administration, a dose per day for 2-15 days resolved the headache in all of the patients. A 2-year follow-up found that one relapse occurred in 3 cases and two relapses occurred in 2 cases. The headaches again resolved after all the patients had taken the formula again. (11)

Liao treated 150 cases of headache with a modification of this formula featuring large-dose use of Chuan Xiong (Cnidium). After taking 3-30 doses, 142 cases resolved, 6 cases improved, and the remaining 2 cases did not respond to the treatment. (12)

Wang, et al. treated 56 cases of angioneurotic headache with modified Chuan Xioang Cha Tiao San. The decoction was taken one dose a day or 3 doses every two days for severe cases. The results: 38 cases resolved, 14 cases much improved, and the remaining 4 cases improved. (13)

Tan treated 52 cases of angioneurotic headache with a modification of this formula. The modified formula consisted of Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Bo He (Mentha), Ku Ding (Herba Lactucae Taiwanianae), Bai Zhi (Angelica), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root), Fang Feng (Siler), Gan Cao (Licorice), and Xi Xin (Wild Ginger). For patients with blood stasis, the formula Xu Fu Zhu Yu Tang was also prescribed; for patients with damp-heat in the liver channel, the formula Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San was also prescribed; and for patients with phlegm-dampness, the formula Bai Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang was also prescribed. The decoction was equally divided into 2 portions for taking, one dose a day. A 30-day course of treatment resulted in headache resolution in 16 cases, significant improvement in 19 cases, improvement in 12 cases, no effect in 5 cases, with a total effective rate of 90.4%. (14)

Zhang, et al. treated 88 cases of angioneurotic headache with a modification of this formula. The modified formula consisted of Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Fang Feng (Siler), Bai Zhi (Angelica), Ge Gen (Pueraria Root), Xi Xin (Wild Ginger), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Dan Shen (Salvia), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The decoction was taken one dose per day. The results: 70 cases recovered, 12 cases improved, and the remaining 6 cases did not respond to the treatment. (15)

Xue treated 58 cases of angioneurotic headache with this formula, and reported that 27 cases recovered, 14 cases much improved, another 14 cases improved, and the remaining 3 cases did not respond to the treatment, with a total effective rate of 94.8%. (16)

Cervical spondylopathy
Wang, et al. treated 60 cases of cervical spondylopathy with the pill form of this formula. The formula was taken 2g each time, 3 times per day, and 2-3 months comprised one course of treatment. The results: 27 cases recovered, 9 cases much improved, 17 cases improved, and the remaining 7 cases did not respond to the treatment, with a total effective rate of 88.33%. (17)

Lin treated 124 cases of cervical spondylopathy with this formula. One dose of the formula in decoction was administered daily. After taking 14-56 doses, 54 cases recovered, 61 cases improved, and the remaining 9 cases did not respond to the treatment, with a total effective rate of 92.7%. (18)

Wang treated 30 cases of headache due to cervical spondylopathy with a modification of this formula. The modified formula consisted of Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Fang Feng (Siler), Man Jing Zi (Vitex Fruit), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Bai Zhi (Angelica), Hong Hua (Safflower), Xia Ku Cao (Prunella Spike), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Bai Ji Li (Tribulus Fruit), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root), and Dan Shen (Salvia). The decoction was taken one dose per day, evenly divided into three portions for administraton. The results: 26 cases recovered, and the remaining 4 cases much improved, with a total effective rate of 100%. (19)

Peripheral facial paralysis
Zhang treated 54 cases of peripheral facial paralysis with this formula. The formula was administered both internally and externally. The external treatment called for applying the paste made from the formula on the following acupoints: Di Cang (St 4), Chia Che (St 6), Ju Liao (St 3), Ting Gong (SI 19), Tong Zi Liao (GB 1), etc. Five days comprised one course of treatment. The results: 50 cases recovered, 3 cases much improved, and the remaining 1 case improved. (20)

Acute frontal sinusitis
Jiang treated 12 cases of acute frontal sinusitis with a modification of this formula. The modified formula consisted of Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Fang Feng (Siler), Bai Zhi (Angelica), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum), Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia Flower), Cang Er Zi (Xanthium), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Bo He (Mentha), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The results: 11 cases were resolved, and the remaining 1 case improved. (21)

Nasal polyp
Tan treated 23 cases of nasal polyp with a modification of this formula. The modified formula consisted of Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), Fang Feng (Siler), Xi Xin (Wild Ginger), Bai Zhi (Angelica), Xin Yi Hua (Magnolia Flower), Cang Er Zi (Xanthium), Shi Gao (Gypsum), Zao Jiao Ci (Gleditsiae Spine), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root), Zi Su Ye (Perilla Leaf), and Jing Jie (Schizonepeta). The formula was ground into fine powder and taken 10g a time, 3 times a day, and 21 days comprised a course of treatment. The results: 21 cases were resolved, 1 case improved, and remaining 1 case did not respond to the treatment. (22)

References

1. Deng Zhi Wen, et al. The pharmacology of Chuan xiong Cha Tiao San. Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Application of TCM. 1992;8(1):11-15.
2. Deng Zhi Wen, et al. The pharmacology of Chuan xiong Cha Tiao San. Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Application of TCM. 1992;8(1):11-15.
3. Deng Zhi Wen, et al. The pharmacology of Chuan xiong Cha Tiao San. Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Application of TCM. 1992;8(1):11-15.
4. Deng Zhi Wen, et al. The pharmacology of Chuan xiong Cha Tiao San. Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Application of TCM. 1992;8(1):11-15.
5. Deng Zhi Wen, et al. The pharmacology of Chuan xiong Cha Tiao San. Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Application of TCM. 1992;8(1):11-15.
6. Deng Zhi Wen, et al. The pharmacology of Chuan xiong Cha Tiao San. Journal of Pharmacology and Clinical Application of TCM. 1992;8(1):11-15.
7. Yang Quan Ci, et al. Treating 57 cases of migraine with modified Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Journal of Anhui College of TCM. 1999;18(1):31.
8. Hu Jian Qiu, et al. Treating 65 cases of migraine with modified Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San and Qing Zhen Tang. Yunnan Journal of TCM and Chinese Drug. 1999;20(1):27.
9. Mei Qing Wen. Treating 80 cases of headache with modified Chuang Xiong Cha Tiao San. Fuzhou Journal of Medicine and Drugs. 1997;27(1):17-18.
10. Wang Li Zhao. Treating nervous headache with modified Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Shandong Journal of TCM. 1989;8(5): 51.
11. Yao Xiu Qin. Treating 19 cases of headache due to internal injury with Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Shandong Journal of TCM. 1989;8(2):23-24.
12. Liao Xiu Ying. Treating 150 cases of headache with Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Jiangxi Journal of TCM. 1992;23(6):367.
13. Wang Dao Xuan, et al. Treating 56 cases of angioneurotic headache with Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Henan Journal of TCM Pharmacy. 1994;(5):21-22.
14. Tan Xian Xian. Treating 52 cases of angioneurotic headache with Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 1998;33(2):61.
15. Zhang Yu Hua, et al. Treating 88 cases of angioneurotic headache with Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Journal of Shizhen Medicine. 1999;10(8):607.
16. Xue Tang Yu. Treating 58 cases of angioneurotic headache with Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Shanxi Journal of TCM. 1999;15(6):16-17.
17. Wang Zhe Shen, et al. Treating 60 cases of cervical spondylopathy with Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Journal of Chinese Patented Medicine. 1991;13(1):23.
18. Lin Wu. Treating 124 cases of cervical spondylopathy with modified Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2000;35(7):296.
19. Wang Yong Cai. Treating 30 cases of cervical spondylotic headache with modified Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Yunnan Journal of TCM and Chinese Drug. 2000;21(4):40.
20. Zhang Wan Neng. Treating 54 cases of peripheral facial paralysis with Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 1989;24(10):454.
21. Jiang Yuan Chao. Treating 12 cases of acute frontal sinusitis with modified Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 1989;24(10):454.
22. Tan Yong Ming. Treating 23 cases of nasal polyp with modified Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San. Fujian Journal of Chinese Medicine. 1991;22(6):17.