Feature Formula - Ginseng and Zizyphus Formula (Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan)
Feature Formula
Ginseng and Zizyphus Formula (Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan)
Formulation
Source
Wei, Yi-lin. Shi Yi De Xiao Fang (Efficacious Prescriptions from Our Forebearers).
Analysis of Formula
Enriches the Yin, nourishes the blood, tonifies the heart, and calms the spirit.
Actions
Traditional: Irritability, palpitations with anxiety, fatigue, insomnia with very restless sleep,
nocturnal emissions, forgetfulness, dry stools, sores of the mouth and tongue, low-grade fever,
night sweats, a red tongue with little coating, and a thin, rapid pulse.
Modern: Neurasthenia, insomnia, hypertension, hypotension, psychosis, arrhythmia, urticaria, and emotional instability.
Indications
Radix Rehmanniae (Sheng Di Huang) nourishes the Yin and clears heat. It enriches the kidney Yin (water), which is then able to control the disturbance of the spirit due to fire. It is also effective in nourishing the blood. Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae (Dan Shen) and Radix Angelicae sinensis (Dang Gui) tonify the blood to nourish the heart without causing stasis. Semen Platycladi (Bai Zi Ren) and Radix Polygalae (Yuan Zhi) calm the spirit. Radix Ginseng (Ren Shen) and Poria cum Radix Pini (Fu Shen) assist the heart Qi. Radix Asparagi (Tian Men Dong), Radix Ophiopogonis (Mai Men Dong), and Radix Scrophulariae (Xuan Shen) enrich the Yin and clear heat from deficiency. Fructus Schisandrae chinensis (Wu Wei Zi) and Semen Zizyphi spinosae (Suan Zao Ren) prevent the leakage of heart Qi. Rhizoma Coptidis (Huang Lian) and Rhizoma Acori tatarinowii (Shi Chang Pu) enhance the sedative action of the formula. Radix Platycodi (Jie Geng) conducts the actions of the other herbs upward toward the upper burner, the abode of the spirit.
Pattern of Kidney & Heart Yin Deficiency with Deficient Fire
(Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan)
Pharmacological Studies
Sedative Effect
Most of the ingredients in this formula produced a sedative effect. Radix Rehmanniae (Sheng Di Huang), Fructus Schisandrae chinensis (Wu Wei Zi), Semen Zizyphi spinosae (Suan Zao Ren), Poria cum Radix Pini (Fu Shen), and Rhizoma Coptidis (Huang Lian) prolonged pentobarbital sodium-induced sleeping time and reduced spontaneous activity in mice.
Effect on Adaptation
This formula enhanced the tolerance of mice to large doses of hydrocotisone or thyroxin, as well as the adaptation to temperature change and hypoxia.
Effect on Myocardial Ischemia
This formula minimized the damage caused by acute myocardial ischemia induced by norepinephrine.
Caution and Contraindications
-
Contraindicated in cases with deficient-cold of the spleen and stomach or poor appetite.
-
Contraindicated in cases with retention of phlegm-dampness.
Modifications
-
For severe palpitations and insomnia, add Caulis Polygoni multiflori (Ye Jiao Teng).
-
For severe dry mouth and throat, add Herba Dendrobii (Shi Hu).