Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is a traditional Chinese herbal formula containing astragalus, ginseng, and licorice that strengthens digestive function and energy metabolism. The formula works by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and enhancing mitochondrial ATP production through its saponin compounds.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is a traditional Chinese herbal formula developed during the Song Dynasty. It is composed of a combination of herbs such as Astragalus, Ginseng, and Licorice, designed to boost the body's Qi (vital energy) and strengthen the spleen and stomach. This formula is typically prepared by decocting the herbs into a tea.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Several studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have investigated the efficacy of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang in improving fatigue and digestive issues. Some meta-analyses suggest its potential benefits in enhancing immune function, though more research is needed.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is a multi-herb decoction containing approximately 10-12 primary botanical ingredients, each contributing distinct bioactive compounds. Key constituents include Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi, ~9-15g per standard dose) providing astragalosides (0.3–0.5% dry weight), polysaccharides (astragalan, ~40% yield), and flavonoids (calycosin, formononetin). Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu, ~9g) contributes atractylenolides I, II, and III (0.1–0.3%) and volatile oils. Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen, ~9–12g) provides codonopsilenine, alkaloids, and polysaccharides supporting adaptogenic activity. Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gan Cao, ~6g) adds glycyrrhizin (~2–4% dry weight) and liquiritin. Cimicifuga heracleifolia (Sheng Ma) and Bupleurum chinense (Chai Hu, ~3–6g each) supply saponins (cimicifugoside, saikosaponins A and D) that modulate cortisol and hepatic function. Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui, ~6g) provides ferulic acid (~0.05%) and Z-ligustilide (~1%). The formula is low in conventional macronutrients (minimal fat, protein <2g per decoction serving); fiber content is largely lost during decoction. Bioavailability of astragalosides is enhanced by the alkaline processing environment; glycyrrhizin undergoes gut microbiome conversion to glycyrrhetinic acid, improving systemic absorption significantly.
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang's astragalosides and ginsenosides enhance cellular energy production by increasing mitochondrial biogenesis and ATP synthesis. The formula upregulates digestive enzymes through cholinergic pathway stimulation and reduces inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α. Glycyrrhizin in licorice modulates cortisol metabolism, supporting adrenal function and stress response.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Clinical trials with 120-200 participants demonstrate Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang improves fatigue scores by 30% compared to placebo over 8 weeks. Randomized controlled studies show significant improvements in digestive symptoms and gastric motility in functional dyspepsia patients. Meta-analyses of 15 studies indicate consistent benefits for chronic fatigue syndrome, though most trials are of moderate quality. Long-term safety data spans up to 6 months of continuous use.
Also Known As
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