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
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan is a traditional Chinese herbal formula containing cinnamon bark, poria, peony root, peach kernel, and moutan bark that regulates blood circulation and reduces inflammation. The formula works by modulating prostaglandin synthesis and improving microcirculation through paeoniflorin and cinnamaldehyde compounds.
Reported Benefits (Provisional)
Origin & History
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan is a traditional Chinese medicine formula composed of cinnamon twig and poria along with other herbs. It is believed to have originated during the Han dynasty and is used to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. The formula is typically prepared by combining the dried herbs into a pill form.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Some studies, including randomized controlled trials (RCTs), have investigated the effects of Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan on gynecological conditions, showing potential benefits in reducing menstrual pain and fibroids. However, more high-quality studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan is a classical formula comprising five herbs: Cinnamomum cassia twig (Gui Zhi), Poria cocos (Fu Ling), Paeonia suffruticosa root bark (Mu Dan Pi), Prunus persica seed (Tao Ren), and Paeonia lactiflora root (Chi Shao). Key bioactive compounds include cinnamaldehyde (~1.5-4% in cinnamon twig) with anti-inflammatory and vasodilatory activity; paeoniflorin (~2-6% in peony root) acting as an antispasmodic and analgesic; amygdalin (~2-3% in peach kernel) with mild anti-coagulant properties; pachymic acid and polysaccharides (~0.5-1.5% triterpenes in Poria) providing immunomodulatory and diuretic effects; and paeonol (~1-5% in Mu Dan Pi cortex) offering anti-platelet aggregation and anti-inflammatory action. The formula contains negligible macronutrients per standard dose (typically 6-9 g/day of pill form). Mineral content is trace-level, including small amounts of potassium, magnesium, and calcium from botanical sources. Bioavailability of paeoniflorin is moderate (~20-30% oral absorption), enhanced by the cinnamon component which may improve intestinal permeability; cinnamaldehyde is rapidly absorbed with high oral bioavailability (~60-70%).
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
The formula's primary compounds paeoniflorin from peony root and cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon bark inhibit cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and reduce prostaglandin E2 production, decreasing inflammation and pain. Poria's beta-glucans enhance immune function by activating macrophages and T-lymphocytes. The combined herbs improve microcirculation by promoting nitric oxide synthesis and reducing platelet aggregation through adenosine pathway modulation.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Multiple randomized controlled trials with 200-400 participants have demonstrated significant reductions in menstrual pain scores and improved blood flow markers. A 2019 systematic review of 12 studies showed 40-60% improvement in dysmenorrhea symptoms compared to placebo over 3-month treatment periods. Clinical evidence for cardiovascular benefits remains preliminary, with most studies focusing on traditional use patterns rather than rigorous controlled trials. The formula shows consistent anti-inflammatory effects in both in vitro and small human studies.
Also Known As
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