Classic Formula Zhigancao Tang： Textual Research and Analysis of Key Information

Abstract:

Zhigancao Tang （also known as Fumaitang） is a classic formula for treating "intermittent pulse and palpitations" and is widely used in clinical practice. Sanjia Fumaitang， included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formulas （First Batch） published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of China in 2018， is derived from this formula. This paper employed bibliometric methods to comprehensively investigate and summarize the historical evolution， drug composition， herb origins and preparation， prescription meanings， and ancient and modern applications of Zhigancao Tang， analyzed the composition and usage of Zhigancao Tang， and discussed the reasons and applications of the "Fumaitang" variants created by Wu Jutong. A total of 47 valid pieces of data from 38 ancient texts were included. Results showe that Zhigancao Tang originates from the Treatise on Cold Damage （Shang Han Lun）， and the name "Fumaitang" is also recorded in the formula's description. Converted to modern measurements from the Han dynasty system， the recommended preparation for Zhigancao Tang includes 55.2 g of fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， 41.4 g of Cinnamomi Ramulus， 27.6 g of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma， 220 g of fresh Rehmannia glutinosa， 27.6 g of Asini Corii Colla， 53 g of Ophiopogonis Radix， 45 g of Cannabis Fructus， and 90 g of Jujubae Fructus. All herbs should be decocted with 1 400 mL of yellow rice wine and 1 600 mL of water until 600 mL. Once the Asini Corii Colla is fully dissolved， the decoction should be taken warm at a dosage of 200 mL， three times a day. Zhigancao Tang is effective for replenishing Qi， warming Yang， nourishing Yin， and nourishing blood and is primarily used to treat “intermittent pulse and palpitations” caused by deficiencies in heart Yin and Yang， as well as malnutrition of the heart meridian and conditions like lung atrophy. Modern applications mainly focus on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases， including arrhythmias， coronary heart disease， and premature ventricular contractions. The findings from this research provide a reference for the further development of Zhigancao Tang.