Exploring the Anti-Epileptic Mechanism of Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction from the Perspective of “The Heart and Gallbladder Have a Separate Connection”

Epilepsy is a chronic central nervous system disorder characterized by abnormal synchronous neuronal discharges, posing a serious threat to global public health. The classic Chinese medicine formula Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction has demonstrated significant anti-epileptic efficacy in clinical practice. Guided by the TCM theory that “The Heart and Gallbladder Have a Separate Connection,” and incorporating the principles of meridian interconnectivity and Qi transformation, this study analyzes the core pathogenesis of epilepsy as “dysfunction of the Gallbladder Pivot leading to Qi stagnation, phlegm, and fire, which ascend to disturb the Heart Spirit.” Modern medical research supports this theory, confirming that bile acid metabolism disorders and neuroinflammatory responses are common in epilepsy patients. Through a systematic analysis of the composition and compatibility of Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction, this article reveals its triple mechanism of action: “unblocking and facilitating the Gallbladder Pivot,” “clearing and transforming phlegm-fire,” and “restoring the ascending and descending movement of Qi.” This multi-target, multi-level approach enables systematic intervention in the complex pathological network of epilepsy. This study not only offers innovative insights into TCM treatment of epilepsy from the unique perspective of “The Heart and Gallbladder Have a Separate Connection,” but also highlights the systemic advantages of TCM formulas in holistic regulation and multi-target intervention. Furthermore, it provides important theoretical foundations and new research directions for clinical application, integrative medicine approaches, and TCM treatment of complex neurological disorders.