Research Progress in Modern Pharmacological Effects of Guizhi Decoction

Guizhi Decoction is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula composed of cassia twig (Guizhi), peony root (Shaoyao), fresh ginger (Shengjiang), jujube (Dazao), and licorice (Gancao). It functions to relieve the exterior syndrome and harmonize Ying (nutrient) and Wei (defensive) qi, primarily indicated for treating exterior wind-cold deficiency syndrome. In the formula, cassia twig serves as the monarch herb, with a pungent and warm nature to dispel cold; peony root acts as the minister herb, sour and cool to nourish yin. These two herbs are combined in equal amounts to regulate the balance of Ying (yin) and Wei (yang). Fresh ginger and jujube serve as adjuvant herbs, strengthening the spleen and stomach to promote the generation of qi and blood. Licorice, as the guiding herb, harmonizes the properties of all ingredients, collectively achieving the effects of dispelling external pathogens and harmonizing Ying-Wei. Modern research indicates that Guizhi Decoction and its individual herbs contain multiple active components, such as cinnamaldehyde from cassia twig, paeoniflorin from peony root, 6-gingerol from ginger, and glycyrrhizin from licorice. These components exert synergistic effects through multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms. The pharmacological actions of Guizhi Decoction include anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anti-atherosclerotic, bidirectional regulation of body temperature, immunomodulatory, and antitumor effects. Clinically, it is widely used for conditions such as arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, exogenous diseases, and immune-related disorders, with significant therapeutic efficacy. Guizhi Decoction embodies the core TCM theory of "harmonizing Ying and Wei," combining exterior-relieving and tonifying effects to regulate immune function, providing an effective treatment strategy for various diseases. Future research should further explore its multi-target mechanisms and standardize its clinical application to fully realize its therapeutic potential.