1.Clinical Efficacy of Modified Chaihu Wenjing Decoction in Treating Perimenopausal Insomnia Due to Liver Stagnation and Yin Deficiency With Stasis
SUMMARY: 104 patients with perimenopausal insomnia due to liver stagnation and Yin deficiency with stasis were divided into treatment group (n=52) and control group (n=52). All subjects met the diagnostic criteria of liver stagnation and Yin deficiency with stasis in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were all > 7 points. There was no significant difference in general data between the two groups before the treatment (P > 0.05).
In the control group, subjects were treated with Kuntai capsules, 4 capsules three times a day for 4 weeks. In the treatment group, subjects were treated with modified Chaihu Wenjing decoction, 1 capsule twice a day, 30 minutes before breakfast and before bed. The ingredients of modified Chaihu Wenjing decoction include: 15g of Chai Hu (柴胡 Radix Bupleuri), Dang Gui (當歸 Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Bai Shao (白芍 Radix Paeoniae Alba), Dang Shen (黨參 Radix Condonopsis Pilosulae), Mai Dong (麥冬, Radix Ophiopogonis), Mu Dan Pi 12g (牡丹皮 Cortex Moutan Radicis), 10g of Sheng Jiang (生薑 Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens), Qing Ban Xia (清半夏 Rhizoma Pinelliae Praeparatum cum laumine), Huang Ming Jiao (黃明膠 Colla Corii Bovis), Nu Zhen Zi (女貞子 Fructus Ligustri Lucidi), Han Mo Lian (旱墨蓮 Eclipta prostrata), Huang Qin 7g (黃芩 Radix Scutellariae), Gui Zhi 5g (桂枝 Ramulus Cinnamomi), 6g of Chuan Xiong (川芎 Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong) and Zhi Gan Cao 6g (炙甘草 Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata).
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of the treatment, the following parameters were compared and monitored before and after treatment: TCM syndrome score (restless sleep, heart palpitations, forgetfulness, fatigue, dizziness, pale complexion), PSQI score, self-rating depression scale (SDS), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), estradiol (E2), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). The adverse reactions in both groups were also observed. The result was considered as:
1) Markedly Effective: TCM syndrome scores decreased by > 80%, and PSQI scores decreased by >50%;
2) Effective: TCM syndrome scores decreased by 50% to 80%, and PSQI scores decreased by 30% to 50%
3) Ineffective: TCM syndrome score decreased by < 50%, PSQI score decreased by <30%.
Total effective rate = (effective + markedly effective cases)/total number of cases × 100%.
| Group | n | Significantly Effective | Effective | Ineffective | Total Effective Rate |
| Treatment | 52 | 32 (61. 54) | 18 (34. 62) | 2 (3. 85) | 50 (96. 15) |
| Control | 52 | 20 (38. 64) | 21 (40. 38) | 11 (21. 15) | 41 (78. 85) |
After the treatment, the total effective rate in the treatment group was significantly higher than the control group (96.15% vs. 78.85%), and the scores of PSQI, SDS and SAS also showed a more significant decrease in the treatment group (P <0. 05). After the treatment, both groups showed a increase in E2 and decrease in FSH and LH levels, and the treatment group showed a more significant improvement (P <0.05). The levels of serum IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in both groups decreased after the treatment, and the treatment group showed a more significant reduction (P <0. 05). There was no significant adverse reaction in either group. According to the result, the modified Chaihu Wenjing decoction may be safe and may effectively alleviate psychosomatic symptoms, relieve depression and improve levels of serum sex hormones in patients with perimenopausal insomnia due to liver stagnation and Yin deficiency with stasis.
Li Mei, Chen, et al. Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2023. 44 (1): 37-40.
2. Huai Du Zhuang Yao Wan with Tui Na Therapy in Treating Lumbar Disc Herniation
SUMMARY: 96 patients with lumbar disc herniation from Xianning Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei, China, were divided into treatment group and control group according to random number table method, with 48 subjects in each group. All subjects meet the diagnostic criteria for acute lumbar disc herniation according to the ” Criteria of Diagnosis and Therapeutic Effect of Diseases and Syndromes in Traditional Chinese Medicine”. There was no statistically significant difference in general data, and two groups were statistically comparable (P >0.05).
In the control group, subjects received spinal traction therapy (30 minutes once a day for 2 weeks) + meloxicam capsules (7.5mg twice a day for 2 weeks). In the treatment group, subjects received Tui Na therapy around the lumbar area (two courses of treatment, with 5 times as a course of treatment) and Huai Du Zhuang Yao Wan (懷杜壯腰丸6g three time a day). The ingredients of Huai Du Zhuang Yao Wan include: 15g of Huai Niu Xi (懷牛膝Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae), Du Huo (獨活 Radix Angelicae Pubescentis), Ji Xue Teng (雞血藤 Caulis Spatholobi), 12g of Fu Ling (茯苓 Poria), Dang Gui (當歸 Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Huang Qi (黃耆 Radix Astragali seu Hedysari), Mu Gua (木瓜 Fructus Chaenomelis), Lu Shi Teng (絡石藤 ChineseStarjasmineStem), Bai Shao (白芍 Radix Paeoniae Alba), Sheng Di Huang (生地黃 Radix Rehmanniae), Du Zhong (杜仲 Cortex Eucommiae), Sang Ji Sheng (桑寄生 Ramulus Taxilli), Fang Feng (防風 Radix Ledebouriellae), Qin Jiao (秦艽 Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae), 10g of Gui Zhi (桂枝 Ramulus Cinnamomi), Xi Xin (細辛 Herba Asari), Quan Xie (全蠍 Scorpio), and Wu Gong (蜈蚣 Scolopendra). All ingredients were grinded into powder, mixed with honey and made into pellets.
The Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was used to evaluate level of pain, and clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the ” Criteria of Diagnosis and Therapeutic Effect of Diseases and Syndromes in Traditional Chinese Medicine”.
The result was considered as:
1) Cured: the clinical signs and symptoms resolved, and disc function returned to normal range;
2) Markedly Effective: the clinical signs and symptoms resolved or significantly improved, and the disc function basically returns to normal range;
3) Effective: clinical signs and symptoms improved, but some disc function remained dysfunctional;
4) Ineffective: signs and symptoms did not improve or aggravated (surgery still required even after the treatment).
Total effective rate = (cured + markedly effective + effective) cases / total number of cases × 100%.
Table 1. Comparison of Clinical Efficacy Between Treatment Group and Control Group
| Group | n | Cured | Markedly Effective | Effective | Ineffective | Total Effective Rate |
| Treatment | 48 | 21 (43.75) | 15 (31.25) | 11 (22.92) | 1 (2.08) | 47 (97.92) |
| Control | 48 | 8 (16.67) | 16 (33.33) | 17 (35.42) | 7 (14.58) | 41 (85.42) |
| X2 | 4.909 | |||||
| P | 0.027 |
Fen, Li. Journal of Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 2022. 45 (3): 17-19