Huang Qi Jian Zhong Soup (HQJZT)

✅Overview

Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang (HQJZT), translated as “Astragalus Strengthens the Middle Decoction,” is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used for gastrointestinal disorders, fatigue, and weakness due to spleen and stomach qi deficiency. It includes Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) as the chief ingredient.Recent studies have investigated HQJZT for its role in treating peptic ulcers, chronic gastritis, and functional dyspepsia, and have noted positive outcomes when combined with standard therapies.

✅Chemical Ingredients & Biological Functions

Below is a breakdown of each major herb in HQJZT, its primary active compounds, and the biological activities supported by research:

✅ Astragalus Root (Huang Qi)

• Polysaccharides: Enhance immune activity, modulate gut microbiota, protect intestinal lining
• Astragaloside IV: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, supports epithelial repair
• Flavonoids: Scavenge free radicals and reduce oxidative stress
   Backed by studies on immune modulation and mucosal protection (PMC7105737)

✅ Maltose (Yi Tang)

• Disaccharides (Maltose): Easily digestible energy source, may soothe intestinal spasms
• Trace oligosaccharides: Potential prebiotic function for gut flora balance
  📚 Used as a nutritive and harmonizing agent; data limited but non-toxic and supportive

✅ Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi)

• Cinnamaldehyde: Anti-inflammatory, vasodilatory, antimicrobial
• Eugenol: Analgesic, antioxidant, helps relieve intestinal tension
  📚 Supports circulation and digestion (PMC4003790)

✅ White Peony Root (Bai Shao)

• Paeoniflorin: Spasmolytic, reduces visceral hypersensitivity, modulates immune response
• Albiflorin & flavonoids: Antioxidant, helps restore epithelial balance
  📚 Effective in models of intestinal inflammation (PMC4703622)

✅ Ginger Root (Sheng Jiang)

• 6-Gingerol & 6-Shogaol: Antiemetic, prokinetic, antioxidant
• Zingerone: Anti-inflammatory, supports mucosal healing
  📚 Widely researched for digestive and anti-nausea effects (PubMed 26228533)

✅ Chinese Red Date (Da Zao)

• Jujuboside A & B: Neuroprotective, anti-stress, may support gut-brain axis
• Polysaccharides & flavonoids: Immunomodulatory and antioxidant
  📚 Modulates GI motility and protects intestinal integrity (ScienceDirect 2022)

✅ Prepared Licorice Root (Zhi Gan Cao)

• Glycyrrhizin: Anti-inflammatory, mucosal protective, supports adrenal function
• Liquiritin: Mild sedative and anti-ulcer activity
  📚 Used in anti-ulcer herbal combos; supports gut lining (PMC7175350)

✅ White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu)

• Atractylenolide I, II, III: Anti-inflammatory, supports gastric motility
• Sesquiterpenes: Regulate immune function and reduce intestinal permeability
  📚 Shown to improve GI function and reduce diarrhea (PMC7521906)

Scientific Studies on HQJZT

✅ Clinical Highlights:

• Peptic Ulcer Trial (n=74): HQJZT led to a 91.9% total effectiveness rate after 6 weeks
• Chronic Gastritis Trial: When combined with moxibustion, HQJZT achieved an 87.5% improvement rate
• Functional Dyspepsia Study: 44.4% cure rate, 93.3% overall clinical benefit, including pain relief and motility regulation

These trials were published in Chinese medical journals and show positive outcomes but are limited by small sample sizes and methodology.

⚠️ Safety & Considerations

• Generally safe for short-term use under professional guidance
• Licorice may affect blood pressure and potassium if taken in large doses
• Cinnamon Twig may interact with anticoagulant drugs
• Not recommended during acute infections or feverish conditions without practitioner supervision

📚 References

• Wang, Y. et al. (2020). Astragalus membranaceus: A review of its protection against gastrointestinal diseases. PMC7105737
• Lin, H. Q. (2014). Clinical observation of HQJZT in peptic ulcer. China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Ma, L. & Li, Y. (2018). HQJZT + moxibustion for chronic gastritis. Journal of Practical Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine.
• Yang, Q. et al. (2016). Functional dyspepsia treatment with HQJZT. Chinese Archives of TCM.
• He, W. et al. (2020). White Atractylodes compounds in intestinal inflammation. PMC7521906
• Kim, H. et al. (2015). Gingerols and GI motility in human trials. PubMed 26228533