Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-ingredient Rehmannia pill): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Liu Wei Di Huang Wan work in the body?

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan works by nourishing Kidney Yin and clearing deficiency heat. Pharmacologically, active compounds like catalpol and paeoniflorin exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that support kidney function and neuroprotection. Research suggests it may help regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, making it effective for menopausal symptoms. Evidence level: C.

Does Liu Wei Di Huang Wan interact with any medications?

Currently, there are no well-documented severe drug interactions for Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. However, because it contains Alisma (Ze Xie), which has diuretic properties, it may theoretically potentiate the effects of diuretic medications. Patients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet drugs should exercise caution due to potential additive effects, though evidence is limited (Level C). Always consult a physician before combining herbal formulas with prescription drugs.

What is the standard dosage for Liu Wei Di Huang Wan?

The standard adult dosage for Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is typically 8 pills taken three times daily, or 6 to 9 grams of powder daily. In a clinical setting, practitioners may adjust the dosage based on the severity of symptoms such as dizziness or night sweats. It is best taken with warm water, often before meals, to aid absorption and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset.

Is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan safe to take during pregnancy?

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is generally considered safe during pregnancy when prescribed by a qualified practitioner for specific indications like Kidney Yin deficiency. Unlike formulas containing harsh purgatives or blood-moving herbs, this formula focuses on nourishing fluids. However, self-medication is not recommended. Pregnant women should consult a TCM practitioner to ensure the formula matches their specific constitution, as incorrect diagnosis (such as having Spleen deficiency) could cause loose stools or discomfort.

What is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan used for?

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is primarily used to treat Kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. Common indications include night sweats, hot flashes, dizziness, tinnitus, and soreness in the lower back and knees. It is frequently prescribed for menopausal symptoms or age-related decline. Clinical evidence (Level C) supports its use for managing these symptoms, particularly for reducing the frequency of hot flashes and improving quality of life in aging populations.

What are the side effects of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan?

Side effects are generally mild but may include gastrointestinal upset and loose stools, particularly in individuals with weak digestion. This formula is contraindicated for patients with Spleen deficiency diarrhea or Kidney Yang deficiency, as its cooling nature can exacerbate cold symptoms or digestive weakness. If diarrhea occurs, discontinue use and consult a practitioner to reassess the diagnosis.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (LWDHW) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula used to treat metabolic disorders related to aging, diabetes, and kidney dysfunction [PMID:24120517, PMID:32855636].

Contexte

LWDHW is a well-known Chinese herbal compound consisting of six herbs: Rehmannia glutinosa root, Cornus officinalis fructus, Dioscorea oppositifolia root, Alisma plantago-aquatica subsp. orientale tuber, Paeonia x suffruticosa bark, and Poria cocos sclerotium [PMID:25178949].

Usages traditionnels

It has been used by traditional Chinese doctors to treat asthma patients [PMID:12856863] and is used for the 'Five Late Syndrome' of children [PMID:22367633]. It is also used for kidney yin deficiency [PMID:20605388].

Composés actifs

Active ingredients include 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furoic acid (HMFA), loganin, and paeonol, which serve as surrogate markers [PMID:22367633]. Paeonifiorin sulfonate is a compound induced by sulfur-fumigation of the Moutan Cortex component [PMID:28231532].

Mécanisme d'action

LWDHW inhibits the expression of both Th1-type (IL-2, IFN-gamma) and Th2-type (IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13) cytokines at both RNA and protein levels in human peripheral blood lymphocytes [PMID:12856863]. In asthmatic mice, modified LWDHW reduces airway inflammation, signal transduction, inflammatory cytokine production, and Th2 cell proliferation [PMID:37101296].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DType 2 Diabetes

LWDHW users had a lower risk of requiring insulin compared with patients using other TCM [PMID:34457016].

Preuve DDiabetic Kidney Disease

LWDHW is associated with significant kidney function preservation and a reduced risk of developing kidney failure [PMID:35387335, PMID:25178949].

Preuve AEssential Hypertension

LWDHW combined with antihypertensive drugs was more effective in reducing blood pressure and TCM syndrome scores than antihypertensive drugs alone [PMID:23258998].

Preuve DDuchenne Muscular Dystrophy (Mice)

Administration of LWDHW facilitated locomotor activity, including horizontal and vertical activity [PMID:11527070].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

In a systematic review of randomized trials for hypertension, most trials did not report adverse events, and the safety was considered acceptable [PMID:23258998].

Interactions médicamenteuses

LWDHW significantly induces CYP1A2 activity while suppressing CYP2A6 and N-acetyltransferase 2 (NAT2) activities in humans [PMID:20723593].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence ranges from animal models and in vitro studies to retrospective cohort studies and a systematic review of RCTs. Strongest evidence (Level A) supports its use as an add-on for hypertension, while diabetes and kidney disease evidence is primarily based on large-scale retrospective data (Level D).

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 37101296 (2023) — Immunomodulatory effects of modified Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan Traditional Chinese medicine on allergic asthmatic mice. · Allergy, asthma, and clinical immunology : official journal of the Canadian Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
2.PMID: 12856863 (2003) — The effect of liu-wei-di-huang wan on cytokine gene expression from human peripheral blood lymphocytes. · The American journal of Chinese medicine
3.PMID: 35168474 (2022) — Effectiveness of Integrative Chinese-Western Medicine for Chronic Kidney Disease and Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study. · The American journal of Chinese medicine
4.PMID: 28231532 (2017) — Paeonifiorin sulfonate as a characteristic marker for specifically inspecting Chinese patent medicine Liu-Wei-Di-Huang-Wan contained sulfur-fumigated Moutan Cortex. · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
5.PMID: 34457016

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Sources et citations

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