Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify Middle Augment Qi): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang work in the body?

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang works by tonifying spleen qi and raising 'sinking' qi according to Traditional Chinese Medicine principles. The formula contains active compounds including astragalosides from Astragalus and ginsenosides from Ginseng, which research suggests have adaptogenic and immunomodulatory properties. These compounds may support energy metabolism and gastrointestinal function. The formula's 'qi lifting' action is traditionally used to address organ prolapse and chronic fatigue by strengthening the body's upward-holding energy. Evidence level: C.

Does Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang interact with any medications?

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang may interact with certain medications due to its herbal components. Ginseng may interact with blood thinners, stimulants, and diabetes medications. Licorice root (containing glycyrrhizin) can potentiate corticosteroids and may affect blood pressure medications. The formula may also enhance effects of other stimulating substances. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before combining with this formula. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang?

The standard adult dosage for Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is 4-6 tablets taken three times daily, or as a standard decoction prepared by a qualified herbalist. Dosage may vary based on manufacturer concentration and individual condition. Traditional decoctions are prepared with specific herb ratios. This formula is typically taken long-term for chronic conditions. Always follow practitioner guidance or product labeling for appropriate dosing. Evidence level: Traditional use.

Is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang safe during pregnancy?

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is generally considered safe during pregnancy when prescribed by a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. The formula has been used traditionally for pregnancy-related conditions including uterine bleeding and organ support. However, the ginseng component may cause insomnia or overstimulation in some individuals. Pregnant women should always consult their healthcare provider before taking any herbal supplements. Evidence level: C.

What conditions does Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang treat?

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is traditionally used for conditions associated with spleen qi deficiency and sinking qi. Common indications include chronic fatigue, organ prolapse such as uterine or rectal prolapse, chronic diarrhea, and uterine bleeding. The formula acts as a 'qi lifter' in Traditional Chinese Medicine, helping restore upward-moving energy. It may also support recovery from prolonged illness. Clinical evidence is limited, but the formula has centuries of traditional use. Evidence level: C.

Who should not take Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang?

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang is contraindicated for individuals with acute fever, excess heat conditions, or yin deficiency with fire according to Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis. These patterns may be worsened by the warming, tonifying nature of the formula. The ginseng component may cause insomnia or increased heart rate in sensitive individuals. Those with hypertension should use caution due to licorice content. A qualified TCM practitioner should evaluate suitability before use. Evidence level: Traditional.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (BZYQT) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula used for over 700 years to treat spleen-qi deficiency and related gastrointestinal and respiratory disorders [PMID:37178982, PMID:36304166].

Background

BZYQT is a traditional herbal formulation prevalent in China, Japan, and South Korea [PMID:30981193]. It is composed of ten medicinal plants, including Radix Ginseng (Rensan), Radix Angelicae gigantis (Danggui), Rhizoma Cimicifugae (Shengma), and Radix Bupleuri (Chaihu) [PMID:12067087, PMID:26239548].

Traditional uses

It has been traditionally used to treat severe weakness caused by general fatigue, loss of appetite, or indigestion [PMID:28951846], as well as spleen-qi descending, visceroptosis with hyposplenic qi, uterine prolapse, and rectal prolapse due to chronic diarrhea [PMID:24333365].

Active compounds

Identified bioactive components include astragaloside IV, calycosin, glycyrrhizic acid, enoxolone, saikosaponin D, ferulic acid, and hesperiden [PMID:28113140]. Other major compounds include ginsenoside Rb1 and Rg1, saikosaponin a and c, and glycyrrhizin [PMID:11554610].

Mechanism of action

BZYQT exhibits immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects [PMID:30608425]. It has been shown to upregulate TLR4 surface expression in THP-1 cells, potentially enhancing defenses against Gram-negative bacteria [PMID:12040884]. In muscle atrophy models, it modulates atrogenes (atrogin-1 and MuRF1) and AMPK [PMID:36578084]. It also targets monocyte-associated genes in sepsis therapy [PMID:40946819] and induces apoptosis via G0/G1 arrest in hepatoma cell lines [PMID:11554610].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BCancer-related fatigue

Statistically significant improvements in fatigue levels assessed by VAS-F, FACT-G, FACT-F, and TOI-F [PMID:21059621]

Evidence BPerennial allergic rhinitis

Significant improvement in nasal symptomatic scores compared to a control group [PMID:17980528]

Evidence BPersistent Allergic Rhinitis

High-dose group showed statistically significant improvement in Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS) compared to placebo [PMID:38786427]

Evidence ACancer (General)

Promising in alleviating cancer-related symptoms and enhancing anti-cancer effects when combined with conventional treatments [PMID:39300400]

Evidence BIdiopathic male infertility

Administration significantly elevated seminal plasma sFas levels, which correlated with sperm concentration [PMID:14660164]

Safety & adverse effects

High doses may have cytotoxic effects attributed to saponins or detergent-like compounds [PMID:26239548].

Drug interactions

BZYQT is one of the most commonly prescribed formulations for cancer patients concurrently with anticancer chemotherapy drugs, though comprehensive evidence for risks and benefits is rare [PMID:29703390]. In rats, it was studied for effects on hepatic drug-metabolizing enzymes and plasma concentrations of tolbutamide [PMID:22564357].

Evidence summary

Evidence ranges from animal models and in vitro studies (D) to randomized clinical trials (B) and scoping reviews (A), showing strong potential for immunomodulation and symptom relief in fatigue and allergic conditions, though more high-level clinical data is needed for many indications.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 34421064 (2021) — The positive role of traditional Chinese medicine as an adjunctive therapy for cancer. · Bioscience trends
2.PMID: 40946819 (2026) — Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang targets key monocyte-associated genes to enhance sepsis therapy. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 28951846 (2017) — Effects of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang for the treatment of functional dyspepsia: a feasibility study protocol. · Integrative medicine research
4.PMID: 37178982 (2023) — A screening strategy for bioactive components of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang regulating spleen-qi deficiency based on "endobiotics-targets-xenobiotics" association network. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
5.PMID: 12067087 (2002) — The radioprotective effects of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang: a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine.

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang