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PubMed · Massa Medicata Fermentata, a Functional Food for Improving the Metabolic Profile via Prominent Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects. (2024)
PubMed · Effect of Massa Medicata Fermentata on the intestinal flora of rats with functional dyspepsia. (2023)
Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals
Shen Qu works through enzymatic action produced during its fermentation process. The preparation contains naturally occurring digestive enzymes including amylase (breaks down carbohydrates), protease (breaks down proteins), and lipase (breaks down fats). These enzymes assist the body in breaking down food particles, reducing the burden on the digestive system. The fermentation process also generates B vitamins that support metabolic function. Evidence level: C (preliminary research and traditional use support this mechanism).
Does Shen Qu interact with any medications?
There are no documented significant drug interactions for Shen Qu in the scientific literature. However, because it enhances digestive function and enzyme activity, it may theoretically affect the absorption rate of certain oral medications. As a general precaution, take Shen Qu separately from prescription medications by at least 1-2 hours. If you are taking medications for diabetes or digestive disorders, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use. Evidence level: Traditional.
What is the recommended dosage for Shen Qu?
The standard adult dosage for Shen Qu is 6-15 grams daily when prepared as a decoction (herbal tea). It is typically combined with other digestive herbs in traditional formulas rather than used alone. The herb should be added near the end of the decoction process, as prolonged boiling may reduce enzymatic activity. For pediatric use or specific conditions, consult a licensed acupuncturist or herbalist for personalized dosing recommendations. Evidence level: Traditional.
Is Shen Qu safe to take during pregnancy?
Shen Qu is generally considered safe during pregnancy in traditional Chinese medicine practice. It is classified as a gentle, food-based remedy that supports digestion without harsh purgative effects. The fermentation process creates a mild preparation suitable for pregnant women experiencing digestive discomfort or food stagnation. However, always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare provider before taking any herbs during pregnancy to ensure appropriate use for your individual constitution. Evidence level: Traditional.
What is Shen Qu used for in traditional Chinese medicine?
Shen Qu is primarily used to treat food stagnation, a TCM pattern characterized by bloating, fullness, belching, and poor appetite after eating. It is indicated for poor digestion, diarrhea related to food accumulation, and loss of appetite. The fermented preparation helps break down accumulated food in the digestive tract and strengthens the Spleen-Stomach system. It is commonly combined with herbs like Shan Zha (Hawthorn fruit) and Mai Ya (Malt) in classic digestive formulas. Evidence level: C.
Who should not take Shen Qu?
Shen Qu should be avoided by individuals with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, as the preparation is traditionally made from wheat flour and contains gluten proteins. Those with wheat allergies should also avoid this herb. While generally very safe with only mild bloating reported as a potential side effect, anyone with known food sensitivities should exercise caution. Consult a healthcare practitioner if you have concerns about gluten content or experience adverse reactions. 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
Massa Medicata Fermentata (Shen Qu) is a traditional fermented Chinese medicine used primarily to treat digestive disorders and metabolic issues [PMID:36529285, PMID:41670224].
Background
Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF), also known as Shenqu, is a naturally fermented product and traditional Chinese medicine [PMID:39456523, PMID:30235872]. It is produced through the fermentation of materials such as wheat bran and flour, often involving a complex community of bacteria (e.g., Bacillus, Staphylococcus) and fungi (e.g., Aspergillus, Rhizopus) [PMID:33350238, PMID:39849789, PMID:36527339].
Traditional uses
It is widely used in traditional medicine to treat indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, and to increase stomach activity [PMID:30235872, PMID:36529285, PMID:39456523]. It is also used as a component in formulas for obese women with infertility [PMID:36273747].
Active compounds
MMF contains acidic polysaccharides (SMMFAP and CMMFAP) [PMID:38176512], arabinoxylans [PMID:37884242], and various phenolic compounds including free phenolic acids, methoxylated flavonoids, and flavonoid C-glycosides [PMID:41670224]. Specific isolated compounds include a benzochroman and galactosyl acylglycerols [PMID:30235872]. During fermentation, ingredients such as amygdalin, benzaldehyde, and rutin are gradually degraded [PMID:32455219].
Mechanism of action
MMF exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by activating the NRF2-HO-1 pathway and inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB [PMID:39456523]. It may modulate the intestinal microbiota, influence the secretion of cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), and regulate the TLR5/TRIF/ERK1/2 signaling pathway in the colonic mucosa [PMID:41552721, PMID:36505059]. It also demonstrates the ability to inhibit enzymes such as trypsin, α-amylase, and α-glucosidase [PMID:36570240].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DFunctional Dyspepsia
MMF administration in rats improved gastric emptying rates and modulated intestinal flora [PMID:36529285, PMID:38495103]
Evidence DIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-D)
In rat models, MMF reduced visceral hypersensitivity and modulated pathogenic flagellated bacteria and TLR5 expression [PMID:36505059, PMID:41552721]
Evidence DHyperlipidemia/Obesity
MMF showed hypolipidemic effects in hyperlipidemia model rats [PMID:38621881] and suppressed BMI and total cholesterol in zebrafish [PMID:39456523]. A herbal composition containing MMF inhibited lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells and regulated obesity in OLETF rats [PMID:26068433]
Evidence DSpleen Deficiency Constipation
MMF intervention in mice increased fecal water content and body weight while mediating intestinal microbiota and serum peptides [PMID:40115071, PMID:39844840]
Evidence DAlcoholic Liver Disease
MMF may prevent alcoholic liver disease by targeting AKT1, TNF, TP53, IL6, and CASP3 in mouse models [PMID:38299285]
Evidence D
Evidence summary
The current evidence is based primarily on in vitro studies and animal models (rats, mice, zebrafish, and piglets), indicating strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and gastro-protective properties. There are no human clinical trials provided in the source abstracts.
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 36273747 (2023) — Qi Gong Wan ameliorates adipocyte hypertrophy and inflammation in adipose tissue in a PCOS mouse model through the Nrf2/HO-1/Cyp1b1 pathway: Integrating network pharmacology and experimental validation in vivo. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 39187876 (2024) — Natural medicines-derived carbon dots as novel oral antioxidant administration strategy for ulcerative colitis therapy. · Journal of nanobiotechnology
3.PMID: 36529285 (2023) — Effect of Massa Medicata Fermentata on the intestinal flora of rats with functional dyspepsia. · Microbial pathogenesis
4.PMID: 41552721 (2025) — The effect of Massa Medicata Fermentata on the cytokine secretion of colonic mucosa and visceral sensitivity in rats with IBS-D. · Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
Iron-doped carbon dots derived from MML (including Shenqu) alleviated RA by inhibiting neutrophil NETosis and autophagy in mice [PMID:40393979]
Evidence DUlcerative Colitis
Carbon dots derived from MML (including Shenqu) alleviated UC by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress in an oral administration model [PMID:39187876]
— Massa Medicata Fermentata, a Functional Food for Improving the Metabolic Profile via Prominent Anti-Oxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Effects.
· Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland)
6.PMID: 38621881 (2024) — [Research on mechanism of hypolipidemic effect of Massa Medicata Fermentata based on metabolomics]. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
7.PMID: 38176512 (2024) — Structure and properties of acidic polysaccharides isolated from Massa Medicata Fermentata: Neuroprotective and antioxidant activity. · International journal of biological macromolecules
8.PMID: 30397767 (2018) — Probiotics-fermented Massa Medicata Fermentata ameliorates weaning stress in piglets related to improving intestinal homeostasis. · Applied microbiology and biotechnology
9.PMID: 40115071 (2025) — Massa Medicata Fermentata treated spleen deficiency constipation by mediating intestinal microbiota and serum peptide. · Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology
10.PMID: 32455219 (2020) — Biostudy on Traditional Chinese Medicine Massa Medicata Fermentata. · ACS omega
11.PMID: 36527339 (2023) — Processing Mechanism of Massa Medicata Fermentata Based on the Correlation Analysis of Strains, Chemical Compositions and Anti-Inflammatory Activity. · Chemistry & biodiversity
12.PMID: 38495103 (2024) — The effects of Massa Medicata Fermentata on the digestive function and intestinal flora of mice with functional dyspepsia. · Frontiers in pharmacology
13.PMID: 33350238 (2020) — [Investigation of microbial community involved in fermentation of Massa Medicata Fermentata]. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
14.PMID: 37884242 (2023) — Isolation, characterization, trypsin inhibition, liver protective and antioxidant activities of arabinoxylan from Massa Medicata Fermentata and its processed products. · International journal of biological macromolecules
15.PMID: 36570240 (2022) — Comparison of Physicochemical and Bioactive Properties of Polysaccharides from Massa Medicata Fermentata and Its Processed Products. · ACS omega
17.PMID: 38211996 (2023) — [Variations of glucose content in Massa Medicata Fermentata during processing based on quantitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance]. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
18.PMID: 32980836 (2020) — Mechanism of Chinese Medicinal-Medicated Leaven for Preventing and Treating Gastrointestinal Tract Diseases. · Digestion
19.PMID: 25775788 (2014) — [Fungal composition in massa medicata fermentata based on culture dependent method and independent PCR-SSCP technique]. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
20.PMID: 41670224 (2026) — Fermentation-Driven Changes in Phenolic Compounds of Massa Medicata Fermentata. · Biomedical chromatography : BMC
21.PMID: 35570342 (2022) — [The making method of Shen Qu in Qi Min Yao Shu]. · Zhonghua yi shi za zhi (Beijing, China : 1980)
22.PMID: 30235872 (2018) — Isolation and Identification of Benzochroman and Acylglycerols from Massa Medicata Fermentata and Their Inhibitory Effects on LPS-Stimulated Cytokine Production in Bone Marrow-Derived Dendritic Cells. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
23.PMID: 41734551 (2026) — Mechanism underlying the digestion-enhancing effect of apricot kernel during Massa Medicata Fermentata fermentation. · Food chemistry
24.PMID: 40332618 (2025) — A new strategy for the fermentation of Massa Medicata Fermentata by combining multiple strains of fermentation and their fermentation mechanisms. · Biotechnology letters
25.PMID: 26068433 (2015) — Herbal composition Gambigyeongsinhwan (4) from Curcuma longa, Alnus japonica, and Massa Medicata Fermentata inhibits lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells and regulates obesity in Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty rats. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
26.PMID: 38299285 (2025) — Exploring the Potential Role of Massa Medicata Fermentata in Alcoholic Liver Injury Disease Based on Network Pharmacology and Animal Experiments. · Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening
27.PMID: 39849789 (2025) — The role of apricot kernels in shaping the microbial community composition during Massa Medicata Fermentata fermentation. · Food research international (Ottawa, Ont.)
28.PMID: 39844840 (2024) — Study on the effects of Massa Medicata Fermentata with different formulations on the intestinal microbiota and enzyme activities in mice with spleen deficiency constipation. · Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology
29.PMID: 23126189 (2012) — [Influence of different processing techniques of massa medicata fermentata on their amylase activity]. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica
30.PMID: 36505059 (2022) — Effects of Massa Medicata Fermentata on the intestinal pathogenic flagella bacteria and visceral hypersensitivity in rats with irritable bowel syndrome. · Frontiers in physiology