Ancient Chinese text reveals patterns in herbal remedies
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Researchers analysed nearly one thousand entries in the Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), a 1596 Chinese text, to understand traditional approaches to spleen and stomach health.
The team systematically examined the Jinling edition of the book, searching for references to the spleen, stomach, or both. Two reviewers confirmed 994 relevant entries, identifying the specific drugs, their properties, and intended uses.
The analysis showed that Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu), Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang), and Atractylodes lancea (Cangzhu) were the most frequently cited botanical drugs. Sweet and warm properties were common among the remedies, with most treatments targeting the spleen itself or the spleen and stomach together. Spleen-tonifying and qi-replenishing were the most common functions described for these treatments, and food regurgitation was a leading condition they addressed.
Researchers connected these historical remedies to modern pharmacology, noting that key plant compounds found in the frequently used herbs show potential benefits for gastrointestinal health. These compounds demonstrate effects on gut motility, mucosal protection, gut microbiota, and inflammation. The study provides a structured link between classical Chinese medicine and contemporary ethnopharmacology, offering a reproducible way to explore historical medical texts.
