Chinese: Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
English: Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction
Originated From: Pi wei lun (Discussion of the Spleen and Stomach)
Pulse: flooding, vacuous. weak
Tongue: pale body, scalloped edges, thin, white fur
Abdomen: Kyokyokuman, Saijyoki
Indications: This herbal formula has been used for patients with following health conditions and symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Poor appetite
- Spontaneous sweating
- Loose stools
- Frequent cold or infection
- Prolapsed rectum/hemorrhage
- Male infertility
- Sexual dysfunction
- Excessive virginal discharge
- Prolapsed uterus
There are many other health conditions that may respond well to this herbal formula, in particular, patients exhibiting indicative traditional diagnostic signs and symptoms.
Herbs in This Formula
Byakujutsu (Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma) 4g
Chinpi (Citri reticulatae Pericarpium) 2g
Toki (Angelicae sinensis Radix) 3g
Shoma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) 1g
Shokyo (Zingiberis Rhizoma) 1g
Note: Suggested dosages of each herb in Kampo formulas are often smaller than those of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Individual dosages of herbs may be adjusted depending on each patient’s condition, constitutional patterns, quality of the herbs, and other factors involved.
Abdominal pattern (fukusho) of Hochuekkito (from Fukusho Kiran Yoku 1809)
Basic and Clinical Research on Hochuekkito (Bu Zong Yi Qi Tang) – Updated on Mar 30, 2011
Nishimura G. Evaluation of clinical efficacy of hochuekkito in improving nutritional/immune status in patients with surgery for large intestine carcinoma. Progress in Medicine 29: 84-5 (2009).
Tatsumi, K., et al. Hochuekkito improves systemic inflammation and nutritional status in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 57, 169-170 (2009).
Liu, X.Q., Wu, L. & Guo, X.J. Effect of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang on deficiency of N-glycan/nitric oxide and islet damage induced by streptozotocin in diabetic rats. World J Gastroenterol 15, 1730-1737 (2009).
Kiyohara, H., et al. Polysaccharide-containing Macromolecules in a Kampo (Traditional Japanese Herbal) Medicine, Hochuekkito: Dual Active Ingredients for Modulation of Immune Functions on Intestinal Peyer’s Patches and Epithelial cells. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med (2009).
Motoo Y, Nakatani N, Shimasaki T, et al. Usefulness of hochuekkito for fatigue associated with cancer chemotherapy*. Gan Chiryo no Ayumi (Advances in Cancer Treatment) 28: 39-43 (2009).
Yang, S.H. & Yu, C.L. Antiinflammatory effects of Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis. Journal of ethnopharmacology 115, 104-109 (2008).
Kobayashi H, Ishii M, Takeuchi S, et al. Efficacy and safety of a traditional herbal medicine, hochu-ekki-to in the long-term management of kikyo (delicate constitution) patients with atopic dermatitis: A 6-month, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: eCAM 1-7 (2008).
Matsumoto, T., Moriya, M., Kiyohara, H., Tabuchi, Y. & Yamada, H. Hochuekkito, a Kampo (Traditional Japanese Herbal) Medicine, and its Polysaccharide Portion Stimulate G-CSF Secretion from Intestinal Epithelial Cells. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med (2008).
Shinozuka, N., Tatsumi, K., Nakamura, A., Terada, J. & Kuriyama, T. The traditional herbal medicine Hochuekkito improves systemic inflammation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society 55, 313-314 (2007).
Matsumoto, T., Noguchi, M., Hayashi, O., Makino, K. & Yamada, H. Hochuekkito, a Kampo (traditional Japanese herbal) Medicine, Enhances Mucosal IgA Antibody Response in Mice Immunized with Antigen-entrapped Biodegradable Microparticles. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med (2007).
Shinozuka N, Tatsumi K, Nakamura A, et al. A traditional herbal medicine hochuekkito improves systemic inflammation in patients with COPD. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine 175: A638 (2007).
Hamazaki K, Sawazaki S, Itomura M, et al. No effect of a traditional Chinese medicine, Hochu-ekki-to, on antibody titer after influenza vaccination in man: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. Phytomedicine 14: 11-4 (2007).
Mikamo H, Tamaya T. Usefulness of Kampo medicine for the treatment of infections from the perspective of medical economics*. Sanfujinka Kampo Kenkyu no Ayumi (Recent Progress of Kampo Medicine in Obstetrics and Gynecology) 24: 105-8 (2007).
Ohno S. The effect of Kampo medicine on salivary secretion in Sjögren‘s syndrome. Kampo to Saishin-chiryo (Kampo & the Newest Therapy) 15: 134-40 (2006).
Kiyohara, H., et al. Stimulating effect of Japanese herbal (kampo) medicine, hochuekkito on upper respiratory mucosal immune system. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 3, 459-467 (2006).
Saito S, Iwagaki H, Kobayashi N, et al. Effects of a Japanese herbal medicine (TJ-41) on surgical stress of patients with gastric and colorectal cancer*. Nihon Rinsho Geka Gakkai Zasshi (Journal of Japan Surgical Association) 67: 568-74 (2006).
Furue M, Tanaka Y, Kobayashi H, et al. Efficacy of Kanebo Hochuekkito in patients with atopic dermatitis with ―qi-kyo‖ – a multicenter, double-blind trial. Arerugi (Japanese Journal of Allergology). 54: 1020 (2005).
Satoh N, Sakai S, Kogure T, et al. A randomized double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of Hochuekkito, a traditional herbal medicine, in the treatment of elderly patients with weakness N of one and responder restricted design. Phytomedicine 12: 549-54 (2005).
Satoh, N., et al. A randomized double blind placebo-controlled clinical trial of Hochuekkito, a traditional herbal medicine, in the treatment of elderly patients with weakness N of one and responder restricted design. Phytomedicine 12, 549-554 (2005).
Tamura, R., et al. Enhanced effects of combined bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (TJ-41) and interleukin-18 on the production of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The Journal of international medical research 32, 25-32 (2004).
Kuroiwa, A., et al. Effect of a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, hochu-ekki-to (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi Tang), on immunity in elderly persons. International immunopharmacology 4, 317-324 (2004).
Furuya, Y., Akashi, T. & Fuse, H. Effect of Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang on seminal plasma cytokine levels in patients with idiopathic male infertility. Archives of andrology 50, 11-14 (2004).
Yan, X., et al. Antibacterial effect of Kampo herbal formulation Hochu-ekki-to (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang) on Helicobacter pylori infection in mice. Microbiology and immunology 46, 475-482 (2002).
Xie, S. Application of bu zhong yi qi tang according to TCM differentiation of syndromes. Journal of traditional Chinese medicine = Chung i tsa chih ying wen pan / sponsored by All-China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine 22, 99-101 (2002).
Suzuki J, Arata S, Sugiyama M. Improvement of immunity and nutrition by hochuekkito in immuno-compromised hosts – for the control of MRSA. Progress in Medicine 22: 1362-3 (2002).
Taniguchi S, Kono T, Terai T. Preventive effect of hochuekkito on postherpetic neuralgia. Progress in Medicine 22: 863-5 (2002).
Mita, Y., Dobashi, K., Shimizu, Y., Nakazawa, T. & Mori, M. Surface expression of toll-like receptor 4 on THP-1 cells is modulated by Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang and Shi-Quan-Da-Bu-Tang. Methods and findings in experimental and clinical pharmacology 24, 67-70 (2002).
Kim, S.H., et al. The radioprotective effects of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang: a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine. The American journal of Chinese medicine 30, 127-137 (2002).
Yamaoka, Y., Kawakita, T. & Nomoto, K. Protective effect of a traditional Japanese medicine Hochu-ekki-to (Chinese name: Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang), on the susceptibility against Listeria monocytogenes in infant mice. International immunopharmacology 1, 1669-1677 (2001).
Kao, S.T., et al. The Chinese medicine Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang inhibited proliferation of hepatoma cell lines by inducing apoptosis via G0/G1 arrest. Life sciences 69, 1485-1496 (2001).
Kaneko, M., Kawakita, T., Yamaoka, Y. & Nomoto, K. Development of the susceptibility to oral tolerance induction in infant mice administered a herbal drug, Hochu-ekki-to (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang). International immunopharmacology 1, 219-227 (2001).
Ishimitsu, R., Nishimura, H., Kawauchi, H., Kawakita, T. & Yoshikai, Y. Dichotomous effect of a traditional Japanese medicine, bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang on allergic asthma in mice. International immunopharmacology 1, 857-865 (2001).
Yamaoka, Y., Kawakita, T. & Nomoto, K. Protective effect of a traditional Japanese medicine, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (Japanese name: Hochu-ekki-to), on the restraint stress-induced susceptibility against Listeria monocytogenes. Immunopharmacology 48, 35-42 (2000).
Shih, H.C., et al. Anti-aging effects of the traditional Chinese medicine bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang in mice. The American journal of Chinese medicine 28, 77-86 (2000).
Kao, S.T., et al. Immunomodulation of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang on in vitro granulocyte colony-stimulating-factor and tumor necrosis factor-alpha production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology 22, 711-720 (2000).
Itoh, T., Itoh, H. & Kikuchi, T. Five cases of MRSA-infected patients with cerebrovascular disorder and in a bedridden condition, for whom bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (hochu-ekki-to) was useful. The American journal of Chinese medicine 28, 401-408 (2000).
Li, T., et al. The restoration of the antitumor T cell response from stress-induced suppression using a traditional Chinese herbal medicine Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41:Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang). Immunopharmacology 43, 11-21 (1999).
Kaneko, M., Kawakita, T. & Nomoto, K. Inhibition of eosinophil infiltration into the mouse peritoneal cavity by a traditional Chinese medicine, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (Japanese name: Hochu-ekki-to). Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology 21, 125-140 (1999).
Seki T, Matsumoto T, Deguchi H, et al. Evaluation of the efficacy of hochuekkito in preventing MRSA colonization and infection. Kampo Igaku (Kampo Medicine) 23: 196-7 (1999).
Taniguchi S, Terai T, Kono T, et al. The effect of hochuekkito on postherpetic neuralgia*. Hifu no Rinsho (Clinical Practice of Dermatology) 41: 601-3 (1999).
Ueda T, Yamashita K, Nakamori Y, et al. Study of the MRSA carriage-preventing effect of hochuekkito (TJ-41): 1st report. Progress in Medicine 19: 1000-3 (1999).
Kato S, Kishiro I, Machida S, et al. Combined effects of hochu-ekki-to (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang) and clarithromycin on Lung Carcinoma. Kampo to Meneki-Arerugi (Kampo and Immuno-Allergy) 13: 83-8 (1999).
Yamaoka, Y., Kawakita, T., Kishihara, K. & Nomoto, K. Effect of a traditional Chinese medicine, Bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang on the protection against an oral infection with Listeria monocytogenes. Immunopharmacology 39, 215-223 (1998).
Nagao K, Nishimura R, Matsuda M, et al. Clinical evaluation of the combined effect of tegafur and hozai (traditional Chinese medicine). Toho Igaku (Eastern Medicine) 14: 63-71 (1998).
Tokura, Y., Sakurai, M., Yagi, H., Furukawa, F. & Takigawa, M. Systemic administration of hochu-ekki-to (bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang), a Japanese-Chinese herbal medicine, maintains interferon-gamma production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with mycosis fungoides. The Journal of dermatology 25, 131-133 (1998).
Kaneko, M., et al. Suppression of IgE production in mice treated with a traditional Chinese medicine, bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (Japanese name: hochu-ekki-to). Immunopharmacology 36, 79-85 (1997).
Sugiyama Y. Kampo therapy on diffuse panbronchiolitis. Kampo to Saishin Chiryo (Kampo & The Newest Therapy) 6: 263-7 (1997).
Karibe H, Kumabe T, Ishibashi Y, et al. The effect of Japanese herbal medicine on MRSA carrier in neurosurgery. No Shinkei Geka (Neurological Surgery) 25: 893-7 (1997).
Hasegawa T, Yamaki K, Muraoka I, et al. Effects of traditional Chinese medicines on pharmacokinetics of levofloxacin. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 39: 2135-37 (1995).
Harada, M., et al. Concomitant immunity against tumor development is enhanced by the oral administration of a kampo medicine, Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41: Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang). Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology 17, 687-703 (1995).
Hasegawa K, Fukunishi H, Kiyoshige K, et al. Clinical usefulness of Kampo medicines (Ninjin-yoei-to, Juzen-taiho-to) for side effects in gynecologic cancer chemotherapy – Effects on reducing side effects by CDDP in CAP therapy–. Wakan Iyakugaku Zasshi (Journal of Traditional Medicines) 11: 181-7 (1994).
Shijubo N, Nakanishi F. Experience with hochuekkito in the short-course intensified chemotherapy for pulmonary tuberculosis – the reducing effect on hepatic dysfunction occurring as an adverse drug reaction. Kampo Igaku (Kampo Medicine) 17: 241-3 (1993).
Inui H, Yamagata T, Minakata Y, et al. Prevention of side effects during lung cancer chemotherapy by Hochuekki-to. Kampo to Saishin-chiryo (Kampo & the Newest Therapy) 2: 56-60 (1993).
Ohara T, Onda M, Futagawa S, et al. Clinical evaluation of the combined effect of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang (Japanese name, Hochu-ekki-to) or Ren-Shen-Yang-Rong-Tang (Japanese name, Ninjin-youei-to) and the anticancer drug tegafur. Yakuri to Chiryo (Japanese Phamacology & Therapeutics) 21: 4423-34 (1993).
Hiramatsu M, Maehara I, Takahashi M, et al. Treatment experience with saikokaryukotsuboreito and hochuekkito in male infertility patients*. Kampo Igaku (Kampo Medicine) 17: 246-8 (1993)
Li, X.Y., et al. Effect of a traditional Chinese medicine, bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (Japanese name: Hochu-ekki-to) on the protection against Listeria monocytogenes infection in mice. Immunopharmacology and immunotoxicology 14, 383-402 (1992).
Ishikawa, H., Manabe, F., Zhongtao, H., Yoshii, S. & Koiso, K. The hormonal response to HCG stimulation in patients with male infertility before and after treatment with hochuekkito. The American journal of Chinese medicine 20, 157-165 (1992).
Oide H, Okuda C. Evaluation of immunological effects of hochuekkito and kanzo powder in bedridden elderly patients**. Wakan Iyaku Gakkaishi (Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Society for WAKAN-YAKU) 5: 555 (1988).
Yoshida M, Mizuno T, Mizoguchi F, et al. Efficacy of goreisan suppositories for vomiting in young children (2nd report) – a double-blind study of the hochuekkito suppository. Wakan Iyaku Gakkaishi (Journal of Medical and Pharmaceutical Society for WAKAN-YAKU) 7: 506-7 (1991).
Kazama T. Male infertility. Current Therapy; 6: 1683-6 (1988).
Iwama, H., Amagaya, S. & Ogihara, Y. Effects of kampohozai (Chinese traditional medicines) on the immune responses; I. In vivo studies of hochuekkito, juzendaihoto and tokishakuyakusan using sheep red blood cell as antigen in mice. Planta medica, 247-250 (1986).