Wumeiwan in Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis： A Review
10.13422/j.cnki.syfjx.20241913
- VernacularTitle:乌梅丸治疗溃疡性结肠炎的研究进展
- Author:
Linrui ZHANG
1
;
Wenfeng ZHANG
1
Author Information
1. Changchun University of Chinese Medicine，Changchun 130117，China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Wumeiwan;
ulcerative colitis;
pharmacodynamic material basis;
clinical research;
mechanism of action
- From:
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae
2025;31(20):287-298
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Ulcerative colitis （UC） is an idiopathic，chronic inflammatory disease of the colonic mucosa that originates in the rectum and is an important contributing factor in the development of clinical conditions such as small bowel obstruction and rectal cancer. In modern clinical treatment of UC，equal emphasis is placed on both Chinese and Western medicine，demonstrating certain advantages in inducing remission and preventing recurrence. Wumeiwan （WMW） originates from Article 338 of the Jueyin section in Zhang Zhongjing's Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases during the Han Dynasty. The original text states that "for roundworm reversal，WMW is indicated. It is also used for chronic diarrhea". It is a well-established prescription for treating prolonged diarrhea and dysentery，with functions of regulating Qi and blood，unblocking the triple energizers，and clearing heat in the upper while warming the lower body. Studies have shown that WMW has favorable effects in the prevention and treatment of UC. This review summarizes research on the indications and pharmacological basis of WMW in treating UC，as well as its clinical applications and underlying mechanisms. Findings indicate that WMW，whether used as the original formula，modified，or in combination with chemical drugs，compound prescriptions，or acupuncture and moxibustion，can exert therapeutic effects by resisting oxidative stress，reducing inflammatory factor levels，inhibiting apoptosis，enhancing immune responses，regulating the intestinal microbiota，and suppressing signaling pathways such as Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4）/nuclear factor-kappa B （NF-κB）/myeloid differentiation factor 88 （MyD88），Janus kinase （JAK）/signal transducer and activator of transcription （STAT），and Notch. These mechanisms provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of WMW in the treatment of UC.
