Scientific connotation of Zangfu theory in traditional Chinese medicine from modern biological research on "organ crosstalk".
10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20240722.501
- Author:
Wen-Ya WANG
1
;
Xing LIAO
1
Author Information
1. Center for Evidence-based Chinese Medicine, Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100700, China.
- Publication Type:English Abstract
- Keywords:
"organ crosstalk";
Zangfu relations;
indirect regulation;
intermediate substances;
organ axis
- MeSH:
Humans;
Medicine, Chinese Traditional;
Meridians;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry*;
Animals;
Kidney/metabolism*;
Liver/metabolism*;
Spleen/drug effects*;
Lung/drug effects*;
Qi
- From:
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica
2024;49(22):5965-5976
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Life is a dynamic and systematic whole, with organs interacting with each other. Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) discusses the interaction between human tissue and organs through the Zangfu relations, while modern biological medicine clarifies physiological and pathological relationships through "organ crosstalk". From the perspective of "organ crosstalk", this article discussed the five classical Zangfu relations(lungs and large intestine, heart and small intestine, spleen and stomach, liver and gallbladder, and kidney and bladder) in TCM and their extension. It briefly summarized the relationship between Zangfu and pentasomy/orifices organs, extraordinary connection of Zangfu, and other relationships within Zangfu based on "organ crosstalk". The relevant Zangfu organ axis/crosstalk in the current research field of TCM was systematically retrieved, as well as related pharmacotherapy. This paper compared the characteristics of the Zangfu relations in TCM and the "organ crosstalk" in modern biological medicine. Zangfu relations in TCM are mainly related to the conduction of meridians and collaterals and the operation of Qi, blood, essence, and body fluid. The mechanism of "organ crosstalk" in modern biological medicine is mainly regulated by nerve conduction, immune response, secretory factors, microorganisms, and their metabolites. Both of them use intermediary channels and intermediate substances to assist Zangfu organs in communicating with each other. With the help of "organ crosstalk", the mechanism of Zangfu relations can be clarified more clearly and specifically, and the Zangfu relations can provide potential links for "organ crosstalk" to improve its systematicness and promote the application of theory.
