A Preliminary Discussion on TONG Xiaolin's "Eight-Dimensional Materia Medica Framework" Theory
10.13288/j.11-2166/r.2026.04.003
- VernacularTitle:仝小林“八维药纲”理论刍议
- Author:
Dongsen HU
1
;
Linhua ZHAO
2
;
Lili ZHANG
2
;
2
Author Information
1. Beijing University of Chinese Medicine，Beijing，100029
2. Guang'anmen Hospital，China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
eight-dimensional materia medica framework;
state-target differentiation and treatment;
dose-effect relationship of formulas and medicinals;
experience of famous doctors;
TONG Xiaolin
- From:
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine
2026;67(4):360-364
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
This paper introduces the "eight-dimensional materia medica framework" theory proposed by Professor TONG Xiaolin and， in light of his academic perspectives and clinical experience， explores its inheritance and innovation of the concept of "four pillars of medicinals" by ZHANG Jiebin of Ming-dynasty from multiple angles. Building upon the four foundational medicinals， Renshen （Panax ginseng）， Shudihuang （Rehmannia glutinosa Praeparata）， Fuzi （Aconitum carmichaelii Praeparata）， and Dahuang （Rheum palmatum）， as the "four pillars of medicinals"， and using eight-principle pattern differentiation framework， this theory expands the representative medicinals to eight. It establishes the "eight-dimensional materia medica framework"， i.e. exterior-Mahuang （Ephedra sinica）， interior-Rougui （Cinnamomum cassia）， cold-Huanglian （Coptis chinensis）， heat-Ganjiang （Zingiber officinale）， deficiency-Renshen （Panax ginseng）， excess-Dahuang （Rheum palmatum）， yin-Shudihuang （Rehmannia glutinosa Praeparata）， and yang-Fuzi （Aconitum carmichaelii Praeparata）. This framework highlights the pivotal roles of these eight medicinals in the treatment of exterior and interior patterns， cold and heat syndromes， deficiency and excess conditions， as well as yin deficiency and yang deficiency. Integrated with the state-target differentiation and treatment theory， this approach enriches the traditional actions of the eight representative medicinals by incorporating findings from modern pharmacological research， achieving a transition from macroscopic regulation of pathological states to microscopic target-oriented intervention. Furthermore， through investigations into dose-effect relationships and the expansion of principles for herbal compatibility， the clinical practicality of the "eight-dimensional materia medica framework" is further demonstrated， promoting the integrative development of Chinese and western medicine at the level of clinical application of Chinese materia medica.
