Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang and Active Components of Its Single Herbs in Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review
10.13422/j.cnki.syfjx.20260196
- VernacularTitle:桂枝芍药知母汤及其单味药有效成分治疗类风湿关节炎的研究进展
- Author:
Jian LIU
1
;
SHIPEIRU
2
;
Shuang LI
1
;
Jinzhao ZHAO
1
;
Naijun CAO
1
;
Mingxiu JIN
3
;
Jing YU
3
Author Information
1. Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM),Shenyang 110847,China
2. Gansu University of TCM,Lanzhou 740000,China
3. Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of TCM,Shenyang 110032,China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang;
rheumatoid arthritis;
pharmacodynamic mechanism;
research progress
- From:
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae
2026;32(10):346-354
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease characterised clinically by symmetrical joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Long-term chronic synovial inflammation can lead to severe joint damage and even disability, thereby affecting quality of life for patients. Current clinical treatment of RA emphasises an integrated approach combining traditional Chinese and Western medicine, with traditional Chinese medicine offering certain advantages in reducing disease activity of RA, preventing relapses, and other aspects. Modern clinical evidence confirms that Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimutang (GSZT) is effective in improving symptoms such as immune metabolism, joint stiffness, and joint pain in RA patients. Pharmacological studies have revealed that GSZT primarily contains components such as cinnamaldehyde, total glucosides of paeony, total alkaloids of Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, glycyrrhetinic acid, zingiberone, isoimperatorin, ephedra polysaccharides, and cedrol. It improves RA symptoms via multiple mechanisms and targets, including enhancing immune responses, exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, regulating relevant signalling pathways, inhibiting cell apoptosis, and suppressing bone destruction. This paper reviewed the syndrome patterns and pharmacological basis of GSZT in the treatment of RA, as well as its clinical applications and related mechanisms, thereby providing a theoretical basis and reference for the further development and utilisation of GSZT in the treatment of RA.