Chaihu Guizhi Decoction

Chaihu Guizhi Decoction (CHGZD) is a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula first documented in the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Febrile Diseases). It is a complex herbal combination formed by merging two other foundational formulas: Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) and Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction). The standard preparation typically consists of nine botanical ingredients: *Bupleurum chinense* (Chaihu), *Cinnamomum cassia* (Guizhi), *Scutellaria baicalensis* (Huangqin), *Paeonia lactiflora* (Baishao), *Pinellia ternata* (Banxia), *Panax ginseng* (Renshen), *Ziziphus jujuba* (Dazao), *Zingiber officinale* (Shengjiang), and *Glycyrrhiza uralensis* (Gancao). Historically indicated for concurrent 'Shao Yang' and 'Tai Yang' syndromes, modern clinical research has pivoted toward its antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is specifically investigated for its ability to regulate the tryptophan metabolism pathway, which is often disrupted by inflammatory factors in patients with depression characterized by 'liver Qi stagnation.' In clinical settings, it is frequently evaluated as an adjunct to conventional antidepressants like sertraline to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects.

Other names

Chaihu Guizhi Tang柴胡桂枝汤Self-made Chaihu Guizhi decoction