Jiawei Suanzaoren Decoction

Jiawei Suanzaoren Decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal formula used primarily for the treatment of insomnia and sleep disturbances. It is an enhanced version of the classic Suanzaoren Decoction (Suan Zao Ren Tang), with additional herbs to broaden its therapeutic effects. The decoction typically contains five core herbs—Semen Ziziphi Spinosae (sour jujube seed), Poria cocos (Fu Ling), Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Zhi Mu), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gan Cao)—with further modifications depending on clinical presentation[4][6]. The mechanism of action is believed to involve modulation of neurotransmitter systems related to sleep regulation, particularly through gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors and serotonin receptors. Bioactive constituents such as jujuboside A and B may enhance GABAergic activity in the central nervous system, producing sedative-hypnotic effects[8]. Clinical studies have shown that Jiawei Suanzaoren Decoction can improve sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia or perimenopausal insomnia, often with fewer adverse effects compared to conventional hypnotics like lorazepam[1][2][7].

Other names

Jiawei Suanzaoren Tang加味酸枣仁汤