Kai-Xin-San

Kai-Xin-San (KXS) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription first recorded in the 7th century in the ancient text *Beiji Qianjin Yaofang* by Sun Simiao. It is composed of four herbal ingredients: Polygalae Radix (root of Polygala tenuifolia), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (root and rhizome of Panax ginseng), Poria (sclerotium of Poria cocos), and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii). The typical ratio is 3:3:2:2. Originally used for amnesia, it has been widely applied to treat depression, cognitive decline, and emotional disorders[1][4][6]. Its pharmacological activities include antidepressant effects—demonstrated in animal models resistant to fluoxetine—and neuroprotective actions through modulation of inflammatory cytokines and upregulation of neurotrophic factors such as BDNF via pCREB signaling pathways[3][4]. The main active constituents are saponins, xanthones, oligosaccharide esters, triterpenoids, volatile oils, and flavonoids; saponins are considered predominant for mental health benefits[1][2]. Mechanistically, KXS appears to regulate neurotransmitter levels and neurotrophic factors in the brain as well as modulate gut microbiota composition[1][6].

Other names

KaixinsanKXS