Si-Miao-Yong-An Decoction

Si-Miao-Yong-An Decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula composed of four main herbs—Lonicera japonica (honeysuckle), Scrophularia ningpoensis (Radix Sophora/figwort root), Angelica sinensis (dong quai/angelica root), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (licorice)—typically in a 3:3:2:1 ratio[1][3][7]. It is historically used to clear heat and detoxify the body, promote blood circulation, relieve pain, and treat conditions associated with "heat-toxin" and blood stasis syndromes. Modern research has explored its use for diabetic retinopathy[1], cardiac fibrosis[4], atherosclerosis[8], myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury[6], thromboangiitis obliterans[7], various cancers including cervical and breast cancer[3], as well as other inflammatory or vascular diseases. Mechanistically, it acts by suppressing inflammation and angiogenesis through inhibition of pathways such as NF-κB-TNFα and HIF1α-VEGF in the retina; it also inhibits TGFβ1-mediated fibrotic signaling via TAK1/p38 MAPK or Smad pathways in cardiac tissue. Key active components identified include chlorogenic acid and harpagoside. The decoction is typically administered orally after water extraction from the herbal mixture.

Other names

四妙勇安汤Si Miao Yong An TangSimiaoyongan Decoction