Sihai Shuyu Formula

**Sihai Shuyu Formula (SHSY)** is a traditional Chinese herbal formula, originally developed during the Qing Dynasty for gallbladder treatment and later adapted for therapeutic use in thyroid disorders, particularly Graves’ disease. It is composed of a combination of sargassum (Hai zao), thalluslaminariae (Kun bu), endoconcha sepiae (Hai piao xiao), goncha meretricis seu cyclinae (Ge ke), citrus reticulata (Chen Pi), and aucklandiae radix (Mu Xiang)[3][5]. The formula is traditionally indicated for moving Qi, resolving Phlegm, softening hardness, and dissolving masses[5]. Modern preclinical studies indicate promising potential for treating Graves’ disease by modulating the IGF1R/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, reducing serum thyroxine (T4) and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) levels, and improving thyroid tissue morphology[1][3]. Key active components identified include Guggulsterone, Betulinic aldehyde, and Forsythoside H. SHSY is considered as an adjunctive therapy alongside conventional treatments such as antithyroid drugs, surgery, or radioiodine therapy. Currently, the evidence is based on animal studies; clinical data in humans are lacking[1][3].

Other names

Sihai Shuyu PillFour Seas Soothe Stagnation PillSi Hai Shu Yu Wan四海纾瘀囊