Zhi gancao Decoction

Zhi gancao Decoction (also known as Zhigancao Tang or Roasted Licorice Decoction) is a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula first documented in the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Febrile Diseases). It is primarily indicated for the treatment of cardiovascular conditions characterized by palpitations and an irregular or intermittent pulse, traditionally attributed to Yin and Yang deficiency and Qi and Blood insufficiency. The formula is composed of nine ingredients: honey-fried licorice (the sovereign herb), cinnamon twig, fresh ginger, ginseng, rehmannia root, ophiopogon tuber, hemp seed, donkey-hide gelatin, and jujube. In modern clinical research, it is frequently evaluated for its efficacy in treating arrhythmias, such as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation, particularly when used as an adjunctive therapy to Western medications like metoprolol. Its pharmacological effects are thought to involve the modulation of cardiac ion channels and the improvement of myocardial energy metabolism.

Brand names

ZGCTHoney-Fried Licorice DecoctionPrepared Licorice DecoctionBaked Licorice Formula

Other names

Zhigancao TangHoney-fried Licorice DecoctionRoasted Licorice DecoctionZhi Gan Cao Tang