zhizi bopi tang

Zhizi Bopi Tang is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula originating from the ancient text "Shang Han Lun." It consists of three main herbal ingredients: Gardenia jasminoides fruit (Zhi Zi), Phellodendron bark (Huang Bo or Huang Bai), and prepared licorice root (Gan Cao). The formula is primarily used to clear heat, resolve dampness, and relieve jaundice. Its mechanism in TCM terms involves purging pathogenic heat from the triple burner, clearing fire from the liver and gallbladder, invigorating the spleen and stomach, and harmonizing other herbs. Modern research has identified active compounds such as geniposide (from Zhi Zi), berberine (from Huang Bo), glycyrrhizinic acid (from Gan Cao), among others. Indications include damp-heat jaundice with symptoms like fever, yellowish skin/eyes/urine, irritability, thirst, red tongue with yellow coating. It may also be used for conditions such as nosebleed or hematemesis due to heat in the blood[1][6][9]. The decoction is administered orally.

Other names

栀子柏皮汤梔子柏皮湯Zhi Zi Bai Pi Tang