Blood stagnation syndrome (BSS)

Blood stagnation syndrome (BSS) is a complex pathological state in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) characterized by the slowing or obstruction of blood flow, leading to localized pain, cyanosis, and the formation of masses (Pang et al., 2015). In modern physiological terms, BSS is frequently associated with hemorheological abnormalities, including increased blood viscosity, platelet hyper-aggregation, and impaired microcirculation (Wang et al., 2017). It is not a single molecular target but rather a systemic syndrome that correlates with various clinical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic inflammatory disorders (Chen, 2011). Research indicates that BSS involves multiple biological pathways, including the coagulation cascade, endothelial dysfunction, and the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therapeutic interventions for BSS, often referred to as blood-activating and stasis-resolving therapies, aim to improve blood flow and prevent thrombosis through mechanisms similar to modern anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents. Consequently, while BSS provides a holistic framework for diagnosis, its management involves targeting a network of molecular processes rather than a single receptor or enzyme.

Other names

Blood stasis syndromeXue YuOketsuBlood stasisBlood-stasis pattern

Inhibition of platelet activation and aggregation, reduction of blood viscosity, promotion of fibrinolysis, and improvement of endothelial function to restore normal microcirculatory flow.