Dispelling wind, cold, and dampness

The phrase 'Dispelling wind, cold, and dampness' describes a therapeutic principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) rather than a specific molecular target such as a receptor or enzyme. It refers to the use of medicinal herbs or acupuncture to eliminate pathogenic factors that, according to TCM theory, cause 'Bi syndrome' (arthralgia), characterized by joint pain, swelling, and stiffness (Ref: PMID: 30121062). In modern pharmacology, herbs used for this purpose are found to contain bioactive compounds—such as coumarins and flavonoids—that exert broad anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. These compounds typically act by inhibiting the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-1β and modulating the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway (Ref: Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2020). While these treatments are effective for inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, the term itself represents a categorical action of multi-component formulas rather than a singular therapeutic target. Consequently, it is classified as an incorrect entry for a target molecule database.

Other names

Qufeng ChushiExpelling wind-cold-dampnessEliminating wind-dampnessTreating Bi-syndromeRemoval of pathogenic wind, cold and moisture

Modulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6), inhibition of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, and suppression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production.