Qi regulation and blood circulation activation

Qi regulation and blood circulation activation (Li Qi Huo Xue) is a fundamental therapeutic principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to treat conditions characterized by 'Qi stagnation' and 'blood stasis.' In modern pharmacology, this principle is understood as a multi-target strategy aimed at improving hemodynamic parameters and vascular health (PMID: 32694119). It functions by promoting vasodilation, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and enhancing microcirculation, which are critical in managing ischemic cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (PMID: 28634515). Research indicates that formulas adhering to this principle often modulate molecular pathways such as the VEGF signaling pathway for angiogenesis and the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway to reduce inflammatory mediators (PMID: 30814030). While not a single molecular target, it represents a cluster of pharmacological effects involving various receptors and enzymes, including eNOS, COX-2, and various coagulation factors. It is primarily utilized in the clinical management of angina, stroke recovery, and chronic inflammatory disorders where impaired blood flow is a primary pathological feature (PMID: 32694119).

Other names

Li Qi Huo XueRegulating Qi and Invigorating BloodPromoting Qi and Activating Blood CirculationQi-regulating and blood-stasis-removing

The mechanism involves a multi-target approach including the upregulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) for vasodilation, inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce inflammation, and modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway to protect vascular endothelial cells (PMID: 30814030). It also targets coagulation cascades and platelet activation factors to reduce blood viscosity and prevent thrombus formation (PMID: 28634515).