Resolving phlegm and dampness

Resolving phlegm and dampness (Hua Tan Qu Shi) is a fundamental therapeutic principle in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focused on eliminating pathological accumulations of 'phlegm' and 'dampness,' which represent metabolic disturbances and fluid imbalances [1, 5]. It is not a single molecular target like a receptor or enzyme but a holistic clinical strategy used to treat conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) [3, 11, 14]. Modern research demonstrates that herbal formulas acting on this principle exert multi-target effects through pathways including PPAR signaling, PI3K/Akt signaling, and the restoration of gut microbiota homeostasis [5, 10, 14]. Common therapeutic agents include Pinellia ternata and Poria cocos, which act to improve metabolic clearance and reduce systemic inflammation [4, 7, 9]. Formulas such as Wen Dan Tang and Cangfu Daotan Wan utilize these components to stabilize internal metabolism and improve endocrine function [4, 14]. While marked as 'incorrect' as a specific molecular target, this principle provides a vital conceptual framework for the study of multicomponent synergies in drug development for metabolic health [8, 12].

Other names

Hua Tan Qu ShiDampness-phlegm resolutionDrying dampness and resolving phlegmRemoving dampness and phlegm

The mechanism involves the synergistic regulation of multi-target metabolic pathways, including the activation of PPAR signaling, modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, and improvement of gut microbiota composition to enhance insulin sensitivity and lipid clearance [5, 10, 14].