Spleen and Stomach (Functional System)

The Spleen and Stomach (referred to as Pi-Wei in Traditional Chinese Medicine) represent a foundational functional unit rather than a single molecular target such as a receptor or enzyme. This system is traditionally described as being responsible for the transformation and transportation of nutrients and water, serving as the source of Qi and blood [3, 5]. In modern pharmacological research, the Spleen-Stomach concept is often analyzed as a network target involving various molecular pathways, including inflammatory cytokines, metabolic transporters like Oatp2a1, and growth factor receptors such as EGFR [5, 6, 10]. Therapeutic interventions targeting this system typically utilize complex herbal decoctions, such as Sijunzi or Weibing Formula 1, to treat conditions like chronic gastritis and metabolic syndromes by restoring physiological homeostasis and regulating the intestinal microbiota [1, 2, 6]. Because it is an organ-level or functional concept, it does not possess a singular ligand-binding site or a canonical molecular mechanism of action typical of modern pharmaceutical targets.

Other names

Pi-WeiSpleen-Stomach systemSpleen and Stomach functional unitSpleen-Stomach axis

Modulation of systemic metabolism and immune homeostasis by tonifying Qi, invigorating the Spleen, and resolving dampness through polyherbal formulations.