Strengthen spleen (Jian Pi)

"Strengthen spleen" (known as 'Jian Pi' in Traditional Chinese Medicine) is a clinical therapeutic strategy rather than a specific molecular target, receptor, or enzyme [1, 15]. In the context of TCM, the 'Spleen' is a functional system responsible for the digestion of food, the absorption of nutrients, and the transformation of these elements into vital energy (Qi) and blood [2, 11]. This strategy is primarily employed to treat 'Spleen Qi Deficiency,' a syndrome characterized by symptoms such as poor appetite, chronic fatigue, abdominal bloating, and loose stools [6, 9]. Modern pharmacological research has attempted to link this principle to broad physiological effects, including the regulation of the gut-microbiota axis, enhancement of immune cell function, and modulation of metabolic pathways like mTORC1/SREBP1 [3, 14, 17]. Interventions typically involve herbal formulas like Sijunzi Tang or acupuncture at points such as Zusanli (ST36) to restore digestive harmony [5, 12, 13]. Because it represents a physiological outcome or treatment goal within a traditional medical framework, it does not correspond to a single, characterized biological molecule in modern pharmacology [10, 16].

Other names

Jian PiFortifying the spleenTonifying the spleenBupiSpleen-strengtheningInvigorating the spleen

Traditional Chinese Medicine therapeutic principle aimed at restoring the Spleen's function of transformation and transportation of nutrients, which modern research suggests involves modulation of the gut microbiota-bile acid axis and immune signaling pathways.