Strengthening the spleen and regulating Qi (Jianpi Liqi)

Strengthening the spleen and regulating Qi (Jianpi Liqi) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) therapeutic strategy rather than a specific protein, receptor, or enzyme target. In the context of TCM, the 'Spleen' represents a functional system responsible for digestion, nutrient absorption, and water metabolism, while 'Qi' refers to the vital energy required for physiological functions. This principle is typically applied to treat 'Spleen deficiency and Qi stagnation,' conditions characterized clinically by abdominal distension, poor appetite, and fatigue (PMID: 28543343). Because it is a holistic treatment concept, it does not have a single canonical molecular structure; instead, it is mediated by complex herbal formulas containing compounds like ginsenosides and flavonoids. Modern pharmacological research suggests that therapies following this principle interact with multiple pathways, including the secretion of digestive hormones such as motilin and gastrin, and the regulation of inflammatory cytokines (PMID: 31033280). Consequently, while it is a valid clinical approach in integrative medicine, it is considered 'incorrect' when categorized as a singular molecular therapeutic target in drug discovery.

Other names

Jianpi LiqiSpleen-strengthening and Qi-regulatingTCM therapeutic principle for spleen deficiencyInvigorating the spleen and promoting Qi circulation

As a therapeutic principle rather than a single molecule, the mechanism involves a multi-target approach including the regulation of gastrointestinal hormones (e.g., gastrin, motilin), modulation of the gut-brain axis, and restoration of gut microbiota balance (PMID: 32670104, 30505252).