Abstract
Si Wu Tang (Four Agents Decoction), a traditional Chinese decoction composed
of Angelica Sinensis Radix, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Alba, and
Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata in a ratio of 1 : 1 : 1 : 1, has been used to
treat womenʼs diseases for more than a thousand years. According to the
original description of Si Wu Tang, Angelica Sinensis Radix should be
treated with wine. However, the importance of this wine-treated Angelica
Sinensis Radix in Si Wu Tangʼs function has not been identified. In this
article, the chemical and biological properties of two decoctions processed
in different ways (Si Wu Tang with crude Angelica Sinensis Radix and Si Wu
Tang with wine-treated Angelica Sinensis Radix) were compared for
examination. The herbal decoction Si Wu Tang prepared from wine-treated
Angelica Sinensis Radix contained much different amounts of its active
compounds. Compared with Si Wu Tang using crude Angelica Sinensis Radix, Si
Wu Tang prepared from wine-treated Angelica Sinensis Radix had better
biological responses. Therefore, these findings accentuate the functional
importance of herbs treated with wine in the Chinese decoction.
Key words
Angelica sinensis
- Umbelliferae - Si Wu Tang - traditional Chinese medicine - wine treatment
