Volume 10,Issue 4
The Origin and Clinical Application of Zhenwu Decoction
Zhenwu Decoction (Zhen Wu Tang) is recorded in Zhang Zhongjing’s Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases (Shanghan Zabing Lun). Its formulation was guided by the ancient Chinese medicine's principle of “harmonizing the five zang-organs with the five flavors.” It was also influenced by Xuanwu’s warming and percolating method from Decoction Classic (Tangye Jingfa). A typical formula for warm-yi and tonify yang, changing qi and promoting urine. This article discusses the origin of Zhenwu decoction as well as the difference between Zhenwu and Xuanwu, then its therapeutic effects on insomnia, heart failure, diabetic nephropathy, cancerous ascites, lupus nephritis of spleen-kidney yang deficiency and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are discussed and reflections from them are included.
[1] Ji LQ, Zhang SX, 2024, Theoretical Analysis of Zhenwu Decoction Combined with Acupuncture in Treating Insomnia with Hallucinations of the Yang-deficiency-with-water-overflow Type. Shiyong Zhongyi Neike Zazhi (Journal of Practical Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine), 1-6.
[2] Zhang HS, 2020, Clinical observation of Zhenwu Decoction Combined with Acupuncture in the Treatment of Insomnia. Shiyong Zhongyiyao Zazhi (Journal of Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine), 36(12): 1543-1544.
[3] Guo H, Ma QH, 2025, Clinical Effect of Zhenwu Decoction Combined with Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction in Treating Chronic Heart Failure with Yang-deficiency-and-water-overflow Syndrome. Zhongguo Yaowu Jingjixue (Chinese Journal of Pharmacoeconomics), 20(09): 87-90+94.
[4] Si Y, 2024, Efficacy of Modified Zhenwu Decoction Combined with Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction in Treating Chronic Heart Failure after Myocardial Infarction and Its Effect on Ventricular Remodeling and the p38 MAPK Pathway. Zhongguo Chufangyao (China Prescription Drug), 22(12): 171-174.
[5] Liu AJ, 2022, Clinical Observation of Modified Zhenwu Decoction Combined with Fuzi Lizhong Pill in Treating 60 Cases of Diabetic Nephropathy. Hunan Zhongyi Zazhi (Hunan Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine), 38(08): 17-21.
[6] Su BL, Chen GY, Tang SF, 2019, Therapeutic Effect of Zhenwu Decoction Combined with Immunosuppressants in Treating Lupus Nephritis of the Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency Type. Zhonghua Zhongyiyao Zazhi (China Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy), 34(02): 858-861.
[7] Zhao Z, Chen GS, Bai M, et al., 2023, Mechanism of Zhenwu Decoction in Improving Inflammatory Injury in Diabetic Nephropathy of Spleen-kidney Yang Deficiency Type Based on the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 Pathway. Zhongguo Shiyan Dongwu Xuebao (Journal of Chinese Experimental Animals), 31(07): 853-863.
[8] Li Y, Zhang Q, Zhong Y, et al., 2024, Clinical Observation of Transdermal Administration of Zhenwu Decoction Combined with Fangji Huangqi Decoction in the Treatment of Cancerous Ascites. Zhongguo Minjian Liaofa (China's Folk Therapy), 32(06): 62-64.
[9] Cui ZJ, 2022, Study on Modified Zhenwu Decoction Combined with Wuling San in Treating Acute Exacerbation of COPD with Yang-deficiency-and-water-overflow Syndrome. Chengde Yixueyuan Xuebao (Journal of Chengde Medical University), 39(04): 314-316.
[10] Liu JL, 2024, Efficacy Evaluation of Modified Zhenwu Decoction Combined with Wuling San in Treating Acute Exacerbation of COPD with Yang-deficiency-and-water-overflow Syndrome. Neimenggu Zhongyiyao (Inner Mongolia Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine), 43(06): 25-27.
[11] Qi ZQ, Hu HZ, Wang XS, et al., 2024, Application of Xuantu Dan in the Treatment of Early Diabetic Nephropathy Based on the Shenxiao (kidney-dispersion) Theory. Zhongyi Xuebao (Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine), 39(10): 2115-2119.
[12] Wang BB, Zhao YQ, Qin XH, 2024, Professor Zhao Yongqiang's Clinical Experience in Using Shenqi Zhenwu Decoction to Treat Cancerous Ascites. Zhongyi Linchuang Yanjiu (Journal of Clinical Chinese Medicine), 16(01): 59-63.
[13] Wang XD, 2019, Efficacy Evaluation of Zhenwu Decoction Combined with Xiao Qinglong Decoction in the Treatment of Diarrhea-predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Nanjing Zhongyiyao Daxue (Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine).