Comparison of Ancient and Modern Therapies: A Case Study on Xiao Chai Hu Decoction in the Treatment of Digestive System Diseases

Abstract

Xiao Chai Hu Decoction originates from Shang Han Lun, and its formulation principle of "harmonizing cold and heat" holds significant value in the treatment of digestive system diseases. Ancient physicians used "fullness in the chest and ribs" and "bitter taste in the mouth and dry throat" as core diagnostic criteria (Shang Han Ming Li Lun), while modern research has confirmed that this formula can regulate the 5-HT transporter (SERT mRNA expression increased by 2.1 times) and improve gastrointestinal motility (Wang et al., 2023). There is currently a gap in systematic research on the differences in the application of this formula across time, especially in terms of cross-era comparisons of the pathological mechanisms. This article integrates classical medical case records with clinical trial data, combined with molecular biology techniques, to reveal the evolutionary patterns of the diagnostic and therapeutic paradigm of Xiao Chai Hu Decoction.