Application of Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction in Orthopaedics and Traumatology

Abstract

The Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction(HQGZWWT) is composed of Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), and Dazao (Jujubae Fructus) which has various pharmacological anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antitumor, lipid-lowering, and immunity-regulating activities. It has certain advantages in the treatment of orthopaedic diseases, such as cervical spondylosis, scapulohumeral periarthritis, lumbar disc herniation, knee osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, myofascial pain syndrome, etc., with outstanding clinical efficacy, few adverse reactions, and high patient compliance. However, modern pharmacological researches on the whole prescription of HQGZWWT are insufficient and the therapeutic targets are not clear which needs further exploration. Besides, this prescription cannot treat all orthopaedic diseases, so we should adhere to the thinking of four diagnostics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), select prescriptions based on syndrome differentiation, closely follow the pathogenesis, innovate and expand its scope of application, reflect the application advantages of this prescription in orthopaedics and traumatology and improve the total clinical efficiency.