The Multiple Pharmacologic Functions and Mechanisms of Action of Guizhi Fuling Formulation

Abstract

Objectives. Guizhi Fuling Formulation (GZFL), a traditional Chinese medical formulation, consists of Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba (or Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Moutan Cortex, Persicae Semen, and Poria, with multiple therapeutic functions such as sedation, antitumor activity, anti-inflammation, and neuroprotection. However, its clinical applications remain relatively fragmented, and the underlying mechanisms of GZFL in different diseases are still not very certain. Further research and summary in both application and mechanisms remain to be needed for human health and the best use of GZFL. Therefore, we summarized the multiple pharmacologic effects and possible mechanisms of action of GZFL according to recent 17 years of research. Methods. We retrieved four English and two Chinese databases using these keywords (the formulation name or its synonyms) and searched articles written in English from January 2006 up to February 2022. Key Findings. GZFL exhibits multiple pharmacologic advantages in gynecologic diseases and other expanding diseases such as cancer, blood, and vascular disease, renal failure, inflammation, and brain injury. Possibly due to its diverse bioactive components and pharmacologic activities, GZFL could target the multiple signaling pathways involved in regulating blood circulation, inflammatory and immune factors, proliferation, apoptosis, and so on. Conclusion. This review suggests that GZFL displays promising therapeutic effects for many kinds of diseases, which have been beyond the scope of the original prescription for gynecologic diseases. In this way, we wish to provide a reference and recommendation for further preclinic and clinic studies.

Exploring the Therapeutic Efficacy and Pharmacological Mechanism of Guizhi Fuling Pills on Ischemic Stroke: A Meta-Analysis and Network Pharmacology Analysis

“…Previous animal experiment has demonstrated that GZFL could exert a signi cant anti-in ammatory effect by reducing the serum TNF-α levels and improving IL-10 and corresponding receptors levels, and could thus improve the recovery of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (Li et al 2007). Furthermore, multiple clinical evidence also supported that GZFL has signi cant bene ts for patients with cerebral ischemic injury by improving endothelial function, reducing cell apoptosis, and decreasing intracellular calcium ion levels (Chen et al 2016;Zhang et al 2017;Hu et al 2020;Gao et al 2022). While numerous animal experiments and clinical trials have proofed that GZFL holds promise as a potential therapeutic drug for IS, further research is necessary to investigate its clinical e cacy and potential pharmacological mechanisms in the treatment of IS.…”

Paeoniflorigenone inhibits ovarian cancer metastasis through targeting the MUC1/Wnt/β‑catenin pathway

“…Paeoniae Radix Rubra (PRR, also known as Chishao) is a type of Chinese herbal medicine, which is the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. PRR is often used in TCM formulations to clinically treat cancer ( 9 , 10 ), such as the Guizhi Fuling Formulation ( 11 ) for the treatment of bladder cancer, OC and breast cancer. Paeoniflorin has been identified as one of the main components in PRR with antitumor activity ( 12 ).…”

Exploring the mechanisms of Guizhifuling pills in the treatment of coronary spastic angina based on network pharmacology combined with molecular docking

“…GFP is composed of Guizhi (GZ), Fuling (FL), Mudanpi (MDP), Chishao (CS), and Taoren (TR), and it exhibits a diverse range of pharmacological effects, including improving blood circulation, inhibiting platelet aggregation, and having anti-inflammatory properties. [15,16] However, the precise mechanism by which GFP exerts its therapeutic effects in the management of CSA remains unclear.…”