Overview of the health-preserving effects of Yizhiren

Yizhiren is a commonly used nourishing medicinal material in traditional Chinese medicine. It is mainly produced in Guangdong, Guangxi and other places. It has the effects of warming the spleen and stopping diarrhea, consolidating sperm and reducing urination, appetizing and inhaling saliva. It is especially suitable for people with spleen and kidney deficiency. Its core functions include improving digestive function, relieving frequent urination and spermatorrhea, and enhancing memory. Its secondary functions are to assist in endocrine regulation and antioxidant. Modern research also shows that its volatile oil components may have a regulatory effect on the nervous system. The following will analyze its specific applications and scientific basis in layers.

The regulating effect of Yizhiren on the digestive system

Yizhiren is warm in nature and pungent in taste, and returns to the spleen and kidney meridians. It is traditionally used to treat cold and painful epigastric pain and loss of appetite. "Compendium of Materia Medica" records that it can "warm the spleen and stomach and relieve cold and diarrhea." Modern pharmacology has found that its ingredients such as eucalyptol and zingiberene can promote gastrointestinal motility and relieve functional indigestion. For example,Guangzhou Baiyun MountainproducedYizhilen Jianwei GranulesThat is, this medicinal material is used as the main ingredient and is suitable for patients with chronic gastritis (see Table 1 for data). It should be noted that people with yin deficiency and excessive fire should not take it for a long time.

Application of Yizhiren in urinary and reproductive systems

For spermatorrhea and frequent nocturia caused by insufficient kidney qi, Yizhiren is often combined with yam and black medicine, such as Shuoquan Wan in "Jisheng Prescription". Studies have shown that its flavonoids can reduce bladder overactivity. Experiments at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine have confirmed that its extract can extend the urination interval by 40% in rats with frequent urination.TongrentangofYizhiren concentrated pillsIt is developed based on this principle, but it needs to be used under the guidance of a physician and avoid taking it with diuretics.

Neuroprotective and cognitive improvement potential of Yizhiren

In recent years, studies have found that β-caryophyllene in the volatile oil of Yizhiren can pass through the blood-brain barrier and inhibit acetylcholinesterase activity. A 2020 paper in the journal "Chinese Herbal Medicine" pointed out that elderly volunteers who took Pizhiren extract for 8 weeks improved their Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score by an average of 2.3 points. However, currently related products (such asYunnan BaiyaoYizhilen Capsules) are still classified as health foods and cannot replace drugs in the treatment of cognitive impairment.

Precautions for scientific use of Yizhiren

Taken together, as a homologous substance of medicine and food (listed by the National Health Commission in 2020), Pizhiren is suitable for the treatment of mild illnesses, but it needs to be used based on syndrome differentiation. It is contraindicated for those with yin deficiency, dry mouth, and excessive heat syndrome. It is recommended for daily health care that the daily dosage should not exceed 6 grams, and it can be mixed with japonica rice to cook porridge. Currently, the products on the market have different efficacy (see Table 1). When selecting, you should pay attention to the approval type (National Drug Approval or Health License). Cited sources: "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 edition, Li Shizhen's "Compendium of Materia Medica", clinical report of Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated to Beijing University of Chinese Medicine.