The five elements and organs diagram

Huang qi (astragalus) Huang qi (¶ÀŽû) or astragalus's traditional functions are to invigorate qi (vital energy)), benefit yang and increase body resistance. The main active ingredients identified in this herb are astragaloside and huang chi polysaccharide. Modern research shows that its dual modulation capabilities allow it to regulate the immune system by increasing the immune response when it is suppressed, and depressing the immune response when it is too high or over functioning. Therefore, the action of invigorating qi and benefiting yang can be interpreted in modern medicine as promoting and regulating the body's immune functions; thereby, maintaining the balance of the internal environment.

pseudo-ginseng The root of pseudo-ginseng (san qi ¤T¤C), according to TCM application, is a drug used to stop bleeding and promote blood flow. The ancient classic the Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) claims that it can "stop bleeding, dissolve blood stasis, and relieve pain." Pharmacological research has shown that it has a double action on the blood clotting system; active ingredients of pseudo-ginseng like saponin activate blood circulation and dissolve stasis, while san-qi-su stops bleeding. Other psuedo-ginseng active compounds, dencichine and ginseng propanol, also possess opposite blood clotting effects. Dencichine increases the production of certain clotting factors in the liver, and activates them, helping to stop bleeding. Ginseng proponal, on the other hand, increases the cAMP content in platelets, declines the production of TXA2, and prevents thrombosis (a fixed blood clot in the body). Although the body can modulate its own coagulation-anticoagulation system, pseudo-ginseng improves this action by its ability to both stimulate and prevent blood clotting with its active ingredients.

	Ginseng Ginseng (¤H°Ñ) is a well-known tonic for invigorating primordial energy, and its main ingredient is ginsenoside. Studies show that small dosages causes high blood pressure in dogs and increase the strength of heart contractions. Large dosages cause transitional hypotension (low blood pressure), decrease the strength of heart contractions and lower the heart rate.
	Rhubarb The usual dosage of rhubarb (da huang ¤j¶À) is 9g-15g; its main effect is diarrhea, which is caused by the active ingredient, quinone. However, when rhubarb is used in small dosages (e.g. around 1g), it will benefit the stomach and stop diarrhea. This illustrates that, by using different dosages, the ratio of active ingredients that work for dual modulation may change, resulting in different effects.
	According to some studies, dosages of astragalus (huang chi ¶ÀŽû) below 20g can lead to noticeable diuresis (excessive urination). However when dosages over 30g are used, it inhibits urination.

Acanthopanax	Barbary wolfberry fruit	Ganoderma lucidum

	Rhubarb (da huang ¤j¶À): leads to severe diarrhea when used fresh, moderate diarrhea when processed; it can also stop bleeding after being fried. This is due to the heat that decomposes the active ingredient, quinone.
	Fleece flower root Fleece flower root (he shou wu ¦ó­º¯Q): possesses lubricant and diarrhea effects when it is used fresh. When processed, it benefits the liver and kidneys, replenishing the essence (jing) and the marrow. This is also due to the decomposition of the active ingredient, quinone.

Formula Prescription

By understanding the concept of dual modulation, you can understand why there is such variety in the efficacies of similar products. It is also essential to understand this concept in order that TCM formulas can be applied appropriately for maximum health benefits.

References