4.1 Analysis of the Formula Composition of Pei’s Soft Liver and Anti-Bloating Pill

4.1 Analysis of the Formula Composition of Pei’s Soft Liver and Anti-Bloating Pill

Pei’s Soft Liver and Anti-Bloating Pill consists of Salvia miltiorrhiza, Astragalus membranaceus, Zanthoxylum bungeanum, Scutellaria barbata, Hedyotis diffusa, Curcuma wenyujin, and Laminaria japonica, among others.

• Astragalus membranaceus has a sweet taste and warm nature, primarily affecting the lung and spleen meridians. It tonifies qi and consolidates the exterior, while also drawing out toxins and draining pus. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Astragalus contains flavonoid components such as calycosin, astragalus polysaccharides, and glucosides, which enhance non-specific immune function.

• Salvia miltiorrhiza has a bitter taste and cold nature, entering the heart and spleen blood channels. It promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, nourishes the blood and calms the spirit. Pharmacological research indicates that tanshinone II A can induce tumor cell differentiation and promote apoptosis. Studies have shown that it can induce apoptosis in SMMC-7721 and HepG2 cells, possibly by downregulating VEGF and COX-2 mRNA levels and upregulating p38MAPK expression [94–95].

• Scutellaria barbata and Hedyotis diffusa both belong to the category of herbs that clear heat and detoxify. Pharmacological studies have found that ursolic acid in Hedyotis diffusa can induce cancer cell differentiation, prevent mutations, and inhibit angiogenesis.

• Zanthoxylum bungeanum has a pungent and warm nature, affecting the liver and stomach meridians. It draws out toxins and drains pus, promotes blood circulation and reduces swelling. Its flavonoid compounds can inhibit mutant P53 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen, increasing serum levels of IL-12, IL-2, and TNF-α, thereby influencing tumor proliferation.

• Curcuma wenyujin has a warm nature and a slightly bitter taste, with effects such as promoting blood circulation and breaking blood stasis, regulating qi and relieving pain. Studies have shown that curcuma oil can inhibit the expression of Ang-2 and COX-2 in HepG2 cells in vitro, inducing tumor cell apoptosis.

• Laminaria japonica has a salty taste and cold nature, affecting the kidney and liver meridians. It promotes diuresis and reduces swelling, softens hard masses and disperses nodules. Laminaria contains terpenoid compounds that can increase serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6, thereby enhancing immune function.

Overall, the entire formula is designed according to the pathogenic mechanism of liver cancer—deficiency, blood stasis, and toxicity—aiming to reinforce vital energy without leaving pathogenic factors behind, and eliminate pathogenic factors without harming vital energy, thus achieving a balance between treating the root and addressing the symptoms.