Huang Qin Tang (黄芩汤) — Scutellaria Decoction
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What is Huang Qin Tang?
Huang Qin Tang — Scutellaria Decoction — is a classical Shang Han Lun four-herb formula for the TCM pattern of Damp-Heat in the Intestines with diarrhoea and abdominal cramping. It is the ancestor of the modern PHY906 (KD018) formula, which has been investigated in Phase I and II Western clinical trials as a chemotherapy adjuvant for reducing gastrointestinal toxicity in patients undergoing irinotecan-based chemotherapy.[1]
I prescribe Huang Qin Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
Huang Qin Tang TCM pattern
Prescribed for heat lodged in the interior with diarrhoea: hot watery or mucus diarrhoea with cramping, low-grade fever, mild thirst, tenesmus or burning at the anus, a yellow tongue coat and a rapid pulse.
Key herbs
- Huang Qin (Rx. Scutellariae, 4-9g) — chief herb; clears Damp-Heat from the middle Burner
- Bai Shao (Rx. Paeoniae Alba, 3-9g) — relieves spasmodic abdominal pain
- Da Zao (Fr. Jujube, 4-12g) — nourishes Spleen Qi and harmonises
- Zhi Gan Cao (Rx. Glycyrrhizae Preparata, 3g) — harmonises the formula and eases the middle
Formula actions
- Clears Damp-Heat in the Intestines
- Relieves spasmodic abdominal pain
- Stops heat-pattern diarrhoea
TCM patterns and conditions where it is used
The formula is used for the TCM pattern of Damp-Heat in the Intestines. The presentations within that pattern include:
- Damp-Heat dysentery-pattern presentations with hot, cramping diarrhoea
- Damp-Heat overlay in inflammatory bowel disease flares (in TCM clinical practice, alongside conventional care)
- Chemotherapy-induced gastrointestinal toxicity — the modern PHY906 (KD018) derivative formula has been investigated in Phase I/II trials as an adjunct to irinotecan-based chemotherapy in colorectal cancer[1] (used only under joint supervision of oncologist and qualified Chinese herbalist)
- Damp-Heat travellers' diarrhoea presentations
- Damp-Heat childhood acute diarrhoea with cramping (paediatric dosing)
Cautions
Contraindicated in cold-deficient diarrhoea and chronic deficient loose stools. Severe diarrhoea, dehydration or blood in stool require medical assessment.
Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
References
[1] Kummar S, Copur MS, Rose M, Wadler S, Stephenson J, O'Rourke M, Brenckman W, Tilton R, Liu SH, Jiang Z, Su T, Cheng YC, Chu E. A phase I study of the Chinese herbal medicine PHY906 as a modulator of irinotecan-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer. 2011 Jun;10(2):85-96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clcc.2011.03.003. PMID: 21859559.
