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Traditional Chinese Medicine for Treatment of Alcoholism: From

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The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, Vol. 39, No. 1, 1–13
© 2011 World Scientific Publishing Company
Institute for Advanced Research in Asian Science and Medicine
DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X11008609

Traditional Chinese Medicine

for Treatment of Alcoholism:
from Ancient to Moderna

Qing Liu,* Andrew J. Lawrencey and Jian-Hui Liang*

*NationalInstitute on Drug Dependence
Peking University, Beijing, P. R. China
y
Howard Florey Institute and Centre for Neuroscience
University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Abstract: Alcohol has long been used as a daily beverage in China and around the world. It is
a medicinal substance with various biological activities. In fact, alcohol has played an
important role in the development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), within which it is
considered as the earliest exhilarant and anaesthetic. Yet, as a substance with great potency of
misuse and addiction, the consumption of alcohol can lead to serious damage to individual
health and the society. Over the past 20 years, alcohol abuse or alcoholism has become an
increasing social problem in China along with the rapid economic development. China, the
country of origin for TCM, has accumulated abundant clinical experience in the treatment of
alcoholism with its ancient medicine. In the present research, we have summarized clinical
and primary studies concerning various remedies of TCM for alcohol abuse, including herbal
components (such as Kudzu/Pueraria Lobata, Pediculus melo, Hypericumpperforatum L.),
decoctions and acupuncture.

Keywords: Alcohol Abuse; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Acupuncture.

Introduction

Alcohol drinking has a very long history in China. Back since the Shang Dynasty
(1600–1110 BC), alcohol has been produced as a medicinal substance and used in religion
or sacrificial activity. After centuries of development, alcohol culture generally blended
into the Chinese national culture, forming a unique and integrated part (Hao and Young,

a
Roman numbers (from I to VIII) are used as superscripts in the text to indicate supplementary information added
at the end of the article and after the references.
Correspondence to: Dr. Jian-Hui Liang, Department of Neuropharmacology, National Institute on Drug Depen-
dence, Peking University, Beijing 100191, P. R. China. Tel: (þ86) 10-8280-2452, Fax: (þ86) 10-6203-2624, E-
mail: liangjh@hotmail.com; liangjh@bjmu.edu.cn

1
2 Q. LIU et al.

2000). On the other hand, problems related to drinking were also deeply rooted in Chinese
culture and society. After the Reform and Opening Up in 1978, the society went through a
sudden expansion of material life and western influence, which severely deteriorated the
drinking problem in China (Demers et al., 2001; Liang et al., 2005). Both the varieties of
alcohol and the drinking pattern of Chinese people changed dramatically (Hao et al., 2004).
Drinking disorders and drinking related problems rose quickly, and so did the demand
for an effective treatment. Comparing western medicine and Chinese herbal medicine, it is
easy to observe that huge differences exist in the understanding of disease, the mechanism
of treatment, as well as the definition of cure (Huang and Zhu, 2007; Jiang, 2005).
According to traditional Chinese medicine, alcohol is recognized not only as a therapeutic
substance that can “invigorate the blood circulation and reduce petechiae,” but also a
potential etiological factor that is “extreme hot,” causing “depletion of energy in stomach
and spleen” (related disorders such as hepatitis, depression, et al.). Based on this under-
standing of ethanol, TCM treatment of alcohol abuse generally focuses on “clearing away
the heat and restoring balance between Yin and Yang” (Zhang, 2001).
Over the past decades, herbal medicine and acupuncture have been receiving increasing
attention in the clinical treatment of alcoholism. What is noteworthy is that most studies on
TCM are now carried out under the guidance of western experimental philosophy, of which
the rationality is still controversial (Jiang, 2005). In the present study, we intend to
introduce the Chinese alcohol culture and the basic TCM philosophy concerning alcohol
intake. Meanwhile, from a modern scientific perspective, we summarized clinical and
primary studies that investigate the efficacy and mechanism of major herbs and acu-
puncture used in the treatment of alcohol use disorder.

Alcoholism in China

As China holds 22% of the world’s population, the amount of alcohol consumed in China
has always been a large figure. But the consumption of alcohol becoming a public health
hazard only started in the late 20th century (Cochrane et al., 2003). National and regional
epidemiological surveys in China since the 1980s have shown that mean annual alcohol
consumption and the prevalence rates of alcohol-related problems have increased steadily
(Liu et al., 1999) Wang et al., 1999). In 1994, the proportions of social drinkers were
84.1%, 29.3% and 59.5% among male, female and total population, respectively (Hao
et al., 1998a,b).
Researchers on alcoholism in China have concluded that several aspects about alcohol
drinking are quite different from the western countries (Cochrane et al., 2003). First of all,
Chinese cultural norms encourage social drinking and discourage solitary drinking.
Researchers believe it may prevent most Chinese people from drinking too much, thus
explaining the relatively low alcoholism in China before 1970s (Hao et al., 1999). Second,
the Chinese people possess abundant experience in the production of grain-made alcohol,
including distilled liquor, yellow rice wine, etc. Thus a wider range of alcoholic beverages
are consumed in China than in most other countries. Compared with most western
 ALCOHOLISM AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 3

countries, the Chinese consume more spirits but less beer and wine (Cochrane et al., 2003).
Thirdly, TCM is a crucial element in shaping the understanding toward alcohol drinking in
China. Except from the recognition of physical harm caused by alcoholism (such as
impairment of fertility, birth defects and liver diseases), TCM also ranks alcohol as an
important medicine which improves circulation, treats arthritis, increases blood production,
and functions as “a leader of medicines” that “can guide other medicines to the place of
disease” (Wang, 2003). Thus, moderate drinking is considered “beneficial” in the Chinese
population.
Because of the particularity of the Chinese drinking culture and the huge culture impact,
TCM is considered to be one indispensable solution for alcoholism problems in China.

The Knowledge of Alcoholism in Traditional Chinese Medicine

The theory of traditional Chinese medicine is tightly related to ancient Chinese philosophy,
which emphasizes the unity of heaven and human being. According to the Yellow
Emperor’s Internal Canon (Pinyin: Huangdi Neijing), II everything in the universe is
composed of two opposite energies: Yin and Yang. Yin represents all things that are
motionless, cold, downward, inner, inhibitory; while Yang represents active, hot, upward,
outside, stimulatory. The accumulation of Yin forms heaven, of Yang forms earth (Huang
and Zhu, 2007). As for the human body, all structures can be divided into two opposite
parts, either Yin or Yang. In a broad sense, the upper and external parts of body belong to
Yang; while the lower and inner parts belong to Yin. Further, the nature of heart and lung is
Yang; while that of liver, kidney and spleen is Yin. More specifically, there is also Yin and
Yang within each organ. For example, heart includes heart Yin and heart Yang (Wang,
2003).
The theory of TCM suggests that a balance of Yin and Yang is essential to sustain
optimal body function, which mainly refers to the ability of self-adjustment. In TCM,
diseases are common products of both etiological agents and maladjustments in the body.
Different from Western medicine, TCM concerns the body’s reaction to etiological agents
and tries to settle the internal maladjustment to retain homeostasis. Therefore, the diagnosis
in TCM is relayed on the visible signs and symptoms of patients, which have been sorted
into various “patterns” (Jiang, 2005). For example, nausea, headache and alternate heat or
cold feeling, which are responses of the human body to external etiological stimulants, are
diagnosed as a “damp-pattern” (Zhang, 2005).
As for alcohol, TCM states that the nature of ethanol is extreme heat with toxicity, and
chronic binge drinking can deplete the flow of energy and damage the spleen and stomach
causing a deficiency of energy in the spleen and stomach (Qu and Wang, 2008; Wang,
2004). People with alcoholism mainly exhibit signs that imply a damp pattern. Based on
the development of disease and the theory of “pattern-differentiated therapeutic strategies,”
alcohol induced damp pattern could be divided into several sub-patterns, including heat-
damp and cold-damp patterns. Li Dongyuan, III in his book Treatise on Spleen and Stomach
(Pinyin: Pi Wei Lun) summarized that the illness of alcoholism is accumulated in
the gallbladder, stomach and spleen. Appropriate treatment should clear away heat and
4 Q. LIU et al.

promote dieresis so as to resolve the dampness, thus restore a balance of Yin and Yang
(Zhang, 2001).

Chinese Herbs for Treating Alcoholism: A Perspective Combing

Ancient and Modern Interpretations
Kudzu/Pueraria Lobata (Pinyin: ge-gen)
Kudzu originated in China and has been valued for its healing power in traditional herbal
medicine for thousands of years (Shen Nung Pen Ts’ao King, IV 2800 B.C.) (Cochrane
et al., 2003).
The use of Kudzu for alcohol treatment was first documented by Sun Simiao V in
Formulas of a Thousand Gold Worth (Pinyin: Beiji Qian Jin Yao Fang, 581–682 A.D.),
and then by Li Dongyuan (1180–1251) as an antidipsotropic agent, widely known in the
famous prescription Ge-hua Jie-cheng Decoction (literally: Decoction with Pueraria lobata
Flower for Alcohol Detoxication) VI (Wang et al., 2005; Wing and Bert, 1998). Currently,
Kudzu is employed as the monarch drug (Pinyin: Jun-yao) VII in different prescriptions for
alcohol abstinence, such as Jie-jiu Oral Liquid VIII (Liu and Li, 2003). Employing the
principles of modern science, Liu et al. carried out two random clinical trials to compare
the antidipsotropic effect of Jie-jiu Oral Liquid and diazepam (Liu et al., 2002, 2003). The
study revealed that the overall effective rate was significantly higher in Jie-jiu Oral Liquid
group than in the diazepam group. Moreover, patients in the diazepam group exhibited
various complaints, such as lethargy, hypodynamia and dermatorrhea, which were not
apparent in the Kudzu treatment group.
Except from the existing clinical evidence of Kudzu in ethanol-dependence treatment,
significant progress has also been made in primary studies concerning this medicinal
substance. The antidipsotropic activity of Kudzu and its extracts have been confirmed in
golden hamsters, Wistar rats, Fawn-Hooded (FH) rats and alcohol-preferring (P) rats under
various experimental models, including two-lever choice, two-bottle free choice (ethanol/
water), limited access, and ethanol-deprived paradigms (Lin et al., 1996; Overstreet et al.,
1996; Wing and Bert, 1998). With modern experimental techniques, researchers were able
to separate several active components from Kudzu, among which Daidzin is found to be
especially effective in reducing alcohol intake in rodent models (Wing et al., 1996). As for
the mechanisms of action, several studies on Kudzu and its extracts have proposed that
Daidzin may suppress ethanol intake by inhibiting mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase
(ALDH-2), which is also involved in serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine (DA) metabolism
(Rezvania et al., 2003; Wing and Bert, 1998). Indeed, based on the structure of Daidzin,
a new compound has been produced that can reduce heavy alcohol drinking in preclinical
screens (Arolfo et al., 2009).

Pediculus melo (Pinyin: gua di) or Pedicelli Melonis Powder (Pinyin: gua di feng)
Pediculus melo (also called musk melon base) is the fruit stem of muskmelon, and is grown
in most regions of China. According to Pi Wei Lun, the nature of Pediculus melo is bitter,
 ALCOHOLISM AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 5

cold, and poisonous. It mainly works in the stomach, inducing vomiting as well as reducing
jaundice (Sun, 2004). In the treatment of alcoholism, Pediculus melo is mostly used to
produce an emetic effect, thus form a conditioned taste aversion reflex toward ethanol. In a
cohort study (Dou et al., 2003), 97.3% patients showed a significant decline in alcohol
intake after taking Pediculus melo wine (wine mixed with Pediculus melo).
It is important to notice that Pediculus melo holds several advantages compared to
apomorphine, namely small dosage, long residual actions well as convenient administration
(oral) (Wang et al., 2001). Shang’s study evaluated the potency of a Pediculus melo
capsules (Guadi Capsule, containing 0.2 g Pediculus melo) in clinical practice (Shang
et al., 2005). His results confirmed the study of Wang and highlighted the usage of
Pediculus melo with fewer side effects than apomorphine.

Hypericum perforatum L. (St. John’s wort, Pinyin: guanyelianqiao)

The plant Hypericum perforatum L. (HPE, St. John’s wort) has been introduced as a
“heat-clearing and detoxifying” drug in several TCM classic books, including the Folk
Medicinal Herbs of Nanjing (Pinyin: Nanjing Minjian Yaocao, 1956), Guizhou Civil
Bark Collect (Pinyin: Guizhou Minjian Fangyaoji, 1978), Chinese Medicine Record of
Sichuan (Pinyin: Sichuan Zhongyaozhi, 1979), etc. The extracts of HPE have been
successfully used for the treatment of depression both in TCM and western medicine
(Linde et al., 1996). Though it is not declared in the records of ancient Chinese practice
that HPE may be helpful in the treatment of alcoholism, modern medicine has made it
quite clear that because of the similarity in the pathogenesis of depression and alco-
holism, antidepressant drugs may reduce pathological alcohol intake in people (Grant and
Harford, 1995; Markou et al., 1998; Merikangas et al., 1998; Neighbors et al., 1992;
Swensden et al., 1998). As for HPE, its influence on voluntary alcohol intake have been
studied by many laboratories in alcohol-preferring rats with different strains, such as
Fawn-hooded (FH) rats, Marchigian Sardinian alcohol-preferring (msP) rats and high-
alcohol drinking (HAD) rats (Ciccocioppo et al., 1999; Overstreet et al., 1992; Rezvania
et al., 1999; Viglinskaya et al., 1995). Results from those research studies showed that
HPE extract (three-day pre-treatment) could attenuate the intake of alcohol, ranging from
a 30% reduction compared to the baseline in FH rats to a 72% reduction in HAD rats
(Rezvania et al., 1999).
The adoption of HEP in clinical treatment of alcoholism is not novel. Back in 1993,
Krylov and Ibatov confirmed that St. John’s wort is beneficial for alcoholic patients. As for
the mechanism of action, most studies have linked HEP with several neurochemical sys-
tems in brain, for example the dopaminergic or glutamatergic systems (Feng et al., 2003;
Muller et al., 1997; Nathan, 2001; Singer et al., 1999). However, none of the pathways
have been generally accepted as the functional mechanism of HEP.
In addition to the above herbs, other herbal medicines such as Flos ddaturae (Pinyin:
Yangjinhua) and Ginseng (Pinyin: Rensheng) are also extensively used in various folk
prescriptions to treat alcoholism.
6 Q. LIU et al.

Herbal Mixtures Used for the Treatment of Alcoholism

The Principle of the Formation of a Recipe
One of the special things in TCM is the management of drugs. Quite different from the
accurate and easily handled prescription in western medicine, the preparation of a TCM
prescription could be time consuming and delicate. One prescription in TCM may include
scores of drugs, including monarch drugs, ministerial drugs, assistant drugs and guiding
drugs. The four elements first appeared in Huangdi Neijing and were described as the
constructional bases for TCM prescription. Yet, there are also some famous recipes con-
taining only one drug that do not fit the “Four Elements Principle.” For example, Qing Jin
Sang, a recipe commonly used for alleviating cough, is formed with Scutellaria baicalensis
Georgi alone. Understandings toward the principle have evolved over centuries of clinical
practice. Now, one dominant opinion considers a therapeutic method as the bottom-line
principle and the “Four Elements Principle” as a flexible principle in the formation of a
recipe. It states that a recipe should meet the therapeutic purpose and be constructed
accordingly (Wang et al., 2009).

Types of Prescriptions in TCM

The operational theory of TCM states that the action of a monarch drug in a prescription
could be enhanced by the other drugs through appropriate management (Wang and Zhou,
2001). There are many different ways to handle a TCM prescription, for example, grilling,
baking, boiling, etc. TCM physicians usually instruct patients with the preparation of
medicine, except nowadays people may prefer processed TCM medicine. Decoction is the
earliest and most commonly used dosage form in TCM due to its simple preparation, high
absorption and quick onset of effect (Zou and Guang, 2009). In the treatment of alcohol
dependence, several prescriptions of decoction inherited from ancient wisdom or created by
modern Chinese physicians are applied in clinical practice. The following decoctions
introduced here are commonly used and extensively studied in clinical or laboratory
environment.

Most Commonly Used Decoctions in the Treatment of Alcoholism

Huanglian Wendan Decoction (Literally “Coptis Decoction for Warming
the Gallbladder”)
Composition: rhizoma coptidis (coptis, 6 g); rhizoma pinelliae (10 g); pericarpium citri
reticulatae (10 g); rhizoma zingiberis recens (10 g); caulis bambusae in taenia (15 g);
rhizoma gastrodiae (15 g); poria (15 g); rhizoma acori (10 g); tatarinowii (10 g); bombyx
batryticatus (10 g); radix curcumae (6 g); radix et rhizoma glycyrrhizae (6 g).
According to Li Dongyuan (1180–1251), excessive drinking of wine induces moist heat
in several organs (including the pancreas, stomach, liver, spleen), causing jaundice,
excessive phlegm, dementia or tremor (Qu and Wang, 2008). Within the prescription of
Huanglian Wendan decoction, coptis is the monarch drug with potency in eliminating
 ALCOHOLISM AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 7

dampness and heat. Other herbs are ministerial drugs that can dissipate phlegm or invi-
gorate the spleen (Wang, 2004). From a modern perspective, one case report study revealed
that Huanglian Wendan decoction (500 ml, bid) was effective in treating alcohol depen-
dence patients (overall effective rate: 83.3%) (Qu and Wang, 2008). Furthermore, the
potent coptis decoction was also proven to be effective in other aspects, such as sedation,
pain control, anti-epilepsy, etc. Laboratory studies revealed that the coptis decoction could
alter the action of neurotransmitters and increase excitatory amino acids in the cortex,
which may be an aspect of the mechanism of the coptis decoction in the treatment alcohol
dependence (He and Fu, 1999; Wang and Shi, 2002).

Jiejiu Jiedu Decoction (Literally “Herbal Decoction for Alcohol Detoxication”)

Composition: rhizoma coptidis; cortex phellodendri chinensis; radix angelicae sinensis;
radix aconiti lateralis praeparata; rhizoma cimicifugae; radix bupleuri; radix aucklandiae;
rhizoma pinelliae; radix ophiopogonis; fructus schisandrae chinesnsis; radix et rhizoma
glycyrrhizae.
Within the present formula, herbs with mild medicinal effects are employed. Unlike the
“aversion therapy” used in most clinical practice for alcohol abuse, this herbal recipe
focuses on the recovery of inner balance in patients through removing heat and nourishing
the liver and kidney. In a clinical case-controlled study, a clinical reports stated that the
antidipsotropic action of Jiejiu Jiedu decoction was as good as furazolidone (Cao et al.,
2007).

Jiejiu Decoction (Literally “TCM Decoction for Alcohol Dependence”)

Composition: radix dichroae (10 g); alumen (10 g)
Components of jiejiu decoction, including radix dichroae and white alumen, are
common herbal drugs with irritant effects on stomach that induce reflex vomiting (The
State Pharmacopoeia Commission, 2005). Unlike the Jiejiu Jiedu decoction mentioned
above, the prescription of Jiejiu decoction is based on the conditioned taste aversion reflex.
To evaluate this ancient recipe, Zou and her colleagues carried out a case control study
comparing the effect of Jiejiu decoction and apomorphine. The results demonstrated that
both Jiejiu decoction and apomorphine were able to induce aversion in all treated patients.
And the onset time of aversion was not significantly different between two groups (Zou
et al., 2008).

Acupunture

Acupuncture originated from TCM and is now practiced, altered and studied with modern
techniques all around the world. The use of acupuncture in current treatment of addiction
began in 1973 by Wen and Cheung, who reported an effect of electro-acupuncture in the
treatment of opium addicts (Wen and Cheung, 1973). In America, a combination of acu-
puncture and counseling or Alcoholics Anonymous is employed to try and treat addictive
8 Q. LIU et al.

diseases (Milton et al., 2002). Considering the operative site, acupuncture could be divided
into two kinds, auricular stimulation/acupuncture and body acupuncture. While consider-
ing the pattern of operation, except from the needle insertion introduced in ancient theory,
seed pressure (usually using semen vaccariae), magnetic force as well as electrical current
are also used in current clinical procedures (Robin and Joan, 1998).
The efficacy of various forms of “acupuncture” in the clinical treatment of alcohol
diseases has been reported in many studies with inconsistent results. In a clinical trial
reported by Kim et al., alcoholics who were given needle acupuncture at the point of Zubin
(K9) claimed significant reduction in alcohol craving than control groups (treated with Park
Sham Device) (Kim et al., 2005). Meanwhile, one study on alcohol relapse prevention
compared auricular laser stimulation, needle acupuncture as well as sham laser stimulation.
It revealed that needle acupuncture was effective in reducing the withdrawal duration of
alcohol abstinence, while no notable effect was found attributable to auricular laser
stimulation (Francois et al., 2003). In the case of auricular acupuncture, a randomized,
single-blinded control study has confirmed the action of ear stimulation in reducing the
anxiety level in female alcoholics during the withdrawal period (Richardt et al., 1999). In
contrast, Milton et al. argued that auricular acupuncture (needle insertion or electro-
stimulation) holds no effects either on reducing alcohol craving and self-scaled arousal
induced by alcohol, or on increasing treatment compliance of alcoholics (Milton et al.,
2002).
As for the mechanism underlying the efficacy of acupuncture, many believed that
acupuncture could contribute to the biochemical balance in the central nervous system and
the maintenance or recovery of homeostasis (Han, 2003). Previous reports revealed the
effects of needle acupuncture at bilateral Shenmen (HT7) on reducing the DA release in
nucleus accumben which increased in chronic ethanol addictive rats (Zhao et al., 2006).
Beside DA, GABAB receptors were also considered to be involved in the function of
acupuncture for alcohol control (Seong et al., 2004).

Conclusion

Disputes about the clinical implementation of TCM have never ceased since the guiding
philosophy of Western medicine generally disapproves the fundamental guideline of
Chinese medicine (Jiang, 2005). All of the above studies from the clinic and laboratory
have enhanced our understanding on the treatment of alcoholism from a TCM perspective.
The action of herbs or decoctions on restoring homeostasis is exhibited as an anti-
dipsotropic effect which is competitive enough to classic western therapy and with
favorable acceptability. The relatively advanced research on acupuncture showed that
needle or electro-stimulation at corresponding points for alcoholic treatment can improve
alcohol abstinence and decrease relapse for some people. A number of primary studies
have also linked the action of herbs or acupuncture to the neurotransmitters system
implicated in alcohol dependence.
 ALCOHOLISM AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 9

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from National Nature Science Foundation of China
(30870894), National Basic Research Program of China (2009CB522000). AJL is a Senior
Fellow supported by the National Health & Medical Research Council (Australia).

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Supplementary Information
(I) The concept of “Yin” and “Yang” is used to describe how seemingly disjunctive or
opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, giving
rise to each other in turn. It is the primary guideline of traditional Chinese medicine.
(II) Huangdi Neijing is an ancient Chinese medical text that has been treated as the
fundamental doctrinal source for Chinese medicine for more than two millennia
through today. It is comparable in importance to the Hippocratic Corpus in Greek
medicine or the works of Galen in Islamic and medieval European medicine.
(III) Li Dongyuan (1180–1251) was a traditional Chinese doctor, known as one of the
Four Great Masters of Medicine during Jin and Yuan dynasty. He established a
therapeutic theory on stomach and spleen, which considered the malfunction of
these two organs as the cause of many diseases. Pi Wei Lun is one of Li’s books.
(IV) Shen Nung Pen Ts’ao King is a Chinese book on agriculture and medicinal plants.
Its origin has been attributed to the mythical Chinese emperor Shennong, who was
said to have lived around 2800 B.C.
(V) Sun Simiao (581–682) was a famous traditional Chinese medicine doctor of the Sui
and Tang dynasty. He was titled as China’s King of Medicine. Sun wrote two
books: Beiji Qian Jin Yao Fang and Qian Jin Yi Fang (literally “Supplement to the
Formulas of a Thousand Gold Worth”).
(VI) Ge-hua Jie-cheng Decoction is a well-known sober-up prescription introduced by
Li Dongyuan in Pi Wei Lun, containing Pueraria lobata flower, Radix aucklandiae,
orange peel, poria, ginseng, et al.
 ALCOHOLISM AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 13

(VII) In traditional Chinese medicine, the ingredients within one prescription are sorted
by function, including monarch drugs, ministerial drugs, assistant drugs and
guiding drugs. The monarch drugs are selected in accordance with the major
indications and play a key role in the treatment.
(VIII) Jie-jiu Oral Liquid was invented by Dr. Xinyue Wang from Beijing University of
Chinese medicine and has been put into clinical usage for many years. This pre-
scription contains Kudzu, Hovenia dulcis thunb, coptis, et al.

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