Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (血府逐瘀汤) for Post-Stroke Depression

Shao et al from Zhejiang Chinese Medical University performed Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis which included 12 RCTs with 889 patients​(Shao et al. 2020)​. They found that Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (血府逐瘀汤) was as effective as antidepressants and may be used for treating Post-Stroke Depression (PST) in patients who prefer Chinese medicine or cannot tolerate the side effects of antidepressants.

Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang originated from the “Corrections on the Errors of Medical Works” (医林改错)　written by Wang Qing Ren (王清仁)　in Qing Dynasty. It is regarded as a representative formula to circulate Qi and remove blood stasis. The formula consists of rehmannia root (shengdi), peach seed (taoren), safflower (honghua), Chinese angelica (danggui), red peony root (chishao), platycodon root (jiegeng), orange fruit (zhiqiao), hare’s ear root (chaihu), sichuan lovage root (chuangxiong), two-toothed achyranthes root (niuxi), and prepared liquorice root (gancao).

Previous studies showed that Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang could improve blood rheology, reduce blood lipid level, and prevent antimyocardial ischemia. It is commonly used for the treatment of patients with cardiovascular diseases​(Yi et al. 2014)​.

Shao, Jingyi, Lingming Zhou, Tianyu Shao, Minrui Ding, and Zhuqing Jin. 2020. “Effectiveness and Safety of the Xuefu Zhuyu Tang for Post-Stroke Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” European Journal of Integrative Medicine, May, 101150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eujim.2020.101150.

Yi, Guo-zhong, Yu-qin Qiu, Ya Xiao, and Li-xia Yuan. 2014. “The Usefulness of Xuefu Zhuyu Tang for Patients with Angina Pectoris: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.” Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/521602.

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