Si‐Jun‐Zi Decoction Treatment Promotes the Restoration of Intestinal Function after Obstruction by Regulating Intestinal Homeostasis

Abstract

Intestinal obstruction is a common disease requiring abdominal surgery with significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, an effective medical treatment for obstruction, other than surgical resection or decompression, does not exist. Si-Jun-Zi Decoction is a famous Chinese medicine used to replenish qi and invigorate the functions of the spleen. Modern pharmacological studies show that this prescription can improve gastrointestinal function and strengthen immune function. In this study, we investigated the effects of a famous Chinese herbal formula, Si-Jun-Zi Decoction, on the restoration of intestinal function after the relief of obstruction in a rabbit model. We found that Si-Jun-Zi Decoction could reduce intestinal mucosal injury while promoting the recovery of the small intestine. Further, Si-Jun-Zi Decoction could regulate the intestinal immune system. Our results suggest that Si-Jun-Zi Decoction promotes the restoration of intestinal function after obstruction by regulating intestinal homeostasis. Our observations indicate that Si-Jun-Zi Decoction is potentially a therapeutic drug for intestinal obstruction.

Pharmacokinetics of Sijunzi decoction in rat plasma after oral administration using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionization quadrupole–time of flight mass spectrometry

“…Glycyrrhizae mediates the property of prescriptions as the Guiding drug (Jia et al, ). According to clinical studies performed over the past few decades, SJZD has been used to treat patients with chronic gastritis or chronic atrophic gastritis, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea (Liu, Yang, & Cai, ; Yu et al, ). Moreover, SJZD has been shown to control tumor progression, prolong patients’ lives, improve their quality of life (Guo & Zhang, ), prevent recurrence and metastasis in postoperative patients (Huang, Xi‐Hua, & Chen, ; Liang, Zhang, & Cai, ), and exert potential effects on immune system activation (Liu et al, ) and tumor therapy (Wu & Xuan, ).…”

Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines in Postoperative Abdominal Adhesion

“…), has demonstrated effects of invigorating Qi and strengthening the spleen. Sijunzi decoction not only reduces intestinal mucosal injury and promotes the recovery of intestinal function but also improves the adaptive immune function after surgery [78]. A previous clinical study has shown that treatment with Sijunzi decoction for 3 days can further promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function of patients after laparoscopic gallbladder surgery [79].…”

Effects of herbal medicine Sijunzi decoction on rabbits after relieving intestinal obstruction

“…Intestinal obstruction causes failure of the intestine functions, leading to an increase of intestinal toxins, high intestinal pressure, bacterial translocation and malnutrition (1). Consequently, intestinal obstruction will affect the immune system (4). After intestinal obstruction repair, patients might still have nutritional deficiency and compromised immune function.…”

“…Sijunzi decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for treatment of other diseases in previous studies as it has no side effects and it has a pharmacological effect in gastrointestinal function, immune system, ulcers and tissue repair (4,7,8). Sijunzi decoction, which is also known as the “Four Gentlemen” decoction, consists of four types of herbs: Poria cocos , Radix ginseng , Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Atractylodes macrocephala (9).…”