Gongliuxiao Capsule: A Chinese Patent Medicine for Gynecological Tumors
Gongliuxiao Jiaonang (Gongliuxiao Capsule) is a modern Chinese patent medicine developed for treating gynecological tumors. It is manufactured and marketed by several Chinese pharmaceutical companies and can be purchased at pharmacies nationwide or through online pharmacies.
Gongliuxiao Capsule is composed of Shu Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Tubiechong (Eupolyphaga/Steleophaga), Shuizhi (Hirudo), Taoren (Persicae Semen), Puhuang (Typhae Pollen), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Muli (Ostreae Concha), Sheng Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), and other herbs. Its main actions are activating blood and resolving stasis, dispersing abdominal zheng-jia masses, and breaking up accumulations and dissipating nodules. It is indicated for women's abdominal masses (zheng-jia) due to static blood accumulated internally, presenting with distending pain in the lower abdomen, dark purplish menstrual blood with clots, and difficult or obstructed flow. In modern practice it is commonly used for uterine fibroids, ovarian tumors, and ovarian cysts presenting with the above symptoms.
In this formula, Tubiechong, Shuizhi, Taoren, and Puhuang all activate blood, resolve stasis, break up accumulations, and dissipate nodules; because of their powerful blood-moving action, patients with heavy vaginal bleeding or bodily debility should not take it. Huangqin and Sheng Dihuang clear heat and cool the blood; Zhishi moves qi and dissipates nodules; Muli softens hard masses; Shu Dihuang and Baishao nourish blood; Gancao fortifies the spleen and harmonizes the other herbs. Thus, beyond activating blood and resolving stasis, the formula also supports zheng qi, moves qi, softens hardness, and fortifies the spleen—it is not a mere pathogen-attacking formula.
The formula has a certain anti-tumor effect and may be combined with Xihuang Wan (Xihuang Pill), Xiaojin Wan (Xiaojin Pill), Sanjieling, Fufang Banmao Jiaonang, Pingxiao Jiaonang, and similar agents in patients with solid tumors. Patients with a bleeding tendency should use it cautiously or combine it with Yunnan Baiyao. Chinese herbal treatment of tumors has limited efficacy; patients should undergo regular follow-up during treatment to observe therapeutic effect, and if no clear benefit is seen, the regimen should be adjusted promptly so as not to delay treatment.