Jianpi Wan (Spleen-Fortifying Pill), a Chinese Patent Medicine for Improving Appetite

Jianpi Wan (Spleen-Fortifying Pill) comes from Yi Fang Ji Jie (Systematic Analysis of Medical Formulas). It is composed of 60 g (2 liang) each of Renshen (Ginseng, now often replaced by Dangshen, Codonopsis Root) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Rhizoma, earth-fried); 60 g (2 liang) each of Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) and Maiya (Sprouted Barley, fried); 45 g (1.5 qian) of Shanzha (Hawthorn Fruit, pit removed); and 90 g (3 liang) of Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange).

Preparation: grind all the herbs together into a fine powder, and make into pills with a paste of Shenqu (Medicated Leaven), the size of a parasol tree seed. Take 10 pills each time, twice a day, washed down with rice water. This formula boosts qi and fortifies the spleen, regulates qi and promotes digestion. It chiefly treats spleen deficiency with weak qi, indigestion, chest and abdominal fullness and distension, and loose stools. Today it is commonly used to treat dyspepsia, peptic ulcers, childhood anorexia, and chronic colitis.

Jianpi Wan is manufactured by many companies; some name it Renshen Jianpi Wan. It is a commonly used Chinese patent medicine for treating dyspepsia and poor appetite. It can improve abdominal distension and loss of appetite in patients with spleen deficiency and qi stagnation, and is suitable for both adults and children. Jianpi Wan can also be used to improve poor appetite after radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer patients; some advanced cancer patients with loss of appetite may also be treated with it.

Renshen and Baizhu in Jianpi Wan fortify the spleen and boost qi, and can improve digestive function. Chenpi and Zhishi belong to the qi-regulating and stagnation-resolving herbs: Chenpi is the peel of the mandarin orange, while Zhishi is the immature fruit of the citrus; both promote gastrointestinal peristalsis. Maiya and Shanzha strengthen the stomach and aid digestion; Shanzha in particular promotes the digestion of meat.

Some patients cannot take pills and may instead take a decoction. The adult decoction dosage is: Renshen 3 g (or Dangshen 6 g), Baizhu 6 g, Chenpi 6 g, Maiya 6 g, Shanzha 4 g, Zhishi 9 g. If the patient also has a dry or bitter mouth, 6 g of Chaihu (Bupleurum Root) and 6 g of Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) may be added to the base formula.