Nankang Pian: A Chinese Patent Medicine for Chronic Prostatitis

Nankang Pian is a modern Chinese patent medicine recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China; several manufacturers now produce it. Its composition is: Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotidis Herba), Chishao (Paeoniae Rubra Radix), Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Roucongrong (Cistanches Herba), Zhigancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix preparata), Pugongying (Taraxaci Herba), Luxiancao (Pyrolae Herba), Huangbo (Phellodendri Cortex), Honghua (Carthami Flos), Yuxingcao (Houttuyniae Herba), Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium), Fupenzi (Rubi Fructus), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen), Zihuadiding (Violae Herba), Yejuhua (Chrysanthemi Indici Flos), and Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix). The finished product is a sugar-coated tablet; take 4–5 tablets orally, three times a day.

This formula supplements the kidney and activates blood, clears heat and resolves toxin. It is indicated for lin-syndrome (dribbling urinary disorder) due to kidney deficiency with blood stasis and accumulation of damp-heat, presenting as urinary frequency, urgency, dysuria, and lower abdominal distension—symptoms commonly seen in chronic prostatitis or urethritis. Beyond these, Nankang Pian may also be used as an adjunct in prostate cancer; combined with other anticancer drugs, it can enhance the anti-tumor effect.

This formula can be viewed as a modification of Wuwei Xiaodu Yin (Five-Ingredient Toxin-Disinfecting Drink, composed of Pugongying, Zihuadiding, Yejuhua, Jinyinhua, and Tiankuizi), whose main action is to clear heat and resolve toxin. In addition to Pugongying, Zihuadiding, and Yejuhua, Baihuasheshecao, Yuxingcao, and Huangbo are also heat-clearing, toxin-resolving herbs.

Luxiancao in the formula has both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects and good analgesic action, so it relieves dysuria. Fupenzi, Yinyanghuo, Tusizi, Shudihuang, and Roucongrong are kidney-supplementing herbs that relieve urinary frequency. Chishao, Honghua, and Danggui activate blood and resolve stasis, reduce swelling and disperse nodules, and have some therapeutic effect on benign prostatic hyperplasia. Huangqi and Baizhu supplement qi and fortify the spleen, promote urination and drain dampness, and help with weak stream and incomplete emptying. The rationale is therefore comprehensive, addressing both root and branch and supporting the righteous while dispelling evil.

Baihuasheshecao, Zihuadiding, Pugongying, Huangbo, and Chishao all have some anticancer activity, so the formula can be used as adjunctive therapy in prostate cancer. Huangqi and Danggui supplement qi and blood and improve deficiency of both. However, Roucongrong, Shudihuang, Zihuadiding, and Yejuhua may cause loose stools or diarrhea, so those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold should use it cautiously.