The Heat-Clearing, Detoxifying, Swelling-Reducing and Pain-Relieving Effects of Qinlian Pian (Capsules)
The formula for Qinlian Pian (tablets/capsules) is taken from the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (Part I, 2005 edition). Its composition is: Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) 250 g, Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) 250 g, Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) 100 g, Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex) 400 g, Chishao (Paeoniae Rubra Radix) 250 g, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix) 100 g. Preparation: pulverize Chishao and Huanglian into a fine powder. The remaining four herbs (Huangqin and others) are decocted in water three times; the decoctions are combined and filtered, and the filtrate is concentrated to a clear extract with a relative density of 1.35-1.40 (at 50 degrees C). The fine powder of Chishao and Huanglian is added, mixed well, dried and ground into a fine powder; granules are formed, dried and compressed into 1175 tablets, each weighing 0.55 g. The same material may also be prepared as capsules. The dosage is 4 tablets each time, 2-3 times daily.
Qinlian Pian (capsules) clears heat and detoxifies, reduces swelling and relieves pain. It is indicated for internal accumulation of heat in the viscera, headache with red eyes, mouth and nose sores, dysenteric diarrhea with abdominal pain, damp-heat vaginal discharge, and boils and furuncles with swelling and pain. Studies show that Qinlian Pian has antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus, Shigella dysenteriae and Shigella flexneri; among the ingredients, Huanglian and Huangqin are the most potent, while Gancao is the weakest.
This formula is derived from the classic famous formula Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Huanglian, Huangbai, Huangqin, Zhizi), with Zhizi removed and Lianqiao, Chishao and Gancao added. It has a strong action of clearing heat, draining fire, detoxifying and reducing swelling. Zhizi is removed because the heat-toxin has not yet reached the lower jiao; Lianqiao and Chishao are added because heat-toxin has accumulated and produced mouth sores or furuncles. Lianqiao detoxifies and dissipates nodules, while Chishao cools the blood and reduces swelling. Gancao both clears heat and detoxifies, and moderates the bitter-cold nature of Huanglian, Huangbai and Huangqin.
Qinlian Pian (capsules) has broad-spectrum antibacterial action and is particularly suitable during the hot summer and autumn seasons. In addition, it has a good detoxifying effect; after drug poisoning has produced mucosal ulcers, Qinlian Pian may also be used. Qinlian Pian (capsules) is manufactured as a Chinese patent medicine and is available in some pharmacies.