Ruzengning Tablets (Capsules) for Mammary Hyperplasia and Breast Nodules

Ruzengning Pian (or Ruzengning Jiaonang) is a modern Chinese patent medicine. Its ingredients are: Aiye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium), Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Herba), Tiandong (Asparagi Radix), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Chuanlianzi (Toosendan Fructus), and Tubimu (Bolbostematis Rhizoma). Ruzengning is available on the market in tablet and capsule forms. Ruzengning Tablets are sugar-coated tablets containing a pale tan interior; Ruzengning Capsules are hard capsules whose contents are a brownish-yellow to tan powder, slightly aromatic and bitter. Ruzengning Tablets (Capsules) are a national Class B medical-insurance drug; insured patients can obtain them at medical-insurance-designated institutions.

According to traditional TCM theory, Ruzengning Tablets soothe the liver and dissipate nodules, and regulate the Chong and Ren vessels. It is indicated for rupi (mammary hyperplasia, breast nodules, or breast cancer) due to disharmony of the Chong and Ren vessels and qi stagnation with phlegm congelation. Symptoms include one or more nodules of varying size and shape in the breast, soft in consistency; premenstrual abdominal pain; or lower back soreness and fatigue; pale, scanty menstrual flow. Patients may follow the dosage and administration on the package insert.

In this formula, Aiye and Yinyanghuo regulate estrogen; Tiandong, Chaihu, and Tubimu are commonly used for both benign and malignant breast tumors; Chuanlianzi moves qi and stops pain. Combined into a formula, they address both the root and the branch of benign and malignant breast hyperplasia due to hormonal disturbance. The formula may be used to treat mammary hyperplasia and may also serve as adjuvant therapy for breast cancer.

For diseases with obvious breast lumps, it may be used together with Xihuang Wan, Xiaojin Wan, and Rupixiao. Although this regimen has some effect on breast cancer, the response rate is not high. Therefore patients with operable breast cancer should undergo surgery as soon as possible, or adopt an integrated Chinese-Western approach with a comprehensive treatment plan to improve the success rate.

The course of treatment for breast nodules is long, and after nodules resolve the condition easily recurs. Patients should integrate medical care with self-nurturing, avoid overexertion and emotional extremes, and undergo regular follow-up to watch for malignant transformation.