Academician Tong Xiaolin's Anti-Aging Empirical Formula: "Tong's Huajia Mianshou Formula"

Academician Tong Xiaolin has an empirical anti-aging formula composed as follows: Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium, horny goat weed) 90 g, Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus, dogwood fruit) 90 g, Lurong (Cervi Cornu Pantotrichum, deer antler) 30 g, Guijiaojiao (Testudinis Carapacis Colla, tortoise-shell glue) 30 g, Huangjing (Polygonati Rhizoma) 180 g, Huangqi (Astragali Radix) 180 g, Fushen (Poria cum Pini Radix, pororia with pine root) 180 g, Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) 90 g, Dilong (Pheretima, earthworm) 90 g, Renshen (Ginseng Radix) 90 g, Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 60 g, Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 60 g, Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) 60 g. Grind all the above into a fine powder, make into water pills or take as a powder, 6 g each time, twice daily.

Academician Tong explains the formula's reasoning as follows: in this formula Yinyanghuo, Lurong, Guijiaojiao, and Shanzhuyu supplement both kidney yin and kidney yang; Huangqi, Renshen, Huangjing, and Fushen boost qi, fortify the spleen, and calm the spirit; Chenpi, Chuanxiong, and Zexie regulate qi, quicken blood, and percolate water; Dilong and Tianma unblock the collaterals and extinguish wind. Together the herbs regulate and supplement essence, qi, and spirit, strengthen the Du and Ren vessels, and move qi, quicken blood, and percolate water. The herbs are comprehensive; used properly, they can resist aging and prolong life.

In addition, Academician Tong summarized the principle that "a long sexual life means a long life, a short sexual life means a short life"; he holds that sexual function is related to lifespan, and those who retain sexual function longer also live longer. That is why this formula heavily uses Yinyanghuo, Lurong, and other herbs that enhance sexual function.

Regarding this formula, I have a different interpretation from the standpoints of modern pharmacology and pathology. The latest medical research shows that human aging begins in the blood vessels and the brain. Brain decline starts as early as age 30, and between 45 and 55 vascular function declines at an accelerated pace.

The Tianma, Dilong, and Chuanxiong in this formula improve vascular function, slow vascular atherosclerosis, fight thrombosis, and improve cerebral circulation. If the formula were augmented with Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) 90 g and Bajitian (Morindae Officinalis Radix) 90 g, it would further improve memory and mood in middle-aged and older adults and prevent depression, which greatly benefits late-life quality and lifespan. If insomnia is present, Suanzaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) 90 g and Baiziren (Platycladi Semen) 90 g should be added to calm the spirit and aid sleep. If constipation is present, add Roucongrong (Cistanchis Herba) 90-180 g and Huomaren (Cannabis Fructus, hemp seed) 90-180 g, and take probiotics to improve gut function.

Anti-aging is a systems project, and so is using Chinese herbal formulas for anti-aging; Academician Tong's formula embodies exactly this.