The Chinese Patent Medicine Yinao Fujian Capsule for Treating Stroke Sequelae
"Yinao Fujian Jiaonang" (Brain-Benefiting Recovery Capsules) is a Chinese patent medicine. Its composition is: Sanqi (Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Honghua (Carthami Flos), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Xuejie (Draconis Sanguis), Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Xixiancao (Siegesbeckiae Herba), and Dilong (Pheretima). The active constituents are extracted from these herbs and made into capsules. Since this medicine is produced by several Chinese patent pharmaceutical manufacturers, patients can buy the finished product directly from offline and online pharmacies; it is not recommended that patients prepare it themselves.
This formula activates blood and resolves stasis, and dispels wind and unblocks collaterals. It is indicated for stroke and stroke sequelae due to blood stasis obstructing collaterals, presenting with hemiplegia, facial deviation, and stiff tongue with slurred speech. It is now commonly used for ischemic stroke, cerebral infarction, and stroke sequelae presenting with hemiplegia, hemianopsia, and speech disturbance.
Yinao Fujian Capsules have a strong thrombolytic action; every herb in the formula has anticoagulant and antithrombotic effects, and the anticoagulant and antithrombotic actions of Chuanxiong, Sanqi, and Dilong are especially marked. The mechanism is to restore the patient's brain function through thrombolysis. Therefore, when using this medicine one should target this main etiology; at the same time, because the formula contains many anticoagulant herbs, this medicine also carries the side effect of causing bleeding. Those at risk of cerebral hemorrhage or gastric hemorrhage should not use it on their own. In addition, pregnant women are forbidden from using it.
Stroke sequelae require a long course of treatment, and patients should be psychologically prepared for long-term medication. The course of treating stroke sequelae with this formula is basically over three months. If the patient improves after taking it, they should persist in taking the medicine for a period without rushing for quick success. This formula easily causes gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with peptic ulcer; such patients may reduce the dose appropriately when taking it.