Zhongfeng Huichun Tablets: Relieving Stroke Sequelae and Brain-Tumor Symptoms
Zhongfeng Huichun Tablets (Stroke-Recovery Tablets) are recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, Volume I, 2005 edition. Their composition is: Danggui (Angelica Root, wine-processed) 30 g; Chuanxiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome, wine-processed) 30 g; Honghua (Safflower) 10 g; Taoren (Peach Kernel) 30 g; Danshen (Salvia Root) 100 g; Jixueteng (Spatholobus Caulis) 100 g; Rendongteng (Honeysuckle Stem) 100 g; Luoshiteng (Trachelospermum Caulis) 60 g; Dilong (Earthworm, stir-fried) 90 g; Tubiechong (Eupolyphaga, stir-fried) 90 g; Shenjincao (Lycopodii Herba) 60 g; Chuanniuxi (Chuanxiong Cyathula Root) 100 g; Wugong (Centipede) 5 g; Chongweizi (Leonurus Fruit, stir-fried) 30 g; Quanxie (Scorpion) 10 g; Weilingxian (Clematis Root, wine-processed) 30 g; Jiangchan (Bombyx Batryticatus, bran-fried) 30 g; Muguа (Chaenomeles Fruit) 50 g; Jinqian Baihuashe (Bungarus Parvus) 6 g.
Preparation: of the above 19 herbs, take half the amounts of Danggui, Chuanxiong, Dilong, Tubiechong, Wugong, Jinqian Baihuashe, Quanxie and Danshen, pulverize into fine powder and sift. Decoct the remaining half together with the other ten herbs (including Honghua) in water twice, the first time for 2 hours and the second for 1.5 hours. Combine the decoctions, filter, let the filtrate stand for 24 hours, decant the supernatant, and concentrate to a thick extract with a relative density of 1.20-1.30. Add the fine powder, mix well, granulate, dry, and compress into 1000 tablets; sugar-coat, and the product is obtained.
Dosage: three times daily, 4-6 tablets each time. Zhongfeng Huichun Tablets have the actions of activating blood and resolving stasis, and relaxing the tendons and unblocking the collaterals. They are indicated for phlegm-stasis obstructing the collaterals, stroke hemiplegia, paralysis of the limbs, and numbness of the extremities. However, they are contraindicated during the acute stage of cerebral hemorrhage.
This Chinese patent medicine is produced by many manufacturers (some produce it as Zhongfeng Huichun Wan, or pills), and is available on the market, so patients need not prepare it themselves. In this formula, Danggui, Chuanxiong, Honghua, Taoren, Danshen, Jixueteng, Dilong, Tubiechong and Chuanniuxi all activate blood and resolve stasis. Therefore the formula has the side effect of aggravating bleeding in patients with acute hemorrhage, and such patients should not take it.
Besides treating stroke sequelae, this formula can also relieve hemiplegia, paralysis, limb numbness and headache caused by brain tumors or brain metastases. Moreover, nearly all its ingredients have anticancer effects, so it also has a certain therapeutic effect on brain tumors or metastases. Combining Zhongfeng Huichun Tablets with Xihuang Wan and Yadanzi oil (Brucea javanica oil) gives a better effect against brain tumors or metastases.
Whether used for stroke sequelae or for brain tumors/metastases, Zhongfeng Huichun Tablets basically only relieve symptoms and are hard to effect a cure. For stroke sequelae, treatment should be started within half a year after the stroke; beyond six months the therapeutic effect is not ideal.
Some patients with brain tumors or metastases also have a bleeding tendency, and such patients should not use these tablets. In addition, several ingredients in Zhongfeng Huichun Tablets have side effects on pregnant women, so it is contraindicated in pregnancy. Some of the herbs have a mild toxicity, but the formula is basically very safe; however, it is not suitable for people with impaired liver or kidney function.