Zengye Tang
Specifically for Sjogren’s Syndrome
0 up • 0 down
Why it works for Sjogren’s Syndrome:
Moisture-restoring, anti-inflammatory rationale (TCM + modern signals). Zengye Tang’s three classic herbs—Xuán Shēn (Scrophularia ningpoensis root), Mài Dōng (Ophiopogon japonicus root), and Shēng Dì Huáng (Rehmannia glutinosa root)—are traditionally used to “nourish yin,” “increase fluids,” and “clear heat,” which maps to dryness and inflammation in pSS. Formula composition and functions are documented in standard references. tcmwiki.com
Proposed biological mechanisms (preclinical/omics):
- A 2023 systems-pharmacology + animal study identified candidate actives (e.g., β-sitosterol, stigmasterol) and implicated pathways related to apoptosis and inflammation in SS models. Taylor & Francis Online
- A 2022 clinical proteomics study (before/after treatment with a modified Zengye decoction) found down-regulation of plasma exosomal proteins enriched in TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling and metabolism pathways—consistent with anti-inflammatory action hypotheses. (Small, uncontrolled.) Frontiers
- Earlier animal work reported improved salivary flow and salivary gland histology with Zengye decoction, with effects linked to aquaporin-1/5 expression (key to water transport in glands). Spandidos Publications
How to use for Sjogren’s Syndrome:
1) Classic Zengye Tang (3-herb base) — traditional decoction
Typical ingredients (classical proportions):
- Xuán Shēn (Scrophulariae Radix) 30 g
- Mài Dōng (Ophiopogonis Radix) 24–25 g
- Shēng Dì (Huáng) (Rehmanniae Radix, raw) 24–25 g
- Prepared as a decoction (simmered in water and taken warm), traditionally for patterns of dryness/“yin deficiency” with constipation and thirst; modern use extends to dryness symptoms. tcmwiki.com
2) Zengye-based protocol used in a Sjögren’s clinical study (granules, “modified Zengye decoction”)
A 2022 prospective study in pSS used a modified formula (added herbs for “detoxification”): Qinghao 40 g, Shengdi 20 g, Xuanshen 20 g, Maidong 20 g, Baihuashecao 20 g, Chuanxinlian 20 g, Shuqucao 10 g (granule equivalents). Dosing: 7.5 g of each granule dissolved in ~100 mL boiling water, twice daily 30 min after meals for 2 weeks. (Open-label, no control; symptomatic improvements and proteomic shifts reported.) Frontiers
3) When to consider the stronger related formula “Zengye Chengqi Tang”
If constipation persists despite classic Zengye Tang, some references advise escalating to Zengye Chengqi Tang (adds purgatives Da Huang and Mang Xiao). This is not specific to pSS, but relevant when dryness is severe with hard constipation. Use only under supervision. Sacred Lotus
Scientific Evidence for Sjogren’s Syndrome:
Human data specifically on Zengye Tang in pSS
- Prospective, uncontrolled human study (n=18, 2 weeks) using a modified Zengye decoction: Symptom scores, immunoglobulins (IgG/IgM), and cytokines decreased post-treatment; exosomal proteomics suggested effects on TLR4/NF-κB and metabolism pathways. Limitations: no control arm, short duration, small sample. Frontiers
Preclinical / mechanistic (Zengye decoction)
- Network pharmacology + animal experiment (2023): Identified multi-component targets; in vivo data supported anti-inflammatory/apoptotic pathway modulation relevant to SS. Europe PMC
- Animal model (2014): Improved saliva flow, salivary gland structure, and AQP1/AQP5 expression with Zengye decoction. Spandidos Publications
- Additional animal/experimental summarizations supporting gland protection and Th1/Th2 cytokine balance. BVS Saúde
Context from broader TCM in pSS (not Zengye Tang)
- Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (2021) of a different TCM combination (Gan-Lu-Yin + Jia-Wei-Xiao-Yao-San + adjuncts): no significant improvement in primary endpoint (ESSPRI) vs placebo over 12 weeks. This underscores that robust evidence for TCM formulas in pSS is mixed and formula-specific. Frontiers
- Other RCTs exist for different TCM formulas (e.g., ShengJinRunZaoYangXue granules), but they’re not Zengye Tang and have varying quality; they’re often cited in reviews. Frontiers
Specific Warnings for Sjogren’s Syndrome:
Work with your rheumatologist and a registered Chinese medicine practitioner. Zengye Tang is a pattern-based prescription; using it outside that context can backfire (e.g., in patients without true “yin-fluid deficiency”). tcmwiki.com
Contra-indications / when to avoid (traditional guidance):
- Not for patients with marked Spleen/Stomach qi deficiency (e.g., bloating, loose stools) unless modified. innerpath.com.au
- The stronger Zengye Chengqi Tang (with purgatives) is for stubborn dry-constipation patterns; avoid unsupervised use. tcmwiki.com
Herb-specific safety considerations (modern):
- Rehmannia (Sheng Di): Generally well-tolerated; may cause GI upset or dizziness in some. Caution in pregnancy/lactation (insufficient evidence). Potential interactions are not well-characterized—use caution alongside immunosuppressants and monitor clinically. WebMD
- Scrophularia (Xuan Shen): Reviews describe anti-inflammatory actives (e.g., iridoid glycosides); quality control matters and species adulteration occurs—source from reputable suppliers. Specific modern drug–herb interactions are not well defined; monitor if on complex regimens. OUP Academic
- Ophiopogon (Mai Dong): Generally considered safe in traditional doses; modern reviews emphasize broad pharmacological effects with low reported toxicity. ScienceDirect
Quality & adulteration risk: Misidentification/adulteration of Scrophularia species is documented; ensure authenticated sourcing (especially important if you’re immunosuppressed). BioMed Central
Medical monitoring: If you try a Zengye-based formula, sensible tracking includes ESSPRI (dryness/fatigue/pain), salivary flow proxies (e.g., unstimulated whole saliva if available), and standard labs your clinician already follows. (The 2022 study examined immunoglobulins and cytokines; these are research-oriented but show the kinds of effects being explored.) Frontiers
Do not replace conventional care. There’s insufficient evidence to stop saliva/tear substitutes, secretagogues, hydroxychloroquine, or immunomodulators your clinician has prescribed. (A high-quality pSS RCT of a different TCM combo found no primary-endpoint benefit vs placebo.) Frontiers
General Information (All Ailments)
What It Is
Zengye Tang is a classical herbal formula from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Its name means “increase the body fluids decoction.” It is typically composed of:
- Xuan Shen (Scrophularia root)
- Mai Dong (Ophiopogon root/tuber)
- Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia root, unprocessed)
It is most commonly prescribed for patterns of yin-fluid depletion with dryness and internal heat — for example after high fevers, long illnesses, or in people with internally dry intestines causing dry stools or constipation.
How It Works (TCM mechanism & biomedical rationale)
From a TCM perspective, the formula:
- Nourishes yin and blood (“deep fluids”)
- Generates body fluids and moistens dryness
- Clears residual heat associated with damaged yin
- Lubricates the intestines to promote bowel movement when dryness is the cause
From a biomedical orientation, its herbs are understood to contain compounds with:
- Demulcent / moistening effects (help retain water in tissues and stool)
- Mild anti-inflammatory effects
- Gastrointestinal motility support indirectly by rehydrating stool rather than stimulating peristalsis
It is not a stimulant laxative — it works by correcting dryness and fluid deficiency, not by forcing evacuation.
Why It’s Important
Zengye Tang addresses a type of constipation or systemic dryness that standard treatments often miss — i.e., when constipation is due to fluid depletion after fever, illness, or chronic dryness, not just sluggish motility.
Its importance in practice includes:
- Offers a gentler alternative to stimulant laxatives, with less risk of cramping or dependency
- Helps in post-febrile recovery when yin has been “burned” by prolonged heat
- Helps prevent downstream complications of chronic dryness such as fissures, straining, and appetite loss
- Often used to bridge recovery when the patient is weak, dehydrated, or intolerant of stronger purgatives
Considerations (safety, suitability, limitations)
- Pattern-specific: It is not suitable for all constipation. If stools are not dry or if there is coldness, bloating from stagnation, or weak peristalsis without dryness, it is poorly matched.
- Not for active infection or marked “excess heat” without accompanying fluid deficiency — different formulas are used for that.
- May interact with medications that affect blood glucose, blood pressure, or anticoagulation (herbs like Sheng Di have mild vascular effects).
- Not ideal for those with weak digestion complaining of loose stools — it can worsen dampness in those who are not actually fluid-deficient.
- Pregnancy and lactation require individualized supervision by a qualified clinician.
- Professional diagnosis matters — in TCM, herbs are used based on pattern differentiation, not just symptoms like “constipation.”
Helps with these conditions
Zengye Tang is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.
Detailed Information by Condition
Sjogren’s Syndrome
Moisture-restoring, anti-inflammatory rationale (TCM + modern signals). Zengye Tang’s three classic herbs—Xuán Shēn (Scrophularia ningpoensis root), M...
Community Discussion
Share results, tips, and questions about Zengye Tang.
Loading discussion...
No comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation!
Discussion for Sjogren’s Syndrome
Talk specifically about using Zengye Tang for Sjogren’s Syndrome.
Loading discussion...
No comments yet. Be the first to start the conversation!
Remedy Statistics
Helps With These Conditions
Recommended Products
No recommended products added yet.