Author: Wang Ling, Pharmacy Department, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Powdered formulations, also known as sanji (散剂) or powders, are one of the niche varieties of clinical medications. They can be further processed into pastes, gels, suspensions, and other forms. Historically, they were widely used, with boiled powders (coarse powders) being the primary dosage form in clinical applications during the Song Dynasty.
Sanji (散剂)
Among numerous powdered formulations, several notable medicines have emerged:
The renowned Yunnan Baiyao (云南白药) is effective not only for external treatment of traumatic injuries and blood stasis but also for internal conditions such as hematemesis, hemoptysis, epistaxis, hematochezia, hemorrhoidal bleeding, and infectious diseases.
In the Jin Kui Yao Lue (金匮要略), powdered formulations are used for treating “jinchuan” (金疮) with Wang Bu Liu Xing San (王不留行散) applied externally, and “jin yin chuan” (浸淫疮) treated with Huang Lian Fen (黄连粉).
In the Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang (肘后备急方), for treating “e chuan” (恶疮), a mixture of Da Huang (大黄), Huang Qin (黄芩), and Huang Lian (黄连) is used.
Characteristics of Powdered Formulations
1. High degree of pulverization, large specific surface area, easy dispersion, and rapid onset of action.
2. Large coverage area for external use, providing protective and astringent effects.
3. Simple preparation process, easy dosage control, and suitable for pediatric use.
4. Convenient for storage, transportation, and carrying.
Clinical Applications of Powdered Formulations
Surgical Applications
1. Powdered formulations can be made into ointments, pastes, or used as surrounding medications to treat surgical purulent infections.
2. Used as adjunctive medications, such as for pus-discharging and necrotic-removing agents.
3. Powdered formulations can be made into medicated strips, rolls, or tablets, inserted into wounds to remove necrosis, draw out toxins, and drain pus.
4. Used for open wounds, such as hemostatic powders to reduce inflammation and stop bleeding.
5. Treatment of skin diseases, etc.
Commonly used formulations include Xigua Shuang (西瓜霜) for treating sore throat and oral ulcers, Xi Lei San (锡类散), Zhu Huang San (珠黄散) for treating abscesses and swellings, Jin Huang San (金黄散), Ruyi Jin Huang San (如意金黄散), Badu San (拔毒散) for chronic ulcers, and Zu Guo Fen (足光粉), Jiao Qi San (脚气散) for athlete’s foot.
Internal Applications
1. Due to the ease of dosage adjustment and small amounts required, powdered formulations are frequently used in pediatrics, such as Bao Chi San (保赤散), Fei Er San (肥儿散), Xiao Er Jian Pi San (小儿健脾散), Bao Ying San (保婴散), Tian Huang Hou Zao San (天黄猴枣散), and Xiao Er Gan Mao San (小儿感冒散).
2. Widely used for various internal diseases.
Powdered Formulations
Efficacy and Indications
Xing Jun San (行军散)
Treatment of summer diseases
Liuyi San (六一散), Yi Yuan San (益元散)
Clear summer heat and promote diuresis
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San (川芎茶调散)
Disperse wind, relieve pain, and clear the head and eyes
Wu Ling San (五苓散)
Strengthen the spleen, promote water metabolism, and warm yang to transform qi
Yu Ping Feng San (玉屏风散)
Support the righteous and stabilize the exterior
Hua Ji San (化积散)
Promote digestion, strengthen the spleen, and harmonize the stomach
San Qi Fen (三七粉), Bai Ji Fen (白及粉)
Treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding
Hou Zao Niu Huang San (猴枣牛黄散), Hou Zao San (猴枣散), Bei Ling San (贝羚散)
Clear heat, detoxify, transform phlegm, and stop cough
Si Ni San (四逆散), Chai Hu Shu Gan San (柴胡舒肝散)
Disperse pathogenic factors, relieve depression, and regulate liver qi
3. High-quality medicines can be made into powders for precise and economical dosing, such as San Qi Fen (三七粉), Hu Po Fen (琥珀粉), Ling Yang Fen (羚羊粉), Ye Shan Ren Shen Fen (野山人参粉), and Hou Zao San (猴枣散).
Choosing the appropriate powdered formulation can address conditions ranging from minor surgical ulcers to common internal diseases.
Reviewed by: Zhu Quangang, Shanghai Skin Disease Hospital
Second Review: Ye Zhenzhen, Guangdong Pharmaceutical Association, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University
WeChat Compilation: Liu Xin, Wuhan Fourth Hospital
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