Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan: A Formula for the Female Reproductive Syste

The Traditional Chinese Herbal formula, Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, also known as Cinnamon and Persica, is well known for its remarkable effects on the female reproductive system. From a TCM perspective this is due to the formulas ability to “move blood stagnation”. The research we will look at here gives us more insight into how this wonderful formula works and shows us many more uses that we may not have previously considered.

Alleviates Endometriosis
Cinnamon and Hoelen Formula is used to improve various signs and symptoms of endometriosis without causing menstrual disorders. There are varying mechanisms by which this occurs. Women with endometriosis have higher levels of endometrium-specific auto-antibodies than healthy women without endometriosis. Therapy with Cinnamon and Hoelen Formula, but not synthetic hormone therapy (often prescribed for endometriosis), gradually decreased the tissue-specific anti-endometrial IgM antibody levels.¹ In another study, Cinnamon and Hoelen decreased the specific IgM antibody titre and kept patients symptom-free without any suppression of oestradiol levels.²

Relieve Dysmenorrhoea and Clotty Periods
Long-term daily oral administration of Cinnamon and Hoelen decreased plasma levels of luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone and oestradiol by 94%, 67% and 50%, respectively, compared to controls. Uterine wet weight was reduced to 65% that of controls.³ This indicates less uterine stimulation and results in lighter periods.

Manage Uterine Fibroids
Cinnamon and Hoelen has also been shown to improve dysmenorrhoea in more than 60% of patients.^4,5 In another study, clinical symptoms of dysmenorrhoea were improved in more than 90% of the cases with uterine fibroids shrinking in roughly 60% of the patients. It was concluded Cinnamon and Hoelen acts as an LH antagonist and a weak anti-oestrogen.⁶ Cinnamon and Hoelen Formula can also be recommended for menopausal symptoms.⁷

Reduce Blood Viscosity
In a study measuring blood flow to the brain, Cinnamon and Hoelen decreased blood viscosity and the blood flow rate to the brain increased.⁸ The decreased blood viscosity may be another method through which the formula decreases period pain and clotty periods.

Reduce Atherosclerosis
Cinnamon and Hoelen reduces total cholesterol and IDL-cholesterol in animal studies. The percentage of the surface area of the total thoracic aorta with visible plaque is significantly reduced by the formula. Serum isolated from rabbits administered Cinnamon and Hoelen Formula had reduced lipid peroxidation compared with those from rabbits without the TCM formula. Thus, Cinnamon and Hoelen Formula prevents the progression of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbits in vivo by limiting oxidative LDL modification.⁹

Antioxidant
In China and Japan, Cinnamon and Hoelen Formula is used to decrease post- ischaemic brain damage. From study results, this formula appears to have not only a free-radical scavenging activity, but also to have a suppressive effect on the generation of lipid peroxidation.^10,11

Inhibit Scleroderma Progression
Cinnamon and Hoelen significantly and selectively inhibits collagen synthesis in a dose dependent manner with a tendency of a stronger effect on scleroderma fibroblasts than control cells. These results may explain the clinical usefulness of this medicine in the treatment of scleroderma.¹² Because of this inhibition of collagen synthesis, this may be another reason why endometrial adhesions decrease in those on this formula.

Traditionally, Cinnamon and Hoelen Formula is prescribed for such problems as “immobile masses in the lower abdomen with pain and tenderness, abdominal spasms and tension, amenorrhoea with abdominal distensions and pain, dysmenorrhoea, and retention of the lochia.” ¹³ The research above helps give a better understanding into how this formula works and its other uses for us as clinicians.