Studay Of Patterns In The Treatment Of Acne Vulgaris In Traditional And Modern Herbal Fomulas

1. ObjectiveFirst, to collect and organize materials related to external and internal herbal formulas for acne vulgaris from traditional medical texts and modern clinical research. Then, apply modern statistical analysis methods in order to reveal patterns in the herbal prescriptions. These patterns will provide theoretical basis for the use of TCM to treat acne clinically, as well as for further research.2. MethodMaterials concerning external and internal herbal formulas to treat acne are collected from traditional medical texts dating from pre-Republic China. Articles published between1996and2010about external and internal herbal formulas to treat acne are also collected, specifically those dealing with lung wind-heat syndrome, damp-heat syndrome, and phlegm-damp syndrome. After establishing a formula database based on these materials, analyze herbs used, etc. Perform the analysis using frequency statistical analysis method. Determine basic guidelines for traditional and modern herb selection and herbal formulation in external and internal acne formulas.3. ResultsBased on the statistical analysis of the collected formulas, herbal formulation patterns are as follows. Traditional external-use formulas for acne are primarily composed of herbs to relieve the exterior, attack toxins, kill insects, stop itching, and clear heat. Secondary herbs eliminate phlegm, regulate qi, invigorate blood,etc. Traditional internal-use formulas are primarily composed of herbs to clear heat, relieve the exterior, and tonify deficiency. Secondary herbs eliminate phlegm, invigorate blood, promote urination, stop cough, etc. Modern external-use formulas are primarily composed of herbs to clear heat, relieve the exterior, and invigorate blood. Secondary herbs purge, tonify deficiency, open the apertures, etc. Modern internal-use formulas for lung wind-heat syndrome acne are primarily composed of herbs to clear heat, stop coughing, and invigorate blood. Secondary herbs relieve the exterior, tonify deficiency, promote urination, etc. Damp-heat syndrome acne are primarily composed of herbs to clear heat, promote urination, and invigorate blood. Secondary herbs stop cough, tonify deficiency, relieve the exterior, etc. Phlegm-damp syndrome acne are primarily composed of herbs to clear heat, invigorate blood, and eliminate phlegm. Secondary herbs promote urination, tonify deficiency, relive the exterior, regulate qi, etc.In addition, traditional prescriptions emphasize external-use formulas, while modern prescriptions emphasize internal-use formulas. Traditional prescriptions usually use powder-based pastes for external-formulas, and pills for internal formulas. Modern prescriptions, on the other hand, use herbal decoctions for both external and internal formulas. Modern prescriptions also use innovative ways to deliver the formula, such as facial masks and reverse moulds. Both traditional and modern acne formulations also commonly use base mediums, such as alcohol, honey, egg white, vinegar, sesame oil, etc.4. ConclusionModern statistical analysis methods of this study are applied to the materials in order to reveal patterns in the herbal prescriptions, such as herb pairings, formula structure, usage of specific herbs, as well as to compare and contrast different prescriptions. This information can provide clinical guidance when creating formulas to treat acne, improve treatment efficacy, and provide theoretical basis for further scientific research.