Shi Quan Da Bu Tang

Purported Benefits, Side Effects & More
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This information describes the common uses of Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, how it works, and its possible side effects.
Tell your healthcare providers about any dietary supplements you’re taking, such as herbs, vitamins, minerals, and natural or home remedies. This will help them manage your care and keep you safe.

What is it?

Current evidence is insufficient to support use of Shi Quan Da Bu Tang for cancer treatment.

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is an herbal formula that consists of Panax ginseng (Ginseng), Angelica sinensis (Dong quai), Paeonia lactiflora (Peony), Atractylodes macrocephala (Atractylodes), Poria cocos (Hoelen), Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon), Astragalus membranaceus (Astragulus), Liqusticum wallichii (Cnidium), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice), and Rehmannia glutinosa (Rehmannia).

It is used in traditional Asian medicine to treat fatigue, anemia, appetite loss, dry or scaly skin, night sweats, dry mouth, and cancer. Breast cancer patients should consult with their physicians before using this formula because dong quai and ginseng may stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

  • Appetite loss
    Evidence is lacking to support this claim.
  • Anemia
    Preliminary data show that the formula helps improve anemia.
  • Cancer treatment
    Small studies of cancer patients suggest it may help improve survival and decrease chemotherapy-associated side effects, but more studies are needed.
  • Dry skin
    Evidence is lacking to support this claim.
  • Dry mouth
    Evidence is lacking to support this claim.
  • Fatigue
    This formula is traditionally used for fatigue. One preliminary trial suggests benefit in cancer patients, but results from another trial in patients with chronic fatigue were mixed.
  • Night sweats
    Evidence is lacking to support this claim.

What else do I need to know?

Do Not Take if:

  • You have hypersensitivity to any of the components in the formula.
If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider. A member of your care team will answer Monday through Friday from to Outside those hours, you can leave a message or talk with another MSK provider. There is always a doctor or nurse on call. If you’re not sure how to reach your healthcare provider, call 212-639-2000.
If you have questions or concerns, contact your healthcare provider. A member of your care team will answer Monday through Friday from to Outside those hours, you can leave a message or talk with another MSK provider. There is always a doctor or nurse on call. If you’re not sure how to reach your healthcare provider, call 212-639-2000.

For more resources, visit www.mskcc.org/pe to search our virtual library.

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang - Last updated on February 25, 2022
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