Research Progress of Yihuang Decoction and Prediction Analysis on Quality Markers

Background Yihuang Decoction, a classical prescription found in Fu Qingzhu's Obstetrics and Gynecology, is formulated with fried Dioscoreae Rhizoma, fried Euryales Semen, wine-fried Plantaginis Semen, salt-fried Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex and Ginkgo Semen. Quality marker (Q-marker) plays a crucial role in promoting the standardization of the quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Hence, this study aimed to predict and analyze the Q-marker of Yihuang Decoction based on TCM Q-marker theory. Methods A comprehensive review of relevant literature and the TCMSP database was conducted to investigate the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, and clinical applications of Yihuang Decoction. Furthermore, the study predicted the Q-marker of Yihuang Decoction by considering its effectiveness, specificity, measurability, transmissibility and traceability, and compatibility, as per the concept of Chinese medicine Q-marker. Results Yihuang Decoction exhibits pharmacological effects such as anti-inflammation and immune modulation, anti-bacteria and anti-virus properties. Clinically, it is mostly used to treat inflammation of the female reproductive system, including vaginitis, cervicitis and pelvic inflammation. According to analysis and prediction, it was suggested that allantoin, diosgenin, gallic acid, α-tocopherol, bilobalide, ginkgolide A, ginkgolide B, berberine, phellodendrine, magnoflorine, geniposidic acid and verbascoside could serve as Q-markers of Yihuang Decoction. Conclusion This review establishes a foundation for the research and development of Yihuang Decoction, and providing a crucial scientific reference for ensuring its comprehensive quality control and enhancing evaluation standards.