Mechanism of Action of Danzhi Xiaoyao San in Treating Breast Cancer with Liver Depression Qi Stagnation: Based on the Theory of the Mysterious Mansion’s Qi and Fluids

Abstract

The theory of the Mysterious Mansion’s Qi and Fluids represents a significant innovation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. The Mysterious Mansion serves as the gateway for the transportation of qi and fluids within tissues and organs, and its proper opening and closing are crucial for the distribution of qi, blood, and essential nutrients throughout the body. In TCM, breast cancer falls under the categories of “stone carbuncle” (shi yong), “breast rock” (ru yan), and “breast chestnut” (ru li). Analyzed through the lens of the Mysterious Mansion theory, its core pathogenesis is Liver Depression Qi Stagnation and obstruction of the Mysterious Mansion. The therapeutic principle, therefore, should be to soothe the liver to resolve depression and to open the obstructed Mysterious Mansion. Danzhi Xiaoyao San, a classical formula that concurrently unblocks and harmonizes, regulates both the liver and spleen, and addresses both qi and blood, embodies this principle. Its effects of “dredging, soothing, and tonifying” align with the fundamental principles for treating breast cancer and resonate with the therapeutic characteristic of the Mysterious Mansion, which “functions optimally when unobstructed.” Consequently, the theory of the Mysterious Mansion’s Qi and Fluids provides a vital theoretical foundation and clinical guidance for the application of Danzhi Xiaoyao San in treating breast cancer with Liver Depression Qi Stagnation.