Research Progress on Modified Banxia Xiexin Decoction for the Treatment of Reflux Esophagitis

Abstract

Reflux esophagitis is a common subtype of gastroesophageal reflux disease and a frequently occurring digestive system disease in clinical practice. It is characterized by a prolonged course, repeated episodes, and persistent complications that are difficult to cure, seriously affecting patients’ quality of life. Currently, Western medicine treats this disease with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) as the preferred treatment. These drugs can significantly suppress gastric acid secretion and quickly improve symptoms such as acid reflux and heartburn. However, long-term or monotherapy with PPIs has certain limitations, as it can lead to various potential complications and adverse reactions. Clinical practice urgently needs to explore safer, more efficient, and more stable treatment options. TCM centers on holistic concepts and syndrome differentiation as its core diagnostic and treatment concepts, offering unique features and advantages in the treatment of chronic and recurrent digestive system diseases. Integrated Chinese and Western therapies have been proven to significantly improve the overall treatment outcomes of reflux esophagitis. Banxia Xiexin Decoction originates from the “Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases.” It is a classic prescription for regulating the spleen and stomach and balancing cold and heat, with the functions of balancing cold and heat, dispersing masses, and eliminating fullness. Numerous basic experiments and clinical studies have shown that this formula can effectively improve clinical symptoms in patients with reflux esophagitis, repair damaged esophageal mucosa, regulate gastrointestinal function, and intervene in disease progression through multiple targets and pathways. This paper systematically reviews the pharmacological effects of Banxia Xiexin Decoction alone, the application of original formulas and their therapeutic effects, the mechanisms of combined formula synergy, and the research progress in integrated Chinese and Western medicine for the treatment of reflux esophagitis, aiming to provide new reference ideas for standardized clinical treatment and mechanistic research of this disease.