Stir-Fried Medicated Leaven

Chinese: 炒神曲
Pinyin: Chao Shen Qu
Latin: Massa Fermentata Medicinalis Praeparata

Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Chao Shen Qu (炒神曲), this sweet and acrid, warm herb enters the Spleen and Stomach. Traditionally, it strengthens the Spleen and promotes digestion of stagnant food, particularly stale, fermented, or starchy food and alcohol, most often applied for indigestion, abdominal distension, and diarrhea. Modern research has identified Amylase, among its active constituents.

Part used: Fermented mass

Also Known As

Massa Medicata Fermentata (stir-fried) Fried Shen Qu

Latin: Massa Fermentata Medicinalis Praeparata | Pinyin: Chao Shen Qu | Chinese: 炒神曲

TCM Properties

Taste: sweet, acrid
Temperature: warm
Channels: Spleen, Stomach

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

Strengthens the Spleen and promotes digestion of stagnant food, particularly stale, fermented, or starchy food and alcohol
Harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach to relieve abdominal distension, indigestion, and diarrhea from food stagnation

Secondary Actions

The stir-fried (Chao) processing is used to strengthen the digestive, Spleen-supporting action while moderating the more dispersing, aromatic character of the unprocessed leaven, making it gentler for weaker Spleen-Stomach constitutions

Classical References

Massa Medicata Fermentata is first documented in Tang-dynasty materia medica; stir-frying and charring are later pharmacy processing conventions applied to adjust its digestive and dispersing balance

Modern Research

Active Compounds

Amylase, protease, and lipase from fermentation microorganisms
Flavonoids and fatty acids generated during fermentation

Studied Effects

Processing (stir-frying or charring) measurably changes the metabolomic and microbiome profile of Massa Medicata Fermentata and its digestive-promoting effect compared with the unprocessed form

PubMed References

Comparing massa medicata fermentata before and after charred in terms of digestive promoting effect via metabolomics and microbiome analysis

Safety & Interactions

Cautions

Stomach Yin deficiency with Heat signs

Conditions

Indigestion Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
Abdominal Distension Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Diarrhea Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
Digestive Weakness Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stir-Fried Medicated Leaven used for?

Stir-Fried Medicated Leaven is traditionally used to Strengthens the Spleen and promotes digestion of stagnant food, particularly stale, fermented, or starchy food and alcohol, Harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach to relieve abdominal distension, indigestion, and diarrhea from food stagnation. Research has investigated its effects on: Processing (stir-frying or charring) measurably changes the metabolomic and microbiome profile of Massa Medicata Fermentata and its digestive-promoting effect compared with the unprocessed form.

What are other names for Stir-Fried Medicated Leaven?

Stir-Fried Medicated Leaven is also known as Massa Medicata Fermentata (stir-fried), Fried Shen Qu. In TCM: 炒神曲 (Chao Shen Qu); Massa Fermentata Medicinalis Praeparata.

Is Stir-Fried Medicated Leaven safe during pregnancy?

Stir-Fried Medicated Leaven is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.