Medicated Leaven
- Chinese
- 神曲
- Pinyin
- Shen Qu
- Latin
- Massa Fermentata Medicinalis
Known in TCM as Shen Qu (神曲), this sweet and acrid, warm herb enters the Spleen and Stomach. Traditionally, it strengthens the Spleen and Stomach and promotes digestion of stagnant food; used broadly for food stagnation with poor appetite, abdominal distension, and diarrhea, most often applied for indigestion, poor appetite, and abdominal distension. Modern research has identified Fermentation-derived among its active constituents.
Part used: Fermented mass
Also Known As
Latin: Massa Fermentata Medicinalis | Pinyin: Shen Qu | Chinese: 神曲
TCM Properties
- Taste
- sweet, acrid
- Temperature
- warm
- Channels
- Spleen, Stomach
Traditional Use
Primary Actions
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach and promotes digestion of stagnant food; used broadly for food stagnation with poor appetite, abdominal distension, and diarrhea
- Serves as the general trade name for fermented medicated leaven, encompassing the raw, stir-fried (Chao), and six-ingredient (Liu) forms used for differing degrees of digestive support
Secondary Actions
- Frequently included as a carrying agent in decoctions containing mineral or resinous medicinals to aid their digestion and absorption
Classical References
- First documented in Tang-dynasty materia medica as a fermented compound medicinal for food stagnation
Modern Research
Active Compounds
- Fermentation-derived flavonoids and fatty acids
- Microbial digestive enzymes (amylase, protease, lipase)
Studied Effects
- Bacterial and fungal biodiversity during fermentation follows a dynamic microbial succession that determines the final bioactive and enzymatic profile
- Fermentation-derived metabolites support traditional digestive-aid use
PubMed References
Safety & Interactions
Cautions
- Stomach Yin deficiency with Heat signs
Conditions
- Indigestion Traditional ★★★☆☆ JSON
- Poor Appetite Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Abdominal Distension Traditional ★★☆☆☆ JSON
- Diarrhea Traditional ★☆☆☆☆ JSON
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Medicated Leaven used for?
Medicated Leaven is traditionally used to Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach and promotes digestion of stagnant food; used broadly for food stagnation with poor appetite, abdominal distension, and diarrhea, Serves as the general trade name for fermented medicated leaven, encompassing the raw, stir-fried (Chao), and six-ingredient (Liu) forms used for differing degrees of digestive support. Research has investigated its effects on: Bacterial and fungal biodiversity during fermentation follows a dynamic microbial succession that determines the final bioactive and enzymatic profile; Fermentation-derived metabolites support traditional digestive-aid use.
What are other names for Medicated Leaven?
Medicated Leaven is also known as Divine Ferment, Massa Medicata Fermentata (general term). In TCM: 神曲 (Shen Qu); Massa Fermentata Medicinalis.
Is Medicated Leaven safe during pregnancy?
Medicated Leaven is generally considered safe during pregnancy in normal amounts. Therapeutic or concentrated doses should be discussed with a qualified practitioner before use.