Goreisan (Five Ingredient Powder with Poria)
Goreisan is a traditional Kampo formula containing five herbs including Poria cocos that regulates fluid balance through aquaporin modulation. This Japanese herbal combination supports kidney function, reduces edema, and enhances cognitive performance by improving cerebral circulation.
Origin & History
Goreisan is a traditional Kampo formula that includes Poria and other herbs, used to address fluid imbalances and related symptoms.
Historical & Cultural Context
Goreisan has been used in Japanese Kampo medicine for centuries to treat conditions related to fluid imbalance, reflecting its importance in traditional healthcare practices.
Health Benefits
- Supports fluid balance by promoting diuresis, reducing edema and bloating. This supports kidney health and fluid regulation. - Enhances cognitive function by improving cerebral circulation, boosting memory and focus. This supports mental clarity. - Alleviates headaches by reducing intracranial pressure, providing relief from tension and migraines. This supports head comfort. - Boosts immune function by enhancing lymphatic drainage, reducing the risk of infections. This supports a robust immune system. - Promotes digestive health by soothing the gastrointestinal tract, reducing nausea and discomfort. This supports digestive well-being. - Reduces inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory pathways, alleviating joint pain and swelling. This supports joint health. - Supports cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, reducing the risk of hypertension. This promotes heart health.
How It Works
Goreisan's primary component Poria cocos contains pachymic acid and eburicoic acid that modulate aquaporin-2 water channels in kidney collecting ducts, promoting diuresis. Alisma orientale provides alisol compounds that inhibit aldosterone receptors, while Atractylodes macrocephala's atractylone enhances renal blood flow. The formula collectively improves cerebral microcirculation through vasodilation and reduced intracranial pressure.
Scientific Research
Clinical studies suggest that Goreisan may effectively manage fluid retention and related symptoms, with some evidence from RCTs supporting its use.
Clinical Summary
Clinical studies on Goreisan show modest evidence with small sample sizes of 30-80 participants. A randomized controlled trial demonstrated 23% reduction in peripheral edema after 4 weeks of treatment. Cognitive function studies showed improved memory scores by 15% in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment. However, most research consists of observational studies and case reports, limiting the strength of evidence for therapeutic claims.
Nutritional Profile
Goreisan (五苓散) is a traditional Kampo/TCM formula composed of five herbs, typically in the following standard ratio — Takusha (Alisma rhizome) 4-6g, Chorei (Polyporus sclerotium) 3-4.5g, Bukuryo (Poria/Hoelen) 3-4.5g, Byakujutsu (Atractylodes rhizome) 3-4.5g, and Keihi (Cinnamomum cassia bark) 1.5-2g per daily dose. As a medicinal decoction/granule formulation rather than a food, it has negligible macronutrient value (minimal calories, protein, fat, and carbohydrate per therapeutic dose). Key bioactive compounds include: Alisol A and Alisol B monoacetate (triterpenoids from Alisma, ~0.5-2% w/w of crude herb) which inhibit aquaporin-2 expression and exert diuretic and anti-edema effects; Ergosterol and polyporusterone A/B (from Polyporus, ergosterol ~0.3-0.8%) contributing to diuretic and immunomodulatory activity; Pachymic acid and poricoic acid A (triterpenoids from Poria, ~0.5-1.5%) providing diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and mild sedative effects; Atractylenolide I, II, and III (sesquiterpenoids from Atractylodes, ~0.05-0.3%) offering anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, and aquaporin-regulating properties; Cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid (from Cinnamomum bark, cinnamaldehyde ~1-5% of bark) providing vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory, and warming circulatory effects. Mineral content is trace and variable depending on source soil (small amounts of potassium, calcium, magnesium, and zinc from herbal matrix). The formula contains water-soluble polysaccharides (beta-glucans from Poria and Polyporus, estimated 2-5% of those components) which have immunomodulatory bioactivity. No significant vitamins or dietary fiber are delivered at therapeutic doses. Bioavailability notes: Triterpenoids such as pachymic acid and alisol derivatives have moderate oral bioavailability (estimated 20-40%) and are enhanced by the warm decoction preparation method; cinnamaldehyde is rapidly absorbed but undergoes first-pass hepatic metabolism to cinnamic acid; beta-glucans are partially degraded by gut microbiota and exert both local intestinal and systemic immunological effects. The synergistic combination is clinically standardized for aquaporin (AQP) channel regulation, particularly AQP-2 and AQP-4, which underlies the formula's primary mechanism for fluid redistribution rather than simple diuresis.
Preparation & Dosage
Goreisan is typically taken in divided doses throughout the day. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Synergy & Pairings
Alisma, Atractylodes, Cinnamon, Polyporus
Safety & Interactions
Goreisan is generally well-tolerated with mild gastrointestinal upset reported in 5-8% of users. The formula may interact with diuretic medications and ACE inhibitors due to its diuretic properties, potentially causing excessive fluid loss. Contraindicated in severe kidney disease and during pregnancy due to unknown fetal effects. Patients taking lithium should avoid use as increased diuresis may elevate lithium blood levels.