Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder)
Yu Ping Feng San is a traditional Chinese herbal formula containing astragalus, atractylodes, and saposhnikovia that strengthens immune function through polysaccharide-mediated enhancement of T-cell activity. This classic three-herb combination works by tonifying defensive qi and stabilizing the exterior to prevent pathogen invasion.
Origin & History
Yu Ping Feng San is a traditional Chinese formula known for its immune-boosting properties. It is composed of herbs like Astragalus membranaceus, Atractylodes macrocephala, and Saposhnikovia divaricata, which are processed into a fine powder.
Historical & Cultural Context
Yu Ping Feng San has been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to strengthen the body's defenses and prevent illness, particularly during seasonal changes.
Health Benefits
- Yu Ping Feng San boosts immune function by increasing white blood cell activity, reducing infection risk. - It enhances respiratory health by reducing phlegm production, improving breathing. - This formula strengthens the body's defenses against environmental stressors, promoting overall wellness. - It supports skin health by improving circulation, which can enhance complexion and reduce acne. - Yu Ping Feng San reduces fatigue by enhancing energy metabolism, promoting vitality. - It aids in allergy relief by modulating immune responses, reducing symptoms like sneezing and itching. - The formula improves digestive health by balancing gut flora, supporting nutrient absorption.
How It Works
Yu Ping Feng San enhances immune function primarily through astragaloside IV and astragalus polysaccharides, which stimulate T-helper cell proliferation and increase interferon-γ production. The formula modulates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis while atractylodes macrocephala strengthens spleen qi and saposhnikovia divaricata consolidates the exterior defensive barrier. These compounds work synergistically to upregulate immunoglobulin production and enhance phagocytic activity of macrophages.
Scientific Research
Some studies suggest Yu Ping Feng San may enhance immune function and reduce the incidence of respiratory infections. More comprehensive studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Clinical Summary
Clinical studies on Yu Ping Feng San have shown promising results for immune enhancement and respiratory conditions. A randomized controlled trial with 120 participants demonstrated 35% reduction in upper respiratory infections over 6 months compared to placebo. Another study of 80 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease found significant improvements in lung function parameters and reduced exacerbation frequency. However, most clinical evidence comes from smaller Chinese studies, and larger international trials are needed to confirm therapeutic efficacy.
Nutritional Profile
Yu Ping Feng San is a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine formula composed of three herbs: Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala), and Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia divaricata), traditionally combined in a 2:2:1 ratio. **Huang Qi (Astragalus root, ~40% of formula):** Contains astragaloside IV (0.04–0.2% w/w), cycloastragenol, formononetin (~0.02%), calycosin (~0.05%), astragalus polysaccharides (APS, 8–15% w/w including glucans and heteropolysaccharides), flavonoids (total ~0.5–1.0%), saponins (total ~0.3–0.8%), trace minerals (selenium ~0.05–0.2 mg/100g, iron, zinc), free amino acids (including GABA, asparagine), and dietary fiber (~15–20%). **Bai Zhu (Atractylodes rhizome, ~40% of formula):** Contains atractylenolide I (0.03–0.15%), atractylenolide II (~0.05–0.1%), atractylenolide III (~0.1–0.3%), atractylon (~1–3% in volatile oil fraction), volatile oils (total 1–3%), polysaccharides (5–12% w/w, primarily inulin-type fructans), sesquiterpenoids, and trace amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. **Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia root, ~20% of formula):** Contains chromones including cimifugin (~0.1–0.4%), 4'-O-β-glucosyl-5-O-methylvisamminol (~0.05–0.2%), sec-O-glucosylhamaudol (~0.1%), prim-O-glucosylcimifugin (~0.15–0.5%), volatile oils (~0.5–1.5%), coumarins (including deltoin, bergapten in trace amounts), polyacetylenes (falcarindiol ~0.01–0.05%), and polysaccharides (~3–8%). **Overall formula bioactive summary per standard decoction dose (9–18g raw herbs):** Total polysaccharides: approximately 0.8–2.5g; total flavonoids: approximately 30–80mg; total saponins (astragalosides): approximately 20–60mg; total chromones: approximately 10–40mg; total volatile oils: approximately 50–200mg. **Bioavailability notes:** Astragaloside IV has low oral bioavailability (~2–7%) due to poor intestinal absorption and hepatic first-pass metabolism; gut microbiota-mediated conversion to cycloastragenol improves systemic availability. Polysaccharides are largely non-absorbable but exert immunomodulatory effects via gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and Peyer's patches. Chromones from Fang Feng (cimifugin, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin) show moderate oral bioavailability (~15–30%); glycosylated forms are hydrolyzed to active aglycones by intestinal enzymes. Atractylenolides are lipophilic with moderate absorption (~20–40%); co-decoction may enhance solubility. Traditional decoction preparation improves extraction efficiency of water-soluble polysaccharides and glycosides compared to powdered form. The formula contains negligible macronutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate) at therapeutic doses; caloric contribution is minimal (<10 kcal per dose). No significant vitamin content at pharmacological doses.
Preparation & Dosage
Typically taken as a powder or decoction. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Synergy & Pairings
Huang Qi (Astragalus), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fang Feng (Ledebouriella), Gan Cao (Licorice), Sheng Jiang (Ginger)
Safety & Interactions
Yu Ping Feng San is generally well-tolerated with mild side effects including occasional digestive upset or loose stools in sensitive individuals. The formula may enhance immune system activity and could theoretically interact with immunosuppressive medications like cyclosporine or corticosteroids. Patients with autoimmune conditions should use caution as the immune-stimulating effects may exacerbate symptoms. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, so use should be avoided during these periods.