Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
An Shen Ding Zhi Wan is a traditional Chinese formula containing rehmannia, polygala, and poria that modulates GABA neurotransmitter pathways to reduce anxiety. The formula's bioactive compounds including polygalasaponins and triterpenes work synergistically to calm the nervous system and support cardiovascular health.
CategoryTraditional Chinese Medicine
GroupTraditional Chinese Medicine
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary KeywordAn Shen Ding Zhi Wan benefits
Synergy Pairings5
An Shen Ding Zhi Wan (Calm the Spirit Pill) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Calms the mind by reducing stress hormones, leading to improved mental clarity and focus. - Enhances emotional stability by regulating mood swings and promoting a balanced state of mind. - Supports heart health by reducing stress-induced cardiovascular strain, improving overall heart function. - Boosts cognitive function by enhancing neurotransmitter activity, aiding in memory retention and concentration. - Improves sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing insomnia symptoms. - Strengthens the immune system with adaptogenic properties that help the body resist stress. - Promotes digestive health by soothing the stomach and reducing stress-related digestive issues.
Origin & History
Natural habitat
An Shen Ding Zhi Wan is a traditional Chinese herbal formula designed to calm the spirit and support mental clarity. It includes ingredients like Polygala and Ginseng, and is typically prepared as a pill. The formula is used to address symptoms of anxiety and restlessness.
“An Shen Ding Zhi Wan has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to calm the mind and enhance cognitive function. It is valued for its ability to promote mental tranquility.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
Research on An Shen Ding Zhi Wan is limited, but some studies indicate potential benefits for anxiety and cognitive function. More rigorous studies, such as RCTs, are needed to substantiate these claims.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
The recommended dosage for An Shen Ding Zhi Wan is 6 to 9 grams of the pill per day, divided into two or three doses. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
Nutritional Profile
An Shen Ding Zhi Wan is a multi-herb TCM formula rather than a single nutritional ingredient, so macronutrient content is negligible in clinical dosing. Its bioactive profile centers on key constituent herbs: Ren Shen (Panax ginseng) contributes ginsenosides Rb1, Rg1, and Re (typically 1.5–8% by dry weight in standardized extracts), which modulate HPA axis activity and GABA-A receptors. Fu Ling (Poria cocos) provides triterpenoids (pachymic acid, tumulosic acid) and beta-glucan polysaccharides (~70–90% of fungal mass) with documented anxiolytic and immunomodulatory effects. Yuan Zhi (Polygala tenuifolia) delivers tenuigenin and onjisaponins (~2–5% tenuifolin content), which enhance BDNF expression and inhibit MAO-A activity. Shi Chang Pu (Acorus tatarinowii) contains asarone compounds (alpha- and beta-asarone, ~1–5 mg/g) acting on serotonergic and cholinergic pathways. Long Chi (fossilized dragon teeth, calcium phosphate mineral) provides bioavailable calcium (~35–39% elemental calcium by weight), contributing sedative mineral action. Bioavailability is enhanced by the synergistic decoction process; ginsenoside bioavailability improves significantly when co-extracted with Poria polysaccharides.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
The formula's polygalasaponins enhance GABAergic neurotransmission while triterpenes from poria modulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to reduce cortisol production. Rehmannia's catalpol compounds activate neuroprotective pathways and support parasympathetic nervous system function. These combined actions result in reduced sympathetic nervous system activity and improved stress resilience.
Clinical Evidence
Small-scale traditional medicine studies with 30-80 participants have shown improvements in anxiety scores and sleep quality measures over 4-8 week periods. One controlled trial demonstrated 40% reduction in perceived stress levels compared to placebo in 60 adults with mild anxiety. However, most research consists of observational studies rather than large randomized controlled trials. Evidence quality remains limited by small sample sizes and methodological variations in traditional Chinese medicine research.
Safety & Interactions
Generally well-tolerated when used as directed, though some individuals may experience mild digestive upset or drowsiness initially. May interact with sedative medications, blood pressure medications, and anticoagulants due to its calming and cardiovascular effects. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with severe depression or those taking psychiatric medications should consult healthcare providers before use.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Calm the Spirit PillAnshen Dingzhi WanAn Shen Ding Zhi PillsSettle the Emotions PillCalm Spirit FormulaTranquilize the Mind PillsDing Zhi WanSpirit Calming Decoction in Pill FormAn Shen Wan
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does An Shen Ding Zhi Wan take to work for anxiety?
Most users report initial calming effects within 1-2 weeks of consistent use, with optimal benefits typically achieved after 4-6 weeks. Clinical studies suggest maximum efficacy occurs around 8 weeks of regular supplementation.
What is the recommended dosage of An Shen Ding Zhi Wan?
Traditional dosing ranges from 6-9 grams of raw herbs daily, typically divided into 2-3 doses. Modern concentrated extracts are usually taken as 3-6 pills twice daily with meals, though specific products may vary.
Can An Shen Ding Zhi Wan be taken with antidepressants?
This formula may interact with psychiatric medications due to its effects on neurotransmitter pathways. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining with SSRIs, benzodiazepines, or other mood-regulating medications.
What are the main herbs in An Shen Ding Zhi Wan formula?
The primary ingredients include rehmannia (shu di huang), polygala (yuan zhi), poria (fu shen), and typically schisandra and jujube date. Each herb contributes specific compounds that work synergistically for nervous system support.
Is An Shen Ding Zhi Wan safe for long-term use?
Traditional use suggests safety for extended periods when used appropriately, though most clinical data covers 8-12 week periods. Long-term users should have periodic health monitoring, especially if taking other medications or supplements.
Is An Shen Ding Zhi Wan safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
An Shen Ding Zhi Wan is generally not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding without consulting a qualified TCM practitioner, as some of its constituent herbs may affect fetal development or pass into breast milk. Pregnant and nursing women should seek professional guidance before using this formula to ensure safety for both mother and child.
What is the clinical evidence supporting An Shen Ding Zhi Wan's effectiveness for anxiety and insomnia?
Several traditional Chinese medicine studies and clinical trials have demonstrated An Shen Ding Zhi Wan's effectiveness in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving sleep quality, though research standards vary compared to Western pharmaceutical trials. The formula's mechanism involves calming the spirit (shen) according to TCM theory, with supporting evidence from both traditional use and modern clinical observations, though more rigorous double-blind studies would strengthen the evidence base.
Who should avoid An Shen Ding Zhi Wan, and are there specific contraindications?
Individuals with cold-damp spleen conditions, severe digestive weakness, or those taking certain blood thinners should avoid An Shen Ding Zhi Wan or use it only under professional TCM guidance. People with allergies to any of the formula's herbal components should also avoid use, and those with low blood pressure should monitor their response closely as the calming effect may lower BP further.
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