Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
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.
CategoryJapanese Kampo Medicine
GroupTraditional Chinese Medicine
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary KeywordGoreisan benefits
Synergy Pairings5
Goreisan (Five Ingredient Powder with Poria) — botanical close-up
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.
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Goreisan is a traditional Kampo formula that includes Poria and other herbs, used to address fluid imbalances and related symptoms.
“Goreisan has been used in Japanese Kampo medicine for centuries to treat conditions related to fluid imbalance, reflecting its importance in traditional healthcare practices.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
Clinical studies suggest that Goreisan may effectively manage fluid retention and related symptoms, with some evidence from RCTs supporting its use.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
Goreisan is typically taken in divided doses throughout the day. Consult a healthcare provider before use.
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.
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
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.
Clinical Evidence
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.
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.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Wuling SanFive Ingredient PowderGorei-sanWu Ling PowderPolyporus CombinationFive-Poria PowderBukuryo Combination
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical dosage of Goreisan?
The standard Goreisan dosage is 2.5-7.5 grams daily, typically divided into 2-3 doses. Traditional preparation uses 1:1 ratios of each herb, while modern extracts are often standardized to specific marker compounds.
How long does it take for Goreisan to work for edema?
Goreisan typically shows diuretic effects within 2-4 hours of administration, with noticeable edema reduction occurring after 3-7 days of consistent use. Maximum benefits for fluid balance usually appear after 2-4 weeks of regular supplementation.
Can Goreisan be taken with blood pressure medications?
Goreisan may interact with blood pressure medications, particularly diuretics and ACE inhibitors, potentially causing excessive blood pressure reduction. Consult a healthcare provider before combining, as dosage adjustments may be necessary.
What are the five ingredients in Goreisan formula?
Goreisan contains Poria cocos (hoelen), Alisma orientale (water plantain), Atractylodes macrocephala (white atractylodes), Polyporus umbellatus (polyporus), and Cinnamomum cassia (cinnamon bark). Each herb contributes specific compounds for fluid regulation and circulation enhancement.
Is Goreisan effective for brain fog and mental clarity?
Limited studies suggest Goreisan may improve cognitive function through enhanced cerebral circulation, with one trial showing 15% improvement in memory scores. However, evidence is preliminary and more research is needed to confirm cognitive benefits definitively.
Is Goreisan safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Goreisan should be avoided during pregnancy as its diuretic properties and fluid-regulating actions may not be appropriate for expectant mothers without professional medical guidance. Women who are breastfeeding should also consult with a healthcare provider before using Goreisan, as safety data in this population is limited. It is essential to discuss any kampo formulas with an obstetrician or qualified practitioner before use during these sensitive periods.
What does clinical research show about Goreisan's effectiveness for edema and fluid retention?
Traditional Japanese kampo medicine and modern clinical studies support Goreisan's use for managing edema, particularly edema related to poor fluid metabolism and kidney function. The formula's combination of Poria and other ingredients has been shown in clinical settings to promote mild diuresis and reduce bloating without the side effects of pharmaceutical diuretics. Most evidence comes from traditional use and small-scale clinical trials in Japan; larger randomized controlled trials would strengthen the evidence base.
Who benefits most from taking Goreisan, and are there specific conditions it addresses best?
Goreisan is particularly beneficial for individuals with fluid imbalance conditions such as edema, bloating, heaviness in the limbs, and poor fluid metabolism, as well as those experiencing tension headaches related to fluid congestion. People with mild cognitive symptoms accompanied by poor circulation may also benefit from its dual action on fluid regulation and cerebral blood flow. Those with constitutional weakness in kidney function or spleen qi deficiency, as understood in traditional kampo medicine, are considered ideal candidates for this formula.
Explore the Full Encyclopedia
7,400+ ingredients researched, verified, and formulated for optimal synergy.
Browse IngredientsThese statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
hermetica-encyclopedia-canary-zzqv9k4w goreisan-five-ingredient-powder-with-poria curated by Hermetica Superfoods at ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com and licensed CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (non-commercial share-alike, attribution required)
