A Study on the Divisional Pharmaceutical Method in 『Donguibogam』

Objectives : To study the characteristics and meaning of the division pharmaceutical method in the Donguibogam through analysis of formulas that apply such method. Methods : Each formula applying the division method within the Donguibogam was analyzed Results & Conclusions : In the Donguibogam, medicinals to which the division pharmaceutical method was applied were baizhu[白朮], cangzhu[蒼朮], zhiqiao[枳殼], wuzhuyu[吳茱萸], xiangfuzi[香附子], chuanlianzi[川練子], huangbo[黃柏], etc. Formulas where this method was used were few, while the four methods that were used, together with the Center represents the principle of the five phases. The formulas that applied the division method usually did not adopt the tablet or decoction form, which means they were meant to treat slowly, treating deficiency or stagnation diseases due to problems in the middle-lower body such as the Spleen, Liver and Kidney. It could be said that compared to other more common formulas, this was a unique method. The division pharmaceutical method allows for usage of a wider variety of processing methods compared to single ingredient formulas, while there is lower chance of interference among the different types of processing. Another benefit is that the properties of the main medicinal ingredient could be preserved as much as possible. In addition, the division method allows for the main ingredient and the processed ingredient to interact exclusively, after which the processed medicinal is eliminated leaving only the main ingredient. This allows for maximum improvement of the main ingredient. The division method includes the principles of formula composition as well, whose concept could be positioned between single ingredient formulas and common formulas.

『동의보감(東醫寶鑑)』에 나타난 분제(分劑) 제약법(製藥法)에 관한 고찰