Shaoyao Gancao decoction, an Ancient Classical Prescription: a review on its chemical composition, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical applications, and toxicology

Abstract Objectives Shaoyao Gancao decoction (SGD) is a famous Ancient Classical Prescription (ACP) from “Treatise on Febrile Diseases.” It has been clinically used for spasm- and pain-related disorders induced by insufficiency of Qi and blood and malnutrition of tendons and vessels for thousands of years. To expand comprehensive understanding and to highlight the importance of more effective utilization, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive review of SGD covering multiple research fields. Methods Some databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, were used to collect the related information with “Shaoyao Gancao decoction” and similar ones as the keywords. Key findings Phytochemical researches revealed that flavonoids and monoterpenoids were the predominant components in SGD. It was documented that SGD had demonstrated a variety of effects, such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, neuroprotection, antispasmodic activity, gastrointestinal protection, hepatoprotection, anti-asthma activity, and effects on gynecological diseases. As for its toxicology, pseudoaldosteronism occasionally occurred and 18β-glycyrrhetyl-3-O-sulfate was believed to be a causative agent. Conclusions As a whole, many valuable achievements have been made, exhibiting great attraction and potential of SGD as a famous ACP. This review is also expected to facilitate SGD application and research in the future.