Study on Compatibility Rule of Zhigancao in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases Based on Correlation Analysis

LUO Weikang; HU Yuanlong; SU Qiqi

doi:10.16295/j.cnki.0257-358x.2018.02.006

Abstract：Objective:To explore the general compatibility rule of Zhigancao (Glycyrrhizae radix et rhizoma praeparata cum melle) based on the four properties and five tastes. Methods:According to the rules of the selection,formulas in the Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases were selected to build a database, and the related information was input into the database. Then the frequency analysis and association were conducted for data excavation. Results:There were 224 formula included,which were divided into 15 cate-gories according to their efficacy. The correlation analysis on the number of the herbs and Zhigancao indi-cated that the confidence was positively correlated with the number of herbs in the antecedent. The effective rule in the four properties compatibility is {cold and hot in combination}→{Zhigancao},with the support of 56.70％ and confidence of 51.18％. The correlation analysis on the compatibility of five tastes and zhi gao cao indicated that confidence was positively correlated with five tastes compatibility in the antecedent. The effective correlation rules pertain to releasing the exterior,harmonizing,regulating blood,regulating qi,warming interior and removing dampness,totally six categories. Conclusion:It is concluded that there are 4 compati-bility rules of Zhigancao correlating with the four properties and five tastes,that is,the more complex of the four properties and the five tastes,the more likely Zhigancao is to be used. Pungency and sweetness trans-forming into yang and sourness and sweetness transforming into yin is an important compatibility principle. Zhigancao entering the middle to harmonize qi movement also is an important compatibility rule. Without the influence of other herbs,Zhigancao can be used to protect the stomach and harmonize the middle.