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Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction

Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction (CLMLD) is a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine formula used for insomnia, anxiety, and psychiatric conditions. Contains Bupleurum (Chaihu), Dragon Bone (Longgu/fossilized bone), and Oyster Shell (Muli) as key ingredients. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - limited clinical evidence. Used in TCM for 'calming the spirit' and treating conditions attributed to Liver Qi stagnation. Some preliminary research suggests anxiolytic and sedative effects but quality evidence is lacking. The formula has been studied more in Japan (as Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to) for neuropsychiatric conditions.

Quick Answer

What it is

Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction (CLMLD) is a classical Traditional Chinese Medicine formula used for insomnia, anxiety, and psychiatric conditions. Contains Bupleurum (Chaihu), Dragon Bone (Longgu/fossilized bone), and Oyster Shell (Muli) as key ingredients.

Key findings

  • Grade B: Depression Symptoms
  • Grade B: Sleep Quality
  • Grade C: Anxiety Symptoms

Safety

  • Quality of evidence was generally rated low due to risk of bias in included Chinese-language trials.
  • Two meta-analyses of RCTs (22 studies, n=2029; 10 studies, n=842) found CLMLD alone or combined with conventional medications significantly improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (MD −2.80 and WMD −2.21 respectively) and increased total sleep time (+1.01 hours) compared to conventional medication alone, with fewer adverse events.
  • However, included studies had significant risk of bias and lacked adequate blinding.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction

Quick Facts: Chaihu Longgu Muli Decoction

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:1
  • Research Outcomes:5
  • Grade B Findings:2
  • Key Effect:Anxiety Disorders (Other)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B2
C2
D1
1 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

B
Depression Symptoms
A meta-analysis of 24 RCTs (n=2,382) found CLMLD alone or combined with SSRIs significantly reduced Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores versus antidepressants alone (SMD = −1.94 for combination therapy). A separate meta-analysis of 13 RCTs in post-stroke depression (n=1,665) confirmed superior efficacy and safety versus antidepressants alone. Quality of evidence was generally rated low due to risk of bias in included Chinese-language trials.
moderate↓Improves
B
Sleep Quality
Two meta-analyses of RCTs (22 studies, n=2029; 10 studies, n=842) found CLMLD alone or combined with conventional medications significantly improved Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (MD −2.80 and WMD −2.21 respectively) and increased total sleep time (+1.01 hours) compared to conventional medication alone, with fewer adverse events. However, included studies had significant risk of bias and lacked adequate blinding.
moderate↓Worsens
C
Blood Pressure
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 RCTs (n=711) found the formula significantly lowered systolic BP by 8.84 mmHg and diastolic BP by 9.11 mmHg versus placebo, with no serious adverse events. Quality of evidence was rated 'low' with unclear risk of bias in most included studies.
moderate↓Improves
D
Stress Response
In rodent models, CLMLD prevented chronic stress-induced HPA axis dysfunction and glucocorticoid negative feedback disruption in a dose-dependent manner. Microdialysis studies showed the formula prevented stress-induced decreases in prefrontal cortex dopamine and serotonin, and attenuated stress-induced monoamine surges in the thalamus, hypothalamus, and amygdala. A single-dose mouse study showed rapid BDNF upregulation in the hippocampus within 30 minutes.
moderate↓Improves
C
Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety improvement has been reported as a secondary outcome in multiple depression and insomnia meta-analyses, and the hypertension meta-analysis (7 RCTs, n=711) showed significant depression/mood score improvements (PHQ-9 −3.52). However, no dedicated anxiety-focused RCTs or meta-analyses exist. A clinical trial (NCT06725771) combining CLMLD with sertraline for generalized anxiety disorder is ongoing.
small↓Improves

Evidence by Condition

Best grade per condition (each condition may have multiple outcomes)

CAnxiety Disorders (Other)
1
↓Anxiety SymptomsImproves

Research Citations (10)

Efficacy and safety of Chaihu plus Longgu Muli decoction combined with Estazolam in the treatment of insomnia: a meta-analysis
(2025)
PMID: 40581702
The pharmacological mechanism of chaihu-jia-longgu-muli-tang for treating depression: integrated meta-analysis and network pharmacology analysis
(2023)
PMID: 37808199
Chaihu-Longgu-Muli decoction improves sleep disorders by restoring orexin-A function in CKD mice
(2023)
PMID: 37441503
Efficacy and Safety of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Decoction in the Treatment of Poststroke Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
(2021)
PMID: 34457030
Chaihu Longgu Muli decoction, a Chinese herbal formula, for the treatment of insomnia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
(2020)
PMID: 33019437
Herbal Medicine (Sihogayonggolmoryeo-Tang or Chai-Hu-Jia-Long-Gu-Mu-Li-Tang) for Treating Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
(2020)
PMID: 32963577
Immediate and persistent antidepressant-like effects of Chaihu-jia-Longgu-Muli-tang are associated with instantly up-regulated BDNF in the hippocampus of mice
(2019)
PMID: 30473537
Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to, a herbal medicine, ameliorates chronic stress-induced depressive state in rotarod performance
(2003)
PMID: 12873634
Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to, an herbal medicine, prevents chronic stress-induced disruption of glucocorticoid negative feedback in rats
(2002)
PMID: 12409146
Increase in monoamine levels caused by emotional stress in mice brain regions is attenuated by Saiko-ka-ryukotsu-borei-to
(1998)
PMID: 9575479

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