Research Progress on Traditional Uses, Chemical Composition, Pharmacological Actions, and Clinical Applications of Ginseng-Containing Sijunzi Decoction

Sijunzi Decoction (SJZD), a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, is primarily composed of Panax ginseng, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of SJZD’s traditional uses, chemical composition, pharmacological actions, and clinical applications, with a particular emphasis on its potential role in cancer therapy. The review also aims to identify the gaps in current knowledge and suggest directions for future research on SJZD. Research shows that this formula contains various chemical compounds, including saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, which have significant pharmacological effects such as enhanced immune function, antitumor activity, and inhibition of tumor cell invasion and metastasis. Clinically, SJZD has evolved from its traditional gastrointestinal applications to demonstrate chemo-adjuvant potential by virtue of its characteristic detoxification-potentiation duality. Studies have revealed its ability to enhance patients’ quality of life through immune modulation and the mitigation of chemotherapy-induced toxicity effects (e.g., myelosuppression and gastrointestinal reactions), while preclinical evidence suggests potential efficacy-enhancing synergies with conventional antitumor agents. However, further research on SJZD, and in particular, comprehensive studies of its chemical composition, large-scale clinical trials, and interdisciplinary collaboration, is needed. Future research is expected to reveal the underlying mechanisms of action, and provide new ideas and methods for cancer treatment.