Behcets Syndrome & Herbal Formulas

DEFINITION AND SYMPTOMS

Behcet syndrome is an inflammatory disorder producing recurrent mouth and
genital ulcers.
AGE: most common between the age of 20 and 40
GENDER: more common in males
GENETICS: sometimes runs in families; more common in some ethnic
groups
LIFESTYLE: not a significant factor
Behcet syndrome is a rare disorders that varies in severity. The effects of
the disorder range from difficulty eating to significant disability. Painful ulcers
usually recur in the mouth and on the genitals. Other symptoms include eye
inflammation (uveitis), an acne like rash, and/or small, tender lumps on the
shins. The brain, spinal cord, and joints (arthritis) may be affected, and
there is an increased tendency for the blood to clot.
Behcet syndrome is an autoimmune disorder. The cause of the abnormal
immune reaction is unknown, but is may be triggered by viral infection. The
syndrome can develop in members of the same family and occurs more often
in people of Japanese or Mediterranean origin, suggesting that genetic
factors may be involved. Behcet syndrome is twice as common in men and
occurs most frequently in adults under age 40.
Treatment in Western medicine: Topical corticosteroid for the ulcers,
eyedrops for eye inflammation, oral corticosteroids, immunosuppressant
Behcet syndrome is a chronic condition with symptom-free periods that may
last weeks, months, or even years. It rarely affects life expectancy.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS
1. Yin Deficiency with Toxic Heat : Si Miao Yong An Tang (Xuan Shen 16g,
Jin Yin Hua 16g, Dang Gui 8g, Gan Cao 8g) + Qing Dai, Huang Lian, Zi Cao,
Da Huang
2. Damp-Heat pouring downward : Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gan Cao 3g,
Ze Xie 3g, Che Qian Zi 1.5g, Mu Tong 1.5g, Sheng Di 9g, Dang Gui 9g, Long
Dan Cao 9g) / Er Miao San (Huang Bai 9g, Cang Zhu 9g)
3. Cold and Blood accumulation : Li Zhong Wan (Ren Shen 9g, Gan Jiang
9g, Zhi Gan Cao 9g, Bai Zhu 9g) / Tao Hong Si Wu Tang (Shu Di, Bai Shao,
Dang Gui, Chuan Xiong, Tao Ren, Hong Hua)
4. LV and KD Yin deficiency : Qi Ju Di Huang Wan (Sheng Di, Shan Zhu
Yu, Fu Ling, Shan Yao, Mu Dan Pi, Ze Xie, Gou Qi Zi, Ju Hua)

Empirical Herbal Formula

(1) Empirical formula 1: Nourish Yin, Strengthen SP, Transform Damp
Shi Hu 5g, Xuan Shen 15g, Tian Men Dong 15g, Mai Men Dong 15g, Fu Ling
12g, Che Qian Zi 12g, Hou Po 6g, Huang Lian 5g, Lian Zi Xin 6g, Gan Cao 6g,
Yu Zhu 9g, Bai Zhu 6g
(2) Empirical formula 2: Warm Yang, Benefit Qi, Clear Toxic-Heat
Dang Shen 12g, Huang Qi 30g, Fu Zi 9g, Gan Jiang 3g, Xian Mao 9g, Huang
Lian 9g, Huang Bai 6g, Bai Hua She She Cao 15g, Ku Shen 9g, Mu Dan Pi 9g,
Jin Yin Hua 15g, Gan Cao 9g
(3) Empirical formula 3: Clear HT and Toxic-Heat, Clood Blood, Nourish
Yin
Mu Tong 5g, Huang Lian 10g, Sheng Di 10g, Huang Qin 15g, Jiu Da Huang
5g, Deng Xin Cao 3g, Zhu Ye 5g
(4) HB's choice for Behcet syndrome: Wen Qing Yin (Huang Lian Jie Du
Tang + Si Wu Tang)
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang calms down the sympathetic nerve system, and Si
Wu Tang regulates luekocytosis for inflammation. This is the first formula I
would consider for Behcet syndrome in my practice.