Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Shen Qu, also known as Massa Medicata Fermentata, is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation made by fermenting wheat flour with herbs and other substances. It has been used for centuries in China, primarily as a digestive aid. In TCM, Shen Qu is commonly prescribed to treat symptoms such as gas, bloating, poor appetite, and indigestion, particularly when these are attributed to "food stagnation" or weak digestion ("Spleen deficiency"). The traditional rationale is that the fermentation process produces enzymes and beneficial microorganisms that help break down food and support gastrointestinal function.

Modern scientific research on Shen Qu is limited, but some studies suggest it may contain amylase and other digestive enzymes that could help with starch digestion. However, the number and quality of clinical trials are insufficient to strongly validate its efficacy by modern standards. Most support for Shen Qu's use in gas and bloating comes from its deep roots in traditional practice and anecdotal evidence rather than large, well-controlled scientific studies. Therefore, while Shen Qu is widely used in East Asian medicine for bloating and gas, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is primarily traditional, and the strength of evidence is modest.

More about Shen Qu
More about Gas and Bloating

Other ingredients used for Gas and Bloating

activated charcoal
allspice
alpha-galactosidase
amylase
apple
artichoke
bacillus coagulans
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black pepper
bасора
chamomile
chen pi
cinnamon
coating
coconut milk
cucumber
turmeric
dandelion
fennel
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
gentian root
ginger
greek mountain tea
green banana
cellulase
horseradish
isomalto-oligosaccharide
quassia
lactobacillus gasseri
lemon
licorice root
lipase
lovage
mastic gum
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
mint
okra
oregano
pancreatin
parsley
pear
peppermint oil
pineapple
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
butyric acid
psyllium
raspberry
rhubarb root
sage
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
triphala
wasabia japonica
xylanase
bentonite
cascara sagrada
tangerine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
Indian bael
neem tree
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
goldenrod
yarrow
bile salt
prickly ash
elecampane
flowering quince
dogwood
fern
sweet flag
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
queen of the meadow
polyphenols
caraway
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
wood betony
paw paw
horehound
Sichuan pepper
alginic acid
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
geranium
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Actinidin
Agastache
Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Anamu
Amomum
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Agrimonia pilosa
Antifoam agent
Bifidobacterium
Buttermilk
Blue Flag
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Butea monosperma
Bitter Grass
Bael
boldo
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
Bacteria
banana
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Cumin
Centaury
Chinese Silkvine
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Chervil
coconut oil
Coriander
Centaurium erythraea
Cyathula
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Chlorophytum
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Capers
Chanca Piedra
Campylandra fimbriata
Chenopodium
Colombo
Centipeda
Cubeb
Carob
Chirata
Cha de bugre
Carlina
Calamus
Cosmos
Costus
Castor Oil
Colocynth
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
Dianthus
Dimethylpolysiloxane
Dragonhead
Dill
Dolichos
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
English Horsemint
Enzyme Blend
Eupatorium
Embelia
Fiber
Garlic
Galangal
Mustard
Prickly Pear Cactus
Potash
Quince
Rose
Rhubarb
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Vinegar

Other health conditions supported by Shen Qu

Acid Indigestion
Appetite (deficient)
Digestion (poor)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Indigestion
Ulcers

Products containing Shen Qu

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.