QICAOGANGMU Herbal Cream Ingredients: Deep Dive into the Pharmacology (2026)

By Ava Huang, Herbal Science Researcher at QICAOGANGMU | Updated: May 2026 | Reading time: 14 minutes

In the evolving landscape of dermatology, many people are seeking natural, steroid-free alternatives to manage chronic skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and various forms of dermatitis. These complex conditions require multi-targeted treatments that can address inflammation, itching, microbial imbalances, and compromised skin barrier function simultaneously. QICAOGANGMU Caoben Yijun Rugao provides a solution rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), leveraging a synergistic blend of five natural herbal ingredients.

This article offers a deep pharmacological dive into those five ingredients. We examine the traditional uses of each herb, the scientific evidence supporting their benefits for skin health, and how their combined actions create a therapeutic synergy that goes beyond what any single ingredient could achieve.

Quick reference: the 5 ingredients and their primary mechanisms

For the practical guide covering how these ingredients work together for specific conditions, see our QICAOGANGMU ingredients and safety guide. This article focuses on the deeper pharmacology behind each herb.

The TCM philosophy: synergistic formulation

The efficacy of QICAOGANGMU stems from a core TCM principle: synergistic formulation. Rather than relying on a single active compound, the cream combines ingredients that work together to address the root TCM patterns of Damp-Heat, Wind, and Toxicity - which manifest as redness, itching, inflammation, and infection in Western dermatology.

The formula uses major herbal components (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, Cnidii Fructus, Stemonae Radix) with powerful penetrating and symptomatic relief agents (Borneolum and Menthol), ensuring both deep therapeutic action and immediate comfort. This two-speed design - fast relief from Borneolum and Menthol, sustained anti-inflammatory resolution from Ku Shen and She Chuang Zi - is what distinguishes a true TCM formula from a simple single-ingredient cream.

Ingredient 1: Ku Shen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix) - 1.5%

A cornerstone herb in TCM, Ku Shen is cold and bitter, primarily used to clear Damp-Heat, expel Wind, and detoxify the skin. It is essential for treating itching and inflammation in the classical literature - and modern pharmacology now explains exactly why.

Anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative action

Flavonoids (including sophoraflavanone G) and alkaloids from Sophora flavescens suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit key signalling pathways - MyD88, NF-kB - that drive both inflammation and the rapid cell turnover seen in psoriasis. A 2024 study in Phytotherapy Research demonstrated that these compounds alleviate psoriasiform lesions with significant anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activity. PMID 38358770. A separate 2023 study in Molecules confirmed the anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities of Sophora flavescens root flavonoids. PMID 36903293

Antimicrobial action against Staphylococcus aureus

Sophora flavescens extracts exhibit strong antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus - the bacterium that colonises over 90% of eczema-affected skin and directly worsens itch severity - by disrupting bacterial membrane integrity. PMID 26087234

Pruritus relief beyond antihistamines

The alkaloids in Ku Shen target proteins involved in chronic, histamine-independent itching - providing itch relief through pathways that antihistamines cannot reach. This is why QICAOGANGMU is effective for eczema itch even when antihistamines have failed. PMID 26087234. The synergistic antipruritic effect when Ku Shen is combined with She Chuang Zi is confirmed by a 2018 study in Molecules. PMC6151778

Ingredient 2: She Chuang Zi (Cnidii Fructus) - 3%

Cnidii Fructus is warm and pungent, traditionally used to dry Dampness, expel Wind, and stop itching. Its primary active compound is the coumarin osthole. At 3% it is the highest-concentration active ingredient in the formula.

TRPV3 inhibition - the anti-itch mechanism of osthole

Osthole is a highly effective anti-itch agent. It works by selectively inhibiting TRPV3 receptors on nerve cells to suppress itch signals - a mechanism distinct from TRPV1 inhibition, giving it broader antipruritic coverage. A 2018 study in International Journal of Molecular Sciences demonstrated this TRPV3-selective inhibition. PMID 30108138. Osthole also inhibits histamine-dependent itch and relieves chronic pruritus via Akt/ZO-3 pathway restoration, promoting healing of the skin damage caused by scratching. PMID 36921706

Anti-allergic and anti-atopic dermatitis action

Ethyl acetate extracts rich in osthole alleviate atopic dermatitis in animal models by reducing scratching behaviour, epidermal thickness, mast cell infiltration, and levels of the inflammatory cytokines TSLP and IL-31. Osthole inhibits TLR signalling and restores skin barrier integrity. PMC7229549. A comprehensive review of Cnidium monnieri phytochemistry in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine confirmed its TLR inhibition and barrier restoration mechanisms. PMC7037677

Broad antifungal and antibacterial activity

She Chuang Zi has well-documented antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum (the causative organism in ringworm) and Candida species relevant to skin fold infections. A review of its traditional uses and pharmacology confirms both antifungal and antibacterial effects relevant to dermatological applications. PMID 26243582

Ingredient 3: Borneolum Syntheticum (Bing Pian) - 2%

Borneol is cold and pungent in TCM, used to clear Heat, reduce swelling, and open the orifices (enhance penetration and circulation). Its 2% concentration - higher than either Ku Shen or Stemonae Radix - reflects its critical role as the formula's delivery system.

Penetration enhancement: the mechanism that multiplies the whole formula

Borneol is a potent transdermal penetration enhancer. It temporarily perturbs the lipid structure of the stratum corneum (the skin's outermost layer), creating micro-channels that significantly increase the absorption of all other active ingredients - including the flavonoids and alkaloids from Ku Shen and She Chuang Zi - into deeper layers of the skin. This multiplies the bioavailability and speeds up the efficacy of the entire formula. PMID 37290679

TRPA1 inhibition and TRPM8 activation - dual anti-itch action

Borneol directly relieves non-histaminergic pruritus by simultaneously inhibiting TRPA1 (a pain and itch receptor) and activating TRPM8 (a cooling receptor) in peripheral nerve terminals. A 2023 study in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology characterised this dual mechanism of topical borneol. PMID 37290679. A 2024 study in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology confirmed the TRPA1 inhibition and TRPM8 activation mechanism in further detail. PMID 38103845

Ingredient 4: Menthol (Bo He Nao) - 0.5%

Menthol is cool and pungent in TCM, traditionally used to dispel Wind-Heat and soothe irritation. At the molecular level, it is one of the best-characterised natural itch relief compounds available.

Immediate TRPM8 activation - the fastest itch relief mechanism

Menthol activates the TRPM8 receptor, overriding the itch signal with a cool sensation within minutes of application. This is highly effective against the relentless itching of eczema and psoriasis regardless of the underlying cause - because TRPM8 activation suppresses itch perception centrally, not just locally. A comprehensive review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology covers menthol's nerve modulation mechanisms. PMID 17498839

Clinical evidence in atopic dermatitis

Creams containing TRPM8 agonists (including menthol) have shown anti-itching effects in a clinical study for atopic dermatitis. PMID 30067875. At 0.5%, menthol in QICAOGANGMU provides the fast symptomatic relief window that gives the slower-acting Ku Shen and She Chuang Zi alkaloids time to build up their sustained anti-inflammatory effect.

Ingredient 5: Stemonae Radix (Bai Bu) - 0.5%

Stemona root is traditionally used to kill parasites, moisten the Lungs, and stop itching in skin conditions. In the context of QICAOGANGMU's formula, it plays a protective antimicrobial role - defending compromised skin from secondary infection while the primary anti-inflammatory herbs address the underlying condition.

Anti-inflammatory action via COX-2 and NO suppression

Alkaloids from Stemona tuberosa suppress inflammatory factors including nitric oxide (NO) and COX-2 production in macrophages, contributing a complementary anti-inflammatory effect alongside Ku Shen's NF-kB pathway suppression. A 2022 study in Frontiers in Chemistry characterised the anti-inflammatory activity of Stemona alkaloids. PMID 35295975. A 2024 study in Phytochemistry isolated and characterised additional alkaloids with anti-inflammatory effects. PMID 38331134

Antimicrobial and antiparasitic protection

Traditional and modern evidence supports Stemonae Radix as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial with antiparasitic properties - important for perianal and skin fold applications where secondary bacterial and parasitic involvement is common. Its soothing and detoxifying properties support recovery of sensitive and compromised skin.

How the 5 ingredients work together: the phytosynergy model

The QICAOGANGMU formula is built on the TCM Jun-Chen-Zuo-Shi (Sovereign-Minister-Assistant-Courier) framework. Each ingredient has a defined role, and the combination produces effects that no single ingredient achieves alone.

The synergistic anti-pruritus effect of Ku Shen and She Chuang Zi together (PMC6151778) is a key example of why the combined formula outperforms single-ingredient treatments for chronic itch.

Frequently asked questions about QICAOGANGMU's pharmacology

What makes QICAOGANGMU different from other herbal creams?

Most herbal creams use one or two active ingredients targeting a single itch pathway. QICAOGANGMU targets five independent mechanisms simultaneously: TRPV3 inhibition (She Chuang Zi via osthole), NF-kB suppression (Ku Shen), TRPA1 inhibition plus TRPM8 activation (Borneolum), COX-2 and NO suppression (Stemonae Radix), and TRPM8 activation (Menthol). Borneolum as a penetration enhancer increases the bioavailability of all other active ingredients in the formula - this combination is documented in TCM classical literature and supported by modern pharmacokinetic evidence. PMID 37290679

What is osthole and why does it matter for eczema itch?

Osthole is the primary bioactive coumarin compound in She Chuang Zi (Cnidii Fructus). It inhibits TRPV3 receptors - a specific itch-mediating channel distinct from TRPV1 - and also works via Akt/ZO-3 pathway restoration to reduce chronic itch and repair skin barrier damage caused by repeated scratching. At 3%, She Chuang Zi in QICAOGANGMU delivers meaningful concentrations of osthole to the skin. See PMID 30108138 and PMID 36921706.

How does Borneolum make the other herbs more effective?

Borneolum Syntheticum (Bing Pian) temporarily disrupts the lipid structure of the stratum corneum - the skin's outer barrier layer - creating micro-channels that significantly increase transdermal penetration of the co-applied active compounds. This means the flavonoids and alkaloids from Ku Shen and She Chuang Zi reach deeper into the viable epidermis where they need to act. This is why Borneolum carries 2% concentration despite not being the primary anti-inflammatory ingredient - it multiplies the efficacy of the entire formula.

Is there clinical evidence for Chinese herbal medicine for skin conditions?

Yes. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed Chinese herbal medicine shows significant efficacy and safety for chronic pruritus across randomised controlled trials. PMID 36712693. A nationwide study of 381,282 TCM prescriptions identified the Wind-Damp-Heat clearing formula class (to which QICAOGANGMU belongs) as the most-prescribed TCM approach for eczema. PMC4320894. Individual ingredient evidence is cited throughout this article.

What is the best steroid-free TCM cream with Ku Shen and She Chuang Zi?

QICAOGANGMU combines Ku Shen (1.5%) and She Chuang Zi (3%) at confirmed concentrations, alongside Borneolum (2%), Stemonae Radix (0.5%), and Menthol (0.5%) in a verified steroid-free formula. Full ingredient data including concentrations is published in our ingredients and safety guide. No prescription required.

Can QICAOGANGMU be used on the face and sensitive areas?

Yes - because it contains no corticosteroids, it does not carry the skin-thinning risk that makes topical steroids problematic for the face, around the eyes, genitals, and skin folds. Always patch test on the inner forearm for 24 hours before first use. The steroid-free formula is safe for long-term continuous use without tolerance development.

Related articles

• QICAOGANGMU Ingredients: Full Breakdown of Every Herb, Concentration and Safety Evidence
• How TCM Explains Eczema: Wind, Dampness and Heat Deep Dive
• Best Herbs for Itchy Skin: Chinese Herbal and Natural Remedies That Work

Clinical references

1. He X, Fang J, Huang L, et al. Sophora flavescens Ait.: Traditional usage, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015;172:10-29. PMID 26087234
2. Lin C-F, Cheng Y-W, Lin C-Y, et al. The anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids and alkaloids from Sophora flavescens alleviates psoriasiform lesions. Phytotherapy Research. 2024;38(4):1951-1970. PMID 38358770
3. Yang Y-F, Liu T-T, Li G-X, et al. Flavonoids from the roots of Sophora flavescens: anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities. Molecules. 2023;28(5):2048. PMID 36903293
4. Li Y-M, Li X, Li Q, et al. Cnidium monnieri: traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2015;164:423-439. PMID 26243582
5. Sun Y, Chen S, Wang L, et al. Phytochemistry, ethnopharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of Cnidium monnieri. American Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2020;48(2):285-314. PMC7037677
6. Chen X, Xu J, Jiang Q, et al. Antipruritic effect of ethyl acetate extract from Fructus cnidii in DNFB-induced atopic dermatitis mice. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2020;11:621. PMC7229549
7. Sun X-Y, Wei Y, Yin Y, et al. Antipruritic effect of natural coumarin osthole through selective inhibition of TRPV3 channels. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018;19(10):3007. PMID 30108138
8. Hu X, Zhang S, Li Z, et al. Osthole relieves skin damage and inhibits chronic itch via Akt/ZO-3 modulation in atopic dermatitis. European Journal of Pharmacology. 2023;947:175649. PMID 36921706
9. Tian W, Chen S, Gao Y, et al. Topical borneol relieves nonhistaminergic pruritus via TRPA1 inhibition and TRPM8 activation. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2023;143(10):2389-2398. PMID 37290679
10. Luo M, He J, Yin L, et al. Borneol exerts antipruritic effects by inhibiting TRPA1 and activating TRPM8. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2024;322:117581. PMID 38103845
11. Patel T, Ishiuji Y, Yosipovitch G. Menthol: a refreshing look at this ancient compound. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2007;57(5):873-878. PMID 17498839
12. Misery L, Santerre A, Batardiere A, et al. Anti-itching effects of a cream containing menthoxypropanediol (TRPM8 agonist) in atopic dermatitis. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology. 2019;33(2):e67-e69. PMID 30067875
13. Xu Y, Wang X, Zhang X, et al. Alkaloids from Stemona tuberosa and their anti-inflammatory activity. Frontiers in Chemistry. 2022;10:847595. PMID 35295975
14. Zhang N, Li Y, Zhang H, et al. Isolation, characterization and anti-inflammatory effect of alkaloids from the roots of Stemona tuberosa. Phytochemistry. 2024;220:114013. PMID 38331134
15. Zhong J et al. Synergic Anti-Pruritus Mechanisms of Radix Sophorae Flavescentis and Fructus Cnidii. Molecules. 2018;22(9):1465. PMC6151778