Can Jin Dan Pian be used to treat cholecystitis?

Generally, Jin Dan Pian (Golden Gallbladder Pills) can be used to treat cholecystitis, particularly suitable for chronic cholecystitis or the remission phase of acute cholecystitis that, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnosis, belongs to the pattern of liver-gallbladder damp-heat. It helps relieve related symptoms by clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and promoting liver and gallbladder function. However, it should be used in combination with other treatments under medical supervision. Detailed analysis is as follows:

Jin Dan Pian consists of traditional Chinese herbs such as Lysimachia christinae (Herba Lysimachiae), Gentiana (Radix Gentianae), and Polygonum cuspidatum (Hu Zhang). According to TCM theory, its primary effects are clearing heat and dampness, promoting bile secretion, and expelling gallstones. It can improve symptoms caused by liver-gallbladder damp-heat, such as distension and pain in the hypochondriac region, bitter taste in the mouth, and dark urine—typical manifestations of cholecystitis. Jin Dan Pian promotes bile secretion and excretion, reduces inflammatory responses in the gallbladder mucosa, and helps alleviate gallbladder spasms and pain caused by cholecystitis.

However, its appropriate use must be noted: First, it is mainly used as an adjunctive treatment for chronic cholecystitis or after symptom relief in acute cholecystitis. During acute episodes characterized by high fever and severe abdominal pain, Jin Dan Pian alone is insufficient; timely use of antibiotics or other emergency interventions is necessary. Second, it must be used according to TCM pattern differentiation. For patients with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold or without signs of damp-heat, using Jin Dan Pian may worsen discomfort.

Therefore, Jin Dan Pian is one of the commonly used Chinese patent medicines for cholecystitis, but it must be appropriately selected based on the type of condition and TCM pattern differentiation, and should not be self-administered. Patients should follow a comprehensive treatment plan developed by a physician, including medication, dietary adjustments, and other therapeutic measures tailored to their specific condition.