Theoretical reconstruction study of the pathogenesis of jaundice under the theory of "intermingling of dampness and blood stasis and integration of liver and spleen"

In traditional Chinese medicine, jaundice is a liver and gallbladder disorder, primarily characterized by yellowing of the eyes, skin, and urine, with ocular yellowing being the most prominent feature. The understanding of jaundice pathogenesis in traditional Chinese medicine can be traced back to the Inner Canon of Huangdi. Despite the continuous development and improvement of successive generations of medical practitioners and a rich theoretical understanding of its pathogenesis being formed by the end of the Qing Dynasty, no unified view exists on whether the core pathological factor was dampness or blood stasis, nor on whether the primary disease location lay in the spleen and stomach or the liver and gallbladder. This article re-examines historical perspectives on jaundice pathogenesis within the context of traditional Chinese medicine theory, focusing on two key issues: pathological factors and the location of Zang and Fu. By integrating modern research approaches based on compound pathogenesis theory, and considering pathological factors, disease location according to Zang and Fu, and disease progression, a theoretical model is reconstructed, centered on the intermingling of dampness and blood stasis and integration of liver and spleen. Additionally, the insights and therapeutic strategies of multiple renowned clinical hepatology experts are incorporated to enrich the theoretical framework for jaundice treatment in traditional Chinese medicine and to enhance clinical efficacy.