1 Department of Pharmacy, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China

2 Department of Pharmacy, Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Jiading District, Shanghai 201899, China

3 Department of Pharmacy, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200090, China

4 Department of Heart disease, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China

5 Office of National Clinical Research Base of TCM, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China

Abstract

Gaofang (medicated paste), also known as gaoji in Chinese, is one of the eight dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicine. Originated in the Han and Tang dynasties, it is widely used in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Guangdong of China at present. It is generally believed that Gaofang can help reinforce deficiency, delay aging, and regulate the overall health status. Currently, Gaofang has been extensively used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Based on the relevant literature and clinical experience, this article reviews the general situation and the clinical application of Gaofang as well as the common Chinese medicines in Gaofang for cardiovascular diseases.