The Effect of Hawthorn Red Pigment on Meridian Voltage: An Experimental Study on Traditional Efficacy and Modern Application Value.

Objective: To observe the effect of hawthorn red pigment (HRP) on meridian voltage in 20 volunteers over a period of 90 days.

Methods: The characteristic absorption peak of HRP was determined by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy full-wavelength absorption analysis scanning, and its solution particle size was measured by Nano-ZS Malvern laser particle size analyzer. Volunteers were required to take a 100 mL HRP solution containing 4.0 g hawthorn powder three times a day after meals. The measurement time for meridian surface voltage was from 09:00 to 11:00 after breakfast, with the first administration at 09:30.

Results: HRP had a characteristic absorption peak at 280 nm, and the average particle size was 137.03 ± 1.44 nm. Among the five volunteers who completed the experiment, the spleen meridian had the most significant decompression effect, with the initial voltage dropping from 14.11 to -7.25 mV on the seventh day (p < 0.05). In addition, the heart meridian voltage gained the most within 90 min, reaching 18.55 mV on the 28th day (p < 0.05), while the pericardium meridian had the greatest loss, with the maximum being 9.24 mV on the 28th day (p < 0.05) and 9.36 mV on the 90th day (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: HRP has the effects of activating the heart meridian, boosting the mind, and relieving the pressure of the pericardium meridian. Regular consumption can reduce the stress on the liver, spleen, and kidney meridians, especially with a significant improvement in the spleen meridian within 28 days. This finding is consistent with the traditional efficacy of hawthorn in strengthening the spleen.