Yu Ping Feng San Benefits: New Immune Evidence
The Yu Ping Feng San benefits described in traditional Chinese medicine have long centered on supporting the body’s defenses, reducing susceptibility to recurrent illness, and helping individuals who experience respiratory or allergy-related symptoms. Also known as Jade Screen Formula, Yu Ping Feng San (YPFS) is one of the most widely used traditional Chinese herbal formulas for supporting what Chinese medicine describes as Wei Qi, or protective Qi.
The classical formula contains three herbs:
- Astragalus membranaceus (Huang Qi)
- Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu)
- Saposhnikovia divaricata (Fang Feng)
Traditionally, this combination is used to strengthen protective Qi, support Lung and Spleen function, and reduce susceptibility to external pathogens.
Modern research is now exploring these traditional applications through the lens of immunology and inflammatory signaling, with particularly interesting findings in allergic rhinitis and recurrent respiratory tract infections.
Yu Ping Feng San Benefits for Allergic Rhinitis
One of the most studied potential applications of Yu Ping Feng San is allergic rhinitis.
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating 39 clinical trials involving 4,578 participants found that adding YPFS to conventional treatment was associated with improvements in nasal symptoms and several inflammatory and immune-related markers compared with conventional treatment alone.
Researchers reported changes in markers including:
- IgE
- IL-4
- IL-6
- Th1/Th2 balance
- Treg/Th17 balance
Some studies also reported lower recurrence rates.
These findings are interesting because allergic rhinitis is not simply a matter of a “weak” immune system. It involves immune dysregulation and an exaggerated inflammatory response to otherwise harmless environmental triggers.
Rather than thinking of YPFS as simply “boosting” immunity, emerging research suggests that its effects may be better described as immunomodulatory—potentially influencing how different components of the immune system communicate and respond.
This distinction is important when discussing herbal medicine and immune health.
Acupuncture and Yu Ping Feng San for Allergic Rhinitis
A 2025 retrospective cohort study involving 91 patients evaluated acupuncture combined with Yu Ping Feng San for allergic rhinitis.
The study reported a higher overall response rate in the acupuncture-plus-YPFS group compared with a group receiving nasal corticosteroid treatment alone. Participants receiving the combined Chinese medicine approach also demonstrated improvements in nasal symptoms, quality-of-life measures, and IgE levels, with some benefits persisting during follow-up.
These findings are promising, but they should be interpreted appropriately. Because this was a retrospective cohort study rather than a large randomized controlled trial, it cannot establish that acupuncture and YPFS are superior to standard medical therapy.
It does, however, add to a growing body of research examining how acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be integrated into the management of allergic rhinitis.
Yu Ping Feng San Benefits for Recurrent Respiratory Infections
Another area of research involves recurrent respiratory tract infections, particularly in children.
A 2016 meta-analysis of 12 randomized trials involving 1,236 children examined YPFS as an adjunct to conventional treatment for recurrent respiratory tract infections.
The analysis reported improvements in several immune-related measures, including:
- IgA: increased by approximately 0.33 mg/mL
- IgG: increased by approximately 1.36 mg/mL
- CD3+ T cells: increased by approximately 10.16%
The researchers also reported reductions in infection frequency and improvements in overall clinical response.
IgA plays an important role in protecting mucosal surfaces such as the nose, throat, respiratory tract, and gastrointestinal tract, while IgG is a major circulating antibody involved in immune defense. CD3+ T cells represent an important component of adaptive immune function.
These findings suggest that YPFS may influence several aspects of immune activity rather than acting through a single pathway.
However, many of the included studies had methodological limitations, so larger and more rigorous clinical trials are still needed.
How Does Yu Ping Feng San Work?
One of the more interesting areas of modern research involves understanding the biological mechanisms that may contribute to the Yu Ping Feng San benefits observed clinically.
Rather than acting on a single molecular target, YPFS appears to contain numerous biologically active compounds capable of interacting with multiple inflammatory and immune pathways.
Inflammatory Signaling
Preclinical and mechanistic research has investigated the effects of YPFS-related preparations on signaling pathways involving:
- TRPV1
- intracellular calcium signaling
- NFAT
- IL-17A
These pathways are involved in inflammatory signaling and immune activation.
A 2025 study examining a Yu-Ping-Feng nasal preparation reported effects involving the TRPV1/Ca²⁺/NFAT signaling pathway, suggesting one possible mechanism through which the preparation may influence allergic inflammation.
It is important to note that mechanistic and laboratory findings do not automatically translate into equivalent effects from orally administered YPFS in humans.
Immune Regulation
Research has also explored YPFS in relation to the balance between different immune cell populations, including Th17 and regulatory T cells (Tregs).
These cells play different roles in immune function. Th17 activity is associated with inflammatory responses, while regulatory T cells help maintain immune tolerance and prevent excessive immune activation.
The ability to influence this balance may help explain why YPFS is being studied as an immune-regulating rather than simply immune-stimulating formula.
Multiple Active Compounds and Targets
Network pharmacology and laboratory research has identified compounds within YPFS—including flavonoids such as calycosin and formononetin—that may interact with signaling proteins involved in inflammation and immune regulation.
Potential molecular targets investigated include:
- EGFR
- MAPK1
- AKT1
These pathways influence cellular signaling, inflammation, and immune responses.
Research has also identified a large number of chemical constituents within YPFS preparations, reinforcing the idea that traditional herbal formulas may exert effects through multiple compounds acting across multiple biological pathways.
This multi-target activity is scientifically interesting, but network pharmacology findings should be viewed as mechanistic hypotheses requiring continued clinical validation, rather than proof of clinical effectiveness on their own.
Yu Ping Feng San: Immune Support or Immune Modulation?
The phrase “immune boosting” is commonly used when discussing herbs such as Astragalus, but it can oversimplify what may actually be happening.
The immune system does not always need to be stronger.
Sometimes it needs to be better regulated.
In allergic conditions, for example, the immune system is already reacting excessively to substances that are normally harmless.
The emerging research on Yu Ping Feng San suggests that its potential effects may involve modulation of inflammatory signaling, antibody responses, and immune-cell balance.
For this reason, immune regulation or immune resilience may be more accurate terms than simply “immune boosting.”
Is Yu Ping Feng San Safe?
Clinical studies generally report that Yu Ping Feng San is well tolerated, with no clear signal of serious adverse effects attributable to the formula in the available research.
However, safety reporting across studies has not always been comprehensive.
This means we should be cautious about describing YPFS as universally safe, particularly with long-term use or in individuals taking medications or undergoing treatment for complex medical conditions.
Herbal formulas can interact with medications and may not be appropriate for every person.
Special consideration may be necessary for individuals who:
- Take immunosuppressive or immune-modulating medications
- Are undergoing cancer treatment
- Have autoimmune or complex immune-mediated conditions
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Take multiple prescription medications
- Have significant liver or kidney disease
Always discuss herbal medicine use with appropriately qualified healthcare professionals when these circumstances apply.
Why Chinese Medicine Diagnosis Still Matters
Yu Ping Feng San is not simply a generic “immune supplement.”
In traditional Chinese medicine, it is prescribed according to an individual’s overall clinical presentation.
A Chinese medicine practitioner may consider:
- Frequency and pattern of illness
- Allergy symptoms
- Energy and fatigue
- Sweating patterns
- Digestive function
- Temperature tendencies
- Tongue presentation
- Pulse findings
- Other signs of deficiency, excess, heat, cold, dampness, or stagnation
Two people with recurrent colds or seasonal allergies may therefore receive completely different herbal formulas.
This individualized approach is a fundamental part of Chinese herbal medicine.
Clinical Bottom Line: Yu Ping Feng San Benefits
Current research suggests several potential Yu Ping Feng San benefits, particularly in allergic and respiratory conditions.
The strongest areas of investigation include allergic rhinitis, where YPFS—especially as an adjunct to conventional treatment—has been associated with improvements in nasal symptoms and inflammatory markers, and recurrent respiratory tract infections in children, where adjunctive use has been associated with changes in immune markers and fewer infections in some studies.
Laboratory and mechanistic research also suggests that YPFS may influence multiple inflammatory and immune-regulatory pathways.
However, the quality of the evidence varies considerably between studies.
Many trials are relatively small, treatment protocols differ, herbal preparations may not be standardized, and some studies have methodological limitations. More rigorous, independently replicated clinical trials are needed before definitive conclusions can be made about effectiveness for specific conditions.
Final Thoughts
Yu Ping Feng San, or Jade Screen Formula, provides an interesting example of how a centuries-old Chinese medicine formula is being investigated using modern immunology.
Traditionally, the formula is used to reinforce protective Qi, support Lung and Spleen function, and help individuals who are susceptible to recurrent illness or environmental triggers.
Modern research is beginning to identify possible biological correlates for these traditional observations, including effects on inflammatory signaling, immune-cell regulation, antibody responses, and pathways associated with allergic inflammation.
The emerging evidence is promising, particularly for allergic rhinitis and recurrent respiratory infections, but Yu Ping Feng San should not be viewed as a universal immune booster or a replacement for appropriate medical care.
Chinese herbal medicine is highly individualized. A qualified practitioner considers the complete clinical picture—including symptoms, health history, medications, tongue, pulse, and Chinese medicine pattern diagnosis—before determining whether Yu Ping Feng San is appropriate.
If you are interested in learning more about integrative approaches to immune and respiratory health, you may also enjoy our articles on Hormone Health Series (Part 3): MHT and Its Impact on Metabolism, Immunity, Mood, Sleep, and Sexual Health, Zu San Li (ST-36): A Powerhouse Acupuncture Point for Health and Vitality and Bone Broth Unveiled: A Deep Dive into Its Nutritional Power and Healing Secrets.
As always, guidance from a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner is essential, as the formula must be matched to your presentation—including symptom patterns, pulse, and tongue—to ensure safe and effective use.
References
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Hu, Y., Fu, L., Ren, Q. et al. (2026) ‘Yu-Ping-Feng nasal drops relieve allergic rhinitis via TRPV1/Ca²⁺/NFAT pathway’, Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 355, 120618.
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Liao, Y., Zhong, J., Liu, S. et al. (2021) ‘Yu Ping Feng San for pediatric allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials’, Medicine, 100(13), e24534.
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Liu, Z., Sun, Q., Liu, X. et al. (2022) ‘Network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification reveal the mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine YU-Pingfeng San alleviating allergic rhinitis inflammatory responses’, Frontiers in Plant Science, 13, 934130.
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Shen, D., Xie, X., Zhu, Z. et al. (2014) ‘Screening active components from Yu-Ping-Feng-San for regulating initiative key factors in allergic sensitization’, PLOS ONE, 9(9), e107279.
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Song, T., Hou, X., Yu, X. et al. (2016) ‘Adjuvant treatment with Yupingfeng Formula for recurrent respiratory tract infections in children: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials’, Phytotherapy Research, 30(7), pp. 1095–1103.
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Wang, J. and Wang, Z. (2025) ‘Multidimensional assessment of patient-reported outcomes and TCM syndrome improvement in allergic rhinitis: A retrospective cohort study of acupuncture combined with Yu Ping Feng San’, Medicine, 104(41), e44429.
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Wang, Y., Tang, Y., Xu, J. et al. (2025) ‘The efficacy and safety of Yupingfengsan in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis’, Frontiers in Pharmacology, 16, 1628640.