Dachengqi Decoction: emerging therapeutic potential in sepsis and target organ injury

Sepsis is a life-threatening systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by dysregulated host responses to infection, which frequently progresses to multiple organ dysfunction and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Conventional Western medicine has limited efficacy in controlling inflammation and protecting target organs. In contrast, DCQD, a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, has attracted increasing attention due to its multi-target pharmacological properties. This review systematically summarize recent advances in the study of DCQD and its bioactive constituents in the treatment of sepsis and sepsis-related organ injuries, and to explore their underlying mechanisms and translational potential. Relevant studies published from 2015 to October 2025 were systematically searched in PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Web of Science, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang databases. Studies focusing on the protective effects and mechanisms of DCQD and its active metabolites in sepsis and target organ protection were included and reviewed. Current evidence indicates that DCQD and its bioactive metabolites exert protective effects against sepsis-induced injury of the gastrointestinal tract, lungs, liver, kidneys, and heart. These protective effects are primarily achieved through multiple mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, immune regulation, improvement of microcirculation, and attenuation of oxidative stress. DCQD and its active metabolites show significant therapeutic potential for sepsis and associated target organ dysfunction. Their multi-target and multi-pathway mechanisms provide a scientific basis for optimizing treatment strategies and developing novel traditional Chinese medicine-based therapeutics.