Latest Issue
2015 Year 21 Vol. 7 Issue
- Abstract：Chinese materia medica (CMM), including Chinese herbal, animal, and mineral medicine, has been widely researched in the past century for their biological and pharmacological activities. However, their mechanism and clinical efficacy studies did not always give expected results. For example, the most commonly used Chinese herb for menstrual disorders, Radix Angelicae sinensis, showed neither estrogenic nor progesteronic activity in laboratory and clinical studies. Its efficacy should not be denied simply based on such results, because it is mostly used together with other herbs in formulae. Moreover, its regulation on menstruation may take effect through other mechanisms, such as regulation of blood circulation. The key difference of Chinese medicine (CM) from conventional medicine is its unique holistic view on human body and diseases. CMM is mostly applied in clinic in the form of formulae. Study on individual CMM, simply using methods for development of conventional drugs, is unable to thoroughly reveal the power of CMM formulae. The reason may partly result from improper design due to the lack understanding about application principle of CMMs in CM, and/or to current lack of knowledge about the causes of some symptoms and diseases. This paper will introduce the importance of qi and blood in CM etiology and pathology, Zheng differentiation, formulation of CMMs, and explain why one formula can treat different diseases and one disease can be treated with different formulae. Examples in the paper will demonstrate that proper studies on Zheng and its corresponding clinically proven formulae could help scientists find new direction to explain and treat symptoms and diseases that so far modern medicine has been unable to, provided that the designer properly understands CM theories, etiology and pathology of CM, as well as modern medicine. Strategy suggestions about research methods for CMM and its formulae will be given at the end.Keywords：Chinese Medicine;etiology and pathology;Zheng differentiation;Chinese Materia Medica;formulation
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Published：2021-08-27 - Abstract：To evaluate the effect of Uhwang Chungsim Won [UC, Niuhuang Qingxin Pill (牛黄清心丸)] on the blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signal response to a motor stimulation task using a hand grasping paradigm. Ten healthy right-handed male volunteers were recruited. Their BOLD fMRI signal characteristics during hand grasping were determined before and 1 h after consuming UC. With the administration of UC, BOLD responses to the right hand motor task showed a decrease in both hemispheres including the right cerebellar culmen, right and left medial frontal gyrus, right parahippocampal gyrus, right and left sublobar insula, right and left posterior cingulate, left precuneus, and right precentral gyrus. Decreased BOLD responses to the left hand motor task were shown in the right lingual gyrus, right cerebellar culmen, left superior temporal gyrus, right and left middle frontal gyrus, and right precentral gyrus after UC administration. Increased BOLD responses to the left hand motor task were shown in the left and right posterior cingulate, while there was no increased response to the right hand motor task after UC administration. UC administration significantly decreased fMRI BOLD signal responses to hand grasping in most of the brain areas including the primary motor cortex, but it is not clear whether these decreased responses were caused by a decrease in neuronal activities or by an increase in cerebral blood flow due to the cerebral vasodilatory effects of UC. Further studies using positron emission tomography or single photon emission computed tomography are needed to fully elucidate these findings.Keywords：Uhwang Chungsim Won;Niuhuang Qingxin Pill;pharmacological fMRI;Cerebral Blood Flow
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Published：2021-08-27 - Abstract：Lao Juan (LJ, 劳倦) is a syndrome described in Chinese medicine (CM) that manifests with fatigue, fever, spontaneous sweating, indigestion, work-induced pain, weakness of the limbs, and shortness of breath. The present study was conducted to examine the reliability and validity of a Lao Juan Questionnaire (LJQ). A total of 151 outpatients and 73 normal subjects were asked to complete the LJQ. Seventy-three normal subjects were additionally asked to complete the Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFS). Twelve clinicians determined whether the 151 outpatients exhibited LJ or not. The internal consistency and construct validity for the LJQ were estimated using data from the outpatient subjects. The CFS data were used to examine the concurrent validity of the LJQ. Total LJQ scores and the clinicians᾿diagnoses of the outpatients were used to perform receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analyses and to define an optimum cut-off score for the LJQ. The 19-item LJQ had satisfactory internal consistency (α=0.828) and concurrent validity, with significant correlations between the LJQ and the CFS subscales. In the test of construct validity using principal component analysis, a total of six factors were extracted, and the overall variance explained by all factors was 59.5%. In ROC curve analyses, the sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve were 76.0%, 59.2%, and 0.709, respectively. The optimum cut-off score was defined as six points. Our results suggest that the LJQ is a reliable and valid instrument for evaluating LJ.Keywords：Chinese Medicine;Chronic Fatigue Syndrome;Chinese medicine-pattern
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Published：2021-08-27 - Abstract：To explore the effects of Kaixin Powder (开心散, KXP) on melatonin receptor (MR) expression and 125I-Mel binding affinity in a depression rat model. Seventy-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: a blank control group, model group, ramelteon group, KXP high-dosage group (HKXP), medium-dosage group (MKXP) and low-dosage group (LKXP). To establish the depression model, all groups except the blank control group were singly housed and exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Weight gain, sucrose consumption and the open-field test were used to evaluate induction of depression. KXP at 260, 130 and 65 mg/(kg•d) was also respectively administered to the rats in the HKXP, MKXP and LKXP groups for 21 days. Ramelteon [0.83 mg/(kg•d)] was given to the positive drug control group. An equivalent volume of physiological saline was given to the blank and model groups. The liquid chip method was used to measure the concentration of plasma melatonin (MT). Mel1a (MT1) and Mel1b (MT2) expression levels were determined by Western blotting. In addition, a radioactive ligand-binding assay was used to analyze the specific binding properties and dynamic characteristics between MR and 125I-Mel. The results of weight gain, sucrose consumption and the open-field test showed that our model successfully produced depressive symptoms and depressive-like behavior. The concentration of plasma MT in the model group decreased significantly at night but increased in the MKXP group (P<0.05). The HKXP group showed significantly increased expression of MT1 (P<0.05); however, the expression of MT2 in all groups exhibited no significant differences (P>0.05). The maximum binding capacity (Bmax) for specific binding between MR and 125I-Mel in the MKXP group was significantly higher than that in the model group (P<0.05), but no significant differences were found in the equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) of each group (P>0.05). KXP may have a similar effect as ramelteon. KXP improved depressive-like behavior by increasing the concentration of plasma MT and MT1 expression, thereby increasing three Bmax of MR to achieve the desired antidepressant effect.Keywords：depression, melatonin receptor;125I-Mel;Melatonin;Kaixin Powder;Chinese Medicine
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Published：2021-08-27 - Abstract：To investigate the neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanisms of salvianolic acid B (Sal B) extracted from Salvia miltiorrhiza on hippocampal CA1 neurons in mice with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury. Forty male National Institute of Health (NIH) mice were randomly divided into 4 groups with 10 animals each, including the sham group, the model group, the SalB group (SalB 22.5 mg/kg) and the nimodipine (Nim) group (Nim 1 mg/kg). A mouse model of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury was established by bilateral carotid artery occlusion for 30 min followed by 24-h reperfusion. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content, the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) of the pallium were determined by biochemistry methods. The morphologic changes and Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression in hippocampal CA1 neurons were observed by using hematoxylineosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. In the SalB group, the MDA content and the NOS activity of the pallium in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion mice significantly decreased and the SOD activity and the T-AOC significantly increased, as compared with the model group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The SalB treatment also rescued neuronal loss (P<0.01) in the hippocampal CA1 region, strongly promoted Bcl-2 protein expression (P<0.01) and inhibited Bax protein expression (P<0.05). SalB increases the level of antioxidant substances and decreases free radicals production. Moreover, it also improves Bcl-2 expression and reduces Bax expression. SalB may exert the neuroprotective effect through mitochondria-dependent pathway on hippocampal CA1 neurons in mice with cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury and suggested that SalB represents a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of ischemic cerebrovascular disease.Keywords：salvianolic acid B;ischemia-reperfusion;hippocampus;neuron;apoptosis
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Published：2021-08-27 - Abstract：To study and compare the conventional extraction procedure with microwave assisted extraction (MAE) for some Ayurvedic Rasayana drugs and to evaluate their antioxidant potential and carry out the characterization of extracts by thin layer chromatography. Three Ayurvedic rasayana plants Allium sativum Linn., Bombax ceiba Linn. and Inula racemosa Hook. were evaluated for an improved MAE methodology by determining the effects of grinding degree, extraction solvent, effect of dielectric constant and duration of time on the extractive value. Antioxidant potential of all three drugs was evaluated with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and reducing power was determined by using Gallic acid as standard. Further thin layer chromatographic (TLC) analysis was performed on pre-activated Silica Gel G plates and Rf value were compared with those reported for the important biomarkers. The total extractive value for Allium sativum Linn. was 36.95% (w/w) and 49.95% (w/w) for ethanol extraction respectively. In case of Bombax ceiba Linn. the yield of aqueous extract by MAE was 50% (w/w) compared to 42% (w/w) in ethanol (50% v/v). Percent yield of Inula racemosa Hook. in aqueous extract was found to be 27.55% (w/w) which was better than ethanol extract (50%) where the yield was 25.95% (w/w). Upon antioxidant activity evaluation. sativum extract showed an absorbance of 0.980±0.92 at concentration of 500 μg with maximum reducing capacity. This was followed by. ceiba Linn. 0.825±0.98 and. racemosa Hook. with 0.799±2.01 at a concentration of 500 μg. TLC based standardization of. sativum Linn. extract shows single spot with Rf value of 0.38, B. ceiba Linn. extract shows Rf values were 0.23, 0.58, 0.77, 0.92 and I. racemosa Hook. extract spot had a Rf value of 0.72. A significant improvement in extractive values was observed as a factor of time and other advantages by using MAE technology. All three drugs have high antioxidant potential and a TLC profiling similar to reported ones. The presence of fructan type polysaccharide can be further utilized for bioactivity directed fractionation and evaluation of immunomodulatory activity.Keywords：antioxidant potential;Ayurvedic Rasayana;Allinm sativum Linn.;Bombax ceiba;Inula racemosa;microwave assisted extraction
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Published：2021-08-27 - Abstract：To evaluate the ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts of dried fruiting bodies of Pleurotus eous for its anti-platelet activity on human volunteer’s blood. And also to analyze the free radical scavenging property of the extracts of P.eous by using various in vitro models. Anti-platelet activity of dried fruiting bodies of P.eous was evaluated by in vitro model using blood platelets. Inhibition of platelet aggregation was monitored after pre-incubation of platelets with the crude extracts of mushroom P.eous. Antioxidant activities of extracts of P.eous were evaluated by different in vitro experiments, namely, 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), superoxide, hydroxyl radical and lipid peroxide radical models. Crude extracts of mushroom P.eous inhibited platelet aggregation dose-dependently which was induced by adenosine diphosphate (ADP). At a maximum concentration of 10 mg/mL, methanol extract effected 64.02% inhibition of lipid per-oxidation and 50.12% scavenging effect on superoxide anion radical. Aqueous extract of P.eous have shown 69.43% chelating ability on ferrous ions, 24.27% scavenging effect on hydroxyl radical and 49.57% scavenging effect on DPPH radical at 10 mg/mL. Increasing concentrations of the extract were found to cause progressively decreasing of the intensity of absorbance. Anti-platelet effects could be related in part to the polyphenolic compounds present in the extracts. Antioxidant activity results indicated the free radical scavenging property of the extracts of P.eous which might be due to the high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids.Keywords：anti-platelet;Pleurotus eous;mushroom;antioxidant;scavenging effect;chelating effect;reductive
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Published：2021-08-27 - Abstract：To investigate whether administrating Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq), a traditional Uighur herbal preparation used for the prevention or treatment of diseases, affects hypertrophic scar (HTS) formation by using an established rabbit ear model. The HTS rabbit model was created by circular fullthickness skin excisions on both ears of rabbits. Twenty rabbits were randomized into four groups, with 5 rabbits and 60 wounds in each group. Group A was the control group, treated with normal saline daily. Groups B, C, and D were the treatment groups at three different doses of ASMq (400, 800, and 1200 mg/kg body weight, respectively, daily, by gastrogavage). Twenty wounds were randomly chosen from each group on the 40th day after treatment and specimen were examined. Scar elevation index (SEI) was analyzed with histological assessment, and ultrastructure analysis was analyzed with a transmission electron microscopy. Groups B, C, and D demonstrated significant reductions in SEI as compared with the control group at 35.9% (P=0.0212), 48.2% (P=0.0108), and 52.7% (P=0.0103), respectively in a dose-response manner. SEI was lowered in Group D compared with Group B with a significant difference (P=0.015). However, there were no significant differences between Groups B and C, or between Groups C and D. Histological analysis showed that highdose ASMq (1200 mg/kg) could enhance the softening of HTS of rabbit ears and increase the compliance as shown in general. Ultrastructure analysis showed that with increased ASMq dose, the fibroblasts, pro-collagen, collagen, endoplasmic reticulum and ribosomes were reduced gradually. Orally administered ASMq significantly reduces the severity of HTS in the rabbit ear model. The findings of this study may have clinical implications on the management of human HTS.Keywords：hypertrophic scar;Abnormal Savda Munziq;ultrastructure
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Published：2021-08-27
OriginalPaper
- Abstract：To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ginkgo Biloba extract for patients with angina pectoris according to the available evidence. Electronic databases were searched for all of the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of angina pectoris treatments with Ginkgo Biloba extract, either alone or combined with routine Western medicine (RWM), and controlled by untreated, placebo, Chinese patent medicine, or RWM treatment. The RCTs were retrieved from the following electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, Springer, Elsevier, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Wanfang Data, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP database, China Biology Medicine (CBM), Chinese Medical Citation Index (CMCI), from the earliest database records to December 2012. No language restriction was applied. Study selection, data extraction, quality assessment, and data analyses were conducted according to the Cochrane standards. RevMan 5.1.0 provided by Cochrane Collaboration The data were analysed by using. A total of 23 RCTs (involving 2,529 patients) were included and the methodological quality was evaluated as generally low. Ginkgo Biloba extract with RWM was more effective in angina relief and electrocardiogram improvement than RWM alone. Reported adverse events included epigastric discomfort, nausea, gastrointestinal reaction, and bitter taste. Ginkgo Biloba extract may have beneficial effects on patients with angina pectoris, although the low quality of existing trials makes it difficult to draw a satisfactory conclusion. More rigorous, high quality clinical trials are needed to provide conclusive evidence.Keywords：Ginkgo Bilobaextract;angina pectoris;systematic review;Chinese Medicine
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Published：2021-08-27 - Abstract：Breeding is not only an important area of medicinal plants research but also the foundation for the superior varieties acquirement of medicinal plants. The rise of modern biotechnology provides good opportunities and new means for medicinal plants breeding research in China. Biotechnology shows its technical advantages and new development prospects in breeding of new medicinal plants varieties with high and stable yield, good quality, as well as stress-resistance. In this paper, we describe recent advances, problems, and development prospects about the application of modern biotechnology in medicinal plants breeding research in China.Keywords：biotechnology;medicinal plants;breeding;application;China
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Published：2021-08-27
ReviewPaper
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