ABSTRACT
Through market investigation, the adulteration of Zaocys dhumnades on markets was found out, and samples of authentic and adulterated Z. dhumnades on markets were collected. The origin and properties of the adulterated Z. dhumnades were studied in order to provide reference for the identification of Z. dhumnades. The counterfeit Z. dhumnades sold on markets were as follows: Ptyas korros, P. mucosus, Najanaja atra, Sinonatrix annularis, Dinodon septentrionalis, etc. It is found that there existed a obvious difference between the traits of the Z. dhumnades and counterfeits. Genuine Z. dhumnades with "sword ridge" "iron tail", strongly ribbed scales and other features, is the key point to identify the difference from adulterants.
Subject(s)
Animals , Drug Contamination , Materia Medica , Reference Standards , SnakesABSTRACT
Professor W ang Jusheng has practiced traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for more than 30 years. She has experiences in the treatment of various diseases with an open mind and unique medication style. Her medication selection is bold but cautious with obvious curative effect. This article introduced the flexible clinical application of four TCM herbs, which are peony, bamboo shavings, clematis root and zaocys dhumnades in order to provide inspira-tion and guidance for TCM clinical practitioners and researchers.
ABSTRACT
Objective To study the effect of type Ⅱ collagen (C Ⅱ) from Zaoeys dummies (Cantor)on the immune functions of rats with collagen-induced arthritis and to understand the mechanisms of RA treated with Zaoeys dhumnades (Cantor).Methods The rats with collagen-induced arthritis were randomly divided into three group:C Ⅱ from Zaocys dhumnades,bovine C Ⅱ and arthritis control group,a normal control group was set up,too.Every group had 7 rats.The C Ⅱ from Zaocys dhumnades and the bovine C Ⅱ group were fed with C Ⅱ from Zaocys dhumnades (15 mg/kg) and bovine C Ⅱ (15 mg/kg) per day respectivelyfor 15 days.The CD4/CD8 subset ratio,serum levels of anti-C Ⅱ antibody,TNF-a,IL-10,IL-1 and IL-4 in.rats were measured.Results In the arthritis group,CD4/CD8 subset ratio (P＜0.05) and serum levels of type Ⅱ collagen antibody (P＜0.01) and TNF-a (P＜0.01) were significant increased and IL-10 (P＜0.01) was significantly decreased.In the C Ⅱ from Zaocys dhumnades and bovine C Ⅱ group,CD4/CD8 subset ratio (P＜0.05) and the level of TNF-a (P＜0.01) were significantly decreased compared with the arthritis group,and had no difference compared with the normal group.The level of anti-C Ⅱ antibody was declined significantly compared with the arthritis group (P＜0.05) and had statistical difference with the normal group (P＜0.01).The level of IL-10 was significantly increased(P＜0.01),but lower than the normal group(P＜0.05).There was no statistical difference in the level of IL-1 and IL--4 in.all four groups.Conclusion C Ⅱ from Zaoeys dhum-nades (Cantor) is as effective as bovine C Ⅱ in modifying the immune functions of collagen-induced arth-ritis in rats.They can decrease the level of anti-C Ⅱ antibody,the level of TNF-a,CD4/CD8 subset ratio and increase the level of IL-10 in the peripheral blood of rats with collagen-induced arthritis.C Ⅱ from Zaocys dhumnades may be one of the important pharmacological active components that have the potential in treating rheumatoid arthritis.