Traditional Chinese medicine health care from "long term taking" drugs in Shen Nong's Classic of Materia Medica / 中国中药杂志

"Taking drugs for a long term" is a qualitative expression of medication method based on the efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine, and the study on it is conducive to the full utilization of the efficacy and rational use of drugs. There are 148 drugs that can be taken for a long time recorded in Shen Nong's Classic of Materia Medica, accounting for 41% of the total drugs. This paper analyzed three-grade classification, natural qualities, four properties and five flavors, and efficacy features of the "long-term taking" drugs(LTTD), thus exploring the herbal source of traditional Chinese medicine health care and the rationality of effect accumulation by long-term taking. It was found that there were more than 110 top-grade LTTD in Shen Nong's Classic of Materia Medica, most of which were herbs, with sweet flavor, flat property, and no toxicity. The efficacies were mainly making body feel light and agile(Qingshen) and prolonging life. Eighty-three LTTD were included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia(2020 edition). In the modern classification, tonic LTTD accounted for the most, followed by damp-draining diuretic LTTD and exterior-releasing LTTD. Twenty LTTD were included in the "List of Medicinal and Edible Products" and 21 were in the "List of Products Used for Health-care Food", involving in various modern health care effects, such as enhancing immunity, assisting in reducing blood lipids, and anti-oxidation. Shen Nong's Classic of Materia Medica is the classic source of traditional Chinese medicine health care, and its medication thought of taking drugs for a long term to accumulate effects has guiding significance for the regulation of sub-health and chronic diseases nowadays. The efficacy and safety of LTTD have been examined in practice for a long time, and some of the drugs are edible, which is unique in the whole cycle of health-care service, especially in line with the health-care needs in the aging society under the concept of Big Health. However, some records in the book are limited by the understanding of the times, which should be scientifically studied according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and the related regulations and technical requirements, under the attitude of eliminating falsifications and preserving the truth and keeping the right essence, so as to achieve further improvement, innovation, and development.

Anti-fatigue effect of Lubian on kidney Yin deficiency and kidney Yang deficiency mice and mechanism based on PI3K-Akt pathway / 中国中药杂志

This study aimed to investigate the anti-fatigue effect and mechanism of Lubian(Cervi Penis et Testis) on kidney Yin deficiency and kidney Yang deficiency mice. After one week of adaptive feeding, 88 healthy male Kunming mice were randomly divided into a blank group, a kidney Yin deficiency model group, a kidney Yin deficiency-Panacis Quinquefolii Radix(PQR) group, kidney Yin deficiency-Lubian treatment groups, a kidney Yang deficiency model group, a kidney Yang deficiency-Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma(GR) group, and kidney Yang deficiency-Lubian treatment groups, with eight mice in each group. The kidney Yin deficiency model and kidney Yang deficiency model were prepared by daily regular oral administration of dexamethasone acetate and hydrocortisone, respectively, and meanwhile, corresponding drugs were provided. The mice in the blank group received blank reagent. The treatment lasted 14 days. The exhaustive swimming time was measured 30 min after drug administration on the 14th day. On the 15th day, blood was collected from eyeballs and the serum was separated to determine the content of lactic acid(LD), blood urea nitrogen(BUN), lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP). The liver was dissected to determine the content of liver glycogen and the protein expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase(PI3K) and protein kinase B(Akt). Compared with the kidney Yang deficiency model group, the kidney Yang deficiency-Lubian treatment groups showed increased body weight(P<0.05), relieved symptoms of Yang deficiency, decreased cGMP content(P<0.01), increased cAMP/cGMP(P<0.01), prolonged exhausted swimming time(P<0.01), reduced LD(P<0.01), elevated BUN content(P<0.01), increased liver glycogen content(P<0.01), and increased protein expression of PI3K and Akt in the liver(P<0.05). Compared with the kidney Yin deficiency model group, the kidney Yin deficiency-Lubian treatment groups showed increased body weight(P<0.01), relieved symptoms of Yin deficiency, increased content of cGMP(P<0.01), decreased cAMP/cGMP(P<0.01), prolonged exhausted swimming time(P<0.01), decreased LD(P<0.01), decreased BUN content(P<0.01), increased liver glycogen content(P<0.01), and increased protein expression of PI3K(P<0.05) and Akt in the liver(P<0.05). To sum up, Lubian can regulate Yin deficiency and Yang deficiency and increase glycogen synthesis by affecting the PI3K-Akt pathway, thereby exerting an anti-fatigue role.

Properties of new exotic traditional Chinese medicinal Vernonia amygdalina leaves:a literature research / 中国中药杂志

The leaves of Vernonia amygdalina Delile of the family Asteraceae(also known as "bitter leaf"), rich in biological activities, are used as both medicine and food for a long time in West tropical Africa. They have been introduced into Southeast Asia and Fujian and Guangdong provinces of China in recent years. However, little is known about the properties of the plant in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), which limits its combination with other Chinese medicinal herbs. In this study, 473 articles on V. amygdalina leaves were selected from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data and VIP to summarize their components, pharmacological effects and clinical research. V. amygdalina leaves presented anti-microbial, hypoglycemic, anti-hypertensive, lipid-lowering, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other pharmacological effects. On the basis of the theory of TCM properties, the leaves were inferred to be cold in property and bitter and sweet in flavor, acting on spleen, liver, stomach and large intestine and with the functions of clearing heat, drying dampness, purging fire, removing toxin, killing insects and preventing attack of malaria. They can be used to treat dampness-heat diarrhea, interior heat and diabetes, malaria, insect accumulation and eczema(5-10 g dry leaves by decoction per day and an appropriate amount of crushed fresh leaves applying to the affected area for external use). Due to the lack of TCM properties, V. amygdalina leaves are rarely used medicinally in China. The determination of medicinal properties of the leaves is conducive to the introduction of new exotic medicinal herbs and the development of new TCM resources, which facilitated further clinical application and research and development of Chinese medicinal herbs.

Literature research and traditional Chinese medicine properties of Aspalathus linearis / 中国中药杂志

Aspalathus linearis is a needle-shaped shrub that grows in the Cedarberg mountains in southern South Africa, with an extremely high medicinal value. In 2014, China has approved A. linearis as a new food material. Through retrieval in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus databases, the literatures were excluded, classified and summarized.On the basis of Chinese medicine theory, the traditional Chinese medicine properties were deducted. Finally, 264 relevant li-teratures were included and classified into 6 categories: review, planting, chemical composition, clinical study, pharmacological effects and safety. The traditional Chinese medicinal properties were deducted as sweet flavor and neutral property. It enters kidney, spleen, heart and liver channels. The major functions are to tonify the kidney and benefit the essence, nourish Qi and spleen, nourish Yin and prompt the production of body fluid, tranquilize mind, and relieve pain. It can be used for soreness of the waist and fatigue, sexual disinterest, limbs heaviness, thirst due to insufficiency of fluid and internal heat, irritability and insomnia, forget fulness, stomachache, joint pain, dysmenorrhea, headache. Preparation for external use can treat eczema itching. Water decoction(2-15 g) can also be used as tea directly. This paper defined the traditional Chinese medicine properties of A. linearis, so as to provide the theoretical basis for further clinical application.

Research progress and discussion on traditional Chinese medicine properties of Kaempferia parviflora / 中国中药杂志

Kaempferiae Parviflorae Rhizoma is the dried rhizome of Kaempferia parviflora in Zingiberaceae. It is originated and widely distributed in Thailand and other tropical and subtropical regions, where it has been used as food and medicine for thousands of years. K. parviflora is also planted in Yunnan and other places of China, but its traditional Chinese medicine properties are not clear, which greatly limits its compatibility with traditional Chinese medicines. In this article, the English and Chinese literatures of K. parviflora were searched from Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases for research and analysis. The medicinal properties of K. parviflora were preliminarily discussed based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine under the guidance of clinical application and research literatures. The traditional Chinese medicine properties of K. parviflora were inferred as follows: flat, acrid, sweet. The channel tropisms of K. parviflora included kidney, spleen, stomach, and liver. The function of K. parviflora included tonifying kidney to strengthen essence, tonifying Qi and invigorating spleen, soothing liver and relieving depression. K. parviflora was clinically applied for the diseases such as syndrome of kidney essence deficiency, sex apathy, deficiency of spleen Qi, lassitude and asthenia, a weary spirit, obesity, diabetes, liver Qi stagnation, depression, and restless. The equivalent of dry power is 1.5 g·d~(-1) and the equivalent of decoction is 1.5-6 g·d~(-1). The determination of traditional Chinese medicine properties of K. parviflora has indeed laid a theoretical foundation for its application in the field of traditional Chinese medicine and enriched traditional Chinese medicine resources.

Literature research of Passiflora incarnata and discussion of its traditional Chinese medicine properties / 中国中药杂志

Based on the research literatures of Passiflora incarnata and the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, the paper discussed the traditional Chinese medicinal properties of P. incarnate, so as to provide a theoretical basis for the compatibility and application of P. incarnata. The literature databases of CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Web of Science, PubMed and Scopus were selected, and the literatures relating to P. incarnata were reviewed to screen out the scientific research literatures with a high credibility, rational design and reliable conclusions. Foreign pharmacopoeia was consulted, and the listed products were summarized. The traditional Chinese medicine properties of P. incarnata were studied based on 32 clinical trials, 66 pharmacological researches, 64 chemical constituents researches as well as the theory of traditional Chinese medicine. It was preliminarily concluded that the medicinal properties of P. incarnata are sweet, cool, and enter heart, liver channels. The function is mainly to calm the heart and tranquilizing the mind, and calm the liver wind. It is used for hyperactivity of liver-Yang, stagnation of liver-Qi, restlessness of mind, depression, nervousness, insomnia. This paper summarized the source, characteristics of natures, tastes and channel tropism, usage and dosage, function indications of P. incarnata, and defined its clear traditional Chinese medicine property, which lays a theoretical foundation for the compatibility and clinical application of P. incarnata and Chinese medicine.

Discussion on traditional Chinese medicine properties of Myrtus communis leaves based on literature analysis and Chinese medicine theory / 中国中药杂志

Myrtus communis is a traditional medicinal aromatic plant in the Mediterranean. At present, the plant has been introduced and cultivated in the southern part of China, and it is mostly used for ornamental or cosmetic purposes. Based on literature analysis and the theory of Chinese medicine, we discussed the medicinal parts and properties of M. communis in this paper to provide a theoretical basis for exploring the medicinal value of M. communis and its compatibility with traditional Chinese medicines. Literatures were searched from Web of Science(core collection), PubMed, CNKI, VIP and Wanfang by using the set conditions as key words. Then the obtained literatures were screened and classified. Finally, a total of 376 articles were included, consisting of 44 reviews, 54 germplasm resources, 78 chemical researches, 48 studies on application, extraction, or quality, 18 human trials, 132 pharmacological studies, and 2 safety studies. Based on literature analysis and theories of Chinese medicine, the leaves of M. communis were finally selected as the medicinal part of Chinese medicine, and the traditional Chinese medicine properties of M. communis leaves were deduced as pungent, bitter, and cool. The channel tropisms of M. communis leaves included lung, liver, and large intestine, with functions of detoxifying, resolving a mass, and insecticide. It was used for mouth sores, vaginal itching, hemorrhoids and warts, etc.; appropriate amount shall be applied for external use, and the decoction form shall be used for washing the affected parts; 3-12 g equivalent product shall be used in decoction, and this herb shall be put into the decoction in a later stage. The clarification of the medicinal parts of M. communis, and the determination of the Chinese medicine properties of M. communis leaves would lay a theoretical foundation for its compatibility and application with Chinese medicines, and can do more contribution to the medical and healthcare industry in our country.

Analysis on formulation regularity and characteristics of acne-relieving Chinese medicinal health products and Chinese patent medicines / 中国中药杂志

This study summarized and analyzed the current acne-relieving Chinese medicinal health products and Chinese patent medicines,aiming at providing references for the formulation and development of acne-relieving health products. The information on acne-relieving health products published by the Department of Special Food Safety Supervision and Management,the State Administration for Market Regulation( SAMR) was retrieved,and the Chinese patent medicines on DRUGDATAEXPY were searched. Microsoft Excel and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System V2. 5( TCMISS) were employed to statistically analyze the characteristics of formulations. Forty-three acne-relieving health products were obtained,including 40 ones containing Chinese herbal medicines. Six Chinese herbal medicines showed a usage frequency ≥8,with 61 times in use totally,including Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma( 13),Lonicerae Japonicae Flos( 12),Taraxaci Herba( 11),ALOE( 9),Carthami Flos( 8),and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma( 8). A total of 29 Chinese patent medicines with similar efficacy were collected in DRUGDATAEXPY. Nine Chinese herbal medicines showed a usage frequency ≥6,with 63 times in use,including Rhei Radix et Rhizoma( 10),Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma( 8),Scutellariae Radix( 8),Lonicerae Japonicae Flos( 7),Angelicae Sinensis Radix( 6),Paeoniae Radix Rubra( 6),Astragali Radix( 6),Paeoniae Radix Alba( 6),and Gardeniae Fructus( 6). Through unsupervised hierarchical entropy-based clustering of the above-mentioned Chinese medicinal health products and Chinese patent medicines,five and three new formulas were obtained,respectively. The selection of Chinese herbal medicines was consistent with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) theories in relieving acne,i. e.,dispelling exterior wind,ventilating lungs,clearing heat,dissipating mass,promoting diuresis,relaxing bowels,removing toxin,activating blood,resolving stasis,eliminating phlegm,and regulating Qi. According to the " lung governing skin and body hair" and " interior-exterior relationship between lung and large intestine" in TCM theories,the idea that acne could be treated by relieving constipation was proposed,which provided new methods and references for the research and development of Chinese medicinal health products.

Analysis on formulation regularity and characteristics of memory-boosting Chinese medicinal health products and Chinese patent medicines / 中国中药杂志

The present study analyzed the current Chinese medicinal health products and Chinese patent medicines effective in boosting memory,aiming at providing references for the formulation and development of memory-boosting health products. The information on memory-boosting health products published by the Department of Special Food Safety Supervision and Management,the State Administration for Market Regulation( SAMR) was collected and the Chinese patent medicines on DRUGDATAEXPY were searched. Microsoft Excel and the TCMISS were used to statistically analyze the characteristics of formulations. A total of 212 memory-boosting health products were obtained from SAMR,including 83 ones containing Chinese medicinal materials. Twelve Chinese herbal medicines showed a usage frequency ≥ 8,with 151 times in use. In DRUGDATAEXPY,258 similar Chinese patent medicines were collected.Twelve Chinese herbal medicines showed a usage frequency ≥ 58,with 907 times in use. Through unsupervised hierarchical entropybased clustering of the above-mentioned Chinese medicinal health products and Chinese patent medicines separately,5 and 12 new formulas were obtained. The selection of Chinese herbal medicines for the new formulas was consistent with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) theories,i. e.,tonifying kidney and marrow,benefiting Qi,nourishing Yin,resolving phlegm,and eliminating stasis. According to TCM theories,syndrome differentiation of the users was conducted,and the formulas were designed following the correspondence of syndromes with formulas and Chinese herbal medicines. This study is expected to provide new ideas and methods for the development of Chinese medicinal health products and accurately guide practical applications to exert the advantages of TCM in health care based on syndrome differentiation and improve the effect of Chinese medicinal health products.

Antidepressant-like effects of albiflorin involved the NO signaling pathway in rats model of chronic restraint stress / 中国天然药物

The depressant-like effects of albiflorin (AF) were studied on stressed chronic restraint stress (CRS) rats. Experimental rats were subjected to immobilization stress for a daily 6 h-restraining in a plastic restrainer for continuous 21 d and were treated with 30 or 15 mg·kg

Effect of AÇaí (Euterpe oleracea) on lipid metabolism, immune substances and endocrine hormone in rats with deficiency-heat and deficiency-cold syndrome / 中国中药杂志

To study the effects of AÇaí(Euterpe oleracea) on lipid metabolism, immune substances and endocrine hormone level in rats with deficiency-heat and deficiency-cold syndrome. SD rats were divided into blank control group, deficiency-heat model group, deficiency-heat & Phellodendri Cortex group, deficiency-heat & AÇaí high dose and low dose groups, deficiency-cold model group, deficiency-cold & Cinnamomi Cortex group, deficiency-cold & AÇaí high dose and low dose groups. The rats received intramuscular injection of dexamethasone sodium phosphate (0.35 mg) or hydrocortisone sodium succinate (20 mg) for 21 days to set up deficiency-heat models and deficiency-cold models. Then the changes in fatmetabolism levels (FFA, LPL, HL) and immune indexes (IgG, IgM, C3 and C4) were detected by colorimeter; and the levels of endocrine hormone indexes (CORT, E2 and T) were detected by radioimmunoassay. The levels of FFA, LPL and HL in serum were reduced (P<0.01 or P<0.001); levels of IgG, IgM and C3 in serum were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.001); level of CORT in serum was increased (P<0.05) and the level of E2, E2/T in serum were reduced in the AÇaí high dose group (P<0.05). The effect of high dose AÇaí on fat metabolism was not obvious in deficiency-cold models, but the levels of IgG, IgM, C3 and CORT in serum were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.001). AÇaí was showed the same effect trend with Phellodendri Cortex in adjusting the levels of deficiency-heat rats; but unlike Cinnamomi Cortex, AÇaí was showed no obvious effect in adjusting the levels of deficiency-cold rats. In this experiment, homogeneous comparison and heterogeneous disproof were used to verify the cold nature of Çaí.

Effect of Acaí (Euterpe oleracea) on biological expression characteristics of deficiency-heat and deficiency-cold rats / 中国中药杂志

To study the effects of Acaí on biological expression characteristics in rats with deficiency-heat and deficiency-cold syndromes, SD rats were divided into blank group, deficiency-heat model group, deficiency-heat+Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex group, deficiency-heat+Acaí high dose and low dose groups, deficiency-cold model group, deficiency-cold+Cinnamomi Cortex group, deficiency-cold+Acaí high dose and low dose groups. The rats were treated with intramuscular injection of hydrocortisone (20 mg•kg⁻¹) or dexamethasone sodium phosphate (0.35 mg•kg⁻¹) for 21 days to set up deficiency-heat model and deficiency-cold models. The levels of cAMP, cGMP, T3, T4 and rT3 were detected by radioimmunoassay. The levels of TP, UA, TC, TG and ALB were detected by colorimetry. The level of cAMP, cAMP/cGMP in serum were reduced in Acaí high dose group (P<0.05, P<0.001). The levels of T3, T4 and rT3 were significantly reduced in the Acaí high dose group (P<0.01, P<0.001, P<0.05). The levels of TP, UA, TC, TG and ALB were significantly reduced in the Acaí high dose group (P<0.001, P<0.05, P<0.05, P<0.05, P<0.01). However, Acaí had no obvious effects on deficiency-cold models. Acaí showed the same effect with Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex in adjusting the levels of deficiency-heat rats; but unlike Cinnamomi Cortex, Acaí showed no obvious effects in adjusting the levels of deficiency-cold rats.

Understanding and development strategy of health food containing Chinese materia medica / 中国中药杂志

Health food containing Chinese materia medica (CMM) conforms to the development demands of the age of big health and the theory of preventive treatment. In the view of health care and improvement of resisting diseases, it plays an important role in the market. It is very necessary to have further study and discussion on health food containing CMM. First of all, by comparing, analyzing and summarizing, the health food containing CMM could be defined as the health food which is qualified in security and functionality evaluation, with the traditional Chinese medicines(TCM) within TCM standards as the main raw materials, and the formulation-composition is based on the theory of TCM. It is characterized by higher safety than medicines, stronger biological activities than common food, multiple forms, abundant raw materials and integrated supervision and management. Secondly, we discussed the research and development (R&D) strategies and rules of health food containing CMM, pointing out that the core tasks of R&D include the investigation of formula, technology and the standards of quality. The fundamental principles of declaration and production include scientificity, rationality, reality and uniformity. Three key requirements (security, functionality and controllability) in the review as well as the process management of R&D and the key-points of risks control were summarized in this paper. Finally, the dynamic trends of policies and regulations related to health food containing CMM were analyzed in the view of registration, recording, raw materials and functions, and then related suggestions were proposed. Therefore, this article will be helpful in overall understanding the health food containing CMM and play a guiding role for its research and development.

Investigation of effects of albiflorin and paeoniflorin on hippocampal BDNF and NO in chronic restraint stress rats / 中国中药杂志

This paper aimed to investigate the antidepressant-like effects and the mechanism of the albiflorin, paeoniflorin on rats with chronic restraint stress model. Fluoxetine and Xiaoyao group served as the positive control, body weight, sucrose preference test and the open field behavioral experiment were measured, the levels of nitric oxide (NO) in hippocampus were detected by Greg colorimetric method. Furthermore, the levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampus were detected by ELISA. Finally, the expressions of nNOS mRNA in hippocampus detected by RT-qPCR, the protein levels of nNOS and BDNF in hippocampus were detected by Western blot. Compared with the model group,the pass counts of paeoniflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) and albiflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) were obviously increased(P<0.05,P<0.01). Furthermore, compared with the model group,the levels of NO in paeoniflorin groups(30 mg•kg⁻¹ and 15 mg•kg⁻¹) and albiflorin groups(30 mg•kg⁻¹ and 15 mg•kg⁻¹) were all significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01; P<0.05, P<0.05). BDNF levels of paeoniflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) and albiflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) were obviously increased(P<0.05). Finally, compared with the model group, the expressions of nNOS mRNA of paeoniflorin groups(30 mg•kg⁻¹ and 15 mg•kg⁻¹) (P<0.01, P<0.01) and albiflorin groups(30 mg•kg⁻¹) were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the protein exprsssions of BDNF of paeoniflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) and albiflorin group(30 mg•kg⁻¹) were obviously increased(P<0.05). Albiflorin and paeoniflorin have the effects of smooth the liver and dispel stagnation, the mechanism has the relevant with adjusting and controlling the expression of NO and BDNF in hippocampus.

Protective effects of paeoniflorin and albiflorin on chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression in mice / 中国天然药物

Paeonia lactiflora root (baishao in Chinese) is a commonly used herb in traditional Chinese medicines (TCM). Two isomers, paeoniflorin (PF) and albiflorin (AF), are isolated from P. lactiflora. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of PF and AF on myelosuppression induced by chemotherapy in mice and to explore the underlying mechanisms. The mouse myelosuppression model was established by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cyclophosphamide (CP, 200 mg·kg(-1)). The blood cell counts were performed. The thymus index and spleen index were also determined and bone morrow histological examination was performed. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum and colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in plasma were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISA) and the serum levels of interleukin-3 (IL-3), granulocyte-macrophagecolony-stimulatingfactor (GM-CSF), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The levels of mRNA expression protein of IL-3, GM-CSF and G-CSF in spleen and bone marrow cells were determined respectively. PF and AF significantly increased the white blood cell (WBC) counts and reversed the atrophy of thymus. They also increased the serum levels of GM-CSF and IL-3 and the plasma level of G-CSF and reduced the level of TNF-α in serum. PF enhanced the mRNA level of IL-3 and AF enhanced the mRNA levels of GM-CSF and G-CSF in the spleen. PF and AF both increased the protein levels of GM-CSF and G-CSF in bone marrow cells. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that PF and AF promoted the recovery of bone marrow hemopoietic function in the mouse myelosuppression model.

Effects of Shaoyao Gancao decoction on contents of amino acids and expressions of receptors in brains of spastic paralysis rats / 中国中药杂志

To explore the effects of Shaoyao Gancao decoction on contents of amino acids and expressions of receptors in the brains of spastic paralysis rats, the spastic paralysis rat models of stroke convalescence were made by line tethering method. Baclofen was used as the control group, and the experiment group received Shaoyao Gancao decoction at 3∶1 proportions. After 3 weeks, the neurobehavioral scores, muscular tension and pain threshold were measured and compared. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect the contents of GABA, Gly, Glu, Asp in cerebral cortex. The protein expressions of GABA receptors Aα1, B； NMDA receptor NR1, NR2A and NR2B in cerebral cortex were determined by immunohistochemistry assay. The results showed that the Shaoyao Gancao decoction at 3∶1 proportion could improve the spastic paralysis state after stroke, significantly improve neurological symptoms (P<0.01), decrease muscular tension (P<0.01) and improve pain threshold (P<0.05) as compared with model group. Simultaneously, the contents of inhibitory amino acids GABA and Gly were increased significantly (P<0.01), while with a decrease tendency in excitatory amino acids Glu and Asp (with no statistical significance). In addition, it could significantly increase the protein expressions of neurotransmitter GABA receptors Aα1, and B (P<0.05); reduce the expressions of neurotransmitter NMDA receptors NR1, NR2A and NR2B (P<0.05). These results suggested that the Shaoyao Gancao decoction at 3：1 proportion could effectively relieve spasm and pain. The mechanism might be associated with increasing the contents of inhibitory amino acids and increasing the expressions of their receptors in spastic paralysis rats after stroke, which would consequently enhance the signal transduction of inhibitory amino acids. Meanwhile, there was a decrease tendency in excitatory amino acids, although no significant effect was observed, and it could suppress the expressions of excitatory amino acids receptors, thus weaken the excitatory signal transduction. Thereby the neurotoxicity was relieved eventually. These findings indicated that Shaoyao Gancao decoction could regulate the balance of neurotransmitter system to relieve the spasticity, and eventually achieve tendon tonifying and spasm relieving effect.

Efficacy analysis and theoretical study on Chinese herbal properties of Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) / 中国中药杂志

Açaí (Euterpe oleracea) emerged as a source of herb has a long history in South America, which was approved by the Ministry of Health used in China and it has been introduced planting in Guangdong and Taiwan. This article summarized applied history of Açaí and its present status in China. Did theoretical study on the Chinese herbal properties of Açaí based on the Chinese traditional philosophical culture to analysis the function and symptom preliminary, combining with used for medical recordation, chemical component, biological activity. It is aiming at establishing the theoretical foundation for the application under the guidance of TCM theory.

Determination of β-sitosterol and total sterols content and antioxidant activity of oil in acai (Euterpe oleracea) / 中国中药杂志

In order to establish a method for the determination of the sterols of the oil in the freeze-dried acai (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) and to evaluate its antioxidant activities, a saponification/extraction procedure and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis method were developed and validated for the analysis of phytosterols in PEE (Petroleum ether extract). Separation was achieved on a Purosper STAR LP C18 column with a binary, gradient solvent system of acetonitrile and isopropanol. Evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD) was used to quantify β-sitosterol and the total sterols. Peak identification was verified by retention times and spikes with external standards. Standard curves were constructed (r = 0.999 2) to allow for sample quantification. Recovery of the saponification and extraction was demonstrated via analysis of spiked samples. The highest content of total sterols is β-sitosterol. The antioxidant activities of the extracts were evaluated using the total oxyradical scavenging capacity assay (TOSC assay). The result showed that the PEE exhibited significant antioxidant properties, sample concentration and the antioxidant capacity had a certain relevance.

Protective effect of Acai berries on chronic alcoholic hepatic injury in rats and their effect on inflammatory cytokines / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the protective effect of Acai berries(Euterpe oleraceae) on chronic alcoholic hepatic injury in rats and their mechanism.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Wistar rats were fed for 1 week and randomly divided into blank group, model group, Dongbao Gantai group, Acai 1.6, 0.8, 0.4 g . kg-1 groups. The blank group was given distilled water, and the other groups were orally given 56% white spirit (Erguotou) for eight weeks at the dosages of 8 mL . kg-1 in the 1st week, which increased by 0.1 mL week by week till to 15 mL . kg-1, in order to establish the chronic hepatic injury model, and observe the effect of Acai berry freeze-dried powder on hepatocyte membrane permeability, liver lipid peroxidation, changes in inflammatory cytokines and pathological changes in hepatocytes.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Acai berries could significantly reduce serum ALT and AST(P<0.05), MDA(P<0.05), TG(P<0.05) and serum TNF-α and IL-6(P <0.05) and increase GSH and SOD(P <0.05). According to liver histopathological observation, livers in the model group were dominated by steatosis, some livers suffered spotty necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration; The positive drug and Acai groups showed different changes in pathologic changes in rat livers.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acai berries show s specific protective effect on alcoholic hepatic injury. Its mechanism may be correlated with the inhibition of such inflammatory factors as TNF-α and IL-6.</p>

Effect of shuanglong capsule on content of leukotrienes compound of lung tissues in asthmatic rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the changing contents of leukotriene B4 ( LTB4 ), leukotriene C4 ( LTC4 ), and leukotriene D4 (LTD4 ) of lung tissue in asthmatic rats, and explore the effect of Shuanglong Capsule (SLC) on it.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>SD rats were randomly divided into the nomal group, asthmatic model group, Dexamethasone group and the high, middle and low dose SLC groups. All rats except those in the normal group were sensitized by ovalbumin and challenged with the antigen, and the contents of LTB4, LTC4 and LTD4 in lung tissue of all the groups were measured by reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) and compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The levels of LTB4, LTC4, and LTD4 of asthmatic rats were significantly higher than those of rats in the normal group. Dexamethasone and SLC at the dose of 8. 27 g/kg or 4. 13 g/kg could significantly inhibit the production of leukotrienes of lung tissue in asthmatic rats (P <0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>SLC can significantly inhibit the formation of inflammatory medium LTs of lung tissue in asthmatic rats, it may be one of the key mechanisms of SLC in anti-asthma and anti-inflammatory action.</p>