The antipyretic effect of the famous classical formula Qingwanzi Pills on a rabbit model and its serum metabolomic study.

Qingwanzi Pills (QP) were first mentioned in the "Puji Fang" of the Ming Dynasty, with a history of approximately 600 years. The formula consisted of Gypsum Fibrosum and Indigo Naturalis. It is a famous classical formula with antipyretic effects frequently utilized in ancient China, although our knowledge about the overall antipyretic mechanism of QP remains limited. Therefore, we replicated the fever model in New Zealand rabbits induced by lipopolysaccharide, performed the pharmacodynamic evaluation of QP, identified the differential metabolites among QP groups, and performed pathway enrichment analysis to comparatively analyze the effects of QP on fever-related metabolic pathways by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that the antipyretic effect of QP was superior to that of each disassembled prescription, with Gypsum Fibrosum primarily contributing to the efficacy, followed by Indigo Naturalis and Junci Medulla. QP had an effective antipyretic effect, which was related to lowering the levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, and calcium in rabbit serum, lowering the levels of PGE2 and cAMP in rabbit cerebrospinal fluid, and increasing the level of calcium in rabbit cerebrospinal fluid. A total of 27 endogenous biomarkers were screened by serum metabolomics for the treatment of fever with QP. It is hypothesized that the antipyretic mechanism of QP may be related to regulating α-linolenic acid, sphingolipid, tryptophan, and bile acid metabolism. In summary, QP exhibited a significant antipyretic effect in rabbits with lipopolysaccharide-induced fever.

[Research progress in pharmacological effects of Gypsum Fibrosum and material basis for its heat-clearing effect].

Gypsum Fibrosum, as a classic heat-clearing medicine, is widely used in the clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). However, debates exist about the material basis and mechanism of its efficacy. Therefore, this paper reviewed the recent research progress in the heat-clearing effect and mechanism of Gypsum Fibrosum and discussed the material basis for the heat-clearing effect of this medicine. Ca~(2+) may inhibit the upward movement of temperature set point by regulating the Na~+/Ca~(2+) level in the heat-regulating center. Moreover, trace elements may inhibit the rise of body temperature by regulating the immune system, promoting the absorption of Ca~(2+), and affecting the synthesis of prostaglandin E2(PGE2). This review aims to enrich the knowledge about the mechanism of Gypsum Fibrosum in clearing heat and provides a scientific basis for the clinical application and further development of Gypsum Fibrosum.

"Yellow-dragon Wonderful-seed Formula" for hyperuricemia in gout patients with dampness-heat pouring downward pattern: a pilot randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theories, the typical clinical manifestations of gout are attributed to the "dampness-heat pouring downward." Therefore, TCM practitioners always consider prescribing the formulae which are believed to clear heat and drain dampness for the management of gout. This clinical trial aims: (1) to determine the hypouricemic effect of "Yellow-dragon Wonderful-seed Formula" (YWF) decoction in gout patients with dampness-heat pouring downward pattern and (2) to determine if gypsum could provide additional significant benefits to YWF. METHODS: A total of 72 hyperuricemic individuals with gout and dampness-heat pouring downward pattern were included with 62 of them completing the trial. Participants were randomly assigned to the YWF group, the YWF + gypsum group, or the allopurinol group. YWF and YWF + gypsum decoctions were orally administered for four weeks. Allopurinol was also orally administered for four weeks as the active control. Serum uric acid (sUA) level was the primary outcome measure. Urine urate level, scores on the SF-36 scale, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), X ray film, and C reactive protein (CRP) level were the secondary outcome measures. RESULTS: Compared with the values at week 0, YWF and YWF + gypsum did not significantly decrease the sUA level at each weekend reading. YWF, YWF + gypsum, and allopurinol decreased the urine urate levels and there were significant differences between the YWF group and the YWF + gypsum group. All the changes in the eight structures of SF-36 during the intervention period were not significantly different among the three groups and there was no significant difference in the CRP level among the three groups at each weekend reading. CONCLUSIONS: YWM, which modified on the basis of Two Wonderful Herbs Powder (2WHP), does not show significant hypouricemic effect. There is a possibility that Gypsum Fibrosum may provide additional effects to YWF in decreasing the urine urate levels but cannot add benefits to YWF in other outcome measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR-TRC-12001933 . Registered on 10 February 2012.

1H-NMR-based metabonomics study on toxicity alleviation effect of Bovis Calculus Artificialis, Gypsum Fibrosum, and Borneolum Synthcticum to Realgar (As2S2) in Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet / 中草药

Objective: To study the toxicity alleviation effect of Bovis Calculus Artificialis, Gypsum Fibrosum, and Borneolum Synthcticum to Realgar in Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet based on 1H-NMR metabonomics. Methods: Forty-two male Wistar rats were divided into six groups: group A (control group), group B (treated with realgar), group C (treated with Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet), group D (treated with Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet without Bovis Calculus Artificialis), group E (treated with Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet without Gypsum Fibrosum), and group F (treated with Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet without Borneolum Synthcticum). Based on 1H-NMR spectra of urine and serum from rats, PLS-DA was performed to identify different metabolic profiles. Results: The metabolic profiles of group B were different from control group, while the metabolic profiles of all other groups were almost in line with those of control group. Conclusion: The toxicity alleviation effects of Bovis Calculus Artificialis, Gypsum Fibrosum, and Borneolum Synthcticum to Realgar in Niuhuang Jiedu Tablet are not obvious.

Research Progress in Heat-clearing Activity of Mineral Drug Gypsum Fibrosum / 中国药师

Gypsum Fibrosum is one of mineral medicines, which is widely used in clinics for a long time. It is mainly used for treating epidemic febrile diseases and excess-heat syndrome. The studies on the heat-clearing effects and mechanisms of Gypsum Fibro-sum in recent years were summarized in the paper,which can provide scientific reference for its further research, application and the heat-clearing mechanism exploration.

Analysis on Characteristic Peaks of Gypsum Fibrosum from Authentic Product Area Hubei Yingcheng by X-ray Diffraction / 中国药师

Objective:To analyze the characteristic peaks of gypsum fibrosum from authentic product area Hubei Yingcheng via X-ray diffraction. Methods:The fingerprint and common peaks of gypsum fibrosum from different areas were analyzed via X-ray diffrac-tion, and the characteristic peaks of gypsum fibrosum from authentic product area Hubei Yingcheng were identified Results:The finger-prints of X-ray diffraction of gypsum fibrosum from different areas were obtalned. Sixteen common peaks were determined, and two characteristic peaks of gypsum fibrosum from authentic product area Yingcheng were determined via X-ray diffraction with interplanar spacing of 1. 68 and 1. 51, respectively. Conclusion:The determination of two characteristic peaks of gypsum fibrosum from authentic product area Hubei Yingcheng can distinguish gypsum fibrosum from the other areas and provide basis for the quality evaluation of gyp-sum fibrosum.

Observation of Gypsum Fibrosum from Different Habitats by Scanning Electron Microscopy / 中国药师

Objective:To investigate gypsum fibrosum from different habitats by scanning electron microscopy ( SEM) . Methods:Gypsum fibrosum samples from different habitats were scanned by an electronic microscope. Results: The results of SEM showed that gypsum fibrosum (CaSO4·2H2O) from different habitats was with the crystal structure of fibrous,tabular or flaky aggregation. The sur-face amplification of gypsum fibrosum from Hubei showed obvious black spots,while that from the other habitats was without the feature. Conclusion:The method is simple and accurate, which can be used to investigate gypsum fibrosum from different habitats.

Dissolution Test of CaSO4 ·2 H2 O in Gypsum Fibrosum / 医药导报

Objective To establish a method for the determination of the dissolution rate of CaSO4 ·2H2 O in Gypsum Fibrosum. Methods The dissolution rate was determined by EDTA-2Na titration method,with a paddle,800 mL of purified water as dissolution medium,at rotation speed of 75 r·min-1,and temperature of(37. 0±0. 5 ) ℃,at 5,10,20,30,60,90, 120 min for the sampling. Results There was a linear regression relationship between dissolution time and dissolution of CaSO4 ·2H2 O,when the particle size of Gypsum Fibrosum were 2. 000, 0. 150 mm. There was a logarithmic regression relationship between dissolution time and dissolution of CaSO4 ·2H2 O,when the particle size of Gypsum Fibrosum was 0. 075 mm. Conclusion The method is simple and accurate,which can be used for determination of the dissolution rate of CaSO4 · 2H2 O in Gypsum Fibrosum.

Effects of four Chinese herb extracts on cell proliferation in IEC-6 cells of rats and their glucose absorption / 中草药

Objective To study the effects of Chinese herb extracts on cell proliferation and glucose absorption in intestinal epithelial cell line(IEC-6 cells) of rats.Methods The extracts of four Chinese herbs,including Herba Agastaches(HA),Rhizoma Atractylodis(RA), Cortex Phellodendri(CP),and Gypsum Fibrosum(GF),were made.Their suitable concentration on the cell proliferation in IEC-6 cells was determined by MTT method,and glucose absorption and the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase in IEC-6 cells were assayed.A method of real time PCR was applied to the determination of SGLT1 and GLUT2 mRNA expression in the cells.Results Chinese herb extracts treatment altered the cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner.Moreover,RA volatile oil(50 ?g/mL) and CP alkaloid(10 ?g/mL) treatment increased glucose absorption and the activity of Na+,K+-ATPase genes(P0.05).Conclusion The three extracts treatment,including RA volatile oil,CP aklaloid,and HA volatile oil,could increase glucose absorption and the expression of glucose transport carrier genes,but their regulative mechanism are not totally the same.

Powder diameter of ultra-fine prepared fluoritum and gypsum fibrosum / 中成药

Objective: To provide experiment data for ultra fine prepared mineral drugs Methods: Electron microscope scannin,X ray diffraction were used in identification, atomic emit sectrum was used in determination. Results: The dissolution rate of ca 2+ composition could be high.The ultra fine prepared of minaral drugs could be prepared with powder diameter of K 4。 Conclusion: Ultra fine Prepared fluoritum and gypsum fibrosum may Save clinically dose.