Application of Classical Prescriptions of Rhizome Chinese Herbal Medicines for Medicine and Food Homology and Development Status of Its Modern Food

The efficacy,application and compatibility of five kinds of Chinese Herbal Medicines medicine(including yam,licorice,Platyc-odonisi Radix,Polygonati Rhizoma,and Pueraria Lobata)for medicine and food homology in the past five years were systematically searched and summarized,and the current situation of their food development was reviewed to provide theoretical basis for the research and development of this kind of CHMs for health care.

Mendelian Randomization Study of Causal Relationship between Inflammatory Factors and Vascular Dementia and Chinese Herbal Medicines Screening for Prevention and Treatment

Objective: This study aims to examine the causal relationship between inflammatory factors and the probability of developing vascular dementia (VD) using Mendelian Randomization (MR) and Chinese herbal medicine prediction method, and to screen potential Chinese herbal medicines for the prevention and treatment of VD. Methods: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that exhibit a strong association with vascular dementia (VD) were identified as instrumental variables from the summary statistics of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The primary analytical method employed was inverse variance weighting (IVW), while auxiliary analyses included the MR-Egger method, weighted median method, simple model, and weighted model. A two-way Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to assess the causal relationship between inflammatory factors and the risk of VD, thereby identifying the key inflammatory factors involved. The MR-Egger intercept test and Cochran’s Q test were employed to assess the horizontal polymorphism and heterogeneity of instrumental variables. A sensitivity analysis was conducted by excluding one method at a time. Ultimately, based on key inflammatory factors, predictions for the prevention and treatment using traditional Chinese medicine were made, along with the screening of homologous herbal remedies. Results: Based on the results of the forward MR, the probability of developing VD was elevated when the inflammatory factors CXCL10 and CXCL5 were expressed at higher levels, whereas the probability of developing VD decreased as the expression levels of IL-13 and IL-20RA increased. These findings were supported by the assessment of pleiotropy, heterogeneity, and sensitivity. The results of the reverse MR analysis showed that there was no causal relationship between VD, as an exposure dataset, and these four inflammatory factors. According to the key inflammatory factors, 37 Chinese herbal medicines such as Siraitia grosvenorii were selected. Their characteristics including four natures, five flavors, channel tropism and treatment efficiency were cold, warm, neutral, pungent, sweet, bitter, lung meridian, spleen meridian, liver meridian, kidney meridian and clearing heat. Among them, Siraitia grosvenorii, Poria with hostwood, Perilla frutescens, and Radix Platycodi were all medicine and food homologous Chinese herbal medicines. Conclusions: The increase of CXCL10 and CXCL5 expression levels can increase the risk of VD, and the increase of IL-13 and IL-20 RA expression levels can reduce the risk of VD. Siraitia grosvenorii and other Chinese herbal medicines might be potential sources of therapeutic drugs for the treatment of VD. Medicine and food homologous Chinese herbal medicines, such as Siraitia grosvenorii, Poria with hostwood, Perilla frutescens, and Radix Platycodi, may help the elderly population with corresponding Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitutions to prevent VD.

Understanding “medicine and food homology”,developing utilization in medicine functions

Chinese medicine is a very big concept of medicine. In Shennong era, medicine and food do not divide.＂Medicine and food homology＂, which is called ＂Chinese medicine and dietary application＂, refers to that many foods are drugs, and there is no absolute demarcation line between them.

Clinical Application of Radix Notoginseng and Its Homology of Medicine and Food

Clinical application of Radix Notoginseng in the last ten years is summarized,such as Radix Notoginseng powder,compatibility of Radix Notoginseng with other traditional Chinese medicines,and related preparations of Radix Notoginseng,as well as application of Radix Notoginseng in homology of medicine and food,such as preventing and controlling gynecological diseases,rheumatoid arthritis,hypertension,gastric cancer,arthritis,and anemia.

The Protective Effect of Jiujiuguiyi, a Medicine and Food Homologous Formula, on Acute Alcohol Poisoning Mice

Background: Nowadays, acute alcoholic intoxication has become the third public problem in China, and the anti-inebriation products mainly aimed at increasing the activity of enzyme involved in the alcohol metabolism, which is a single mechanism that can accelerate alcohol metabolism. Thus, a new formula, Jiujiuguiyi (JJGY) which could protect liver, relieve the abnormal excitability of the center and improve muscle retardation at the same time is designed by us. Methods: The model of acute alcoholic intoxication was established by intragastric administration with 0.12 ml/10g 50% alcohol in mice. JJGY was orally administrated (gavage) once a day for 20 consecutive days before the establishment of acute alcoholic model. Mice were randomly divided into 8 groups with 8 each: blank control group (CON), model group (M), Haiwangjinzun positive control group (HWJZ), experimental groups (AL, AH, BL, BH, AB). Giant, crawling time on the rota-rod, the activities of aspartate amino trans- ferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in both liver and serum, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) in liver as well as the HE staining of liver slices, the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum were determined after acute alcoholic intoxication. Results: Compared with model group, JJGY significantly decreased the AST and ALT activity in liver and serum and MDA activity in serum. Meanwhile, it enhanced the ADH and ALDH level in liver as well as the hepatic and serous SOD activity, indicating more efficient metabolism of alcohol and less hepatic injury. HE staining results also proved that JJGY could reduce alcoholic liver cell injury, and the effect was more obvious in the group medicated before alcohol administration. Moreover, JJGY significantly prolonged the crawling time on the rota-rod and improved the gait of mice and the effect was proved to be better than the widely used health product Haiwangjinzun. Conclusions: This study suggests that JJGY is able to protect liver, relieve the abnormal excitability of the center and improve muscle retardation after acute alcoholic intoxication. Its liver protection effect is likely related to its modulation on the alcohol metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes.

Perilla frutescens:A traditional medicine and food homologous plant

Perilla frutescens,an annual herb of the Labiatae family,has been cultivated in China for more than 2000 years.P.frutescens is the one of the first medicinal and edible plant published by the Ministry of Health.Its leaves,stems and seeds can be used as medicine and edible food.Because of the abundant nutrients and bioactive components in this plant,P.frutescens has been studied extensively in medicine,food,health care and chemical fields with great prospects for development.This paper reviews the cultivation history,chemical compositions and pharmacological activities of P.frutescens,which provides a reference for the development and utilization of P.frutescens resources.

Research progress of ginger in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors

Cancer seriously endangers human health.Gastrointestinal cancer is the most common and major malignant tumor,and its morbidity and mortality are gradually increasing.Although there are effective treatments such as radio-therapy and chemotherapy for gastrointestinal tumors,they are often accom-panied by serious side effects.According to the traditional Chinese medicine and food homology theory,many materials are both food and medicine.Moreover,food is just as capable of preventing and treating diseases as medicine.Medicine and food homologous herbs not only have excellent pharmacological effects and activities but also have few side effects.As a typical medicinal herb with both medicinal and edible uses,some components of ginger have been shown to have good efficacy and safety against cancer.A mass of evidence has also shown that ginger has anti-tumor effects on digestive tract cancers(such as gastric cancer,colorectal cancer,liver cancer,laryngeal cancer,and pancreatic cancer)through a variety of pathways.The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of action of the main components of ginger and their potential clinical applications in treating gastrointestinal tumors.

Ethnopharmacology,phytochemistry,pharmacology and product application of Platycodon grandiflorum:A review

Platycodonis Radix(Jiegeng in Chinese)is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine used for both medicinal and culinary purposes.Its historical use as an antitussive and expectorant has been extensively documented.Researchers,to date,have identified 219 chemical constituents in Platycodon grandiflorum(Jacq.)A.DC,encompassing 89 saponins,11 flavonoids,21 polysaccharides,14 phenolic acids,six polyacetylenes,five sterols,34 fatty acids,17 amino acids,and 22 trace elements.Jiegeng exhibits diverse pharmacological effects,including antitussive and anti-phlegm properties,anti-cancer activity,anti-inflammatory effects,immune regulation,antioxidant properties,anti-obesity,and antidiabetic effects.Additionally,Jiegeng shows potential in protecting the heart and liver.Beyond its medicinal benefits,Jiegeng is highly esteemed in culinary applications,and its global demand is on the rise.Its utilization has expanded beyond medicine and food to encompass daily necessities,cosmetics,agricultural supplies,and other fields.Currently,there are 18272 patents related to P.grandiflorum.This comprehensive review summarizes the latest research published over the past 20 years,providing a robust foundation for further exploration of the medicinal and health benefits of P.grandiflorum.

Phyllanthi Fructus:A modal medicinal and food homologous item in quality evaluation

Phyllanthi Fructus is a highly unique medicine and food homologous item,which exhibits distinctive flavor,notable nutritional value,and abundant pharmacological activity.It has enormous potential in the creation of health products and pharmaceuticals.However,due to the unique laws of quality formation and transfer of Phyllanthi Fructus,its appearance,shape,chemical compositions,nutrients,and sensory flavors are frequently greatly influenced by botanical resources,the processing and storage conditions.As a result,the current quality evaluation model is difficult to meet the needs of Phyllanthi Fructus as a medicine and food homologous item in the development of diversified products.This paper constructs the hierarchical utilization mode of Phyllanthi Fructus based on its unique quality formation and transmission laws,explores the quality evaluation model for food-oriented use and medicinal-oriented use,respectively,and systematically describes the quality evaluation idea under diversified application scenarios.This paper aims to serve as a reference for the construction of a quality evaluation model suitable for the medicine and food homologous item of Phyllanthi Fructus.

Ethnopharmacology,chemical composition and functions of Cymbopogon citratus

Cymbopogon citratus in the gramineous family,also known as lemongrass(LG),is a perennial herb.LG,a drug and food homologous medicine,has a widely recorded medicinal value and food applications.To date,158 LG compounds have been reported,including terpenoids,flavonoids,phenolic acids.Pharmacological and clinical studies have indicated that LG has antibacterial,neuroprotective,hypoglycemic,hypotensive,anti-inflammatory,and anti-tumor effects.This article reviews LG in ethnopharmacology,chemical composition,pharmacology,food,medicine,and daily chemical applications to provide a basis for the subsequent development of food and medicine.

Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Benincasae Exocarpium: A review

Benincasae Exocarpium(BE,Dongguapi in Chinese),as the dried outer pericarp of Benincasa hispida(wax gourd)in Cucurbitaceae family,is one of traditional Chinese medicines with the same origin as medicine and food.Up to now,43 compounds were isolated from BE,including flavonoids,alkaloids,tannins,phenolic acids,soluble fiber and carbohydrates.Modern pharmacological studies and clinical practice showed that BE has diuretic,hypolipidemic effects,hypoglycemic,antioxidant,antibacterial,and other effects.The folk uses,functional factors,pharmacological activities,patents and clinical applications of BE were reviewed in this paper.In addition,the paper also discussed the current problems for the further studies.The information summarized in this paper provides valuable clues for the comprehensive utilization of medicine and food resources and gives a scientific basis for the development of medicinal plants of BE.

Chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of medicinal plants from Rosa genus

The genus Rosa(Rosaceae family)includes about 200 species spread in the world,and this genus shows unique advantages in medicine and food.To date,several scholars concentrated on compounds belonging to flavonoids,triterpenes,tannins,polysaccharide,phenolic acids,fatty acids,organic acids,carotenoids,and vitamins.Pharmacological effects such as antineoplastic and anti-cancer properties,antiinflammatory,antioxidant,liver protection,regulate blood sugar,antimicrobial activity,antiviral activity,as well as nervous system protection and cardiovascular protection were wildly reported.This article reviews the chemical constituents,pharmacological effects,applications and safety evaluations of Rosa plants,which provides a reference for the comprehensive utilization of medicine and food resources and gives a scientific basis for the development of medicinal plants of the genus Rosa.

Five Rutaceae family ethanol extracts alleviate H2O2 and LPS-induced inflammation via NF-κB and JAK-STAT3 pathway in HaCaT cells

This study was designed to investigate the effects of five Rutaceae family ethanol extracts(FRFEE):Citrus medica Linn(CML),Citrus aurantium L.Cv.Daidai(CAD),Citrus medica Linn.var.sarcodactylis(Noot.)Swingle(CMS),Citrus sinensis L.Osbeck(CSO)and Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim(ZBM)on retarding the progression of H_(2)O_(2) and LPS-induced HaCaT cells.Cell inflammatory injury model was established by H_(2)O_(2) and LPS.The alleviative effects of FRFEE were evaluated by detecting the activity of superoxide dismutase(SOD),glutathione(GSH)and the generation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).The inflammatory signaling pathways of NF-κB and JAK-STAT3 were detected by Western blotting,the mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors and skin barrier factors were detected by RT-PCR.50%ethanol extracts of five medicinal and food homologous herbs of Rutaceae family showed different levels of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.The FRFEE effectively improved SOD and GSH content and decreased ROS levels.Meanwhile,FRFEE strongly suppressed two inflammatory signaling pathways NF-κB and JAK-STAT3.The RT-PCR examination of inflammatory factors and skin barrier factor revealed significant anti-inflammatory effects of FRFEE.It was worth noting that among the five extracts,Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim extract had the best anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation effects.In addition,it could strongly inhibit the expression of psoriasis factor CCL20.In summary,these results suggested that Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim extract could be used as an anti-psoriatic agent in the treatment of psoriasis among FRFEE.