Argа-Bilig theory in traditional Mongolian medicine:a theoretical and practical perspective

The concept of Arga and Bilig serves as a foundational principle in both ancient Mongolian philosophy and traditional Mongolian medicine (TMM). Arga, symbolized by brightness and associated with qualities of fire and activity, complements Bilig, symbolized by darkness and representing attributes of water and stillness. Together, these opposing forces permeate all aspects of existence, from the genesis of parenthood to the interplay of day and night. Understanding Arga-Bilig is crucial for diagnosing and treating diseases, as it illuminates the source of imbalance within the body. This review provides an overview of the significance of Arga-Bilig in Mongolian philosophy and its application in TMM, emphasizing the dynamic interplay of these opposing forces and their role in maintaining balance and harmony within the body.

Lomatogonium rotatum extract alleviates diabetes mellitus induced by a high-fat,high-sugar diet and streptozotocin in rats

BACKGROUND Lomatogonium rotatum(LR)is traditionally used in Mongolian folk medicine as a hypoglycemic agent,but its evidence-based pharmacological effects and mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated.AIM To emphasize the hypoglycemic action mechanism of LR in a type 2 diabetic rat model and examine potential biomarkers to obtain mechanistic understanding regarding serum metabolite modifications.METHODS A high-fat,high-sugar diet and streptozotocin injection-induced type 2 diabetic rat model was established.The chemical composition of the LR was identified by high performance liquid chromatography.LR extract administrated as oral gavage at 0.5 g/kg,2.5 g/kg,and 5 g/kg for 4 wk.Anti-diabetic effects of LR extract were evaluated based on histopathological examination as well as the measurement of blood glucose,insulin,glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1),and lipid levels.Serum metabolites were analyzed using an untargeted metabolomics approach.RESULTS According to a chemical analysis,swertiamarin,sweroside,hesperetin,coumarin,1.7-dihydroxy-3,8-dimethoxyl xanthone,and 1-hydroxy-2,3,5 trimethoxanone are the principal active ingredients in LR.An anti-diabetic experiment revealed that the LR treatment significantly increased plasma insulin and GLP-1 levels while effectively lowering blood glucose,total cholesterol,triglycerides,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and oral glucose tolerance test compared to the model group.Furthermore,untargeted metabolomic analysis of serum samples detected 236 metabolites,among which 86 were differentially expressed between the model and the LR group.It was also found that LR considerably altered the levels of metabolites such as vitamin B6,mevalonate-5P,Dproline,L-lysine,and taurine,which are involved in the regulation of the vitamin B6 metabolic pathway,selenium amino acid metabolic pathway,pyrimidine metabolic pathway,and arginine and proline metabolic pathways.CONCLUSION These findings indicated that LR may have a hypoglycemic impact and that its role may be related to changes in the serum metabolites and to facilitate the release of insulin and GLP-1,which lower blood glucose and lipid profiles.

Mongolian medicine:History,development and existing problems

Mongolian medicine(MM)is an important part of Mongolian culture.Exploration of MM can play a crucial role in the prevention and treatment of various diseases and can help provide better health care globally.In this article,we gave a brief introduction to the origin and development of MM,the theoretical system of MM,the principles of Mongolian materia medica formula,the modern research on Mongolian materia medica and the quality control of Mongolian materia medica.The present situation and outlook of MM were also discussed.

Traditional Mongolian medicine:Past,present and future

Traditional Mongolian medicine(TMM)forms an essential part of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)with its own unique and profound theoretical system,drug resources,processing technologies,and drug usage procedures.TMM has the characteristics of being“raw,simple,inexpensive,and green”.It has unique advantages and remarkable efficacy in treating common diseases,frequently-occurring diseases,and certain rare diseases.

Phytochemical and pharmacological progress on Syringa oblata,a traditional Mongolian medicine

Syringa oblata is a traditional Mongolian medicine mainly distributed in the Helan Mountains(the boundaries of Inner Mongolia and Ningxia,China)and the north of Yan Mountains(Aohan Qi,Inner Mongolia,China).It is clinically used to treat diseases caused by Heyi,such as heartache and heat pathogen in the heart.Phytochemical studies on S.oblata revealed the presence of iridoids,lignans,triterpenes,phenylpropanoids,phenylethanoids,and volatile components.Pharmacological investigations revealed a broad spectrum of bioactivities,such as antimicrobial,antioxidant,antiproliferative,and hepatoprotective effects.This article summarized the chemical components and pharmacological activities of S.oblata,providing a scientific rationale for its bioactive constituents,quality control,and utilization as an important medicine.

Chemical constituents of Lomatogonium carinthiacum and Halenia corniculata

Objective:To study the chemical constituents from traditional Chinese(Mongolian)medicine,Lomatogonium carinthiacum and Halenia corniculate.Methods:The chemical constituents were isolated and purified by silicagel column,Sephadex LH-20,ODS and high performance liquid chromategramphy.The structures were identified by NMR and MS analysis technics.Results:Twelve compounds were isolated and identified as isovitexin(1),Luteolin-5-O-β-D-glucoside(2),Isosaponarin(3),Luteolin-7-O-β-D-glucoside(4,7),1,4,8-Trimethoxy-xanthone-6-O-β-D-glucoronyl-(1→6)O-β-Dglucoside(5),friginoside D(6),1-hydroxy-2,3,5-trimethoxyxanthone(8),1-hydroxy-2,3,4,5-tet ramethoxyxanthone(9),1-hydroxy-2,3,4,7-tetramethoxyxanthone(10),1-hydroxy-2,3,4,5,7-pentame thoxyxanthone(11)and usnic acid(12).Conclusion:Compounds 6 and 12 are obtained from L.carinthiacum and H.corniculate for the first time.

Discussion on evolution of Mongolian medicinal material names and countermeasures for standardization

Mongolian pharmacy is an important part of traditional medicine for the Chinese nation,with a long history and a complete theoretical system.The Mongolian people have accumulated and summarized the types and usage of Mongolian medicines in the practice of fighting against diseases over a long history.Mongolian medicinal resources are rich and diverse,the processing is self-contained,and the methods of medication are scientific and reasonable.Mongolian pharmacy not only has a deep historical relationship with traditional Chinese medicine but has also absorbed the essence of ancient Tibetan and Indian Ayurvedic medicine in the process of its development.We can identify the historical traces of the continuous exchange,communication,and integration of various ethnic medicinal cultures from the names of Mongolian medicinal materials.Because of the differences in languages and cultures of the various ethnic groups,the names of Mongolian medicinal materials have undergone a long historical period of evolution.These need to be further standardized owing to complications caused by the existence of synonyms and homonyms.