Efficacy and Safety of the Chinese Herbal Compound TJAOA101 in Treating Diminished Ovarian Reserve: A Protocol for Multicenter, Prospective, and Pre-Post Study

Objective Diminished ovarian reserve(DOR)can lead to early menopause,poor fecundity,and an increased risk of disorders such as osteoporosis,cardiovascular disease,and cognitive impairment,seriously affecting the physical and mental health of women.There is still no safe and effective strategy or method to combat DOR.We have developed a novel Chinese herbal formula,Tongji anti-ovarian aging 101(TJAOA101),to treat DOR.However,its safety and efficacy need to be further validated.Methods In this prospective and pre-post clinical trial,100 eligible patients aged 18–45 diagnosed with DOR will be recruited.All participants receive TJAOA101 twice a day for 3 months.Then,comparisons before and after treatment will be analyzed,and the outcomes,including anti-mullerian hormone(AMH)and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)levels and the antral follicle count(AFC),the recovery rate of menopause,and the Kupperman index(KMI),will be assessed at baseline,every month during medication(the intervention period),and 1,3 months after medication(the follow-up period).Assessments for adverse events will be performed during the intervention and follow-up periods.Conclusion A multicenter,prospective study will be conducted to further confirm the safety and efficacy of TJAOA101 in treating DOR and to provide new therapeutic strategies for improving the quality of life in DOR patients.

Topology and Semantic Information Fusion Classification Network Based on Hyperspectral Images of Chinese Herbs

Most methods for classifying hyperspectral data only consider the local spatial relation-ship among samples,ignoring the important non-local topological relationship.However,the non-local topological relationship is better at representing the structure of hyperspectral data.This paper proposes a deep learning model called Topology and semantic information fusion classification network(TSFnet)that incorporates a topology structure and semantic information transmis-sion network to accurately classify traditional Chinese medicine in hyperspectral images.TSFnet uses a convolutional neural network(CNN)to extract features and a graph convolution network(GCN)to capture potential topological relationships among different types of Chinese herbal medicines.The results show that TSFnet outperforms other state-of-the-art deep learning classification algorithms in two different scenarios of herbal medicine datasets.Additionally,the proposed TSFnet model is lightweight and can be easily deployed for mobile herbal medicine classification.

Cell-Based Biological Markers for Blood-Enriching Chinese Herbs: Erythropoietin Production in HepG2 Cells and Nitric Oxide Release in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs)

Chinese tonifying herbs, which are classified into four functional categories (namely, Yang, Qi, Yin, Blood) are commonly used for restoring normal body function and the prevention of diseases. To explore cell-based biological markers for Blood-enriching Chinese herbs, we investigate the effect of 11 commonly used Blood-enriching herbs on erythropoietin (EPO) production in HepG2 cells. Herbs for nourishing Yin were tested for determining the specificity of Blood-enriching herbs in inducing EPO production. In addition, the effects of Blood-enriching herbs on nitric oxide (NO) production in both HepG2 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were also investigated. The results indicated that methanolic extracts of Blood-enriching herbs (but not Yin-nourishing herbs) showed characteristic pharmacological activity in inducing EPO production in HepG2 cells and NO release in HUVECs. The experimental findings, therefore, support the use of cell-based EPO production and NO release as biological markers for Blood-enriching Chinese tonifying herbs.

Utilization of Chinese Herbal Feed Additives in Animal Production

The experimental knowledge on efficacy,possible modes of action and aspects of application of Chinese herbs as feed additives for animal production are reviewed in this article.Chinese herbs commonly contain protein,carbohydrate,fat,vitamins,andmineral which are necessary nutrients to the growth of animal.Polysaccharide,organic acid,alkaloids,and essential oils involved in Chinese herbs can improve the immune function of livestock.Currently,numerous studies have demonstrated anti-oxidative and anti-microbial efficacy and the assumption that Chinese herbs may improve the flavor of meat,which has been confirmed by some observations,but the mode of this action is still unclear.Moreover,several observations support the hypothesis that herbal feed additives may favorably affect gut functions （e.g.,enzyme activity,microbial eubiosis） in vitro.Such effects may explain a considerable number of practical studies with livestock reporting improved production performance after providing herbal feed additives.In summary,available evidence indicates that herbal feed additives may have the potential to add to the set of non-antibiotic growth promoters for use in livestock,such as organic acids and probiotics.However,a systematic approach toward the efficacy,mode of action and safety of herbal compounds used as feed additives for animal production seems to be required in the future.

EXPERIMENT STUDIES OF ANTITUMOR PROLIFERATION AND METASTASIS OF A NEW CHINESE HERB AT-1

Objective: To study the effects of a new Chinese herb AT-1 on the tumor cell proliferation and metastasis in vitro. Methods: Tumor cell proliferation activity was tested by MTT. The ability of tumor cell invasion and migration was assayed by counting the number of tumor cells going throw matrigel. The expression changes of CD44 genes in PG cells treated with AT-1 were tested by FACS. Results: Compared with the control, the proliferation activity of the cells treated with the At-1 was restrained. The invasion and migration ability of PG cells and the expression of the cell adherence related gene CD44 was decreased treatment with AT-1. Conclusion: AT-1 is a new antitumor proliferation and metastasis agent. Its antitumor metastasis effect might be achieved by decreasing the expression of the cell adherence-associate gene CD44.

Long-Term Chinese Herbs Decoction Administration for Management of Hot Flashes Associated with Endocrine Therapy in Breast Cancer Patients

Objective：To evaluate the effect of Chinese herbs decoction Shu-Gan-Liang-Xue on endocrine therapy-associated hot flashes symptom in breast cancer patients.Methods：Sixty-six patients with breast cancer receiving adjuvant endocrine therapy were categorized to two groups,the control group received endocrine therapy alone,the other group is administered with Chinese herbs decoction Shu-Gan-Liang-Xue besides the endocrine therapy：Shu-Gan-Liang-Xue decoction was administered above 6 months per year for more than 2 years.Frequency of hot flashes per day was recorded,and the effect of Shu-Gan-Liang-Xue decoction on hot flashes symptom being assessed with Kupperman Scoring Index.Results：Sixty cases were analyzed,32 cases in endocrine therapy combining Chinese herbs decoction group,28 cases in mere endocrine therapy group.For hot flashes symptom,in Chinese herbs decoction administration group,7 cases（21.9%） reported symptom disappeared,22 cases（68.7%） reported symptom alleviated,3 cases（9.4%） reported symptom not changed;in endocrine therapy alone group,5 cases（17.9%） reported symptom disappeared,13 cases（46.4%） reported symptom alleviated,10 cases（10/28,35.7%） reported symptom not changed.The difference between two groups was statistically significant（P=0.013）.For sleeping disorder,in Chinese herbs decoction administration group,27 cases（84.4%） reported symptom improved,5 cases（15.6%） reported no change;in endocrine therapy alone group,16 cases（57.1%） symptom improved,12 cases（42.9%） reported no change in sleeping disorder（P=0.019）,the difference was also of significance statistically.Conclusion：Long-term Chinese herbs decoction administration remarkably improved hot flashes symptom and sleeping disorder associated with endocrine therapy,meanwhile without definite toxicity and influence on the risk of recurrence of tumor.

Effects of Chinese herbs on lactation of rat and performance of offspring

An experiment was conducted to study the effects of different Chinese herbs on lactation in the rat. Seventy-two Sprague Dawley female rats at gestation day 18 were assigned to 9 groups randomly, with 8 rats each. Control rats were offered basal diets until the end of the weaning period. Rats in the other 8 groups were administered diets supplemented with 1% Medulla tetmpanacis （MT）, Astragalus membranacens （AM）, Vaccaria segetalis （VS）, Leonurus heterophyllus sweet （LHS）, Radix rehmarmiae preparata （RRP）, Squama man/t/s （SM）, Schisandra chinensis （SC）, Ligustrum lucidum （LL）, respectively. After parturition, the litter size was culled to 8 pups per dam. Pup weight and milk yield were significantly higher in the VS, LHS, AM and SM groups than these in the control group during middle and late lactation （P〈0.05 or P〈0.01）. The weight and feed intake were not different in the dams fed either diet.

Microdilution inhibition test of Chinese herbs to assess their effect against clinical strains of Ureaplasma urealyticum in vitro

Objective：To explore the antibacterial effect of Chinese crude drugs against clinical strains of Ureaplasma urealyticum（UU）, including eight pure herbs and three compound herbs, and determine their minimal inhibitory concentrations（MICs）. Methods：Isolates were collected from clinical patients with UU infection, and cultured in UU broth. In order to test the different effects on clinical strains of UU, the assays were performed by microdilution inhibition tests, and MICs of the herbs against the clinical strains of UU were calculated. Results：The MICs of eight pure herbs against clinical strains of UU were as follows： Galla Chinensis：0.313-1.25 g/L; Fructus Forsythiae： 1.25-5.00 g/L; Cortex Phellodendri： 1.25-5.00 g/L; Radix Paeoniae Rubra： 1.25-2.50 g/L; Semen Plantaginis：2.50-10.00 g/L; Herba Lysimachiae： 5.00-20.00 g/L; Rhizoma Coptidis： 5.00-20.00g/L, Herba Houttuyniae： 10.00-20.00 g/L. The MICs of compound herbs were： Liuheji： 0.625-2.50 g/L; Bazhengsan： 5.00-20.00 g/L; Wulinsan：2.50-20.0 g/L.Conclusion：Galla Chinensis, Fructus Forsythiae, Cortex Phellodendrim, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, and Semen Plantaginis, exerted the stronger antibacterial effect against clinical strains of UU, whereas Herba Lysimachiae, Rhizoma Coptidis and Herba Houttuyniae, had relatively weaker activity against UU. Compound herbs, Bazhengsan and Wulinsan, and particularly Liuheji, also had antibacterial effects against UU. Further studies of the effects and mechanisms of action of Chinese crude drugs against UU infections are worthwhile.

A Review of Chinese Herb Medicine Additives on Chicken Growth Performance

Researches showed that many Chinese herb medicines can improve chicken growth performance not only by their pharmacological function, but also by the improvement of antioxidant function, immunity and disease resistance of chicken. The menace to human health and environment has occurred since too much antibiotics have been used as growth-promoting additives in long term in chicken industry. Therefore, research on replacement of antibiotics by Chinese herb medicines as additives for chicken growth is underway. This paper summarized some research results in the topic briefly to provide information for researchers and readers.

CLINICAL APPLICATION OF CHINESE HERBS REMEDIES AS IMMUNOMODULATORS IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER

IMMUNITY AND TUMOR Immune system has closely relation to the growth and development of tumor. One of its immune functions is to constantly recognize and kill malignant cells which develop from normal cells. The occurance of tumor indicates to some extent the failure of this "immune serveillance" function. Many studies have shown that the tumor cells of body have some tumor interrelative antigen that dose not exist in normal tissues. Tests in vitro

Effect of Chinese Herbs Bu-shen on PRLR, PR, ER mRNA of Decidue in Bromocriptine-induced Hypoprolac- tin Rat Abortion Model

Objective To explore the effect of Chinese herbs on PRLR, PR, ER mRNA of decidue in Bromocriptine-induced hypoprolactin abortion rat model from gene transcription level, and observe the changes of blood PRL, P, E2.Methods RT-PCR method was taken to analyses the differences of PRLR, PR, ER mRNA in decidue between model group (A group) and model + herbs group (A + H group); RIA was taken to measure the serum levels of PRL, P, E2. Results PRLR, PR mRNA expression in decidue of Group A was significantly lower than the A + H group (P<0. 01) , no difference in ER mRNA expression (P>0. 05); the abortion rate of Group A was 67 %, Group A+H was 17% , the difference was significant; as for the PRL and P level of day 7-1.0, the A group was significantly lower than the A+H group (P<0. 05).Conclusion Bromocriptine could induce abortion by declining the blood PRL, P level and downregulating PRLR, PR mRNA expression in decidue. Chinese herbs might maintain pregnancy by promoting PRL, P secretion and upregulating PRLR, PR mRNA expression in decidue.

Effects of Chinese Herb Additive on Milk Yield and Anti-heat Stress Ability of Holstein Cows

[Objective] To explore the effects of Chinese herb additive on milk yield and anti-heat stress ability of Holstein diary cow. [Method] A total of 36 Holstein cows at same parity and with similar milk yield were randomly divided into three groups, namely, control group, Chinese medi- cine group I and Chinese medicine group I1. The cows in the Chinese medicine group I were fed basal diet containing 4% compound Chinese herb additive; those in the Chinese medicine group II were fed basal diet containing 3% compound Chinese herb additive; and those in the control group were fed common basal diet. All cows in the three groups were analyzed comparatively. [Result] Supplementing some compound Chinese herb ad- ditive into basal diet increased milk yield and anti-heat stress ability of Holstein cows, besides, it also decreased cow diseases like cow mastitis. The Chinese medicine group I generated the highest economic benefit of practical production. [ Conclusion] Supplementing Chinese herb additive in- to basal diet is an effective way to relieve heat stress and increase milk yield.

Effect of Chinese Herbs Bu-shen on Expression of Pituitary PRL-R and PrRP-R in the Bromocriptine-induced Hypoprolactin Rat Abortion Model

Objective To study the effect of Chinese herbs preparation Bu-shen on pituitary prolactin-releasing peptide receptor (PrRP-R) and prolactin receptor (PRL-R) expression in the bromocriptine-induced rat abortion model Materials & Methods Female SD rats were divided into five groups randomly. Group A,B,C and D were injected with bromocriptine [0. 3 mg/(kg · d)] during the pregnant day 6～ 8, respectively. Group B was given powder of Bu-shen herbs [3 g/(kg · d)]. Group C was injected with prolactin (8 IU) twice a day and Group D with progesterone [(8 mg/kg · d) in the pregnant day 1～ 11. The rats in Group E were normal pregnant rats. All these rats were killed at the pregnant day 12 to observe the expression of PrRP-R, PRL-R from the pituitary using RT-PCR. Results The pregnant rate and total number of litters in Group A were significantly lower than those in Group B, C, D and E (P＜0. 01) and the expression of PrRP-R and PRL-R in the pituitary of Group A was higher than that of any other group. Conclusion Preparation Bu-shen plays a regulatory role in the secretion of prolactin possibly via modulating rats' hypothalamus and pituitary.

Case report: Treating postpartum SUI with acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

Background:Stress urinary incontinence(SUI),is the most common type of urinary incontinence affecting women.SUI has a significant impact on psychosocial functioning and quality of life.Biomedical treatments,such as surgery,often result in post-operative complications.In China,traditional Chinese medicine tends to be the treatment of choice for SUI.Case presentation:We present a 35-year-old patient who developed SUI following forceps delivery and was treated successfully with acupuncture and Chinese herbs.Traditional Chinese diagnosis,including channel and acupoint palpation revealed the patient had a syndrome pattern of liver/kidney deficiency,disordered bladder qi transformation,all of which lead to enuresis.Acupuncture,both body and scalp needling,were performed.Herbs were prescribed adjunctively.Conclusion:Traditional Chinese medicine modalities may be considered for treatment of SUI based on appropriate syndrome pattern assessment.

Effects on SOD, LPO and Micro-elements by Point-Injecting Chinese Herbs into

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Effects of Nourishing “Yin”-Removing “Fire” Chinese Herb Mixture on the Expression of GABAB Receptors in Hypothalamus of Precocious Puberty Female Rats

Objectives: To investigate the potential role of GABAB Receptors (GABABRs) involved in the effect of Nourishing “Yin”-Removing “Fire” Chinese herb mixture (TCM) treatment on precocious puberty. Methods: Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal (N), central precocious puberty (CPP) model (M), CPP fed with normal saline (S) and CPP fed with Nourishing “Yin”-Removing “Fire” Chinese herb mixture (TCM). Rats of postnatal day 5 were given a single subcutaneous injection of 240 μg danazol to establish CPP model rats. Rats of S and TCM groups were continuously administered with saline or nourishing “Yin”-removing “Fire” Chinese herb mixture since postnatal day 15. The expression of GABABRs was detected by means of real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Results: The expression of hypothalamic GnRH mRNA in M was significantly increased on the day of pre-puberty when compared with that of N (P < 0.01). On the day of onset-puberty, LH levels were higher in M than those in N (P < 0.01), while the serum E2 and LH levels of TCM decreased when compared with those of M (P B1 receptor (GABABR1) immunoreactive cells in the arcuate nucleus (ARN) was decreased in M when compared with that of N (P < 0.05) and increased in TCM compared with that of M (P < 0.05);simultaneously, the expression of GABABR1 mRNA in hypothalamus was significantly decreased in M when compared with that of N (P < 0.01) and increased in TCM compared with that of M (P < 0.01). On the day of onset-puberty, the number of GABABR1 immunoreactive cells in medial septum (MS) was decreased in M compared with that in N (P < 0.05) and increased in TCM comparing with that of M (P < 0.05);meanwhile, the mRNA expression of GABABR1 in hypothalamus was decreased in M compared with that in N (P B2 receptor (GABABR2) immunoreactive cells in the ARN, MS and diagnonal band of broca (DBB) were decreased in M when compared with those of N (P < 0.05) and increased in TCM compared with those of M (P < 0.05) on the day of onset-puberty. At the same time, the mRNA expression of GABABR2 was significantly decreased in M compared with that of N (P < 0.01). Conclusions: These results indicated that the GABABRs might involve in the curative effect of Nourishing “Yin”-Removing “Fire” Chinese herbal mixture on CPP rats.

Anti-aging properties of kidney-tonifying Chinese herbs and potential mechanisms

Aging is the primary risk factor for many neurode-generative diseases.Kidney-tonifying Chinese herbs,including Liu-Wei-Di-Huang,Cornus officinalis and Epimedium,have been reported to show beneficial effects on several aging-related diseases.Based on recent studies,the neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects might explain the possible mechanisms of kidney-tonifying Chinese herbs on aging and central nervous system disorders.

An optimal medicinal and edible Chinese herbal formula attenuates particulate matter-induced lung injury through its anti-oxidative,anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis activities

Objective:Identifying novel strategies to prevent particulate matter(PM)-induced lung injury is crucial for the reduction of the morbidity of chronic respiratory diseases.The combined intervention represented by herbal formulae for simultaneously targeting multiple pathological processes can provide a more beneficial effect than the single intervention.The aim of this paper is therefore to design a safe and effective medicinal and edible Chinese herbs(MECHs)formula against PM-induced lung injury.Methods:PM-induced oxidative stress,inflammatory response and apoptosis A549 cell model were used to screen anti-oxidant,anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic MECHs,respectively.A network pharmacology method was utilized to rationally design a novel herbal formula.Ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer was utilized to assess the quality control of MECHs formula.The excretion of magnetic iron oxide nanospheres of the MECHs formula was estimated in zebrafish.The MECH formula against PM-induced lung injury was investigated with mice experiments.Results:Five selected herbs were rationally designed to form a new MECH formula,including Citri Exocarpium Rubrum(Juhong),Lablab Semen Album(Baibiandou),Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(Baizhu),Mori Folium(Sangye)and Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma(Yuzhu).The formula effectively promoted the magnetic iron oxide nanospheres excretion in zebrafish.The mid/high dose formula significantly prevented PM-induced lung damage in mice by enhancing the activity of SOD and GSH-Px,reducing the MDA and ROS level and attenuating the upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine(IL-6,IL-8,IL-1βand TNFa),down regulating the protein expression of NF-κB,STAT3 and Caspase-3.Conclusion:Our findings suggest that the effective MECHs formula will become a novel strategy for preventing PM-induced lung injury and provide a paradigm for the development of functional foods using MECHs.

Prevention and treatment of viral respiratory infections by traditional Chinese herbs

Objective This review focuses on current knowledge of traditional Chinese herbs on prevention and treatment of viral respiratory infections,especially caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes （SARS） virus,respiratory syncytial virus （RSV） and influenza viruses.Data sources The data used in this review were obtained from PubMed and CNKI up to May 2013.Terms of Chinese herbs and infections of respiratory tract were used in the search.Study selection Articles related that Chinese herbs preventing and treating infections in respiratory tract were retrieved and reviewed.The risk of bias of included studies was assessed by the method in the ＂Cochrane Handbook of Systematic Reveiws of Interventionsand studies＂ with high risk of bias were excluded.Four criteria for selections were set as following：randomized controlled trial,particular effective compound or derivative,reproducible result and animal test.Results Infectious respiratory tract diseases cause most mortality among infectious illnesses around the world.As traditional medicines,Chinese herbs have been widely used to deal with diseases for centuries and have been proved effective in practice.The administration of some Chinese herbs stimulates,suppresses or regulates the activity of immune system,thus protecting the respiratory tract or relieving infections of pathogens.Many herbs have remarkable antiviral effects,therefore they are used as substitutes of antimicrobial drugs.Based on the theory of traditional Chinese medicine,mix-using herbs provide a synergistic benefit on preventing and healing respiratory tract infections.Many commercial herbal medicines containing one or more compounds have been successfully applied to prevent and treat viral infections of respiratory tract clinically.Conclusions Traditional Chinese herbs could directly inhibit pathogens infecting respiratory tract,or coordinate the activity of immune system to avoid or relieve infections.With the emergence of antidrug pathogens or new variants,Chinese herbs.give strong evidence to protect human health.

Antifibrotic Effect of the Chinese Herbs Modified Danggui Buxue Decoction(加味当归补血汤)on Adriamycin-Induced Nephropathy in Rats

Objective： To investigate the antifibrotic effect of the Chinese herbs Modified Danggui Buxue Decoction （加味当归补血汤, MDBD） on adraimycin-induced nephropathy in rats. Methods： Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups： the control, model, and two treatment groups, with 8 in each group. Nephropathy was induced in the latter 3 groups by intravenous injection of adriamycin. Rats in the two treatment groups received intragastric administration of benazepri （a positive control） or MDBD, which is composed of extracts of Radix Angelicae sinensis, Astragalus membranaceus （Fisch.） Bge and Rhizoma chuanxiong. Serum albumin, blood lipids, 24-h urine protein and urine N-acetyl-b-D-glucosaminidase （NAG） were measured every 2 weeks. The ratio of kidney to body weight was measured. The expressions of extracellular matrix proteins in the renal cortex, including colleagen Ⅳ （Col-Ⅳ） and fibronectin （FN）, were examined by immunohistochemistry, and the transcription of genes encoding transforming growth factor β 1 （TGF-β 1）, the tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 1 （TIMP-1） and matrix metalloproteinase 9 （MMP-9） were analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction （RT-PCR） at the end of the 8-week treatment. Results： Compared with the untreated rats in the model group, MDBD significantly increased serum albumin, lowered the blood lipids and decreased the ratio of kidney to body weight. MDBD significantly reduced the excretion levels of urinary protein and NAG as well as the accumulation of extrecellular matrix （ECM）, including Col-Ⅳ and FN, in the renal cortex. Further, MDBD decreased TIMP-1 and TGF- β 1 gene expressions and increased MMP-9 gene expression in the kidney. Conclusions： MDBD was effective in treating the rat model of nephropathy. The clinical benefit was associated with reduction of renal fibrosis. The antifibrotic effect of MDBD may be mediated through the regulation of TIMP-1, MMP and TGF- β 1 gene expressions.