From religious manual to herbal pharmacopoeia:a textual study of the formation and transformation of Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica

The earliest Ben Cao Jing(Classics of Materia Medica;25 C.E.–220 C.E.)appeared during the reign of the Han Dynasty(202 B.C.E.–220 C.E.);their origins are traceable to the religious group called Fang Xian Dao.In addition to their use as a medical reference,the Ben Cao Jing works were also used for religious purposes.Tao Hongjing(456 C.E.–536 C.E.),a famous doctor and Daoist(one member of the Chinese local religion,Daoism)of the Liang Dynasty(502 C.E.–557 C.E.),compiled the Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu(Variorum of Classics of Materia Medica;456 C.E.–536 C.E.)based on the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing(Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica;25 C.E.–220 C.E.).During the compilation of this book,Tao made a radical medical revision to the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing,by reducing its religious contents while complementing its medical contents.After such revisions,the ancient Ben Cao Jing was transformed from a religious manual into an herbal pharmacopoeia.

Protective effects of kidney-tonifying Chinese herbal preparation on substantia nigra neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease

The Chinese herbs Herba Epimedii, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Rhizoma Polygonati were injected into Parkinson＇s disease mice established via intraperitoneal injection of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine hydrochloride. The selective monoamine oxidase B inhibitor selegiline was used as a positive control drug. After successive administration for 4 weeks, Herba Epimedii could downregulate the expression of caspase-3 and increase the brain-derived neurotrophic factor level, as well as increase tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the substantia nigra of Parkinson＇s disease mouse models. Rhizoma Polygonaticould downregulate the expression of caspase-3 and FasL, and increase neural growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels. Fructus Ligustn Lucidi could downregulate caspase-3 expression. Rhizoma Polygonati and Fructus Ligustn Lucidi did not produce obvious effects on tyrosine hydroxylase activity. Herba Epimedii and Fructus Ligustri Lucidi yielded similar effects on apoptosis-promoting factors to those elicited by selegiline. Herba Epimedii and Rhizoma Polygonati significantly increased the levels of neurotrophic factors compared with selegiline. Herba Epimedii significantly increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity compared with selegiline. It is indicated that the kidney-tonifying Chinese herbal preparation can downregulate the expression of apoptosis-promoting factors, increase neurotrophic factors levels in the substantia nigra and striatum, as well as increase tyrosine hydroxylase activity in the substantia nigra of Parkinson＇s disease mouse models, thereby exerting a stronger or similar neuroprotective effects compared with selegiline.

Women’s Motivation and Associated Factors for Herbal Medicine Use during Pregnancy and Childbirth: A Systematic Review

Background: Herbal medicines use has prevailed over the past decades in both low-middle-income and high-income countries over the years. The use among women has increased with increased risks of ill-health. There is extensive literature on herbal medicine use among women in pre/pregnancy, labour, and the postpartum periods. Therefore, this study aimed to understand women’s purposes, experiences, and motivation for using herbal medicines during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, and the experiences associated with the use. Methods: Four critical databases were predetermined and searched: CINAHL, Medline, Web of Science, and EMBASE. These databases were chosen for their comprehensiveness and relevance to the review aims. We considered peer-reviewed published articles from January 2000 to December 2018. We chose these databases because we found that they are dominant in the medical and healthcare-related literature. All references were pooled to Endnote reference management software for screening. Quality appraisal of articles was conducted using the Mixed-Method Assessment Tool (MMAT). Content analysis approach was used to extra the data from the articles. Globally, twenty-one articles met the inclusion criteria, and thus, formed the dataset for this review. Results: Most articles (n = 10, 47.6%) reported solely HM uses on only pregnancy whiles the rest evaluated HM uses in labour, pre-pregnancy, and the postpartum periods. The results have shown that the majority of women received information about HM from friends, family, the “black markets,” and drug outlets. Overall, the results were presented in seven broad themes: 1) sociodemographic characteristics of HM users, 2) perceived threat of health problem, 3) sources and quality of the information received, 4) susceptibility to health complications, 5) potential limitations to the use of HM, 6) the motivation for HM utilization, 7) concerns on the combined use of herbal and allopathic medicines. Conclusion: The study recommends the further research into the toxicity of herbal products, to ensure that accurate information can be provided to women before use.

Effect of Chinese Herbal Medicine on Immunohistochemistry of Harder's Glands of Chickens

To investigate the mechanism of action of Chinese herbal medicine, the immunocells of Harder＇s glands were observed. The healthy Hy-Line Brown chickens of 12-day-old were divided into three groups randomly. The chickens in group 1 and 2 drank the water with 0.5% and 1% Chinese herbal medicine immunopromoter every day. The chickens in group 3 as control drank pure water. The Harder＇s glands of the chickens from 0.5% group, 1% group and control group at 24, 36 and 48 d after drinking medicine respectively were made into histological section. And then the histological sections were observed histologically. The results showed that Chinese herbal medicine could increase the quantity of the immunocells in glandular organs conspicuously. Immunopotentiator of Chinese herbal medicine could promote the amount and growth of secreted immunoglobuline and elevate the immune level of the orgamsm, and the effect of 1% group was higher than that of 0.5% group.

Efficacy of Chinese herbal compound GAPT for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease during mouse/rat studies:A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of the Chinese herbal compound GAPT for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease(AD)and to provide current evidence for potential treatment mechanisms.Methods:A comprehensive search of PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,SinoMed,China Network Knowledge Infrastructure,Wanfang Data,and Chinese Scientific Journals Database was performed to identify GAPT mouse/rat studies published from inception to July 2019.The outcomes extracted were Morris water maze results and molecular biological quantifications.Results:A total of 19 studies were included in this analysis.The analysis indicated that GAPT was able to significantly improve learning and memory abilities compared with model mice/rats,as assessed by Morris water maze,and showed similar efficacy as donepezil.Subgroup analyses showed that low,medium,and high doses resulted in no obvious dose-dependent effects.Additionally,the GAPT group had significantly reduced expression levels of amyloid-beta peptide,presenilin 1,phosphorylated tau,acetylcholinesterase,and glycogen synthase kinase-3b,but increased expression levels of Shank1,and protein phosphatase-2A,and improved synapses structures compared with the model group,and subgroup analyses showed the medium dose of GAPT was superior to the low and high doses.Conclusions:Based on the pooled analysis,GAPT improved the learning and memory abilities and regulated the expression levels of related proteins during the progression of AD in mouse/rat studies.Notably,the medium dose of GAPT exhibited better performance than the other two doses,providing experimental evidence for further applications of GAPT during clinical practice.

A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPEUTICAGENTS IN COMBINATION WITH CHINESE HERBAL COMPOUNDS AS IMMUNOMODULATORS IN MOUSE S_(180)

The effect of the Chinese herbal compound (CHC) on solid sarcoma 180 (S180) in Swiss mice was studied either alone or in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5FU), cyclophosphamide (CYT) or mitomycin C (MMC). The preliminary results indicated that combination treatment seemed to possess better antitumor activity than chemotherapy alone. The treatment with CHC alone however had neither an obvious antitumor effect in tumor bearing mice nor toxicity in normal mice. These results show that CHC may stimulate organs of the immune system such as the spleen to be im-munomodulators and enhance the antitumor activity of some chemotherapeutic agents.

柚皮苷及其与吴茱萸碱联合用药对APP^(swe)/PS^(ΔE9)转基因痴呆模型小鼠学习记忆能力的影响

目的探讨柚皮苷及柚皮苷与吴茱萸碱联合用药对APPswe/PSΔE9转基因痴呆模型小鼠学习记忆能力的影响,研究柚皮苷与吴茱萸碱联合使用是否具有协同或叠加作用。方法 APPswe/PSΔE9转基因痴呆模型小鼠随机分组,每组12只,雌雄各半,分别选择在3月龄和5月龄两个时间段开始进行治疗,各给药组按设定剂量分别单独或联合加入鼠粮中。3月龄给药16周、5月龄给药4周后进行水迷宫实验,以安理申作为阳性药对照,并与安慰剂组小鼠进行比较。Thioflavin-S荧光染色检测单独使用柚皮苷治疗转基因小鼠脑组织老年斑的形成。结果单独使用柚皮苷4周和16周,缩短寻找平台的潜伏期分别为22%、32%;单独使用吴茱萸碱4周和16周,缩短寻找平台的潜伏期分别为33%、10%。柚皮苷治疗16周减少海马老年斑26%。柚皮苷与吴茱萸碱联合应用能够显著缩短寻找平台的潜伏期47%。结论单独使用柚皮苷或吴茱萸碱均能改善痴呆模型小鼠的学习记忆能力,柚皮苷长期的使用优于短期的治疗效果,但是吴茱萸碱短期有效,长期作用反而下降;柚皮苷与吴茱萸碱联合应用能够显著改善APPswe/PSΔE9痴呆模型小鼠的学习记忆能力,但联合用药组并未表现出强于单独给药组的协同保护效应。

复方抗瘤合剂抑制小鼠S_(180)肉瘤生长及对p53表达的影响

目的 探讨复方抗瘤合剂对小鼠S1 80 肉瘤的作用及机制。方法 复方抗瘤合剂根据中医补气、活血、清热解毒的原理拟成 ,将带有S1 80 鼠分成 6组 ,给药 1 0天后 ,据瘤重计算抑瘤率 ,用免疫组化SP法计算p53阳性细胞数。结果 以对照组为基数 ,(2 )、(5)、(6)组有不同程度的抑瘤率 (P <0 0 5或P <0 0 1 )和不同程度的p53阳性细胞数低于 (1 )组 (P <0 0 1 )。结论 复方抗瘤合剂对小鼠S1 80 肉瘤的生长具有一定的抑制作用 。

《神农本草经》辛以止咳药在经方中的运用探析

《神农本草经》中辛味且明确具有止咳作用的药物有12味,在《伤寒杂病论》中用到8味。通过分析这12种药物的功效及配伍成的13首止咳逆经方的应用,并结合《黄帝内经》五味用药理论,总结出辛以止咳的机制及组方用药特点:1)辛以止咳药在“主咳逆”的基础上,尚以主温中、主风寒、主化湿及特殊功效,如款冬花“主喉痹”、桂枝“主补中益气”、芫花“主下水”达到止咳逆;2)辛以止咳配伍规律有辛散酸收,基础药对为干姜细辛-五味子,根据不同病因有所加减,如生姜-细辛-五味子、干姜-细辛-五味子-半夏和干姜-五味子;辛甘发散,药对为生姜-甘草或干姜-甘草;辛散苦降,药对为款冬花-紫菀、桂枝-麻黄、半夏-芍药或附子-芍药;3)辛以润之贯穿于辛以止咳的全过程,在此基础上当外邪袭表,辛以散之;阳虚津凝时,辛以温之;饮邪不化时,辛以和之。

平喘方对哮喘小鼠HMGB1/TLR4/NF⁃κB通路及IKKs、TGF-β1的影响

目的研究平喘方对哮喘小鼠高迁移率族蛋白B1(HMGB1)/Toll样受体4(TLR4)/核因子-κB(NF-κB)及气道重塑相关因子IκB激酶家族(IKK_(s))、转化生长因子-β1(TGF-β1)的影响。方法将32只雄性Balb/c小鼠随机分为空白组、模型组、地米组、平喘方组,每组8只。采用卵清白蛋白(OVA)联合氢氧化铝腹腔注射和5%OVA雾化吸入激发的方法建立哮喘模型,当日雾化结束1 h后灌胃给药14 d。各组于最后一次给药后收集小鼠血清、肺泡灌洗液(BALF)及肺组织。采用HE染色法观察小鼠肺组织病理改变,免疫组化染色法观察HMGB1、TLR4、NF-κB表达,ELISA法检测BALF及外周血中HMGB1、TLR4、TGF-β1、IKK_(s)含量,RT-PCR检测肺组织中HMGB1、TLR4、NF⁃κB及IKK_(s) mRNA表达,Western blot法检测肺组织中HMGB1、TLR4蛋白表达。结果与空白组比较,模型组气道重塑严重,HMGB1、TLR4及NF-κB表达明显增强,HMGB1、TLR4、TGF-β1及IKK_(s)含量升高(P<0.05),HMGB1、TLR4、NF⁃κB及IKK_(s) mRNA表达升高(P<0.05),HMGB1、TLR4蛋白表达升高(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,平喘方组气道重塑减轻,HMGB1、TLR4、TGF-β1及IKK_(s)含量均明显降低(P<0.05),HMGB1、TLR4、NF⁃κB及IKK_(s) mRNA表达降低(P<0.05),HMGB1、TLR4蛋白表达减少(P<0.05)。结论平喘方能降低HMGB1、TLR4、NF⁃κB及IKK_(s) mRNA表达,降低IKK_(s)和TGF-β1分泌,减少HMGB1、TLR4蛋白表达,减轻哮喘模型小鼠肺组织炎症,改善肺组织病理改变。

半夏法象药理考辨

半夏是临床上一味常用中药。从法象药理角度出发,结合半夏的形、色、气、味、质、所生之地、所成之时等特性,分析半夏的功效,为加深人们对半夏的理解,丰富半夏的临床应用提供新思路。

加味四君子汤对烫伤大鼠肠黏膜ATP酶活性及S-IgA含量的影响

目的:探讨早期管饲加味四君汤中药煎剂对烫伤大鼠肠黏膜ATPase活性及S-IgA含量的影响。方法:Wistar大鼠50只,随机分为烫伤治疗组(简称治疗组)管饲中药煎剂2ml,2次/d;烫伤对照组(简称对照组)和正常组管饲同量蒸馏水。于伤后不同时相点,分别处死大鼠,检测肠黏膜Na^+-K^+-ATP酶、Mg^(2+)-ATP酶、Ca^(2+)-ATP酶活性和肠黏液中S-IgA含量。结果:烫伤对照组肠黏膜Na^+-K^+-ATP酶、Mg^(2+)-ATP酶、Ca^(2+)-ATP酶活性和肠黏液中S-IgA含量均明显降低,而烫伤治疗组肠黏膜Na^+-K^+-ATP酶、Mg^(2+)-ATP酶、Ca^(2+)-ATP酶活性和肠黏液中S-IgA含量均明显高于烫伤对照组,且与正常对照组无明显差别。结论:提示早期口服中药四君子汤加味能有效维持肠黏膜Na^+-K^+-ATP酶、Mg^(2+)-ATP酶、Ca^(2+)-ATP酶活性和肠黏液细胞分泌S-IgA的功能,对防治烧伤后细菌或毒素移位有重要意义。

Zhichan powder regulates nigrostriatal dopamine synthesis and metabolism in Parkinson's disease rats

In this study, rat models of Parkinson＇s disease induced by substantia nigra injection of 6-hydroxy-dopamine were intragastrically administered Zhichan powder daily for 50 days. Reverse transcription PCR results showed that tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA expression in the rat substantia nigra was significantly increased, while monoamine oxidase B mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the Zhichan powder group, compared with the model group. In addition, the levels of striatal dopamine and homovanillic acid, the ratio of dopamine to homovanillic acid, and the activity of blood superoxide dismutase were all higher in the Zhichan powder group than in the model group but the content of malondialdehyde in blood was lower. Our experimental findings indicate that Zhichan powder has an antioxidant effect, it can regulate the expression of monoamine oxidase B and tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra of Parkinson＇s disease rats, and it can facilitate the secretion of striatal dopamine and its metabolite homovanillic acid.

A Case of Alzheimer’s Disease Was Kept Relative Stable with Sequential Therapy for Eight Years

Background: Although Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has been intensively investigated for many years, the effective treatments are largely missing. Commonly used conventional therapy, such as cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEI) and N-methyl D-asparate receptor antagonist, have been generally considered as having symptom-relieving rather than disease-modifying effects. Thus, how to improve cognitive function beyond such effect & time limitations has become a serious challenge. Aim: In order to solve this challenge, a sequential therapy with the integration of conventional therapy and herbal therapy was applied to AD patients. Careful clinical observation was conducted in our outpatient setting. Case Presentation: A case of probable AD received the sequential therapy has achieved relative stable cognition and overall status in eight years. Conclusion: During the treatment of this AD case in eight years, sequential therapy showed great potential in stabilizing and improving cognition and overall status. Well designed preclinical and clinical studies are needed to investigate the efficacy of sequential therapy for AD and other type of dementia.

Protective effects of components of the Chinese herb grassleaf sweetflag rhizome on PC12 cells incubated with amyloid-beta42

The major ingredients of grassleaf sweetflag rhizome are β-asarone and eugenol, which can cross the blood-brain barrier and protect neurons. This study aimed to observe the neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of β-asarone and eugenol, components of the Chinese herb grassleaf sweetflag rhizome, on PC12 cells. First, PC12 cells were cultured with different concentrations（between 1 × 10–10 M and 1 × 10–5 M） of β-asarone and eugenol. Survival rates of PC12 cells were not significantly affected. Second, PC12 cells incubated with amyloid-beta42, which reduced cell survival, were cultured under the same conditions（1 × 10–6 M β-asarone and eugenol）. The survival rates of PC12 cells significantly increased, while expression levels of the m RNAs for the pro-apoptotic protein Bax decreased, and those for the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl m RNA increased. In addition, the combination of β-asarone with eugenol achieved better results than either component alone. Our experimental findings indicate that both β-asarone and eugenol protect PC12 cells through inhibiting apoptosis, and that the combination of the two is better than either alone.

Tyrosine hydroxylase expression in the midbrain of Parkinson's disease model rats treated with Xifeng Dingchan decoction

This study showed that abnormal behavioral changes were greatly improved in rats displaying Parkinson＇s disease-like symptoms after intragastric administration of Xifeng Dingchan decoction at 15, 7.5, 3.75 g/kg per day. In addition, tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA expression in the substantia nigra of the midbrain was up-regulated, and tyrosine hydroxylase content in the midbrain ventral tegmentum and substantia nigra pars compacta was also increased. The effect of administration of Xifeng Dingchan decoction at 7.5 g/kg per day was similar to that of Madopar at 67.5 mg/kg per day. These results indicate that the therapeutic effect of Xifeng Dingchan decoction on Parkinson＇s disease is associated with the up-regulated protein and mRNA expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the midbrain.

Survey of the History and Applications of Saffron

Fan Hong Hua(番红花saffron)is a natural product that has long been used in food and dye industries and fortreating various disorders.Saffron has a long history of applications in traditional Chinese medicine,following its introduction to China in 1979.According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine,saffron is sweet,slightly cold in nature and enters heart and liver meridians.Moreover,this spice can invigorate blood circulation,eliminate blood stasis,cool blood and eliminate heat toxins.Saffron has been used to treat asthma,phlegm,insomnia,Alzheimer’s disease,depression,fright,shock,hemoptysis,heartburn,and pain.Among the almost 70 bioactive ingredients of saffron,major constituents of this herb include safranal,crocin,and crocetin,which are responsible for the unique taste and color of saffron.These ingredients have been investigated using modern pharmaceutical research methods as potential therapeutics to treat disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease,cardiovascular diseases,cancer,digestive system disorders,ocular issues,and COVID-19 infections.However,focus and emphasis on understanding the pharmacological effects of saffron in treating diseases are required.This article briefly reviews the history,cultivation processes,different qualities properties,and traditional and modern applications of this unique herb.

近十年海外传统草药研究的现状和规律分析

目的 回顾近十年海外传统草药研究的文献,探讨该领域的研究现状并总结规律。方法 以Springer Link数据库为检索来源,采用文献计量学方法对所纳入文献的发表数量趋势、地区分布规律、文献发表刊物规律、热点领域进行分析与统计。结果 海外传统草药研究文献发表数量呈现波动状态,2018年达到高峰;在地区分布上,日本、韩国在文献发表总数、发表文献最多的机构中都占据数量优势,印度、巴西、美国、德国、澳大利亚紧随其后;文献的发表刊物以补充替代医学相关刊物为主,较少发表在西方医学综合性或专业性刊物上;有效成分与提取物的识别与分析、妇产科疾病、癌症、糖尿病、胃肠道疾病是近十年来该领域最热门的5大研究方向。结论 海外传统草药研究的现状与规律有望为国内学者了解研究趋势和方向、把握前沿和热点提供借鉴。

《神农本草经》中乳腺疾病治疗用药探析

《神农本草经》明确记载了可用于治疗乳腺疾病的药物,通过对其整理,归纳出乳腺疾病5类、涉及15味中药,并结合后世古籍及现代研究探析这些中药在乳腺疾病中的独特疗效,为乳腺疾病临床用药提供参考。

世界卫生组织6大区域对草药生产和安全评估的监管概况

目前草药的全球化发展势头强劲,受到越来越多的关注。本研究主要针对草药的生产、安全性评价和销售类型对世界卫生组织(WHO)6大区域主要国家的相关情况进行概述。截至2018年,非洲区域、美洲区域、东地中海区域、欧洲区域、东南亚区域和西太平洋区域约120多个成员国对草药的生产实施监管,其中80多个国家已拥有草药的生产质量管理规范(GMP)体系,且多数国家的草药GMP与常规药品的GMP一致,部分国家采用WHO的GMP指导原则,欧洲区域的多数国家采用欧盟的GMP指导原则。对于草药的安全性评价,通过上述WHO 6大区域主要国家的总结,130多个国家已拥有草药的安全性评价体系,其中多数国家的草药安全性评价体系与常规药品相同,少数国家拥有本国的特定安全性评价体系。世界各国需要根据本国草药的实际应用情况建立完善的草药生产与安全性评价体系。对于草药的销售类型,其多作为处方药、非处方药、自制药进行出售。