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 pa...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.展开更多
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, ...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.展开更多
Gastric cancer(GC),the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally,is complex and heterogeneous.This review explores multidisciplinary investigations of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)combined with Western ...Gastric cancer(GC),the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally,is complex and heterogeneous.This review explores multidisciplinary investigations of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)combined with Western medical practices,emphasizing the development of nutraceuticals for cancer prevention.Using advanced analytical chemistry and food chemistry techniques,this study investigated how TCM components may be optimized for nutraceutical development.Focusing on molecular interactions with GC pathways,particularly the NF-κB,PI3K/Akt,and Wnt/β-catenin pathways,we examined the effects of TCM polyherbal formulas,extracts,and isolated compounds.These agents modulate apoptosis and cellular proliferation,underscoring their potential in preventive strategies.The convergence of nutraceutical and medicine food homology studies highlights a significant shift towards integrating TCM-derived compounds in a preventive health framework.This approach aims not only to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects but also to champion a preventive paradigm using personalized medicine to advance proactive health maintenance and disease prevention.The combination of TCM and western medical practices offers promising avenues for future research and practical applications in GC prevention.展开更多
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 predic...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.展开更多
Background: A dandelion is a common plant with a global growth distribution that has been used as a medicinal and food with no adverse effects. Purpose: In this article, the products and effects of dandelions are revi...Background: A dandelion is a common plant with a global growth distribution that has been used as a medicinal and food with no adverse effects. Purpose: In this article, the products and effects of dandelions are reviewed to help further in-depth studies and develop more products derived from dandelions in the future. Method: The literature about dandelion in various databases such as Pubmed is searched. Results: Dandelions have many effects, such as virus inhibition, anti-tumor activity, nutritional value, anti-aging, potential as a vaccine and alleviation of heat stress. The mechanism underlying these effects is analyzed and it was found that dandelions were regulated by RNA or DNA. Conclusion: As a medicinal and food, dandelions are safe and have many effects. Many products derived from dandelions have been developed. The metabolic regulation is related with ribonucleic acid or possibly deoxynucleic acid. Further in-depth studies should be conducted on the regulation of dandelions through RNA or DNA. There will likely be more products derived from dandelions in the future.展开更多
Although Platycodon grandiflorum(Jacq.)A.DC.is a renowned medicine food homology plant,reports of excessive cadmium(Cd)levels are common,which affects its safety for clinical use and food consumption.To enable its Cd ...Although Platycodon grandiflorum(Jacq.)A.DC.is a renowned medicine food homology plant,reports of excessive cadmium(Cd)levels are common,which affects its safety for clinical use and food consumption.To enable its Cd levels to be regulated or reduced,it is necessary to first elucidate the mechanism of Cd uptake and accumulation in the plant,in addition to its detoxification mechanisms.This present study used inductively couple plasma-mass-spectrometry to analyze the subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cd in different tissues of P.grandiflorum.The experimental results showed that Cd was mainly accumulated in the roots[predominantly in the cell wall(50.96%-61.42%)],and it was found primarily in hypomobile and hypotoxic forms.The proportion of Cd in the soluble fraction increased after Cd exposure,and the proportion of insoluble phosphate Cd and oxalate Cd increased in roots and leaves,with a higher increase in oxalate Cd.Therefore,it is likely that root retention mechanisms,cell wall deposition,vacuole sequestration,and the formation of low mobility and low toxicity forms are tolerance strategies for Cd detoxification used by P.grandiflorum.The results of this study provide a theoretical grounding for the study of Cd accumulation and detoxification mechanisms in P.grandiflorum,and they can be used as a reference for developing Cd limits and standards for other medicine food homology plants.展开更多
Various experimental conditions were described for the vanadium determinationby graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). The experiments showed that whenatomization took place under the conditions wher...Various experimental conditions were described for the vanadium determinationby graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). The experiments showed that whenatomization took place under the conditions where the combination of a pyrolytic coating graphitetube and fast raising temperature were used and the temperature was stable, the signal peak shapescould be improved, the sensitivity was enhanced, and the memory effect was removed. The vanadium infood and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs can be accurately determined using the standard curvemethod.展开更多
Food poisoning is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water that contains microbial agents that cause illness or release their toxins onto the food. Examples of these microbial agents are Staphylococcus au...Food poisoning is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water that contains microbial agents that cause illness or release their toxins onto the food. Examples of these microbial agents are Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogens, Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella typhiridium, and Salmonella enteritidis. Epidemiological monitoring of food poisoning is highly desirable for continuous determination of the existing causative species and disease trends. The study was conducted at Thika level 5 hospital. The objective of the study was to establish the prevalence of food poisoning at Thika level 5 hospital. A cross-sectional study design and purposive sampling technique was adopted in this study. Interview scheduled questionnaires and collection of stool samples from in-patients presenting with suspected food poisoning at Thika level 5, hospital was used for data collection. Stool culture tests were used to identify the bacterial causative agents of food poisoning. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used in the analysis of the data. Ethical approval was sought from Kenyatta University Ethical Review Committee, the Ministry of Education Science and Technology and Kiambu County Government. Informed consent was sought from the respondents after they had been informed about the study. The study findings showed that of the sample taken 28 (26.4%) were positive of Cholera while 78 (73.6%) were positive of Salmonella. The study recommends early set-up of emergency wards to contain outbreaks of infectious diseases together with well-equipped diagnostic labs for prompt response.展开更多
Objectives and Study: Cade oil is aromatic oil obtained from the branches and wood of Juniperus oxycedrus, common in the Mediterranean region and widely used in traditional medicine. This oil contains many chemical co...Objectives and Study: Cade oil is aromatic oil obtained from the branches and wood of Juniperus oxycedrus, common in the Mediterranean region and widely used in traditional medicine. This oil contains many chemical compounds with neurological, cardiac, renal, respiratory, hepatic, and gastrointestinal toxicity. Cade oil poisoning often requires intensive care admission due to the severity of the clinical picture. The objective of this study is to highlight the multiple manifestations found in the pediatric population due to cade oil exposure objectifying its significant toxicity. Methods: The authors report during this article a series of five cases of cade oil poisoning on pediatric patients hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit of El HARROUCHI hospital at the CHU Ibn Rochd in Casablanca during the period from 11/01/2022 to 12/07/2022. The patients have been exposed, a few hours before their admission, to an external cade oil application used by parents for therapeutic purposes. Main Findings: Our patients were aged from 1 month to 4 years, the average age was 1.5 years with a female predominance and a sex ratio of 1.5:1. The patients had no prior medical history, and the cade oil application was spontaneously declared by the parents of only 2 patients, 3 of them reported the use of it after the detection of the substance by the clinician. For all the cases, cade oil was applied to treat fever. All five (5) patients presented initial neurological signs. 3 of them were admitted to an acute consciousness disorder and the 2 other patients presented respectively a convulsive status epilepticus and generalized-onset seizure. We report respiratory symptoms in 4 cases ranging from a simple caught, rhinorrhea to severe respiratory distress. Three patients presented acute liver failure with very high transaminase levels associated with acute kidney failure. Two of them presented digestive symptoms such as abundant hematemesis, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. All patients received high doses of N acetylcysteine in their initial treatments. The evolution was unfavorable for 4 patients who developed a multiorgan failure, 3 of them died, with a good clinical improvement in the fifth patient after supportive and symptomatic treatment. Conclusion: Cade oil poisoning remains a very frequent situation in our context. Its toxicity is widely described in the literature. The increasing number of cases admitted, and the seriousness of the clinical picture require mass awareness among the population and the scientific community toward the use of medicinal plants.展开更多
Background: The WHO considers food poisoning the main cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, and the responsible for high levels of loss of productivity in developed countries. Objective: The study ...Background: The WHO considers food poisoning the main cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, and the responsible for high levels of loss of productivity in developed countries. Objective: The study aims to assess the mothers’ knowledge about preventive measures of food poisoning in Sharaab, Taiz, Yemen. Method: This is a descriptive study. It was conducted in Sharaab, Yemen during period extended from April to November 2014. It involved 180 mothers selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected by using designed structured and pre-tested questionnaire and then were analyzed by (SPSS) Version 20. Result: The findings showed that 60% of mothers have heard about food poisoning. The mothers’ knowledge about transmission of diseases by food was acceptable;68.9% knew. When they were asked to detail the diseases, cholera was the most reported by about 84.4%, diarrhea 50%, and food poisoning 22.2% only. Regarding the mothers’ knowledge about causes of food poisoning, about 65.5% of them mentioned contaminated food, and 49.4% mentioned contaminated hands while 37.2% of them mentioned contaminated utensils. The total knowledge was calculated;it was about 40.72%. Conclusion: It was found that, mothers’ knowledge about preventive measures of food poisoning is not satisfactory concerning most items including: food related diseases, causes of food poisoning and preventive measures for food poisoning such as hand washing, washing vegetables and cooking appropriately. The mothers in Yemen, Taiz, Sharaab have low level of knowledge about food poisoning prevention. There is a need for strengthening the situation through educational sessions.展开更多
Objective(s): The objectives of this study are to assess first aid home for the treatment of food poisoning among children by mother and to find out the relationship between first aid home for the treatment of food po...Objective(s): The objectives of this study are to assess first aid home for the treatment of food poisoning among children by mother and to find out the relationship between first aid home for the treatment of food poisoning and the demographic characteristics including age of mother, level education of mother, mother’s occupation, and family’s income. Methodology: A descriptive analytical study was conducted on mother who applied home first aid for the treatment of food poisoning in her children. The study was conducted at the emergency unit in Children Welfare Teaching Hospital and Child’s Central Teaching Hospital. Starting from 2nd Dec. 2012 up to the 15th Apr. 2013. To achieve the objectives of the study, a non-probability (purposive) sample of (60) mother reviewed the emergency unit for the treatment of food poisoning in her child suffering from food poisoning and according to special criteria. Data were collected by interview with mother of the child suffering from food poisoning. Instrument validity was determined through content validity, by a panel of experts. Reliability of the instrument was determined through the use of Pearson correlation coefficient for the test-retest approach, which was 0.85. Analysis of data was performed through the application of descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, and mean of score) and inferential statistics (correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of variance). Results: The results of the study indicated the level mean of scores related to first aid procedures relating to situations that food poisoning when the poisoning occurs and applied by mother was moderate level on half items and high level on half other from items. Conclusion: The study concluded most of mothers don’t have prior knowledge of the procedures used for ambulance cases of food poisoning in children. Recommendations: The study recommend the need to set up educational sessions for families especially the mother about how to first aid food poisoning in children and guide booklets or information sheet should be printed and distributed to mothers and families about food poisoning and first aid it, and these booklets or information sheet should be written in a simple style and handed out freely.展开更多
Silver nanoparticles are considerecl as good antimicrobial agent. AgNPs were synthesized by mixing silver nitrate solution with citrus sinesb extract for 2 h at 37 and analyzed by UV-visible spectra, SEM, XRD, and FT...Silver nanoparticles are considerecl as good antimicrobial agent. AgNPs were synthesized by mixing silver nitrate solution with citrus sinesb extract for 2 h at 37 and analyzed by UV-visible spectra, SEM, XRD, and FTIR. AgNPs were tested against B. subtilis, Shigello, S. oureus, ond E. coli. Minimum inhibitory concentration of AgNPs was 20 I^g/mL for B. subtilis and Shigello and 30 I^g/mL for S. oureus and E. coll. Antibiofilm activity (80% to 90%) was observed at 25 IJg/mL. AgNPs were stable for five months with sustained an'timicrobial activity. Biosynthesized AgNPs can bE: used to inhibit food poisoning microbial growth.展开更多
Intractable functional constipation is a type of constipation which is difficult to cure,which is usually characterized by persistent constipation,dependence on laxative and/or ineffective treatment of laxative.In rec...Intractable functional constipation is a type of constipation which is difficult to cure,which is usually characterized by persistent constipation,dependence on laxative and/or ineffective treatment of laxative.In recent years,with the change of diet structure,accelerated pace of life and the influence of socio-psychological factors,the incidence rate has increased year by year,seriously affecting the quality of life of patients.Professor Yao Shukun has remarkable clinical effect and experience in the treatment of intractable functional constipation.Professor Yao believes that,combined with the changes of people's diet structure,life style and physique,the main TCM syndrome type of clinical stubborn functional constipation is dampness-heat and blood stasis,and the main treatment should be clearing heat and resolving dampness,regulating qi and removing blood stasis;and we should pay attention to the application of the idea of"Simultaneous Treatment of Medicine and Food"in the process of diagnosis and treatment,and educate patients to change their diet structure in order to fundamentally dispel the etiology.展开更多
In the world there are many collections of the pharmaceutical trend.In America,the exhibits of this profile are in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington,in Europe these are collections of pharmacy mu...In the world there are many collections of the pharmaceutical trend.In America,the exhibits of this profile are in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington,in Europe these are collections of pharmacy museums in Heidelberg(Germany),Krakow and Warsaw(Poland),Basel(Switzerland),Riga(Latvia),and others.Some of them have many thousands of exhibits.There are also separate collections of pharmaceutical items for educational institutions,for example,a collection of old medicinal raw materials in Vigan’s Cabinet,Queen College,Cambridge(Great Britain).All these meetings,however,have long been known and described in detail.Most of them do not have a strict orientation and are presented,along with old medicinal raw materials,as well as tools and appliances,dishes,books,herbaria and various auxiliary items.All the more interesting is the collection indicated in the title of the article,which arose literally from non-existence.She was transferred to the educational institution at its creation,and this year she,like him,turns a hundred years old.It has a strict focus and is represented almost exclusively by medicinal raw materials.Studying the samples of this old collection,as a whole of medical profile,makes it possible to understand that many plants,which initially had only food use,gradually became pharmaceutical objects.Probably,it was the long practice of food use,with the fixing of associated pharmacological effects in the memory,that became the reason for choosing certain types of raw materials as medicinal.Ordinary foods,protein and starchy,began to be perceived as strengthening,mucous—as enveloping and anti-ulcer,some fruits and herbs—as antiscorbutic,sharp—as appetizing and improving the work of the stomach,and so on.展开更多
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 Ra...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.展开更多
Objective:The concept of substances of medicine food homology(SMFH)has garnered significant attention in recent years.This study conducts a systematic analysis of patent literature related to SMFH,and elucidates the d...Objective:The concept of substances of medicine food homology(SMFH)has garnered significant attention in recent years.This study conducts a systematic analysis of patent literature related to SMFH,and elucidates the development trends,technical hotspots,and the overall patent protection landscape of SMFH in China over the past two decades.Methods:The patent search focused on the SMFH varieties as the objects of inquiry,with retrieval conducted in patent databases.Subsequently,the acquired data underwent processing,analysis,and visualization.Results:While the technical threshold for pharmaceutical applications surpasses that of the food service sector,the former may assume a prominent role in the future.Research and development(R&D)activities in the southeast of China demonstrate robust activity than other regions.Colleges and scientific research institutions exhibit substantial advantages in patent applications compared with individuals and hold greater potential for future development.Conclusion:The findings of this patent analysis indicate that China’s SMFH industry are presently undergoing a transition from an extensive model to a high-quality model.The quality and technical standards of SMFH products are consistently improving.Consequently,there is a need for more stringent patent application requirements to align with the evolving development needs.展开更多
Ohjective To review the clinical features and laboratory investigations of ciguatera patients in Hong Kong between 2004 and 2007 in order to show the timely sampling of implicated fish from ciguatera victims and appli...Ohjective To review the clinical features and laboratory investigations of ciguatera patients in Hong Kong between 2004 and 2007 in order to show the timely sampling of implicated fish from ciguatera victims and application of validated mouse bioassay for confirming suspected clinical cases of ciguatera. Methods Diagnosis of the ciguatera victims was based on history of coral fish consumption and clinical presentations stated in official guidelines for clinical diagnosis of ciguatera fish poisoning in Hong Kong. Food remnants of coral fish samples were collected swiftly from ciguatera victims between 2004 and 2007 for ciguatoxins (CTXs) analysis. Results Major clinical symptoms in ciguatera patients included gastrointestinal and neurological effects including limb numbness and diarrhoea, which developed at 0.5 to 15 hours after consumption of fish. In most cases, neurological symptoms were more common than gastrointestinal symptoms. A broad range of attack rate (10%-100%) was observed in each ciguatera outbreak. Validated mouse bioassay on ether extracts of the food remnant samples confirmed that all were CTXs-positive (〈0.5 - 4.3 MU/20 mg ether extract) and directly linked to the corresponding ciguatera cases. Conclusion Consistency between clinical and laboratory analysis for ciguatera poisoning illustrates the application of laboratory mouse bioassay in a timely fashion for confirming ciguatera poisoning cases and implementing effective public health measures. With further improvement in laboratory techniques, features of ciguatera fish poisoning cases can be better defined, Further studies are needed to determine the risk of each class of CTXs (Pacific-, Indian- and Caribbean-CTXs) in Hong Kong.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the molecular effects ofNerium oleanderleaf distillate on paclitaxel and vincristine resistant(MCF-7/Pac and MCF-7/Vinc)cells and sensitive(MCF-7/S)cell lines.Methods:Nerium oleander(N.oleande...Objective:To investigate the molecular effects ofNerium oleanderleaf distillate on paclitaxel and vincristine resistant(MCF-7/Pac and MCF-7/Vinc)cells and sensitive(MCF-7/S)cell lines.Methods:Nerium oleander(N.oleander)leaf extract was obtained by hydrodistillation method.The toxicological effects ofN.oleanderdistillate,previously suggested as medicinal food supplement,on drug resistant cells were evaluated by XTT tests.MDR modulation potential of the plant material was evaluated by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy.Paclitaxel and vincristine were applied to the sublines in combination with N.oleanderdistillate.Results:Fractional inhibitory indices show thatN.oleanderdistillate did not increase the antiproliferative effects of anticancer drugs.N.oleandertreatment in to MCF-7/Pac and MCF-7/Vinc did not inhibit P-gp activity and MDR1 gene expression level.Conclusions:As a result it may be suggested that althoughN.oleanderdistillate has some medicinal effects as food supplement it may not be suitable as an MDR modulator for drug resistant breast cancer cells.展开更多
This article investigates the word Du(毒)in premodern Chinese medicine and culture.It highlights the paradoxical meaning of the word that served as a foundation for the therapeutic use of poisons in traditional Chines...This article investigates the word Du(毒)in premodern Chinese medicine and culture.It highlights the paradoxical meaning of the word that served as a foundation for the therapeutic use of poisons in traditional Chinese medicine.The article then situates the study in a comparative framework.By comparing the Chinese notion of Du with the Greek concept of pharmakon,it demonstrates significant similarities on the medical use of poisons in the two cultures.It further identifies a striking difference:While the European pharmacy started to separate poisons from medicines in the medieval era,poisons remained an integral part of healing repertoire throughout imperial China.The article ends with offering some cultural explanations for this divergence,and more broadly,a distinct worldview as revealed by the intimate relationship between poisons and medicines in traditional Chinese pharmacy.展开更多
Delaying the onset of aging is considered an important tool for dealing with the global crisis of the aging population.Accordingly,several antiaging studies have been conducted using strategies of modern medicine and ...Delaying the onset of aging is considered an important tool for dealing with the global crisis of the aging population.Accordingly,several antiaging studies have been conducted using strategies of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).In this review,we summarize the current state of antiaging research related to both modern medicine and TCM and provide suggestions for further research.Various theories related to the aging process have been proposed,including the free radical theory,mitochondrial DNA damage theory,telomere theory,cross-linking theory,and intestinal flora theory,and a number of antiaging chemical treatments have been developed using modern medicine.These theories and achievements have resulted in major advancements in antiaging research.TCM is based on practical experience and has a long history with unique advantages in antiaging research.Some antiaging practices such as moderate diet consumption,acupuncture,Tai Chi(a traditional Chinese martial art that can relax the nerves to slow down the aging process),and Wuqin Xi(a traditional Chinese exercise to strengthen the body)have been adopted to maintain health.Several TCMs and prescriptions,particularly those related to medicine food homology,have been used in antiaging treatment,and their antiaging properties have been demonstrated to be effective based on pharmacological experiments and clinical applications.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Sustainable Development Agenda Innovation Demon-stration Zone in Chengde(202202F009).
文摘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.
文摘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.
文摘Gastric cancer(GC),the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally,is complex and heterogeneous.This review explores multidisciplinary investigations of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)combined with Western medical practices,emphasizing the development of nutraceuticals for cancer prevention.Using advanced analytical chemistry and food chemistry techniques,this study investigated how TCM components may be optimized for nutraceutical development.Focusing on molecular interactions with GC pathways,particularly the NF-κB,PI3K/Akt,and Wnt/β-catenin pathways,we examined the effects of TCM polyherbal formulas,extracts,and isolated compounds.These agents modulate apoptosis and cellular proliferation,underscoring their potential in preventive strategies.The convergence of nutraceutical and medicine food homology studies highlights a significant shift towards integrating TCM-derived compounds in a preventive health framework.This approach aims not only to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects but also to champion a preventive paradigm using personalized medicine to advance proactive health maintenance and disease prevention.The combination of TCM and western medical practices offers promising avenues for future research and practical applications in GC prevention.
文摘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.
文摘Background: A dandelion is a common plant with a global growth distribution that has been used as a medicinal and food with no adverse effects. Purpose: In this article, the products and effects of dandelions are reviewed to help further in-depth studies and develop more products derived from dandelions in the future. Method: The literature about dandelion in various databases such as Pubmed is searched. Results: Dandelions have many effects, such as virus inhibition, anti-tumor activity, nutritional value, anti-aging, potential as a vaccine and alleviation of heat stress. The mechanism underlying these effects is analyzed and it was found that dandelions were regulated by RNA or DNA. Conclusion: As a medicinal and food, dandelions are safe and have many effects. Many products derived from dandelions have been developed. The metabolic regulation is related with ribonucleic acid or possibly deoxynucleic acid. Further in-depth studies should be conducted on the regulation of dandelions through RNA or DNA. There will likely be more products derived from dandelions in the future.
基金This work was supported by the Major Science and Technology Projects in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region(No.2019ZD005)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.81903751)+1 种基金by the Natural Science Basic Research Project of Shaanxi Science and Technology Department(No.2019JQ-877)by the Scientific Research Project of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine(No.2019-ZZ-ZY018).
文摘Although Platycodon grandiflorum(Jacq.)A.DC.is a renowned medicine food homology plant,reports of excessive cadmium(Cd)levels are common,which affects its safety for clinical use and food consumption.To enable its Cd levels to be regulated or reduced,it is necessary to first elucidate the mechanism of Cd uptake and accumulation in the plant,in addition to its detoxification mechanisms.This present study used inductively couple plasma-mass-spectrometry to analyze the subcellular distribution and chemical forms of Cd in different tissues of P.grandiflorum.The experimental results showed that Cd was mainly accumulated in the roots[predominantly in the cell wall(50.96%-61.42%)],and it was found primarily in hypomobile and hypotoxic forms.The proportion of Cd in the soluble fraction increased after Cd exposure,and the proportion of insoluble phosphate Cd and oxalate Cd increased in roots and leaves,with a higher increase in oxalate Cd.Therefore,it is likely that root retention mechanisms,cell wall deposition,vacuole sequestration,and the formation of low mobility and low toxicity forms are tolerance strategies for Cd detoxification used by P.grandiflorum.The results of this study provide a theoretical grounding for the study of Cd accumulation and detoxification mechanisms in P.grandiflorum,and they can be used as a reference for developing Cd limits and standards for other medicine food homology plants.
文摘Various experimental conditions were described for the vanadium determinationby graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS). The experiments showed that whenatomization took place under the conditions where the combination of a pyrolytic coating graphitetube and fast raising temperature were used and the temperature was stable, the signal peak shapescould be improved, the sensitivity was enhanced, and the memory effect was removed. The vanadium infood and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs can be accurately determined using the standard curvemethod.
文摘Food poisoning is caused by the ingestion of contaminated food or water that contains microbial agents that cause illness or release their toxins onto the food. Examples of these microbial agents are Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogens, Clostridium botulinum, Salmonella typhiridium, and Salmonella enteritidis. Epidemiological monitoring of food poisoning is highly desirable for continuous determination of the existing causative species and disease trends. The study was conducted at Thika level 5 hospital. The objective of the study was to establish the prevalence of food poisoning at Thika level 5 hospital. A cross-sectional study design and purposive sampling technique was adopted in this study. Interview scheduled questionnaires and collection of stool samples from in-patients presenting with suspected food poisoning at Thika level 5, hospital was used for data collection. Stool culture tests were used to identify the bacterial causative agents of food poisoning. Statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used in the analysis of the data. Ethical approval was sought from Kenyatta University Ethical Review Committee, the Ministry of Education Science and Technology and Kiambu County Government. Informed consent was sought from the respondents after they had been informed about the study. The study findings showed that of the sample taken 28 (26.4%) were positive of Cholera while 78 (73.6%) were positive of Salmonella. The study recommends early set-up of emergency wards to contain outbreaks of infectious diseases together with well-equipped diagnostic labs for prompt response.
文摘Objectives and Study: Cade oil is aromatic oil obtained from the branches and wood of Juniperus oxycedrus, common in the Mediterranean region and widely used in traditional medicine. This oil contains many chemical compounds with neurological, cardiac, renal, respiratory, hepatic, and gastrointestinal toxicity. Cade oil poisoning often requires intensive care admission due to the severity of the clinical picture. The objective of this study is to highlight the multiple manifestations found in the pediatric population due to cade oil exposure objectifying its significant toxicity. Methods: The authors report during this article a series of five cases of cade oil poisoning on pediatric patients hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit of El HARROUCHI hospital at the CHU Ibn Rochd in Casablanca during the period from 11/01/2022 to 12/07/2022. The patients have been exposed, a few hours before their admission, to an external cade oil application used by parents for therapeutic purposes. Main Findings: Our patients were aged from 1 month to 4 years, the average age was 1.5 years with a female predominance and a sex ratio of 1.5:1. The patients had no prior medical history, and the cade oil application was spontaneously declared by the parents of only 2 patients, 3 of them reported the use of it after the detection of the substance by the clinician. For all the cases, cade oil was applied to treat fever. All five (5) patients presented initial neurological signs. 3 of them were admitted to an acute consciousness disorder and the 2 other patients presented respectively a convulsive status epilepticus and generalized-onset seizure. We report respiratory symptoms in 4 cases ranging from a simple caught, rhinorrhea to severe respiratory distress. Three patients presented acute liver failure with very high transaminase levels associated with acute kidney failure. Two of them presented digestive symptoms such as abundant hematemesis, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. All patients received high doses of N acetylcysteine in their initial treatments. The evolution was unfavorable for 4 patients who developed a multiorgan failure, 3 of them died, with a good clinical improvement in the fifth patient after supportive and symptomatic treatment. Conclusion: Cade oil poisoning remains a very frequent situation in our context. Its toxicity is widely described in the literature. The increasing number of cases admitted, and the seriousness of the clinical picture require mass awareness among the population and the scientific community toward the use of medicinal plants.
文摘Background: The WHO considers food poisoning the main cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries, and the responsible for high levels of loss of productivity in developed countries. Objective: The study aims to assess the mothers’ knowledge about preventive measures of food poisoning in Sharaab, Taiz, Yemen. Method: This is a descriptive study. It was conducted in Sharaab, Yemen during period extended from April to November 2014. It involved 180 mothers selected by simple random sampling. Data were collected by using designed structured and pre-tested questionnaire and then were analyzed by (SPSS) Version 20. Result: The findings showed that 60% of mothers have heard about food poisoning. The mothers’ knowledge about transmission of diseases by food was acceptable;68.9% knew. When they were asked to detail the diseases, cholera was the most reported by about 84.4%, diarrhea 50%, and food poisoning 22.2% only. Regarding the mothers’ knowledge about causes of food poisoning, about 65.5% of them mentioned contaminated food, and 49.4% mentioned contaminated hands while 37.2% of them mentioned contaminated utensils. The total knowledge was calculated;it was about 40.72%. Conclusion: It was found that, mothers’ knowledge about preventive measures of food poisoning is not satisfactory concerning most items including: food related diseases, causes of food poisoning and preventive measures for food poisoning such as hand washing, washing vegetables and cooking appropriately. The mothers in Yemen, Taiz, Sharaab have low level of knowledge about food poisoning prevention. There is a need for strengthening the situation through educational sessions.
文摘Objective(s): The objectives of this study are to assess first aid home for the treatment of food poisoning among children by mother and to find out the relationship between first aid home for the treatment of food poisoning and the demographic characteristics including age of mother, level education of mother, mother’s occupation, and family’s income. Methodology: A descriptive analytical study was conducted on mother who applied home first aid for the treatment of food poisoning in her children. The study was conducted at the emergency unit in Children Welfare Teaching Hospital and Child’s Central Teaching Hospital. Starting from 2nd Dec. 2012 up to the 15th Apr. 2013. To achieve the objectives of the study, a non-probability (purposive) sample of (60) mother reviewed the emergency unit for the treatment of food poisoning in her child suffering from food poisoning and according to special criteria. Data were collected by interview with mother of the child suffering from food poisoning. Instrument validity was determined through content validity, by a panel of experts. Reliability of the instrument was determined through the use of Pearson correlation coefficient for the test-retest approach, which was 0.85. Analysis of data was performed through the application of descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, and mean of score) and inferential statistics (correlation coefficient and one-way analysis of variance). Results: The results of the study indicated the level mean of scores related to first aid procedures relating to situations that food poisoning when the poisoning occurs and applied by mother was moderate level on half items and high level on half other from items. Conclusion: The study concluded most of mothers don’t have prior knowledge of the procedures used for ambulance cases of food poisoning in children. Recommendations: The study recommend the need to set up educational sessions for families especially the mother about how to first aid food poisoning in children and guide booklets or information sheet should be printed and distributed to mothers and families about food poisoning and first aid it, and these booklets or information sheet should be written in a simple style and handed out freely.
文摘Silver nanoparticles are considerecl as good antimicrobial agent. AgNPs were synthesized by mixing silver nitrate solution with citrus sinesb extract for 2 h at 37 and analyzed by UV-visible spectra, SEM, XRD, and FTIR. AgNPs were tested against B. subtilis, Shigello, S. oureus, ond E. coli. Minimum inhibitory concentration of AgNPs was 20 I^g/mL for B. subtilis and Shigello and 30 I^g/mL for S. oureus and E. coll. Antibiofilm activity (80% to 90%) was observed at 25 IJg/mL. AgNPs were stable for five months with sustained an'timicrobial activity. Biosynthesized AgNPs can bE: used to inhibit food poisoning microbial growth.
基金Evaluation and promotion of appropriate technology for the prevention and treatment of common frequently occurring diseases at grassroots level(No.2014BA108B00)。
文摘Intractable functional constipation is a type of constipation which is difficult to cure,which is usually characterized by persistent constipation,dependence on laxative and/or ineffective treatment of laxative.In recent years,with the change of diet structure,accelerated pace of life and the influence of socio-psychological factors,the incidence rate has increased year by year,seriously affecting the quality of life of patients.Professor Yao Shukun has remarkable clinical effect and experience in the treatment of intractable functional constipation.Professor Yao believes that,combined with the changes of people's diet structure,life style and physique,the main TCM syndrome type of clinical stubborn functional constipation is dampness-heat and blood stasis,and the main treatment should be clearing heat and resolving dampness,regulating qi and removing blood stasis;and we should pay attention to the application of the idea of"Simultaneous Treatment of Medicine and Food"in the process of diagnosis and treatment,and educate patients to change their diet structure in order to fundamentally dispel the etiology.
文摘In the world there are many collections of the pharmaceutical trend.In America,the exhibits of this profile are in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington,in Europe these are collections of pharmacy museums in Heidelberg(Germany),Krakow and Warsaw(Poland),Basel(Switzerland),Riga(Latvia),and others.Some of them have many thousands of exhibits.There are also separate collections of pharmaceutical items for educational institutions,for example,a collection of old medicinal raw materials in Vigan’s Cabinet,Queen College,Cambridge(Great Britain).All these meetings,however,have long been known and described in detail.Most of them do not have a strict orientation and are presented,along with old medicinal raw materials,as well as tools and appliances,dishes,books,herbaria and various auxiliary items.All the more interesting is the collection indicated in the title of the article,which arose literally from non-existence.She was transferred to the educational institution at its creation,and this year she,like him,turns a hundred years old.It has a strict focus and is represented almost exclusively by medicinal raw materials.Studying the samples of this old collection,as a whole of medical profile,makes it possible to understand that many plants,which initially had only food use,gradually became pharmaceutical objects.Probably,it was the long practice of food use,with the fixing of associated pharmacological effects in the memory,that became the reason for choosing certain types of raw materials as medicinal.Ordinary foods,protein and starchy,began to be perceived as strengthening,mucous—as enveloping and anti-ulcer,some fruits and herbs—as antiscorbutic,sharp—as appetizing and improving the work of the stomach,and so on.
基金Supported by Key R&D Plan of Guangxi Science and Technology Department(GUIKE AB21196057)Key Discipline of Traditional Chinese Medicine(Ethnic Medicine)in the"12thFive-year Plan"by the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine:Zhuang PharmacyFunding Project of High-level Talent Cultivation and Innovation Team of Guangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(2022A008)。
文摘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.
基金supported by grants from the Science and Technology Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences(No.2022-I2M-1-018).
文摘Objective:The concept of substances of medicine food homology(SMFH)has garnered significant attention in recent years.This study conducts a systematic analysis of patent literature related to SMFH,and elucidates the development trends,technical hotspots,and the overall patent protection landscape of SMFH in China over the past two decades.Methods:The patent search focused on the SMFH varieties as the objects of inquiry,with retrieval conducted in patent databases.Subsequently,the acquired data underwent processing,analysis,and visualization.Results:While the technical threshold for pharmaceutical applications surpasses that of the food service sector,the former may assume a prominent role in the future.Research and development(R&D)activities in the southeast of China demonstrate robust activity than other regions.Colleges and scientific research institutions exhibit substantial advantages in patent applications compared with individuals and hold greater potential for future development.Conclusion:The findings of this patent analysis indicate that China’s SMFH industry are presently undergoing a transition from an extensive model to a high-quality model.The quality and technical standards of SMFH products are consistently improving.Consequently,there is a need for more stringent patent application requirements to align with the evolving development needs.
文摘Ohjective To review the clinical features and laboratory investigations of ciguatera patients in Hong Kong between 2004 and 2007 in order to show the timely sampling of implicated fish from ciguatera victims and application of validated mouse bioassay for confirming suspected clinical cases of ciguatera. Methods Diagnosis of the ciguatera victims was based on history of coral fish consumption and clinical presentations stated in official guidelines for clinical diagnosis of ciguatera fish poisoning in Hong Kong. Food remnants of coral fish samples were collected swiftly from ciguatera victims between 2004 and 2007 for ciguatoxins (CTXs) analysis. Results Major clinical symptoms in ciguatera patients included gastrointestinal and neurological effects including limb numbness and diarrhoea, which developed at 0.5 to 15 hours after consumption of fish. In most cases, neurological symptoms were more common than gastrointestinal symptoms. A broad range of attack rate (10%-100%) was observed in each ciguatera outbreak. Validated mouse bioassay on ether extracts of the food remnant samples confirmed that all were CTXs-positive (〈0.5 - 4.3 MU/20 mg ether extract) and directly linked to the corresponding ciguatera cases. Conclusion Consistency between clinical and laboratory analysis for ciguatera poisoning illustrates the application of laboratory mouse bioassay in a timely fashion for confirming ciguatera poisoning cases and implementing effective public health measures. With further improvement in laboratory techniques, features of ciguatera fish poisoning cases can be better defined, Further studies are needed to determine the risk of each class of CTXs (Pacific-, Indian- and Caribbean-CTXs) in Hong Kong.
基金Supported by TUBITAK with the project number 111S039by the Selcuk University Research Fund with the project number 11401014
文摘Objective:To investigate the molecular effects ofNerium oleanderleaf distillate on paclitaxel and vincristine resistant(MCF-7/Pac and MCF-7/Vinc)cells and sensitive(MCF-7/S)cell lines.Methods:Nerium oleander(N.oleander)leaf extract was obtained by hydrodistillation method.The toxicological effects ofN.oleanderdistillate,previously suggested as medicinal food supplement,on drug resistant cells were evaluated by XTT tests.MDR modulation potential of the plant material was evaluated by flow cytometry and fluorescent microscopy.Paclitaxel and vincristine were applied to the sublines in combination with N.oleanderdistillate.Results:Fractional inhibitory indices show thatN.oleanderdistillate did not increase the antiproliferative effects of anticancer drugs.N.oleandertreatment in to MCF-7/Pac and MCF-7/Vinc did not inhibit P-gp activity and MDR1 gene expression level.Conclusions:As a result it may be suggested that althoughN.oleanderdistillate has some medicinal effects as food supplement it may not be suitable as an MDR modulator for drug resistant breast cancer cells.
文摘This article investigates the word Du(毒)in premodern Chinese medicine and culture.It highlights the paradoxical meaning of the word that served as a foundation for the therapeutic use of poisons in traditional Chinese medicine.The article then situates the study in a comparative framework.By comparing the Chinese notion of Du with the Greek concept of pharmakon,it demonstrates significant similarities on the medical use of poisons in the two cultures.It further identifies a striking difference:While the European pharmacy started to separate poisons from medicines in the medieval era,poisons remained an integral part of healing repertoire throughout imperial China.The article ends with offering some cultural explanations for this divergence,and more broadly,a distinct worldview as revealed by the intimate relationship between poisons and medicines in traditional Chinese pharmacy.
基金the Innovation Team of Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine(2018TD-014).
文摘Delaying the onset of aging is considered an important tool for dealing with the global crisis of the aging population.Accordingly,several antiaging studies have been conducted using strategies of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).In this review,we summarize the current state of antiaging research related to both modern medicine and TCM and provide suggestions for further research.Various theories related to the aging process have been proposed,including the free radical theory,mitochondrial DNA damage theory,telomere theory,cross-linking theory,and intestinal flora theory,and a number of antiaging chemical treatments have been developed using modern medicine.These theories and achievements have resulted in major advancements in antiaging research.TCM is based on practical experience and has a long history with unique advantages in antiaging research.Some antiaging practices such as moderate diet consumption,acupuncture,Tai Chi(a traditional Chinese martial art that can relax the nerves to slow down the aging process),and Wuqin Xi(a traditional Chinese exercise to strengthen the body)have been adopted to maintain health.Several TCMs and prescriptions,particularly those related to medicine food homology,have been used in antiaging treatment,and their antiaging properties have been demonstrated to be effective based on pharmacological experiments and clinical applications.