Showing papers in "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 1991"
TL;DR: The safety evaluation studies revealed that the use of extract in single high doses (up to 3 g/kg) does not produce any visible toxic symptoms or mortality, however, prolong treatment (90 days) causes significantly higher mortality as compared to control group.
Abstract: The decoction of the aerial part of Calotropis procera is commonly used in Saudi Arabian traditional medicine for the treatment of variety of diseases including fever, joint pain, muscular spasm and constipation. The present investigation was undertaken to confirm its claimed activity in traditional medicine. The ethanol extract of the plant was tested on laboratory animals for its antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, purgative and muscle relaxant activities. The results of this study showed a significant antipyretic, analgesic and neuromuscular blocking activity. On smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum, the extract produced contractions which was blocked by atropine supporting its use in constipation. The extract failed to produce significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Our phytochemical studies on the aerial parts of C. procera showed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterols and/or triterpenes. However, the chemical constituents responsible for the pharmacological activities remains to be investigated. The safety evaluation studies revealed that the use of extract in single high doses (up to 3g/kg) does not produce any visible toxic symptoms or mortality. However, prolong treatment (90 days) causes significantly higher mortality as compared to control group.
127 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that the planar phenanthrene ring of the tanshinones may be essential for interaction with DNA molecule whereas the furano-o-quinone moiety could be responsible for the production of reactive free radicals in the close vicinity of the bases to cause DNA damage.
Abstract: Fifteen tanshinone analogues isolated from the chloroform extract of Danshen roots (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix) by chromatographic procedures were tested for their cytotoxic activities against KB, Hela, Colo-205 and Hep-2 carcinoma cell lines. Several of them were effective at concentrations below 1 μg/ml concentrations. Tanshinone analogues with either hydroxy substitutions or olefinic feature in ring A demonstrated higher biologic activities. Analysis of structure-activity relationship indicate that the basic requirement for activity is the presence of a furano-o-naphthoquinone in the molecule. Compounds which lack an intact furan ring were found to be inactive. It is suggested that the planar phenanthrene ring of the tanshinones may be essential for interaction with DNA molecule whereas the furano-o-quinone moiety could be responsible for the production of reactive free radicals in the close vicinity of the bases to cause DNA damage.
123 citations
TL;DR: Patients with chronic cervical osteoarthritis treated with acupuncture, sham-acupuncture, diazepam or placebo-diazepam have a more pronounced effect on the affective than on the sensory component of pain.
Abstract: Forty-four patients with chronic cervical osteoarthritis took part in this study. Patients were treated with acupuncture, sham-acupuncture, diazepam or placebo-diazepam in randomized order. Pain was rated on visual analogue scales before, during, and after treatment. Two scales were separately used to rate the intensity (sensory component) and the unpleasantness (affective component) of pain. The results analyzed from these trials show that diazepam, placebo-diazepam, acupuncture and sham-acupuncture have a more pronounced effect on the affective than on the sensory component of pain. Acupuncture was significantly more effective than placebo-diazepam (p < 0.05), but not significantly more effective than diazepam or sham-acupuncture.
116 citations
TL;DR: Results suggest that E-acupuncture induces release of SP and CGRP from peripheral terminals of primary sensory neurons in the rat.
Abstract: We immunohistochemically examined the short term effects of electron-acupuncture (E-acupuncture) to the skin on substance P (SP)- and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) containing primary sensory neurons in the rat. Immunoreactivity to SP and CGRP in these neurons at the treatment site decreased after 30 min of E-acupuncture. These results suggest that E-acupuncture induces release of SP and CGRP from peripheral terminals of primary sensory neurons.
79 citations
TL;DR: Sho-saiko-to seemed to promote clearance of HBeAg in children with chronic HBV infection and with sustained liver disease and may be a useful drug for such patients.
Abstract: We studied the effect of Sho-saiko-to (Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang) on HBeAg clearance rate (SN rate) in fourteen children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and with sustained liver disease. Seven of fourteen patients (50.0%) became HBeAg negative in the average observation period of 0.47 years(0.2-0.9 years). Four of those seven patients developed anti-HBe. The annual SN rate in the She-saiko-to treated group was apparently higher than the natural annual SN rate (22.7%) of 22 untreated patients retrospectively reviewed from the onset of hepatitis. Sho-saiko-to seemed to promote clearance of HBeAg in children with chronic HBV infection and with sustained liver disease. Sho-saiko-to may be a useful drug for such patients.
63 citations
TL;DR: The biochemical effects of emitted "Qi" from the same Qigong master on the human fibroblast FS-4 were investigated and it was found that the respiration rate of boar sperm increased 12.5-13.0% after receiving 5 min exposure in facilitating 'Qi, and a decrease to 45-48% by exposure to 2-min of inhibiting "QI."
Abstract: The 3-5 μm infrared spectra of the extrenal "Qi" generated by a "Qigong" master from his palm was measured using a III-V compound semiconductor InSb detector. It was found that certain Qigong master can emit two opposite kinds of "Qi": the "facilitating" (beneficial) and "inhibiting" (destroying) "Qi". During the facilitating "Qi" emission, large amount of infrared wave were detected by a temperature rise of the air in the vicinity. When the inhibiting "Qi" was emitted, the infrared wave was absorbed from the environment resulting in a cooling of the air. The temperature rise or drop possibly reflects the fact that the blood flow to the palm was increased or decreased by dilating or constricting the blood vessels through parasympathetic or sympathetic nerves. The biochemical effects of emitted "Qi" from the same Qigong master on the human fibroblast FS-4 were investigated. The facilitating "Qi" caused 1.8% increase of the cell growth in 24 hrs, 10-15% increase of DNA synthesis and 3-5% increase of protein synthesis of the FS-4 cell in a 2-hr period; while inhibiting "Qi" caused 6% decrease of cell growth in a 24 hr period, 20-23% decrease of DNA synthesis and 35-48% of protein synthesis in a 2-hr period. In addition, we found that the respiration rate of boar sperm increased 12.5-13.0% after receiving 5 min exposure in facilitating "Qi," and a decrease to 45-48% by exposure to 2-min of inhibiting "Qi." The results could be attributed to the effects of emitted "Qi" or energy containing infrared light (wave) and possibly some other types of energy.
45 citations
TL;DR: Paeoniflorin, glycyrrhetic acid and glycyrrhizin affect the conversion between delta 4-androstenedione and testosterone to inhibit testosterone synthesis and stimulate the aromatase activity to promote estradiol synthesis by the direct action on the rat proestrous ovary.
Abstract: We have shown that traditional herbal medicine, Shakuyaku-Kanzo-To consisted of Shakuyaku and Kanzo decreased serum testosterone levels in woman and rat. Therefore, paeoniflorin and glycyrrhizin, a main component of Shakuyaku and Kanzo, respectively, and glycyrrhetic acid, a metabolite of glycyrrhizin in vivo, were investigated for the steroid production in the rat ovary on the morning of proestrus. The homogenized tissues of one ovary were incubated in the Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium (pH 7.5) with 100 μg/ml of paeoniflorin, glycyrrhetic acid and glycyrrhizin and the medium only (the control) at 37°C for 270 min. After the centrifugation, the concentrations of Δ4-androstenedione, testosterone and estradiol in the supernatants were determined by RIA. The production of the hormones expressed by [concentration x supernatant volume/ weight of the ovary] was compared to the control. Paeoniflorin, glycyrrhetic acid and glycyrrhizin decreased significantly the testosterone production but did not change that...
43 citations
TL;DR: Traditional acupuncture increased both the concentrations of the opioid in the immune cells and lymphocyte proliferation, consistent with the hypothesis that traditional acupuncture modulates immune responses in man.
Abstract: We measured beta-endorphin concentrations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and mitogen-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation in patient who underwent treatment with traditional acupuncture. Traditional acupuncture increased both the concentrations of the opioid in the immune cells and lymphocyte proliferation. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that traditional acupuncture modulates immune responses in man.
33 citations
TL;DR: Preliminary results are described and compared with those reported in Chinese articles and the importance of parity and gestational age in testing the efficacy of moxibustion is stressed.
Abstract: Moxibustion at the Zhiyin acupuncture point (67 B) is an ancient method of obtaining the version of abnormal presentation of the fetus during the last three months of pregnancy. The authors reviewed the Chinese references on this subject and stressed the importance of parity and gestational age in testing the efficacy of this therapy. Preliminary results are described and compared with those reported in Chinese articles. Success rates in version by moxibustion versus spontaneous version are also compared.
29 citations
TL;DR: The data indicate that acupuncture induced analgesia may partly be mediated through endogenous opioids which are affected by pretreatment with diazepam or naloxone, and this alleviation was more significant on the affective scales than on the sensory scales.
Abstract: We have studied if 2 Hz electroacupuncture alleviates chronic nociceptive pain and if so whether the alleviation was related to the release of endogenous opioids. Thirty-two patients suffering from osteoarthritis were subjected to electroacupuncture, with or without pretreatment with naloxone or diazepam. The effect of the different experimental procedures was assessed using scales for the intensity (sensory component) and unpleasantness (affective component) of pain. Electroacupuncture induced a significant alleviation of pain. This alleviation was more significant on the affective scales (p < 0.01) than on the sensory scales (p < 0.05). After pretreatment with diazepam or naloxone, the subsequent pain alleviating effect was reduced. These data indicate that acupuncture induced analgesia may partly be mediated through endogenous opioids which are affected by pretreatment with diazepam or naloxone.
22 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that the activation of the sweat glands is not the major cause of the formation of the low impedance points, and that other possibilities of these phenomena were discussed.
Abstract: Electrical impedance of the auricular skin was measured in experimental peritonitis rats. Constant voltage pulses (10ms, 4V) were applied to the skin, then the impedance was estimated. Low impedance points were gradually increased after the operation for 7-14 days then they returned to the control level. The pseudo-sweating responses accompanied by the development of peritonitis were also observed. Histological study could not find any sweat glands in the auricular skin. These results suggest that the activation of the sweat glands is not the major cause of the formation of the low impedance points. Other possibilities of these phenomena were discussed.
TL;DR: Juzen-taiho-to (JTT), a Japanese modified Chinese herbal prescription in combination with an anticancer drug UFT (5-fluorouracil derivative) prevented the body weight loss and the induction of the colonic cancer in rats treated with a chemical carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH).
Abstract: Juzen-taiho-to (JTT; [Shi-quan-da-bu-tang], a Japanese modified Chinese herbal prescription) in combination with an anticancer drug UFT (5-fluorouracil derivative) prevented the body weight loss and the induction of the colonic cancer in rats treated with a chemical carcinogen 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), and suppressed markedly the activity of thymidylate synthetase (TS) involved in the de novo pathway of pyrimidine synthesis in colonic cancer induced by DMH.
TL;DR: It is suggested that HJ, TS, KB or UT stimulates preovulatory follicles before a LH surge to secrete progesterone, but TS or KB suppresses E2 secretion by growing preovulation follicle before a RH surge.
Abstract: Ovarian follicles, removed from 10-week old rats at 1630 hours diestrus-2, 1100 and 2300 hours proestrus, were incubated for 120 minutes with various doses of Hachimijiogan (HJ), Tokishakuyakusan (TS), Keishibukuryogan (KB), Ninjinto (NT) and Unkeito (UT). The estradiol-17 beta (E2) and progesterone concentrations in the incubation medium were measured. The concentrations of E2 were significantly decreased with TS and KB by growing follicles and with HJ, TS and KB by preovulatory follicles before a LH surge. In contrast, the levels of progesterone were significantly increased with HJ, TS, KB and UT by preovulatory follicles before a LH surge. These results suggest that HJ, TS, KB or UT stimulates preovulatory follicles before a LH surge to secrete progesterone, but TS or KB suppresses E2 secretion by growing preovulatory follicles before a LH surge.
TL;DR: A 65-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus and suffering a cataract in the left eye, that was resistant to Western medical treatment, was treated with goshajinkigan (GJ), a herbal medicinal drug, in combination with eye drops which remarkably improved the visual disturbance due to the senile cataracts.
Abstract: A 65-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus (DM) and suffering a cataract in the left eye, that was resistant to Western medical treatment, was treated with goshajinkigan (GJ), a herbal medicinal drug, in combination with eye drops. This treatment remarkably improved the visual disturbance due to the senile cataract. Ten days after commencement of the GJ treatment, her visual acuity did not deterioate any further. There was also no further deterioration of DM condition. These results suggest that GJ may be valuable in the treatment of diabetic women with cataracts.
TL;DR: The liver protective effect of Elephantopus scaber subsp.
Abstract: The liver protective effect of Elephantopus scaber subsp. oblanceolata, E. mollis and Pseudoelephantopus spicatus on CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity has been determined by liver enzyme functional test and pathological studies. As the result indicated, the acute increase of serum transaminase (SGOT and SGPT level which was caused by CCL4 administration (3.0ml/kg, s.c.) can be significantly reduced when treating with E. scaber subsp. oblanceolata (p less than 0.001), E. mollis (p less than 0.01), P. spicatus (p less than 0.01). The hepatic fatty metamorphosis and necrosis of central lobule were obviously improved by treating with E. scaber subsp. oblanceolata and E. mollis, while treated with P. spicatus demonstrated only a moderate protective effect. All pharmacological and pathological effects of these three crude drugs were compared with Bupleurum chinense which has been reported previously as a treatment criteria.
TL;DR: Results suggest an exquisitely blended effect of herbal components of Tokishakuyakusan on progesterone secretion by corpora lutea.
Abstract: Twenty-seven-day old female rats received 20 IU PMS and 56 hours later, 40 IU hCG. Seven days after hCG treatment, the resected ovaries were incubated in vitro with herbal components of Tokishakuyakusan (TS). Mixture of hoelen + peony root + alisma rhizone + Japanese angelica root or hoelen + Japanese angelica root or Japanese angelica root + cnidium rhizome significantly increased progesterone secretion, and these levels tended to exceed the level by TS alone. These results suggest an exquisitely blended effect of herbal components of TS on progesterone secretion by corpora lutea.
TL;DR: The injection of Kuei-Pi-Tang accelerated the recovery of blood cell counts of leukocytes, erythrocytes and thrombocytes in mice irradiated with 4Gy, especially forLeukocytes under the treatments with 20mg/20g of KUEi- Pi-Tang administered after irradiation.
Abstract: In order to evaluate the potential action of Kuei-Pi-Tang as an antiradiation agent, colony forming units of bone marrow cells in the spleen (CFUs) were used. Different sequences of X-ray irradiation with or without Kuei-Pi-Tang administration in the groups of ICR strain mice were intraperitoneally injected 10mg/20g or 20mg/20g, once a day, for consecutive seven days before or after 4Gy X-ray irradiation. After the different treatments, whole blood was collected from the tail endings to observe the fluctuation of leukocytes, erythrocytes and thrombocytes. The administration of 20mg/20g was more effective than that of 10mg/20g. Lower radiosensitivity was observed with the treatment of 20mg/20g of Kui-Pi-Tang than that of 10mg/20g. The injection of Kuei-Pi-Tang accelerated the recovery of blood cell counts of leukocytes, erythrocytes and thrombocytes in mice irradiated with 4Gy, especially for leukocytes under the treatments with 20mg/20g of Kuei-Pi-Tang administered after irradiation.
TL;DR: It is suggested that TS has a potent, direct stimulatory effect on steroidogenesis, especially progesterone production, by constituent tissue compartments of rat preovulatory follicles in vitro.
Abstract: To examine the possible effects of Tokishakuyakusan (TS) on steroidogenesis by preovulatory follicles at the cell level, the expressed granulosa cells and remaining portion of follicles from pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMS)-treated immature rats were incubated in vitro with increasing concentrations of TS for 3 h. TS significantly stimulated progesterone and estradiol-17 b production, with a predominant stimulation of progesterone, by the expressed granulosa cells, while testosterone production was not stimulated. In the remaining portion of the follicle, TS also significantly stimulated progesterone, testosterone and estradiol-17 b production. Similar to the effect produced by granulosa cells, the stimulatory effect of TS was stronger on progesterone than on testosterone and estradiol-17 b production. These results suggest that TS has a potent, direct stimulatory effect on steroidogenesis, especially progesterone production, by constituent tissue compartments of rat preovulatory follicles in vitro.
TL;DR: WHO's efforts to produce a standard acupuncture nomenclature are reviewed as a first step towards ensuring that a debate on acupuncture takes place in an atmosphere of greater understanding of the contribution that acupuncture can make in the delivery of health care.
Abstract: At present, WHO does not have an official policy on acupuncture. The Organization's policies are usually developed after a debate has taken place on a particular health issue. There has not yet been a debate on acupuncture. This paper reviews WHO's efforts to produce a standard acupuncture nomenclature as a first step towards ensuring that a debate on acupuncture takes place in an atmosphere of greater understanding of the contribution that acupuncture can make in the delivery of health care. Activities that the programme for traditional medicine hopes to implement in the coming years are outlined.
TL;DR: Data suggest that the sensitivity to TS of the corpus luteum varies according to its age, as well as the age of the rats examined.
Abstract: The effect of Tokishakuyakusan (TS) on the corpus luteum function in pseudopregnant rats was examined in vivo. On day 4 of pseudopregnancy (PSP), induced by cervical stimulation, TS (20 micrograms) stimulated the progesterone secretion rate (PSR) in the ovarian venous plasma. There was also a significant increase in the rate of progesterone to 20 alpha-OH-progesterone. However, on day 8 of PSP, there was no apparent change in PSR in the ovarian venous plasma after the administration of TS. These data suggest that the sensitivity to TS of the corpus luteum varies according to its age.
TL;DR: The results suggest that RKSG may be useful for the treatment of type I allergy-related diseases.
Abstract: The effects of Ryo-kan-kyomi-sin-ge-nin-to (RKSG) extract, a medicinal agent traditionally used in China and Japan for treatment of asthma, on the degranulation of and histamine release from rat mast cells were studied. At a concentration of 5 mg/ml RKSG, degranulation of mast cells stimulated either by antigen (DNP-Ascaris) or compound 48/80 was markedly suppressed. At a concentration of 1-5 mg/ml RKSG, histamine release from mast cells due to application of either antigen or compound 48/80 was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion. These results suggest that RKSG may be useful for the treatment of type I allergy-related diseases.
TL;DR: It was noticed that the spoiled plant samples gave an intense color reaction while dihydrocucurbitacin F and its acetate levels were not significantly altered, and the month of November is thus the most desirable time for harvesting plant materials for medicinal uses.
Abstract: Hemsleya dolichocarpa was studied for its cucurbitacin contents during growing period. A colorimetric method was used to determine the total cucurbitacin levels, and a TLC densitometric assay was employed for estimating dihydrocucurbitacin F and its acetate, two active principles in Hemsleya plants. Cucurbitacin contents rise progressively from May to November; the month of November is thus the most desirable time for harvesting plant materials for medicinal uses. It was noticed that the spoiled plant samples gave an intense color reaction while dihydrocucurbitacin F and its acetate levels were not significantly altered. The accuracy of the assays is discussed.
TL;DR: Three kinds of Bupleuri Radix were found in Taiwan and they were easily assigned by anatomical characteristics and their qualitative analysis of active principle - saikosaponin were established by TLC.
Abstract: Three kinds of Bupleuri Radix were found in Taiwan. To clarify their origins, histological studies were carried our to identify their internal and external structures. It was found that Bupleuri Radix or "Chai-hu" of Taiwan is derived from roots of the following species" 1, Bupleurum chinense which was imported from China, 2, Bupleurum falcatum var. Komarowi a cultivated production of Japanese origin, and 3, Bupleurum kaoi which is indigenous to Taiwan. These Bupleuri Radix were easily assigned by anatomical characteristics and their qualitative analysis of active principle — saikosaponin were established by TLC.
TL;DR: Results indicate that KY has positive inotropic and vasodilating actions possibly originating from both digitalis- and adrenaline-like action of a Senso.
Abstract: Effects of a Senso (toad venom)-containing drug, KY, on cardiovascular system were examined in anesthetized open-chest dogs. KY increased aortic pressure, peak positive first derivative of left ventricular pressure, stroke work index, percent segment shortening in left ventricular myocardium and myocardial oxygen consumption, and decreased heart rate and total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR). Propranolol augmented the increase in aortic pressure with KY, inhibited the increase in aortic flow with KY and reversed KY-induced decrease in TPR to an increase. These results indicate that KY has positive inotropic and vasodilating actions possibly originating from both digitalis- and adrenaline-like action of a Senso.
TL;DR: A significant decline in platelet aggregation rate in both healthy control and patient plasma in response to Oren-gedoku-to was found, which is expected to be useful in patients with hypertension and cerebrovascular accident.
Abstract: Oren-gedoku-to is a Chinese medicine with hypotensive activity, hemostatic actions and the ability to augment cerebral blood flow. It is therefore expected to be useful in patients with hypertension and cerebrovascular accident (CVA). These effects of Oren-gedoku-to on platelet aggregation and coagulation-fibrinolysis were evaluated. A significant decline in platelet aggregation rate in both healthy control and patient plasma in response to Oren-gedoku-to was found. Maximal platelet aggregation time shortened, however, in healthy controls, but was prolonged in 8 of 20 patients with CVA, in particular those with cerebral infarction.
TL;DR: The data indicated that EA at ST36 could restore the adrenocortical hypofunction resulting from ICS in dogs, and was selected as the most effective Acupuncture point to treat ICS.
Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture (EA) on the recovery of adrenocortical function from Iatrogenic Cushings Syndrome (ICS) in dogs. Experiment I: Selection of the most effective Acupuncture point to treat ICS--Six healthy adult female dogs were treated bilaterally with EA for 15 minutes at loci BL22 + BL23 + BL24, ST36, or a non-locus control point on M. brachialis. Each dog was tested at all three sites in rotation. Blood samples were collected before and 0, 15 and 60 minutes after EA, and the serum cortisol levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. The data showed that EA at ST36 resulted in the highest response of serum cortisol levels among the three treatments. Experiment II: Evaluation of the effectiveness of EA ST36 in the treatment of ICS in dogs--Eight healthy adult female dogs were given prednisolone acetate 2mg/kg/day IM for 3 weeks. They were then randomly divided into ST36 and control groups of 4 dogs each. In the ST36 group, ST36 was treated bilaterally with EA for 30 minutes, 3 times per week, for 3 consecutive weeks. For the control, a non-locus point on M. brachialis was treated bilaterally with the same protocol. After the first week of EA, the serum cortisol levels of the ST36 and control groups were 0.9 +/- 0.1 and 0.5 +/- 0.1 micrograms/dl (P less than 0.005) baseline and 2.5 +/- 0.2 and 1.4 +/- 0.4 micrograms/dl (p less than 0.05) and after ACTH stimulation test, respectively. After the third week of EA treatment, the results were 1.0 +/- 0.1 and 0.6 +/- 0.2 micrograms/dl (p less than 0.05) baseline and 4.0 +/- 0.5 and 1.7 +/- 0.5 micrograms/dl (p less than 0.001) after ACTH stimulation respectively. These data indicated that EA at ST36 could restore the adrenocortical hypofunction resulting from ICS in dogs.
TL;DR: It is reported that the patient did not succeed in pregnancy in spite of 16 months of bromocriptine treatment, though her prolactin level gradually decreased and continued to be between 40-60 ng/ml with Hachimi-jio-gan treatment.
Abstract: A hyperprolactinemic infertile woman with a pituitary microadenoma, who was resistant to bromocriptine as a method of bringing on pregnancy, succeeded in having a normal pregnancy and delivery with Hachimi-jio-gan treatment. This paper reports that the patient did not succeed in pregnancy in spite of 16 months of bromocriptine treatment, though her prolactin level gradually decreased and continued to be between 40-60 ng/ml with Hachimi-jio-gan treatment. Although the level of prolactin of the patient did not normalize, she, nevertheless, succeeded in having a normal pregnancy and delivery.
TL;DR: Data indicate an inhibitory effect of TS on ET, an intraovarian peptide, production or accumulation in the CL, which was investigated in superovulated ovaries, induced with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropic substances.
Abstract: The presence of endothelin-1 (ET) and effect of Tokishakuyakusan (TS) on ET in rat corpora lutea (CL) was investigated in superovulated ovaries, induced with pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin. A high concentration of ET was found in the CL. The level of ET was significantly lower in the CL from TS-treated rats than that in TS-untreated rats (402.68 versus 575.60 pg/g wet weight, p < 0.05). In contrast, the ET levels in plasma were by far lower than those in CL. These data indicate an inhibitory effect of TS on ET, an intraovarian peptide, production or accumulation in the CL.
TL;DR: The data suggest that constituent herbal components of Tokishakuyakusan regulate the IGF-1 level by rat corpora lutea.
Abstract: The effect of herbal components of Tokishakuyakusan on somatomedin C/insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) level in medium from rat corpora lutea incubated in vitro was examined. Hoelen + peony root + Japanese angelica root, hoelen + peony root, hoelen + Japanese angelica root or peony root + Japanese angelica root decreased the IGF-1 level. The data suggest that constituent herbal components of Tokishakuyakusan regulate the IGF-1 level by rat corpora lutea.