Showing papers in "The American Journal of Chinese Medicine in 2007"
TL;DR: Taking Ganoderma lucidum as an example, its pharmacological functions in anti-tumor and immune-modulating activities for treating hypoglycemosis, hepatoprotection, and the effect on blood vessel system are reviewed.
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to review the natural products and the pharmacological functions of Ganodermataceae family. Presently, studies on the bioactive components of Lingzhi are focused on polysaccharides and triterpenes/triterpenoids compounds. New Ganoderma polysaccharides, including their molecular weights, glycosyl residue compositions, glycosyl linkage and branches, are summarized in this paper. Also presented are new types of triterpenes and their characteristics from Lingzhi. Taking Ganoderma lucidum as an example, we reviewed its pharmacological functions in anti-tumor and immune-modulating activities for treating hypoglycemosis, hepatoprotection, and the effect on blood vessel system. Based on the advances in Lingzhi research in the past few decades, both G. lucidum and G. sinense are considered as the representative species of medicinal mushroom Lingzhi in China. Until 2001, G. tsugae was only advised to be used as the materials of the health products. The biologically-active components related to pharmacological functions of these three species were studied more than other Ganodermataceae family species; however, which have been used in less modern folk medicine.
148 citations
TL;DR: The antioxidant components and properties of four putative antioxidant botanicals are reviewed, and their potential role in treating cardiovascular illness and the relationship between their chemical structures and biological functions is discussed.
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the US. Recent studies found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been incriminated in the pathogenesis of both acute and chronic heart disease. Many botanicals possess antioxidant properties, and these herbal antioxidants may protect against cardiovascular diseases by contributing to the total antioxidant defense system of the human body. In this article, we reviewed the antioxidant components and properties of four putative antioxidant botanicals (i.e., grape seeds, green tea, Scutellaria baicalensis, and American ginseng), and their potential role in treating cardiovascular illness. The antioxidant activities of the herbal active constituents, and the relationship between their chemical structures and biological functions were also discussed. Further investigations are needed on the mechanisms of action of these botanicals as they affect salient cellular and molecular pathways involved in major diseases. Data obtained from future studies will have the potential for translation into practical benefits for human health.
140 citations
TL;DR: The findings suggest that the CHCl(3)-F extract of Z. jujuba extract induced a concentration dependent effect on apoptosis and a differential cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells.
Abstract: The Zizyphus jujuba fruit has been used as a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and considered to affect various physiological functions in the body for thousands of years. However, its anti-cancer activity and mechanism of action remain to be elucidated. We investigated the anti-cancer activity of Zizyphus jujuba Mill and its underlining mechanisms of action in human hepatoma cells (HepG2) and found that the extract of Z. jujuba decreased the viability of the cells. Further extraction of the initial Z. jujuba extract with organic solvents revealed that the chloroform fraction (CHCl(3)-F) was the most effective. Interestingly, the CHCl(3)-F induced not only apoptosis but also G1 arrest at a low concentration (100 mug/ml) and G2/M arrest at a higher concentration (200 mug/ml) by cell cycle assay. Apoptosis, an increase in intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) level, a decline of mitochondrial membrane potential at low Z. jujuba concentrations, and a ROS-independent mitochondrial dysfunction pathway at high concentrations were all observed. CHCl(3)-F-induced G1 arrest in HepG2 cells was associated with an increase in hypohosphorylation of Rb and p27(Kip1), and a decrease of phosphorylated Rb. However, CHCl(3)-F-induced G2/M arrest in HepG2 cells correlated with a decrease of the p27(Kip1) levels and generation of the phosphorylation of p27(Kip1), however the hypohosphorylation of Rb protein remained. Collectively, our findings suggest that the CHCl(3)-F extract of Z. jujuba extract induced a concentration dependent effect on apoptosis and a differential cell cycle arrest in HepG2 cells.
107 citations
TL;DR: Positive but inconclusive indications about the efficacy of the combined treatments using Chinese medicine as an adjuvant as well as some evidences of immunological boosterings were found.
Abstract: During the SARS crisis in China, 40-60% infected patients, at some stages of their treatment, received Chinese medicine treatment on top of the standard modern medicine treatment. This practice was endorsed and encouraged by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and some details of the herbal treatment were recommended. A review of the publications during and after the SARS crisis enabled us to get an objective view of the true value of the adjuvant therapy using Chinese medicinal herbs. Of the 130 articles searched, 90 were of reasonable quality and contained sufficient information for the enlightenment of the situation. These were reviewed. The results revealed positive but inconclusive indications about the efficacy of the combined treatments using Chinese medicine as an adjuvant. Positive effects using adjuvant herbal therapy included better control of fever, quicker clearance of chest infection, lesser consumption of steroids and other symptoms relief. In a few reports, some evidences of immunological boosterings were also found. More caution is required on the allegation about the efficacy of herbal medicine for the treatment or prevention of viral infection affecting the respiratory tract, while more clinical studies are indicated.
89 citations
TL;DR: The outcomes suggest that naringin offer a potential in the management of osteoporosis in vitro.
Abstract: Isoflavonoids isolated from plants have been confirmed to fight osteoporosis and promote bone health. However, few studies have been conducted to describe the anti-osteoporosis activity of botanical flavonone. Based on the experimental outcomes, we demonstrated the ability of naringin to fight osteoporosis in vitro. We developed a retinoic acid-induced osteoporosis model of rats to assess whether naringin has similar bioactivity against osteoporosis in vitro. After a 14-day supplement of retinoic acid to induce osteoporosis, SD rats were administered naringin. A blood test showed that naringin-treated rats experienced significantly lower activity of serum alkaline phosphatase and had higher femur bone mineral density, compared to untreated rats. All three dosages of naringin improved the decrease in bone weight coefficient, the length and the diameter of the bone, the content of bone ash, calcium, and phosphorus content induced by retinoic acid. The data of histomorphological metrology of naringin groups showed no difference as compared to normal control rats. These outcomes suggest that naringin offer a potential in the management of osteoporosis in vitro.
88 citations
TL;DR: Aloe vera gel could be effective for the control of insulin resistance and protect animals against unfavorable results on HOMA-IR, which was observed in the negative control group.
Abstract: Insulin resistance, which precedes type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is a widespread pathology associated with the metabolic syndrome, myocardial ischemia, and hypertension. Finding an adequate treatment for this pathology is an important goal in medicine. The purpose of the present research was to investigate the effect of an extract from Aloe vera gel containing a high concentration of polyphenols on experimentally induced insulin resistance in mice. A polyphenol-rich Aloe vera extract (350 mg/kg) with known concentrations of aloin (181.7 mg/g) and aloe-emodin (3.6 mg/g) was administered orally for a period of 4 weeks to insulin resistant ICR mice. Pioglitazone (50 mg/kg) and bi-distilled water were used as positive and negative controls respectively. Body weight, food intake, and plasma concentrations of insulin and glucose were measured and insulin tolerance tests were performed. The insulin resistance value was calculated using the homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) formula. Results showed that the polyphenol-rich extract from Aloe vera was able to decrease significantly both body weight (p < 0.008) and blood glucose levels (p < 0.005) and to protect animals against unfavorable results on HOMA-IR, which was observed in the negative control group. The highest glucose levels during the insulin tolerance curve test were in the negative control group when compared to the Aloe vera extract and pioglitazone treated mice (p < 0.05). In conclusion, Aloe vera gel could be effective for the control of insulin resistance.
88 citations
TL;DR: The results of the present study indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of Orthosiphon stamineus might be ascribable to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property.
Abstract: Orthosiphon stamineus (OS), Benth. (Lamiaceae) is widely used in Malaysia for treatments of various kidney and liver ailments. In the experiment, DPPH* radicals scavenging, Fe(3+)-induced lipid peroxidation inhibiting activities and trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) of methanol/water extract of Orthosiphon stamineus (SEOS) were determined. The results indicated that SEOS exhibited antioxidant, lipid peroxidation inhibition and free radical scavenging activities. The hepatoprotective activity of the SEOS was studied using CCl(4)-induced liver toxicity in rats. The activity was assessed by monitoring liver function tests through the measurement of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST). Furthermore, hepatic tissues were also subjected to histopathological studies. Pretreatment of SEOS (125, 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg p.o.) dose-dependently reduced the necrotic changes in rat liver and inhibited the increase of serum ALT and AST activities. The results of the present study indicated that the hepatoprotective effect of Orthosiphon stamineus might be ascribable to its antioxidant and free radical scavenging property.
75 citations
TL;DR: It is indicated that neoandrographolide possesses significant anti-inflammatory effects, which implies that it would be one of the major contributing components to participate in the anti- inflammatory effect of A. paniculata.
Abstract: Neoandrographolide, one of the principal diterpene lactones, isolated from a medicinal herb Andrographis paniculata Nees, was tested in vivo and in vitro for its anti-inflammatory activities and mechanism. Oral administration of neoandrographolide (150 mg/kg) significantly suppressed ear edema induced by dimethyl benzene in mice. Oral administration of neoandrographolide (100-150 mg/kg) also reduced the increase in vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in mice. In vitro studies were performed using the macrophage cell line RAW264.7 to study the effect of neoandrographolide on suppressing phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-stimulated respiratory bursts and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Respiratory bursts were quantified by chemiluminescence (CL) measurements. Results showed that neoandrographolide suppressed PMA-stimulated respiratory bursts dose-dependently from 30 muM to 150 muM. Neoandrographolide also inhibited NO and TNF-alpha production in LPS-induced macrophages, contributing to the anti-inflammatory activity of A. paniculata. These results indicate that neoandrographolide possesses significant anti-inflammatory effects, which implies that it would be one of the major contributing components to participate in the anti-inflammatory effect of A. paniculata. and a potential candidate for further clinical trial.
72 citations
TL;DR: Evidence is provided for TUDCA as a viable treatment for reducing apoptosis in a model of myocardial infarction and the potential for clinical application of this anti-apoptotic drug in treatment of acute MI is suggested.
Abstract: Black bear bile has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat liver and eye related illnesses for centuries. A major constituent of bile is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Recent analysis of the cellular effects of UDCA and its taurine conjugate tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) have demonstrated their antiapoptotic properties through regulation of Bcl-2 family and survival signaling proteins (Bax, Bad, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase). In this study, we tested the hypothesis that TUDCA administered to rats prior to a myocardial infarction (MI) would exhibit anti-apoptotic effects and improve cardiac function. Prior to ligation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery, TUDCA (50 mg/ml, 400 mg/kg, IV) or PBS was administered to rats. Animals were sacrificed 24 hours after ligation for terminal transferase-mediated dUTP-digoxigenin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) and caspase-3 activity to assess apoptosis. Additional TUDCA or PBS treated rats underwent pre-operative, 1 and 4 week transthoracic ultrasounds to assess heart function by quantification of shortening fraction (SF) and infarct area. TUNEL labeling of the cardiac tissue revealed a significant reduction in apoptotic cells in rats given TUDCA prior to ischemic injury (p = 0.05). In support of reducing apoptosis, caspase-3 activity in the TUDCA treated animals also decreased (p = 0.02). By 4 weeks, a significantly smaller infarct area was present in the TUDCA group compared to the PBS group (0.05 vs. 0.13 cm 2 , p = NS) and there was also an improvement in SF. The results provide evidence for TUDCA as a viable treatment for reducing apoptosis in a model of myocardial infarction. Additional studies will distinguish the functional result
65 citations
TL;DR: An 18-week period of Tai Chi exercises twice a week for 45 min is beneficial for dynamic balance and can be important for reducing fall risk factors.
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of 18-week Tai Chi training on body balance in dynamic trial among elderly men. The study covered 49 subjects from age 60 to 82.1 years, who had osteopenia or osteoporosis. The subjects were recruited from the community by direct mailings and community efforts to participate in studies. The participants were randomly assigned to either the exercise intervention (n = 25) or control groups (n = 24). The Tai Chi group participated in an 18-week exercise class held for 45 min, twice a week. Body balance was assessed using a Computer Posturographic System PE 90 produced by the Military Institute of Aviation Medicine in Warsaw with modified software made in Pro-Med. During the measurement of body balance, the capacity to perform specific tasks was analyzed (deflections in the set scope and direction). In the Tai Chi group, an increase (p ≤ 0.01) in effectiveness of balance task performance was noted from 80.95% to 84.45% after the training. In the control group, no statistically significant improvement in the level of body balance was found in the same period. Thus, an 18-week period of Tai Chi exercises twice a week for 45 min is beneficial for dynamic balance. It can be important for reducing fall risk factors.
63 citations
TL;DR: Traditional TQ practice improves the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults, but further study is needed to determine whether the enhanced response is sufficient to provide definitive protection from influenza infection.
Abstract: Previous studies have suggested that Taiji practice may improve immune function. This study was intended to examine whether 5 months of moderate Taiji and Qigong (TQ) practice could improve the immune response to influenza vaccine in older adults. Fifty older adults (mean age 77.2 +/- 1.3 years) participated in this study (TQ N = 27; wait-list control [CON] N = 23). Baseline pre-vaccine blood samples were collected. All subjects then received the 2003-2004 influenza vaccine during the first week of the intervention. Post-vaccine blood samples were collected 3, 6 and 20 weeks post-intervention for analysis of anti-influenza hemagglutination inhibition (HI) titers. We found a significant (p 40HI) antibody response (37% TQ vs. 20% CON for the H1N1 strain and 56% TQ vs. 45% CON for the H3N2 strain), but the differences between groups were not statistically significant. Traditional TQ practice improves the antibody response to influenza vaccine in older adults, but further study is needed to determine whether the enhanced response is sufficient to provide definitive protection from influenza infection.
TL;DR: In conclusion, AS at the Baihui acupoint for 4 weeks increased dopamine levels in the brain tissue of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats and of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injured rats, and reduced brain atrophy after cerebral infarct.
Abstract: The Baihui acupoint has three Yang and five convergences; it is needled in order to activate spirit and resuscitate the brain in traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the effect of acupuncture stimulation at the Baihui acupoint on cerebral infarct and dopamine levels. A chronic cerebral hypoperfusion animal model was established by permanent ligation of both common carotid arteries; a cerebral infarct animal model was established by blocking the blood flow of both common carotid arteries and the right middle cerebral artery for 90 min followed by reperfusion in Sprague-Dawly (SD) rats. The Baihui acupoint was stimulated for 20 min 3 days per week for 4 weeks. The cognitive and memory functions were evaluated by measuring the successful rates for rats to negotiate an 8-arm radial maze test; the test was performed after operation once a week for 4 weeks. Finally, the rats were sacrificed and their brains were removed; the dopamine levels in brain tissue were measured and the percentage of right to left hemisphere area was calculated. The results indicated that acupuncture stimulation (AS) did not increase the success rate of performing the 8-arm radial maze in chronic cerebral hypoperfusion and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injured rat models. AS increased dopamine levels in the right cerebral cortex and hippocampus in the chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats, and increased dopamine levels of the cerebral cortex in the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injured rat's models. The neurological deficit score was similar between control and AS groups 24 hours after reperfusion, whereas the AS group comprised of ischemia-reperfusion injured rats had a greater percentage of right to left hemisphere area than the control group. In conclusion, AS at the Baihui acupoint for 4 weeks increased dopamine levels in the brain tissue of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion rats and of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injured rats. The AS also reduced brain atrophy after cerebral infarct, suggesting that AS at the Baihui acupoint acts as neuroprotector. However, regular stimulation at the Baihui acupoint enhances cognition and memory functions need further study.
TL;DR: Impaired immune functions in anxious women were significantly improved by acupuncture, and augmented immune parameters (superoxide anion levels and lymphoproliferation of the patient subgroup whose values had been too high) were significantly diminished.
Abstract: It is presently accepted that emotional disturbances lead to immune system impairment, and that therefore their treatment could restore the immune response. Thus, the aim of the present work was to study the effect of an acupuncture treatment, designed specifically to relieve the emotional symptoms stemming from anxiety, on several functions (adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, basal and stimulated superoxide anion levels, lymphocyte proliferation in response to phytohemagglutinin A (PHA) and natural killer (NK) activity) of leukocytes (neutrophils and lymphocytes) from anxious women. The acupuncture protocol consisted of manual needle stimulation of 19 acupoints, with each session lasting 30 min. It was performed on 34 female 30-60 year old patients, suffering from anxiety, as determined by the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). Before and 72 hours after receiving the first acupuncture session, peripheral blood samples were drawn. In 12 patients, samples were also collected immediately after the first single acupuncture session and one month after the end of the whole acupuncture treatment, which consisted of 10 sessions during a year, until the complete remission of anxiety. Twenty healthy non-anxious women in the same age range were used as controls. The results showed that the most favorable effects of acupuncture on the immune functions appear 72 hours after the single session and persist one month after the end of the complete treatment. Impaired immune functions in anxious women (chemotaxis, phagocytosis, lymphoproliferation and NK activity) were significantly improved by acupuncture, and augmented immune parameters (superoxide anion levels and lymphoproliferation of the patient subgroup whose values had been too high) were significantly diminished. Acupuncture brought the above mentioned parameters to values closer to those of healthy controls, exerting a modulatory effect on the immune system.
TL;DR: The effectiveness of the Cignolini methodology, an original Qigong massage methodology, in treating sensory impairment in young children with autism was evaluated in a small, controlled study.
Abstract: In clinical research, sensory impairment is considered one of the core deficits in autism and is associated with impaired socialization, behavioral disturbances and bowel and sleep problems. The effectiveness of the Cignolini methodology, an original Qigong massage methodology, in treating sensory impairment in young children with autism was evaluated in a small, controlled study. Thirteen children with autism between the ages of three and six received daily treatment according to the methodology for 5 months. Compared with untreated children, treated children experienced significant improvement of their sensory impairment (p < 0.01), and demonstrated increased social skills (p < 0.04) and basic living skills (p < 0.02) on standardized measures. In addition, all of the children with bowel and sleep abnormalities demonstrated improvement after treatment.
TL;DR: An overview of the recent developments of proteomics technologies in TCM research is provided, and it is contended that proteomics will play an important role in the modernization and internationalization of TCM.
Abstract: Proteomics technologies can be applied to simultaneously study the function, organization, diversity, and dynamic variety of a cell or a whole tissue. The integrative approach of proteomics is in line with the holistic concept and practices of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). In this review, the technologies of proteomics, their adoption leverages the depth and breadth of TCM research are introduced. This article presents some examples to illustrate the use of proteomics technologies in the study of pharmacological effects and their action mechanisms relevant to TCM. Proteomics technologies could be used to screen the target molecules of the TCM actions, identify new bioactive components, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms of their effects. With proteomics approaches, it was found that the Siwu decoction could regulate the protein expression of the bone marrow of blood (Xue) deficient mice, including some proteins and enzymes involved in the hemopoiesis system. Ganoderma lucidum spores might promote the survival and axon regeneration of injured spinal motor neurons in rats by regulating the expression levels of proteins involved in the energy and tissue regeneration system. Polygonatum zanlanscianense Pamp exhibited cytotoxicity towards human myeloblast leukemia HL-60 cells through multiple apoptosis-including pathways. Panax ginseng might be beneficial to patients suffering from diabetes mellitus and its complications by alleviating inflammation. Taken together with a discussion on the challenges and perspectives, this paper provides an overview of the recent developments of proteomics technologies in TCM research, and contends that proteomics will play an important role in the modernization and internationalization of TCM.
TL;DR: The results suggest that adlay may regulate neuroendocrine activity in the brain and may be considered for therapies targeting obesity.
Abstract: To find out whether the immunohistochemical expression of neuropeptid Y (NPY) and leptin receptor (LR) in the rat hypothalamus is influenced by adlay seed water extract (adlay), obesity in rats was induced by high fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks; these rats were injected with 50 mg/100 g body weight adlay daily for 4 weeks. The results showed that the optical density of NPY immunoreactivity in paraventricular nucleus of rats increased approximately by 3.4 fold in HFD group compared to the normal diet group. Conversely, that of HFD + adlay group was about 2.6 fold lower than HFD group. The pattern of LR expression was similar to that of NPY. Both of NPY and LR mRNA levels, determined by real time PCR, in HFD + adlay group were decreased compared to those of HFD group, but there were no significant changes in the level of LR. These results suggest that adlay may regulate neuroendocrine activity in the brain. Accordingly, administration of adlay may be considered for therapies targeting obesity.
TL;DR: The results indicate that the evidence base has increased for 13 of the 26 conditions included in this comparison and the emerging clinical evidence seems to imply that acupuncture is effective for some but not all conditions.
Abstract: The effectiveness of acupuncture remains a controversial issue. The aim of this article is to evaluate trends over time in the development of the evidence-base of acupuncture. A comparison of two series of systematic reviews was conducted. The first related to the evidence-base in 2000, the second related to 2005. Both employed virtually the same methodology and criteria for evaluation. The results indicate that the evidence base has increased for 13 of the 26 conditions included in this comparison. For 7 indications it has become more positive (i.e. favoring acupuncture) and for 6 it had changed in the opposite direction. It is concluded, that acupuncture research is active. The emerging clinical evidence seems to imply that acupuncture is effective for some but not all conditions.
TL;DR: The results showed that acupuncture significantly induced higher VAS values for numbness, pressure, warmth, and radiating paraesthesia, but not for heaviness than the placebo across three treatment sessions, and indicated that DeQi is unique to verum acupuncture treatment.
Abstract: Acupuncture is the most popular component of traditional Chinese medicine in Western countries. However, the mechanisms of its effects remain unclear. The therapeutic effect of acupuncture appears when a sensation of DeQi is achieved. We previously reported that repeated, but not single acupuncture treatment affected leukocyte circulation and blood pressure in healthy young humans. The objective of this study was to quantify DeQi sensation by using visual analog scales (VASs) and, to test whether DeQi induction is an important factor for the therapeutic effects of acupuncture in the same cohort. After either acupuncture or sham-acupuncture (placebo) treatment, a questionnaire containing five individual VASs was given to subjects to evaluate their DeQi sensation, including numbness, pressure, heaviness, warmth, and radiating paraesthesia, respectively. A separate VA S to measure their levels of anxiety during the treatment was also included. Our results showed that acupuncture significantly induced higher VA S values for numbness, pressure, warmth, and radiating paraesthesia, but not for heaviness than the placebo across three treatment sessions. Additionally, acupuncture did not induce higher anxiety levels than the placebo. These data confirm that VAS is an objective and reliable way to quantify DeQi sensation and, indicate that DeQi is unique to verum acupuncture treatment. Furthermore, either acupuncture-induced therapeutic effects or DeQi sensation should not be attributed to the stress-mediated effects. In summary, the induction of DeQi in each treatment session is an important factor for the physiological outcomes of repeated acupuncture treatment, and VASs offer objective, an easy and reliable way to assess it.
TL;DR: It is concluded that danshen extracts possess antiviral activity and have potential for the development as an anti-enterovirus 71 agent.
Abstract: In this study, the antiviral activities of seven different extracts of Salvia miltiorrhiza (danshen) were determined. The first two extracts, SA1 and SA2, isolated at room temperature by ethyl acetate and water extraction, respectively, neutralized the enterovirus 71-induced cytopathic effect in Vero, rhabdomyosarcoma and MRC-5 cells. The other five crude extracts, extracted with warm water (60-70 degrees C) or organic solvents, did not have any protective activity. The 50% inhibitory concentrations for neutralizing the enterovirus 71-induced cytopathic effect were 0.742 +/- 0.042 mg/ml for SA1 and 0.585 +/- 0.018 mg/ml for SA2 in Vero cells. No antiviral activity was observed in the other viruses tested. Antiviral activity was more efficient in cultures treated with SA1 or SA2 during viral infection compared to the cultures treated before or after infection, suggesting that these danshen extracts could interfere with viral entry. SA1 and SA2 were able to inhibit viral RNA synthesis in the infected cells and to abate the apoptotic process in enterovirus 71-infected Vero cells. We conclude that danshen extracts possess antiviral activity and have potential for the development as an anti-enterovirus 71 agent.
TL;DR: Pathological studies showed that P. major L. extract (especially 1% concentration) has inhibitive effect on EAT in a dose dependent manner.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate the antitumor activity of Plantago major L. extract in Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) bearing Balb/C mice in vivo. Thirty male Balb/C mice were divided into 5 groups: 3 treatment groups and 2 control groups (6 per group). Treatment groups and the negative control group were injected with EAT (1 x 10(6) cells) intraperitoneally to develop ascites tumor. P. major L. extract (1%, 2% and 3% concentration extracts, 0.1 ml/day/mouse) were given p.o. for 10 alternate days. The control group was treated with 0.9% NaCl solution (0.1 ml/day/mouse). The changes of body weight in animals were recorded. On the 11th day, all of the mice were sacrified and their tissues were stained with haematoxylen and eosin for pathological studies. Body weights of in 3 treatment groups and the negative control group were elevated because of tumor burden. The maximal weight gain was recorded in the negative control group and the minimal weight gain was recorded in Group I. Pathological studies showed that P. major L. extract (especially 1% concentration) has inhibitive effect on EAT. P. major has an inhibitory effect on EAT in a dose dependent manner.
TL;DR: The results showed that sho-saiko-to could inhibit the production of HBV and could be supplementary to nucleotide analogues to minimize the recurrence of viremia after its discontinuation and their calculated CC(50) and selectivity index might be under-estimated.
Abstract: To search for an effective antiviral agent, this study tested the hypothesis that sho- saiko-to (Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang) and crude saikosaponins possess the activity directly against HBV and could affect the expressions of viral antigens, HBeAg and HBsAg, in HepG2 2.2.15 cell model. The viral amount and viral antigens in the suspension were estimated by quantitative real time PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The results showed that sho-saiko-to could inhibit the production of HBV (p < 0.0001), 20 µg/ml sho- saiko-to was efficacious at day-3 of treatment and 10 µg/ml at day-6. The calculated IC50 and CC50 of sho-saiko-to were 55.76 µg/ml and 372 µg/ml, respectively, with a selectivity index of 6.67. Crude saponin of B. chinense could also inhibit the replication of HBV (p < 0.0001). Owing to the anti-neoplastic activity of sho-saiko-to and saikosaponin, their calculated CC50 and selectivity index might be under-estimated. Sho-saiko-to also decreased the expression of HBeAg with the minimal effective concentration of 20 µg/ml. Sho-saiko-to contained too little saikosaponin. Therefore, the anti-HBV activity of sho-saiko-to might not be mediated by saikosaponin. Sho-saiko-to could be supplementary to nucleotide analogues to minimize the recurrence of viremia after its discontinuation.
TL;DR: Comparison of the results between the experimental tests and a control with no stimulation test showed that both the heart rate and pulse rate were decreased, and the blood pressure fell, indicating that acupuncture on either Sishencong or Shenmen might calm the mind, slow down theheart rate, and activate the parasympathetic nerves.
Abstract: In this study, the EEG, ECG and blood-pressure-pulse recorder were employed to evaluate heart rate variability, pulse rate variability, and EEG of 10 adults after scalp (experimental test I) at Sishencong scalp acupoint and auricular (experimental test II) acupuncture at Shenmen auricular acupoint for about 10 min. Comparison of the results between the experimental tests and a control with no stimulation test showed that both the heart rate and pulse rate were decreased, and the blood pressure fell. The high and low frequency power of FFT analysis of heart rate was increased and decreased, respectively; indicating that the parasympathetic nerves were activated and the sympathetic nerves were inhibited. The analysis of the power spectrum of EEG showed that the number of low frequency waves was increased after acupuncture stimulation. Therefore, acupuncture on either Sishencong or Shenmen might calm the mind, slow down the heart rate, and activate the parasympathetic nerves.
TL;DR: Data suggested that Tai Chi exercise intervention could produce a positive influence on balance control for the elderly over a prolonged period, but not on muscle strength and ankle flexibility.
Abstract: Balance ability decreases with age, which results in an increased risk of falls for people over age 65. Tai Chi exercise appears to offer potential benefits in the reduction of falls for the elderly. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of extended (6- and 12-month) Tai Chi exercise interventions on balance and selected motor functions for senior citizens. Forty-seven subjects were recruited from two local senior centers. Twenty of them (M = 71.8 years, SD = 7.1), 11 in the Tai Chi exercise group and 9 in the control group, completed the pre-, mid- and post-tests over 12 months on five selected functional performance tests: static balance, dynamic balance, choice reaction time, heel-rise strength, and ankle flexibility. The Tai Chi group was provided with a one-hour Tai Chi exercise session per week for 12 months; the control group did not participate in any exercise program. Results showed that static balance improved significantly after a 6-month Tai Chi intervention. Moreover, the Tai Chi group maintained a higher level in the test performance compared with the control group at the end of the 12-month intervention, but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Data suggested that Tai Chi exercise intervention could produce a positive influence on balance control for the elderly over a prolonged period, but not on muscle strength and ankle flexibility.
TL;DR: Results indicate that orally administrated PCL extract can decrease urinary calcium excretion and decrease serum osteocalcin in OVX rats, resulting in positive effects on bone mineral density as well as bone formation.
Abstract: We evaluated the protective effect of Psoralea corylifolia L. (PCL) extract on the ovariectomized (OVX) rat model. The biochemical markers of bone turnover, calcium metabolism, and calcium balance were examined. PCL extract (25 mg or 50 mg/kg body weight/day) was orally administrated to OVX rats for 3 months. PCL extract did not alter weight gain or uterus weight in OVX rats. PCL extract significantly increased serum Ca (calcium) levels (p < 0.05, vs. OVX group) as well as decreased urinary Ca excretion (p < 0.05 vs. OVX group) in OVX rats. The upregulation of serum osteocalcin level by ovariectomy was suppressed by treatment with PCL extract in rats (p < 0.05, vs. OVX group). PCL extract increased bone mineral density at 50 mg/kg body weight/day in OVX rats (p < 0.05, vs. OVX group). Our results indicate that orally administrated PCL extract can decrease urinary calcium excretion and decrease serum osteocalcin in OVX rats, resulting in positive effects on bone mineral density as well as bone formation. In conclusion, our studies showed that PCL might be a potential candidate for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
TL;DR: Although there were no obvious changes in CD4, CD8, and CD19 levels after the extract, CD56 cell count increased during the study and returned to baseline 10 days after the herbal intake, but due to relatively high variability and small sample size, this CD56 increase did not achieve statistical significance, and remains to be re-evaluated in the future.
Abstract: Ganoderma lucidum is a herbal medicine commonly used in oriental countries as a remedy for treating various medical conditions. In this controlled study, we evaluated the safety and tolerance of oral administration of Ganoderma lucidum in 16 human volunteers who received 2 grams of the extract or placebo twice daily for 10 consecutive days. During the study, information from subjective questionnaires were obtained, electrocardiograms, complete blood counts, blood chemistry analysis and urinalysis were performed. In addition, blood tests reflecting immunity were done. Our data showed that compared to placebo group, no adverse effects were observed after the extract intake. Although there were no obvious changes in CD4, CD8, and CD19 levels after the extract, CD56 cell count increased during the study and returned to baseline 10 days after the herbal intake. However, due to relatively high variability and small sample size, this CD56 increase did not achieve statistical significance, and remains to be re-evaluated in the future. It appears that an additional long-term safety and tolerance trial with herbal dose-escalating design is warranted.
TL;DR: In conclusion, ligustrazine inhibits OVA induced airway inflammation by modulating key master switches GATA-3 and T-bet that result in reversing the Th1/Th2 cytokine patterns in asthma.
Abstract: Ligustrazine is an alkaloid isolated from the rhizome of Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort), which is known to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis and immunomodulative effects. It is used clinically to treat asthma as an assistant therapy of glucocorticoid. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of intraperitoneal ligustrazine on Th1/Th2 cytokines in a rat asthma model and the underlying mechanism. SD rats were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) to establish an asthmatic model. Within 24 hours after the last ovalbumin challenge, changes in airway histology were observed. The concentrations of IL-4 and IFN-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The protein expressions of GATA-3 and T-bet in lung were measured by Western blot. The results showed that an increase of Th2 cytokine and an inhibition of Th1 cytokine were accompanied by an increased expression of GATA-3 protein and a decreased expression of T-bet protein in rat asthmatic airways compared to those in normal control group. Intraperitoneal ligustrazine administration could significantly lower the level of IL-4 in BALF and the expression of GATA-3 protein in lung and also increase the level of IFN-γ and T-bet in asthmatic rats, resulting in a decreased percentage of eosinophils (EOS) in BALF and ameliorated airway inflammatory cell infiltration. In conclusion, ligustrazine inhibits OVA induced airway inflammation by modulating key master switches GATA-3 and T-bet that result in reversing the Th2 cytokine patterns in asthma.
TL;DR: The results suggest that HC possesses a protective effect against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and this protective effect was more pronounced than that of vitamin E.
Abstract: The present study aimed to examine the antioxidant properties of Houttuynia cordata (HC) and its protective effect on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Results showed that aqueous extract of HC exhibited a different magnitude of antioxidant activities in all model systems tested. Although HC showed weaker free radical scavenging and xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity than vitamin E, its anti-lipid peroxidation activity in rat liver homogenate was close to that of vitamin E. In animal studies, HC significantly decreased the levels of superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde, hydroxyproline, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α. However, an increase in the concentration of catalase was noted in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. HC also remarkably improved the morphological appearance of the lung of bleomycin-treated rats. These results suggest that HC possesses a protective effect against bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Interestingly, this protective effect was more pronounced than that of vitamin E. In conclusion, the protective effect of HC on pulmonary fibrosis could be partly associated with the reduction of oxidative damage caused by bleomycin.
TL;DR: Development and validation of a questionnaire as an adjunct to Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis of Yin-Deficiency Syndrome (Yin-DS) and its use in clinical practice is described.
Abstract: This study describes development and validation of a questionnaire as an adjunct to Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis of Yin-Deficiency Syndrome (Yin-DS). The Yin-Deficiency Questionnaire 1 (Y...
TL;DR: Increases of serum LDH activity and MDA level were observed after ischemia/reperfusion, but these changes were inhibited in rats pretreated with either TFA or nimodipine, indicating a delayed protective effect of TFA preconditioning on cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury.
Abstract: The present study was to investigate the effect of pharmacological preconditioning of total flavones of Abelmoschl Manihot (TFA) on cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury in rats. Rat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced by occluding the right middle cerebral artery (MCA). The infarct size was determined by staining with 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazalium chloride (TTC). The serum malonaldehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels were measured by using spectrophotometry; Inducible NO synthase (iNOS) mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR method. The percentage of cerebral infarction volume was 28.1 ± 0.8 in the model group, while TFA or nimodipine (Nim) pretreatment 36 hours prior to the ischemic insult significantly decreased the infarction volume. Increases of serum LDH activity and MDA level were observed after ischemia/reperfusion, but these changes were inhibited in rats pretreated with either TFA (20, 40, 80, 160 mg/kg) or Nim, indicating a delayed protective effect of TFA preconditioning on cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury. In addition, the serum NO level and the cerebral iNOS mRNA were up-regulated, suggesting a possible mechanism for the protective effect of TFA pretreatment on cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury.
TL;DR: High-dose herbal extract improved hepatic antioxidant capacity through enhancing catalase activity and glutathione redox status, whereas low- dose herbal extract inhibited liver fibrosis through decreasing hepatic TGF-beta1 level in rats with CCl4-induced liver injury.
Abstract: This study investigated the effects of the combined extracts of Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, and Schizandra chinensis at different doses on hepatic antioxidant status and fibrosis in rats with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8–12 per group) were divided into the control, CCl4, CCl4 + silymarin (0.35%), CCl4 + low-dose herbal extract (0.24% of Ginkgo biloba, Panax ginseng, and Schizandra chinensis extract at 1:1:1; LE), and CCl4 + high-dose herbal extract (1.20% of the same herbal extract; HE) groups. Silymarin or herbal extract was orally given to rats a week before chronic intraperitoneal injection with CCl4 for 6 weeks. The pathological results showed that herbal extract suppressed hepatic bile duct proliferation, and low-dose herbal extract inhibited liver fibrosis. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity was lower in the CCl4 group, but there was no difference in the silymarin or herbal extract treated groups compared to the control group. Hepatic catalase activity and the ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the HE group than those in the CCl4 group. Silymarin and herbal extract reversed the impaired hepatic total antioxidant status (p < 0.05). Herbal extract partially reduced the elevated hepatic lipid peroxides. Hepatic transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) level decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the LE group. Therefore, high-dose herbal extract improved hepatic antioxidant capacity through enhancing catalase activity and glutathione redox status, whereas low-dose herbal extract inhibited liver fibrosis through decreasing hepatic TGF-β1 level in rats with CCl4-induced liver injury.