An efficacy-driven approach to the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine.
(17/801)
Research activities in traditional Chinese medicine have, to date, focused on the search for relevant active substances and mechanisms of action. This research approach is shaped partly by the conventional drug development model, which commences with determining the mechanism of disease, followed by the design and synthesis of therapeutically active compounds or molecules, animal and in vitro studies, and finally clinical trials in humans. Demonstration of clinical efficacy in humans using randomised controlled trials may be a better starting point for research into traditional Chinese medicine, given that these therapies are already in common use. An efficacy-driven approach could avoid basic research into therapies that are clinically ineffective, thus sparing precious research resources. (+info)
Retrospect on the research of the cultivation of Gastrodia elata Bl, a rare traditional Chinese medicine.
(18/801)
PURPOSE: To review the research on the cultivation of Gastrodia elata Bl, a rare traditional Chinese medicine. DATA SOURCES: The data come from our previous research and published review articles on G. elata cultivation. STUDY SELECTION: After reviewing the research results on G. elata from 1960 to 1995, we selected the core research on G. elata and a complete cultivation technique of rare traditional Chinese medicine G. elata. DATA EXTRACTION: Some important data were arranged in different tables, and new cultivation methods were reviewed. RESULTS: A. mellea has been found to have inhibiting effects on G. elata seed germination. The seeds are able to sprout only when a nutritional relationship exists between G. elata and a fungus of the same genus as M. osmundicola. The sprouted tubers have to set up a symbiotic relationship with A. mellea during their clone propagation period so as to grow normally. CONCLUSIONS: G. elata has to symbiosize with M. osmundicola and A. mellea so as to complete its life cycle from seed to seed. These findings have revealed the secret of the life cycle of G. elata that has been puzzling biological circles for years. (+info)
Biflavanones, diterpenes, and coumarins from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme L.
(19/801)
A new biflavanone (1) with a C-3/C-3" linkage, a new daphnane-type diterpene (2) acylated by an unsaturated fatty acid, and a new coumarin glycoside (3), along with six lignans, two phenylpropanoids, five flavonoids, two diterpenes, and three coumarins were isolated from the roots of Stellera chamaejasme L. (Thymelaeaceae). Elucidation of these secondary metabolites of S. chamaejasme L. supplied strong chemical verification of the close taxonomic relationships among the genera Stellera, Daphne, and Wikstroemia, all of which belong to the family Thymelaeaceae. (+info)
Influence of BOL on hyaluronic acid, laminin and hyperplasia in hepatofibrotic rats.
(20/801)
AIM: To study the anti-hepatofibrosis mechanism of Bie Jia Jian oral liquid (BOL). METHODS: The model was induced by subcutaneous injection of CCl(4). BOL was administered and the change of serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN) was observed and the degeneration of liver cells and the degree of fibre hyperplasia analyzed. Changes of ultra micro-structure in liver cells were observed in some samples. RESULTS: HA was reduced in both the groups with low and high dosage of BOL, which showed a remarkable difference as compared with that of the model group (low dosage group: 376.15 microg/L+/-35.48 microg/L vs 806.07 microg/L+/-98.49 microg/L P<0.05; high dosage group: 340.14 microg/L+/-30.18 microg/L vs 806.07 microg/L+/-98.49 microg/L P<0.05). The LN content of low and high dosage group of BOL was lower than that of model group (low dosage group: 71.99 microg/L+/-8.15 microg/L vs 133.94 microg/L+/-14.45 microg/L P <0.01; high dosage group: 71.68 microg/L+/-11.62 microg/L vs 133.94 microg/L+/-14.45 microg/L P<0.01) and colchicine group (low dosage group: 71.99 microg/L+/-8.15 microg/L vs 118.28 microg/L+/-16.13 microg/L P < 0.05; high dosage group: 71.68 microg/L+/-11.62 microg/L vs 118.28 microg/L+/-16.13 microg/L P <0.05). Examined by Ridit, BOL could reduce the degeneration and necrosis of liver cells (chi(2)=11.99 P<0.05), the degree of fibre hyperplasia (chi(2)=13.24 P<0.05) and the pathological change of ultra micro-structure as well. CONCLUSION: The BOL has certain therapeutic effect on the experiment hepatofibrosis. Its mechanisms might include: protecting the function of liver cells, inhibiting excessive synthesis and secretion of extracellular matrix from hepatic stellate cells, relieving the capillarization of hepatic sinusoid, improving liver micro-circulation, and regulating immune function. (+info)
Infrared thermoimages display of body surface temperature reaction in experimental cholecystitis.
(21/801)
AIM: To display the thermoimages of the body surface in experimental cholecystitis, to observe the body surface temperature reaction in visceral disorders, and to study if the theory of body surface-viscera correlation is true and the mechanism of temperature changes along the meridians. METHODS: By injecting bacteria suspension into the stricture bile duct and gallbladder, 21 rabbits were prepared as acute pyogenic cholangiocholecystitis models, with another 8 rabbits prepared by the same process except without injection of bacteria suspension as control. The body surface infrared thermoimages were continuously observed on the hair shaven rabbit skin with AGA-782 thermovision 24h before, 1-11 d after and (2,3 wk) 4 wk after the operation with a total of over 10 records of thermoimages. RESULTS: Twelve cases out of 21 rabbits with cholecystitis revealed bi-lateral longitudinal high temperature lines in its trunk; with negative findings in the control group. The high-temperature line appeared on d1-d2, first in the right trunk, after the preparation of the model, about 7 d after the model preparation, the lines appeared at the left side too, persisting for 4 wk. The hyper-temperature line revealed 1.1-2.7 degrees higher than before the model preparation, 0.7-2.5 degrees higher than the surrounding skin. The length of the high temperature line might reach a half length of the body trunk, or as long as the whole body itself. CONCLUSION: The appearance of the longitudinal high temperature lines at the lateral aspects of the trunk in the experimental group is directly bound up with the experimental animals pyogenic cholecystitis, with its running course quite similar to that of the Gallbladder Channel of Foot Shaoyang, but different to the zones of hyperalgesia and site of referred pain in cholecystitis. (+info)
Regulating effect of Chinese herbal medicine on the peritoneal lymphatic stomata in enhancing ascites absorption of experimental hepatofibrotic mice.
(22/801)
AIM: To observe the regulatory effect of Chinese herbal medicine on peritoneal lymphatic stomata and its significance in treating ascites in liver fibrosis model mice. METHODS: Two Chinese herbal composite prescriptions were used separately to treat the carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis. The histo-pathologic changes of the liver sections (HE and VG stainings) were observed. The peritoneal lymphatic stomata was detected by scanning electron microscopy and computer image processing. The changes of urinary volume and sodium ion concentration were measured. RESULTS: In the model group, lots of fibrous tissue formed in liver and extended into the hepatic lobules to separate them incompletely. In the treated and prevention groups, the histo-pathologic changes of liver was rather milder, only showed much less fibrous tissue proliferation in the hepatic lobules. The peritoneal lymphatic stomata enlarged with increased density in the experimental groups (diameter: PA, 3.07 +/- 0.69 microm; PB, 2.82 +/- 0.37 microm; TA, 3.25 +/- 0.82 microm and TB, 2.82 +/- 0.56 microm; density: PA, 7.11 +/- 1.90 stomata.1000 microm(-2); PB, 8.76 +/- 1.45 stomata.1000 microm(-2); TA, 6.55 +/- 1.44 stomata.1000 microm(-2)and TB, 8.76+/-1.79 stomata.1000 microm(-2)), as compared with the model group (diameter: 2.00+/-0.52 microm density: 4.45+/-1.05 stomata.1000 microm(-2)). After treatment, the urinary volume and sodium ion excretion increased in the experimental groups (PA, 231.28+/-41.09 mmol.L(-1); PB, 171.69 +/- 27.48 mmol.L(-1) and TA, 231.44 +/- 34.12 mmol.L(-1)), which were significantly different with those in the model group (129.33 +/- 36.75 mmol.L(-1)). CONCLUSION: Chinese herbal medicine has marked effects in alleviating liver fibrosis, regulating peritoneal lymphatic stomata, improving the drainage of ascites from peritoneal cavity and causing increase of urinary volume and sodium ion excretion to reduce the water and sodium retention, and thus have favorable therapeutic effect in treating ascites. (+info)
Four new podocarpane-type trinorditerpenes from the bark of Taiwania cryptomerioides.
(23/801)
Further studies on the bark of Taiwania cryptomerioides found four new podocarpane derivatives, 1beta,13-dihydroxy-8,11,13-podocarpatriene (1), 14,18-dihydroxy-13-methoxy-8,11,13-podocarpatriene (2), 1beta,14-dihydroxy-13-methoxy-8,11,13-podocarpatriene-2,7-dione (3), and 3beta,14-dihydroxy-13-methoxy-8,11,13-podocarpatrien-7-one (4), together with a known 1beta,13,14-trihydroxy-8,11,13-podocarpatrien-7-one (5). Those structures were elucidated principally from spectral evidence. (+info)
Cardiac effects of salvia miltiorrhiza/dalbergia odorifera mixture, an intravenously applicable Chinese medicine widely used for patients with ischemic heart disease in China.
(24/801)
Chronotropic, inotropic and coronary vasodilator actions of the clinically available ampoule preparation of Salvia miltiorrhiza/Dalbergia odorifera mixture were examined using canine isolated, blood-perfused heart preparations. The mixture slightly decreased the sinoatrial rate and significantly increased coronary blood flow, but hardly affected the developed tension of the papillary muscle. The effect on coronary blood flow was induced by at least a 10-fold smaller dose than that which induced the chronotropic effect. These results were quite similar to those of a typical calcium channel blocker, verapamil, used in a previous study, suggesting that the Salvia miltiorrhiza/Dalbergia odorifera mixture may have potential as an anti-anginal drug. (+info)