Ben Cao Jing Research Articles

Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn leaf aqueous extract protects against alcoholic gastric injury by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevancePeucedanum praeruptorum Dunn (PPD) was used to treat gastrointestinal disease in China before the Tang Dynasty, and it was considered a “Top-grade” herb in Shennong Bencaojing, known for its ability to relieve the stomach Qi and indigestion. Aim of the studyAlcohol consumption can induce severe gastric mucosal injury that lacks effective and safe interventions. We aimed to investigate the gastroprotective effects of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn leaf (PPL) after bolting in alcohol-induced gastric damage in mice. Materials and methodsMice were orally administered PPL aqueous extract at doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 g/kg for 5 consecutive days prior to the induction of gastric damage model with ethanol. Gastric tissue was stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress indicators were determined using ELISA and RT-qPCR. RNA-seq was used to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the gastric tissue, while Western blotting was employed to measure the expressions of IL-17, TNF-a, and AKT pathways. ResultsTreatment with PPL alleviated alcohol-induced gastric damage in mice, whereas dried root (PPD) and stem (PPS) of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn had no gastroprotective function. The content of peucedanocoumarin I was higher in the dried PPL compared to PPD and PPS, with an increase in peucedanocoumarin I content in PPL after boiling. Additionally, PPL administration (5, 10 g/kg) decreased pro-inflammatory factors, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8, IL-4, IL-1β, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-a) in alcohol-induced gastric injury mice (p < 0.05), and improved oxidative stress markers, including superoxide dismutase enzymes (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (p < 0.05). RNA-seq data revealed that PPL treatment inhibited alcohol-induced inflammation-related signals, including IL-17 and TNF pathways, and restored alcohol-inhibited gastric digestive and metabolic functions, such as xenobiotics metabolism of cytochrome P450, and protein digestion and absorption pathways. Notably, treatment with PPL downregulated the expressions of IL-17 A, TNF-a, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and AKT-phosphorylation induced by ethanol exposure (p < 0.05). Thus, the aqueous extract of PPL provided protection against alcohol-induced gastric injury by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress in mice, suggesting a potential novel therapeutic approach for alcohol-induced gastric damage.

The water extracts of Euonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold attenuate diabetic retinopathy by mediating angiogenesis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceEuonymus alatus (Thunb.) Siebold (family Celastraceae) is a deciduous woody shrub that is recorded in ShenNong BenCaoJing. It has been widely used for diabetes in traditional Chinese medicine.AIM OF THE STUDY: This study aimed to identify the most effective extract of Euonymus alatus (EA) against high glucose-induced endothelial cells in vitro, evaluate its pharmacological effect on retinopathy in diabetic mice and explore its underlying mechanism by RNA sequencing. MethodsRetinal vascular endothelial cells (RF/6A) were treated with normal glucose (5.5 mmol/L glucose), high glucose (25 mmol/L glucose) or high glucose plus methanol extracts of EA (MEA), ethyl acetate extracts of EA (EEA) or water extracts of EA (WEA). The cytotoxicity and cell viability were determined by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. Cell migration was examined using the Transwell assay, and tube formation ability was measured using the Matrigel assay. Then, the KK-Ay mice were administered WEA or water for 12 weeks. The velocities of ocular blood flow were determined by Doppler ultrasound. RNA sequencing and reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT–qPCR) were performed on WEA-stimulated RF/6A cells to reveal the underlying mechanism. ResultsThe cytotoxicity assay found that 30 μg/mL MEA, 20 μg/mL EEA and 30 μg/mL WEA had no toxic effect on RF/6A cells. The cell viability results showed that MEA, EEA and WEA all decreased cell viability. Compared with the high-glucose group, both MEA and WEA decreased the number of migrated cells, while the inhibition rate of WEA was higher. The Matrigel results showed that 30 μg/mL WEA effectively reduced the total tube length. Moreover, WEA improved the haemodynamics of the central retinal artery. RNA sequencing coupled with RT–qPCR verified that WEA regulated angiogenesis-related factors in high glucose-stimulated RF/6A cells. ConclusionsWEA inhibits the migration and tube formation of RF/6A cells and improves diabetic retinopathy (DR) by mediating angiogenesis.

Advance on alkaloids of&amp;lt;italic&amp;gt; Lycium&amp;lt;/italic&amp;gt; genus

<p indent=0mm>Natural products derived from medicinal and edible plants, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, flavonoids, and alkaloids, are a valuable source of potential drug candidates and have attracted interest for their rich structural motifs and diverse physiological activities. Therefore, the discovery of new natural products with unique structures and potential bioactivity from esculent resources has emerged as a promising approach for drug research. In the Solanaceae family, plants of the genus <italic>Lycium</italic> are relatively abundant, containing about 80 species of plants. Of these, seven species and three varieties are found in China where <italic>L</italic>. <italic>barbarum</italic> L., <italic>L</italic>. <italic>chinense</italic> Mill., and <italic>L</italic>. <italic>ruthenicum</italic> Murr. are most common. Among them, <italic>L</italic>. <italic>barbarum</italic> L. and <italic>L</italic>. <italic>ruthenicum</italic> Murr are also major medicinal and edible plant resources in Northwest China. “Gou Qi Zi”, also known as Goji or Goji berry, are fruit from <italic>L</italic>.<italic> barbarum </italic>L., which has been used as a valuable traditional Chinese herbal medicine and functional food for <sc>2500 years.</sc> The earliest recorded mention of these berries is found in the oracle bone script (Jiaguwen) of the Shang Dynasty (1600−1040 BE). Goji berries and Cortex Lycii, which is derived from the root bark of <italic>L</italic>.<italic> chinense</italic> and <italic>L</italic>.<italic> barbarum</italic>, have many pharmacological functions, such as hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, immuno-modulatory, antioxidant, anti-aging, neuroprotective, and anti-Alzheimer’s disease properties. Medical and pharmaceutical knowledge regarding <italic>L</italic>.<italic> barbarum</italic> has been recorded and summarized in Shennong’s Root and Herbal Classic (Shennong bencao jing) and isolated products are highly desired medicines and contribute to longevity. Li Shizhen also summarized the health and tonic effects of Goji berries in the Compendium of Materia Medica. Many researchers have focused significant attention on the <italic>Lycium </italic>genus in recent years and various chemical components have been isolated. Phytochemical studies have revealed that the genus<italic> Lycium</italic> possesses an abundance of secondary metabolites, such as glycerogalactolipids, phenylpropanoids, coumarins, lignans, flavonoids, amides, alkaloids, anthraquinones, organic acids, terpenoids, sterols, steroids and other small molecules and trace elements. Of these, the alkaloids are considered to be one of the main active ingredients. The aim of this review is to focus on identification and biological activity of alkaloids derived from a variety of species in <italic>Lycium </italic>genus. Up to 2021, at least 124 alkaloids, including 42 amide alkaloids, 31 spermine alkaloids, 17 nortropane alkaloids, 16 pyrrole alkaloids, 4 piperidine alkaloids, 5 imidazole alkaloids, 3 quinoline alkaloids, 3 indole alkaloids, and 3 other alkaloids were reported from different species in the <italic>Lycium </italic>genus. These can be found in diverse plant structures, such as fruits, root bark, leaves, seeds, or flowers. This review lays a solid foundation for better understanding of pharmacological activities of <italic>Lycium-</italic>derived compounds and is systematically summarized on the basis of phytochemical studies. This information provides reference values that should facilitate further investigation on additional pharmacological properties and add to the development and utilization of the<italic> Lycium</italic>.

Evolution of the Origin of Jixuecao

Jixuecao was first recorded in the Shennong bencaojing. The variety of plant referred to is undefined because of a lack of detailed description in the medical books of the Han and Tang dynasties. From the Song dynasty to the Republican period Jixuecao refers to Glechoma longituba (Nakai) Kupr. The name was also recorded as Jinqiancao instead of Jixuecao in the Bencao gangmu shiyi from the Qing dynasty to the Republican period, though it refers to the same plant. In recent times, Jixuecao has evolved to refer to Centella asiatica (L.) Urb, Jinqiancao now refers to Lysimachia christinae Hance, while G. longituba (Nakai) Kupr. is now called Lianqiancao. It is thus determined that G. longituba (Nakai) Kupr. alone is unequivocally the original plant referred to as Jixuecao, and has the longest medicinal history.

Literature research on Changshan (Radix Dichroae)

Originally named Hengshan, it is recorded firstly in the Shen nong ben cao jing(Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica). Its name is changed as Changshan in the Song Dynasty and still used today. Changshan is a cosmopolitan species, and the producing area expands from Sichuan, Hubei, Shaanxi and Henan during the Wei and Jin Dynasties to nowadays more than 10 provinces, such as the south of the Yangtze River, Gansu etc. Before the Tang Dynasty, Changshan's original plant is Orixa japonicaThunb., which is changed to Dichroa febrifugaLour. from the Song Dynasty as its main orthodox product.

Textual research on the origin and producing area of Baitouweng (Radix Pulsatillae)

Baitouweng (Pulsatilla Root), a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine, was first recorded in Shen nong ben cao jing (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica) . Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel from Ranunculaceae had become the authentic source for the Baitouweng since the Song Dynasty, which was consistent with the Radix Pulsatillae collected in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Chuzhou, Anhui province, being regarded as the main producing area in ancient times, had been its genuine producing area since the period of Republic of China. From the Tang Dynasty to Ming Dynasty, the origin of Baitouweng recorded in the works of Chinese materia medica could also include P. cernua, P. dahurica and P. ambigua. Therefore, P. chinensis in Chuzhou, with large quantity and high quality, is a superior resource that need to increase its protection and further studies, whereas P. cernua, P. dahurica and P. ambigua have better to be used as local drugs.

Evolution of the Origin of Herba Schizonepetae

Herba Schizonepetae was firstly recorded in the Sheng nong ben caojing (Shennong's Materia Medica) with the title Jiasu. It could be sure that the original plant of Jiasu is Ocimumbasilicum L. ofLabiatae based on the record of Jiasu's name, morphology, edible property before the Song Dynasty. Beginning from the Ben cao tu jing (Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica) in the Song Dynasty, the source of this drug evolved as SchizonepetatenuisfoliaBriq. ofLabiatae, and it has been in use until now. Hence, the sources of Jiasu should be both O. basilicum L. and the co-existence of S. tenuisfolia Briq in the Qing Dynasty. It is claimed that the hometowns of those herb writers who considered the source ofOcimumbasilicum L. to be the producing areas of cultivation of the edible Ocimumbasilicum L. It was found that the source of Jiasu recorded in the Sheng nong ben cao jing should be O. basilicum L. , hence, it is suggested the title Jiasu should be recorded for the source of O. basilicum L, and the original plant of Herba Schizonepetae was Schizonepetatenuisfolia Briq. of Labiatae, and this medicine should be separately recorded. In fact, Jiasu and Herba Schizonepetae were two different kinds of medicines.

Experience of treatment and understanding of impediment disease in Shen nong ben cao jing (Shen-ntonz's Classic of Materia Medica)

As a book with significant historical materials for the research of impediment disease not to be ignored, Shen nong ben cao jing (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica) contains, among its 365 kinds of materia medica, 75 kinds of medicines related to impediment disease. Among the latter ones, 51 are related to "damp impediment", "cold-damp impediment", "wind-cold-damp impediment", "wind impediment", "wind-damp impediment", and "cold impediment"; 16 are related to "laryngeal impediment", "general impediment", and "blood impediment"; 8 are related to "muscular impediment", "stomach impediment", "hernia-conglomeration impediment", "internal consumptive-thirst impediment", "wilting impediment", and "hemiplegic impediment". To systematically analyze the properties, tastes, and effects of these medicines and its related knowledge, and then further explore the overall recognition and their treating experience of the physicians at that period would not only enrich the historical research on impediment disease, but also offer much help and reference to the understanding and treatment of impediment for contemporary clinicians.

Chinese Marine Materia Medica. By Huashi Guan and Shuguang Wang. Shanghai Scientific and Technical Publishers, China Ocean Press, and Chemical Industry Press: Shanghai, Beijing, China, 2009; Hardback, 7064 pp; ¥ 2920; ISBN 978-7-5323-9958-1/R•2707; ISBN 978-7-5323-9973-4/R•2708; ISBN 978-7-1220-6012-9

China is one of the first countries to use marine materia medica for treating diseases. Ancient books on Chinese herbology, such as Shennong Bencaojing (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica), Xinxiu Bencao (Newly Revised Materia Medica) and Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), have detailed more than 110 marine herbs and thousands of marine herbal formulas (including those for Chinese food therapy). A great deal of information on marine herbs and their applications in medicine, collected over thousands of years, has provided an important foundation for modern research in the area of marine drugs. Thanks to these records and references, the research and development of modern Chinese marine drugs continue to evolve and mature. Since the middle of the 20th century, special attention has been paid to traditional Chinese medicine, resulting in a significant increase in the number of newly discovered marine herbs. Comprehensive surveys in the past have also created a wealth of data on the pharmacology, chemistry, biology and ecology of marine medicinal bioresources. After thousands of years of research, historical references to traditional marine herbs are scattered throughout ancient books, local chronicles, medical books, or monographs on medicinal herbs. Unfortunately, there is no systematic way to collate or scientifically verify these references. Furthermore, during the last century, scientists around the world have accumulated large quantities of information on marine natural products, but these are also scattered throughout academic books and journals.

Research on the origins and development of the verse "eighteen antagonism" in Chinese material medica

The verse "eighteen antagonism" of Chinese materia medica is a kind of describing of drug nature concerning the incompatibility of drugs in compound prescription. Through organizing the medical books in different historical periods, it is found that the drugs in this verse basically coming from TAO Hong-jing's ben cao jing ji zhu (Variorum of Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica), while the style of verse mostly appeared during the Song-Jin-Yuan period was made. The formed verse was explained and supplemented further in the Ming Dynasty, the basis of which appeared in the Song-Jin-Yuan Dynasty, resulting in the increase of the number of antagonistic drugs and lengthy verse. The origin of the verse seen in Ru men shi qin (Confucians' Duties to Their Parents) and those in other books was not identical and was the most popular one after the Qing Dynasty, becoming the most popularly known even today.

Recording of classical prescriptions and materia medica in the Han Dynasty

Shennong Bencaojing was orignally recorded in Qi Lu of the Liang Dynasty and Tangye Jingfa (about prescriptions) was originally recorded in Hanshu Yiwenzhi. According to the norm of the development of knowledge, knowledge about medical herbs should have been formed before that of prescriptions. In accordance with literature, Tangye Jingifa is recorded in QI Lue of the Western Han Dynasty, which was compiled much earlier than Shennong Bencaojing. So where was the knowledge about herbs recorded in the Western Han Dynasty and before? It was found after textual research that knowledge about medical herbs was recorded together with prescriptions long before the Han Dynasty. In the Western Han Dynasty, Liu Xiang and his colleagues placed herbs under the catalogue of prescriptions when they proofread books. In the Eastern Han Dynasty, materia medica became a single category due to the need to compose prescriptions according to syndrome differentiation and the standardization of herbal administration.

Brief explanation of shi lin (urolithic stranguria)

Shi lin (urolithic stranguria) is a kind of stranguria, manifested as pain occurred when pissing and sand-like in the urine, developed from the early concept of shi long. This name of disease was appeared firstly in Shen nong ben cao jing (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica), and then, the disease name of sha lin, sha shi lin and sha lin were derived from it by the Song Dynasty. It was said that the disease with sha (sand-like) was easy to treat, and with shi (stone-like) was difficult to cure. This disease was also happened in the children, and the reasons were the same with ones of the adult. Furthermore, there was a name of disease, xue sha lin, which was a kind of woman disease and had nothing to do with shi lin.

The vicissitude of the historically famous medicinal herb Xuan Huanglian (Coptis chinensis var. brevisepala)

"Xuan Huanglian" is particularly referring to the Coptis chinensis var. brevisepala W. T. Wang et Hsiao distributed in the Southern Anhui mountainous regions adjacent to Xuan Cheng and its adjoining northwest Zhejiang mountainous regions. This herb produced here is of perfect qualities used as an authentic medicinal herb from Ben cao jing ji zhu (Variorum of Classic of Materia Medica) of 536 A. D to Ben cao gang mu shi yi (Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica) of 1803 A. D. It was recorded successively as an authentic medicinal herb in herbal literature for a period as long as 1200 years. It is declined gradually because of prolonged and unlimitedly gathering, leading to the shortage of its resources.

The history and differentiation of raw Atractylodes commodity in successive ages

The term "Zhu" in Sheng nong ben cao jing probably includes many medicinal plants of Atractylodes. The differentiation between Rhizoma Atractylodes and Rhizoma Atractylodes macrocephalae was found in the clinical practice of the Han Dynasty. The original drug of both and the genuine sites of production were formed in the Song Dynasty when the latter was readily differentiated into various commodities, while most modern commodities were combined as Rhizoma Atractylodes macrocephalae. On the contrary, there was only a single commodity of Rhizoma Atractylodes in ancient times. It was not until the modern times that this drug was differentiated into multiple commodities. The differentiation of commodities of Atractylodes reflected the unity and dialectical law, which is embodied in its clinical application.