Chinese Medical Preparation Research Articles

A pharmacokinetic study on twenty-one compounds in rat plasma by integrating UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS with GC-MS after oral administration of Suxiao Jiuxin pill

Suxiao Jiuxin pill (SX) was a commonly used traditional Chinese medical preparation for treating acute myocardial infarction. However, fewer studies have been reported for comprehensively investigating the pharmacokinetic of the non-volatile and volatile chemical constituents in SX. For current study, a comprehensive and sensitive quantitation of twenty-one compounds in rat plasma was developed and validated by integrating UPLC-QQQ-MS/MS with GC-MS after oral administration of SX. The pharmacokinetic study was performed under acceptable specificity, linearity, sensitivity, precision and accuracy, recovery, matrix effect and stability. Ultimately, borneol, isoborneol, senkyunolide A, senkyunolide Ⅰ, ligustilide, ferulic acid, neocnidilide, senkyunolide H and levistolide A were detected. Their ranges of Tmax, Cmax, T1/2z and AUC (0-∞) were 0.07 ∼ 0.33 h, 5.24 ∼ 683.35 μg/L, 0.29 ∼ 1.08 h and 6.55 ∼ 474.62 μg/L*h, respectively. This study would be meaningful in better revealing the therapeutic material basis of SX. Furthermore, it could provide reference on pharmacological effect of SX against acute myocardial infarction.

Danhong injection alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inhibiting mitochondria-dependent apoptosis pathway and improving mitochondrial function in hyperlipidemia rats

Cerebral ischemia threatens human health and life. Hyperlipidemia is a risk of cerebral ischemia. Danhong injection (DHI) is a traditional Chinese medical preparation for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. However, the effects of DHI on mitochondria-dependent apoptosis and mitochondrial function following cerebral ischemia in hyperlipidemia rats are not clear. In this study, SD rats were fed by high-fat diet for six weeks to establish the hyperlipidemia model, except for the sham and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) groups. Hyperlipidemia rats were assigned into I/R + high-fat diet (HFD) group, DHI 1 mL/kg group, and DHI 2 mL/kg group. DHI was administrated to the drug group via caudal vein for seven consecutive days (once per day). Subsequently, rats underwent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) for 1 h and reperfusion for 24 h. The results showed that DHI significantly reduced cerebral infarction volume, ameliorated neurological function, improved pathological changes, and inhibited apoptosis. DHI could significantly restore the levels of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes I-IV, increase the ATP content and COX activity, and decrease the level of OFR in the ischemic brain mitochondria of hyperlipidemia rats after I/R. DHI significantly regulated the levels of cytochrome c (Cyt c), Apaf1, Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 in brain tissue, and improved mitochondrial dynamics (Mfn1, Mfn2, OPA1, Drp1, and Fis1). The results indicate that DHI could alleviate ischemic brain injury in hyperlipidemia rats, and the mechanism may be to improve mitochondrial function by restoring the mitochondrial respiratory chain and changing the protein balance of mitochondrial fusion and fission, and inhibiting mitochondria-dependent apoptosis.

Injection of YiQiFuMai powder protects against heart failure via inhibiting p38 and ERK1/2 MAPKs activation

Context Injection of YiQiFuMai (YQFM) powder, a modern Chinese plant-derived medical preparation, has a therapeutic effect in heart failure (HF). However, its therapeutic mechanism remains largely unknown. Objective To investigate the molecular mechanisms of YQFM in HF. Materials and methods Kinase inhibition profiling assays with 2 mg/mL YQFM were performed against a series of 408 kinases. In addition, the effects of kinase inhibition were validated in cardiomyocyte cell line H9c2. In vivo, HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) was induced by permanent left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery ligation for 6 weeks in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Then, HFrEF mice were treated with 0.46 g/kg YQFM or placebo once a day for 2 weeks. Echocardiography, immunohistochemistry, histological staining and Western blotting analysis were performed to assess the myocardial damage and molecular mechanisms. Results Kinase inhibition profiling analysis demonstrated that mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) mediated the signalling cascades of YQFM during HF therapy. Meanwhile, p38 and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2) were inhibited after YQFM treatment in H9c2 cells. In rats, the control group had lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) at 37 ± 1.7% compared with the YQFM group at 54 ± 1.1% (p < 0.0001). Cardiac fibrosis levels in control group rats were significantly higher than YQFM group (30.5 ± 3.0 vs. 14.1 ± 1.0, p < 0.0001). Conclusions Our collective in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that YQFM improves left ventricular (LV) function and inhibits fibrosis in HFrEF rats by inhibiting MAPK signalling pathways.

A Strategy for Selecting "Q-Markers" of Chinese Medical Preparation via Components Transfer Process Analysis with Application to the Quality Control of Shengmai Injection.

Chinese medical preparation has complicated chemical constituents. Consequently, the proper quality control methods for these Chinese medical preparations have been great challenges to the traditional Chinese medicine modernization and internationalization. What components should be chosen for quality control is a big challenge in the development of traditional Chinese medicine. A new concept of “Quality Marker” was proposed by Liu et al. to solve this problem and established a new research paradigm for traditional Chinese medicine quality study. Several strategies were proposed by the researchers in traditional Chinese medicine, here, we used Shengmai injection as an example to discuss a strategy for selecting “Quality Markers” of Chinese medical preparation by the components transfer process analysis in the Shengmai injection manufacturing process. Firstly, a total of 87 compounds were identified or partially characterized in shengmai injection. Secondly, referenced to the quality control method in China pharmacopeia and considered the biomarkers in the original medicines and representative components in the manufacturing process, four ginsenosides in Panax ginseng (Hongshen), two compounds in Schisandra chinensis (Wuweizi), and a sugar from Ophiopogon japonicas (Maidong) were quantified. As a result, these seven representative compounds exhibited an acceptable transitivity throughout the Shengmai injection manufacturing process. Finally, combined with the active ingredients, components transfer process analysis, and comprehensive evaluation by “Spider-web” analysis, six compounds were selected as the quality markers for the quality control of Shengmai injection. Through this strategy of optimization for quality markers of Shengmai injection, we found that these six compounds could represent the main bioactive substances and be easily detected in the whole process of production. Furthermore, the quality control method was developed for quality assessment and control of these six quality markers in the Shengmai injection. The total content range of the selected quality markers in the 10 batches of the Shengmai injection is 13.844-22.557 mg/mL.

A new strategy for choosing “Q-markers” via network pharmacology, application to the quality control of a Chinese medical preparation

Due to its chemical complexity, proper quality control for a Chinese medical preparation (CMP) has been a great challenge. Choosing the appropriate quality markers (Q-markers) for quality control of CMP is an important work. Best of all, the chosen Q-markers are the main chemical compounds from the herbals as well as the active constituents of this CMP. Only in this way the established quality control system can really achieve the purpose of controlling the quality of CMP and ensuring the safely and effectively use of CMP. To achieve the purpose, network pharmacology combined with the contents of chemical compounds in the CMP has been used in this research. We took an anti-arrhythmic CMP, Shenxian-Shengmai oral liquid (SSOL), as an example. Firstly, UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS method was used to analyze the main components of SSOL. A total of 64 compounds were unambiguously or tentatively identified and 32 of them were further validated by reference compounds. Secondly, the network was constructed based on the identified compounds to predict the effective compounds related to cardiac arrhythmias. Based on the existing database and the operation method of topology, a method of double network analysis (DNAA) was proposed, from which 10 important targets in the pathway of arrhythmia were screened out, and 26 compounds had good antiarrhythmic activity. Based on the prediction results of network pharmacology along with the contents of the compounds in this CMP, ten representative compounds were chosen as the Q-markers for the quality control of SSOL. We find that five of these ten compounds, including danshensu, rosmarinic acid, salvianolic acid A, epimedin A and icariin, have antiarrhythmic activity. Then, the UPLC-DAD method was established as the control method for SSOL.

Naoxintong inhibits myocardial infarction injury by VEGF/eNOS signaling-mediated neovascularization

Ethnopharmacological relevanceNaoxintong capsules (NXT), a traditional Chinese Medical preparation, are widely used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, while the mechanism is still unclear. Materials and methodsMyocardial infarction (MI) was induced by ligation of the left coronary artery in mice. Echocardiographic measurements were performed to do physiological assessments of left ventricle (LV) function. Histological and immunohistochemical staining was used to determine infarct size, capillary density, tissue endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) model and flow cytometric (FCM) analyses were applied to assay endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) mobilization. Quantitative Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to detect the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), kinase domain region (KDR), phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), phosphorylated-eNOS (p-eNOS). ResultsNXT administration reduced myocardium fibrosis and increased myocardium capillary density in response to MI. NXT increased circulating Sca1+/ Fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk1)+ mononuclear cells (MNCs) and soluble Kit ligand (sKitL) of bone marrow (BM) in response to MI. In mice transplanted with green fluorescent protein (GFP) BM cells, NXT increased the numbers of GFP-positive cells at the border zone of the ischemic region in MI-induced mice. NXT increased the numbers of eNOS-expressing BM-derived cells in tissues, which was involved in increased the expressions of VEGF, KDR, p-eNOS, p-Akt in the myocardium. ConclusionNXT-mediated recovery in MI-induced mice was involved in mobilization and incorporation of bone marrow–derived EPCs/circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) leading to enhancement of neovascularization via VEGF/eNOS signaling.

Clinical research on Angongniuhuang pill adjuvant to haloperidol for the treatment of intensive care unit patients with postoperative delirium

Objective To observe the clinical effects and safety of Angongniuhuang Pill(a traditional Chinese medical preparation) adjuvant to haloperidol for the treatment of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients in postoperative delirium. Methods A prospective study of 243 postoperative patients with delirium adimitted in Intensive Care Unit of Xinjiang Medical University First Affiliated Hospital (January 2013-December 2014), by using confusion assessment method of Intensive Care Unit(CAMICU). All of 243 patients with delirium were randomly divided into two groups by computer randomization software (SAS 9.1): group A in which patients were treated with Angongniuhuang Pill adjuvant to haloperidol and group Fin which patiets were treated with haloperidol alone. The end of two intervention methods was determined by two consecutive CAMICU showing negative or the treatment were ended up at seven days treatment.The data of general information, and the results of treatment were recorded and analized by statistical software SPSS 19.0. The measurement data was expressed as mean±standard deviation; the comparision between two groups was tested by t test; and repeated measurement was analised by variance. Count data was described as number and constitution ratio; and intergroup comparision was tested by Chi-square test. Results There was no significant difference in general information between two groups.The delirium duration and ICU treatment time in group A were shorter than those in group F[(3.0 ± 0.9)d vs.(3.8 ± 1.0)d, P= 0.010; (6.2 ± 1.4)d vs.(6.7 ± 1.5)d, P= 0.008]. When delirium was diagnosed (T0), all patients had EEG abnormalities. As treatment went on, EEG abnormal rate gradually declined. At day one (T1), there was no statistically significant difference in EEG findings between group A and group F (95.7% vs. 97.5%, P= 0.045). At day two (T2) and day three (T3), there was statistically significant difference in EEG findings between group A and group F (65.5% vs. 77.7%, P= 0.038; 42.2% vs. 56.2%, P= 0.032). The levels of S100β protein, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in two groups at T0 were all elevated without noticeable difference. These markers were all deceased at T1, T2, T3, but the speed of descend in group A was relatively faster than that in group F. The differences were statistically significant (S100β: time effect P<0.01, inter-group effectp=0.002, interaction effectp=0.686; IL-6: time effect P<0.01, inter-group effectp=0.034, interaction effectp=0.01; TNF-α: time effect P<0.01, inter-group effectp=0.003, interaction effectp=0.516). The discharge rate in group A after improvement of general condition was higher than that in group F (89.7% vs. 79.3%, P= 0.029). The incidence of postoperative complications and mortality 28 days after operation in group A were lower than those in group F (45.7% vs. 58.7%P= 0.045; 12.9% vs. 24.0%, P= 0.028). Conclusion During the treatment of delirium, Angongniuhuang pill adjuvant to haloperidol was a better method compared with using haloperidol alone in respect of effectiveness and safety perspectives. It may be a novel approach to the treatment for delirium by the combination of Chinese and Western medicine. Key words: Angongniuhuang pill; Haloperidol; Postoperative delirium; ICU patient

Systematic screening and characterization of astragalosides in an oral solution of Radix Astragali by liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and Peakview software.

Liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry coupled with automated data analysis by Peakview software was employed to systematically screen and characterize the astragalosides in Radix Astragali, a Chinese medical preparation. The separation was performed on a poroshell 120 SB-C18 column equipped in a conventional liquid chromatography system. After being separated using a general gradient elution, the analytes were detected by the triple quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer in both positive- and negative-ion modes. The mass defect filtering function built in the Peakview software was utilized to rapidly screen the potential ions of interest, while some functions of Peakview such as Formula Finder, XIC manager, and IDA Explorer were employed to facilitate the assignment or characterization of the screened astragalosides. A total of 42 astragalosides were screened and tentatively characterized or assigned, and 20 of them were firstly detected in Radix Astragali. According to the screened astragalosides, acetylation, glycosidation, hydrogenation, oxidation, and hydration were considered to be the major secondary metabolic pathways involved in the formation of the astragalosides. The combination of liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and automated Peakview analysis is a feasible and efficient tool to screen and identify the constituents in complex matrices of herbal medicines.

Identification of key active constituents of Buchang Naoxintong capsules with therapeutic effects against ischemic stroke by using an integrative pharmacology-based approach.

Integrative pharmacology has been used to identify the key active constituents (KACs) of Buchang Naoxintong capsules (BNCs), a traditional Chinese medical preparation; this approach involves the evaluation of the content profiles and drug-like properties of the BNC constituents and development of an ingredient-target network. In this study, we used a sensitive analytical method to simultaneously identify and quantify 16 constituents of BNCs. Metabolism of these constituents by gut microbiota and human oral bioavailability were predicted using an in silico approach, followed by construction of networks to analyze the interactions between BNC constituents, their molecular targets, and proteins known to be the molecular targets for Food and Drug Administration-approved colitis medication. Finally, an animal model of ischemic stroke was used to verify the therapeutic effects of the KACs of BNCs. Amygdalin and paeoniflorin were identified as the KACs because they were the 2 most abundant BNC constituents, having appropriate drug-like properties, and produced therapeutic effects against cerebral ischemia. Amygdalin produced an anti-cerebral ischemia effect, likely by interacting with the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) and serpin peptidase inhibitor, clade C (antithrombin), member 1 (SERPINC1). These results form the basis for conducting studies to identify KACs in traditional medicinal preparations; such studies might improve quality control and allow the in vivo evaluation of synergistic interactions between the complex mixtures of compounds.

Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major constituents in Chinese medical preparation Lianhua-Qingwen capsule by UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS.

Lianhua-Qingwen capsule (LQC) is a commonly used Chinese medical preparation to treat viral influenza and especially played a very important role in the fight against severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002-2003 in China. In this paper, a rapid ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array detector and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-DAD-QTOF-MS) method was established for qualitative and quantitative analysis of the major constituents of LQC. A total of 61 compounds including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, anthraquinones, triterpenoids, iridoids, and other types of compounds were unambiguously or tentatively identified by comparing the retention times and accurate mass measurement with reference compounds or literature data. Among them, twelve representative compounds were further quantified as chemical markers in quantitative analysis, including salidroside, chlorogenic acid, forsythoside E, cryptochlorogenic acid, amygdalin, sweroside, hyperin, rutin, forsythoside A, phillyrin, rhein, and glycyrrhizic acid. The UPLC-DAD method was evaluated with linearity, limit of detection (LOD), limit of quantification (LOQ), precision, stability, repeatability, and recovery tests. The results showed that the developed quantitative method was linear, sensitive, and precise for the quality control of LQC.

Role of PI3k/Akt pathway in cytoprotective effect of erythropoietin and erythropoietin derivatives in ischaemic human myotubes

Naoxintong capsules (NXT), a traditional Chinese Medical preparation, are widely used for treatment of cardiovascular diseases, while the mechanism is still unclear.Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced by ligation of the left coronary artery in mice. Echocardiographic measurements were performed to do physiological assessments of left ventricle (LV) function. Histological and immunohistochemical staining was used to determine infarct size, capillary density, tissue endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression. Bone Marrow Transplantation (BMT) model and flow cytometric (FCM) analyses were applied to assay endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) mobilization. Quantitative Real-Time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed to detect the expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), kinase domain region (KDR), phosphorylated-Akt (p-Akt), phosphorylated-eNOS (p-eNOS).NXT administration reduced myocardium fibrosis and increased myocardium capillary density in response to MI. NXT increased circulating Sca1+/ Fetal liver kinase 1 (Flk1)+ mononuclear cells (MNCs) and soluble Kit ligand (sKitL) of bone marrow (BM) in response to MI. In mice transplanted with green fluorescent protein (GFP) BM cells, NXT increased the numbers of GFP-positive cells at the border zone of the ischemic region in MI-induced mice. NXT increased the numbers of eNOS-expressing BM-derived cells in tissues, which was involved in increased the expressions of VEGF, KDR, p-eNOS, p-Akt in the myocardium.NXT-mediated recovery in MI-induced mice was involved in mobilization and incorporation of bone marrow–derived EPCs/circulating angiogenic cells (CACs) leading to enhancement of neovascularization via VEGF/eNOS signaling.

Clinical study on Tangshukang liquid on diabetic foot amputation rate

Objective To investigate the effects of Tangshukang liquid on the rate of diabetic foot amputation.Methods 80 patients with diabetic foot were divided into two groups (40 ones in each group) by single-blind method. On the basis of conventional treatment of controlling blood glucose, preventing infection, improving microcirculation and carrying out partial debridement for both groups, the treatment group was applied Tangshukang liquid (homemade) externally, and the control group was applied gauze of mixture liquid (gentamiycin+654-2+insulin) externally. Both groups were treated with 4 therapeutic courses (30 days equal one therapeutic course). Therapeutic effects were observed after the treatment. Results Amputation rate of diabetic foot was significantly reduced in the treatment group, especially the patients with wet gangrene.Conclusion Tangshukang Liquid can significantly reduce the amputation rate of diabetic foot and has good effect on diabetic foot with wet gangrene. Key words: Traditional Chinese medical preparation; Diabetic foot; Amputation rate

Indirubin-3′-monoxime inhibits autophosphorylation of FGFR1 and stimulates ERK1/2 activity via p38 MAPK

Indirubin-3'-monoxime is a derivative of the bis-indole alkaloid indirubin, an active ingredient of a traditional Chinese medical preparation that exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-leukemic activities. Indirubin-3'-monoxime is mainly recognized as an inhibitor of cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and glycogen synthase kinase-3. It inhibits proliferation of cultured cells, mainly through arresting the cells in the G1/S or G2/M phase of the cell cycle. Here, we report that indirubin-3'-monoxime is able to inhibit proliferation of NIH/3T3 cells by specifically inhibiting autophosphorylation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), blocking in this way the receptor-mediated cell signaling. Indirubin-3'-monoxime inhibits the activity of FGFR1 at a concentration lower than that required for inhibition of phosphorylation of CDK2 and retinoblastoma protein and cell proliferation stimulated by fetal calf serum. The ability of indirubin-3'-monoxime to inhibit FGFR1 signaling was similar to that of the FGFR1 inhibitor SU5402. In addition, we found that indirubin-3'-monoxime activates long-term p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activity, which stimulates extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 in a way unrelated to the activity of FGFR1. Furthermore, we show that indirubin-3'-monoxime can inhibit proliferation of the myeloid leukemia cell line KG-1a through inhibition of the activity of the FGFR1 tyrosine kinase. The data presented here demonstrate previously unknown activities of indirubin-3'-monoxime that may have clinical implications.

Treatment of 37 patients with refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura by Shengxueling (升血灵)

To explore the clinical effect and possible mechanism of Shengxueling (SXL), a Chinese medical preparation mainly consisting of ginseng saponins, in treating refractory idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The selected 69 patients with ITP were randomly assigned to two groups, the 37 patients in the treated group were treated orally by SXL with the dose for adult as 60 mg twice a day for two weeks. Then when no marked rise of platelet count after that, the dose would be doubled and administered for another two weeks. Then the dose could be gradually reduced to the initiative level in patients who responded to the treatment, and if they did not, the treatment was regarded as ineffective and be terminated. The 32 patients in the control group were treated with ampeptide elemente instead of SXL, 0.4 g each time three times a day in the first two weeks, and, if that was ineffective, 0.2 g would be added each time and 1.8 g would be administered a day for two more weeks. Four weeks' treatment was regarded as one therapeutic course for both groups and the observation lasted for two successive courses in patients showing positive reslonse. In the 37 patients in the treated group, markedly effective was obtained in 7 (19.0%), favorably effective in 15 (40.5%), improved in 5 (13.5%) and ineffective in 10 (27.0%), the total effective rate being 59.5%. The corresponding number in the 32 patients in the control group was 4 (12.5%), 6 (18.8%), 3 (9.4%), 19 (59.4%) and 31.3% respectively. Comparison showed the difference in therapeutic efficacy between the two groups was significant (P<0.05). SXL is a safe and effective preparation for treatment of ITP, showing an immediate effect which is obviously superior to that of ampeptide elemente with less adverse effect.

Simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid, forsythin and arctiin in Chinese traditional medicines preparation by reversed phase-HPLC.

A reversed phase (RP)-HPLC method was established for simultaneous determination of chlorogenic acid, arctiin and forsythin in Yinqiao Jiedu Granules, which was a commonly used Chinese herbal medical preparation for treatment of rheum ailments. The determination was based on a gradient elution (A: 1% acetic acid, pH=3.0, B: methanol) on a C18 column and an automatic wavelength switching program, where 325 nm was used for chlorogenic acid and 280 nm for arctiin and forsythin, respectively. Good linearities were obtained over the range of 2-200 mg.l(-1) for the 3 objective compounds. The spike recoveries were within 96.0-97.9%.

Observation on efficacy in treating active ankylosing spondylitis with integrative chinese and western medicine

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) mainly affects axial joints, and is also a chronic inflammatory joint disorder with peripheral joint and systemic involvement. Its etiology is unclear, but the efficacy of salicylazosulfapyridine (SASP) in treating AS is generally acknowledged. There is also report on the pure Chinese medical preparation Zhengqing Fengtongning ( ZQFTN, t N N, Ni ~ ) in treating AS (1~ , but there are no reports on whether the ZQFTN and SASP combination therapy can increase the efficacy, or on their side-effects when combined. Since 1996 our hospital has used combination therapy in treating active AS, and compared this with those using SASP alone as control. The results are reported as follows.

Study on the anti-liver fibrosis effect of benefit liver granule and its mechanism in rats

To explore the effect of Benefit Liver Granule (BLG), a traditional Chinese medical preparation, in antagonizing liver fibrosis and its possible mechanism. Carbon tetrachloride was used to establish the experimental liver fibrosis model of rat. The model rats were randomly divided into 4 groups and BLG, Astragalus (As), Salvia (Sa) and normal saline (for control) respectively were given to them by gastrogavage. Changes of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), transforming growth factor α(TGF-α), interleukine-6 (IL-6), liver content of hydroxyproline (Hyp), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonyldialdehyde (MDA) as well as liver pathology after treatment were observed. A normal control group was also established for control. Pathological examination showed that in the saline group, the structure of normal hepatic lobuli was destroyed with swelled liver cells, focal necrosis, extensive fatty degeneration, and focal inflammatory cell infiltration. Small amounts of proliferated fiber tissue were found in the intra-lobular area, peri-central vein area, portal area and limiting plate area, and formation of pseudolobuli was also seen. In the 3 treated groups, the serum ALT, AST, TGF-α and IL-6 as well as liver content of Hyp, and MDA were lower and SOD were higher than those in the control group significantly,P<0.05 orP<0.01. BLG, As and Sa have the action of anti-liver fibrosis, while BLG has the best effect. The mechanisms are probably related to their effects in regulating TGF-α and IL-6, reducing collagen fiber synthesis, promoting free radical scavenge and anti-lipid peroxidation.

Effect of a Chinese Medical Preparation, Hokoei‐to, on Lipids in Blood and Involvement of Cells of Vascular Origin

Effect of a Chinese Medical Preparation, Hokoei‐to, on Lipids in Blood and Involvement of Cells of Vascular Origin

Effect of a Chinese Medical Preparation, Hokoei-to, on Lipids in Blood and Involvement of Cells of Vascular Origin

A significant increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and a tendency for total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol to decrease were found in parous rats given Hokoei-to orally for 25 days, resulting in improvement of the atherogenic index. In experiments using cells of vascular origin, significantly increased proliferation of endothelial cells and suppressed proliferation of smooth muscle cells were obtained in the presence of Hokoei-to. When the action of each component galenical of Hokoei-to was examined, all five components, i.e. Taraxaci Radix, Angelicae Radix, Cyperi Rhizoma, Moutan Cortex and Dioscoreae Rhizoma, promoted the proliferation of endothelial cells. However, Taraxaci Radix and Angelicae Radix also promoted the growth of smooth muscle cells, showing inconsistency with the effect of Hokoei-to as a whole.

Study of the effect of a Chinese medical preparation, hokoei-to, on the rat ovary.

Female rats were given Hokoei-to orally to investigate its effects on hormones. Progesterone and estradiol levels fell markedly in ovariectomized young rats. Administration of Hokoei-to for 25 d produced increased levels of hormones in these rats. A similar effect was found in parous rats, demonstrating replacement of the lost female hormones after Hokoei-to administration.