Dachengqi Tang Research Articles

Modified Dachengqi Tang improves decreased gastrointestinal motility in postoperative esophageal cancer patients

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical effects of modified Dachengqi Tang (DCQT) on promoting gastrointestinal motility in post-operative esophageal cancer patients. MethodsSixty postoperative esophageal cancer patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to the modified treatment group or the control group (30 patients in each group). Patients in the treatment group were given DCQT made from decocted herbs and administered via nasojejunal tube at a dosage of 150 mL. Gastrointestinal motility was assessed by recording time for recovery of bowel sounds, flatus, defecation, and the total amount of gastric drainage during the first three postoperative days. Plasma motilin (MTL) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) were measured one hour before and three days after surgery. ResultsCompared with the control group, the times to first bowel sound, flatus, and defecation were significantly shorter and there was less gastric drainage in the treatment group (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.01, and P < 0.05, respectively). In the treatment group, postoperative plasma MTL was significantly higher (P < 0.01) and VIP was significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no difference found in either MTL or VIP from before to after operation in the treatment group (P > 0.05). MTL was significantly lower and VIP was higher postoperatively in the control group, compared to before surgery (P < 0.01). ConclusionsModified DCQT effectively improved decreased gastrointestinal motility in postoperative esophageal cancer patients by increasing MTL and reducing VIP.

Optimization of high pressure machine decocting process for Dachengqi Tang using HPLC fingerprints combined with the Box–Behnken experimental design

Using Dachengqi Tang (DCQT) as a model, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints were applied to optimize machine extracting process with the Box–Behnken experimental design. HPLC fingerprints were carried out to investigate the chemical ingredients of DCQT; synthetic weighing method based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) was performed to calculate synthetic scores of fingerprints; using the mark ingredients contents and synthetic scores as indicators, the Box–Behnken design was carried out to optimize the process parameters of machine decocting process under high pressure for DCQT. Results of optimal process showed that the herb materials were soaked for 45min and extracted with 9 folds volume of water in the decocting machine under the temperature of 140°C till the pressure arrived at 0.25MPa; then hot decoction was excreted to soak Dahuang and Mangxiao for 5min. Finally, obtained solutions were mixed, filtrated and packed. It concluded that HPLC fingerprints combined with the Box–Behnken experimental design could be used to optimize extracting process of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Simultaneous determination of 9 major components of Dachengqi Tang in rat plasma by UPLC-MS/MS

The study established a UPLC-MS/MS method that is used for simultaneous determination nine major bioactive compounds of Dachengqi Tang in rat plasma. Using Aglient C18 column (2.1 mm x 50 mm,1.7 microm) was chromatographed, using methanol-5 mmol x L(-1) ammonium formate mobile phase gradient, elution 0.3 mL x min(-1). In the plasma pre-treatment process, not only the method of methanol and acetonitrile protein precipitation was investigated, and different factors extraction solvent, the type of the scroll time, the number and the type of extraction solvent, the extraction volume of the extraction solution of liquid-liquid extraction is investigated. Finally, with ibuprofen as an internal standard, using ethyl acetate liquid-liquid extraction method pretreatment blood, N2 dry reconstituted supernatant after centrifugation UPLC-MS/MS analysis, in electrospray ionization (ESI) negative mode, using multiple reaction monitoring mode for testing. The linear range of emodin, rhein, aloe-emodin, chrysophanol, magnolol, honokiol, hesperidin and hesperitin is 0.33-660, 0.40-792, 0.41-827, 0.34-680, 0.45-907, 0.46-927, 0.43-867, 0.34-683, 0.39-787 microg x L(-1) respectively, good linear relationship; and extraction recovery were greater than 69.39%, days after the day of the RSD is less than 15%. This method can be used to study the rat gastric large bearing gas after Dachengqi Tang, the simultaneous determination of nine components in plasma for its pharmacokinetics and efficacy material base to provide a theoretical basis.

Chemical differentiation of Da-Cheng-Qi-Tang, a Chinese medicine formula, prepared by traditional and modern decoction methods using UPLC/Q-TOFMS-based metabolomics approach

In order to evaluate chemical consistency between traditional and modern decoctions of Da-Cheng-Qi-Tang (DCQT), a classical Chinese medicine formula commonly used in the treatment of digestive diseases, an ultra performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-Q-TOFMS) combined with multivariate statistical analysis was established to globally characterize the chemical profile and discover differentiating chemical markers. Two kinds of decoctions, namely traditional decoction (multi-step decoction of constituent herbs), and modern decoction (one-step decoction of all herbs), were prepared and subjected to UPLC-MS analysis, the datasets of tR–m/z pairs, ion intensities and sample codes were processed with supervised orthogonal partial least squared discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to comprehensively compare the chemical difference between these two kinds of decoction samples. The global chemical difference was found between traditional and modern decoctions, and rhein, sennoside A/B, diosmetin, magnoloside B and naringin were the components contributing most to these differences. Based on the fact that traditional decoction of DCQT presents the higher concentration of rhein and sennoside A/B, mainly contributed to laxative activity of DCQT, the purgative effect of traditional decoction might be more potent, compared with modern decoction. However, the comparative study on purgative effect of traditional and modern DCQT remains to be further investigated using pharmacological approaches. Our findings also provide the early scientific evidence of traditional decoction method of DCQT.

Study on determination of anthraquinones in Dachengqi Tang residues of Magnolia officinalis and Citrus aurantium removed in decoction process

The traditional decoction method of Dachengqi Tang is that "First boiling Magnolia officinalis and Citrus aurantium with a pipeful of water, taking out five litres from the decoction, removing residues, adding rheum officinale, boiling again, taking out two litres from it, removing residues, adding mirabilite, boiling it with low fire". According to it, residues of M. officinalis and C. aurantium should be removed after decocting. This essay aims to study the content of anthraquinones, in order to proof whether the removal of residues of M. officinalis and C. aurantium is scientific. The traditional method was adopted to prepare Dachengqi Tang. Decoction A (original method) was obtained by removing residues of M. officinalis and C. aurantium, whereas decoction B was obtained without removing residues of M. officinalis and C. aurantium. The content of anthraquinones of both methods was determined with HPLC. The content of both combined and free anthraquinones in decoction A was higher than that of decoction B. The content of total anthraquinones in residues of decoction A was lower than that of residue B. The traditional decoction method of removing residues of M. officinalis and C. aurantium from Dachengqi Tang is scientific, because it improves the dissolution rate of effective ingredients, which provides a theoretical basis for effective substances of the drug.

Study on Spectrum-Effect Relationship of Rhizoma Rhei, Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus and their Formula

Rhizoma Rhei, cortex Magnoliae Officinalis and fructus Aurantii Immaturus compose dachengqi tang (DCQT), a classical formula of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is used for acute intestinal obstruction and has been proven to be effective and economic. However, the ingredients of TCM are complicated, and it is unclear which ingredients are the most important for its effects. In this paper, the relationship between the spectra and effects is discussed to provide a powerful method and some insights into the quality control of the herbs and their formula. High-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) fingerprint analysis was performed to investigate the chemical structures in different batches of rhizoma Rhei, cortex Magnoliae Officinalis, fructus Aurantii Immaturus and DCQT. Hierarchical clustering analysis was employed to evaluate the similarities between fingerprints. Animal model of small intestinal propulsion was established to study the purgative functions of the herbs and DCQT. The relationship between the chemical ingredients and the effects was explored by regression analysis. HPLC fingerprint analysis results demonstrated variations between ingredients in different batches of rhizoma Rhei, cortex Magnoliae Officinalis, fructus Aurantii Immaturus and DCQT. The origin, collection time and preparation process may have contributed to these differences. Small intestinal propulsion results showed that, compared with the control group, the positive and therapeutic groups including single herbs and formula were significantly effective (P < 0.05). Spectrum-effect relationship results indicated that seven peak ingredients, hesperidin, aloe-emodin, honokiol, rhein, magnolol, emodin and sennoside A, were inducted in the regression equation, among which, the influence of sennoside A was the largest and most positively associated with the effects. The data analysis results indicated that many ingredients contributed to the purgative effects, among which, sennoside A might be the most important effective component; therefore, sennoside A should be determined for quality control. Furthermore, the spectrum-effect relationship is simple, operative and suitable for the quality evaluation of TCM.

Effect of Da-Cheng-Qi-Tang on Gastrointestinal Motility in Patients Undergoing Laparotomy

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Da-Cheng-Qi-Tang (DCQT) on the gastrointestinal motility after abdominal surgery in humans. Thirty-three patients with abdominal surgery and 36 patients with cholecystectomy were divided into DCQT and control groups at random. Electrogastrography (EGG) and antroduodenojejunal manometry were performed and the level of plasma ghrelin were measured by ELISA. On the operative day, the ratio of EGG normal slow waves in DCQT group was higher than in control group (p<0.05). The power of EGG in DCQT group was higher than in control group on the 2nd and 3rd postoperative day (p<0.05). The percentage of normal bowel peristalsis was significantly higher in the DCQT group than in control group (p<0.01). On the 1st and 2nd postoperative day, the power of Phase III of migrating motor complex (MMC) in the proximal jejunum in DCQT group was significantly higher than in control group (p<0.05). On the 3rd and 5th postoperative day, the plasma ghrelin level in the DCQT group was significantly higher than in the control group (p<0.05). DCQT could improve gastric dysrythmia, enhance gastrointestinal motility and adjust the synchronized recovery of the alimentary tract and increase plasma ghrelin after abdominal surgery.

Effect of Catharsis on Levels of Plasma Motilin and Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide of Rats with Constipation by Outlet Obstruction

Objective To study the effect of catharsis method on the levels of plasma MTL and VIP of OOC rats,and investigate the rationality of purgation and lubricant purgation treating OOC. Methods The models of constipation by outlet obstruction were made by constricting the rectum of rats partly, and taking out stitches in vitro to relieve obstruction.Using the Da Cheng Qi Tang (DCQT) and Ma Ren Wan (MRW) as carrieres to object the effect of catharsis method on the levels of plasma MTL and VIP of rats and contrast histopathologie severity of colitis. Results The inflammatory reaction of intestinal mucous was relieved significantly in DCQT group and MRW group, and levels of plasma MTL were raised significantly than normal group(P＜0.05). The levels of plasma VIP went down significantly in model group, DCQT group and MRW group than in normal group(P＜0.01). Conclusion Purgation and lubricant purgation could relieve the inflammatory reaction of intestinal mucosa of OOC rats, influence the levels of plasm MTL and VIE and promote defecation.But we must consider using them exactly. Key words: Constipation by outlet obstruction (OOC) : Motilin (MTL) : Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP):DACHENQITANG (DCQT) ; MARENWAN (MRW) ;

Simultaneous determination of eight major bioactive compounds in Dachengqi Tang (DT) by high-performance liquid chromatography

BackgroundDachengqi Tang (DT) is a common traditional Chinese medicine formula for expelling neire ('internal heat') in the stomach and intestines. There was no reliable analytical method available for the quality control of DT.MethodsA high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method with a reverse phase C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm) was developed. The mobile phase was methanol with 0.2% acetic acid. Eight markers including naringin, hesperidin, aloe emodin, rhein, honokiol, magnolol, emodin and chrysophanol were determined.ResultsRegression analysis revealed a linear relationship between the concentrations of the markers and the peak area ratio of the standards and internal standard. The limit of detection (S/N = 3) and the limit of qualification (RSD < 20%) ranged from 0.21 to 0.43 ng/μl and 0.76 to 1.74 ng/μl respectively. The recovery was between 95.6% and 103.4%. The tests on the samples from three batches of DT showed that the profiles of the markers did not vary significantly among batches.ConclusionA reliable HPLC method for simultaneous determination of the eight markers in DT was developed.

Da-Cheng-Qi-Tang Promotes the Recovery of Gastrointestinal Motility After Abdominal Surgery in Humans

In order to examine the effects of Da-Cheng-Qi-Tang (DCQT) on gastrointestinal motility functions after abdominal surgery in humans, 33 patients with abdominal surgeries and 36 patients with cholecystectomies were divided into the DCQT and the control groups at random. Electrogastrography (EGG) and gastroduodenojejunal manometry was performed and the levels of plasma motilin were measured by radioimmunoassay. The results were as follows: (1) on the day of surgery, the ratio of EGG normal frequency in the DCQT group was higher than in the control group (P=0.0016); (2) the power of EGG in the DCQT group was higher than in the control group on the second and third days after surgeries (P=0.0011 and P=0.0215, respectively); (3) the percentage of normal bowel peristalsis was significantly higher in the DCQT group than in the control group (P<0.01); and (4) in the DCQT group, the plasma motilin level reached its peak earlier than in the control group. Our results suggest that DCQT can increase plasma motilin, enhance gastrointestinal motility, improve gastric dysrythmia, and reduce gastroparesis after abdominal surgery.

Effect of Dachengqi Tang granule on proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells in rats with experimental intestinal obstruction

Objective: To study the effects of Dachengqi Tang (DCQT) granule on the proliferation of the intestinal epithelial cells in rats with experimental intestinal obstruction.Methods: Experimental intestinal obstruction models were established in rats and autoradiography with3 H-TdR was used to determine3H-TdR labeling counts of intestinal epithelial cells in rats.Results: DCQT granule had no effects on3H-TdR labeling counts of intestinal epithelial cells in normal rats. DCQT granule obviously increases the rate of renovation in intestinal epithelial cells of the intestinal obstruction rats.Conclusion: DCQT granule could reinforce the intestinal mucosa’s defensive function by means of increasing the proliferation of intestinal epithelial cells.