Herbal Decoction Research Articles

The Effects of Chinese Herbal Decoction Combined with Recombinant Human Interferon α2b on MRI Imaging, Tumor Markers, and Immune Function in Patients with Renal Cell Carcinoma.

Background To explore the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine decoction combined with recombinant human interferon α2b in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Methods 68 RCC patients were divided into the control group and treatment group (n = 34). The control group was treated with recombinant human interferon α2b, and the treatment group was treated with traditional Chinese medicine decoction on the basis of the control group. The clinical efficacy and life quality were observed. At the same time, the changes of immune function before and after treatment were compared. Results After one course of treatment, the effective rate and clinical benefit rate of the treatment group were higher than those of the control group. The Karnofsky score in the treatment group was better than that in the control group. In improving the immune function, the treatment group was better than the control group in increasing CD3+ and CD4+ and reducing CD8+. Conclusion Traditional Chinese medicine decoction combined with recombinant human interferon α2b has a good effect on the treatment of RCC. It can not only improve the common clinical symptoms of patients but also improve the quality of life and cellular immune function of patients.

Analgesic effects of medicinal plants and phytochemicals on chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain through glial modulation.

Chemotherapy‐induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) frequently occurs in cancer patients. This side effect lowers the quality of life of patients and may cause the patients to abandon chemotherapy. Several medications (e.g., duloxetine and gabapentin) are recommended as remedies to treat CIPN; however, usage of these drugs is limited because of low efficacy or side effects such as dizziness, nausea, somnolence, and vomiting. From ancient East Asia, the decoction of medicinal herbal formulas or single herbs have been used to treat pain and could serve as alternative therapeutic option. Recently, the analgesic potency of medicinal plants and their phytochemicals on CIPN has been reported, and a majority of their effects have been shown to be mediated by glial modulation. In this review, we summarize the analgesic efficacy of medicinal plants and their phytochemicals, and discuss their possible mechanisms focusing on glial modulation in animal studies.

Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen formula enhances perindopril inhibition of chronic kidney disease progression by activation of SIRT3, modulation of mitochondrial dynamics, and antioxidant effects.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem. Renin–angiotensin system (RAS) blockade is the mainstay of CKD therapy with limitations. Jian-Pi-Yi-Shen formula (JPYSF) is a traditional herbal decoction and has been used for treating CKD for decades. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the intervention effects of combined used of perindopril erbumine (PE) and JPYSF on CKD progression and explore their underlying mechanisms. CKD rat model was induced by feeding a diet containing 0.75% w/w adenine for 3 weeks. CKD rats were treated with PE or JPYSF or PE+JPYSF from the induction of CKD and lasted 4 weeks. Renal function was evaluated by serum creatinine (Scr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Pathological lesions were observed by Periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) and Masson’s trichrome staining. The protein expression was tested by Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis. The morphology of mitochondria was observed by transmission electron microscope. The results showed that combined used of PE and JPYSF could better improve renal function and pathological lesions and ameliorate renal fibrosis in CKD rats. Administration of PE and JPYSF enhanced sirtuin 3 (SIRT3) expression, inhibited mitochondrial fission, promoted mitochondrial fusion, and suppressed oxidative stress in the kidney of CKD rats. In conclusion, combined use of PE and JPYSF protected against CKD more effectively than either alone. The underlying mechanism may be associated with activation of SIRT3, modulation of mitochondrial dynamics, and antioxidant effects.

Strategies for formulation of effervescent granules of an herbal product for the management of typhoid fever

Herbal medicines are currently being adopted as alternatives to orthodox medicines for the management of drug-resistant and emerging multidrug-resistant microbial strains of various diseases, including typhoid fever. A herbal decoction, MA 001, manufactured by the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR), has been used for the treatment of typhoid fever for at least two decades in Ghana with desirable outcomes. MA 001 is formulated from Citrus aurantifolia, Spondias mombin, Latana camara, Bidens pilosa, Trema occidentalis, Psidium guajava, Morinda lucida, Vernonia amygdalina, Persea americana, Paulina pinnatta, Momordia charantia and Cnestis ferruguinea medicinal plants. The low palatability and compliance to treatment due to the bulky nature of the decoction poses challenges in its optimum use. This study sought to design and formulate the therapeutic components of the aqueous herbal decoction of MA 001 into an optimal solid dosage form of effervescent granules to improve the delivery of MA 001 as well as increase patient compliance and convenience of product handling. The methods involved pre-formulation studies on the suitability of effervescent vehicles, formulation and evaluation of effervescent granules for drug excipient interactions using high performance liquid chromatography analysis. The findings indicate that the effervescent granules were suitable for use in the delivery of the therapeutic constituents for the treatment of typhoid fever as done with the decoction due to minimal herbal extract-excipient interaction.

STUDY OF EFFECT OF AYURVEDIC PHARMACEUTICAL PROCESSING NAMED SHODHANA AND MARANA ON THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND CRYSTALLINE STRUCTURE OF METAL IRON AND IRON-CONTAINING MINERALS USING XRD AND XRF ANALYSIS

Objective: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of Ayurvedic pharmaceutical procedures Shodhana and Marana on the chemical composition of the raw material. Methods: Iron and four iron-containing minerals were subjected to Shodhana and Marana. For Shodhana, Loha (Iron), Suvarnamakshika (Copper pyrite) and Mandura (iron slag,) were repeatedly quenched sequentially in sesamin oil, buttermilk, cow’s urine, natural vinegar and herbal decoctions. Kasisa (green vitriol) was grinded in the juice of Eclipta Alba. For Marana, these materials were first grinded in prescribed liquids and then incinerated in closed earthenware caskets in measured pits. Powdered Gairika (red ochre) was roasted in Cow’s ghee for its Shodhana. Samples of Loha (iron)-L1, Samanya Shodhita Loha–L2, Vishesha Shodhita Loha–L3, Loha bahsma-L4, Mandura (iron slag)–M1, Shodhita Mandura–M2, Mandura bahsma–M3, Suvarnamakshika (copper pyrite)-S1, Shodhita Suvarnamakshika-S2, Suvarnamakshika bhasma-S3, Kasisa (green vitriol)-K1, Shodhita Kasisa-K2, Kasisa bahsma–K3, Gairika (red ochre)-G1 and Shodhita gairika-G2; were studied using XRF and XRD techniques. Results: XRD findings suggested that the Chemical nature, elemental composition and Crystaline lattice structure of each substance were altered after extensive processings. XRF studies confirmed the multi-elemental nature of the final products. Reduction in particle size and other morphological changes were observed in intermediate and finished products during each procedure. Conclusion: The study indicates that the composition of material is altered as a result of Ayurvedic pharmaceutical processing, ’Shodhana and Marana.

Effect of cupping therapy with Chinese herbal decoction in the treatment of extremity dysfunction among patients with wind-phlegm obstruction type stroke

Effect of cupping therapy with Chinese herbal decoction in the treatment of extremity dysfunction among patients with wind-phlegm obstruction type stroke

Nyctinastic herbs decoction improves para-chlorophenylalanine-induced insomnia by regulating the expression level of neurotransmitters.

BackgroundAs traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), nyctinastic herbs have been used in treating insomnia in China since ancient times according to its similar circadian rhythm as human beings. However, the pharmacodynamic characteristics and mechanism of these herbs have not been explored in depth.MethodsIn the study, we chose He Huan Pi (Albizia julibrissin Durazz.), Ye Jiao Teng (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.), Bai He (Lilium brownie F. E. Brown var. viridulum Baker), and Lianzi (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn) to form a TCM compound decoction [nyctinastic herb decoction (NHD)] and to investigate its sedative and hypnotic effect on para-chlorophenylalanine (PCPA)-induced insomnia rodents by pentobarbital-induced sleep test (PIST), behavior test [including locomotor activity (LMA), forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST)] and electroencephalograph (EEG). The expression of neurotransmitters were detected to explain the possible mechanism of NHD.ResultsNHD was found to have good sedative effects on reducing the moving distance, prolonging sleep time, improving the sleep quality and depression status. NHD attenuated the insomniac effect of PCPA by increasing the level of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and reducing the level of dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE), acetylcholine (ACh) in the hypothalamus.ConclusionsThe findings of the present study confirmed the sedative and hypnotic effect of NHD, and clarified its possible mechanism from neurotransmitters.

Ayurveda Treatment Protocol in the Management of Bahala Vartma w.s.r. to Meibomitis: A Case Study

Bahala vartma is an inflammatory condition of the eye lids which can be correlated with Meibomitis which is a health challenge due to lacking of a universally accepted treatment protocol. The present study was focused to observe the effectiveness of an Ayurveda treatment protocol in the management of Bahala vartma with special reference to Meibomitis. A 68 years old married female patient presented to the Shalakya clinic of the National Ayurveda Teaching Hospital, Borella, Sri Lanka with severe pain, redness, lacrimation and swelling of the right upper eyelid for two days. Based on the clinical manifestations the patient was diagnosed as Bahala vartma, and was treated with Sudarshana churna, Kaishora guggulu, Triphala netra bindu (eye drop), and selected Akshi prakshalana (eye irrigation with herbal decoction) for a period of two weeks. Evaluated the effectiveness based on clinical features before and after treatment and a special scoring system was adopted for the assessing. Pain, redness and lacrimation were significantly reduced within 4 days of commencing the treatment, while slight swelling of the upper eyelid existed. The patient was asymptomatic after two weeks and adverse reactions were not observed. The drugs possessed with the qualities of Pitta shamaka (mitigation of Pitta), Raktha shodaka (purifying blood), Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and Chakshushya (vision promoting) which exerts the effectiveness of the medicaments. Thus the prescribed Ayurveda treatment modality is safe and effective in the management of Bahala vartma.

Clinical Effects of Chinese Herbal Decoction Combined with Basic Chemoradiotherapy and Nursing Intervention in the Treatment of Cervical Cancer and the Effect on Serum CEA, CA125, and TNF-α Levels.

Objective This study was aimed to investigate the clinical effect of Chinese herbal decoction combined with basic chemoradiotherapy and nursing intervention in the treatment of cervical cancer and the effect on serum carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels. Methods A total of 200 cervical cancer patients in our hospital from June 2015 to November 2018 were selected and randomly divided into a study group and a control group. The control group was given chemoradiotherapy and psychological nursing treatment, and the study group was given self-made Chinese herbal decoction on the basis of the control group. The clinical efficacy and serum CEA, CA125, and TNF-α levels were assessed. Results After treatment, the total effective rate of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The levels of serum CEA, CA125, and TNF-α were decreased in the two groups after treatment, and the decrease in the study group was more significant than that in the control group. After treatment, CD3+ and CD4+ levels were increased compared with those before treatment, and the increase in the study group was also more obvious than that of the control group. The level of CD8+ was decreased compared with before treatment, and the decrease in the study group was more notable than that of the control group. The two-year cumulative survival rate of the study group was markedly higher than that of the control group. The quality-of-life of patients treated for 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years was dramatically improved compared to before treatment. The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower than that of the control group. Conclusion The treatment of basic chemoradiotherapy and psychological nursing intervention combined with Chinese herbal decoction on cervical cancer patients can improve the clinical treatment effects, improve the patient's body immunity, reduce serum CEA, CA125, and TNF-α levels, prolong survival time, improve life quality, and reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, and it is worthy of clinical promotion.

Potential of Syzygium polyanthum (Daun Salam) in Lowering Blood Glucose Level: A Review

Syzygium polyanthum is a herb widely used in Malaysia and Indonesia in cuisines. Traditionally, the herbal decoction of S. polyanthum (daun salam) leaves is often used by diabetic patients in Indonesia. Therefore, our objective is to evaluate the scientific evidence available for S. polyanthum in lowering blood glucose levels (BGL). We systematically searched Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus, CENTRAL. LILAC and clinicaltrials.gov databases up to 23rd October 2020 using the keywords “Syzygium polyanthum” and “antidiabetic”. From the selected 413 articles, eight studies involving rodents were included. All results showed a significant effect in lowering BGL without any adverse effects. The possible underlying mechanism of action is attributed to inhibiting intestinal glucose absorption and enhancing glucose uptake by the muscles. Chemical families responsible for the effect were determined as flavonoids, alkaloids and terpenoids. Thus, S. polyanthum leaves showed potential antidiabetic properties, but further research is required to identify the active compounds followed by the safety evaluation of this compound.

Ding Chuan Tang Attenuates Airway Inflammation and Eosinophil Infiltration in Ovalbumin-Sensitized Asthmatic Mice.

Asthma is a T helper 2 (Th2) cell-associated chronic inflammatory diseases characterized with airway obstruction, increased mucus production, and eosinophil infiltration. Conventional medications for asthma treatment cannot fully control the symptoms, and potential side effects are also the concerns. Thus, complement or alternative medicine (CAM) became a new option for asthma management. Ding Chuan Tang (DCT) is a traditional Chinese herbal decoction applied mainly for patients with coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and asthma. Previously, DCT has been proved to improve children airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in a randomized and double-blind clinical trial. However, the mechanisms of how DCT alleviates AHR remain unclear. Since asthmatic features such as eosinophil infiltration, IgE production, and mucus accumulation are relative with Th2 responses, we hypothesized that DCT may attenuate asthma symptoms through regulating Th2 cells. Ovalbumin (OVA) was used as a stimulant to sensitize BALB/c mice to establish an asthmatic model. AHR was detected one day before sacrifice. BALF and serum were collected for immune cell counting and antibody analysis. Splenocytes were cultured with OVA in order to determine Th2 cytokine production. Lung tissues were collected for histological and gene expression analyses. Our data reveal that DCT can attenuate AHR and eosinophil accumulation in the 30-day sensitization asthmatic model. Histological results demonstrated that DCT can reduce cell infiltration and mucus production in peribronchial and perivascular site. In OVA-stimulated splenocyte cultures, a significant reduction of IL-5 and IL-13 in DCT-treated mice suggests that DCT may alleviate Th2 responses. In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that DCT has the potential to suppress allergic responses through the reduction of mucus production, eosinophil infiltration, and Th2 activity in asthma.

Clinical Efficacy of Electroacupuncture Dilatational Wave Treatment of Acute-Stage Facial Paralysis

Objective: To discuss and analyze the clinical efficacy and prognostic effect of an electroacupuncture dilatational wave in acute-stage facial paralysis. Method: Sixty patients with acute facial paralysis who received treatment in the inpatient department of our hospital from April 2018 to January 2019 were randomly divided into two groups: a treatment group and a control group. Both groups were treated with the same procedures, such as antivirus, nerve nutrition, circulation improvement, anti-inflammatory, infrared radiation on the affected side, electroacupuncture in quiescent period and Chinese herbal decoction. Dilatational wave treatment was also performed in the treatment group in the acute stage, and the clinical efficacy and effect on prognosis were compared between the two groups. Results: The total effective rate of the treatment group was 96.7%, and the total effective rate of the control group was 70%. The difference in the level of efficacy between the two groups was statistically different (P < 0.05). Conclusions: For the acute stage of facial paralysis, patients who underwent conventional treatment using an electroacupuncture dilatational wave showed a significantly improved efficacy rate, as well as other clear advantages. The treatment is, therefore, worthy of further investigation.

Comparative analysis of the efficacy and safety of herbal decoction CheReCunJin alone and combined with hydroxychloroquine for treating primary Sjögren's syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionThere is currently no established effective treatment for primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used in China and is reported to improve patient symptoms. This study compare the clinical efficacy and safety of herbal decoction CheReCunJin alone and combined with hydroxychloroquine for the treatment of pSS. MethodsSeventy pSS patients without visceral involvement were randomly assigned in equal numbers to oral administration of CheReCunJin decoction only (group 1) or CheReCunJin decoction combined with hydroxychloroquine (group 2), Efficacy was evaluated after 3 months of treatment by the TCM syndrome and total effectiveness scores, European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren's Syndrome Patient Reported Index (ESSPRI), and Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI), Schirmer's test, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels. Safety was assessed. ResultsThere were no differences in the baseline characteristics of the two groups. Compared with baseline values, the TCM syndrome, ESSPRI and ESSDAI scores, ESR, CRP, and Schirmer's test results improved significantly in both groups after treatment (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the TCM syndrome total effectiveness rate between the two groups (p = 0.31). Between-group differences in the changes in ESSPRI, ESSDAI, ESR, CRP, Schirmer's test, and IgG after treatment were not significant (all p> 0.05). Adverse reactions were reported in 5.88% of group 1 and 3.33% of group 2 participants (p = 0.83). ConclusionCheReCunJin decoction alone was effective and safe for the treatment of pSS. Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR1800016471

Herbal formula Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction attenuates paclitaxel-related neurotoxicity via inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress

BackgroundPaclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) is a challenging clinical problem during chemotherapy. Our previous work found that herbal formula Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu decoction (HGWD) could reduce oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity. However, its effect on PIPN remains unknown. In this study, we aim to investigate the therapeutic effect and the underlying mechanisms of HGWD against PIPN with pharmacological experiment and network pharmacology.MethodsMale Wistar rats were used to establish an animal model of PIPN and treated with different doses of HGWD for 3 weeks. Mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia and body weight were measured to evaluate the therapeutic effect of HGWD on PIPN rats. On the day of the sacrifice, blood, DRGs, sciatic nerve, and hind-paw intra-plantar skins were collected to assess neuroprotective effect of HGWD on PIPN. Next, network pharmacology was performed to decipher the potential active components and molecular mechanisms of HGWD, as were further verified by western blotting analyses in PIPN rats. Finally, the effect of HGWD on the chemotherapeutic activity of paclitaxel was evaluated in vitro and in vivo.ResultsIn rats with PIPN, HGWD reversed mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, and ameliorated neuronal damage. Moreover, HGWD significantly increased the level of nerve growth factor, dramatically reduced IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α levels and oxidative stress. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 30 active ingredients in HGWD and 158 candidate targets. Integrated pathway analysis identified PI3K/Akt and toll-like receptor as two main pathways responsible for the neuroprotective effect of HGWD. Further experimental validation demonstrated that HGWD expectedly inhibited the protein expression of TLR4, MyD88, IKKα, and p-NF-κB, and promoted PI3K, p-Akt, Nrf2, and HO-1 level in dorsal root ganglia. Last but not least, HGWD did not interfere with the antitumor activity of paclitaxel both in in vitro and in vivo models.ConclusionThese combined data showed that HGWD could inhibit paclitaxel-evoked inflammatory and oxidative responses in peripheral nervous system viaTLR4/NF-κB and PI3K/Akt-Nrf2 pathways involvement. The neuroprotective property of HGWD on PIPN provides fundamental support to the potential application of HGWD for counteracting the side effects of paclitaxel during chemotherapy.

Identifying potential human and medicinal plant microRNAs against SARS-CoV-2 3′UTR region: A computational genomics assessment

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) began as an outbreak and has taken a toll on human lives. The current pandemic requires scientific attention; hence we designed a systematic computational workflow to identify the cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) from human host possessing the capability to target and silence 3′UTR of SARS-CoV-2 genome. Based on this viewpoint, we extended our miRNA search to medicinal plants like Ocimum tenuiflorum, Zingiber officinale and Piper nigrum, which are well-known to possess antiviral properties, and are often consumed raw or as herbal decoctions. Such an approach, that makes use of miRNA of one species to interact and silence genes of another species including viruses is broadly categorized as cross-kingdom interactions. As a part of our genomics study on host-virus-plant interaction, we identified one unique 3′UTR conserved site ‘GGAAGAG’ amongst 5024 globally submitted SARS-CoV-2 complete genomes, which can be targeted by the human miRNA ‘hsa-miR-1236–3p’ and by Z. officinale miRNA ‘zof-miR2673b’. Additionally, we also predicted that the members of miR477 family commonly found in these three plant genomes possess an inherent potential to silence viral genome RNA and facilitate antiviral defense against SARS-CoV-2 infection. In conclusion, this study reveals a universal site in the SARS-CoV-2 genome that may be crucial for targeted therapeutics to cure COVID-19.

Compatibility with Semen Sojae Praeparatum attenuates hepatotoxicity of Gardeniae Fructus by regulating the microbiota, promoting butyrate production and activating antioxidant response

BackgroundHerb-induced liver injury is a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury in China and its incidence is also increasing worldwide. Gardeniae Fructus (ZZ) has aroused wide concern for hepatotoxicity in recent decades. But when ZZ is administered in combination with Semen Sojae Praeparatum (DDC) to compose a herbal pair Zhizichi Decoction (ZZCD), lower hepatotoxicity is observed. The mechanism involved in the attenuated effect remains to be investigated. Hypothesis/purposeOur previous studies showed that DDC benefited host metabolism by regulating the gut microbiota and it reduced the exposure of major toxic components of ZZ. The present study was aimed to investigate how DDC attenuated hepatotoxicity of ZZ from the perspective of gut microbiota. MethodsRats received ZZ and ZZCD treatment of different dosages and antibiotic treatment was applied to explore the involvement of gut microbiota. Biochemical assays and histopathological analysis were conducted to evaluate liver injury. Gut microbiota in caecal contents was profiled by 16S rRNA sequencing. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in caecal contents were measured by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS). To verify the protective effect of butyrate, it was administered with genipin, the major hepatotoxic metabolite of ZZ, to rats and HepG2 cells. Plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level and colon tissue section were used to evaluate gut permeability. Expression level of Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (Nrf2) was detected by immunohistochemistry in vitro and by western blot in vivo. ResultsOur study showed that ZZCD displayed lower hepatotoxicity than ZZ at the same dosage. ZZ induced gut dysbiosis, significantly reducing Lactobacillus and Enterococcus levels and increasing the Parasutterella level. In combination with DDC, these alterations were reversed and beneficial genus including Akkermansia and Prevotella were significantly increased. Besides, butyrate production was diminished by ZZ but was restored when in combination with DDC. Butyrate showed detoxification on genipin-induced liver injury by promoting colon integrity and promoting Nrf2 activation. Besides, it protected genipin-induced hepatocyte damage by promoting Nrf2 activation. ConclusionDDC attenuates ZZ-induced liver injury by regulating the microbiota, promoting butyrate production and activating antioxidant response.

Strategies for Formulation of Effervescent Granules of an Herbal Product for the Management of Typhoid Fever

Herbal medicines are currently being adopted as alternatives to orthodox medicines for management of drug resistant and emerging multi drug resistant microbial strains of various diseases including typhoid fever. An herbal decoction, MA 001 manufactured by the Centre for Plant Medicine Research (CPMR) has been used for treatment of typhoid fever for at least two decades in Ghana with desirable outcomes. The low palatability and compliance to treatment due to the bulky nature of the decoction poses challenges in its optimum use. This study sought to design and formulate the therapeutic components of the aqueous herbal decoction of MA 001 into an optimal solid dosage form of effervescent granules to improve the delivery of MA 001 as well as increase patient compliance and convenience of product handling. Methods involved pre-formulation studies on suitability of effervescent vehicle, formulation and evaluation of effervescent granules for drug excipient interactions using high performance liquid chromatography analysis. The findings indicate that the effervescent granules were suitable for use in the delivery of the therapeutic constituents for the treatment of typhoid fever as done with the decoction due to minimal herbal extract-excipient interaction.

Professor SHENG Can-ruo's experience in treatment of peripheral facial paralysis with combined therapy of acupuncture-moxibustion and herbal medicine

This paper introduces the specific clinical experience of professor SHENG Can-ruo in treatment of peripheral facial paralysis with the combination of acupuncture-moxibustion and herbal medicine. Professor SHENG Can-ruo advocates "acupuncture-moxibustion for the external and herbal decoction for the internal", inventes "three facial points" and "jianei point" and experienced in "pair points" and "pair herbs". Professor SHENG rationally applies penetrating needling technique, mutually uses acupuncture-moxibustion and herbal medicine and determines the treatment in stages so that the remarkably clinical effect has been achieved on peripheral facial paralysis.

Probable Mode of Action of &lt;i&gt;Sita kasmaryadi&lt;/i&gt; Herbal Decoction in Placental Compliance – A Review

The occurrence of IUGR (Intra uterine growth retardation) is estimated to be approximately 5% in the population and it is considered as the third leading cause for perinatal mortality in India. Despite plentiful management options, none is effectively proved in improving placental circulation and foetal weight gain. Indian medicine practices a herbal decoction with &lt;em&gt;Glycyrrhiza glabra&lt;/em&gt; Linn., &lt;em&gt;Gmelina arborea Roxb&lt;/em&gt;. ex. &lt;em&gt;Smith&lt;/em&gt; and sugar. The pharmacological potentials of this decoction was attempted to explore here in this review based on available researches. Thorough internet search was performed to derive the data. Recent researches on detailed chemical composition and its possible pharmacological action also had been detailed. It is an effective formulation in improving placental and umbilical cord circulation, aids in improving foetoplacental circulation to a greater extent with negligible side effects.

Interstitial Cells of Cajal: Potential Targets for Functional Dyspepsia Treatment Using Medicinal Natural Products.

Introduction The pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia (FD) remains uncertain, but the interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs), pacemakers that regulate gastrointestinal motility, are garnering attention as key modulators and therapeutic targets in FD. This review comprehensively discusses the involvement of ICCs in the pharmacologic actions of FD and as therapeutic targets for herbal products for FD. Methods A search of the literature was performed using PubMed by pairing “interstitial cells of Cajal” with “medicinal plant, herbal medicine, phytotherapy, flavonoids, or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).” Results From the 55 articles screened in the initial survey, 34 articles met our study criteria. The search results showed that herbal products can directly depolarize ICCs to generate pacemaker potentials and increase the expression of c-kit and stem cell factors, helping to repair ICCs. Under certain pathological conditions, medicinal plants also protect ICCs from oxidative stress and/or inflammation-induced impairment. Two representative herbal decoctions (Banhasasim-tang, 半夏泻心汤, and Yukgunja-tang, 六君子汤) have been shown to modulate ICC functions by both clinical and preclinical data. Conclusion This review strongly indicates the potential of herbal products to target ICCs and suggests that further ICC-based studies would be promising for the development of FD treatment agents.