Kidney Qi Research Articles

Explore the mechanism of yishenjiangya formula in the treatment of senile hypertension based on multi-omics technology

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe Yishenjiangya formula (YSJ) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) primarily composed of qi-tonifying components. This classic formula is commonly utilized to treat kidney qi deficiency in elderly patients with hypertension. According to TCM, maintaining a balance between qi and blood is crucial for stable blood pressure. Kidney qi deficiency can disrupt this balance, altering fluid shear force and, ultimately, leading to hypertension, particularly in elderly populations. Despite YSJ's efficacy in treating hypertension, its specific anti-hypertensive mechanisms remain unclear. Aim of the studyYSJ is commonly prescribed for elderly patients with hypertension. Earlier metabolomics studies demonstrated that YSJ exerts antihypertensive effects by influencing four key pathways: linoleic acid metabolism, glycerol phospholipid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis. This study aims to combine metabolomic and proteomic analyses to thoroughly understand the molecular biological mechanisms responsible for YSJ's anti-hypertensive properties. MethodsUltra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS) metabolomics, combined with Label-Free Quantitation (LFQ) proteomics, was employed to analyze serum samples from elderly individuals with and without hypertension pre- and post-YSJ intervention. Serum levels of candidate proteins were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the target proteins. ResultsEight differentially expressed metabolites and three differentially expressed proteins were identified as potential therapeutic targets of YSJ. These substances are primarily involved in unsaturated fatty acid metabolism, fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis pathway, primary bile acid biosynthesis, proline metabolism, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress. YSJ exerts its therapeutic effects on hypertension in the elderly by modulating these pathways. ConclusionsYSJ effectively treats senile hypertension. By analyzing the correlation between therapeutic targets and pathways, YSJ's anti-hypertensive effect was achieved by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and matrix degeneration. Combining metabolomics and proteomics provides an effective method for uncovering YSJ's anti-hypertensive mechanisms.

Auricular Acupressure as an Adjuvant Treatment for Wheezing in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major public health problem. Due to the restriction of expiratory airflow, it is characterized by emphysematous destruction of the lungs. Shortness of breath is one of the main clinical symptoms. Auricular acupressure is a clinical therapy characteristic of Chinese medicine that treats the disease by compressing ear points. Usually, the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis are used to stimulate ear points, which has the effect of regulating qi and alleviating wheezing. In this paper, we propose this characteristic therapy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the clinical symptoms of wheezing of lung and kidney qi deficiency type in stable COPD patients. Ear points are selected as the treatment protocol for Lung (CO14), Spleen (CO13), Kidney (CO10), Shen Men (TF4), and Ping Chuan (AT1.2.4i) points. The protocol describes a case study using auricular acupressure for a patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to relieve wheezing symptoms.

Professor MA Kun treats infertility caused by uterine dysplasia with kidney deficiency and blood stasis

Uterine dysplasia is a common cause of infertility. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the treatment of this disease. This paper introduces a case of infertility caused by uterine dysplasia treated by Professor MA Kun who adopted the therapy of tonifying kidney and activating blood, aiming to summarize the theoretical foundation and formula principles of Professor MA Kun in the clinical treatment of this disease. The kidney stores essence and governs reproduction. Kidney deficiency is the root cause of infertility. The deficiencies in kidney Qi, Yin, and Yang can result in blood stasis to obstruct the uterus, leading to insufficient source for essence and aggravating kidney deficiency. Kidney deficiency and blood stasis affect each other and form a vicious cycle, resulting in uterine dysplasia due to insufficient nutrition and difficult pregnancy. Therefore, Professor MA Kun believes that kidney deficiency and blood stasis is the key pathogenesis of infertility caused by uterine dysplasia and proposes the treatment principle of tonifying kidney and activating blood. Sufficient essence and Qi in the kidney can resolve stasis and generate blood, thus harmonizing Yin and Yang, which can reach thoroughfare and conception vessels to nourish the uterus and recover the normal physiological function of the uterus. In that case, normal pregnancy is possible. Professor MA Kun attaches importance to the therapeutic principle of supplementing Qi and nourishing blood. In addition, she advocates conforming to changes in the menstrual cycle to promote the development of the uterus and the implantation of fertilized eggs. She also integrates traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine to treat both symptoms and root causes. Professor MA Kun's experience has demonstrated definite clinical effect on this disease and can be taken as a reference.

Examples of Professor MA Kun's treatment of infertility caused by uterine fibroids using method of tonifying kidney and activating blood

Uterine fibroids are a prevalent factor that impacts fertility in women of reproductive age. This study discusses the theoretical foundation and formula principles of Professor MA Kun's clinical treatment for infertility caused by uterine fibroids. The kidney stores essence and is responsible for reproduction, while blood serves as a vital material basis for women's physiological functions. Kidney deficiency is the fundamental pathogenesis of infertility, and imbalances in kidney Qi and essence or deficiencies in kidney Yin and Yang can result in blood stasis. Blood stasis plays a significant role throughout this condition by impeding the flow of blood, which is crucial for nourishing Qi. Therefore, both kidney deficiency and blood stasis are key factors contributing to infertility caused by uterine fibroids. Professor MA Kun treats infertility caused by uterine fibroids using an approach that involves tonifying the kidneys and activating blood circulation based on changes in Qi and blood during the menstrual cycle as well as follicular growth processes. By identifying stage-specific evidence, appropriate treatments can be applied accordingly. During menstruation when the uterus opens and menstrual blood flows out, promoting follicular development through nourishing kidney Yin and activating blood circulation becomes essential. In later stages of menstruation, additional measures are taken to remove blood stasis, alleviate symptoms, disperse knots, attack pathogens while simultaneously replenishing vital energy. During intermenstrual periods when Yin holds greater importance than Yang, tonifying the kidneys and activating blood circulation helps facilitate smooth discharge of eggs by promoting transformation between Yin and Yang energies. Premenstrual period to warm kidney Yang to promote pregnant egg implantation, and at the same time to dredge the liver and regulate Qi, Qi elimination stagnation, complementary in the line, with the symptoms of additional subtractions. Clinical effect is remarkable, for the reference of colleagues.

Research Progress on the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with Classical Prescriptions

AbstractThe main pathogenesis of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) includes deficiency of healthy qi, blood stasis, and fluid retention. The root cause of BPH is the deficiency of healthy qi, for which Jingui Shenqi Pill and Zhenwu Decoction are used to nourish kidney qi and warm yang to promote diuresis. Blood stasis is the key pathogeneses of BPH, for which Guizhi Fuling Pill and Didang Decoction are used to dissipate blood stasis, relieve obstruction of orifices and facilitate bowel movement. Fluid retention is the most urgent symptom of BPH, for which Wuling Powder and Danggui Shaoyao Powder are used to transform qi and promote diuresis, addressing the urgent symptoms.

TCVM Treatment of the Subfertile Mare

The treatment of reproductive disorders and the promotion of fertility represent cornerstones of the equine and bovine industries. Along with conventional medical treatments, the use of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has been used to treat reproductive problems for thousands of years in humans, is showing increasing potential through evidence-based studies to treat infertility in animals. In this article, a traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) approach to treatment of infertility in the mare will be presented. Discussion of common TCVM infertility patterns in the sub-fertile mare such as Kidney Qi and Blood Deficiency and Kidney Yin Deficiency will be explored. Review of research studies substantiating evidence-based efficacy of TCVM techniques along with practical tips for acupuncture and herbal medicine treatment for infertility will also be presented.

The Water Element, Zang-fu Kidney and Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan

The Water Element, as part of the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Five Elements, is associated with winter, coldness, darkness and the Zang-fu organs Kidney and Bladder. The TCM Kidney, encompasses far more than the Western concept of an organ which produces and excretes the waste product urine. It controls water and fluid metabolism; a primordial generator (Ming-men Fire, Essence, Jing, promotes growth, skeleton, marrow, innate constitution); Yin-Yang dynamics (innate Yin and Yang); receives Qi; life functions (sexual behavior, reproduction, neuroendocrine axis, nervous system, urinary system, manufacture Blood, acute sense of hearing, controls the 2 lower orifices, assists respiration); as well as supports good life/living (houses commitment, will power, memory). Diseases of the Kidney can manifest as congenital deficiencies, fearful attitude, pathological changes (Yin and Yang Deficiencies, chronic debilitation), and physiological deficiencies associated with senescence. Some of the more common clinical signs of Kidney (Water Element) disease include renal/reproduction disorders, lumbar pain, hind end weakness, teeth/hair loss, deafness, lassitude, neuroendocrine disorders, asthma, congenital disease and bone disorders. One of the most famous formulas to treat Kidney Yang Deficiency and decline of Ming-men Fire is the classical herbal formula Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan. The strategy of this formula is to tonify Kidney Yin to raise Kidney Yang, (since Yin and Yang are mutually dependent), with the addition of warm herbs to ignite the Fire of Ming-men. From a Chinese medical perspective, Kidney Yang Deficiency syndrome may cause endocrine system disorders, immune-deficiency, neurological, renal, and reproductive disorders. This paper will review the Zang-fu Kidney function, and the classic Chinese herbal medicine, Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet).

Regulatory effects and clinical application of panax-based compound formula on chronic diseases

Hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia are common chronic diseases today and can lead to severe complications. Panax-based compound formula, as a comprehensive traditional Chinese medicine formulation, incorporates various components such as Panax, exerting multiple pharmacological effects, including nourishing the kidney qi, strengthening the heart, vasodilation, and increasing blood flow. Through the study of multiple cases, including patients with hypotension, heart disease, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, as well as early and long-term hypertension, preliminary evidence has been provided, indicating the potential positive effects of this compound in different types of hypertensive and diabetic patients. It demonstrates clear antiarrhythmic effects and effectively reduces blood pressure, improves heart failure, and alleviates hyperlipidemia. However, further research and clinical trials are required to verify its long-term therapeutic effects and safety. It is crucial to develop personalized treatment plans when using this compound formula.

Research progress in pharmacological property of Aralia elata.

The traditional Chinese medicine Aralia elata (Miq.) seem., also known as Aralia mandshurica, has the effect of "tonifying qi and calming the mind, strengthening the essence and tonifying the kidneys, and dispelling wind and invigorating blood circulation", and is used in the treatment of neurasthenia, yang deficiency and Qi deficiency, kidney Qi deficiency, spleen Yang deficiency, water-dampness stagnation, thirst, and bruises, etc. Aralia elata saponins are the main material basis for its pharmacological effects. From the perspective of modern pharmacological science Aralia elata has a wide range of effects, including anti-myocardial ischaemia and alleviation of secondary myocardium ischemic reperfusion injury by regulating ionic homeostasis, anti-tumor by inhibiting proliferation, promoting apoptosis and enhancing immunity, hypoglycaemia and lipid lowering by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, and hepato-protective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory/analgesic effects. The studies on pharmacological mechanism of Aralia elata will be conducive to its development and application in the future. This article reviews the research progress of Aralia elata domestically and internationally in the last two decades, and proposes new directions for its further pharmacological research.

Discussion of Acute Deficiency Syndrome Theory and its Clinical Application

Discussion of Acute Deficiency Syndrome Theory and its Clinical Application

Connotation of Shenqi Pills based on severe cases in cardiovascular care unit and modern pathophysiological mechanism and application of Shenqi Pills for heart failure, renal failure, cardiorenal syndrome, and diuretic resistance in critical care medicine

Shenqi Pills, first recorded in Essentials from the Golden Cabinet(Jin Kui Yao Lue) from ZHANG Zhong-jing in Han dynasty, have the effect of warming and tonifying the kidney Qi and are mainly used for the treatment of insufficiency of kidney Qi and kidney Yang. According to modern medicine, kidney Qi involves heart function, kidney function, immune function, and so on. The clinical indications of Shenqi Pills include kidney deficiency, abnormal fluid, and abnormal urination, and the last one is classified into little urine, much urine, and dysuria. In clinical settings, Shenqi Pills can be applied for the treatment of heart failure, renal failure, cardiorenal syndrome, and diuretic resistance, as well as endocrine, urological, orthopedic, and other chronic degenerative diseases. Shenqi Pills are ideal prescriptions for the weak constitution and emergency treatment. It is of great value and significance to carry out in-depth research on the connotation of the classic articles by integrating TCM and western medicine based on "pathogenesis combined with pathology and drug properties combined with pharmacology".

Clinical Characteristics and Chinese Medicine Therapy of Chronic Kidney Disease Combined with Cardiovascular Disease

ABSTRACT Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious public health concern worldwide. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in CKD patients. CKD combined with CVD (CKD-CVD) is a common disease with a poor prognosis. Modern medicine for the treatment of CKD-CVD currently focuses on controlling the traditional risk factors of CVD. However, its efficacy is lower than expected, and revascularization shows no notable benefit to patients. The reason for this unsatisfactory clinical outcome is that CKD-CVD has a specific pathophysiological mechanism and atypical clinical presentation. Due to the inadequacy of the therapeutic effects of modern medicine, Chinese medicine (CM) is recommended to delay disease progression. CM is widely used to treat CKD. Furthermore, some theoretical and clinical explorations on the CM treatments of CKD-CVD have been undertaken in recent years. However, clinical trials on the long-term effects of CM on cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CKD is lacking, especially studies on combined cardiac and renal endpoints. This article summarises the clinical characteristics and main treatments of CKD-CVD. Besides, based on CM theory, it is proposed that a deficiency of the spleen and kidney Qi, water dampness, dampness turbidity, and blood stasis contribute to the pathogenesis of CKD-CVD, treatment should focus on tonifying the spleen and kidney Qi, supplemented by smoothing the triple energizer, detoxification, and activation of blood circulation. In order to provide some reference for the combined treatment of Chinese and Western medicine for CKD-CVD.

Acupuncture for Hindlimb Lameness in a Ferret

A geriatric ferret with a complicated medical history (adrenal disease, kidney disease, hindlimb lameness/weakness, chronic diarrhea, urinary incontinence) was presented for traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) evaluation. A thorough conventional medical work-up had been performed but financial resources were unavailable for specialty referral. The owner, however, still wanted her pet to have a good quality of life for as long as reasonably possible. The ferret was a good candidate for acupuncture given that TCVM theory explained many of the clinical abnormalities. The owner’s most significant concern was the patient’s mobility and pain; therefore, the TCVM Patterns of Kidney Qi Deficiency and local Qi Stagnation were the focus of the initial TCVM visits. Aside from the deslorelin implant, the owner elected to discontinue all traditional medications. Improvements noted in the patient’s quality of life correlated with the acupuncture therapy received. Over a 2-month period and 5 acupuncture sessions, the patient’s mobility and urinary incontinence improved and complete resolution of the diarrhea occurred. At the conclusion of care for this patient, a recommendation for continuing TCVM was made with acupuncture treatments every 1-2 months along with disease monitoring with conventional diagnostics. This case is an excellent example of the medical benefits of acupuncture in an exotic companion mammal.

Exploring the Combination Characteristics and Mechanism of Kidney Tonifying Effects of Kidney Qi Pill and Right Return Pill Based on the Theory of "Tonifying and Diarrhea"

Kidney Qi Pill is from Zhang Zhongjing's Jinkui Yaolve in the Han Dynasty, while Right Return Pill is from Zhang Jingyue's "JingYue QuanShu" in the Ming Dynasty, although the two sides were created in different dynasties, they are both kidney tonic formulas and are still used today. Drugs such as " three tonics " and "three diarrheas" and various drugs such as "less fire and more anger" in kidney qi pills can achieve tonify the kidney qi, while Right Return Pill is based on the Kidney-Qi Pill by deleting the "three tonics" and retaining the "three diarrhoeas". Both of them have the effect of warming the kidney yang, but Kidney Qi Pill aims to warm the kidney yang and transform the kidney qi, while Right Return Pill fills the kidney essence and helps the kidney yang. Its mechanism of action is the same and different, and at the same time, the "three tonics" are used to "seek yang in the yin", and the difference is the "three diarrhea" drugs and filling in the fine matching and trade-offs of the boutique. This paper aims to compare and analyze the characteristics of the combination of kidney qi pill and Right Return pill and modern molecular mechanism. In order to provide reference for the advantages of these two directions to study the drug and compatibility mechanism.

Talking About the Pathogenesis of Chronic Nephritis from "Evil-Chronic Disease-Symptom"

Chronic nephritis is a glomerular immune disease with different pathological manifestations caused by a variety of reasons. Its pathogenesis is complicated. Common triggering factors include infection (such as upper respiratory tract infection, acute gastroenteritis, etc. causing inflammatory response in the body), environmental factors and Some chemotherapy drugs, etc. Traditional Chinese medicine has a profound understanding of the treatment of chronic nephritis. By summarizing Professor Lv Renhe's theory of micro-disease in the kidneys and collaterals, this paper sorts out the main line of pathogenesis of chronic nephritis "evil-sickness-disease-disease". It is believed that the nature of the disease should be regarded as both deficiency and excess, and the disease location is in the three viscera of the lungs, spleen and kidney. The dysfunction of the lung, spleen and kidney is the key to the pathogenesis of chronic nephritis, which should be mainly based on the deficiency of the root, supplemented by the actual body. Deficiency of spleen and kidney qi is the main factor, and the main pathological products such as dampness, blood stasis, phlegm, heat, and poison are accumulated in the body, resulting in the manifestations of phlegm turbidity, blood stasis, dampness toxin, chronic disease, and constipation. The purpose is to explain that the main pathogenesis of Professor Lv Renhe's "Xie Fu - chronic disease - Zheng Jia" has guiding significance for the treatment of chronic nephritis, further deepens the understanding of the pathogenesis of chronic nephritis in clinical Chinese medicine, and enriches and develops the theory of kidney and collateral micro syndrome. Open up new ideas and methods for traditional Chinese medicine treatment of kidney disease.

Kunling Wan improves oocyte quality by regulating the PKC/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway to inhibit oxidative damage caused by repeated controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceKunling Wan (KW) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is principally used for kidney deficiency, qi stagnation, and blood stasis, which are basic syndromes of infertility in China. KW can improve ovarian follicular development, ovarian function, and endometrial receptivity, which lead to improving pregnancy outcomes. Repeated controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) reduces oocyte quality and results in a lower pregnancy rate. Whether KW has the potential to improve oocyte quality reduced by repeated COH has yet to be determined. Aims of the studyThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of KW on oocyte quality after damage due to repeated COH, and to investigate the mechanism(s) underlying the antioxidative protection of oocytes by mitochondria. Materials and methodsFemale Kunming mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal group, model (repeated COH) group, KW group, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) group. We observed the morphology and quality of mitochondria, level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidant enzymes activity of each group. Oocytes were treated with H2O2 and KW-containing serum, and we determined the antioxidant effects of KW on H2O2-treated oocytes and the mechanism involved in the regulation of Nrf2 in reducing oxidative damage. ResultsOur results revealed that repeated COH caused oxidative damage and impaired oocyte mitochondrial function and structure, resulting in poor oocyte quality. KW pretreatment reduced oxidative damage by inhibiting ROS production and improving mitochondrial structure and function, thereby enhancing overall oocyte quality. In response to H2O2, KW activated the PKC/Keap1/Nrf2-signaling pathway and promoted the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, which activated the expression of SOD and GSH-Px, and removed the excess ROS that caused the initial mitochondrial damage. ConclusionsKW improved oocyte quality perturbed by repeated COH via reducing oxidative effects and improving mitochondrial function. The mechanism may be related to regulation of the PKC/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway in removing excess ROS.

Application regularity of medicinal and dietary substances for patients during COVID-19 rehabilitation

This study focused on the application regularity of medicinal and dietary substances (MDS) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diet therapy during rehabilitation, in order to help patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) reduce sequelae and improve their life quality. The official websites of the national and provincial health committees, the website of the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the China BioMedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang Database were used to search the keywords, such as “coronavirus” “novel coronavirus pneumonia” “COVID-19” “protocol” “guideline” “consensus” and “rehabilitation period”. The search time was from the establishment of databases to July 31, 2022. The prevention and control protocols of various provinces and cities were manually supplemented and screened out. The information on the frequency, property, flavor, meridian tropism, and efficacy of MDS was collected for association rule analysis through the Apriori algorithm. Hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using the Euclidean distance and longest distance. A total of 18 protocols were screened out, including 56 lists of TCM diet therapy, and 47 kinds of MDS with a frequency of 132 times during the rehabilitation of COVID-19. Among them, six lists of diet therapy were collected from national websites, 26 from local government websites, and 24 from social and academic institution websites. The intended population can be divided into seven categories including normal recovery, lung-spleen Qi deficiency, deficiency of both Qi and Yin, spleen-stomach weakness, deficiency of Yang Qi, kidney Qi deficiency, and blood deficiency. Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) and Lianzi (Nelumbinis Semen), followed by Dazao (Jujubae Fructus) were used most commonly in MDS, with mainly flat property, sweet flavor, and spleen and lung meridians in meridian tropism. Besides, deficiency-tonifying drugs were commonly used in MDS. Through association rule analysis, 12 groups of association MDS pairs were obtained. The pair of Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) had the highest Lift value, and Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) was used most frequently in the MDS category for eliminating pathogenic factors. The results of complex network analysis showed that the core MDS were Yiyiren (Coicis Semen), Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Fuling (Poria), and Dazao (Jujubae Fructus). Three core categories were classified by cluster analysis, including the category of strengthening spleen, nourishing kidney, and grasping Qi, the category of removing phlegm, abating panting, and regulating Qi, and the category of strengthening the middle-energizer and reinforcing Qi. Based on the TCM theory, most patients during the rehabilitation of COVID-19 are in a state of lingering pathogens due to deficient vital Qi. TCM diet therapy is based on the principle of “giving both reinforcing and reducing treatment”, and the MDS combinations focus on both reinforcing the health Qi and eliminating pathogenic factors. The diet therapy mainly uses the MDS with flat property and sweet flavor, which belongs to deficiency-tonifying drugs, adding suitable MDS of pathogen-eliminating drugs according to different situations. The ultimate goal is to promote lung inflammation absorption, improve pulmonary fibrosis, increase immunity, reduce the occurrence of sequelae, and improve life quality.

Medication Regularity of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Aplastic Anemia Based on Data Mining.

Aplastic anemia (AA) is an uncommon disease, characterized by pancytopenia and hypocellular bone marrow, but it is common in the blood system. The medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of AA are not clear, for which it is worth exploring the medication rules by data mining methods. This study used SPSS Modeler 18.0 and SPSS statistics to analyze the cases of AA from Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine (ZJHCM) from March 1, 2019, to March 1, 2022. Data mining methods, including frequency analysis, cluster analysis, and association rule learning, were performed in order to explore the medication rules for AA. (1) A total of 859 prescriptions, which met the inclusion criteria, consisted of 255 herbs. In descending order of the frequency of herbal medicine, we have Danggui, Huangqi, Shudihuang, Fuling, Gancao, Shanyao, Shanzhuyu, Baizhu, Dangshen, and Xianhecao. (2) Frequency analysis of herb properties: the Four Qi of 255 kinds of TCMs are mainly warm and neutral medicines. The Five Flavors are mainly sweet medicines, followed by bitter medicines. The main meridians are the liver, spleen, and kidney. (3) Clustering of medications: TCMs with the top 20 frequencies are classified into 9 groups by cluster analysis. (4) Association rule analysis of high-frequency herbs: using the Apriori algorithm, the results showed that there were 3 herb pairs with support of over 0.3 and 12 herb pairs with confidence above 0.85. The basic pathogenesis of AA (Sui Lao) is spleen and kidney essence deficiency, Qi deficiency, and blood stasis. The main herbs have warm and neutral properties, sweet tastes, and liver, spleen, and kidney meridian tropisms, whose purpose is to tonify the kidney and invigorate the spleen, tonify Qi, and promote blood circulation.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine to Treat Intervertebral Disc Disease in a Dachshund

An 8-year-old, male, smooth coat Dachshund presented with bilateral hindlimb paralysis (Grade IV) and pain in the lumbar area. He was diagnosed with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and the traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) Pattern diagnosis was Spinal Cord Qi/Blood Stagnation with Kidney Qi Deficiency. The goal for treating IVDD patients is to eliminate spinal cord compression and resolve inflammation in order to alleviate the animal’s pain and restore normal mobility. The medical approach to the present case was to use the TCVM treatment modalities of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine (modified Da Huo Luo Dan/Double P II) and Tui-na massage to address the TCVM Patterns diagnosed. TCVM treatment sessions were initiated at a frequency of twice a week for 2 weeks, followed by once weekly sessions for 2 more weeks and a final session 1 month later along with oral daily administration of Double P II. The combination of TCVM treatment modalities resulted in a successful clinical outcome with the dog walking after 6 treatment sessions over a 4-week period. This case illustrates that TCVM, including acupuncture, Tui-na massage and Chinese herbal medicine, can be effective as a sole therapy for thoracolumbar IVDD, or part of integrated therapy with conventional medicine.

Long-Term Follow-up of Osteoarthritis in Three Humboldt Penguins Treated with Acupuncture

Humboldt penguins, (Spheniscus humbolti) are medium-sized penguins from the rocky shores of Chile and Peru. Their lifespan in the wild is 20-25 years and in captivity 20-30 years. Three geriatric penguins at the Santa Barbara Zoological Park displayed various degrees of lameness and decreased swim time in their pool. Radiographs revealed osteoarthritis in numerous joints. Conventional treatments with various non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were minimally effective at improving their mobility. The penguins were part of a zoo rookery and were not used to being handled. The traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM) examinations were kept brief and treatments done under the supervision of the zoo veterinary staff. The three penguins received a TCVM Pattern diagnosis of Kidney Qi Deficiency with local Stagnation in various joints. Dry needle acupuncture treatments utilizing minimal restraint were administered monthly for a year. Between acupuncture treatments, conventional medication was also administered. During the year of treatment, the geriatric penguins’ quality of life showed some improvement. One of the penguin’s mobility improved enough to again swim in the pool and catch fish during the feeding sessions. The other two penguins demonstrated some mild improvement with their mobility on land and swam more frequently in the pool. These improvements allowed them to remain part of their colony.