Radix Paeoniae Rubra Research Articles

Study on pharmacokinetics of eight active compounds from Bufei-Huoxue Capsule based on UHPLC-MS/MS

Bufei-Huoxue Capsule (BFHX) was applied to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in China. It is composed of Astragali Radix, Paeoniae Radix Rubra, and Psoralea Fructus. A sensitive and reliable ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method was developed and validated to quantify the eight main bioactive compounds (psoralen, isopsoralen, neobabaisoflavone, corylin, bavachin, astragaloside IV, ononin and formononetin) in rat plasma after oral administration of BFHX. Osthol was used as an internal standard (IS). Plasma samples were pretreated with methanol to precipitate protein. Chromatographic separation was accomplished using Hypersil GOLDTM C18 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.9 μm) with a gradient elution profile and a mobile phase consisting of (A) 0.1% formic acid in water and (B) acetonitrile and the flow rate was set at 0.2 mL/min. Multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was applied to perform mass spectrometric analyses. All calibration curves were linear (r > 0.9908) in tested ranges. The intra- and inter-day accuracy and precisions of eight compounds at three different concentration levels were within the acceptable limits. The extraction recovery was within the range of 76.4 ∼ 105.2% and the matrix effects were within the range of 88.3 ∼ 115.0% (RSD ≤ 15.6%). The dilution effects were within the range of 90.2 ∼ 114.9%. These 8 compounds were stable under the tested conditions. So the developed method was valid to evaluate the pharmacokinetic study of eight bioactive compounds after oral administration of BFHX.

Mechanism of total glucosides from Chishao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten / phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase / protein kinase B signaling pathway.

To investigate the possible molecular mechanism of total glycosides of Chishao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) (TG-RPR) on proliferation and apoptosis of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The proliferation of TG-RPR on HepG2 cells was detected using the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The apoptosis of HepG2 cells was measured by annexin V-FITC/double staining. The phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) / phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) / protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway was evaluated by Western Blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). TG-RPR can up-regulation the expression of pro-apoptotic factors such as PTEN and BCL2-Associated X (Bax), down-regulation the expression of anti-apoptotic factors including B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), PI3K, and Akt. TG-RPR significantly inhibits the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner and promotes apoptosis. These results demonstrated TG-RPR has significant inhibitory effect on HepG2 cells. These results identify a critical role of TG-RPR in proliferation and apoptosis of HepG2 cells via modulating PTEN/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. TG-RPR may offer a promise as a potential pharmaceutical therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Effects of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on neurovascular units after cerebral ischemia: a review

Buyang Huanwu Decoction, a representative prescription in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) for tonifying Qi and activating blood, has been proved to be effective in preventing and treating acute cerebral infarction(ACI). It consists of Astragali Radix, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Paeoniae Radix Rubra, Pheretima, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Carthami Flos, and Persicae Semen, possessing multiple active ingredients. The neurovascular unit is a functionally and structurally interdependent multicellular complex composed of neurons-glial cells-blood vessels. It plays an important role in the pathological changes of cerebral ischemia and the permeability variation of the blood-brain barrier. In recent years, Buyang Huanwu Decoction has been found to protect the integrity of neurovascular units and improve the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, thereby alleviating stroke and other diseases caused by cerebral ischemia. This paper collated and summarized the protective effects of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on neurovascular units.

Aqueous extract of Paeoniae Radix Rubra prevents deep vein thrombosis by ameliorating inflammation through inhibiting GSK3β activity

BackgroundDeep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a kind of blood stasis syndrome. Paeoniae Radix Rubra (PRR) has long been widely used for eliminating blood stasis in China, but its effect on DVT has not yet been reported. PurposeThe present study aimed to assess the potential inhibitory effect of the aqueous extract of PRR (i.e.,PRR dispensing granule, PRRDG) on DVT and explore the underlying mechanism. Study design/MethodsThe chemical profile of PRRDG was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography. Sprague-Dawley rats were intragastrically treated with PRRDG (0.625, 1.25 and 1.875 g crude drug/kg/d) once daily for 7 consecutive days. On the sixth day, a model of inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis-induced DVT was established. All rats were sacrificed on the seventh day. Serum was collected for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Thrombus-containing IVC was weighed and further processed for histopathologic examination, immunohistochemical analysis and western blotting. LiCl and LY294002 were adopted to block and increase the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), respectively. ResultsThe chemical profile analysis showed that paeoniflorin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, albiflorin, gallic acid and catechin were the main constituents of PRRDG. LiCl decreased thrombus weight, reduced the number of inflammatory cells in thrombus and vein wall, down-regulated phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-p65) protein expression. Similarly, PRRDG decreased thrombus weight and tissue factor (TF) protein expression. PRRDG reduced the protein expression levels of P-selectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in venous endothelium, serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the number of inflammatory cells in thrombus and vein wall. Moreover, PRRDG down-regulated p-p65 protein expression and up-regulated phosphorylated GSK3β (p-GSK3β) protein expression. LY294002 abrogated the inhibitory effects of PRRDG on thrombus weight, TF protein expression, TNF-α and IL-1β serum levels, inflammatory cells influxes, and p-p65 protein expression. ConclusionPRRDG prevents DVT by ameliorating inflammation through inhibiting GSK3β activity.

Mechanisms of Paeoniflorin against myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury based on network pharmacology

Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the primary reason of death of cardiovascular diseases. Paeoniflorin (PF), a monoterpene glycoside extracted from Radix Paeoniae Rubra or Paeoniae Radix Alba, can ameliorate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MIRI), but its mechanism is not still defined. In this study, network pharmacology was utilized, the protein interaction network between PF and MIRI targets were screened for bioenrichment analysis. Moreover, the anti-MIRI effects of PF (30, 60 and 120 mg/kg) were investigated in vivo on rats for verification. The myocardial infarction area was assessed by TTC/Evans blue staining and morphological changes of tissues were evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin staining. The contents of myocardial enzymes and oxidation resistance were measured. The cell apoptosis was evaluated using TUNEL staining and the expression of proteins was estimated using Western Blot. In the results, the relevant targets and the biological processes of PF against MIRI were screened out, indicating its anti-MIRI potential pharmacological effects of PF. 120 mg/kg PF can shrink infarction area after ischemia/reperfusion, ameliorate pathological morphology in myocardial tissue, lower the levels of myocardial enzymes, and attenuate oxidative stress. Furthermore, PF could reduce the positive rate of TUNEL staining caused by MIRI. Moreover, 120 mg/kg PF could depress the protein levels of Bax, Caspase-3, Beclin-1 and Cathepsin B and increase the protein level of Bcl-2 on rats after reperfusion. In conclusion, Paeoniflorin has an anti-MIRI effect in rats via coordinate regulation of anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis and inhibition of autophagy.

The mechanism of radix paeoniae rubra in treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR) is a widely used herb medicine. To better understand the mechanism of RPR in the treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), in this study, the network of protein–protein interaction of the RPR-MIRI targets was constructed and analyzed through network pharmacology and molecular docking. The enrichment analysis was performed and the network map was established, and the componenttarget network was then verified by molecular docking. In the result, there were 14 components and 52 targets related to MIRI. The results of Gene Ontology (GO) analysis displayed 182 biological processes, 44 cellular components, 56 molecular functions. 45 signal pathways were collected from Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, which were mainly related to Rap1, PI3 K-Akt signal pathway and so on. Molecular docking verified that the active components had lower binding energy with key targets, indicating that it had better binding activity. In conclusion, the treatment of RPR on MIRI is implemented through multi-component, multi-target and multi-pathway, which makes a provision for exploring the therapeutic mechanism of RPR and expanding its clinical application.

Analysis on formulation regularity and characteristics of acne-relieving Chinese medicinal health products and Chinese patent medicines

This study summarized and analyzed the current acne-relieving Chinese medicinal health products and Chinese patent medicines,aiming at providing references for the formulation and development of acne-relieving health products. The information on acne-relieving health products published by the Department of Special Food Safety Supervision and Management,the State Administration for Market Regulation( SAMR) was retrieved,and the Chinese patent medicines on DRUGDATAEXPY were searched. Microsoft Excel and the Traditional Chinese Medicine Inheritance Support System V2. 5( TCMISS) were employed to statistically analyze the characteristics of formulations. Forty-three acne-relieving health products were obtained,including 40 ones containing Chinese herbal medicines. Six Chinese herbal medicines showed a usage frequency ≥8,with 61 times in use totally,including Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma( 13),Lonicerae Japonicae Flos( 12),Taraxaci Herba( 11),ALOE( 9),Carthami Flos( 8),and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma( 8). A total of 29 Chinese patent medicines with similar efficacy were collected in DRUGDATAEXPY. Nine Chinese herbal medicines showed a usage frequency ≥6,with 63 times in use,including Rhei Radix et Rhizoma( 10),Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma( 8),Scutellariae Radix( 8),Lonicerae Japonicae Flos( 7),Angelicae Sinensis Radix( 6),Paeoniae Radix Rubra( 6),Astragali Radix( 6),Paeoniae Radix Alba( 6),and Gardeniae Fructus( 6). Through unsupervised hierarchical entropy-based clustering of the above-mentioned Chinese medicinal health products and Chinese patent medicines,five and three new formulas were obtained,respectively. The selection of Chinese herbal medicines was consistent with the principles of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM) theories in relieving acne,i. e.,dispelling exterior wind,ventilating lungs,clearing heat,dissipating mass,promoting diuresis,relaxing bowels,removing toxin,activating blood,resolving stasis,eliminating phlegm,and regulating Qi. According to the " lung governing skin and body hair" and " interior-exterior relationship between lung and large intestine" in TCM theories,the idea that acne could be treated by relieving constipation was proposed,which provided new methods and references for the research and development of Chinese medicinal health products.

Mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra drug pair on intervention of cerebral ischemia based on network pharmacology-molecular docking

Cerebral ischemia is one of the most common diseases in China, and the drug pair of Chuanxiong Rhizoma and Paeoniae Radix Rubra can intervene in cerebral ischemia to reduce the inflammatory response of cerebral ischemia and apoptosis. To reveal the intervention mechanism of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra drug pair on cerebral ischemia systematically, computer network pharmacology technology was used in this paper to predict the target and signaling pathway of the drug pair on the intervention of cerebral ischemia, and then the molecular docking technology was used to further analyze the mechanism of the intervention. The target results were then verified by the rat cerebral ischemia model. The target network results showed that the active compounds of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra for cerebral ischemic disease contained 30 compounds, 38 targets and 9 pathways. The main compounds included phenolic acids in Chuanxiong Rhizoma and monoterpene glycosides in Paeoniae Radix Rubra. The key targets involved mitogen-activated protein kinase 1(MAPK1), steroid receptor coactivator(SRC), epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR), mitogen-activated protein kinase 14(MAPK14), caspase-3(CASP3), caspase-7(CASP7), estrogen receptor 1(ESR1), and mitogen-activated protein kinase 8(MAPK8), etc. The target gene functions were biased towards protein kinase activity, protein autophosphorylation, peptidyl-serine phosphorylation and protein serine/threonine kinase activity, etc. The important KEGG pathways involved Ras signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway. Molecular docking results showed that catechin, oxypaeoniflorin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin and benzoylpaeoniflorin had strong binding ability with MAPK1, SRC, EGFR, MAPK14 and CASP7. MCAO rat experimental results showed that Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra significantly improved the cerebral ischemia injury and interstitial edema, and significantly reduced the activation of caspase-7 and the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. The Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra drug pair alleviated cerebral ischemia injury through a network model of multi-phenotype intervention by promoting cell proliferation and differentiation, reducing inflammatory factor expression, protecting nerve cells from death and figh-ting against neuronal cell apoptosis, with its action signaling pathway most related to Ras signaling pathway, ErbB signaling pathway and VEGF signaling pathway. This study provides the basis for clinical intervention of Chuanxiong Rhizoma-Paeoniae Radix Rubra drug pair on cerebral ischemia, and also provides ideas for the modernization of drug pairs.

Evaluation of Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) and Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra) from different origins based on characteristic spectra of amino acids

ObjectiveTo evaluate the difference between Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, PRA) and Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra, PRR) from different regions based on the characteristic spectra of amino acids (AAs). MethodsFingerprints of the 21 standard AAs were established using O-phthalaldehyde-9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate (OPA-FMOC) pre-column derivation method. The AA components in PRA and PRR were characterized qualitatively and quantitatively, and different AAs were screened using pattern recognition technology. ResultsTwelve AAs were identified in both PRA and PRR. Meanwhile, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, alanine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid were screened as characteristic components, and their concentrations could effectively distinguish PRA from PRR. ConclusionThe established characterization method, which is based on the characteristic spectra of AAs, is accurate, efficient, and sensitive and can effectively distinguish between PRA and PRR from different producing areas, thus providing a reference for the overall characterization and evaluation of Chinese medicinal materials.

Recent Insights Into the Protective Mechanisms of Paeoniflorin in Neurological, Cardiovascular, and Renal Diseases.

The monoterpene glycoside paeoniflorin (PF) is the principal active constituent of the traditional Chinese herbal medicines, Radix Paeoniae Alba and Radix Paeoniae Rubra, which have been used for millennia to treat cardiovascular diseases (eg, hypertension, bleeding, and atherosclerosis) and neurological ailments (eg, headaches, vertigo, dementia, and pain). Recent evidence has revealed that PF exerts inhibitory effects on inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis by targeting several intracellular signaling cascades. In this review, we address the current knowledge about the pharmacokinetic properties of PF and its molecular mechanisms of action. We also present results from recent preclinical studies supporting the utility of PF for the treatment of pain, cerebral ischemic injury, and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Moreover, new evidence suggests a general protective role of PF in heart attack, diabetic kidney, and atherosclerosis. Mechanistically, PF exerts multiple anti-inflammatory actions by targeting toll-like receptor-mediated signaling in both parenchymal and immune cells (in particular, macrophages and dendritic cells). A better understanding of the molecular actions of PF may lead to the expansion of its therapeutic uses.

Review of pharmacological effects of Paeoniae Radix Rubra

Paeoniae Radix Rubra has the effects of clearing heat, cooling blood, dissipating blood stasis and pain relieving (in terms of Chinese medicine). Paeoniae Radix Rubra and its active ingredients have significant pharmacological effects in anti-tumor, protecting liver, nerve and heart. By reviewing the relevant literatures published in recent years, we found that the studies on Paeoniae Radix Rubra are mainly focused in the mechanism of action, drug development and clinical application. In this review, we summarize the research results of the pharmacological effects of Paeoniae Radix Rubra and its active ingredients in order to provide the reference for the future research and clinical application of Paeoniae Radix Rubra.

Anti-Lung Cancer Targets of Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Biological Molecular Mechanism: Network Pharmacological Analyses and Experimental Validation.

ObjectiveTo systematically explore the pharmacological mechanism of Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR) against lung cancer (LC).MethodsA network pharmacology approach, which involves active ingredients and target forecast, network construction, gene ontology and pathway enrichment, was employed in this research. In addition, the effect of Baicalein (BAI) in RPR on A549 cells was researched in vitro and in vivo.ResultsA total of 159 targets of the 29 active components in RPR were procured by pharmacokinetic parameters. The network analysis showed that β-sitosterol, baicalein, (+)-catechin, ellagic acid, stigmasterol, (2R, 3R)-4-methoxyl-distylin were the main ingredients and JUN, VEGFA, BCL2 were the hub targets of RPR in the treatment of LC. The functional enrichment analysis showed that RPR likely was useful to LC by regulating numerous pathways including Pathways in cancer, MAPK signaling pathway and so on. MTT results showed that 100μM, 200μM, 400μM of BAI had a time and dose-dependent inhibitory effect on A549 cells proliferation; Wound healing and transwell assays showed that 100μM, 200μM, 400μM of BAI could significantly restrain the migration and invasion of A549 cells; Flow cytometry assay results showed that 100μM, 200μM, 400μM of BAI could induce apoptosis of A549 cells. In vivo, BAI (50, 100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited tumor growth and promoted apoptosis of tumor cells compared with the control group.ConclusionBAI in RPR may exert anti-tumor effects by inhibiting the proliferation, migration and invasion of LC cells, and inducing the apoptosis of LC cells.

Paeoniflorin Protects Caenorhabditis elegans from Heat Stress

Paeonia lactiflora Pall., a plant of the genus Paeonia, which includes Radix paeoniae Rubra and R. paeoniae Alba has a long history in the traditional Chinese medicine for the management of a variety of ailments. These multiple therapeutic activities have been associated with paeoniflorin, an active component of the roots of R. paeoniaes. Herein, we have evaluated the effect of paeoniflorin on the survival, exercise capacity, antioxidant enzyme activity, and expression of genes hsp-16.2 and daf-16 in C. elegans, a soil-borne free-living nematode, under heat stress at 35°C. Paeoniflorin increased the ability to exercise, survival rate under heat stress, and in vivo activity of antioxidant enzymes significantly. Furthermore, treatment of transgenic C. elegans nematode (TJ375) expressing a jellyfish green fluorescent protein-tagged inducible small heat-shock protein gene with paeoniflorin led to a significant suppression of gene expression. After 2 h of 35°C heat shock exposure there was an enhanced translocation of daf-16 into the nucleus in paeoniflorin-treated nematodes. Similarly, the results of real-time polymerase chain reaction study showed that paeoniflorin promoted expression of daf-16 mRNA levels and reduced the transcription of HSP-16.2 gene under heat stress. In summary, these results show that paeoniflorin has a protective effect on heat stress in C. elegans.

Inhibitory effect of paeoniflorin on IgE-dependent and IgE-independent mast cell degranulation in vitro and vivo.

The incidence of allergic diseases has increased to such a point that they have become common and have reached epidemic levels. However, their pathogenesis is not fully understood. Paeoniae Radix Rubra is a traditional Chinese medicine that is also used as a dietary supplement. Its main active ingredient is paeoniflorin. Paeoniflorin has good anti-inflammatory, immunomodulation, and antitumor effects. It is utilized in the treatment of various diseases in clinical settings. However, its effects on type I allergies and pseudoallergic reactions have not been comprehensively studied. In this study, we aimed to use DNP-IgE/DNP-BSA and C48/80 to simulate type I allergies and pseudoallergic reactions to evaluate the therapeutic effects of paeoniflorin to these diseases and identify its molecular mechanisms in cell degranulation both in vivo and in vitro. Results showed that paeoniflorin inhibited the degranulation of RBL-2H3 cells induced by these two stimuli (IgE-dependent and IgE-independent stimuli) in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, qPCR and western blot analyses indicated that paeoniflorin may regulate the IgE/FcεR I, MRGPRB3, and downstream signal transduction pathways to exert its therapeutic effects on type I allergies and pseudoallergic reactions. In addition, DNP-IgE/DNP-BSA and compound 48/80 were used to induce the establishment of a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis mouse model. Paeoniflorin was found to suppress the extravasation of Evans Blue and tissue edema in the ears, back skin, and paws of the mice. This result further confirmed that paeoniflorin has a notable therapeutic effect on type I allergies and pseudoallergic reactions. Therefore, paeoniflorin could potentially be used as a drug for the treatment of type I allergies and pseudoallergic reactions. This study provides new insights into expanding the treatment range of paeoniflorin and its pharmacological mechanism.

The study of neuroprotective effects and underlying mechanism of Naoshuantong capsule on ischemia stroke mice

BackgroundNaoshuantong capsule (NSTC) is an oral Chinese medicine formula composed of Typhae Pollen, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, Curcumae Radix, Gastrodiae Rhizoma and Radix Rhapontici. It has been widely used at the acute and recovery stage of ischemic stroke since 2001. Comparing with its wide clinical application, there are only few studies emphasize on investigating its pharmacological effects.MethodsTo more generally elucidate the underlying mechanisms in this study, we identified active ingredients in NSTC by a network pharmacology approach based on transcriptomics analysis and pharmacological experiments. Modified neurological severity scores and morphometric analysis using Nissl staining were employed to evaluate the neuroprotective effects of NSTC on ischemia stroke in mice.ResultsThe results showed that NSTC had preventive and protective effects on ischemia stroke, featuring repair of brain tissue during the sub-acute stage of stroke. This may attribute to the underlying mechanisms including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic activities, as well as an attenuation of excitatory amino acids (EAAs) toxicity of the active ingredients, especially the most active apigenin, from NSTC. Specifically, naringenin, calycosin, gastrodin, caffeic acid, paeoniflorin, and β-elemene seem to be also pharmacological active substances responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects. Meanwhile, 13-hydroxygemone, gastrodin, and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol contributed to the attenuation of EAAs toxicity Furthermore, apigenin, naringenin, calycosin, gastrodin, and β-elemene accelerated the repair of brain ischemic tissue by up-regulating the expression of TGF-β1 levels.ConclusionsThe present study identifies the active ingredients of NSTC and illustrates the underlying mechanism using a combination of network pharmacology, transcriptomics analysis, and pharmacological experiments.

Anti-inflammatory effect of traditional Chinese medicine preparation Penyanling on pelvic inflammatory disease

Ethnopharmacological relevancePenyanling is made up of Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma (SG, from Smilar glabra Roxb.), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (AS, from Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels), Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (SM, from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge), Sargentodoxae Caulis (SC, from Sargentodoxa cuneata (Oliv.) Rehd.et Wils.), Linderae Radix (LR, from Lindera aggregata (Sims) Kosterm.), Paeoniae Radix Rubra (PR, from Paeonia lactiflora Pall.), Sparganii Rhizoma (SR, from Sparganium stoloniferum (Graebn.) Buch.-Ham.), Corydalis Rhizoma (CoR, from Corydalis yanhusuo W. T. Wang), Cyperi Rhizoma (CyR, from Cyperus rotundus Linn.), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (GR, from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), and Patrinia Scabiosaefolia (PS, from Patrinia scabiosaefolia Fisch. ex Trev.) recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia. It has been used on pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) for more than twenty years.Aim of the study: This study was carried out to illustrate its pharmacological action and clarify its substantial composition. Materials and methodsThe anti-inflammatory effects of Penyanling were studied on a PID rat model and a lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-stimulated THP-1 cell line. Histological changes and levels of inflammatory factors in the uterine tube of the PID rat were examined. Levels of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) in the nuclear of THP-1 cells and NF-κB, IκB-α, and FPR2 in the cytoplasm were tested by Western blot analysis. Substances within Penyanling were scanned with liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS). The contents of total flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins were quantified. ResultsThe anti-inflammatory effects of Penyanling were observed on PID rats, such as suppressing the infiltrations of lymphocytes and neutrophils in the uterine tube, decreasing the release of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, and promoting the production of lipoxin A4 (LXA4). On the other hand, Penyanling regulated the activity of NF-κB signal pathway on the LPS-stimulated THP-1 cell line, which suggested the potential mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effect. Besides, it could promote the expression of formyl peptide receptor 2 (FPR2), which suggested its effect on enhancing the resolution of inflammation. Seventy-six substances were identified by their accurate molecular weights, mass fragment patterns, retention times, and standards if available. Most of these substances were flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, and alkaloids. The contents of total flavonoids, phenolics, and saponins within Penyanling were 0.186, 1.371, and 4.321 mg/mL, respectively. ConclusionPenyanling showed an anti-inflammatory effect on PID, and its potential mechanism involved suppressing NF-κB signal pathway and promoting the resolution of inflammation. The main substances within it were flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, and alkaloids.

Analysis of Clinical Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Recovery Stage of Stroke: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background We provide an updated meta-analysis with detailed information on a combination of TCM and routine treatment. Methods Retrieve appropriate articles with no language restrictions on keywords until 8 July 2019 in an electronic database. All trajectories are screened according to certain criteria. The quality of certified research was also evaluated. We made a detailed record of the results of the measurement. Meta-analysis was carried out by using the Revman 5.3 software. Results Sixty-seven RCTs were included, and 6594 subjects were analyzed. Compared with routine treatment, the total effective rate (TER) of TCM combined with routine treatment was improved, and the recovery of stroke was also significantly accelerated. Regulation of blood lipids by notably shrinking the contents of TC, TG, and LDL and enhancing the levels of HDL. The levels of serum hs-CRP, WHV, and WLV decreased significantly, indicating that the expression of thrombomodulin was decreased after the comprehensive treatment of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). The combination of TCM treatment could enhance the protection of neural function by decreasing the NIHSS scoring while increasing the BI scoring. Paeoniae Radix Rubra, Angeticae Sinensis Radix, etc., can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of stroke convalescent patients and promote the recovery of neurological function. ACU of Baihui, Renzhong, etc., can improve the clinical rehabilitation effect of patients. However, our findings must be handled with care because of the small sample size and low quality of clinic trials cited. Other rigorous and large-scale RCTs are in need to confirm these results. Conclusion A combination of TCM and routine treatment in the treatment of stroke could improve TER, and it is beneficial to the rehabilitation of patients in the recovery period of apoplexy. These effects can be mediated by a combination of several mechanisms. Nevertheless, due to the limitations of this study, these results should be handled with caution.

Comparative Pharmacokinetic Studies of Paeoniflorin, Albiflorin and Oxypaeoniflorin Between Normal and Cerebral Ischemia–Reperfusion Rats Based on the Simultaneous Determinations Using an UPLC-MS–MS Method

To explore the pharmacokinetic characteristics of the three monoterpene glycosides (paeoniflorin, albiflorin and oxypaeoniflorin) extracted from the Radix Paeoniae Rubra (RPR), we determined the plasma concentrations of these components in the cerebral ischemia–reperfusion (CIR) rats and the normal rats by a self-developed and validated ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS–MS) method. In this study, the CIR rats and the normal rats both underwent an intravenous administration of total paeony glucosides (TPG). The blood samples were collected from rats by eye puncture at a series of time points. Then, the pharmacokinetic parameters of the three components were calculated, including the half-life (t1/2), the area under curve of the concentration–time (AUC), the mean residence time (MRT), apparent volume of distribution (Vz) and the clearance (CL). Studies demonstrated that the Vz of albiflorin, the Vz of oxypaeoniflorin, the t1/2 of oxypaeoniflorin and the MRT of oxypaeoniflorin increased in the CIR rats versus the normal rats. Moreover, we found albiflorin and oxypaeoniflorin showed smaller AUC, longer MRT, larger Vz and larger CL than paeoniflorin both in CIR rats and normal rats. In conclusion, we used a validated method to determine the pharmacokinetic characteristics of three monoterpene glycosides in both CIR rats and normal rats simultaneously. These results demonstrated that there were meaningful differences among the pharmacokinetics of the three monoterpene glycosides in TPG either in normal rats or CIR rats. And the CIR model had influences on the in vivo process both of albiflorin and oxypaeoniflorin.

Study on drug properties and syndrome-symptom-formula-herb network of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of effort angina pectoris based on data visualization

This article aims to explore drug properties and syndrome-symptom-formula-herb network of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in the treatment of effort angina pectoris based on data visualization, and provide useful references for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Literatures about TCM formula for effort angina pectoris from databases of CNKI, WanFang, VIP, and CBM were retrieved from the database-building to August 31, 2019. The name of syndromes, symptoms, formulas, and herbs were standardized, and the corresponding databases were established. Frequency, four properties, five flavors, and meridian were analyzed. Visualized syndrome-symptom-formula-herb network relationships were constructed by bioinformatic analysis. A total of 202 formulas were included, and 218 kinds of TCM were involved. There were 56 herbs with the use frequency of more than 10, involving 78 syndromes and 162 symptoms. TCM formulas in the treatment of effort angina pectoris mainly included herbs with effects in invigorating blood circulation and eliminating stasis, tonifying deficiency, Qi-regulating, resolving phlegm and relieving cough and asthma, relieving exterior disorder, and heat-clearing. The main properties were warm, cold and mild(accounting for 95%); the main flavors were sweet, bitter and pungent(accounting for 89%); and meridians were mainly spleen, heart, liver, lung, stomach, and kidney(accounting for 89%). Syndrome-symptom-formula-herb network of TCM in the treatment of effort angina pectoris were successfully constructed. The high-frequency syndromes of this disease were Qi deficiency and blood stasis, Qi stagnation and blood stasis, heart blood stasis, and turbid phlegm and blood stasis, and its high-frequency symptoms were chest tightness, chest pain, palpitation, shortness of breath, fatigue, dark purple tongue, spontaneous sweating, and abundant phlegm. High-frequency core formulas of this disease included Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction, Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction, Danshen Decoction, Taohong Siwu Decoction, Shengmai Powder, Buyang Huanwu Decoction and Zhigancao Decoction, and their core herbs included Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Astragali Radix, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Trichosanthis Fructus, Allium Macrostemonis Bulbus, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Persicae Semen, Carthami Flos, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Paeoniae Radix Rubra, Poria, Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum. Drug properties and syndrome-symptom-formula-herb networks of TCM in the treatment of effort angina pectoris can realize data visualization, objectively reflect the clinical syndrome differentiation and rule of medication, and provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Efficacy, Chemical Constituents, and Pharmacological Actions of Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Radix Paeoniae Alba.

Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Radix Paeoniae Alba are the different characteristic forms of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. They are widely used as traditional Chinese medicines in clinical practices. This study analyzes the development history, efficacy, chemical compositions, and pharmacological effects of Radix Paeoniae Rubra and Radix Paeoniae Alba, and explores the causes of the similarities and differences of these two amalgams. It provides a basis for the clinical application of these two Chinese medicinal materials, and lays a foundation for further study of the pharmacological effects and the quality identification of Paeonia lactiflora Pall as it applies to traditional Chinese medicine.