Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction Research Articles

Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction Relieves Visceral Hyperalgesia in TNBS-Induced Postinflammatory Irritable Bowel Syndrome via Inactivating Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 1 and Reducing Serotonin Synthesis.

Postinflammatory irritable bowel syndrome (PI-IBS) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder, which is characterized by abdominal pain, low-grade inflammation, and visceral hypersensitivity. Shaoyao-Gancao decoction (SGD) has been used to improve the clinical symptoms of abdominal spasmodic pain accompanying acute gastroenteritis, but the underlying therapeutic mechanism has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, a rat model of PI-IBS was established via rectal administration of TNBS. Rats were scored daily for 28 days using disease activity index (DAI). Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) was used to measure the pain threshold. After SGD (6.25, 12.5, and 25 g/kg/d) treatment for 14 days, rat colonic tissue was collected for histopathological grading, enterochromaffin (EC) cell count, and 5-HT content measurement. RT-qPCR and western blot analyses were employed to detect the gene and protein level of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1). To further validate the effect of SGD on TRPV1, another experiment was performed in cells. The results revealed that visceral hyperalgesia, reflected by increased DAI, AWR, pathological injury score, 5-HT content, and EC cell count in PI-IBS rats, was significantly ameliorated by SGD. In cells, SGD markedly inhibited the expression and function of TRPV1. Moreover, the expression levels of TPH were also repressed by SGD. The findings of the present study indicated that the therapeutic effect of SGD on visceral hyperalgesia may be closely associated with the regulatory role of TRPV1 and 5-HT signaling pathways.

Effect of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction on Inflammatory Injury of Posterior Cervical Muscle Based on miR-146a Regulation of NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Effect of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction on Inflammatory Injury of Posterior Cervical Muscle Based on miR-146a Regulation of NF-κB Signaling Pathway

Rapid characterization of chemical constituents of Shaoyao Gancao decoction using UHPLC coupled with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

Shaoyao Gancao decoction (SGD), a well-known Chinese herbal formula, has been used to treat liver injury for a long time. In this study, chemical profiles of SGD were identified using ultra high-performance liquid chromatography combined with Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (UHPLC-FT-ICR-MS/MS). Liquid chromatography was performed on a C18 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm); the mobile phase comprised 0.1% formic acid (A) and acetonitrile (B). We then characterized 73 chemical compounds; the primary constituents in SGD included phenols and monoterpenes (in Paeoniae Radix Alba), triterpene saponins, and flavonoids (in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Melle). Thus, this study provides a basis for further study on SGD and is expected to be useful for rapidly characterizing constituents in other traditional Chinese herbal formulations.

Network Pharmacology Identifies the Mechanisms of Action of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis.

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) affects the health and wellbeing of the elderly. Shaoyao Gancao decoction (SGD) is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of OA and has two active components, shaoyao (SY) and gancao (GC). This study aimed to undertake a network pharmacology analysis of the mechanism of the effects of SGD in OA.Material/MethodsThe active compounds and candidates of SGD were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Databases@Taiwan, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) database, the STITCH database, the ChEMBL database, and PubChem. The network pharmacology approach involved network construction, target prediction, and module analysis. Significant signaling pathways of the cluster networks for SGD and OA were identified using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database.ResultsTwenty-three bioactive compounds were identified, corresponding to 226 targets for SGD. Also, 187 genes were closely associated with OA, of which 161 overlapped with the targets of SGD and were considered to be therapeutically relevant. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that SGD exerted its pharmacological effects in OA by modulating multiple pathways, including cell cycle, cell apoptosis, drug metabolism, inflammation, and immune modulation.ConclusionsA novel approach was developed to systematically identify the mechanisms of the TCM, SGD in OA using network pharmacology analysis.

Prediction of the Mechanisms of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction Treating on Pharmacogenous Hyperprolactinemia Based on Network Pharmacology

Prediction of the Mechanisms of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction Treating on Pharmacogenous Hyperprolactinemia Based on Network Pharmacology

Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction alleviated hyperandrogenism in a letrozole-induced rat model of polycystic ovary syndrome by inhibition of NF-κB activation.

Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction (SGD) has been widely used for the treatment of gynopathy. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of SGD on hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) rats. In the present work, SGD was orally administrated to the PCOS rats at the dose of 12.5, 25, and 50 g/kg/d for 14 consecutive days. UPLC–MS/MS was performed to identify the main chemical components of SGD. Body weight, ovarian weight, cystic dilating follicles, and serum levels of steroid hormones were tested to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SGD. In order to further clarify the underlying mechanism, we also measured mRNA and the protein levels of NF-κB, NF-κB p65, P-NF-κB p65, and IκB by RT-qPCR and Western blotting techniques. Our results showed that SGD treatment significantly alleviated hyperandrogenism in PCOS rats as evidenced by reduced serum levels of T and increased E2 and FSH levels. In addition, SGD effectively reduced the phosphorylation of NF-κB p65 and increased the expression of IκB. Results of the present study demonstrated that SGD could ameliorate hyperandrogenism in PCOS rats, and the potential mechanism may relate to the NF-κB pathway.

Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix) provides the main contribution to Shaoyao-Gancao decoction on enhancements of CYP3A4 and MDR1 expression via pregnane X receptor pathway in vitro

BackgroundChinese herbal formula Shaoyao Gancao decoction (SGD) is often used as an adjuvant with chemotherapeutic agents to treat cancer. Due to the herb-drug interactions, the alternations of drug metabolic enzyme and drug transporters induced by SGD deserve to be explored. We aimed to investigate the effect of SGD on the pregnane X receptor (PXR)-mediated transcriptional regulation of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and drug transporter multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1) in vitro. Besides, we assessed the contribution of constituent herbs to SGD on the regulation of CYP3A4 and MDR1.MethodsThe dual luciferase reporter gene system containing the hPXR expression plasmid and the reporter gene plasmid of CYP3A4 or MDR1 was co-transfected to HepG2 and Caco2 cells. Luciferase activities were determined using a Dual-luciferase reporter assay kit. The gene expression of CYP3A4 and MDR1 in the hPXR-transfected LS174T cells were assessed by real-time qPCR. Finally, the contribution of constituent herbs from SGD was evaluated.ResultsSGD, Shaoyao and Gancao concentration-dependently increased promoter activities of CYP3A4 and MDR1 in vitro. Moreover, SGD, Shaoyao and Gancao up-regulated CYP3A4 and MDR1 mRNA in hPXR-transfected LS174T cells. As the herbal constituent of SGD, Gancao possesses significantly higher levels of metabolic enzyme and drug transporters compared with Shaoyao.ConclusionSGD tends to enhance CYP3A4 and MDR1 expression via PXR pathway, especially Gancao provides the main contribution. This study highlights a potential in vitro mechanism for SGD on the regulation of drug metabolic enzymes and drug transporters.

Chemical profiling by LC-MS/MS and HPLC fingerprint combined with chemometrics and simultaneous determination of 16 characteristic ingredients for the quality consistency evaluation of Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction.

In this paper, to evaluate the effect of the region of origin on the quality consistency of Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction (SGD), the SGD fingerprint was developed for the first time. Chemometric methods including similarity analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis and principal component analysis were employed to study the quality consistency of SGD. Meanwhile, high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was applied for comprehensive analysis of SGD and 93 compounds were tentatively characterized. Furthermore, a high-performance liquid chromatography method with multi-wavelength switching for simultaneous determination of 16 characteristic ingredients comprising gallic acid, oxypaeniflorin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, galloylpaeoniflorin, 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-d-galactopyranose (PGG), ononin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, glycyrrhizic acid, isoliquiritigenin and formononetin, was established. All 16 analytes show excellent linearity (R2 ≥ 0.9990) with recoveries ranging from 96.58 to 104.61% and limits of detection and quantification of 0.022-0.291 and 0.037-0.635 μg/mL, respectively. Finally, it was successfully applied to determine 15 batches of SGD. The results of our research indicate that different regions of origin have a significant effect on the quality consistency of SGD, and its fingerprint combined with chemometrics and multi-ingredient determination comprise an efficient and reliable approach for quality consistency evaluation.

Pretreatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics alters the pharmacokinetics of major constituents of Shaoyao-Gancao decoction in rats after oral administration.

The influence of broad-spectrum antibiotics on the pharmacokinetics and biotransformation of major constituents of Shaoyao-Gancao decoction (SGD) in rats was investigated. The pharmacokinetic behaviors of paeoniflorin (PF), albiflorin (AF), liquiritin (LT), isoliquiritin (ILT), liquiritin apioside (LA), isoliquiritin apioside (ILA), and glycyrrhizic acid (GL), seven major constituents of SGD, as well as glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a major metabolite of GL, were analyzed. A 1-week pretreatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics (ampicillin, metronidazole, neomycin, 1 g L-1; and vancomycin, 0.5 g L-1) via drinking water reduced plasma exposure of the major constituents. The AUC0-24 h of PF and LT was significantly decreased by 28.7% and 33.8% (P < 0.05 and P < 0.005), respectively. Although the differences were not statistically significant, the AUC0-24 h of AF, ILT, LA, ILA, and GL was decreased by 31.4%, 50.9%, 16.9%, 44.1%, and 37.0%, respectively, compared with the control group. In addition, the plasma GA exposure in the antibiotic-pretreated group was significantly lower (P < 0.005) than the control group. The in vitro stability of the major constituents of SGD in the rat intestinal contents with or without broad-spectrum antibiotics was also investigated. The major constituents were comparatively stable in the rat duodenum contents, and the biotransformation of GL mainly occurred in the rat colon contents. In summary, broad-spectrum antibiotics suppressed the absorption of the major constituents of SGD and significantly inhibited the biotransformation of GL to GA by suppressing the colon microbiota. The results indicated a potential clinical drug-drug interaction (DDI) when SGD was administered with broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Identification of bioactive compounds in Shaoyao-Gancao decoction using β2-adrenoceptor affinity chromatography.

Shaoyao-Gancao decoction, a Chinese herbal formula, is composed of Paeoniae Radix alba and Glycyrrhiza Radix et rhizoma. It has been widely used to treat muscle spasms and asthma. However, little is known about the bioactive components of Shaoyao-Gancao decoction. In the present study, the bioactive compounds in water-extract of Shaoyao-Gancao decoction were separated by the immobilized β2 -adrenoceptor affinity column and identified using quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The affinity constants of the separated compounds that bind to β2 -adrenoceptor were determined by frontal analysis. Compound bioactivity was tested in a rat tracheal smooth muscle relaxation assay. We identified the bioactive compounds in the water extract of Shaoyao-Gancao decoction that bound to the β2 -adrenoceptor as paeoniflorin and liquiritin. Paeoniflorin and liquiritin had only one binding site on the immobilized β2 -adrenoceptor, and the affinity constants were (2.16±0.10)×104 M-1 and (2.95±0.15)×104 M-1 , respectively. Both compounds induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of tracheal smooth muscle following K+ -stimulated contraction, and the relaxation effects were abrogated by the β2 -adrenoceptor antagonist, ICI 118551. Therefore, paeoniflorin and liquiritin are bioactive compounds in Shaoyao-Gancao decoction and the β2 -adrenoceptor affinity chromatography is a useful tool for identifying potential β2 -adrenoceptor ligands in natural products used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Effects of Jiawei Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction and Its Drug-Containing Serum on Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Ultrastructure of Human Adenomyosis Foci Cells.

Objective The present study aimed to investigate the effects of Jiawei Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction (JSGD) and its drug-containing serum (CDS) on the proliferation, apoptosis, and ultrastructure of human adenomyosis foci cells. Methods Primary cultures of human adenomyosis foci cells were prepared from hard uterine lesions of adenomyosis patients. The cells were treated with JSGD (10 and 20 mg/ml), CDS, and mifepristone (MIF) for 24 or 48 h. Cell proliferation was detected using CCK-8 assay, cell apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry, and the cell ultrastructure was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results JSGD and CDS significantly induced cell apoptosis and inhibited cell proliferation for 24 h or 48 h, in which the effects of JSGD were in a dose-dependent manner. The effect of CDS for 24 h was higher than that of CDS for 48 h. Moreover, JSGD and CDS treatments induced marked apoptosis in adenomyosis foci cells, characterized by nucleus chromatin, condensation, fragmentation, mitochondria and endoplasmic swelling, and autophagy-lysosome. Conclusions JSGD and CDS can suppress proliferation and induce apoptosis in adenomyosis foci cells, through altering their ultrastructure. The results provided support for JSGD and CDS in the treatment of adenomyosis and gained further insight into the effect of this prescription.

Pretreatment of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction () alters pharmacokinetics of intravenous paclitaxel in rats.

To investigate the effect of Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (, SGD) on the pharmacokinetics of intravenously administered paclitaxel in rats. Paclitaxel was intravenously administered to rats (3 mg/kg) with or without the concomitant administration of SGD (752 mg/kg, a single day or 14 consecutive days pretreatment). The paclitaxel in the serum was quantified using a simple and rapid ultra performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) method for the pharmacokinetic study. The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated via a non-compartment model using the computer program DAS 2.0. The pharmacokinetic parameters of paclitaxel were significantly altered in response to 14 consecutive days of pretreatment with SGD. The area under the curve (AUC0-t, from 4 820±197 to 4 205±186 ng·mL-1·-1) and AUC0-∞ (from 5 237±280 to 4 514±210 ng·mL-1·-1) significantly decreased in response to the 14-day pretreatment with SGD. The values of Vdss (L/kg) were 10.74±1.08 and 9.35±0.49, those of CL (L/kg) were 0.67±0.03 and 0.57±0.03 and the t1/2 (h) values were 11.17±0.84 and 11.32±0.93, respectively, for the 14-day SGD pretreatment and intravenous paclitaxel alone. The AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ values decreased by 13% and 14% (P<0.01), respectively. The area under the curve decreased signifificantly (P<0.01), and the total clearance increased by 1.2-fold (P<0.01), after 14 consecutive days of pretreatment with SGD. A single-day pretreatment with SGD did not signifificantly affect the pharmacokinetic parameters of paclitaxel. SGD administration for 14 consecutive days increased the metabolism of paclitaxel, while a 1-day pretreatment had little effect. The results would contribute important information to the study on interaction between Chinese medicines and chemotherapy and also help to utilize SGD better in the adjunctive therapy of cancer patients.

Effects of Shaoyao Gancao decoction on contents of amino acids and expressions of receptors in brains of spastic paralysis rats

To explore the effects of Shaoyao Gancao decoction on contents of amino acids and expressions of receptors in the brains of spastic paralysis rats, the spastic paralysis rat models of stroke convalescence were made by line tethering method. Baclofen was used as the control group, and the experiment group received Shaoyao Gancao decoction at 3∶1 proportions. After 3 weeks, the neurobehavioral scores, muscular tension and pain threshold were measured and compared. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to detect the contents of GABA, Gly, Glu, Asp in cerebral cortex. The protein expressions of GABA receptors Aα1, B； NMDA receptor NR1, NR2A and NR2B in cerebral cortex were determined by immunohistochemistry assay. The results showed that the Shaoyao Gancao decoction at 3∶1 proportion could improve the spastic paralysis state after stroke, significantly improve neurological symptoms (P<0.01), decrease muscular tension (P<0.01) and improve pain threshold (P<0.05) as compared with model group. Simultaneously, the contents of inhibitory amino acids GABA and Gly were increased significantly (P<0.01), while with a decrease tendency in excitatory amino acids Glu and Asp (with no statistical significance). In addition, it could significantly increase the protein expressions of neurotransmitter GABA receptors Aα1, and B (P<0.05); reduce the expressions of neurotransmitter NMDA receptors NR1, NR2A and NR2B (P<0.05). These results suggested that the Shaoyao Gancao decoction at 3：1 proportion could effectively relieve spasm and pain. The mechanism might be associated with increasing the contents of inhibitory amino acids and increasing the expressions of their receptors in spastic paralysis rats after stroke, which would consequently enhance the signal transduction of inhibitory amino acids. Meanwhile, there was a decrease tendency in excitatory amino acids, although no significant effect was observed, and it could suppress the expressions of excitatory amino acids receptors, thus weaken the excitatory signal transduction. Thereby the neurotoxicity was relieved eventually. These findings indicated that Shaoyao Gancao decoction could regulate the balance of neurotransmitter system to relieve the spasticity, and eventually achieve tendon tonifying and spasm relieving effect.

Clinical study of Shaoyao-Gancao decoction combined with Siwu decoction for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Objective To explore clinical effect and safety of Shaoyao-Gancao decoction combined with Siwu decoction for the patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods A total of 76 patients with DPN in our hospital from 2013 July to October 2015 were divided into control group and observation group by the random number method, 38 patients in each group. The control group were treated with conventional treatment combined with oryzanol injection, and the observation group were treated with Shaoyao-Gancao decoction combined with Siwu decoction on the basis of control group. Both groups were treated for one month. The level of FPG, 2 hPG, HbAlc, TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C was detected respectively before and after treatment. The whole blood viscosity and plasma viscosity was detected with LBY-N6A self-cleaning rotary viscosimeter. The red blood cells deposited and platelet aggregation rate were tested with Winchester points vascular method and turbidimetric method, respectively.The leg nerve and sural nerve of nerve conduction velocity (nerve conduction velocity, NCV) were determined with electromyography, at the same time the clinical curative effect was evaluted. Results Total effect rate of observation group was 89.5% (34/38), which was significantly higher than the control group 71.1% (27/38), and the difference was statistically significant (χ2=4.070, P=0.044); After treatment, the levels of FPG (6.12 ± 0.38 mmol/L vs. 6.58 ± 0.52 mmol/L, t=4.403), 2 hPG (7.83 ± 0.82 mmol/L vs. 8.41 ± 0.93 mmol/L, t=2.884), HbAlc (6.27 ± 0.52% vs. 6.82 ± 0.64%, t=4.112) in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of TC (4.73 ± 0.83 mmol/L vs. 5.11 ± 0.64 mmol/L, t=52.235), TG (1.83 ± 0.35 mmol/L vs. 2.03 ± 0.41 mmol/L, t=2.287) and LDL-C (2.91 ± 0.54 mmol/L vs. 3.25 ± 0.58 mmol/L, t=2.645) in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), and the HDL-C (1.47 ± 0.33 mmol/L vs. 1.26 ± 0.31 mmol/L, t=-2.859) in the observation group was higher than than that in the control group(P<0.05). The level of whole blood specific viscosity (10.16 ± 2.12 mPa•s vs. 11.33 ± 2.51 mPa•s, t=2.195), plasma viscosity (1.24 ± 0.25 mPa•s vs. 1.62 ± 0.37 mPa•s, t=5.246), red blood cell volume (0.31 ± 0.16L/L vs. 0.42 ± 0.08 L/L, t=3.791) and platelet aggregation rate (50.21% ± 8.03% vs. 54.16% ± 7.82%, t=2.172) in the observation group were significantly lower than those in control group (P<0.05). The tibial nerve velocity (45.22 ± 3.20 m/s vs. 38.26 ± 5.19 m/s, t=-7.037) and the common nerve velocity (43.22 ± 6.34 m/s vs. 36.23 ± 4.81, t=-5.415) in the observation group were as significantly higher than those in control group (P<0.05). Conclusions The Shaoyao-Gancao decoction combined with Siwu decoction could improve the state of blood sugar, blood lipid and blood rheology of patients with DPN, and improve nerve transfer speed of leg nerve and sural nerve, the curative effect is better than conventional western medicine therapy alone. Key words: Diabetic neuropathies; Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang; Si Wu Tang; Oryzanol injection; Integrated Chinese traditional and western medicine therapy

Effects of Shaoyao-Gancao Decoction on Infarcted Cerebral Cortical Neurons: Suppression of the Inflammatory Response following Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion in a Rat Model.

The mechanisms by which Shaoyao-Gancao decoction (SGD) inhibits the production of inflammatory cytokines in serum and brain tissue after cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (CI-RP) in rats were investigated. A right middle cerebral artery occlusion was used to induce CI-RP after which the rats were divided into model (n = 39), SGD (n = 28), clopidogrel (n = 25) and sham operated (n = 34) groups. The Bederson scale was used to evaluate changes in behavioral indices. The levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-10, RANTES, VEGF, and TGF-β1 in the serum and infarcted brain tissues were measured. Nissl body and immunohistochemical staining methods were used to detect biochemical changes in neurons, microglial cells, and astrocytes. Serum levels of VEGF, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-1β, and IL-10 increased significantly 24 h after CI-RP. In brain tissue, levels of TNF-α and IL-1β significantly increased 24 h after CI-RP, whereas levels of TGF-β1 and MCP-1 were significantly higher 96 h after CI-RP (P < 0.05). SGD or clopidogrel after CI-RP reduced TNF-α and IL-1β levels in brain tissue and serum levels of MCP-1, IL-1β, and IL-10. SGD increased the number of NeuN-positive cells in infarcted brain tissue and reduced the number of IBA1-positive and GFAP-positive cells. The efficacy of SGD was significantly higher than that of clopidogrel.

The metabonomic study of Shaoyao-Gancao decoction in a rat model of acute bronchial asthma by1H NMR

Shaoyao-Gancao decoction (SGD), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, was originally described in theTreatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseasesand is composed ofPaeoniae Radix albaandGlycyrrhiza Radix et rhizoma.

Study on intestinal absorption of ingredients from different compatibilities of Shaoyao Gancao decoction

To study the compatible mechanisms and compatible proportion of Shaoyao Gancao decoction, the intestinal absorption of main ingredients in Shaoyao Gancao decoction SG11 (Baishao-Zhigancao 1: 1) , SG31 (Baishao-Zhigancao 3: 1), Baishao water decoction S and Zhigancao (G) were investigated and compared using in vitro everted intestinal sac model and in situ single pass intestinal perfusion (SPIP) model. The concentration of paeoniflorin (PF), liquiritin (LQ) and mono-ammonium glycyrrhizinate (GL) in test samples and samples of intestinal sac and intestinal perfusion was determined by HPLC. The intestinal absorptive amount and absorption parameters were calculated. Results showed that in the everted intestinal sac model, three ingredients could be absorbed by duodenum, jejunum and ileum, and the absorption in the jejunum was best for all 3 ingredients. The absorption rate of three ingredients in SG11 was significantly higher than that in single decoction (P < 0.05), but had no significant difference compared with SG31. In SPIP model, the absorption rate constant K(a), the apparent absorption coefficient P(app) and the absorption rate of three ingredients in SG11 were significantly higher than those in single decoction. Parameters of PF and GL in SG11 were significantly higher than those in SG31, but had no differences of LQ. It proved that the compatibility of Baishao and Zhigancao could improve the intestinal absorption of PF, LQ and GL. The absorption of each ingredient in SG11 was better than that in SG31.

Comparison of Paeoniflorin and Albiflorin on Human CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.

Peony (Paeonia lactiflora Pall-) is a plant medicine and a functional food ingredient with wide application for more than 2000 years. It can be coadministrated with many other drugs, composed of traditional Chinese medicine compound such as shaoyao-gancao decoction. In order to explore the efficacy and safety of peony, effects of paeoniflorin and albiflorin (the principal components of peony) on cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and CYP2D6 were analyzed in human hepatoma HepG2 cells and evaluated from the level of recombinant CYP enzymes in vitro. The findings indicated that albiflorin possessed stronger regulation on the mRNA expression of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 than paeoniflorin. For the protein level of CYP3A4, albiflorin showed significant induction or inhibition with the concentration increasing from 10−7 M to 10−5 M, but no remarkable variation was observed in paeoniflorin-treated group. Enzyme activity assay implied that both paeoniflorin and albiflorin could regulate CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 with varying degrees. The results showed that albiflorin should be given more attention because it may play a vital role on the overall efficacy of peony. The whole behavior of both paeoniflorin and albiflorin should be focused on ensuring the rationality and effectiveness of clinical application.

Clinical study on the treatment of primary trigeminal neuralgia with modified Shaoyao-Gancao decoction and carbamazepine

Objective To Observe the effects of treating primary trigeminal neuralgia with modified Shaoyao-Gancao decoction and carbamazepine. Methods 76 patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, 38 patients in each. The treatment group was treated with modified Shaoyao-Gancao decoction and carbamazepine; and the control group was treated with carbamazepine only. Clinical curative effect, pain improvements and adverse reactions were observed after the treatment and 6 week follow-up. Results The total effective rate was 89.3%and 75.5%in the treatment group and the control group respectively, the difference was statistically significant（P=0.043）. The onset frequency, duration, degree of pain were all improved in both groups after the treatment and 6 week follow-up[treatment group after the treatment is （0.54±0.78）, （2.15±1.73）, （1.58±1.26）, 6 week follow-up is （0.24±0.63）, （1.36±1.03）,0.86±1.95）;control group after the treatment is （1.98±1.68）, （3.96±1.49）, （3.02±1.45）, 6 week follow-up is （1.06±1.78）, （1.97±1.69）, （2.13±1.54）, P〈0.05],and the treatment group was better than the control group（P=0.040 and 0.039 respectively）. Conclusion Modified Shaoyao-Gancao decoction combined carbamazepine has good clinical curative effect in treating primary trigeminal neuralgia. Key words: Shaoyao-Gancao decoction; Trigeminal neuralgia; Primary

Clinical efficacy and sEMG analysis of a new traditional Chinese medicine therapy in the treatment of spasticity following apoplectic hemiparalysis

To investigate the clinical effect and surface electromyography (sEMG) of rehabilitation exercise therapy in combination with total glucosides form Shaoyao Gancao decoction in treating spasticity after apoplectic hemiparalysis. Composite spasticity scale (CSS), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and modified Barthel index were compared between the exercise only group and the combined therapy group before and 1 month after the treatment to scale muscular tension, function and activities of daily living. Meanwhile, integrate EMG and root mean square (RMS) were used to detect the tension of upper limbs (biceps brachii) and ankles (tibialis anterior muscle and gastrocnemius) after the 1-month treatment. In the combined therapy group, the Ashworth and CSS scales were significantly improved compared to before the treatment (P < 0.05) and compared to the patients in the control group (P < 0.05). After the 1-month treatment, the combined therapy group showed significantly higher FMA and BI scores (P < 0.05) compared to the control group. For the combined therapy group, the sEMG was significantly improved at 1 month after the treatment (P < 0.05), while the control group only showed relatively slight improvement in the RMS of the tibialis anterior muscle and the gastrocnemius. The total glucosides form Shaoyao Gancao decoction could significantly improve the efficacy of the rehabilitation exercise therapy in the treatment of spasticity after apoplectic hemiparalysis, and its mechanism might involve the decrease of muscular tension.