Sijunzi Tang Research Articles

UPLC–Q-TOF-MS/MS fingerprinting of Traditional Chinese Formula SiJunZiTang

SiJunZiTang (SJZT), a classic Traditional Chinese Formula (TCMF) consisting of four herbs, Radix Ginseng, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos and Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has been demonstrated to show protective effects on intestine and stomach injure. The chromatographic quality control is needed. UPLC–Q-TOF-MS is a rapid and efficient technique for analysis of complex sample in combination with UPLC and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). In this paper, UPLC–MS fingerprinting of SJZT was developed. As a result, 66 compounds including ginsenosides, flavonoids, triterpenoid and coumarins were detected, 58 of them were tentatively identified. The major constituents of SJZT were ginsenosides and flavonoids that coming from Radix Ginseng and Glycyrrhiza uralensis.

Evaluation on the Pharmacological Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine SiJunZiTang on Stress-Induced Peptic Ulcers

Purpose. To explore the effects of SiJunZiTang (SJZT) on central neurotransmitters and the inhibition of HCl hypersecretion, along with the role of the vagus nerve. From this, the effects of SJZT and its constituent ingredients on inhibiting stress-induced peptic ulcers will be determined. Methods. Methods used to determine SJZT's effectiveness included (1) measuring the antipeptic ulcer effects of varying combinations of the constituents of SJZT; (2) evaluations of monoamine (MA) level in the brain; and (3) measuring the effects of longer-term SJZT treatment. Results. Comparing the control and experimental groups where the rats' vagus nerves were not cut after taking SJZT orally (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg), the volume of enterogastric juice, free HCl and total acidity all reduce dose-dependently. The group administered SJZT at 1000 mg/kg showed significant reductions (P < 0.05). For the experimental groups where the vagus nerves were cut, a comparison with the control group suggests that the group receiving SJZT (500 mg/kg) orally for 21 days demonstrated a cure rate of 34.53%. Conclusion. The results display a correlation between the therapeutic effects of SJZT on stress-induced peptic ulcers and central neurotransmitter levels. Further to this, SJZT can inhibit the hypersecretion of HCl in the stomach, thus inhibiting stress-induced peptic ulcers.

Fórmulas que tonifican el Qi y la Sangre

These formulas are formed through the combination of substances or formulas to tonify the Qi with those which nourish the Blood; once these are known (as seen on previous numbers) understanding the structure and action of these formulas is very easy. The basic formula Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction) is precisely formed by a basic formula to tonify the Qi: Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) and the basic formula to nourish Blood: Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction).

Comparative study on the effects of different therapeutic methods in preventing and treating nonalcoholic fatty liver in rats

To explore the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) by comparing the therapeutic efficacy of methods for fortifying the spleen and replenishing qi, warming yang and fortifying the spleen and warming yang to move water. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal, model, Sijunzi Tang (SJZ), Lizhong Tang (LZ), Linggui Zhugan Tang (LGZG) and Shenzhuo Tang (SZ) groups. Rats in the normal group were fed with ordinary diet, while the rats in the other groups were fed with high fat diet including 88% ordinary food, 10% lard oil and 2% cholesterol. After four weeks of treatment, the weight of liver and epididymal fat was recorded respectively for calculating the indexes of liver (liver weight/body weight) and epididymal fat (weight of epididymal fat pads/body weight); the pathological changes in liver tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining; the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triacylglycerol (TAG), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C) and liver TAG concentration were analyzed by biochemical test. Body weight, liver and epididymal fat indexes and liver TAG level of rats all significantly increased in the model group as compared with the normal group (P<0.05). Hepatic fatty infiltration, TAG concentration and the levels of serum TAG and ALT were significantly decreased in the LGZG and SZ groups when compared to those in the model group (P<0.05). In addition, epididymal fat index and serum TC level also significantly decreased in the LGZG group as compared with the model group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant change in liver TAG concentration in LZ and model groups. Method of warming yang or moving water can promote the lipid metabolism. It may be an effective strategy in preventing and treating NAFL by treating with warming yang and moving water together.

Regularity analysis on clinical treatment in primary liver cancer by traditional Chinese medicine

To evaluate clinical treatment regularity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on primary liver cancer and provide inspiration for the clinical use. Traditional Chinese medicine database on primary liver cancer was established to analysis the classification, frequency, dosage of TCM in clinical treatment. Tonic medicine is the most common medication, herbs for heat-clearing, promoting blood circulation for removing blood stasis, eliminating dampness and diuresis and regulating flow of Qi are more common medication, herbs for relieving exterior disorder and digesting are common medication; the first frequency of single herb is Atractglodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, Poria, Codonopsis Radix. Popular classical prescriptions are Sijunzi Tang, Xiaochaihu Tang, YiguanJian, Xiangsha Liujunzi Tang, Xiaoyao Wan and Gexia Zhuyu Tang, Liuwei Dihuang Tang and Yinchenhao Tang et al. Gallic Gigerii Endothelium Corneum and Ophiopogonis Radix are most commonly drug for poor appetite. Astragali Radix is most commonly drug for fatigue. Corydalis Rhizoma, Toosendan Fructus are most common for liver pain; Pericarpium Arecae, Polyporus, Poria are most common herbs for ascites; Artemisiae Scopariae Herba is common drug for jaundice. Replenishing qi to invigorate the spleen, sparsing liver to regulate the flow of vital energy, clearing heat and promoting diuresis, promoting blood circulation for removing blood stasis, nourishing yin and detoxification are the main principles for treating primary liver cancer. Improving clinical symptoms, signs and quality of life of patients with TCM is the key to clinical treatment.

Fórmulas que Tonifican el Qi y fórmulas que Calientan el Centro: Decocción de los 4 Caballeros (Si Jun Zi Tang), Píldora para Regular el Centro (Li Zhong Wan) y derivadas

Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentleman Decoction) and Li Zhong Wan (Rectify the Center Pill) are basic formulas for tonifying Qi and Warming the Middle (Tonifying Spleen Yang), respectively. The difference between these two formulas is the presence of Fu Ling (Poria cocos) in the former and Gan Jiang (dry ginger) in the latter. Most of the remaining formulas in these two groups are derived from these two “sisters”.Based on these two formulas, the addition of substances that Transform Phlegm-Humidity, Mobilize Qi and Favor Digestion, Tonify Spleen Yang, Nourish Blood, etc. give rise to multiple formulas the treat the disturbances due to Deficiencies in Qi and/or Spleen and Lung Yang.

Application of ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) with photodiode array detector for the simultaneous determination of 12 chemical components of traditional Chinese Si-Jun-Zi-Tang formula

We established an UPLC-photodiode array (PDA) detection method to determine simultaneously 12 components, namely Gallic acid, Ferulaic acid, Liquiritin, Benzoic acid, Lobetyolin, Liquiritigenin, Calycosin, Isoliquiritigenin, Formononetin, Glycyrrhizic acid, Atractylenolide III, Glycyrrhetinic acid in traditional Chinese Si-Jun- Zi-Tang (SJZT) formula. They were analyzed in less than 38 min on Acquity UPLC system with Acquity UPLC BEH C18 column and acetonitrile -0.5% aqueous acetic acid with gradient elution (0 min, 0:100; 5 min, 3:97; 8 min, 15:85; 20 min, 30:70; 30 min, 40:60; 35 min, 0:40; 40 min, 100: 0) at a flow rate of 0.3 ml/min, and with a PDA detector. All calibration curves showed good linear regression (r2 ≥0.9991) within the test ranges. The LOD was lower to 0.0065 to 0.137 µg/ml on column. The overall intra- and inter-day variations of 12 components were lower than 3.61%. These results showed that the method was applied to the simultaneous determination of 12 components in SJZT for quick and reliable quality control, and was validated for specificity, accuracy, precision, repeatability and limit of detection. Key words: Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography UPLC-PDA, Si-Jun-Zi-Tang, bioactive compounds.

Antacid effects of Chinese herbal prescriptions assessed by a modified artificial stomach model

To assess the antacid effects of the tonic Chinese herbal prescriptions, si-jun-zi-tang (SJZT) and shen-ling-bai-zhu-san (SLBZS). Decoctions of the tonic Chinese herbal prescriptions, SJZT and SLBZS, were prepared according to Chinese original documents. The pH of the prescription decoctions and their neutralizing effects on artificial gastric acids were determined and compared with water and the active controls, sodium bicarbonate and colloidal aluminum phosphate. A modified model of Vatier's artificial stomach was used to determine the duration of consistent neutralization effect on artificial gastric acids. The neutralization capacity in vitro was determined with the titration method of Fordtran's model. The results showed that both SJZT and SLBZS have antacid effects in vitro. Compared with the water group, SJZT and SLBZS were found to possess significant gastric acid neutralizing effects. The duration for consistent neutralization of SLBZS was significantly longer than that of water. Also, SLBZS and SJZT exhibited significant antacid capacities compared to water. SJZT and SLBZS were consistently active in the artificial stomach model and are suggested to have antacid effects similar to the active control drugs.

Significance of changes of gastrointestinal peptides in blood and ileum of experimental spleen deficiency rats.

To explore the mechanism of spleen deficiency (SD) by studying the relationship of gastro-intestinal peptides level and ileal electro-mechanical activity of SD rats and cold restrain rats. (1) spleen deficiency (SD) model was established by feeding Houpou:Zhishi: Dahuang in the ratio of 3:3:2, 3 ml/time, for 42 days. (2) The cold restrain stress model: Animals were restrained on grille and placed in a cool water at 18 degrees for 3 h. (3) Substance P (SP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) levels in all layers of initial part of ileum and blood in rats were measured by radioimmunoassays (RIA) while changes of electric activity and motility in ileum of rats were recorded with electrode and strain gauge. SP levels in ileum and blood of experimental SD rats were significantly higher than that of the control groups (9.89+/-5.65 vs 1.22+/-1.18, P<0.005, in ileum; 22.7+/-3.95 vs 6.60+/-1.47, P<0.001, in blood) while the VIP levels of the SD rats were significantly lower than that of the controls (3.50+/-2.01 vs 9.10+/-4.91, P<0.05, in ileum; 229.8+/-62.4 vs 560.4+/-151.3, P<0.001, in blood). As compared with the controls, the average frequency of slow electric waves (21.3+/-0.96 vs 18.2+/-2.28, P<0.05) and motility (21.5+/-0.58 vs 18+/-2.65, P<0.005) of SD rats increased obviously and the frequency of fast waves of SD rat also increased. In spontaneous recovery cases, SP levels recovered significantly (compared with the SD groups, 2.99+/-0.62 vs 9.89+/-5.65, P<0.001, in ileum; 14.4+/-4.22 vs 22.7+/-3.95, P<0.001, in blood) but did not drop to normal. After the SD rats treated with Chinese herbs (Jiawei Sijun zi Tang), SP improved (compared with SD cases, 2.20+/-1.25 vs 9.89+/-5.65, (P<0.001), in ileum; 10.7+/-1.88 vs 22.7+/-3.95, (P<0.001), in blood) and VIP in blood also improved (compared with SD rats, 485.7+/-229.0 vs 229.8+/-62.4, P<0.01) while the amplitude of motility decreased apparently (compared with the SD rats, 0.64+/-0.096 vs 0.89+/-0.15, P<0.01). The ileal SP levels of cool stress didn't change while the ileal VIP levels of cool stress became significantly lower than that of the control groups (2.87+/-0.87 vs 9.10+/-4.91, P<0.01). The blood SP levels of cool stress were significantly higher (15.60+/-1.83 vs 6.60+/-1.47, P<0.001) whereas the blood VIP levels of cool stress were significantly lower than that of the control group (153.4+/-70.46 vs 560.4+/-151.30, P<0.001). Changes of SP and VIP levels in initial part of ileum and blood of SD rats and cool stress rats may be closely related to the gastrointestinal motility disorders presented in SD and cool stress rats. the Chinese herbs (Jiawei Sijun zi Tang) currently used have partially therapeutic effect.