Types Of Chinese Herbal Medicine Research Articles

Rhein kills Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, reduces biofilm formation, and effectively treats bacterial lung infections in mice.

Background. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, a member of the Pasteurellaceae family, is known for its highly infectious nature and is the primary causative agent of infectious pleuropneumonia in pigs. This disease poses a considerable threat to the global pig industry and leads to substantial economic losses due to reduced productivity, increased mortality rates, and the need for extensive veterinary care and treatment. Due to the emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains, Chinese herbal medicine is considered one of the best alternatives to antibiotics due to its unique mechanism of action and other properties. As a type of Chinese herbal medicine, Rhein has the advantages of a wide antibacterial spectrum and is less likely to develop drug resistance, which can perfectly solve the limitations of current antibacterial treatments.Methods. The killing effect of Rhein on A. pleuropneumoniae was detected by fluorescence quantification of differential expression changes of key genes, and scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the changes in A. pleuropneumoniae status after Rhein treatment. Establishing a mouse model to observe the treatment of Rhein after A. pleuropneumoniae infection.Results. Here, in this study, we found that Rhein had a good killing effect on A. pleuropneumoniae and that the MIC was 25 µg ml-1. After 3 h of action, Rhein (4×MIC) completely kills A. pleuropneumoniae and Rhein has good stability. In addition, the treatment with Rhein (1×MIC) significantly reduced the formation of bacterial biofilms. Therapeutic evaluation in a murine model showed that Rhein protects mice from A. pleuropneumoniae and relieves lung inflammation. Quantitative RT-PCR (Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction is a molecular biology technique that combines both reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction methods to quantitatively detect the amount of a specific RNA molecule) results showed that Rhein treatment significantly downregulated the expression of the IL-18 (Interleukin refers to a class of cytokines produced by white blood cells), TNF-α, p65 and p38 genes. Along with the downregulation of genes such as IL-18, it means that Rhein has an inhibitory effect on the expression of these genes, thereby reducing the activation of inflammatory cells and the production of inflammatory mediators. This helps reduce inflammation and protects tissue from further damage.Conclusions. This study reports the activity of Rhein against A. pleuropneumoniae and its mechanism, and reveals the ability of Rhein to treat A. pleuropneumoniae infection in mice, laying the foundation for the development of new drugs for bacterial infections.

On-line identification of the chemical constituents of Polygoni Multiflori Radix by UHPLC-Q-ToF MS/MS.

Introduction: Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) is a type of Chinese herbal medicine with rich chemical composition and pharmacological activity used widely in medicine and food. However, in recent years, there have been increasing numbers of negative reports about its hepatotoxicity. Identification of its chemical constituents for quality control and safe use is very important. Methods: Three solvents of different polarities (water, 70% ethanol, and 95% ethanol solution) were used to extract the compounds from PMR. Extracts were analyzed and characterized by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-ToF MS/MS) in the negative-ion mode. Results: 152 compounds were detected and identified: 50 anthraquinones, 33 stilbene derivatives, 21 flavonoids, seven naphthalene compounds, and 41 other compounds. Eight other compounds were reported for the first time in the PMR-related literature, and eight other compounds were potentially new compounds. Discussion: This study lays a solid foundation for the screening of toxicity and quality-control indicators of PMR.

The Carthamus tinctorius L. and Lepidium apetalum Willd. Drug Pair Inhibits EndMT through the TGFβ1/Snail Signaling Pathway in the Treatment of Myocardial Fibrosis.

Myocardial fibrosis (MF) is an essential pathological factor for heart failure. Previous studies have shown that the combination of Carthamus tinctorius L. and Lepidium apetalum Willd. (C-L), two types of Chinese herbal medicine, can ameliorate MF after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats and inhibit the activation of myocardial fibroblasts. However, the mechanism of C-L in the treatment of MF remains unclear. A rat model of MF with left anterior descending coronary ligation-induced MI was first established. Then, the effects of C-L on cardiac function, MF, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) were evaluated by the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence staining. Next, a hypoxia-induced cardiac microvascular endothelial cell (CMEC) model was established to observe the effects of C-L on EndMT. The supernatant of CMECs was collected and used to culture cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) and observe the effects of CMEC paracrine factors on CFs. Animal experiments indicated that C-L improves the cardiac function of rats after MI, inhibits the progression of EndMT and MF, and downregulates TGFβ1, Snail, and CTGF expression. Cell experiments showed that drug-loaded serum containing C-L inhibits the EndMT of CMECs under hypoxic conditions. The culture supernatant of CMECs grown under hypoxic conditions significantly activated CFs. After treatment with C-L, the activating factor for CFs in hypoxic CMEC culture supernatant was substantially downregulated, and the effect of the culture supernatant on CF activation was also reduced. However, TGFβ1 agonists inhibited the effects of C-L on CMECs and CFs. Our data demonstrated that by regulating the TGFβ1/Snail pathway, C-L inhibits EndMT of CMECs and reduces the release of CF-activating factors in cells undergoing EndMT.

Organochlorine pesticide residue in Chinese herbal medicine.

Over ten-year routine inspection results on organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residue were summarized, OCPs residues, including BHC isomers (α, β, γ, and δ-BHC), DDT analogs (p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, and p,p′-DDT), and pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) and its metabolites (pentachloroaniline and methyl pentachlorophenyl sulfide (MPCPS)), in 1,665 samples for 37 types of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) using the QuEChERS method coupled with the GC-ECD. Based on the maximal residue levels for OCPs set by Asian pharmacopeias, PCNB contamination in Ginseng radix as well as the total DDT and PCNB contamination in Panacis quinquefolii radix are of concern. OCP residues in different parts of Panax ginseng were also compared. The total BHC residue in leaf and fibrous root, as well as the total DDT and PCNB residue in all parts, exceeded MRL of 0.1 mg/kg. Overall, this study provided meaningful results about OCP residue in CHM for pharmaceutical industries and consumers.

Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine Wen Xin granules for the treatment of unstable angina pectoris with Yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

IntroductionUnstable angina pectoris (UAP) is the common type of coronary heart disease with the risk of developing into acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Currently, there are still numerous patients suffering from recurrent angina after revascularization or conventional medication due to the microvascular lesions, endothelial dysfunction, chronic inflammation, in-stent restenosis, and other factors. As an important part of China’s medical and health care system, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has rich clinical experience in the treatment of UAP. According to the theory of TCM, Yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome is a common type of UAP. Wen Xin decoction, as a type of Chinese herbal medicine, has been used in the clinic for years and shown great efficacy in the treatment of UAP with Yang deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Wen Xin granular in patients with UAP.Methods and analysisThis is a double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 502 participants will be randomly allocated to the intervention group and the placebo group. Based on conventional medication, the intervention group will be treated with Wen Xin granular and the placebo group will be treated with Wen Xin granular placebo. The primary outcomes are major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Assessments will be performed 1 year after the treatment. The secondary outcomes include TCM symptom scale score, Seattle angina questionnaire, and thromboelastography. Assessments will be performed at baseline (before randomization) and 4 and 8 weeks after randomization.DiscussionThis trial will provide high-quality data on the benefits and risks of Wen Xin granular in patients with UAP.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.govNCT04661709. Registered on 30 November 2020

Investigation of toxic heavy metals content and estimation of potential health risks in Chinese herbal medicine

The content of toxic heavy metals (THMs), including lead (Pb), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg), was determined in a total of 10,245 samples for 279 types of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) using a validated inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method. The exceeding rate (ER) for the four THMs were calculated based on diverse permissible limits (PLs) established by different organizations and national pharmacopeias. Cluster analysis was used to classify the degree risk of THMs contamination according to the calculated ER. Results revealed that Cibotii rhizome, Selaginellae herba, Morindae officinalis radix, Asprellae ilicis radix, and Toxicodendri resina exhibited high-degree risk of Pb contamination. Eckloniae/Laminariae thallus, Spirodelae herba, and Naturalis indigo possessed high-degree risk of As contamination. Tetrapanacis medulla, Centipedae herba, Cyathulae radix, Linderae radix, Meretricis/Cyclinae concha, and Tabanus displayed high-degree risk of Cd contamination. Toxicodendri resina has high-degree risk of Hg contamination. In addition, six types of CHM, including Asprellae ilicis radix, Toxicodendri resina, Eckloniae/Laminariae thallus, Fossilia Ossis Mastodi, Haematitum, and Hedyotidis diffusae herba, may have non-carcinogenic health risk after consumption of raw materials because the calculated hazard quotient and hazard index were over 1.0. In summary, these data provide useful information about THMs contamination in CHM.

Cistanche tubulosa Phenylethanoid Glycosides Induce Apoptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Mitochondria-Dependent and MAPK Pathways and Enhance Antitumor Effect through Combination with Cisplatin.

Cistanche tubulosa is a type of Chinese herbal medicine and exerts various biological functions. Previous studies have been demonstrated that Cistanche tubulosa phenylethanoid glycosides (CTPG) exhibit antitumor effects on a variety of tumor cells. However, the antitumor effects of CTPG on HepG2 and BEL-7404 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are still elusive. Our study showed that CTPG significantly inhibited the growth of HepG2 and BEL-7404 cells through the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, which was associated with the activation of MAPK pathways characterized by the up-regulated phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 and mitochondria-dependent pathway characterized by the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential. The release of cytochrome c and the cleavage of caspase-3, -7, -9, and PARP were subsequently increased by CTPG treatment. Moreover, CTPG significantly suppressed the migration of HepG2 through reducing the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Interestingly, CTPG not only enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes but also reduced the apoptosis of splenocytes induced by cisplatin. In H22 tumor mouse model, CTPG combined with cisplatin further inhibited the growth of H22 cells and reduced the side effects of cisplatin. Taken together, CTPG inhibited the growth of HCC through direct antitumor effect and indirect immunoenhancement effect, and improved the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin.

Identifying the Chinese Herbal Medicine Network and Core Formula for Allergic Rhinitis on a Real-World Database.

Materials and Methods Patients with a primary diagnosis of AR (ICD-9-CM code: 477.9) in 2010 were included, and the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan was used as the data source. Association rule mining and social network analysis were used to establish and explore the CHM network. Possible molecular pathways of the CHM network were summarized and compared with commonly used western medicine (WM) by conducting overrepresentation analysis in the Reactome pathway database. The potential proteins acted by CHMs were obtained from the CHM ingredient-protein databases, including STITCH, TCMSP, TCMID, and TCM@Taiwan. Results There were 89,148 AR subjects found in 2010, and a total of 33,507 patients ever used CHM. On an average, 5.6 types of CHMs were utilized per prescription. Xin-Yi-Qing-Fei-Tang was used most frequently (25.5% of 222,279 prescriptions), while Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang with Xin-Yi-San was the most commonly prescribed CHM-CHM combination. Up to six distinctive clusters could be found among the CHM network, and core CHMs could be found for AR, such as Xiao-Qing-Long-Tang and Xin-Yi-Qing-Fei-Tang. A total of 140 molecular pathways were covered by the CHM network (2,432 ingredients from 31 kinds of CHMs), while 39 WMs covered 55 pathways. Among pathways responding to the immune system, WM mainly acted on cytokine signaling-related pathways, while CHM mostly acted on neutrophil/macrophage-related innate pathways and dendritic cell-related adaptive immunity pathways. Conclusion Our study demonstrated and analyzed the CHM network for AR. Core CHM for AR and possible molecular pathways were presented as well, and this information is crucial for researchers to select candidates for CHM-related studies.

Effect of weimaining on apoptosis and Caspase-3 expression in a breast cancer mouse model

Ethnopharmacological relevanceWeimaining (WMN) is a condensed Tannin compound extracted from Fagopyrum cymosum (Trevir.) Meisn., which comes from the roots of buckwheat, a type of Chinese herbal medicine, was first recorded in “Bencao Shiyi”. WMN has inhibitory effects on multiple cancer types and is widely used in clinical practice; however, the mechanism underlying the anti-tumor effect of WMN is still unclear. Aim of the studyTo investigate the effect of WMN on the cellular activity and apoptosis of mouse breast cancer 4T1-luc2 cells, and caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3 expression. Materials and methodsLuciferase-labeled mouse breast cancer 4T1-luc2 cells were inoculated into the mouse breast pad to establish a luciferase-labeled mouse breast cancer cell model. BALB/C-nu mice were randomly divided into model, WMN, and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) groups (n = 10). Another 10 mice served as the normal control group (no cancer cell injection). The WMN group was administered WMN 250 mg/kg per day for 14 days, the LMWH group was given LMWH (1500 U/kg) daily for 14 days by intraperitoneal injection, and the model and normal control groups were given an equal dose of 0.9% NaCl. The number and distribution of transplanted tumors in 4T1-luc2 breast cancer cells were observed in nude mice by an in vivo imaging system at the time of inoculation after successful modeling, and on days 7 and 14 after drug administration. Tumor cell apoptosis was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) method; caspase-3 mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting was applied to detect the levels of caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3 protein expression. ResultsThe apoptosis index (AI) of the WMN group was detected by the TUNEL method, and the AI increased with the increase of treatment time. Compared with the model group, the mRNA expression of caspase-3 and the protein levels of caspase-3 and cleaved-caspase-3 were notably elevated in the WMN group. After in vivo bioluminescent imaging, the total photon number of the WMN group was found to be lower than that of the LWMH group on day 14 after administration. Additionally, the AI and expression levels of caspase-3 mRNA, caspase-3, and cleaved-caspase-3 protein of the WMN group were higher than those of the LWMH group. ConclusionWMN can effectively suppress the growth of 4T1-luc2 breast cancer xenografts in mice, and promote the apoptosis of breast cancer cells by upregulating the expression of caspase-3.

Feikang granules ameliorate pulmonary inflammation in the rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease via TLR2/4-mediated NF-\u03baB pathway

PurposeSeveral reports have shown that traditional Chinese medicine could be an alternative therapeutic approach for COPD patients, but the mechanism remains unknown. The present study aimed to examine the effects of Feikang granules in a COPD model rat and investigate the possible mechanisms via Toll-like receptor (TLR)/ nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) signaling.MethodsThe COPD model rats were treated with Feikang granules, dexamethasone, or normal saline. The pulmonary function; lung tissue histology; levels of inflammatory cytokines; mRNA levels of TNFα, IL-6, TLR4, and TLR2; and protein levels of TLR4, TLR2, p-IκB, IκB and P65 in lung tissues were evaluated.ResultsThe present study confirmed that the pro-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 levels were elevated and the pulmonary function and morphology are altered in COPD model rats. The TLR2 and TLR4 -mediated NF-kB signaling pathway plays a role in the mechanism of action. Feikang granules, a type of Chinese herbal medicine, significantly reduced LPS induced inflammatory cytokines release from lung tissue and alveolar macrophage in a dose-dependent manner. These medical herbs also prevented TLR2/4 and IκB downregulation and reversed the p-IκB and NF-κB p65 upregulation of the lung tissue in the COPD rats. Feikang granules were also found to protect against pulmonary dysfunction and pathological changes in the COPD rats.ConclusionThe Chinese herbal medicine formula Feikang granules prevent pulmonary inflammation and improve pulmonary function, suggesting that Feikang granules may be an effective treatment for chronic pulmonary diseases, such as COPD.

An optimized deep convolutional neural network for dendrobium classification based on electronic nose

This paper introduces an optimized deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) using special banded 1D kernels at the convolutional and the pooling layers adapted for electronic nose (E-nose) data. It is used to classify multiple types of Chinese herbal medicine. The optimized DCNN network is composed of 5 special convolutional layers with 1D convolutional kernels, 2 special pooling layers with 1D size, 1 fully connected layer and 1 Softmax layer. Results show that the optimized DCNN achieves the best accuracy of 87.56%, outperforming the 81.67% from the second-best classifier DCNN. The optimized DCNN extracts features from E-nose data faster and better than common DCNN. This paper also proposes an insight of applying DCNN to small-scale and E-nose data.

The add-on effect of dengzhan shengmai capsules on secondary prevention of ischemic stroke: A multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial

ObjectiveThe Dengzhan Shengmai (DZSM) capsule is a commercially available type of Chinese herbal medicine frequently administered to improve neurological impairment after stroke. Its ability to prevent recurrent stroke, however, has not been determined. This study therefore evaluated the ability of DZSM as an add-on to conventional secondary preventive agents to prevent recurrent ischemic stroke. MethodsIn this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, conducted at 83 hospitals in Mainland China, 3143 patients in 14–180 days after the initial onset of ischemic stroke, were randomly allocated to the DZSM (0.36 g, twice daily for 12 months) or the placebo group. All patients in both groups received standard secondary preventive medications. The primary outcome was the 1-year incidence of stroke. Between group differences were assessed using the Cox proportional hazards model. ResultsIntent-to-treat analysis showed that 58 (3.8%) participants in the DZSM group and 82 (5.4%) in the placebo group experienced new stroke events (hazard ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval = 0.50–0.98, P = 0.036). The type and incidence of adverse events were similar in the DZSM and placebo groups. ConclusionsThe addition of DZSM capsules to standard secondary preventive agents provides additional benefits after the initial onset of ischemic stroke, reducing recurrent stroke without increasing severe adverse events. However, further study is needed to elucidate the role of DZSM on the updated practice of conventional secondary prevention for ischemic stroke.

Metabolic profiling of natural and cultured Cordyceps by NMR spectroscopy

Cordyceps, a type of Chinese herbal medicine that exhibits anti-angiogenesis and tumor growth suppression effects, has recently gained increasing popularity. However, high-quality, natural Cordyceps, such as Ophiocordyceps sinensis, is very rare and difficult to obtain in large amounts. Cordyceps is cultured instead of harvested from natural sources, but the quality with respect to the ingredients has not been fully studied. In this study, we performed an NMR metabolic profiling of aqueous extracts of Cordyceps without any sample treatment to evaluate the proper species and medium and influence of two different disinfection methods. It was discovered that Cordyceps militaris fungus and silkworm chrysalis medium were suitable for cultivation of Cordyceps. Furthermore, cordycepin, a Cordyceps-specific functional compound, was produced at different growth stages during different cultivation processes, even at the mycelial stage, and was found at three times higher concentrations in cultured C. militaris compared to that in naturally occurring C. militaris.

Qishen Yiqi dripping pills for ischemic heart failure: A protocol for a prospective cohort study.

BackgroundThe prognosis of ischemic heart failure (IHF) is worse than non-IHM. Improving the management of IHF remains an urgent demand. In recent years, Qishen Yiqi dripping pills (QSYQ), a type of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), has been popular for IHF combined with standard western medicine. However, relevant scientific evidence from the real clinical practice still is insufficient. The prospective cohort study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of QSYQ plus standard western medicine for IHF in the real clinical practice.MethodsIt is a multicenter, prospective, observational cohort study. A total of 1200 patients with IHF recruited from 84 hospitals in China will be assigned to exposure group (patients with QSYQ treatment) or non-exposed group (patients without QSYQ treatment) mainly according to patients’ preference in real clinical situation. The primary outcomes include New York Heart Association (NYHA) cardiac functional classification and Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). The secondary outcomes include composite outcomes (all-cause mortality, frequency of re-admission or emergency due to cardiovascular events), left ventricular ejection fraction and cardiothoracic ratio, symptoms and signs obtained by the 4 Tradiational Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic methods. Assessments will be performed at baseline, 1st and 3rd month after enrollment.DiscussionIt will provide new evidence on QSYQ for IHF in real clinical practice.Study registrationThis study has been registered on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No: ChiCTR-ONRC-14004407).

Classification of Chinese Herbal Medicine by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy with Principal Component Analysis and Artificial Neural Network

ABSTRACTChinese herbal medicine has attracted increasing attention because of the unique and significant efficacy in various diseases. In this paper, three types of Chinese herbal medicine, the roots of Angelica pubescens, Codonopsis pilosula, and Ligusticum wallichii with different places of origin or parts, are analyzed and identified using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) combined with principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN). The study of the roots of A. pubescens was performed. The score matrix is obtained by principal component analysis, and the backpropagation artificial neural network (BP-ANN) model is established to identify the origin of the medicine based on LIBS spectroscopy of the roots of A. pubescens with three places of origin. The results show that the average classification accuracy is 99.89%, which exhibits better prediction of classification than linear discriminant analysis or support vector machine learning methods. To verify the effectiveness of PCA combined with the BP-ANN model, this method is used to identify the origin of C. pilosula. Meanwhile, the root and stem of L. wallichii are analyzed by the same method to distinguish the medicinal materials accurately. The recognition rate of C. pilosula is 95.83%, and that of L. wallichii is 99.85%. The results present that LIBS combined with PCA and BP-ANN is a useful tool for identification of Chinese herbal medicine and is expected to achieve automatic real-time, fast, and powerful measurements.

Chinese Herbal Medicine-induced Liver Injury.

The widespread use of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) and the associated adverse reactions has attracted the attention of researchers and physicians. Reports have shown that several types of CHM can cause liver injury, with increasing numbers of cases reported every year. The difficulty in characterizing CHM-induced liver injury stems from clinical manifestations, diagnosis and pathogenesis. The clinical manifestations are varied, but gastrointestinal symptoms are the majority. The Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences scale is currently the most commonly used method for assessing causality in cases of medicine-induced liver injury with excellent sensitivity, specificity and predictive validity. However, the pathogenesis of CHM-induced liver injury is not well understood. The classic view encompasses a contribution from “toxic metabolites” that either elicit an immune response or directly affect cellular biochemical processes or functions. In addition, poor quality and inappropriate clinical use of CHMs contribute to safety concerns. To ensure the safe use of CHMs and decrease the number of hepatotoxic cases, clinicians, researchers and pharmaceutical companies should share responsibility by regulating clinical use, strengthening basic toxicology research and establishing a strict quality control system.

Identification of Chinese herbal medicines by fluorescence microscopy: fluorescent characteristics of medicinal bark.

Medicinal bark refers to structures outside the vascular cambium of stems, branches and roots of gymnospermous and dicotyledonous plants that are used as medicinal materials; bark is an important type of Chinese herbal medicine. However, identification of the species from which the bark comes can be very difficult, especially when the bark is dried and sliced. In our previous studies, we have found that fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool for the identification of easily confused Chinese herbal medicines, powdered Chinese herbal medicines and decoction dregs. To establish the fluorescent characteristics by which medicinal barks can be identified, for ensuring their safe and effective use, a systematic microscopic investigation by normal light and fluorescence microscope was carried out on transverse section samples of 11 medicinal barks commonly used in China. Specifically, the fluorescent characteristics of mechanical tissues, including stone cells and fibres as well as secretory tissues, have been observed. The microscopic features of medicinal bark are here systematically and comparatively described and illustrated. Under the fluorescence microscope, various tissues emitted fluorescence of different colours, and we found that both the colours and the intensity can be used to distinguish and identify these barks.

A systematic review on the efficacy, safety and types of Chinese herbal medicine for depression

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is one of the commonly used complementary and alternative medicine therapies for major depressive disorder. The objective of this study was to review the efficacy, safety and types of CHM for depression. We systematically searched key databases (9 Chinese and 7 English) up until May 2013 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and examined 7 systematic reviews for additional articles. Methodological quality was assessed by modified Jadad scale and Cochrane's risk of bias assessment. Only studies with moderate methodological quality, defined as modified Jadad scale score ≥3, were included in meta-analysis for efficacy. Of the 296 RCTs that were assessed in details, 278 (93.9%) had modified Jadad scale score < 3, and only 21 scored ≥ 3. The frequently used formulas were Xiao Yao decoction, Chaihu Shugan decoction and Ganmai Dazao decoction; while Chaihu, Bai Shao and Fu Ling were the frequently used single herb. Meta-analyses showed that CHM monotherapy was better than placebo and as effective as antidepressants in reducing Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) score (CHM vs. placebo: mean difference: −7.97, 95% CI: −10.25 to −5.70, P < 0.00001, 2 studies; CHM vs. antidepressants: mean difference: 0.01, 95% CI: −0.28 to 0.30, P = 0.95, 7 studies). CHM were associated with less adverse events than antidepressants, and adding CHM to antidepressants reduced adverse events. Despite the overall positive results, due to the small number of studies with sufficient methodological quality, it is premature to accurately conclude the benefits and risks of CHM for depression.

First Report of Bacterial Leaf Spot Disease Caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae on Panax notoginseng.

Panax notoginseng is a species that produces a rare type of Chinese herbal medicine and is cultivated primarily in Yunnan Province. P. notoginseng has a 3-year-long crop cycle before harvest. A new bacterial disease was observed on P. notoginseng plants in the Wenshan Mountain area of Yunnan in 2012. The disease affected primarily leaves. Symptoms were circular or irregular brown leaf spots, surrounded by a yellow halo, located on the edges of the leaves. Eight creamy white pigmented, rounded strains were isolated consistently from leaf spots on Luria-Bertani agar (LB) medium, incubated at 28°C. Three strains (SQYB-1, SQYB-2, SQYB-3) of eight isolates were prepared for further study. Three isolates were purified and characterized: all were gram-negative, rod-shaped, motile, aerobic, non-spore forming, and negative for oxidase, potato soft rot, arginine dehydrolase, presence of tyrosinase and urease, nitrate, and fluorescent pigment production. Moreover, they were positive for levan production, presence of catalase, and for tobacco hypersensitivity. All three strains isolated were identified as Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae (Pss) based on morphology, metabolic profile (Biolog Microbial ID System), and 16S rDNA sequence analysis (1). The metabolic similarity index between experiment strain SQYB-1 and a type of strain Pss was 0.619. The primers of 16S rDNA sequence amplification were 27F/1492R. Before sequencing, we cloned the PCR products. There was 99% homology in 16S rDNA sequences between one isolate, SQYB-1 (NCBI Accession No. JX876901) and Pss (HQ840766), supporting the identification of the P. notoginseng strains as Pss (3). For Koch's postulates, 10 surface-disinfected young leaves on three plants were inoculated with SQYB-1 isolates by spraying a phosphate-buffered saline cell suspension (3.0 × 108 CFU/ml) onto the leaves (4). Controls were inoculated similarly with sterile phosphate-buffered saline. Plants were covered with polyethylene bags for 24 h at 25°C and then transferred to a greenhouse. Circular or irregular brown spots were observed on all bacteria-inoculated leaves within 9 to 14 days after inoculation. No symptoms were observed on controls. Bacteria reisolated from inoculated leaves were identical to the original isolates as determined by the methods described above. The present study indicated that isolate SQYB-1 could independently infect P. notoginseng leaves, which was different from the finding of Luo et al. concerning involvement of Pss in root rot (2). To our knowledge, this is the first report of Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae causing bacterial leaf spot on P. notoginseng in China.

Controlling the recurrence of pelvic endometriosis after a conservative operation: Comparison between Chinese herbal medicine and western medicine

To compare the clinical effect of Chinese medicine (CM) and Western medicine (WM) for controlling the recurrence of pelvic endometriosis after a conservative operation. The study was a multi-center, randomized, parallel controlled and prospective clinical trial. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: CM group (106 cases) and WM group (102 cases). Drugs were given to patients during 1-5 days of the first menstruation after a conservative operation in both groups. Patients with stages I and II (revised American Fertility Society) were treated for 3 months, while the patients with stages III and IV were treated for 6 months. The patients in the CM group were treated using three types of Chinese herbal medicine based on syndrome differentiation. Patients in the WM group were treated using gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) or gestrinone. Patients treated with GnRH-a received add-back therapy of Tibolone Tablets once a day after 4 months of treatment. Any cases of dysmenorrheal chronic pelvic pain, menstruation and any adverse reactions of patients were recorded once a month during the preoperative and postoperative periods and once every 3 months during the follow-up period. During the preoperative, postoperative and the follow-up periods, patients underwent type B ultrasonography of the pelvis and measurements of serum CA125 levels, gynecologic examination, routine evaluations of blood, urine, hepatic function (glutamate pyruvate transaminase), renal function (blood urea nitrogen) and electrocardiograms. During the follow-up period they underwent type B pelvic ultrasonography, measurement of serum CA125 levels and further gynecologic examinations. The two treatments were compared for clinical recurrence rates, pregnancy rates and the incidence of adverse reactions. The incidence and timing of recurrence of endometriosis were not significantly different between the two groups. The first pregnancy achieved by the patient in the CM group was significantly earlier than that in the WM group (P <0.05). Moreover, the incidence of adverse reactions in the WM group was significantly higher than in the CM group (P <0.01). Treatment with Chinese herbal medicines prevented the recurrence of endometriosis after a conservative operation, improved the conception rate and showed fewer and lighter adverse reactions than did treatment with WM therapy. Treatment with Chinese herbal medicine meets the need of patients wishing to have a child following endometriosis and is an appropriate form of clinical treatment.