Herbal Medicine Research from Pubmed

Kampo in Women's Health: Japan's Traditional Approach to Premenstrual Symptoms.

J Altern Complement Med. 2008 May 8;

Authors: Gepshtein Y, Plotnikoff GA, Watanabe K

ABSTRACT Kampo is Japan's traditional herbal medicine and it is an integral part of the official Westernized medical system in Japan. We describe the Kampo approach to premenstrual symptoms. We present 3 clinical cases of women treated for premenstrual discomforts in a Kampo clinic in Japan. Each of these women reported improvement in their conditions. We argue that Kampo is well-suited for treatment of premenstrual symptoms in Japan and deserves the attention of Western clinicians for three reasons: (1) patient-centered Kampo diagnosis allows physicians to handle subjective and culture-bound symptoms that are often ignored by Western medicine; (2) Kampo herbal formulas are regulated by the Japanese government, and are pure and of high quality; and (3) the settings in which Kampo is practiced set a stage for therapeutic collaboration between the doctor and the patient.

PMID: 18466067 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

[Comparison of properties of Mahuang decoction and Maxing Shigan decoction based on biothermodynamics]

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;32(5):421-4

Authors: Fan DL, Liao QW, Yan D, Ma XJ, Xiao XH, Zhao YL

OBJECTIVE: To probe into the objectivity and authenticity of four properties beteen Mahuang decoction and Maxing Shigan decoction from biothermodynamics. METHOD: The power-time curves of growth of Staphylococcus aureus at different concentrations between Mahuang decoction and Maxing Shigan decoction were determined by TAM Air Isothermal Calorimeter. The growth rate constants of promotive and inhibitory actions were calculated. Moreover, the difference of properties beteen Mahuang decoction and Maxing Shigan decoction was analyzed from the point of view of TCM theory. RESULT: Both the Mahuang decoction and Maxing Shigan decoction could inhibit the growth and metabolism of Staphylococcus aureus. The k and Pm were decreased with the mass increase of the decoction. However, inhibitory activity of Mahuang decoction with warm property was weaker than that of Maxing Shigan decoction with cool property. Moreover, Mahuang decoction decreased heat output in growth metabolism more weakly than Maxing Shigan decoction. There was a stable difference between them. CONCLUSION: Studying on biothermodynamics can show the difference of four properties of Traditional Chinese Medicine. So, it provides a new and useful means for the study of the properties of traditional Chinese medicine.

PMID: 17511150 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Research progress of microparticles as drug delivery system for traditional Chinese medicine]

Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;32(5):371-4

Authors: Li WH, He Y

Microparticle preparation, a new drug delivery system based on microencapsulation technique, includes micro-spheres and microcapsules. Recently, this new drug delivery system has been applied in developing new dosage forms for the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). TCM microparticles can perform several sound characteristics and functions which are currently unavailable in TCM preparations, such as controlled release, effect of targeting, increasing bioavailability or low toxicity. This makes it possible that TCM may exert much higher therapeutic efficacy and show lower side-effects as well. Although the studies on TCM microparticles are still in the beginning stage, microparticle preparation of TCM has given rise to comprehensive attention and will have a wonderful prospect. The progress in this field is reviewed in this article.

PMID: 17511135 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Application of computerized virtual screening technique in traditional Chinese medicine]

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;27(3):263-6

Authors: Zhu W, Chen KJ, Xu XJ

The rapid development of computer technology, molecular pharmacology and molecular biology extremely promoted the extensive and successful application of virtual screening technique (VST) in pharmaceutical exploitation. Based on plentiful literature and their own previous work, the authors elaborated the principles, methodology and strategy of VST systematically, gave a retrospection on the application of VST in the field of TCM in the last several years, and supposed that along with deepening of understanding, VST would play a greater role in TCM.

PMID: 17432695 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Clinical observation on treatment of radiation pneumonia by Qingjin Runfei Decoction combined with hormone and antibiotic]

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;27(3):254-6

Authors: Zhang T, Ma SL, Yue JH

OBJECTIVE: To observe the curative effect of Qingjin Runfei Decoction (QRD) combined with hormone and antibiotic in treating radiation pneumonia (RP). METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to two groups, the control group (51 cases) treated with hormone and antibiotic and the treated group (53 cases) with the above therapy plus QRD. The curative effects on RP, quality of life (QOL), chest radiography and TCM symptoms were observed. RESULTS: The curative effects on the above items in the treated group were all significantly better than those in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: QRD could enhance the effects of hormone and antibiotic in treating RP, as well as improve QOL of the patients.

PMID: 17432692 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Clinical observation on treatment of chronic prostatitis syndrome type III B by Tiaoshen Tonglin Decoction]

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;27(3):251-4

Authors: Li B, Jiang LJ, Chai J

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of Tiaoshen Tonglin Decoction (TTD)) on chronic prostatitis syndrome (CPS) and its effects on urinary flow rate (UFR), uric acid (UA) content and pH value in expressed prostate secretions (EPS). METHODS: One hundred and eight patients with CPS were randomly assigned to two groups, the treatment group (56 cases) treated with TTI) and the control group (52 cases) with terazosin tablet, both for 60 days. The changes of chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSL), established by the National Institutes of Health, U.S.A., UA and pH in EPS, as well as UFR were observed before and after treatment. RESULTS: The cure rate and the total effective rate in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group respectively (P < 0.05); after treatment, the UA level, pH value in EPS and NIH-CPSI decreased significantly in the treatment group (P < 0.01), lower than those in the control group, which had significant change (P < 0.05); the maximum UFR and average UFR of both groups were improved markedly after treatment (P < 0.05) with insignificant difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: TTD can improve the UFR, decrease the NIH-CPSI score, pH value and UA level in the EPS, is an effective recipe for treatment of CPS.

PMID: 17432691 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Clinical observation on effect of compound Shiwei Tablet in treating urinary tract infection]

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;27(3):249-51

Authors: Zhan YL, Li XY, Wu SX

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Compound Shiwei Tablet (CST) in treating upper and lower urinary tract infection (UTI, pyretic stranguria of dampness-heat of the Lower-jiao type in 'TCM). METHODS: A multi-center, randomized, and opened clinical trial was conducted in the UTI patients with Sanjin Tablet (ST) as the parallel positive control medicine. The comprehensive efficacy, effect on TCM syndrome score, and change of urinary leukocyte count were observed, and the adverse reaction was recorded. RESULTS: In the 147 upper UTI cases and the 312 lower UTI cases after treatment, the comprehensive effect was higher and urinary leukocyte was less in the CST treated patients than in the ST treated patients (P < 0.05); but significant difference in the improvement of TCM symptoms was found between them only in the lower UTI cases ( P < 0.05); and no adverse reaction was observed during the treatment course. CONCLUSION: CST has definite therapeutic efficacy on UTI and is safe in clinical application.

PMID: 17432690 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Clinical observation on effects of therapeutic method of expelling wind, eliminating phlegm and promoting blood circulation in treating acute cerebral infarction in stroke unit]

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;27(3):247-9

Authors: Fan YP, Xiong Y, Zhou Y

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of therapeutic method of expelling wind, eliminating phlegm and promoting blood circulation (EWEPPB) in treating acute cerebral infarction (ACI) depending on the clinical and data platform of stroke clinical unit. METHODS: ACI patients were randomly assigned to the control group (36 cases) treated by routine Western therapy alone and the treatment group (32 cases) with routine therapy plus Chinese medicinal compound for EWEPPB. The treatment course was 14 days. The scores of TCM symptom, the NIH stroke scale (NIHSS), and Barthel index (BI) were used for evaluating the effect of treatment. RESULTS: The scores of TCM symptom and NIHSS decreased, and that of BI increased after treatment in both groups, and the treatment in the treatment group showed a effect significantly better than that in the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: EWEPPB is effective method in treating ACI, traditional Chinese compounds for EWEPPB could play a positive role in the stroke unit.

PMID: 17432689 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Clinical observation on effect of modified Daotan Decoction combined with small dose risperidone in treating chronic schizophrenia]

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;27(3):208-10

Authors: Liu JL, Ma L, Wang Y

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of modified Daotan Decoction (DD) combining low dosage of risperidone in treating chronic schizophrenia patients of phlegm-dampness blockage type, and compare with patients treated with risperidone alone. METHODS: Sixty-five inpatients were randomly assigned to two groups, the treatment group (34 cases) treated with DD (with conventional dosage) one dose per day and risperidone 3.16 +/- 0.73 mg/d, and the control group (31 cases) treated with risperidone 5.11 +/- 1.27 mg/d alone, the course for both groups was 8 weeks. The effect was evaluated with positive and negative syndrome scale (PANSS), and the adverse reaction was assessed with treatment emergent symptom scale (TESS). RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the overall efficacy between the two groups, but the improvement of the negative symptoms, illness provocation and general psychopathologic condition was significantly better in the treatment group than that in the control group respectively (P < 0.05). Moreover, the adverse reaction was milder and less in the former than that in the latter. CONCLUSION: The treatment of DD combined with low dosage of risperidone is effective on chronic schizophrenia and shows less adverse reaction.

PMID: 17432677 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Study on integrated Chinese and Western therapy and criterion for efficacy evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux disease--a clinical observation on 116 cases]

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;27(3):204-7

Authors: Xu HR, Bo P, Yuan Y

OBJECTIVE: To explore the criterion for efficacy evaluation of gastroesophageal reflux diseases (GERD) and the effect of treatment with integrated Chinese and Western medicine. METHODS: One hundred and sixteen patients of GERD were randomly assigned to two groups, group A treated with Western medicine and group B with integrated Chinese and Western medicine. Changes of symptoms, TCM syndromes, and endoscopic picture were observed before and after treatment. And the condition of recurrence was also inspected. RESULTS: The total effective rate was 84.5% and 67.2% in group A and B respectively. The long-term efficacy was better in group B than that in group A (P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference in short-term efficacy between the two groups. But the recurrence happened in both groups after withdrawal of treatment. The recurrence rate was significantly higher in patients of deficiency syndrome type and coexistence of deficiency and excess syndrome type than that in those of excess syndrome type (P < 0.05), and it was also higher in those whose pathogenesis was associated with mental factor (P < 0.05). In the other 20 patients the treatment was sustained for 10.4 +/- 11.4 months on average. There were 69.0% of the patients with normal esophagus mucosa shown by endoscope examination, and the pathological changes were not coincident with the symptoms and prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Basically, no case of GERD could be cured, so, it is supposed that the item of "cure" in the criteria of therapeutic efficacy evaluation is advisably made over to "clinical control" or "obvious efficacy", and add an item of "no change" in the criterion. The importance of endoscopic picture for efficacy evaluation is doubtful and needs to be further discussed.

PMID: 17432676 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Effect of Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder on neuro-immuno-endocrine system in patients with depression]

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;27(3):197-200

Authors: Li YJ, Luo HC, Qian RQ

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Danzhi Xiaoyao Powder (DXP) on neuro-immuno-endocrine system in patients with depression. METHODS: A randomized double-blinded and controlled study was conducted in 63 cases of depression. They were assigned to the DXP group (32 cases, treated with DXP) and the control group (31 cases, treated with maprotiline). The curative effect was evaluated with Hamilton's depressive scale (HAMD) before and at the end of the 2nd, 4th and 6th week of the treatment. Serum levels of serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cortisol (CORT), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) were detected before and at the 6th week of the treatment. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of treatment, the total score of HAMD decreased remarkably in both groups (P < 0.01), and the total score, as well as the scores of the three factors, i. e. anxiety/somatization, cognitive impairment and feeling of despair, were lower in the DXP group than that in the control group respectively (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). After 4 and 6 weeks of treatment the total score and score of the three factors all reduced significantly in both groups (P < 0.01), with insignificant difference between the groups. After 6 weeks of treatment, the serum levels of 5-HT and BDNF increased (P < 0.01), and the serum IL-6 level decreased in both groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), the serum CORT level reduced in the DXP group (P < 0.01), while the serum NE level elevated in the control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: DXP is effective in improving symptoms of depression by regulating the levels of 5-HT, BDNF, CORT and IL-6.

PMID: 17432674 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Characterizing distribution of steroidal alkaloids in Fritillaria spp. and related compound formulas by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry combined with hierarchial cluster analysis.

J Chromatogr A. 2008 Apr 18;

Authors: Li HJ, Jiang Y, Li P

Bulbus Fritillariae (BF), referred to the bulbs of several Fritillaria species (Liliaceae), is a commonly used antitussive and expectorant herb in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Due to the complexity of BF botanical origin in the herbal markets, it is urgently needed to develop a reliable method for species identification. Previous studies based on morphological and histological as well as molecular biological techniques have respective limitations. For the purpose of finding a possible discriminant method among Fritillaria species, 27 steroidal alkaloids in 17 Fritillaria species and 12 BF-containing compound formulas were identified and characterized by a high-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) method. The estimated relative composition of steroidal alkaloids was used to carry out a chemotaxonomical study on Fritillaria species by means of hierarchial cluster analysis. In addition, the characteristic occurring patterns of the examined bases were compared in an effort to distinguish the botanical origin of BF-containing compound formulas. The results demonstrated that the qualitative and quantitative differences in steroidal alkaloids were useful not only for chemotaxonomy in some medicinal Fritillaria species but also for species identification in compound formulas. The described method has important implications in quality control of BF-containing TCM preparations, allowing for the prevention of BF confusion, and also revealing the possible presence of adulteration.

PMID: 18462741 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicines in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review.

World J Gastroenterol. 2008 Jan 21;14(3):454-62

Authors: Shi J, Tong Y, Shen JG, Li HX

AIM: To explore the efficacy and safety of herbal medicines (HM) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). METHODS: A computer-based as well as manual literature search was performed. We reviewed randomized controlled trials on the treatment of IBS with and without HM. RESULTS: A total of 22 studies with 25 HMs met the inclusion criteria. Four of these studies were of good quality, while the remaining 18 studies involving 17 Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) formulas were of poor quality. Eight of these reports using 9 HMs showed global improvement of IBS symptoms, 4 studies with 3 HMs were efficacious in diarrhea-predominant IBS, and 2 studies with 2 HMs showed improvement in constipation-predominant IBS. Out of a total of 1279 patients, 15 adverse events in 47 subjects were reported with HM. No serious adverse events or abnormal laboratory tests were observed. The incidence of the adverse events was low (2.97%; 95% CI: 2.04%-3.90%). CONCLUSION: Herbal medicines have therapeutic benefit in IBS, and adverse events are seldom reported in literature. Nevertheless, herbal medicines should be used with caution. It is necessary to conduct rigorous, well-designed clinical trials to evaluate their effectiveness and safety in the treatment of IBS.

PMID: 18200670 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

A review of the clinical efficacy of evening primrose.

Holist Nurs Pract. 2008 May-Jun;22(3):171-4

Authors: Stonemetz D

The oil obtained from the evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) plant is usually taken orally in a gel cap form. This herbal supplement is most commonly used for the treatment of mastalgia and atopic dermatitis. While recommending this supplement to patients for many years for the treatment of mastalgia, this author was interested in researching the plant and the evidence supporting its use for this complaint and its other potential uses. The oil is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which are essential for many bodily functions; however, a lack of strong scientific evidence exists to support its use for the relief of mastalgia or atopic dermatitis.

PMID: 18453897 [PubMed - in process]

The experimental study of Cortex Eucommiae on meridian tropsim: the distribution study of aucubin in rat tissues.

J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2008 Jan 22;46(2):368-73

Authors: Zhao Y, Li Y, Wang X, Sun W

Meridian tropism (MT) theory is a core principle of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories and plays an essential role in instructing clinical pharmacy. The scientific explanation of MT theory will certainly further promote the reasonable, effective application of TCM. In view of the MT of Cortex Eucommiae (CE), aucubin (AU), the effective component of CE, was appointed and observed its distribution in rat tissues following a single intravenous (i.v.) dose. A simple, inexpensive and accurate high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed and validated for the determination of AU in rat tissues. Acceptable intra-day and inter-day precision and accuracy at high, medium and low concentration ranged from 0.56% to 4.18% and 0.73% to 4.53%, respectively. Good assay and extraction recoveries were obtained with a single and relatively fast precipitation protein step. The mean assay recovery and extraction recovery of AU were 94.7% and 90.9%, respectively. All tissues reached maximum AU level at 5 min post-dose. Considerable AU was present in kidney and liver. AU concentration was highest in kidney and remained much higher than that in other tissues over the experiment course. Lung, heart, spleen and testis were also detected to contain AU. The results closely conformed to the MT of CE and clearly demonstrated that AU was one of the material bases of the MT of CE.

PMID: 17988817 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

Genome-Based Approaches to the Authentication of Medicinal Plants.

Planta Med. 2008 Apr 30;

Authors: Sucher NJ, Carles MC

Medicinal plants are the source of a large number of essential drugs in Western medicine and are the basis of herbal medicine, which is not only the primary source of health care for most of the world's population living in developing countries but also enjoys growing popularity in developed countries. The increased demand for botanical products is met by an expanding industry and accompanied by calls for assurance of quality, efficacy and safety. Plants used as drugs, dietary supplements and herbal medicines are identified at the species level. Unequivocal identification is a critical step at the beginning of an extensive process of quality assurance and is of importance for the characterization of the genetic diversity, phylogeny and phylogeography as well as the protection of endangered species. DNA-based methods have been developed for the identification of medicinal plants. Nuclear and chloroplast DNA is amplified by the polymerase chain reaction and the reaction products are analyzed by gel electrophoresis, sequencing, or hybridization with species-specific probes. Genomic fingerprinting can differentiate between individuals, species and populations and is useful for the detection of the homogeneity of the samples and presence of adulterants. Although sequences from single chloroplast or nuclear genes have been useful for differentiation of species, phylogenetic studies often require consideration of DNA sequence data from more than one gene or genomic region. Phytochemical and genetic data are correlated but only the latter normally allow for differentiation at the species level. The generation of molecular "barcodes" of medicinal plants will be worth the concerted effort of the medicinal plant research community and contribute to the ongoing effort of defining barcodes for every species on earth.

PMID: 18449847 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

A combined extract of Cinnamomi Ramulus, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Alpiniae Officinari Rhizoma suppresses production of nitric oxide by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation in RAW 264.7 cells.

Phytother Res. 2008 Apr 29;22(6):772-777

Authors: Jeong MY, Lee JS, Lee JD, Kim NJ, Kim JW, Lim S

An herbal mixture prepared with Cinnamomi Ramulus, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Alpiniae Officinari Rhizoma (CAA) is used in oriental medicine for treating several ailments. The purpose of this study was to determine the mechanisms by which CAA elicits an antiinflammatory effect on nitric oxide (NO) production in the mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 cells. The results indicated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced NO production was inhibited by CAA in a dose-dependent manner. Western blotting and RT-PCR analysis demonstrated that CAA decreased LPS-induced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein and gene expression in RAW 264.7 cells. Furthermore, CAA inhibited the LPS-induced DNA binding activity of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) and this effect was mediated through inhibiting the degradation of inhibitory factor-kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha). Therefore, the results demonstrate that CAA inhibits LPS-induced production of NO and expression of iNOS by blocking NF-kappaB activation. CAA might be a potential therapeutic candidate for treating inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Copyright (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID: 18446841 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

Validation of a HPLC method for flavonoid biomarkers in skullcap (Scutellaria) and its use to illustrate wide variability in the quality of commercial tinctures.

J Pharm Pharm Sci. 2008;11(1):77-87

Authors: Gao J, Sanchez-Medina A, Pendry BA, Hughes MJ, Webb GP, Corcoran O

To compare the flavonoid biomarker content (baicalin, baicalein and wogonin) of eleven commercial tinctures derived from Scutellaria lateriflora aerial parts (n=7) and Scutellaria baicalensis root (n=4). S. lateriflora tinctures are used in by western herbal practitioners to treat anxiety whereas S. baicalensis tinctures are used to treat inflammatory disease. Methods: Baicalin and baicalein were purchased from Aldrich Chemical Co. and Wogonin was purchased from ChromaDex. The internal standard (4-hydroxybenzoic acid) was obtained from Acros Organics. The column used was a Luna C18, 5 m (150 x 4.6 mm, Phenomenex) maintained at ambient room temperature. A HP1050 HPLC system was used, comprising a gradient pump with degasser, a variable wavelength UV detector set to 270 nm, and an autosampler. Gradient elution was performed using 0.1% formic acid (eluent A) and methanol (eluent B). The gradient elution initial conditions were 45% B with linear gradient to 60% from 2 to 10 min, followed by linear gradient to 70% B at 30 min, and then linear gradient to 99% B at 31 min, this proportion being maintained for 1 min. The mobile phase was then returned to initial conditions at 33 min and maintained until the end of the run at 35 min. The flow rate was 1 mL/min. The assay was validated for sensitivity, accuracy and reproducibility. Results: The concentration range of biomarkers (baicalin, baicalein and wogonin) in commercial tinctures is reported for S. lateriflora (baicalin: 0-12.66 mg/mL; baicalein: 0-0.63 mg/mL; wogonin: 0-0.16 mg/mL) and for S. baicalensis (baicalin: 0.12-10.61 mg/mL; baicalein: 0.52-5.88 mg/mL; wogonin: 0.08-1.61 mg/mL). Conclusion: The wide variability in biomarker concentrations between commercial tinctures has important implications for the manufacturers of commercial tinctures, for herbal practitioners in the choice of tinctures and not least for pharmacology and clinical researchers.

PMID: 18445366 [PubMed - in process]

Expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten in liver of athymic mice with hepatocellular carcinoma and the effect of Fuzheng Jiedu Decoction.

World J Gastroenterol. 2008 Jan 7;14(1):108-13

Authors: Yin LR, Chen ZX, Zhang SJ, Sun BG, Liu YD, Huang HZ

AIM: To explore the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) in liver of athymic mice with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the effect of Fuzheng Jiedu Decoction (FJD). METHODS: Forty eight male BALB/c athymic mice models were built by Bel-7402 with an indirect method. After 24 h of postoperation, the 48 athymic mice were distributed randomly into 4 groups: A, B, C, D, each group had 12 athymic mice. Group A were were treated by intragastric administration with FT207 (Tegafur) for 4 wk. Group B, C and D were treated by intragastric administration with FJD (complex prescription of Chinese crude drug) that had been delegated into 3 kinds of density as the low, middle, and high for 4 wk. At last, athymic mice were put to death, live time, volume of tumors, exponent of tumors and the tumor metastasis in livers were observed; and PTEN was detected in hepatic tissue, latero-cancer tissue and cancer tissue by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Four weeks later, the total survival rate in treatment group (A + B + C) was 50% and higher than the control group (0%) treated by FT207, (P < 0.01). The survival rate in group A, B, C was higher than in group D, and except group A with D, there was significant differences (Fisher's Exact Test P = 0.05 or 0.01). And no differences were observed between the treatment groups and the control group in volume of tumors and exponent of tumors (P > 0.05). Tumor metastasis in livers of the treatment group was less than the controls (Fisher's Exact Test, P = 0.021). The result of immunohistochemistry showed that the intensity of PTEN in latero-cancer tissue was the highest, and then the hepatic tissue, the lowest was cancer tissue (Kruskal-Wallis test, chi2 = 60.67, P = 0.000). It also showed that the intensity of PTEN in treatment groups (A, B, C) was higher than the control group (D) (F = 5.90, P = 0.002 in hepatic tissue and F = 15.99, P = 0.000 in latero-cancer tissue and chi2 = 26.08, P = 0.000 in cancer tissue), and group B is the highest in the treatment groups (P < 0.05, r = 0.01. respectively). However, there was no significant statistic difference between group A and group C (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: FJD can prolong the survival time and decrease tumor metastasis in livers of these experimental mice. Mechanisms of FJD healing HCC may partially be explained by enhancing the expression of PTEN in liver.

PMID: 18176971 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

[Review of clinical and experimental studies on treatment of atherosclerosis with expelling phlegm and relieving blood stasis principle]

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2006 Dec;26(12):1135-8

Authors: Ma J, Chen JQ

Atherosclerosis (AS) is one of the most essential factors to cause cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Abundant experience has been acquired in treatment of AS by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with its own distinctive diagnostic and therapeutic principles. To expell phlegm and relieve blood stasis, a hot topic of TCM therapeutic principle for AS, is reviewed in this paper.

PMID: 17205830 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]