中草药及其制剂对肝损伤的研究概述

近年来中草药及其制剂引起不良反应报道有增多之势,据报道中草药所致的急性肝损伤占总的肝损伤病例数21.5％.究其原因,除了未遵照中医药辨证施治乱用、误用中药外,中草药自身的不良反应亦不可小觑,笔者就常见致肝损伤的中草药及制剂的种类、中药致肝损害的机制、病理特点、临床表现、发生的原因,以及如何预防等方面作一概述,以加强临床医师对中草药致肝损伤的认识,达到安全合理用药的目的.     

Several compounds from Chinese traditional and herbal medicine as immunomodulators

In the past 20 years, hundreds of Chinese traditional and herbal medicines with immunomodulating functions have been screened. In this paper, the immunopharmacological studies of several potent compounds isolated from them are reviewed; their medicinal plant sources and chemical structures are also presented.     

Pharmacokinetic interactions between warfarin and kangen-karyu,a Chinese traditional herbal medicine,and their synergistic action

Kangen-Karyu (KGK), containing six herbs, is a formula created under the theory of Chinese traditional medicine (CTM) to invigorate the 'blood' and dispel 'blood stasis', which arises from poor blood circulation. The present study was conducted to evaluate the interactions between KGK and warfarin. Warfarin was administered orally or intravenously to KGK-treated rats, and plasma warfarin concentration and prothrombin time were measured. Although KGK did not influence the absorption or serum protein binding of warfarin, KGK significantly suppressed the metabolism and elimination of warfarin. This interaction depends on the dosage of KGK, and ten times the amount of the human daily dose of KGK did not exhibit pharmacokinetic interaction with warfarin, suggesting that KGK did not influence the effect of warfarin unless the daily dose was strictly maintained. Warfarin alone significantly prolonged mice tail-bleeding time, which was further prolonged significantly by KGK at a dose that did not exhibit pharmacokinetic interactions with warfarin, suggesting that KGK and warfarin might synergistically prevent thrombosis, and that combined use of these drugs could be therapeutically valuable. When physicians or pharmacists utilize combined therapy using warfarin and KGK, they must make a careful effort to check the coagulative status and regulate the dosage of each drug.     

The protective effect of Yi-Qi-Yang-Yin-Ye, a compound of traditional Chinese herbal medicine in diet-induced obese rats

The present study was undertaken to determine the effect of Yi-Qi-Yang-Yin-Ye (Y-Q-Y-Y-Y), a compound of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine, on insulin resistance (IR) in the diet-induced obese rat model induced by intravenous injection with a low dose of streptozotocin and fed a high fat and high caloric diet. Y-Q-Y-Y-Y (2, 4, 8 g/kg) was administered via gavage daily for 4 weeks. The results showed that Y-Q-Y-Y-Y treatment decreased the levels of body weight, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), free fatty acid (FFA), insulin (INS) and fast blood glucose (FBG) and increased the level of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) in the diet-induced obese rats. Glucose tolerance was improved in the diet-induced obese rats treated with Y-Q-Y-Y-Y as well as GIR (glucose infusion rate) in the hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp experiment compared to the model control rats (p < 0.01). Moreover, treatment with Y-Q-Y-Y-Y up-regulated glycogen contents in both liver and skeletal muscle and increased insulin receptor amounts on the erythrocytes surface as assessed by using (125)I-labeled auto-antibodies against insulin receptors. Taken together, our data suggested that Yi-Qi-Yang-Yin-Ye ameliorates insulin resistance in the diet-induced obese rats.     

中药标准物质在中药饮片质量控制中的应用

中药标准物质在中药饮片质量控制中发挥了重要作用。该文介绍了目前中药标准物质的发展概况,通过分析2010年版《中国药典》,总结了中药标准物质在中药饮片质量控制中的应用现状,探讨了当前饮片质量控制体系中存在的问题,并提出,在中药饮片质量控制水平不断提高的进程中,应当采用各种先进的技术手段来研究中药饮片特征性标准物质,在饮片质量控制体系中引入更多、更合理的标准物质。文章从中药标准物质层面阐述了解决饮片质量标准问题的思路,并对中药饮片质量控制的发展前景进行展望。     

Antiviral effect of gingyo-san, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on influenza A2 virus infection in mice.

Gingyo-san is a crude drug containing extracts from 7 medicinal plants and fermented soybeans in a specific ratio. It has been used clinically in China as a therapeutic agent for the common cold. In the present study, we examined the antiviral effect of this agent on influenza virus infection in mice. Gingyo-san and its components were administered orally to mice 1 day before, then 1 and 4 days after the inhalation of a mouse-adopted strain of influenza A2 (H2N2) virus. After infection with a 10 LD50 of the virus, 100% of mice treated with 10 mg/kg of the agent survived as compared with a 0% survival of control mice treated with saline. Also, the mean survival days were increased and consolidation scores were decreased in treated mice as compared with those of control mice. Two components contained in the agent, extracts from Glycyrrhizae radix and Arctii fructus, expressed antiviral activities in mice infected with influenza virus. However, in vitro growth of influenza virus in MDCK cells or viability of the virus was not affected by these extracts or Gingyo-san. From these results Gingyo-san was shown to be an antiviral agent in mice infected with a lethal amount of a mouse-adopted strain of influenza A2 virus.     

Zhen-wu-tang, a blended traditional Chinese herbal medicine, ameliorates proteinuria and renal damage of streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Zhen-wu-tang (ZWT) is a blended traditional Chinese medicine specifically used for various kidney diseases.

Aim of the study

The present study is to evaluate the effects of ZWT on diabetic nephropathy and investigate the potential anti-diabetic mechanisms.

Materials and methods

Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats were orally administrated ZWT (80,320 mg/kg b.w.) once a day, for a period of 12 weeks. Body weight, urinary volume, urine protein and blood biochemical parameters were measured every 3 weeks. At the end of the observation period, kidneys were isolated for histology, angiotensin II content determination, real time PCR and Western blot analyses.

Results

ZWT (320 mg/kg b.w.) prevented body weight loss, reduced polyurea, urinary protein excretion, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, although it did not alter the hyperglycemia. It ameliorated glomerular hypertrophy and expansion of the mesangial area, swell and effacement of foot process. It also suppressed the increased expression of angiotensin II, nephrin and podocin.

Conclusions

Data from this study suggest that ZWT possess a protective effect on renal damage of STZ-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats, by suppressing hyperactivity of renal renin-angiotensin system that turns in to modulate renal nephrin and podocin expressions, thereby protecting podocyte from injury.     

Good practice in reviewing and publishing studies on herbal medicine, with special emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese materia medica

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Studies on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), like those of other systems of traditional medicine (TM), are very variable in their quality, content and focus, resulting in issues around their acceptability to the global scientific community. In an attempt to address these issues, an European Union funded FP7 consortium, composed of both Chinese and European scientists and named “Good practice in traditional Chinese medicine” (GP-TCM), has devised a series of guidelines and technical notes to facilitate good practice in collecting, assessing and publishing TCM literature as well as highlighting the scope of information that should be in future publications on TMs. This paper summarises these guidelines, together with what has been learned through GP-TCM collaborations, focusing on some common problems and proposing solutions. The recommendations also provide a template for the evaluation of other types of traditional medicine such as Ayurveda, Kampo and Unani.

Materials and methods

GP-TCM provided a means by which experts in different areas relating to TCM were able to collaborate in forming a literature review good practice panel which operated through e-mail exchanges, teleconferences and focused discussions at annual meetings. The panel involved coordinators and representatives of each GP-TCM work package (WP) with the latter managing the testing and refining of such guidelines within the context of their respective WPs and providing feedback.

Results

A Good Practice Handbook for Scientific Publications on TCM was drafted during the three years of the consortium, showing the value of such networks. A “deliverable – central questions – labour division” model had been established to guide the literature evaluation studies of each WP. The model investigated various scoring systems and their ability to provide consistent and reliable semi-quantitative assessments of the literature, notably in respect of the botanical ingredients involved and the scientific quality of the work described. This resulted in the compilation of (i) a robust scoring system and (ii) a set of minimum standards for publishing in the herbal medicines field, based on an analysis of the main problems identified in published TCM literature.

Conclusion

Good quality, peer-reviewed literature is crucial in maintaining the integrity and the reputation of the herbal scientific community and promoting good research in TCM. These guidelines provide a clear starting point for this important endeavour. They also provide a platform for adaptation, as appropriate, to other systems of traditional medicine.     

中药炮制学科及饮片产业的发展与创新

阐述中药炮制学科及饮片产业的发展与创新关键问题。通过多年来的科研工作的总结,结合当前中药炮制学科及饮片产业发展的需要,凝炼中药炮制学科及饮片产业发展与创新的关键问题。笔者认为中药炮制学科是一门以应用基础研究为主的学科,学科的发展与饮片产业的发展密切相关。中药炮制学科只有紧密与饮片产业相结合,为饮片产业的发展服务,解决饮片产业发展过程中的难点问题,学科才有可能发展,其研究成果才可能实现更好的转化。中药炮制学科及饮片产业的发展要求科研工作者不断创新,充分认识本领域研究的特殊性,坚持在传承基础上的创新。     

Drug discovery from traditional Chinese herbal medicine using high content imaging technology

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in China and other Asia countries for thou-sands of years to treat or prevent human diseases. Chinese he...     

中药缓控释微丸制剂的研究进展

微丸作为一种多单元释药系统,具有流动性好,释药稳定、可靠、均匀等特点。随着现代制备工艺的逐渐成熟及辅料的发展,微丸在缓控释制剂中的应用备受瞩目。作者对中药缓控释微丸制剂释药机制、制备方法、辅料及其体内过程等方面的研究进行了综述,旨在为研究开发中药口服缓控释制剂提供思路和方法。     

Chikuyou-sekkou-to, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, modulates eating behavior and thermal response induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha in rats

We investigated the effects of Chikuyou-sekkou-to (TJS-167), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, on changes in eating behavior and rectal temperature induced by administration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in rats. Infusion of TNF-alpha into the third cerebral ventricle in doses of 1 to 4 mug/rat suppressed 24-hour cumulative food and water intake dose-dependently, compared to an infusion of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) (p < 0.05 for each). The infusion of 2 microg/rat TNF-alpha into the third cerebral ventricle elevated rectal temperature compared to PBS controls (p < 0.05). In rats fed diets containing TJS-167 (1.38 g/kg/day) for 1 week, the suppressive effect of TNF-alpha (2 microg/rat) on food intake was alleviated significantly, compared to rats fed a standard diet (p < 0.05). The elevation of rectal temperature induced by TNF-alpha was attenuated significantly in the TJS-167-treated group compared to the control (p < 0.05). These results indicate that oral administration of TJS-167 may be effective in preventing or reducing TNF-alpha-induced inflammatory responses, such as appetite loss and elevation of body temperature.     

Anti-hypersensitivity effects of Shu-jing-huo-xue-tang, a Chinese herbal medicine, in CCI-neuropathic rats

Aim of the study

Shu-jing-huo-xue-tang (SJHXT) (Japanese name: Sokei-kakketu-to), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine composed of 17 crude drugs, has been prescribed over hundreds of years for treatment of chronic pain syndromes. We evaluated if oral SJHXT could suppress neuropathic pain behaviors in rats with chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve.

Materials and methods

(1) Rats received repeated oral SJHXT 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg once daily for 14 days starting 24 h after CCI surgery, while neuropathic manifestations were evaluated until day 20 post-CCI. (2) Other groups of rats received single oral SJHXT 1.0 g/kg on day 14 post-CCI. (3) Additional groups of rats received oral SJHXT 1.0 g/kg on day 14 post-CCI, concomitantly with intraperitoneal yohimbine 1 mg/kg or methysergide 5 mg/kg. Neuropathic manifestations, including mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, were evaluated with paw withdrawal responses to increasing mechanical pressure and radiant heat, respectively.

Results

Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia developed by day 14 post-CCI. Repeated oral SJHXT for 14 days produced anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects that outlasted the period of drug administration. Single oral SJHXT on day 14 also produced significant anti-allodynic and anti-hyperalgesic effects, which were inhibited by yohimbine, an alpha-2 adrenoceptor antagonist, but not by methysergide, a serotonin receptor antagonist.

Conclusions

Oral SJHXT produced anti-hypersensitivity effects by actions on alpha-2 adrenoreceptors in CCI-neuropathic rats, and chronic oral administration of SJHXT could produce the long-lasting anti-hypersensitivity effects.     

In vitro and in vivo antiplasmodial activity of 'saye', an herbal remedy used in Burkina Faso traditional medicine

'Saye', a traditional medicine used in Burkina Faso, which consists of extracts of Cochlospermum planchonii (rhizome), Cassia alata (leaf) and Phyllanthus amarus (whole plant), showed a significant effect against Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium berghei parasites grown in vivo (IC(50) = 80.11 +/- 3.40 microg/mL; ED(50) = 112.78 +/- 32.32 mg/kg). In vitro the activity was lower.     

中药药物的功用

1补血药的功用 补血药,主入主肝血分,以补血为主.主治血虚证(见图1).     

Antiosteoporotic chemical constituents from Er-Xian Decoction, a traditional Chinese herbal formula

AIM OF THE STUDY: Er Xian Decoction (EXD), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has long been used for the treatment of osteoporosis and menopausal syndrome in China. The present study was designed to investigate the antiosteoporotic constituents of EXD, and evaluate their antiosteoporotic effects in ovariectomized rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Osteoblasts in neonatal calvaria cultures and osteoclasts derived from rat marrow cells were used to bioactivity-guided screen the active constituents. The proliferation of osteoblast was assayed by MTT methods. The activity of ALP and TRAP was measured by p- nitrophenyl sodium phosphate assay. The antiosteoporotic effects of icariin (1), anemarsaponin B II (8) and berberine (6) were verified by using OVX rats model. The bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry using the small animal scan mode. The undecalcified longitudinal proximal tibial metaphysical (PTM) sections were cut and stained for the bone histomorphometric analysis. RESULTS: Bioactivity-guided fractionation has led to the successful isolation of antiosteoporotic constituents, i.e., icariin (1), icariside I (2), baohuoside I (3), mangiferin (4), neomangiferin (5), berberine (6), anemarsaponin B (7), anemarsaponin BII (8), anemarsaponin C (9), anemarrhenasaponin I (10), rubiadin-1-methyl ether (11) and obaculactone (12) from EXD. Further study showed that icariin (1), anemarsaponin BII (8) and berberine (6) increased the BMD in ovariectomized rats, and icariin (1) not only increased the bone formation, but also inhibited bone resorption; anemarsaponin BII (8) mainly increased bone formation and berberine (6) only inhibited the bone resorption in ovariectomized rats. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that multiple ingredients are responsible for antiosteoporotic activity in traditional Chinese medicine formula Er-Xian decoction.     

运用中医理论使用中药注射剂

中药注射剂在心脑血管、呼吸系统危急重症治疗领域具有化学药不可替代的优势,尤其是在病毒性感染引起的流感危急重症等方面,有着良好的临床疗效,但近几年中药注射剂频繁出现严重的不良反应,甚至死亡的事件,使得中药注射剂的安全性受到严重质疑,究其原因,不外乎药品本身的质量问题和临床使用过程中的合理用药问题。因此,该文从中药注射剂的发展历史开始,综合文献资料,阐明中药注射剂要在中医理论的指导下合理使用才能减少不良反应的发生。     

Efficacy of the Kampo medicine Xiong-gui-jiao-ai-tang, a traditional herbal medicine, in the treatment of threatened abortion in early pregnancy

This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Xiong-gui-jiao-ai-tang (Kyuki-kyogai-to), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, in the treatment of threatened abortion in early pregnancy. We enrolled 72 women diagnosed with threatened abortion at Osaka Medical College Hospital and assigned them at random to the following two groups: a group of 36 women who received Xiong-gui-jiao-ai-tang at a dose of 7.5 g/day and another group of 36 women who received human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG)(control group). We found that in the Xiong-gui-jiao-ai-tang group (2.9 +/- 3.5 days), the number of days required before hemostasis was reached in the uterus was significantly shorter than in the control group (10.8 +/- 8.2 days, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the number of days required for retroplacental hematoma in the vicinity of the gestational sac to disappear was significantly shorter in the Xiong-gui-jiao-ai-tang group (9.9 +/- 7.1 days) than in the control group (23.2 +/- 12.8 days) (p < 0.0001). In retroplacental hematoma size, significant rates of reduction were obtained in both major and minor axis measurements at the 7th day of treatment for the Xiong-gui-jiao-ai-tang group compared to the control group (control vs Xiong-gui-jiao-ai-tang: major axis: 7.5 +/- 3.8% vs 42.3 +/- 10.5%; minor axis: 15.3 +/- 16.8% vs 71.5 +/- 48.2%)(p < 0.0001, each case). The results of this study demonstrated the beneficial effects of Xiong-gui-jiao-ai-tang in stabilizing early pregnancy. Xiong-gui-jiao-ai-tang can be expected to improve unstable early pregnancy with uterine bleeding and to prevent abortion.     

Intellectual property protection in the natural product drug discovery, traditional herbal medicine and herbal medicinal products

Traditional medicine is an important part of human health care in many developing countries and also in developed countries, increasing their commercial value. Although the use of medicinal plants in therapy has been known for centuries in all parts of the world, the demand for herbal medicines has grown dramatically in recent years. The world market for such medicines has reached US $ 60 billion, with annual growth rates of between 5% and 15%. Researchers or companies may also claim intellectual property rights over biological resources and/or traditional knowledge, after slightly modifying them. The fast growth of patent applications related to herbal medicine shows this trend clearly.This review presents the patent applications in the field of natural products, traditional herbal medicine and herbal medicinal products. Medicinal plants and related plant products are important targets of patent claims since they have become of great interest to the international drug and cosmetic industry.