Berberine acutely inhibits the digestion of maltose in the intestine

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The Chinese Goldthread Rhizome has been used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine as an important ingredient of many formulas for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. Berberine, the main effective composition of Chinese Goldthread Rhizome, is also effective in treating diabetes in today's clinical practice of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Aim of the study

To evaluate the hypoglycemic activity of berberine which treats acutely on the postprandial blood glucose, and to explore the mechanism of this activity.

Materials and methods

1. One-dose preprandial intragastric administrations of berberine were given to normal animals (dogs and rats), and the postprandial blood glucose concentration curves were measured. Serum insulin enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was only performed in rats. 2. The euglycemic clamp test was performed to evaluate the effect of one-dose berberine intragastric administration on the blood glucose transformation and utilization rate in rats. 3. In the Caco-2 cell monolayer test, the changes of glucose concentration on the apical and basolateral sides were measured when the maltose solution containing berberine was added to the apical side. 4. The inhibition ratio of berberine against α-glucosidase was measured in vitro. 5. The effect of berberine on the fluorescence emission spectrums of α-glucosidase was studied.

Results

One-dose preprandial intragastric administration of berberine delayed the rise of post-maltose blood glucose, did not affect postprandial blood glucose after glucose meal, and did not affect the insulin level in normal rats; reduced post-maltose blood glucose in normal dogs. 2. The result of euglycemic clamp test showed that one-dose intragastric administration of berberine had no effect on the blood glucose transformation and utilization rate in rats. 3. Berberine added to the maltose solution on the apical side of Caco-2 cell monolayer reduced the glucose concentration on the apical side. Glucose in basolateral side of all groups cannot be detected. 4. Berberine inhibited the activity of α-glucosidase in vitro. 5. Berberine significantly and concentration dependently quenched the fluorescence emission spectrum of α-glucosidase.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest an additional mechanism of the hypoglycemic activity of berberine by demonstrating its ability to acutely inhibit the α-glucosidase, and support the traditional use of berberine and Chinese Goldthread Rhizome for the treatment of diabetes mellitus.     

Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine injection in treatment of primary liver cancer: a review

Objective

To investigate the application of Traditional Chinese Medicine Injections (TCMIs) for treatment of primary liver cancer (PLC).

Methods

A literature review was conducted using PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library Controlled Clinical Trials Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Scientific Journal Database (CSJD) and China Biology Medicine (CBM). Online websites including journal websites and databases of ongoing trials, as well as some Traditional Chinese Medicine journals that are not indexed in the electronic databases were also searched.

Results

The literature review showed that TCMIs as adjunctive medication for the treatment of PLC could regulate patient immunity, reduce bone marrow suppression, relieve clinical symptoms, and improve quality of life, as well as control disease progression and prolong survival time.

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this review, we conclude that application of TCMIs as adjunctive medication may provide benefits for patients with PLC. Further large, high-quality trials are warranted.     

Welche Wertigkeit besitzt die TCM in der Therapie von malignen Erkrankungen? Eine Expertenbefragung

Background

Acupuncture as a regulative therapy has proved itself in functional disorders. It is incapable, however, of repairing structurally damaged tissue. This dogma has remained unchallenged for decades, making benign as malign tumors a contraindication for acupuncture treatment. As in German-speaking countries, acupuncture has been taught for more than 50 years, it may be time to question and re-evaluate certain dogmas on the basis of modern scientific findings.

Aim

To find a consensus regarding the treatment of malignant tumors by means of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Method

All instructors of four German-speaking acupuncture societies as well as all DGfAN were provided with a questionnaire containing 11 questions regarding procedures and experiences with Traditional Chinese Medicine in the treatment of carcinoma.

Results

Questionnaires were sent to 56 DGfAN instructors as well as all of the 1'200 members. Of these, 24 were returned. For nearly all participants, malignant tumors do not constitute a contraindication for acupuncture anymore. Many therapists successfully treat the side-effects of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy by means of Traditional Chinese Medicine.No consensus could be found regarding the ipsilateral use of acupuncture in lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. There should be due caution as to the possible Interactions between chemotherapy and certain Chinese drugs.

Conclusion

The present findings suggest a revision of the current policy of discouraging acupuncture in patients receiving chemo- and/or radiotherapy/anti-hormone therapy. Further studies are recommended to support these findings. Also, further studies are needed to investigate the possibility of augmenting conventional malignoma therapy by stimulation of the immune system, and of preventing metastasis.     

Papers published from 1995 to 2012 by six Traditional Chinese Medicine universities in China: a bibliometric analysis based on science citation index

Objective

The quality and quantity of published research papers are important in both scientific and technology fields. Although there are several bibliometric studies based on citation analysis, very few have focused on research related to Traditional Chinese Medicine in China.

Methods

The bibliometric method used in this study included the following focuses: publication outputs for each year, paper type, language of publication, distribution of internationally collaborative countries, sources of funding, authorization number, distribution of institutes regarding collaborative publications, research fields, distribution of outputs in journals, citation data, and h-index.

Results

A total of 3809 papers published from 1995 to 2012 were extracted from the science citation index (SCI). The cumulative number of papers from all six universities is constantly increasing. The United States attained the dominant position regarding complementary and alternative medicine research. The Chinese Academy of Sciences was the greatest participator in collaborative efforts. Research field analysis showed that the research mainly focused on pharmacology pharmacy, chemistry, integrative complementary medicine, plant sciences, and biochemistry molecular biology. The Shanghai University of Chinese Medicine had the most citations.

Conclusion

In recent years, in terms of SCI papers, the six Traditional Chinese Medicine universities studied here have made great advances in scientific research.     

Features analysis on Traditional Chinese Medicine syndromes in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Objective

To study the features of the distribution and differentiation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndromes in patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

Methods

We collected clinical data on illness course, age, fasting blood glucose, saccharogenic hemoglobin, TCM syndromes, tongue, and pulse of 238 DPN patients. Differentiated main syndromes (Yin deficiency and exuberant heat, invasion of spleen by damp-heat, deficiency of both Qi and Yin, and deficiency of both Yin and Yang) and accompanying syndromes (blood stasis and phlegm-dampness) of diabetes were also recorded. The features of DPN syndromes were then analyzed.

Results

Among the four main syndromes of diabetes, deficiency of both Yin and Yang was the most common in the 238 DPN patients, of which 89%-96% had blood stasis.

Conclusion

The method of differentiating syndromes of diabetes can be applied to DPN patients. Deficiency of both Yin and Yang, often accompanied by blood stasis, is commonly seen.     

Anti-hyperglycemic effects and mechanism of Bidens pilosa water extract

Aim of study

Bidens pilosa has traditionally been used as an anti-diabetic phytomedicine. However, its alleged benefits and mechanism remain elusive. This study aimed to evaluate the effect and action of Bidens pilosa water extract on type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

A daily dose of Bidens pilosa water extract or glimepiride, a positive control, was given orally to C57BL/KsJ-db/db mice once or for 28 days. Levels of blood glucose, serum insulin, and glycosylated hemoglobulin A1C, glucose tolerance, and islet structure were used to evaluate its anti-diabetic effects in db/db mice. Rat pancreatic islets and streptozocin-treated mice were tested for insulin-releasing mechanism of Bidens pilosa water extract.

Results

A daily dose of Bidens pilosa water extract given once or for 28 days significantly decreased blood glucose levels and increased serum insulin levels in db/db mice. Besides, 28-day treatment with Bidens pilosa water extract significantly improved glucose tolerance, decreased HbA1C levels and protected islet structure in db/db mice. Mechanism study showed that Bidens pilosa water extract stimulated insulin secretion via pancreatic islets.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that Bidens pilosa water extract ameliorates type 2 diabetes in db/db mice via regulation of insulin secretion and islet protection.     

Expression of the psoriasis-associated antigen,Pso p27, is inhibited by Traditional Chinese Medicine

Aim of the study

Pso p27 is shown to be an autoantigen in psoriasis and the objective of the present study was to investigate whether Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) would influence the expression of Pso p27.

Materials and methods

Skin biopsies obtained from psoriatic patients before and after treatment with TCM were analyzed for the presence of Pso p27 antigen by indirect immunofluorescence using murine monoclonal antibodies against Pso p27.

Results

A significant reduction in the amount of Pso p27 in the psoriatic skin was obtained after treatment with TCM for 3 months.

Conclusions

The presence of Pso p27 in psoriatic skin is reduced when psoriatic patients are treated with TCM.     

Correlation between tobacco and alcohol use and Traditional Chinese Medicine constitutions: an analysis based on a sample from general population of China

Objective

To investigate the relationship between smoking and drinking and constitution types from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory.

Methods

The Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire (CCMQ) was used. A sample of 8448 subjects from nine provinces and municipalities was chosen from the database of the TCM constitution and health status survey. Constituent ratio and correspondence analysis were used to find the relationship between smoking and drinking and TCM constitution.

Results

There was an association between smoking and drinking and the Gentleness, phlegm-dampness, and dampness-heat type constitutions. People that did not smoke tobacco or drink alcohol tended to have Yang-deficiency, Yin-deficiency, Qi-depression, Qi-deficiency, special diathesis, or blood-stasis type constitutions.

Conclusion

There was a significant correlation between tobacco and alcohol use and TCM constitutions. To improve patient health, more attention should be paid to tobacco and alcohol control.     

How to achieve deep remission in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease

Objective

This article investigates the methods of achieving deep remission of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Increasing recognition of the concept of quality of care is contributing to the evolution of treatment goals in patients with IBD from clinical response and remission (symptom control) toward deep remission. A change in the treatment goal requires a change in the treatment strategy. Optimization of conventional therapy, early treatment, use of the Lemann score, performance of double-balloon endoscopy, treatment using Traditional Chinese Medicine, and good communication between physicians and patients are needed to attain deep remission.

Results

The above-mentioned methods can help to achieve deep remission.

Conclusion

Using the above methods, it will be possible to improve the prognoses of patients with IBD by minimizing complications and bowel damage and thereby changing the course of the disease.     

Pharmacovigilance practice and risk control of Traditional Chinese Medicine drugs in China: current status and future perspective

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), including Traditional Chinese Medicine drugs (TCM drugs), has been playing a very important role in health protection and disease control for thousands of years in China. Relying on natural products, mainly of herbal origin, used either as raw materials for decoction, as prepared herbal medicines or as formulated traditional medicines, TCM is still widely accepted by Chinese people, especially for chronic diseases treatment. This extensive use warrants safety measures and so TCM drug safety monitoring and risk management are becoming increasingly important tasks for the Chinese State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA).

Methods

The Adverse Drug Reaction (ADR) monitoring system in China was established both for western and TCM drugs in 1989 as a voluntary reporting system with a National Center collecting and compiling reports. Serious or multi-case reports on individual TCM drug or formulated products are detailed in the Chinese ADR Information Bulletin to inform the public and Drug Administrative authorities for risk management.

Results

About 10–15% of the ADR reports received by the National Center are related to TCM drugs and mainly pertaining to the formulated products. In certain cases, the suspension of a particular TCM preparation is decided by SFDA China.

Conclusion

The model of safety monitoring and risk management of TCM drugs is still under exploration. Indeed, the characteristics and risk factors associated with these drugs require both proper understanding and control of the risk by strengthening standardization of clinical applications, basic science research, quality control in manufacturing, exploration of the actives monitoring methodology and enhancement of international communication and cooperation.     

Akupunktur – eine neue Option in der Behandlung traumatisierter Bundeswehrsoldaten?

Introduction

Acupuncture as part of Traditional Chinese Medicine offers an option in the treatment of psychiatric disorders in addition to pharmaco- and physiotherapy.

Aims

To gain first results on subjective effects of acupuncture therapy in Bundeswehr soldiers who have suffered psychological trauma.

Methods

In this pilot study 27 psychiatric inpatients of a Bundeswehr hospital received an acupuncture therapy according to a main treatment scheme (with varying additional points) and were evaluated with respect to five psycho-vegetative parameters. Changes were measured with subjective rating scales.

Results

Positive effects on sleep disturbances, restlessness, agitation, nervousness and aggression were reported. Sleep disturbances improved significantly more than the other symptoms (exept restlessness), the effect was depending on treatment duration.

Discussion

Acupuncture appears to be a therapeutic option in the therapy of sleep disturbance and other psycho-vegetative symptoms in traumatized soldiers. Additional controlled studies should be performed.     

Westliche und TCM-diagnostische Kriterien der Menopause bei deutschen und chinesischen Frauen: Eine transkulturelle multizentrische Vergleichsstudie

Background

The following study follows a comparative cross-cultural multicenter trial design concerning menopausal conditions in patients from Germany and China.

Methods

Each of the 35 patients suffering from menopausal symptoms recruited out of the Institute of Complementary and Traditional Chinese Medicine, Knappschafts-Kranhenhaus, Kliniken Essen-Mitte, Germany, and from the Shugang Hospital in Shanghai, China, were examined using the Kupperman-index and a standardised TCM-questionnaire. In addition Estrogen and Testosterone parameters were collected from each patient. Means were compared using Students t-test, frequency distributions were compared using Pearson Chi-Square.

Results

The mean value of cumulative symptoms as recorded with the Kupperman-Index showed no significant difference between German and Chinese women. However, the examination of single items revealed statistically significant differences between the two groups examined. The Kupperman-Index focuses on psychological parameters in contrast to the TCM-questionnaire. On the other hand, the TCM-questionnaire examines single items and often diagnosed a “Kidney-Yin-Deficiency” (74.3 %) in Chinese women, whereas German women more often showed a “Kidney-Yang-Deficiency” (51.4 %). The Chinese exhibited significant higher levels of Testosterone, levels of Estrogen were not significantly different.

Conclusions

A combination of Western Kupperman-index and TCM-questionnaire promises a more symptom-orientated classification of menopausal women in subgroups with corresponding integrative therapeutic options. A possible classification of hormone levels with respect to ethnical or TCM-subgroups might be examined in subsequent studies by the means of larger study groups and more equally distributed group patterns.     

Antidiabetic effects of Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch. gum,a novel food additive in China,on streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats

Aim of the study

Since ancient times, practicians of traditional Chinese medicine have discovered that Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch. (Asteraceae) seed powder was useful for the treatment of diabetes. Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch. gum (ASK gum), which is extracted from seed powder of the plant, is a novel food additive favored by the food industry in China. The objective of this study was to determine the antidiabetic function of ASK gum on type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

Type 2 diabetic rat model was induced with high fat diet and low dose of streptozotocin (STZ). The effects of ASK gum on hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia, insulin resistance, and liver fat accumulation in type 2 diabetic rats were evaluated. The results were compared to those of normal rats and diabetic rats treated with metformin.

Results

The addition of ASK gum to the rats’ food supply significantly lowered fasting blood glucose, glycated serum protein, serum cholesterol, and serum triglyceride in type 2 diabetic rats, and significantly elevated liver glucokinase, liver glycogen, and serum high density protein cholesterol in the diabetic rats. ASK gum significantly reduced insulin resistance and liver fat accumulation of type 2 diabetes.

Conclusion

: Artemisia sphaerocephala Krasch. gum can alleviate hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia and insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes.     

Clinical effect of Jiutengzhuyu tablets on promoting blood circulation in women with oviducal obstruction

Objective

To test the clinical curative effect of Jiutengzhuyu tablets, a patented Chinese vine-derived drug used for promoting blood circulation, on women with oviducal obstruction.

Methods

Patients with tubal infertility were divided randomly into two groups: 58 patients in the treatment group and 57 in a control group. The treated patients took Jiutengzhuyu tablets orally for 25 days. The control group received an intrauterine infusion of 5 mg dexamethasone sodium phosphate, 4000 units of chymotrypsin, 80 000 units of gentamicin sulfate dissolved in 20 mL of normal saline at 1 mL/min. After 3 months of treatment, the curative effect on tubal patency was assessed and a 1-year follow-up visit was used to document any pregnancies.

Results

The total effective rate was 78% in the treatment group and 32% in the control group with a statistically significant difference (χ²=24.57, P<0.01).

Conclusion

Jiutengzhuyu was effective in treating infertility caused by tubal infertility with a Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis of blood stasis.     

Expert knowledge maps for knowledge management: a case study in Traditional Chinese Medicine research

Objective

To design a model to capture information on the state and trends of knowledge creation, at both an individual and an organizational level, in order to enhance knowledge management.

Methods

We designed a graph-theoretic knowledge model, the expert knowledge map (EKM), based on literature-based annotation. A case study in the domain of Traditional Chinese Medicine research was used to illustrate the usefulness of the model.

Results

The EKM successfully captured various aspects of knowledge and enhanced knowledge management within the case-study organization through the provision of knowledge graphs, expert graphs, and expert-knowledge biography.

Conclusion

Our model could help to reveal the hot topics, trends, and products of the research done by an organization. It can potentially be used to facilitate knowledge learning, sharing and decision-making among researchers, academicians, students, and administrators of organizations.     

Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) ameliorates type 1 diabetes and restores immune cell compartments

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Historical records reveal that in traditional medicine, a disease similar to diabetes was treated with ginseng. Korean red ginseng has been considered beneficial as a dietary supplement for its anti-diabetic potential.

Aim

This study was designed to investigate the prophylactic potential of Korean red ginseng (KRG) extract (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer Radix Rubra) in a well-established mouse model of Type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Materials and methods

The prophylactic effect of KRG extract was evaluated in mice fed with KRG extract for two weeks prior to induction of diabetes by streptozotocin (STZ) administration. Glucose levels and glucose challenge test results of KRG-treated diabetic mice were compared to those of untreated diabetic mice and healthy control mice. Examination of the immune compartments in lymphoid organs and immunohistochemical staining of pancreas for islet cell morphology and insulin producing beta cells were performed.

Results

KRG extract significantly lowered blood glucose levels to an average of 250 mg/dl from 350 mg/dl and improved glucose challenge testing when applied as prophylaxis. Histological findings indicated that KRG extract protected against STZ-induced destruction of pancreatic tissue and restored insulin secretion. Strikingly, this effect was accompanied by restoration of lymphocytes in secondary lymphoid organs, suggesting that KRG extract facilitated immune homeostasis.

Conclusion

This is the first report to demonstrate the prophylactic function of KRG extract in ameliorating the hyperglycemia of T1D. Immune compartments of diabetic mice were found to be preserved in KRG-treated mice suggesting that Korean red ginseng may benefit T1D patients, not only for its hypoglycemic but also for its immunomodulatory effects.     

Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome patterns and Qi-regulating,chest-relaxing and blood-activating therapy on cardiac syndrome X

Objective

To master the syndrome patterns characteristics and explore the effective therapy methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for cardiac syndrome X (CSX).

Methods

The TCM syndrome characteristics were mastered and the TCM intervention programs were determined by clinical investigations for TCM syndrome patterns characteristics of CSX patients. Then, the clinical efficacy studies on TCM intervention for CSX were carried out through randomized controlled trials.

Results

CSX is a clinical syndrome with the main manifestations of chest pain and chest stuffiness, and Qi stagnation, phlegm retention and blood stasis are the basic symptoms of CSX. As a result, the Qi-regulating, chest-relaxing and blood-activating therapy integrated with some Western Medicines was adopted for treatment. The effect of Qi-regulating, chest-relaxing and blood-activating therapy can reduce the frequency and degree of angina, improve the symptoms and exercise the tolerance of patients, inhibit the inflammatory response of vascular walls and protect the function of vascular endothelial cells, which is better than that of the simple and conventional Western Medicine alone.

Conclusion

A good effect was achieved in the integration of Chinese and Western Medicines for CSX. The therapy is worthy to be applied further in clinical practice. On the other hand, more long-term and randomised controlled studies with large samples are still required to further determine the clinical efficacy and safety of the therapy.     

Astragalus polysaccharide improves insulin sensitivity in KKAy mice: Regulation of PKB/GLUT4 signaling in skeletal muscle

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is an important bioactive component of Astragalus membranaceus Bunge (Leguminosae) that has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for treating diabetes.

Aim of the study

To study the mechanisms by which APS ameliorates diabetes, we examined whether treatment with APS improves insulin sensitivity in insulin-resistant mice and whether this is associated with an improvement of dysregulated protein kinase B and glucose transporter 4 expressions in skeletal muscle.

Methods

APS (700 mg kg⁻¹ day⁻¹) or vehicle was administered to 12-week-old diabetic KKAy and nondiabetic C57BL/6J mice for 8 weeks. Changes in body weight, blood glucose level, insulin resistance index, and oral glucose tolerance were routinely evaluated. The expressions of protein kinase B and glucose transporter 4 in skeletal muscle tissues were determined with Western blot.

Results

KKAy mice developed persistent hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Insulin-stimulated protein kinase B phosphorylation and glucose transporter 4 translocation were significantly decreased in KKAy compared to age-matched C57BL/6J mice. APS treatment ameliorated hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Although the content of protein kinase B and glucose transporter 4 in KKAy skeletal muscle were not affected by APS, insulin-induced protein kinase B Ser-473 phosphorylation and glucose transporter 4 translocation in skeletal muscle were partially restored by APS treatment. In contrast, APS did not have any effect on C57BL/6J mice.

Conclusions

These results indicate that APS can regulate part of the insulin signaling in insulin-resistant skeletal muscle, and that APS could be a potential insulin sensitizer for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.     

Antidiabetic effects of malonyl ginsenosides from Panax ginseng on type 2 diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin

Ethnopharmacology relevance

Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) has been recorded to treat ‘Xiao-ke’ (emaciation and thirst) symptom in many ancient Chinese medical literatures (such as ‘Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing’) for thousands of years. ‘Xiao-ke’ symptom, in general, indicates diabetes mellitus.

Aim of the study

Malonyl ginsenosides (MGR) are natural ginsenosides which exist in both fresh and air-dried ginseng. The objective of this study is to determine the antidiabetic function of MGR on type 2 diabetes.

Materials and methods

High fat diet-fed and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg/d of MGR or vehicle for 3 weeks. The effects of MGR on fasting blood glucose (FBG), intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), serum insulin (SI), insulin tolerance test (ITT), body weight, total cholesterol (TC), and triglyceride (TG) levels in type 2 diabetic rats were measured.

Results

After 3 weeks of treatment, MGR administration showed significantly lower FBG levels compared to the diabetic control group. In glucose tolerance test, IPGTT data showed that both MGR 50 and 100 mg/kg groups significantly increased the glucose disposal after glucose load. The ITT also showed improvement of insulin sensitivity during 120 min of insulin treatment. In addition, MGR reduced TG and TC contents while showed no effect on body weight in diabetic rats.

Conclusion

The findings from this study suggest that MGR can alleviate hyperglycemia, hyperlipemia and insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes.