Essential role of medicine and food homology in health and wellness

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an ancient healing system that has been practiced for thousands of years in China and other East Asian countries. According to the TCM theory, medicine and food share the same origin and may have the same functions in the prevention and treatment of various health conditions. This is how the concept of medicine and food homology is developed and popularized. In China, an official list of medicine and food homology substances is promulgated by the China National Health Commission (formerly Ministry of Health) (NHC, 2002; NHC, 2020-1; NHC, 2020-2). All these substances are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and safe to be used as food. 1.Significance and applications of medicine and food homology In TCM, the concept of medicine and food homology plays a crucial role in understanding the relationship between the body, food, and nature. It is believed that certain foods can have a profound impact on a person''s health and well-being, as they possess properties that can either support or counteract the body''s internal balance. For instance, some foods are believed to have warming or cooling properties, while others are thought to be moistening or drying. The significance of medicine and food homology in TCM also extends to the prevention and treatment of specific health conditions. In TCM, it is believed that many common ailments can be attributed to an imbalance in the body''s internal environment, which can be corrected by consuming the right combination of foods and herbs. For example, a person suffering from a cold, which is considered a "wind-cold" condition in TCM, may be advised to consume foods with warming properties, such as ginger and cinnamon, to help restore balance and alleviate the symptoms. One of the main applications of medicine and food homology in TCM is in the area of dietary therapy, which involves the use of foods and herbs to prevent and treat illness. This approach is based on the idea that certain foods have specific therapeutic effects on the body, and that by consuming these foods, a person can help maintain their overall health and well-being. For instance, a person with a weak digestive system may be advised to consume foods with strengthening properties, such as cooked grains and root vegetables such as Chinese yam, Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao in Chinese), to help improve their digestion and overall health. Another application of medicine and food homology in TCM is in the formulation of herbal remedies. TCM practitioners often use a combination of herbs and foods to create customized treatments for their patients, based on their unique health needs and the specific properties of the ingredients. This approach not only allows for a more personalized approach to healthcare, but it also helps to minimize the risk of side effects and interactions between different herbs and medications. 2.Examples of medicine and food homology substances There are many examples of medicine and food homology substances, ranging from everyday foods to more exotic herbs and ingredients. Some common examples include: (1) Ginger: This warming herb is widely used to treat digestive issues, colds, and flu. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, and immune-boosting properties, making it an ideal remedy for a variety of health conditions. (2) Goji berries (Lycii Fructus, Gouqizi in Chinese): These small red berries are a popular medicine and food homology substance, as they are believed to have numerous health benefits, including improving eyesight, boosting the immune system, and promoting longevity. They are considered a “superfood” due to their high antioxidant content and are often used in herbal tonics and teas. (3) Ginseng (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Renshen in Chinese): This well-known adaptogenic herb is used to strengthen the body''s energy, or Qi, and improve overall vitality. It is believed to have a wide range of health benefits, including enhancing mental clarity, reducing stress, and supporting immune function. (4) Jujube (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus): Also known as red dates, jujube is a popular ingredient in TCM and also a common food, as they are believed to have nourishing and calming properties. They are often used in treating insomnia, anxiety, and digestive issues. (5) Lotus seeds (Nelumbinis Semen, Lianzi in Chinese): These seeds are often used to treat a variety of health conditions, including insomnia, digestive problems, and heart palpitations. They are believed to have a calming effect on the body and are often used in herbal teas and soups for their soothing properties. 3. Modern research and evidence are needed for integrating medicine and food homology into modern healthcare practices While the concept of medicine and food homology has been an integral part of TCM for centuries, it has only recently begun to gain attention in the scientific community and food industry. Modern research is increasingly supporting the idea that medicine and food homology substances can play a significant role in promoting health and preventing illness. For instance, studies have shown that many of the foods and herbs used in TCM, such as ginger (Di et al., 2010) (Mashhadi et al., 2012), goji berries (Ma et al., 2019), and ginseng (Riaz et al., 2019) have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties, which can help protect the body against a variety of health issues. While more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind medicine and food homology, these findings provide a strong foundation for the continued integration of TCM principles into modern healthcare practices. As the concept of medicine and food homology continues to gain attention in the health and wellness industry, there is a growing need for healthcare professionals to integrate these principles into their practice. This can involve a variety of strategies, such as incorporating TCM-inspired dietary recommendations into patient care plans, collaborating with TCM practitioners to develop holistic treatment plans, and promoting the use of medicine and food homology substances in functional foods and dietary supplements. By embracing the principles of medicine and food homology, healthcare professionals can offer their patients a more comprehensive and personalized approach to health and wellness, while also supporting the sustainability and resilience of the global food system. 4. Challenges and future prospects of medicine and food homology in health and wellness industry While the concept of medicine and food homology holds significant promise for the future of health and wellness, there are also a number of challenges that must be addressed in order to fully realize its potential. One of the main challenges is the need for more rigorous scientific research to validate the efficacy and safety of medicine and food homology substances. This will not only help to build credibility and trust among healthcare professionals and patients, but it will also enable the development of standardized guidelines and best practices for the use of medicine and food homology in modern healthcare. Another challenge is the need for greater collaboration and communication between TCM practitioners and conventional healthcare providers. By fostering a more integrated and interdisciplinary approach to healthcare, professionals from both fields can work together to develop innovative and effective prevention and treatment strategies that incorporate the principles of medicine and food homology, while also addressing the unique needs and preferences of individual patients. Despite these challenges, the future prospects of medicine and food homology in the health and wellness industry are bright. The growing interest in natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness, coupled with the increasing recognition of the importance of a balanced diet and sustainable food systems, suggests that the principles of medicine and food homology will continue to gain momentum in the years to come. 5. Global influence of medicine and food homology While the concept of medicine and food homology originated in China, its influence has spread far beyond its borders. Today, TCM is practiced in many countries around the world, and the principles of medicine and food homology are increasingly being recognized as a valuable tool for promoting health and wellness. In addition, the growing interest in traditional and natural approaches to health and wellness has led to the development of many TCM-inspired dietary and herbal products, which are widely available in health food stores and online. This trend is expected to continue, as more people seek out natural and holistic remedies for their health concerns. 6. Conclusions In conclusion, the concept of medicine and food homology is a fundamental aspect of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which emphasizes the role of food and herbs in promoting health and preventing illness. While the scientific evidence supporting these principles is still emerging, the growing interest in natural and holistic approaches to health and wellness suggests that the principles of medicine and food homology will continue to gain attention in the years to come. Healthcare professionals and food scientists are responsible for embracing the essential role of medicine and food homology in shaping the future of health and wellness. By integrating these principles into practice and product development, a more comprehensive and personalized approach to healthcare will serve better to people all over the world, while also supporting the sustainability and resilience of the global food system. So, let us embrace the concept of medicine and food homology and work towards a healthier and more sustainable future for all.     

Understanding "medicine and food homology", developing utilization in medicine functions

Chinese medicine is a very big concept of medicine. In Shen-nong era, medicine and food do not divide. "Medicine and food homology", which is called “Chinese medicine and dietary application”, refers to that many foods are drugs, and there is no absolute demarcation line between them. At that time, seventy poisons were encountered in a day for experimental accusations, herbal medicines are divided into upper, middle and lower categories, the safe and non-toxic Chinese medicines are the upper product, which can be consumed, but is just a difference in dosage. Ancient medical scientists applied the theory of "four natures" and "five tastes" of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) into food, believing that each food also has "four natures" and "five tastes". "Medicine and food homology" means that Chinese medicine and food are of the same origin. The theory of "medicine and food homology" based on practice has existed in Chinese traditional medicine since ancient times. In ancient primitive society, people discovered the sexual taste and efficacy of various foods and medicines in the process of searching for food, realizing that many foods can be used medicinally and many medicinal materials can be used as dietary supplement. The theory holds that many foods are both food and medicine, and that they are just as effective in preventing disease as drugs. Therefore, this theory of "medicine and food homology" is also the basis of food therapy. Strictly speaking, in the TCM, drugs and food are indiscriminate. Food has fewer side effects, but drugs have more. This is another meaning of medicine and food homology. Hence, the source of Chinese medicine and food is the same. Some things can only be used to treat diseases, known as drugs, some things can only be used for diet, known as foods. The line between medicine and food is not very clear because they all have healing powers. Such as orange, hawthorn, black plum, walnuts, almonds, fennel, cinnamon, pumpkin seeds and so on, they are not only Chinese medicine with a good curative effect, but also nutritious delicious food that people often eat. The common point of TCM and food is to have a healthy function to prevent and control diseases. The difference between them is that the TCM has strong therapeutic effect, which is often called "strong drug". When the medicine is used correctly, the effect is prominent. However, the therapeutic effect of food is not as prominent and rapid as that of TCM. The important issue cannot be ignored is that medicaments will not be often taken commonly though their action is strong, and food we eat every day though food action is weak. Our daily diet, in addition to the supply of essential nutrients, will also be more or less due to the performance of the food on the balance and physiological function of the adverse or favorable impact, accumulation, from quantitative change to qualitative change, the impact becomes very obvious. In this sense, they are no less effective than TCM. Accordingly, adjusting food correctly and reasonably, with long-term adherence, can have the effect that medicaments cannot achieve. In this issue of CHM journal, we organized four articles on Lycium barbarum, Gardenia jasminoides, Taraxacum mongolicum, and Moringa oleifera (Gouqizi, Zhizi, Pugongying, and Lamu in Chinese, respectively) with medicine and food functions, focusing on the analysis and discussion of the current research status and put forward the views or opinions of authors on the development of these four Chinese medicines. The present paper on Lycium barbarum focuses on the legal plant resource and reviews the main research in medicinal field including botanical identification, ethnopharmacological functions, phytochemistry, pharmacological effects, clinic usages, and safety issues. Fruits of Gardenia jasminoides haves been used as dietary supplement and traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. Recent studies of Gardenia jasminoides reveal that the extracts or the active components play an essential role in oxidative stress, inflammation, hepatoprotection, neuroprotection, anti-diabetes, antitumor and so on. Here, we reviewed Gardenia jasminoides in the botanical identity, chemical ingredients, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics, safety and toxicity evaluation, clinical application, etc. Taraxacum mongolicum has been used in TCM and dietary application, and T. officinale has been applied in medicinal and food use in other regions and cultures around the globe. Authors summarized the phytochemical constituents of dandelion (particularly from T. mongolicum and T. officinale). Recent published health benefits of dandelion, such as anti-oxidant activity, anti-inflammatory activity, blood sugar and lipids regulation and hepatoprotective activity, as well as its safety data were highlighted. The limited human clinical study and pharmacokinetics information lead to the thought that well-designed human clinical study should be the focus and opportunity for the future research area to truly understand efficacy function and health benefit of dandelion for its application in medicine and health food area. Moringa oleifera is one of the most widespread species belonging to family Moringaceae. Almost each part of this tree has enormous properties in nutrition, medicine or other industrial purposes. This review mainly introduces nutritional ingredients, bioactive compounds, applications, and potentials of this tree including leaves, seeds, pods, flowers, root barks, and gum in order to bring convenience to industries and researchers all over the world focusing on each part of this amazing plant. Moreover, the review also analyzes the current application situation of M. oleifera in China. Authors concluded that most current researches focus on the leaves and seeds of this plant, and the most concerned property of M. oleifera is the antioxidant ability. Medicine and food dual-use plants of China have a long history of application, and the medicine-food dual-use plants have both certain physiological effects and long-term edible safety. For people with potential risk of onset, healthy products developed by edible and edible dual-use plants can prevent disease occurrence and maintain health, and are more scientific and rational than drug treatment after disease occurrence. The development and utilization has broad market prospects. According to the research and development status of Chinese plant resources, the development and utilization of medicine-food dual-use plants is facing challenges. Evaluation and selection of efficacy in research and development, study of functional substance basis and mechanism of action, functional product positioning and composition design, and plant resource germplasm evaluation, planting process management, post-harvest storage, etc. involved in functional food quality control process. A series of key technical issues, such as intensive processing and comprehensive utilization of resources, require efforts to carry out research in order to provide certain theoretical guidance and practice for the development and utilization of dual-use plant resources in China.     

The riddles of number nine in Chinese medicine processing method

The“nine cycles of steaming and shining”,“nine making”,“nine turns”and“nine cycles of calcining and quenching”methods that are recorded and used since ancient times are merely one aspect of the unique processing methods of traditional Chinese medicine.Inducing the Chinese medicine processing method“nine cycles of steaming and shining”from historical review and summarizing the practical wisdom based on the canonical aspects of traditional Chinese medicine and the experiences of ancient Chinese medicine sages to promote the new development of traditional Chinese medicine.After the long-term and multiple“nine”processing,the materials of traditional Chinese medicine exhibit significant beneficial changes in terms of taste,efficacy,and chemical composition contents,thus emphasizing that Chinese medicine processing plays a significant role in their efficacy enhancement and toxicity reduction.Heshouwu(Polygoni Multiflori Radix),Dihuang(Rehmanniae Radix),Huangjing(Rhizoma Polygonati),Dahuang(Radix et Rhizoma Rhei),and Xixiancao(Herba Siegesbeckiae)are representatives of Chinese medicinal materials prepared using the“nine-system”processing method.This review discovers the aim and the molecular mechanism of“nine”processing of the abovementioned herbs from the viewpoints of modern pharmacochemistry and pharmacology to provide a theoretical support for the“nine”processing method of traditional Chinese medicine and to promote the international market of traditional Chinese medicine.     

Geographical Indications for Medicinal Plants:Globalization, Climate Change, Quality and MarketImplications for Geo-Authentic Botanicals

Pharmacopoeial standards for crude drugs are established based on analysis of authenticated specimens which should be representative of the quality of material traditionally specified in systems of traditional medicine from species’ geographical origin. This reflects the ‘geo-authentic’ material that corresponds to traditional ecological and medical knowledge. In cases where specimens are obtained from cultivation outside of the species origin, this ‘authenticated’ material will not be ‘geo-authentic’. There is a growing trend for the protection of ‘geographical indication’ (GI) botanicals in the context of intellectual property rights. GI botanicals are named after a geographical area, indicating production within a particular area, quality and characteristics dependent on natural, historical and cultural factors. However, with the globalization of systems of traditional medicine such as Ayurvedic medicine and traditional Chinese medicine, Asian species are being introduced to cultivation outside of their geographical origins particularly in the EU and US. In contrast to the Chinese concept of ‘daodi’and European concepts of ‘provenance’ or ‘terroir’ is the competing trend for ‘locally grown’ herbs, i.e. cultivated closer to where they will be used. Reasons include concerns about quality control, contamination from polluted air, soil and water in some source countries, climate change, supply chain security and traceability, costs of production and price pressure. This review looks at selected agronomic experiments aiming to discern differences between geo-authentic medicinal herbs vs. introduced crops and whether the global market cares to make a distinction or pay a price premium for articles with designations of geographical origin of specified quality.     

汉英常用中医药词汇[12]

中药 Chinese drugs or Chinese traditional drugs,usually referring to those recorded in Chinese MateriaMedica草药 herbaldrugs or medicinal herbs,usually referring to those not recorded in Chinese Materia Medicaoronly used in folk medicine.A clear-cut differentiation between medicinal herbs in folk medicine and regulartraditional drugs is difficult to make and so they are usually called 中草药 or Chinese herbal drugs in combination.     

DNA metabarcoding analysis of fungal community on surface of four root herbsOA

Objective: Angelicae Sinensis Radix(ASR, Danggui in Chinese), Cistanches Herba(CH, Roucongrong in Chinese), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma(PG, Renshen in Chinese), and Panacis Quinquefolii Radix(PQ,Xiyangshen in Chinese), widely used as medicine and dietary supplement around the world, are susceptible to fungal and mycotoxin contamination. In this study, we aim to analyze their fungal community by DNA metabarcoding.Methods: A total of 12 root samples were collected from three main production areas in ...     

Yang-tonifying traditional Chinese medicinal plants and their potential phytoandrogenic activity

The concept of phytoandrogens, plants that contain androgens or those that stimulate androgenic activity in men, is relatively new. In traditional Chinese medicine a number of phytoandrogens are classified in medicinal plant restoratives for reinforcing yang, and they find their application in the treatment of the kidney yang deficiency diseases. In this review, the phytoandrogens used in traditional Chinese medicine are listed, and their proven applications in the treatment of kidney yang deficiency diseases, such as sexual disorders, cancer, and obesity and associated metabolic syndromes are presented. As a background, the mechanism of action of androgens, their synthesis and metabolism, the interrelations of androgens and estrogens, as well as the state of art methods to detect and analyze these hormonal activities in medicinal plants are discussed.     

Advances in traditional Chinese medicine for liver disease therapy in 2020

Liver diseases are gradually becoming a serious threat to human health worldwide.Although a number of medications have been introduced for the prophylaxis,diagnosis,and treatment of liver diseases,several limitations and challenges remain.Traditional Chinese medicine is frequently used to treat liver diseases and well known to protect hepatocytes and inhibit inflammation,oxidative stress,and fibrosis.However,given the complex composition of traditional Chinese medicine,clarifying the mechanisms behind its curative and protective effects is difficult.In this review,research progress on traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of liver diseases in 2020 is summarized on the basis of the literature available in the PubMed database.Herbal extracts derived from traditional Chinese medicine,including flavonoids,polysaccharides,saponins,and alkaloids,and Chinese medicinal formulas,such as the classic decoctions Chaihu Shugan powder,Linggui Zhugan decoction,and Huanglian Jiedu decoction,have shown promising therapeutic efficacy in liver disease treatment.We summarized the findings of several studies on the active ingredients of traditional Chinese herbs used for liver disease treatment in 2020,focusing mainly on their ability to confer antiviral effects to treat hepatitis,regulate antioxidant levels and apoptosis to treat liver injury,inhibit inflammation and improve dysfunctions in amino acids and energy metabolism to treat alcoholic liver disease,reduce hepatic lipid deposition to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease,promote activated hepatic stellate cells to treat liver fibrosis,inhibit the proliferation or promote the apoptosis of liver cancer cells to treat hepatocellular carcinoma,and improve bile acid metabolism to treat cholestasis.     

中药鲜药的现代应用与研究进展

中药鲜药是传统中医药的重要组成部分,已有2000多年的应用历史。现代研究表明,部分中药鲜品优于或有别于干品,两者不能混用。然而,近现代鲜药的应用呈逐年萎缩的趋势,传统鲜用为主的药物多被干品取代,鲜药治病的特色和宝贵经验濒临失传。通过回顾鲜药应用的历史沿革,梳理中药鲜品与干品的差异,分析鲜药的应用现状,总结鲜药现代化保鲜技术的推广,探讨鲜药制剂的开发应用,以期为传承中药鲜用特色技术提供新的思路和方向。     

止咳中成药的组方特点研究

目的：揭示止咳中成药的功能、主治及使用药物的特点,为新止咳中成药的开发立项提供参考。方法：以《中华人民共和国药典》和《新编国家中成药》中收载的中成药为对象,收录在功能、主治中出现“止咳”、“镇咳”、“止嗽”、“咳嗽”、“久咳”等关键字的中成药,开展“功能、主治、使用药物”等组方特点的分析。结果：684 个止咳中成药涉及功能术语462 个,共使用1 533 次;常用者为止咳化痰、止咳、化痰、清热解表、平喘、祛风解热、止咳平喘、清肺热、解表和润肺等。684 个止咳中成药共涉及48 大类主治,共使用1 107 次;常见者为急慢性气管/支气管炎、外感风热感冒、外感风寒感冒、“痰热壅肺,咳嗽痰多”、急性上呼吸道感染、哮喘、急慢性咽喉炎、肺热咳嗽等。684 个止咳中成药共涉及使用537 类药材和化学药,其中,植物药441 种,动物药36 种,矿物药25 种,化学药35 种;使用频率位列前10 位的药材为：甘草、桔梗、苦杏仁、薄荷、陈皮、麻黄、黄芩、紫苏、半夏、川贝母;1/4 的中成药使用了提取物;还用了化橘红、生姜、梨、西瓜、香菇等5 类食品或水果。结论：止咳中成药的主治涉及的病种繁多,主要用于咳嗽（热性咳嗽最多见）、痰多、喘息、咽炎、喉炎等的治疗;“清热、祛风、解表”法在止咳作用的实现上具有重要地位;功能和主治术语的表达不规范和不明确;使用的药物以植物药为主,亦使用了动物药、矿物药和化学药物、食品水果;从民族民间用药中发掘出具有肯定临床疗效,并以提取物为主组方的制剂是止咳中成药新药开发的重要途径之一。     

基于中医药理论的芳香类中药防治新型冠状病毒肺炎(COVID-19)的作用探讨

芳香类中药自古被用于瘟疫的预防,中医药防治疫病有独特的优势。2019年新型冠状病毒肺炎(COVID-19)肆虐,国家卫生健康委员会发布指南推荐中西医结合治疗。在国家卫生健康委员会《新型冠状病毒感染的肺炎诊疗方案(试行第七版)》的中医治疗方案中,医学观察期、确诊患者的临床治疗期及恢复期均选用含较多芳香类中药的中成药或方剂进行防治,部分地方卫生健康委员会或中医药管理局还推荐多种其他使用芳香类中药的方式(外熏、艾灸、佩戴香囊等)防治COVID-19。芳香类中药"芳香辟秽、扶助正气"的功效在COVID-19的预防和治疗中发挥积极作用,使用芳香类中药干预COVID-19的发生发展已成为共识。芳香类中药独特的药性、化学成分和作用机制值得开展广泛深入的实验及临床研究,可为后续COVID-19治疗及相应的药物开发提供参考。基于中医药理论探讨芳香类中药在防治COVID-19中的作用,并推测其发挥作用的可能机制,为芳香类中药防治COVID-19提供依据。     

对中药现代化研究的几点思考

中药现代研究应以疗效为中心,将中药有效性研究、安全性研究、符合中药特点的质量标准体系三者结合起来,创新出一大批与西药有比较优势的中药,从而推动中药现代化,促进中药走向世界。     

藏药十味龙胆花制剂的研究现状与质量提升策略

十味龙胆花制剂是在藏族医药传统经验方“十味龙胆花方剂”基础上开发出的新制剂，由龙胆花、烈香杜鹃、川贝母等10味藏族药（以下简称藏药）组成，临床应用以颗粒剂、胶囊剂居多，疗效确切、安全性强。以中国知网、万方数据库、中国生物医学数据库为核心数据库，以支气管炎、肺炎、呼吸道感染等临床疾病为基础，综述了十味龙胆花制剂在药理、质量控制指标、临床应用等方面的研究，深入阐述了十味龙胆花制剂产品质量提升和二次开发的策略，以丰富其药学基础研究、扩大临床应用范围和适应证，充分体现十味龙胆花制剂临床价值，为进一步确定其临床定位及培育中药大品种提供思路。     

辛味中药在治疗消渴证中的应用价值及中药五味理论现代研究的思考

辛味是中药五味学说中的重要性味之一,通常具有“发散”“行气”和“行血”的作用,且辛味中药在传统医学临床应用中占有较大比例。结合中药辛味的功效内涵及传统中医理论对消渴证的认识,阐述辛味中药与消渴证治疗之间的内在联系,总结辛味中药对“消渴三消”的治疗意义与价值。并在此基础上,对中药五味理论的现代研究趋势和发展方向进行思考,为同行研究提供参考。     

寒热中药外用治疗口腔溃疡的文献回顾与思考

目的:通过文献查阅及整理,对寒热中药外用治疗口腔溃疡进行回顾与思考。方法:以CNKI,VIP数据库为依据,以口腔溃疡、中药外用、复方、临床研究、药理研究等为关键词,查阅数据库中近10年的相关文献,对单味药及复方中药治疗口腔溃疡的情况进行整理和分析。结果:外用治疗口腔溃疡的寒凉中药包括草珊瑚、青黛、白及、枯矾;温热中药包括细辛、吴茱萸、丁香、蜈蚣。复方中药主要有溃疡散、冰硼散、双黄连粉等,其方法以局部涂抹、穴位贴敷为主。结论:从寒热药性角度,对中药外用治疗口腔溃疡的文献进行系统分析,将为临床治疗口腔溃疡提供参考。     

药对研究(Ⅵ)——黄连-吴茱萸药对

黄连-吴茱萸药对古往今来被广泛运用于消化系统疾病的治疗,且效果显著。现代研究发现黄连吴茱萸配伍其主要药效物质生物碱类成分,配伍前后含量差异明显;对胃肠道的作用较强,同时还具有抗肿瘤、降压降脂等活性,相关机制也得到部分揭示。该文从功效物质、配伍效应与作用机制等方面对黄连-吴茱萸药对的现代研究进展进行具体阐述与分析,为该药对的进一步研究与开发奠定了基础。     

毒理学技术在中药保健食品评价应用中的研究进展

我国中医药宝库含有丰富的可以药食两用的中药,以该类中药作为原料是指导中药保健食品研制的基础。在养生和降低疾病发生风险方面,中药保健食品具有诸多优势。同时伴随国家"健康中国2030"的实施,急需开发一系列具有中医药特点的中药复方保健食品,满足国家及社会需求。随着现代化科学研究水平不断提高,但是中药保健食品原料的安全性科学评价方面研究缺乏,造成目前保健食品风险评估理论与技术严重不足。因此对此这类原料中重要成分的毒性预警与评价已成为的食品安全问题的当务之急。毒理学在人类健康风险评估中具有重要作用,毒理学的分支学科也不断涌现。计算毒理学技术,单层培养细胞模型的体外预警与评价技术,体外诱导活性筛选工程细胞株的体外预警与评价技术,微流控芯片技术的体外预警与评价技术与体内毒理学技术等已成为该领域毒性预测与评价的重要研究工具。毒理学技术的迅速发展,使食品安全和人类生命健康得到有力的保障,并将有效促进我国保健食品产业的安全生产,保障终端产品的品质和安全,不仅具有巨大社会意义,也对整个行业的技术进步有积极的引领作用,并产生可观的经济效益。本文就近段时间以来可用于预测与评价中药保健食品原料中的重要成分的毒理学新方法与模型的研究进展与应用作一综述。     

甘草等6种重点中药材新品种选育及推广情况分析

对我国甘草、柴胡、桔梗、红花、瓜蒌和石斛的新品种选育情况进行梳理。甘草为我国用量最大的药材;柴胡为最常用的解表药;桔梗治疗肺部疾病使用频率较高且为重要的药食同源药材;红花为我国种植历史最久的花类药材;石斛为贵细药材的代表,也是兰科植物中野生变家种最成功的药材之一。这6种药材主产区分别处于我国西北、华北、华东、西南及长江流域以南区域,药用部位和生长区域均有一定代表性。对甘草等6种中药材新品种的选育单位、年度、推广种植情况和推广种植过程中存在的问题进行汇总,通过分析现状寻找中药材种业发展面临的困境及解决方案。