Clinical study on point application using Chinese herbal medicine for pediatric chronic cough

Objective： To observe the clinical effect of point application using Chinese herbal medicine for chronic cough in children. Methods： A total of 200 children with chronic cough were randomly allocated into an observation group and a control group, 100 cases in each group. Conventional Western medication was used for cases in the control group, whereas conventional Western medication plus point application using Chinese herbal medicine were used for cases in the observation group. Changes of indexes including eosinophils （EOS）, peak expiratory flow （PEF） and forced expiratory volume in one second （FEV1） were observed before and after treatment. In addition, the clinical effects were compared between the two groups. Results： After treatment, coughs in children were alleviated in both groups; however, it took a shorter period of time for cough alleviation in the observation group than that in the control group （P~0.01）. On the 28th day of treatment, the EOS, PEF and FEVl were improved in both groups （P〈0.01）, and the improvements were more significant in the observation group （P〈0.05）. Additionally, the frequencies of cough variant asthma attacks were decreased in both groups, but a better effect in the observation group than the control group. Conclusion： Complementary point application using Chinese herbal medicine could substantially improve the clinical effect, alleviate coughs and benefit lung functions.     

艾灸对溃疡性结肠炎大鼠结肠KGF-1、KGF-2和IL-6蛋白表达的影响

目的:观察艾灸对溃疡性结肠炎大鼠结肠角质细胞生长因子-1 (Keratinocyte Growth Factor-1,KGF-1)、角质细胞生长因子-2(Keratinocyte Growth Factor-2,KGF-2) KGF-2和白介素-6(Interleukin-6,IL-6)蛋白表达的影响,进一步探讨艾灸治疗溃疡性结肠炎的作用机制.方法:将SD大鼠随机分为正常组、模型组、隔药灸组和柳氮磺胺吡啶(Sulfasalazine,SASP)组.隔药灸组采用隔药灸天枢和气海穴治疗;SASP组采用柳氮磺胺吡啶灌胃干预.干预结束后,应用HE染色光镜下观察各组大鼠结肠病理学变化,采用免疫组织化学法检测大鼠结肠KGF-1、KGF-2和IL-6蛋白表达变化.结果:与模型组比较,隔药灸组和SASP组大鼠结肠病理学均有一定的改善;与正常组比较,模型组大鼠结肠KGF-1、KGF-2和IL-6蛋白表达均显著增加(P＜0.05);经隔药灸和SASP干预后,大鼠结肠KGF-1、KGF-2和IL-6蛋白表达均显著降低(P＜0.05).结论:隔药灸和SASP均能下调溃疡性结肠炎大鼠结肠KGF-1、KGF-2和IL-6的蛋白表达,该作用可能是隔药灸和SASP治疗溃疡性结肠炎的重要机制之一.     

Clinical study on anti-aging action of herbal cake-partition moxibustion

目的：探讨隔药饼灸抗衰老的t临床疗效和免疫学机理。方法：采用隔药饼灸治疗223例老年人,观察隔药饼灸治疗前及治疗1疗程结束后衰老见症积分值,并检测血T淋巴细胞亚群、IL-2和D-内啡肽的变化。结果：223例老人经灸治后,衰老积分明显下降,在临床症状改善同时细胞免疫功能增强,T淋巴细胞总数增加,CD4＋／CD8＋比值恢复正常,IL-2合成分泌增加。β-EP作为免疫调节的神经介质,灸治后明显提高。结论：衰老过程与免疫功能密切相关。艾灸能纠正异常免疫状态、稳定机体内环境达到延缓衰老目的。     

Influence of acupoint-injection on TXB<Subscript>2</Subscript> and 6-keto-PGF<Subscript>1a</Subscript> in patients with pseudobulbar palsy: a randomized controlled trial

Objective

To prove the feasibility and validity of Xing Nao Jing acupoint-injection (XNJ-AI) at Fengchi (GB 20) for pseudobulbar palsy caused by ischemic stroke (PBP-IS).

Methods

An assessor-blinded, two-parallel-group, randomized controlled trial was conducted, and the patients with PBP-IS were recruited and randomly divided into two groups. Patients in the control group received oral aspirin (100 mg per day for 2 weeks). In addition to oral aspirin; patients in the treatment group received XNJ-AI at Fengchi (GB 20), once a day, for two weeks. The primary outcome was assessed by the water-swallowing test (WST). Thromboxane B₂ (TXB2) and 6-keto-prostaglandin F_1a (6-keto-PGF_1a) in plasma were measured before and after the treatment.

Results

In the treatment group, the percentage of swallowing function no less than grade 3 before and after the treatment was 32% and 88%, respectively; in the control group, it was 28% and 76% before and after the treatment, respectively; the difference after the treatment between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). There were statistical differences between pre- and post-treatment levels of plasma TXB₂ and 6-keto-PGF_1α in the two groups (both P<0.05). After the treatment, there were significant differences in the levels of plasma TXB₂ and 6-keto-PGF_1α between the two groups (both P<0.05).

Conclusion

XNJ-AI at Fengchi (GB 20) can improve the patients’ swallowing function and balance the levels of TXB₂ and 6-keto-PGF_1α in plasma.

     

Effect of an extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves on inflammatory and allergic mediators in vitro

Aim of study

Andrographis paniculata has been known to possess widespread traditional application in the treatment of allergy and inflammatory diseases. In the current study, we sought to examine the effects of an extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves on inhibition of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced [nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), interleukin-1beta (IL-1 beta), and interleukin-6 (IL-6)] and calcimycin (A23187) induced [leukotriene B₄ (LTB₄), thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) and histamine] mediators in diverse cell based models.

Materials and methods

Effect of an extract of Andrographis paniculata leaves (AP) was studied on inhibition of LPS induced NO, PGE₂, IL-1 beta and IL-6 in J774A.1 murine macrophages; A23187 induced LTB₄ and TXB₂ in HL-60 promyelocytic leukemic cells and histamine in RBL-2H3 rat basophilic leukemia cells.

Results and conclusion

AP illustrated significant alleviation of pro-inflammatory, inflammatory, and allergic mediators. However, no inhibition was observed against histamine release. This outcome has been summed up to deduce that AP is fairly potent in attenuating the inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory (NO, IL-1 beta and IL-6), inflammatory (PGE₂ and TXB₂) and allergic (LTB₄) mediators.     

穴位按摩配合艾灸治疗顽固性失眠疗效观察

目的：观察穴位按摩配合艾灸治疗顽固性失眠的临床疗效。方法：将60例顽固性失眠患者随机分为两组,每组30例。治疗组予头面部穴位按摩及艾灸涌泉穴治疗,对照组予与治疗组相同的头面部穴位按摩治疗。两组均每日治疗1次,治疗4星期后进行疗效观察。结果：治疗组总有效率为93.3%,对照组总有效率为80.0%,两组总有效率差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05)。结论：穴位按摩配合艾灸治疗顽固性失眠优于单纯穴位按摩治疗。     

Effect of Ocimum basilicum L. on cyclo-oxygenase isoforms and prostaglandins involved in thrombosis

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Ocimum basilicum L. (OBL) is a plant used in traditional Uyghur medicine for the treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease. In previous studies we had found an antihypertensive and antithrombotic effect suggestive of an effect on prostaglandins, which we attempt to document here.

Materials and methods

6-keto-PGF₁α, the metabolite of prostacyclin, and PGE₂ were measured in the supernatant of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and basal or LPS-stimulated mouse coeliac macrophage cultures exposed to OBL ethanol (OBL-E) extracts and petroleum ether, chloroform, ethylacetate and butanol (PE, C, EA, B) fractions. In addition, 6-keto-PGF₁α and thromboxane B2 (TXB2) were measured in a rat model of thromboangiitis obliterans exposed or not to OBL.

Results

Short-term exposure to OBL-E dose-dependently increased 6-keto-PGF₁α from HUVEC, and long-term (24 h) exposure decreased it. OBL-C and OBL-B increased 6-keto-PGF₁α, whereas the other fractions tended to decrease it after 24 h exposure. The extract and all fractions decreased basal and stimulated PGE2 production, but only OBL-EA and OBL-B reduced PGE2 in stimulated cultures to concentrations below the unstimulated values (P<0.05). In vivo OBL increased 6-keto-PGF₁α and decreased TXB2.

Conclusion

OBL and its extracts increased 6-keto-PGF₁α and reduced PGE2 and TXB2 production in a dose and time-related manner. This could indicate simultaneous inhibition of COX-2 and stimulation of endothelial COX-1. The butanol fraction seemed most promising in this respect.     

Therapeutic Observation of Point-towards-point Electroacupuncture for Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy简

Objective： To compare the therapeutic efficacies of point-towards-point electroacupuncture（EA）, EA with Jiaji points（EX-B 2）, and Jing Fu Kang in treating cervical spondylotic radiculopathy（CSR）, and to explore the optimal treatment protocol. Methods： Totally 160 patients with CSR were randomized into three groups： a point-towards-point group（n=60） treated with EA with point-towards-point method; a Jiaji group（n=60） treated with EA at cervical Jiaji（EX-B 2） points; a medicine group（n=40） treated with oral administration of Jing Fu Kang alone. The clinical efficacies were compared afterwards. Results： After treatment, the recovery rate and total effective rate of the point-towards-point group were significantly better than that of the Jiaji group and medicine group（both P〈0.01）. After 1-week treatment, the symptom and function score of the point-towards-point group was significantly better than that of the Jiaji group and medicine group（both P〈0.01）; the point-towards-point group and Jiaji group both achieved significant improvements in the symptom and function score（P〈0.01, P〈0.05）. After 2-week treatment, the three groups all achieved marked improvements in the symptom and function score（P〈0.01）. At the end of treatment, in comparing the symptom and function score, the point-towards-point group was significantly different from the medicine group（P〈0.01） and Jiaji group（P〈0.05）; the difference between the Jiaji group and medicine group was also statistically significant（P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Point-towards-point EA can rapidly improve the symptoms and function of CSR patients, and it＇s superior to EA at Jiaji（EX-B 2） and oral administration of Jing Fu Kang in comparing the clinical efficacy.     

Inactivation of GABA(A) receptor reduces ginsenoside Rb3 neuroprotection in mouse hippocampal slices after oxygen-glucose deprivation

Aim of the study

To investigate the effect of ginsenoside Rb₃ on synaptic transmission after oxygen-glucose deprivation in vitro.

Materials and methods

The population spike (PS) was recorded in the stratum pyramidale of mouse hippocampal slices using extracellular recordings.

Results

Ginsenoside Rb₃ depressed the basal synaptic transmission, which also promoted the recovery amplitude of PS after OGD in a concentration-dependent manner. The GABA_A receptor agonist muscimol improved the recovery, which was similar to that of ginsenoside Rb₃. Moreover, the effect of ginsenoside Rb₃ in combination with muscimol was not additive. Treatment with the GABA_A receptor antagonist bicuculline or picrotoxin, which prevented the depression of PS caused by ginsenoside Rb₃, also reduced the neuroprotection.

Conclusion

The results indicate that the activation of the GABA_A receptor is correlated with the neuroprotective mechanisms of ginsenoside Rb₃.     

Effects of taraxasterol on inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages

Aim of the study

Taraxasterol, a pentacyclic-triterpene, was isolated from the Chinese medicinal herb Taraxacum officinale. In the present study, we investigated the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of taraxasterol in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW 264.7 murine macrophages.

Materials and methods

RAW 264.7 cells were pretreated with 2.5, 5, or 12.5 μg/ml of taraxasterol 1 h prior to treatment with 1 μg/ml of LPS. Nitric oxide (NO) level in supernatants from cells was examined by Griess reaction, the concentrations of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA. Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation was evaluated by immunocytochemical analysis.

Results

We found that taraxasterol inhibited NO, PGE₂, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 production in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophages in a dose-dependent manner. Further studies revealed that taraxasterol prevented the LPS-induced NF-κB translocation from cytoplasm into nuclear.

Conclusions

These results indicate that taraxasterol has anti-inflammatory effect by blocking NF-κB pathway.     

SF-6 attenuates 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity: An in vitro and in vivo investigation in experimental models of Parkinson's disease

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Indigofera tinctoria Linn. (I. tinctoria, Fabaceae) has been widely used for several years in the traditional Indian and Chinese system of Medicine for the treatment of epilepsy, nervous and brain disorders.

Aim of the study

The effect of SF-6, a compound isolated from I. tinctoria to exhibit neuroprotection in in vitro and in vivo models of Parkinson's disease (PD), was investigated.

Materials and methods

Using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, the effect of SF-6 on α-synuclein- or 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced cytotoxicity in vitro was investigated. In in vivo studies SF-6 was challenged against 6-OHDA-induced neuronal damage and behavioral deficits in mice.

Results

SF-6 (1, 5 and 10 μg/mL) significantly inhibited α-synuclein- or 6-OHDA-, H₂O₂-induced cytotoxicity and decreased the reactive oxygen species production in SH-SY5Y cells. SF-6 also scavenged hydroxyl free radicals. In in vivo evaluation, SF-6 attenuated the contralateral rotational asymmetry observed by apomorphine challenge in 6-OHDA-lesioned mice. Further, the behavioral deficits evaluated by rotarod test, Y-maze and passive avoidance tasks were reversed by SF-6 and was found more potent compared with standard compound deprenyl.

Conclusion

Data suggest that SF-6 showed neuroprotection in experimental models of PD due to its potent antioxidant action supporting the traditional claim for its use in nervous and brain disorders.     

针刺治疗海洛因依赖者稽延性戒断症状疗效观察(英文)

目的:通过针刺不同穴位,观察和分析其对海洛因依赖者稽延性戒断症状的干预效果,为筛选针刺治疗本症的特异穴位提供临床依据。方法:将符合纳入标准的60例男性海洛因依赖者随机分为3组,即内关组、神门组和对照组,分别在治疗前、治疗过程中及治疗3星期后采用稽延性戒断症状评分量表和汉密尔顿焦虑量表(Hamilton Anxiety Scale,HAMA)进行测定,观察其变化。结果:在控制稽延性戒断症状上,内关组、神门组与对照组相比有统计学差异(P<0.01, P<0.05);但内关组、神门组之间差异没有统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论:针刺可缓解海洛因依赖者稽延期戒断症状和精神焦虑症状,内关穴与神门穴具有同样显著疗效,但神门穴对于心神的异常具有更快更好的显效趋势。     

Interactions of Magnolia and Ziziphus extracts with selected central nervous system receptors

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Magnolia officinalis Rehder and Wilson [Magnoliaceae] bark and Ziziphus spinosa (Buhge) Hu ex. Chen. [Fam. Rhamnaceae] seed have a history of use in traditional Asian medicine for mild anxiety, nervousness and sleep-related problems.

Aim of the study

To identify pharmacological targets, extracts of Magnolia officinalis (ME), Ziziphus spinosa (ZE), and a proprietary fixed combination (MZE) were tested for affinity with central nervous system receptors associated with relaxation and sleep.

Methods

In vitro radioligand binding and cellular functional assays were conducted on: adenosine A₁, dopamine (transporter, D₁, D_2S, D₃, D_4.4 and D₅), serotonin (transporter, 5-HT_1A, 5-HT_1B, 5-HT_4e, 5-HT₆ and 5-HT₇) and the GABA benzodiazepine receptor.

Results

Interactions were demonstrated with the adenosine A₁ receptor, dopamine transporter and dopamine D₅ receptor (antagonist activity), serotonin receptors (5-HT_1B and 5-HT₆ antagonist activity) and the GABA benzodiazepine receptor at a concentration of 100 μg/ml or lower. ME had an affinity with adenosine A₁ (K_i of 9.2 ± 1.1 μg/ml) and potentiated the GABA activated chloride current at the benzodiazepine subunits of the GABA receptor (maximum effect at 50 μg/ml). ME had a modest antagonist action with 5-HT₆ and ZE with the 5-HT_1B receptor.

Conclusion

The interactions in the receptor binding models are consistent with the traditional anxiolytic and sleep-inducing activities of Magnolia officinalis bark and Ziziphus spinosa seed.     

Effect of sulfated polysaccharides from Laminaria japonica on vascular endothelial cells in psychological stress rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Laminaria japonica is a popular seafood and medicinal plant in China. Laminaria japonica is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat and prevent hypertension and edema.

Materials and methods

The vascular protective activity and mechanism of sulfated polysaccharides were studied in adrenalin-induced vascular endothelial damage in rats after psychological stress (PS). Vehicle (sham and PS groups), sulfated polysaccharide from Laminaria japonica (LP; 1 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg) and enoxaparin sodium (1 IU/kg, reference drug) were all administered for 10 days. Behavioral changes were recorded. Plasma levels of adrenalin, cortisol, monoamine oxidase (MAO), semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO), formaldehyde, H₂O₂, nitric oxide (NO), endothelin-1 (ET-1), 6-keto-prostaglandin F_1a (6-keto-PGF_1a), and thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) were measured. Endothelium-dependent relaxation of the thoracic aorta was measured and transmission electron microscopy of aortic vessels was performed.

Results

Adrenalin metabolites in plasma were significantly lower (P<0.01) in rats after LP administration compared with those in the PS groups. The normalized ratios of plasma NO/ET-1 and 6-keto-PGF_1a/TXB₂ were maintained and endothelium-dependent relaxation of the aorta was greatly enhanced after LP treatment (P<0.05). Morphological alterations were observed in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) in PS rats, with a higher number of lysosomes and vague mitochondrial cristae compared with those in the sham group. However, these histopathological changes were markedly alleviated after LP treatment.

Conclusions

This study shows a protective effect of LP on VECs in PS rats. LP can regulate plasma levels of NO, ET-1, and 6-keto-PGF_1a, enhance endothelium-dependent relaxation, and alleviate histopathological changes of lysosomes and mitochondria in VECs. The potential mechanism of LP on VECs in PS rats is related to its function of reducing metabolites of adrenalin.     

Observation on warm needling therapy for third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome

Objective： To observe the effect of warm needling therapy plus acupuncture on third lumbar vertebra transverse process syndrome. Methods： Sixty cases of third lumbar vertebra transverseprocess syndrome were randomly divided into a warm needling groupor an acupuncture group, 30 cases in each group. Cases in the acupuncture group were treated by routine points and needle sticking manipulation, while those in the warm needling group were treated by moxibustion plus needling as same as the acupuncture group. Japanese orthopedic association scores （JOA） in the two groups were observed and compared after 2 treatment courses. Results： After treatment, the JOA score in the warm needling group was higher than that in the acupuncture group （P〈0.01）; subjective symptom, clinical syndromes, activity of daily living （ADL） in the warm needling group were all higher than those in the acupuncture group （allP〈0.05）; the score of pain in the warm needling group was significantly lower than that in the acupuncture group （P〈0.01）; the total effective rate in the warm needling group was 76.7%, versus 70.0% in the acupuncture group, showing a statistically significant difference （P〈0.05）. Conclusion： Warm needling therapy is more effective thannormal acupuncture in treating third lumbar vertebra transverseprocess syndrome.     

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B inhibitory by dammaranes from Vietnamese Giao-Co-Lam tea

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Thunb.) tea was used in Vietnamese folk medicine as anti-diabetic agent.

Aim of the study

This study was aimed to investigate the inhibitory activities of fractions and constituents isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) since it has been proposed as a treatment therapy for type 2 diabetes and obesity.

Materials and methods

The 70% EtOH extract, CHCl₃ fraction, EtOAc fraction, BuOH fraction, and seven isolated dammarane triterpenes were evaluated for their inhibitory activity in protein phosphatase enzymes (PTP1B and VHR).

Results

CHCl₃-soluble fraction showed a dose-dependent inhibitory activity of the PTP1B enzyme with the IC₅₀ value of 30.5 μg/mL. Among seven tested compounds, compounds 6 showed the most potent PTP1B inhibitory activity with IC₅₀ value of 5.3 ± 0.4 μM compared to a range 15.7–28.5 μM for the other six compounds. The inhibition mode of 6 was competitive toward p-NPP with a K_i value of 2.8 μM.

Conclusion

These study results suggested that the PTP1B inhibitory activity of these dammaranes may enable this plant to play an important role in the treatment of diabetes.     

The total alkaloids of Aconitum tanguticum protect against lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in rats

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Aconitum tanguticum has been widely used as a remedy for infectious diseases in traditional Tibetan medicine in China. The total alkaloids of Aconitum tanguticum (TAA) are the main active components of Aconitum tanguticum and have been demonstrated to be effective in suppressing inflammation. Our aim was to investigate the protective effects of TAA on acute lung injury (ALI) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in rats.

Materials and methods

TAA was extracted in 95% ethanol and purified in chloroform. After vacuum drying, the TAA powder was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups. Rats were given dexamethasone (DXM, 4 mg/kg) or TAA (60 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg) before LPS injection. The PaO₂and PaO₂/FiO₂ values, lung wet/dry (W/D) weight ratio and histological changes in lung tissue were measured. The cell counts, protein concentration, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in lung tissue were determined at 6, 12 or 24 h after LPS treatment. In addition, the NF-κ B activation in lung tissue was analyzed by western blot.

Results

In ALI rats, TAA significantly reduced the lung W/D ratio and increased the value of PaO₂ or PaO₂/FiO₂ at 6, 12 or 24 h after LPS challenge. TAA also reduced the total protein concentration and the number of total cells, neutrophils or lymphocytes in BALF. In addition, TAA decreased MPO activity in the lung and attenuated histological changes in the lung. Furthermore, TAA inhibited the concentration of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in BALF at 6, 12 or 24 h after LPS treatment. Further study demonstrated that TAA significantly inhibited NF-κ B activation in lung tissue.

Conclusions

The current study proved that TAA exhibited a potent protective effect on LPS-induced ALI in rats through its anti-inflammatory activity.     

Effect of didrovaltrate on I-calcium current in rabbit ventricular myocytes

Objective

To investigate the effect of didrovaltrate on L-type calcium current (I_ca-L) in rabbit ventricular myocytes.

Methods

We used the whole cell patch clamp recording technique.

Results

Didrovaltrate at concentrations of 30 μg/L and 100 μg/L significantly decreased peak ICa-L (ICa-Lmax) from (6.01 ± 0.48) pA/pF to (3.45±0.27) pA/pF and (2.16 ± 0.19) pA/pF (42.6% and 64.1%, n=8, P<0.01), respectively. Didrovaltrate shifted upwards the current-voltage curves of ICa-L without changing their active, peak and reverse potentials. Didrovaltrate affected the steady-state inactivation of ICa-L. The half activation potential (V_1/2) was significantly shifted from (−26 ± 2) to (−36 ± 3) mV (n=6, P<0.05), with a significant change in the slope factor (k) (from 8.8 ± 0.8 to 11.1 ± 0.9, n=6, P<0.05). Didrovaltrate did not affect the activation curve.

Conclusion

Didrovaltrate blocks ICa-L in a concentration-dependent manner and probably inhibits ICa-L in its inactive state, which may contribute to its cardiovascular effect.     

Effects of Cydonia oblonga Miller extracts on blood hemostasis,coagulation and fibrinolysis in mice,and experimental thrombosis in rats

Introduction

Cydonia oblonga Miller (COM) is traditionally used in Uyghur medicine for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. The present study is designed to explore the effects of COM extracts on models and markers of thrombosis and related biomarkers.

Materials and methods

20, 40, 80 mg/kg/day COM aqueous extracts and 5 mg/kg/day aspirin, orally for 14 days were compared to untreated controls in mice on bleeding and clotting times, using the tail cutting and glass slide methods and for death rates in collagen–epinephrine pulmonary thrombosis, thrombolysis in vitro and euglobulin lysis time (ELT). In rats, common carotid artery FeCl₃-induced thrombus and inferior vena cava thrombosis occlusion time, plasma concentrations of thromboxane B₂ (TXB₂) and 6-keto-prostaglandine F₁α (6-keto-PGF1α) were measured.

Results and conclusion

Compared to controls, COM extracts dose-dependently prolonged bleeding by 2.17, 2.78 and 3.63 times, vs. aspirin 2.58, and the clotting time by 1.44, 2.47 and 2.48 times, vs. aspirin 1.91. COM reduced pulmonary embolus mortality by 27, 40 and 53%, vs. 47% for aspirin. COM dose-dependently increased thrombolysis by 45, 55 and 63%, vs. 56% for aspirin, and shortened ELT to 71, 61 and 43%, vs. 43% for aspirin. In rats, venous occlusion time was prolonged. Arterial and venous thrombus weights were dose-dependently reduced in COM groups. TXB₂ decreased and 6-keto-PGF1α increased with COM and aspirin, with an association between 6-keto-PGF1α/TXB2 and arterial or venous thrombus weight for all products, and for occlusion time with COM but not for aspirin.

Conclusion

We confirm the experimental effects of COM on hemostasis and thrombosis. Further exploration of putative clinical effects appear justified.     

Clinical study on electroacupuncture plus interferential current therapy for chronic fatigue syndrome

Objective： To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture plus interferential current therapy （ICT） in treating chronic fatigue syndrome （CFS）, and to explore the mechanism. Methods： Sixty eligible CFS patients were randomized into a treatment group and a control group, 30 in each group. The treatment group was intervened by electroacupuncture plus ICT, while the control group was by electroacupuncture alone. The therapeutic efficacies were evaluated after 2 treatment courses and compared between the two groups. Results： The recovery rate and total effective rate were respectively 43.3% and 93.3% in the treatment group, versus 20.0% and 80.0% in the control group. There were significant differences in comparing the recovery rate and total effective rate between the two groups （P〈0.05）, showing that the recovery rate and total effective rate in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group. Conclusion： Electroacupuncture plus ICT can produce a remarkable efficacy in treating CFS.