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Wang KL, Yu YC, Chen HY, Chiang YF, Ali M, Shieh TM, Hsia SM. Recent Advances in Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice)-Containing Herbs Alleviating Radiotherapy- and Chemotherapy-Induced Adverse Reactions in Cancer Treatment. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12060535. [PMID: 35736467 PMCID: PMC9227067 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12060535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancers represent a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. They also impose a large economic burden on patients, their families, and health insurance systems. Notably, cancers and the adverse reactions to their therapeutic options, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, dramatically affect the quality of life of afflicted patients. Therefore, developing approaches to manage chemotherapy- and radiotherapy-induced adverse reactions gained greater attention in recent years. Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), a perennial plant that is one of the most frequently used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine, has been heavily investigated in relation to cancer therapy. Licorice/licorice-related regimes, used in combination with chemotherapy, may improve the adverse effects of chemotherapy. However, there is little awareness of licorice-containing herbs alleviating reactions to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, or to other induced adverse reactions in cancer treatment. We aimed to provide a descriptive review, and to emphasize the possibility that licorice-related medicines could be used as an adjuvant regimen with chemotherapy to improve quality of life (QoL) and to reduce side effects, thus, improving compliance with chemotherapy. The experimental method involved searching different databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Wang Fang database, as of May 2022, to identify any relevant studies. Despite a lack of high-quality and large-scale randomized controlled trials, we still discovered the potential benefits of licorice-containing herbs from published clinical studies. These studies find that licorice-containing herbs, and their active ingredients, reduce the adverse reactions caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and improve the QoL of patients. This comprehensive review will serve as a cornerstone to encourage more scientists to evaluate and develop effective Traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions to improve the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Lee Wang
- Department of Nursing, Ching Kuo Institute of Management and Health, Keelung 20301, Taiwan;
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.C.); (Y.-F.C.)
| | - Ying-Chun Yu
- Sex Hormonal Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40403, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Center for Tumor Biology, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40403, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yuan Chen
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.C.); (Y.-F.C.)
| | - Yi-Fen Chiang
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.C.); (Y.-F.C.)
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
| | - Tzong-Ming Shieh
- School of Dentistry, China Medical University, Taichung 40403, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Min Hsia
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.C.); (Y.-F.C.)
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- School of Food and Safety, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Immunological Differences in Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Treated with Traditional Japanese Herbal Medicines Hochuekkito, Juzentaihoto, and Ninjin'yoeito from Different Pharmaceutical Companies. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:7605057. [PMID: 34589133 PMCID: PMC8476247 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7605057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hochuekkito (HET), Juzentaihoto (JTT), and Ninjin'yoeito (NYT) have been used as Hozai, a group of traditional Japanese herbal medicines, to treat physically and mentally weak cancer patients. Their compositions are quite different, and Japanese pharmaceutical companies have been using different types or quantities of herbs for formulations with the same name. Here, we compared the immunological differences between HET, JTT, and NYT with respect to the induced T cell subsets and cytokines. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy volunteers and treated with 0 (control), 25, 50, 100, 200, or 400 μg/mL HET, JTT, or NYT (manufactured by Tsumura [TJ], Kracie [KR], and Kotaro [KO]). PBMC proliferation, CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell, and regulatory T cell (Treg) proportions and interleukin (IL) concentrations (IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β) secreted by PBMCs were measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 or flow cytometry bead analysis. PBMC proliferation and CD4+ T cell percentages were similar in the HET, JTT, NYT, and control groups; however, the percentage of CD8+ T cells tended to increase after treatments. Tregs were suppressed by HET, JTT, and NYT, and TJ-JTT significantly decreased Treg numbers (compared with control). The concentrations of all cytokines except TGF-β were increased in a concentration-dependent manner (p < 0.05); particularly, KR-HET induced IL-6 secretion (compared with the control, TJ-HET, and KO-HET; 37-, 7-, and 17-fold, respectively; p < 0.05). The TGF-β concentration was decreased in a concentration-dependent manner by HET, JTT, and NYT (compared with the control). These results suggest that, compared with TJ-HET and KO-HET, KR-HET should be administered with caution. Although HET, JTT, and NYT belong to the same Hozai group and have the same names among companies, their differing effects on immune activity must be considered and they must be administered with caution.
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Kuchta K, Cameron S. Phytotherapy for Cachexia: Where Do We Stand? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:917. [PMID: 32733236 PMCID: PMC7360856 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In contrast to Western medicine which currently offers no approved pharmacotherapy options for cachexia, in Japan multi-component extracts of medicinal plants are used with coverage by the national health insurance. This so called “Kampo” medicine is an example of the modern concept of multi-component/multi-target therapy. For the three traditional preparations Hochuekkito (補中益気湯), Juzentaihoto (十全大補湯), and Rikkunshito (六君子湯), a multitude of clinical research data relating to cachexia has been published. These preparations are also referred to as “Hozai” (補剤). A similar concept is found in Russian herbal medicine, where the term “Adaptogen” was coined for pharmacologically active substances which enhance adaptive stress repose. Methods Scientific literature—including original Japanese articles—was reviewed regarding the effects of these herbal preparations on cachexia. Cachexia is a complex set of symptoms including muscle atrophy with loss of weight, fatigue, and weakness. Results In a 1985 study by Kuroda et al., Hochuekkito showed efficacy in involuntary weight loss and fatigue in 63% of 162 patients with genitourinary cancer. For cancer-related fatigue, a significant improvement was reported within 2 weeks by Jeong et al. in 2010. In patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, Hochuekkito showed an overall improvement with 8–12 weeks of therapy in a 1997 study by Kuratsune et al. In a 2005 randomized placebo-controlled trial by Satoh et al. on 13 geriatric Q1 patients in a 16-week treatment protocol, Hochuekkito showed significant improvement of general health, physical functioning and the Profile of Mood States (POMS). In 71 geriatric COPD patients in a 2009 placebo-controlled randomized study, Tatsumi et al. found a significant body weight increase and a CRP, TNF-α, IL-6 decrease over 6 months of therapy. For Juzentaihoto in 48 hepatocellular carcinoma patients, Tsuchiya et al. 2008 documented a significantly longer recurrence-free survival (49 vs. 24 months) as compared to the control group (p=0.023). For the much simpler Rikkunshito prescription, a 2011 retrospective study by Fujitsuka et al. on 39 Stage III/IV pancreatic cancer patients treated with Gemcitabine (n=33) or Gemcitabine/Rikkunshito (n=6) showed a significantly prolonged median survival with 224 vs. 378.5 days (p < 0.05). In a 2011 open-label clinical study by Utumi et al. on geriatric cachexia in 6 dementia patients, treatment with Rikkunshito for 4 weeks resulted in a significant body weight increase. In all the above studies, the standardized dosage of 3x2.5 g/d extract granules for most Japanese health insurance-covered Kampo extract-preparations was applied. Conclusion As there is currently no accepted pharmacotherapy option for cachexia available in the West, a transfer of these East Asian gold standard prescriptions into the European market would be desirable. We were further able to demonstrate that the mTOR, interleucin, and melatonin pathways are modified by herbal compounds which thus counteract cachexia. More research in this field is urgently needed in order to provide new, effective treatments for cachexia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenny Kuchta
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Silke Cameron
- Clinic for Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, University of Göttingen Medical School, Göttingen, Germany
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Lim HS, Kim YJ, Sohn E, Yoon J, Kim BY, Jeong SJ. Bojungikgi-Tang, a Traditional Herbal Formula, Exerts Neuroprotective Effects and Ameliorates Memory Impairments in Alzheimer's Disease-Like Experimental Models. Nutrients 2018; 10:nu10121952. [PMID: 30544702 PMCID: PMC6316759 DOI: 10.3390/nu10121952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Bojungikgi-tang (BJIGT; Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang in China, Hochuekkito in Japan) is a traditional Oriental herbal formula comprised of eight medicinal herbs that has long been used for the treatment of digestive disorders. A recent clinical study from South Korea reported that BJIGT-gamibang administration may be effective in treating dementia. We aimed to establish scientific evidence for the anti-dementia effects of BJIGT using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. We measured amyloid- β (Aβ) aggregation, β-secretase (BACE), and antioxidant activity in a cell free system. Neuroprotective effects were assessed using CCK-8. Imprinting control region (ICR) mice were divided into the following six groups: Normal control, Aβ-injected, Aβ-injection + oral BJIGT gavage (200, 400, or 800 mg/kg/day), and Aβ-injection + oral morin administration (10 mg/kg/day). Subsequently, behavioral evaluations were conducted and brain samples were collected from all the animals and assessed. BJIGT enhanced inhibition of Aβ aggregation and BACE activity in vivo, as well as antioxidant activity in in vitro, cell-free systems. BJIGT also exerted neuroprotective effects in a hydroperoxide (H₂O₂)-induced damaged HT22 hippocampal cell line model. In addition, BJIGT administration significantly ameliorated cognitive impairments in Aβ-injected mice, as assessed by the passive avoidance and Y-maze tests. Furthermore, BJIGT treatment suppressed Aβ aggregation and expression, as well as expression of Aβ, NeuN, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampi of Aβ-injected mice. Overall, our results demonstrate that, with further testing in clinical populations, BJIGT may have great utility for the treatment of dementia and especially Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Sun Lim
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea.
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Jeollanam-do 58245, Korea.
| | - Yu Jin Kim
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea.
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea.
| | - Eunjin Sohn
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea.
| | - Jiyeon Yoon
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea.
| | - Bu-Yeo Kim
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea.
| | - Soo-Jin Jeong
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea.
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Differential Regulation of NF- κB and Nrf2 by Bojungikki-Tang Is Associated with Suppressing Lung Inflammation. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:5059469. [PMID: 29636779 PMCID: PMC5831875 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5059469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 12/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Bojungikki-tang (BT), an Asian herbal remedy, has been prescribed to increase the vitality of debilitated patients. Since a compromised, weakened vitality often leads to illness, BT has been widely used to treat various diseases. However, little is known about the mechanism by which BT exerts its effect. Given that BT ameliorates inflammatory pulmonary diseases including acute lung injury (ALI), we investigated whether BT regulates the function of key inflammatory factors such as NF-κB and Nrf2, contributing to suppressing inflammation. Results show that BT interrupted the nuclear localization of NF-κB and suppressed the expression of the NF-κB-dependent genes in RAW 264.7 cells. In similar experiments, BT induced the nuclear localization of Nrf2 and the expression of the Nrf2-dependent genes. In a lipopolysaccharide-induced ALI mouse model, a single intratracheal administration of BT to mouse lungs ameliorated alveolar structure and suppressed the expression of proinflammatory cytokine genes and neutrophil infiltration to mouse lungs. Therefore, our findings suggest that suppression of NF-κB and activation of Nrf2, by which BT suppresses inflammation, are ways for BT to exert its effect.
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Tsai MY, Hu WL, Chiang JH, Huang YC, Chen SY, Hung YC, Chen YH. Improved medical expenditure and survival with integration of traditional Chinese medicine treatment in patients with heart failure: A nationwide population-based cohort study. Oncotarget 2017; 8:90465-90476. [PMID: 29163845 PMCID: PMC5685766 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.20063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background No previous studies have evaluated the effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment on patients with heart failure (HF). Hence, in this study, we determined whether TCM treatment affects the healthcare burden and survival of HF patients. Methods Samples were retrieved from the registry of catastrophic illness patients of the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). Based on a frequency (1:1) matched case-control design, patients with HF between 2000 and 2010 were designated as cases (TCM users) and controls (non-TCM users). TCM treatment for patients with HF was analyzed. Results Among these patients, 312 used TCM for HF treatment and exhibited significantly increased 5-year survival (p < .0001), with multivariate adjustment, compared with those without TCM use. Mean outpatient clinic visits at 1 year and 5 years after HF diagnosis were higher in TCM users, and accumulated medical costs were lower than in non-TCM users at 1 year. The hospitalization cost at 1-year follow-up was lower for TCM users than for non-TCM users. We found that, compared with non-TCM users, TCM users had an 86% reduction in risk of mortality in the compensated group, and a 68% reduction in the decompensated group receiving TCM treatment (aHR 0.32, 95% CI 0.20–0.52). The hazard ratio (HR) of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) users with HF was significantly lower than that of non-users (aHR 0.24, 95% CI 0.16–0.35). We also analyzed the most commonly used herbal products as well as the HRs associated with their use, thus providing future research avenues. Conclusions This nationwide retrospective cohort study finds that combined therapy with TCM may improve survival in HF patients. This study also suggests that TCM may be used as an integral element of HF interventions on health care costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yen Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Long Hu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Huai Chiang
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chuen Huang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital and School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yu Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine for Post Baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chiang Hung
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Hsiang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Qu T, Wang E, Jin B, Li W, Liu R, Zhao ZB. 5-Aminosalicylic acid inhibits inflammatory responses by suppressing JNK and p38 activity in murine macrophages. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2017; 39:45-53. [PMID: 28071183 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2016.1274997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT 5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA), as an anti-inflammatory drug, has been extensively used for the treatment of mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis (UC), but the possible mechanisms of action remain unclear. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of 5-ASA on the production of inflammatory mediators by murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and determine the underlying pharmacological mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS The levels of nitric oxide (NO) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by Varioskan Flash and IL-6 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay sets. Real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the level of induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The effects of 5-ASA on iNOS, the c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), p38 and nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathways were examined using western blotting. RESULTS 5-ASA suppressed the production of NO and IL-6, and also decreased the expression of iNOS in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells. 5-ASA inhibited the phosphorylation of JNKs and p38, but did not block NF-κB activation at all doses tested. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The results indicated that the anti-inflammatory effect of 5-ASA was mainly regulated by the inhibition of the JNKs, p38 pathways rather than NF-κB pathway. Further research is required to clarify the detailed mechanism of the action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingli Qu
- a School of Pharmaceutical Science of Shanxi Medical University , Taiyuan , Shanxi , People's Republic of China
| | - Erbing Wang
- b Chemical and Biological Engineering College of Taiyuan University of Science and Technology , Taiyuan , Shanxi , People's Republic of China
| | - Baofen Jin
- a School of Pharmaceutical Science of Shanxi Medical University , Taiyuan , Shanxi , People's Republic of China.,c Fuyong People's Hospital , Shenzhen , Guangdong , People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Li
- d Department of Pharmacology , Fenyang College Shanxi Medical University , Fenyang , Shanxi , People's Republic of China
| | - Ruiling Liu
- a School of Pharmaceutical Science of Shanxi Medical University , Taiyuan , Shanxi , People's Republic of China
| | - Zheng-Bao Zhao
- a School of Pharmaceutical Science of Shanxi Medical University , Taiyuan , Shanxi , People's Republic of China
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Tsai MY, Hu WL, Lin CC, Lee YC, Chen SY, Hung YC, Chen YH. Prescription pattern of Chinese herbal products for heart failure in Taiwan: A population-based study. Int J Cardiol 2016; 228:90-96. [PMID: 27863367 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2016.11.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Certain Chinese herbal products (CHPs) may protect against the progression of heart failure (HF). However, there is a lack of research regarding the use of CHPs in patients with HF. The aims of this study were to analyze CHPs usage patterns in patients with HF and to identify the frequency and combination of CHPs most commonly used for HF. METHODS This retrospective, nationwide, population-based cohort study was conducted using a randomly sampled cohort of one million patients selected from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) for the years 2000-2010 in Taiwan. CHP use and the top ten most frequently prescribed formulae and single herbs for treating HF were assessed, including total formulae number and average and frequency of prescriptions. Demographic characteristics, including sex and age at diagnosis of HF, were examined, together with existing comorbidities. RESULTS The cohort included 19,988 newly diagnosed AD patients, who were given CHP treatment for HF between 2000 and 2010. Among them, female patients (53.3%) and those over 65years old (63.9%) were more likely to use CM. After adjusting for demographic factors, HF patients suffering from coronary artery disease (CAD) were more likely to seek traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment than those with non-TCM users (57.6% vs. 52.6%). Zhi-Gan-Cao-Tang (4.07%) and Danshen (5.13%) were the most frequent formula CHP and single CHP prescribed by TCM practitioners for treating HF, respectively. CONCLUSION Most people with HF who consumed CHPs used CHPs to supplement Yang-Qi, nourish the Ying-blood, and strengthen the heart spirit as complementary medicines to relieve HF-related symptoms, in addition to using standard anti-HF treatments. Further large-scale, randomized clinical trials are warranted in order to determine the effectiveness and safety of these herbal medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Yen Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Long Hu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Che-Chen Lin
- Management Office for Health Data, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan; Healthcare Service Research Center (HSRC), Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chiao Lee
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yu Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine for Post Baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chiang Hung
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; School of Chinese Medicine for Post Baccalaureate, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Yung-Hsiang Chen
- Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, College of Chinese Medicine, Research Center for Chinese Medicine & Acupuncture, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Psychology, College of Medical and Health Science, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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Wang L, Gao S, Jiang W, Luo C, Xu M, Bohlin L, Rosendahl M, Huang W. Antioxidative dietary compounds modulate gene expression associated with apoptosis, DNA repair, inhibition of cell proliferation and migration. Int J Mol Sci 2014; 15:16226-45. [PMID: 25226533 PMCID: PMC4200804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms150916226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2014] [Revised: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many dietary compounds are known to have health benefits owing to their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. To determine the molecular mechanism of these food-derived compounds, we analyzed their effect on various genes related to cell apoptosis, DNA damage and repair, oxidation and inflammation using in vitro cell culture assays. This review further tests the hypothesis proposed previously that downstream products of COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) called electrophilic oxo-derivatives induce antioxidant responsive elements (ARE), which leads to cell proliferation under antioxidative conditions. Our findings support this hypothesis and show that cell proliferation was inhibited when COX-2 was down-regulated by polyphenols and polysaccharides. Flattened macrophage morphology was also observed following the induction of cytokine production by polysaccharides extracted from viili, a traditional Nordic fermented dairy product. Coix lacryma-jobi (coix) polysaccharides were found to reduce mitochondrial membrane potential and induce caspase-3- and 9-mediated apoptosis. In contrast, polyphenols from blueberries were involved in the ultraviolet-activated p53/Gadd45/MDM2 DNA repair system by restoring the cell membrane potential. Inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 by saponin extracts of ginsenoside (Ginsen) and Gynostemma and inhibition of S100A4 by coix polysaccharides inhibited cancer cell migration and invasion. These observations suggest that antioxidants and changes in cell membrane potential are the major driving forces that transfer signals through the cell membrane into the cytosol and nucleus, triggering gene expression, changes in cell proliferation and the induction of apoptosis or DNA repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likui Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Shijuan Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Wei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
| | - Cheng Luo
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Tartu, Tartu 51010, Estonia.
| | - Maonian Xu
- Department of Food and Environmental Sciences, Division of Food Chemistry, University of Helsinki, Helsinki F-00014, Finland.
| | - Lars Bohlin
- Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Biomedical Center University of Uppsala, Uppsala 75123, Sweden.
| | | | - Wenlin Huang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China.
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Wu J, Li M, Liu L, An Q, Zhang J, Zhang J, Li M, Duan W, Liu D, Li Z, Luo C. Nitric oxide and interleukins are involved in cell proliferation of RAW264.7 macrophages activated by viili exopolysaccharides. Inflammation 2014; 36:954-61. [PMID: 23515856 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-013-9626-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Viili has been traditionally regarded as healthy food; viili exopolysaccharides (VEPS) function as antioxidants, but the molecular and cellular mechanisms, especially its immune functions, remain largely unclear. To assess VEPS's immunological roles, VEPS were separated by Sevage's method and purified by anion exchange chromatography. Cell proliferation, phagocytosis, releases of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and iNOS protein by Western blotting, and morphology by scanning electron microscopy in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)/VEPS-stimulated and non-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages were analyzed. VEPS increased cell proliferation at 50-200 μg/mL. The uptake of neutral red for the indication of phagocytosis and releases of NO, IL-6, and IL-1β were enhanced after exposure to LPS and VEPS. Gene expressions of iNOS, IL-6, and IL-1β and protein expressions of iNOS were increased with VEPS. The RAW264.7 cell treated with VEPS became flattened, a strong indication of the activation of macrophages. We concluded that VEPS promoted the activation of macrophages in which NO, IL-6, and IL-1β were involved; the release of NO and other cytokines may eventually activate lymphocytes, increasing nonspecific (innate) and specific immunity in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junhua Wu
- Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, Ministry of Education, College of Food Engineering and Biotechnology, Tianjin University of Science and Technology, No. 29, 13th Avenue, TEDA, Tianjin, 300457, China
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Park HJ, Kim DH, Park SJ, Kim JM, Ryu JH. Ginseng in traditional herbal prescriptions. J Ginseng Res 2013; 36:225-41. [PMID: 23717123 PMCID: PMC3659587 DOI: 10.5142/jgr.2012.36.3.225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Panax ginseng Meyer has been widely used as a tonic in traditional Korean, Chinese, and Japanese herbal medicines and in Western herbal preparations for thousands of years. In the past, ginseng was very rare and was considered to have mysterious powers. Today, the efficacy of drugs must be tested through well-designed clinical trials or meta-analyses, and ginseng is no exception. In the present review, we discuss the functions of ginseng described in historical documents and describe how these functions are taken into account in herbal prescriptions. We also discuss the findings of experimental pharmacological research on the functions of ginseng in ginseng-containing prescriptions and how these prescriptions have been applied in modern therapeutic interventions. The present review on the functions of ginseng in traditional prescriptions helps to demystify ginseng and, as a result, may contribute to expanding the use of ginseng or ginseng-containing prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Jae Park
- Department of Oriental Pharmaceutical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
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Jong Soo Jeong, Bong Ha Ryu, Jin Sung Kim, Jae Woo Park, Won Cheol Choi, Seong Woo Yoon. Bojungikki-Tang for Cancer-Related Fatigue: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial. Integr Cancer Ther 2010; 9:331-8. [DOI: 10.1177/1534735410383170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Bojungikki-tang (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang in Chinese or Hochu-ekki-to in Japanese) is a widely used herbal prescription in traditional medicine in China, Japan, and Korea. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of Bojungikki-tang for cancer-related fatigue. Methods: A total of 40 patients with cancer-related fatigue were randomized into an experimental or a waiting list control group. Patients in the experimental group were treated with Bojungikki-tang (TJ-41) and patients in the waiting list group remained without any intervention for 2 weeks. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in fatigue level assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale of Global Fatigue (VAS-F) measuring the severity of fatigue (experimental vs control: -1.1 ± 2.1 vs 0.1 ± 0.9, P < .05) and results of Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—General (FACT-G), Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy—Fatigue (FACT-F), and Trial Outcome Index—Fatigue (TOI-F) also showed significant improvements (FACT-G, 3.7 ± 9.9 vs -2.4 ± 9.5, P < .05; FACT-F,F, 8.0 ± 13.6 vs -2.2 ± 14.1, P < .05; TOI-F, 6.5 ± 9.2 vs -0.5 ± 10.9, P < .05). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Bojungikki-tang may have beneficial effects on cancer-related fatigue and quality of lives in cancer patients. More rigorous trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of Bojungikki-tang.
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Chen R, Moriya J, Yamakawa JI, Takahashi T, Kanda T. Traditional chinese medicine for chronic fatigue syndrome. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2008; 7:3-10. [PMID: 18955323 PMCID: PMC2816380 DOI: 10.1093/ecam/nen017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2007] [Accepted: 02/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
More and more patients have been diagnosed as having chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) in recent years. Western drug use for this syndrome is often associated with many side-effects and little clinical benefit. As an alternative medicine, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has provided some evidences based upon ancient texts and recent studies, not only to offer clinical benefit but also offer insights into their mechanisms of action. It has perceived advantages such as being natural, effective and safe to ameliorate symptoms of CFS such as fatigue, disordered sleep, cognitive handicaps and other complex complaints, although there are some limitations regarding the diagnostic standards and methodology in related clinical or experimental studies. Modern mechanisms of TCM on CFS mainly focus on adjusting immune dysfunction, regulating abnormal activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and serving as an antioxidant. It is vitally important for the further development to establish standards for ‘zheng’ of CFS, i.e. the different types of CFS pathogenesis in TCM, to perform randomized and controlled trials of TCM on CFS and to make full use of the latest biological, biochemical, molecular and immunological approaches in the experimental design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Union Hospital Affiliated to Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China and Department of General Medicine, Kanazawa Medical University, Ishikawa, Japan
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