1
|
Gatt AR, Vella Bonanno P, Zammit R. Ethical considerations in the regulation and use of herbal medicines in the European Union. FRONTIERS IN MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY 2024; 6:1358956. [PMID: 38948354 PMCID: PMC11211540 DOI: 10.3389/fmedt.2024.1358956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The regulation and use of herbal medicines is a topic of debate due to concerns about their quality, safety, and efficacy. EU Directive 2004/24/EC on Herbal Medicinal Products was a significant step towards establishing a regulatory framework for herbal medicinal products in the EU, and bridging the gap between conventional and herbal medicines. This Directive allows herbal medicinal products to be marketed in the EU through full marketing authorisation, well-established use, and traditional use of herbal medicinal products. The framework relies on the correlation between the therapeutic claims of herbal medicine and the scientific evidence backing them up: the greater the claims made regarding medicinal benefits, the more evidence is required to substantiate its efficacy and safety. This regulatory framework acknowledges and incorporates traditional knowledge when evaluating herbal medicines, showcasing a balanced approach that values cultural traditions while mandating monographs for traditional herbal medicinal products. Excluding herbal medicines completely limits access to affordable treatment, particularly when they serve as the only alternative for some, and protects consumer autonomy. This EU framework could therefore serve as a practical guidance for the use and regulation of herbal medicines, even outside the EU. In conclusion, it is argued that the same moral imagination and courage shown by regulators in the case of herbal medicines could perhaps be used in the regulatory frameworks of other healthcare products.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patricia Vella Bonanno
- Department of Health Systems Management and Leadership, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Raymond Zammit
- Department of Moral Theology, University of Malta, Msida, Malta
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li Y, Wu Y, Li H, Wang M, Gao Y, Pei S, Liu S, Liu Z, Liu Z, Men L. UPLC-QTOF-MS based metabolomics unravels the modulatory effect of ginseng water extracts on rats with Qi-deficiency. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2024; 242:116019. [PMID: 38382315 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2024.116019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Ginseng is commonly used as a nutritional supplement and daily wellness product due to its ability to invigorate qi. As a result, individuals with Qi-deficiency often use ginseng as a health supplement. Ginsenosides and polysaccharides are the primary components of ginseng. However, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of these components in Qi-deficiency remain unclear. This study aimed to determine the modulatory effects and mechanisms of ginseng water extract, ginsenosides, and ginseng polysaccharides in a rat model of Qi-deficiency using metabolomics and network analysis. The rat model of Qi-deficiency was established via swimming fatigue and a restricted diet. Oral administration of different ginseng water extracts for 30 days primarily alleviated oxidative stress and disrupted energy metabolism and immune response dysfunction caused by Qi-deficiency in rats. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography combined with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) was used for untargeted serum metabolomic analysis. Based on the analysis results, the active constituents of ginseng significantly reversed the changes in serum biomarkers related to Qi-deficiency in rats, particularly energy, amino acid, and unsaturated fatty acid metabolism. Furthermore, analysis of the metabolite-gene network suggested that the anti-Qi-deficiency effects of the ginseng components were mainly associated with toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling and inflammatory response. Additional verification revealed that treatment with the ginseng components effectively reduced the inflammatory response and activation of the myocardial TLR4/NF-κB pathway induced by Qi-deficiency, especially the ginseng water extracts. Therefore, ginseng could be an effective preventive measure against the progression of Qi-deficiency by regulating metabolic and inflammatory responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanyi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Yi Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China.
| | - Hanlin Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Meiyuan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Yang Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Shuhua Pei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Shu Liu
- National Center of Mass Spectrometry in Changchun & Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- National Center of Mass Spectrometry in Changchun & Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Chemistry and Mass Spectrometry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Zhongying Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China
| | - Lihui Men
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Yu X, Zhu Y, Xu J, Song X. Successful complementary therapy with traditional Chinese medicine in a patient with Qi and Jin deficiency symptoms from adult-onset Still's disease: A case report. Explore (NY) 2024; 20:256-260. [PMID: 37612160 DOI: 10.1016/j.explore.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) is a rare yet well-documented polygenic and systemic autoinflammatory disease characterized by recurrent spiking fever, transient skin rash, arthralgia, and sore throat. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) holds a significant role in complementary and alternative medicine. This study presents a unique case of a female AOSD patient with concurrent Qi and fluid deficiency syndrome who received combined treatment with formulated Zhu Ye Shi Gao Decoction (ZYSGD). CASE PRESENTATION In this case, a 28-year-old female patient presented with a 15-day history of fever and skin rash accompanied by sore throat, fatigue, myalgia, and arthralgia. Additionally, leucocytosis, aminotransferase abnormalities, and elevated inflammatory factor levels were observed. Infectious diseases, solid tumors, and hematological disorders were all ruled out. Anti-infective treatments proved ineffective, leading to the final diagnosis of AOSD. Glucocorticoid therapy provided only partial relief. Consequently, formulated ZYSGD and hepatoprotective drugs were added to the glucocorticoid treatment. Subsequently, the patient's symptoms and inflammatory biomarkers showed improvement. After discharge, the patient's condition remained stable while continuing the formulated ZYSGD in combination with 4 mg of Medrolol (qd) during a 10-month follow-up period. CONCLUSION This case report suggests that formulated ZYSGD could be a viable option for complementary and alternative therapy for late-stage AOSD, especially in cases involving both Qi and body fluid imbalances.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiali Yu
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310006, China
| | - Yuqing Zhu
- The First Clinical College of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Junmiao Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou Women's Hospital, Hangzhou, 310008, China
| | - Xinwei Song
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bae HR, Kim EJ, Ahn YC, Cho JH, Son CG, Lee NH. Efficacy of Moxibustion for Cancer-Related Fatigue in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Integr Cancer Ther 2024; 23:15347354241233226. [PMID: 38372234 PMCID: PMC10878217 DOI: 10.1177/15347354241233226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, and most patients experience fatigue. However, there are no effective treatments for cancer-related fatigue (CRF). Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have suggested that moxibustion improves CRF. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the differences in fatigue scale scores, quality of life, and clinical efficacy in patients with breast cancer who developed CRF and did versus did not receive moxibustion. METHODS RCTs were searched in 7 databases using a standardized search method from database inception to March 2023, and RCTs that met the inclusion criteria were selected. RESULTS Among 1337 initially identified RCTs, 10 RCTs involving 744 participants were selected for this study. The meta-analysis involved assessment of the revised Piper Fatigue Scale scores, Cancer Fatigue Scale scores, Karnofsky Performance Scale scores, Athens Insomnia Scale scores, clinical efficacy, and Qi deficiency syndrome scale scores. Compared with the control, moxibustion was associated with significantly better Piper Fatigue Scale scores (P < 0.0001), quality of life [Karnofsky Performance Scale scores (P < 0.0001)], clinical efficacy (P = 0.0007), and Qi deficiency syndrome scale scores (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Moxibustion improves CRF in patients with breast cancer. The efficacy of moxibustion should be further examined by high-quality studies in various countries with patients subdivided by their breast cancer treatment status. REGISTRATION PROSPERO ID: CRD42023451292.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Ri Bae
- East-West Cancer Center, Cheonan Korean Medical Hospital, Daejeon University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Kim
- East-West Cancer Center, Cheonan Korean Medical Hospital, Daejeon University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yo-Chan Ahn
- Department of Health Service Management, Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hyo Cho
- East-West Cancer Center, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Gue Son
- East-West Cancer Center, Daejeon Korean Medicine Hospital of Daejeon University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Hun Lee
- East-West Cancer Center, Cheonan Korean Medical Hospital, Daejeon University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gasmi A, Tippairote T, Mujawdiya PK, Menzel A, Lysiuk R, Shanaida M, Lenchyk L, Peana M, Bjørklund G. Traditional Chinese Medicine as the Preventive and Therapeutic Remedy for COVID-19. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:3118-3131. [PMID: 36999715 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230331084126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic still has tremendous impacts on the global socio-economy and quality of living. The traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) approach showed encouraging results during previous outbreaks of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). With limited treatment availability, TCM herbs and formulations could be useful to reduce COVID-19 symptoms and potential sources for discovering novel therapeutic targets. We reviewed 12 TCM herbs and formulations recommended for COVID-19 management by the National Health Commission and as National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of the People's Republic of China. This article explored the Chinese national authorities' guidelines from 2003 to 2020, the scientific data in public databases for the recommended TCM remedies, and their potential mechanistic actions in COVID-19 management. Several TCM herbs and formulations could potentially benefit COVID-19 management. The recommended TCM oral preparations list includes Huoxiang zhengqi, Jinhua Qinggan, Lianhua Qingwen, and Shufeng jiedu; the recommended injection preparations comprise Xiyanping Xuebijing, Re-Du-Ning, Tanreqing, Xingnaojing, Shenfu, Shengmai, and Shenmai. TCM remedies are viable options for symptom alleviation and management of COVID-19. The current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic presents an opportunity to find novel therapeutic targets from TCM-active ingredients. Despite the recommendations in Chinese National guidelines, these remedies warrant further assessments in well-designed clinical trials to ascertain their efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amin Gasmi
- Société Francophone de Nutrithérapie et de Nutrigénétique Appliquée, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Torsak Tippairote
- Nutritional and Environmental Section, Thailand Initiatives for Functional Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
- Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Healing Passion Medical Center, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Alain Menzel
- Laboratoires Réunis, Junglinster, Luxembourg, UK
| | - Roman Lysiuk
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Botany, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Life Science Research Group, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Mariia Shanaida
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Medical Botany, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Larysa Lenchyk
- Department of Quality, Standardization and Certification of Medicines of IATPS, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
- CONEM Ukraine Pharmacognosy and Natural Product Chemistry Research Group, National University of Pharmacy, Kharkiv, Ukraine
| | - Massimiliano Peana
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Mo i Rana, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li W, Zhuang T, Wang Z, Wang X, Liu L, Luo Y, Wang R, Li L, Huang W, Wang Z, Yang L, Ding L. Red ginseng extracts ameliorate high-fat diet-induced obesity and insulin resistance by activating the intestinal TGR5-mediated bile acids signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 119:154982. [PMID: 37531904 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity has emerged as a worldwide metabolic disease, given its rapid growth in global prevalence. Red ginseng extracts (RGS), one of the traditional processed products of ginseng, show the potential to improve the metabolic phenotype of obesity. However, the RGS mechanism for regulating obesity and late insulin resistance remains to be clarified. PURPOSE This study aimed to emphasize the potential use of RGS in treatment of obesity and insulin resistance (IR) and explore the underlying mechanism affecting glucose and lipid metabolism improvements. METHODS The role of RGS was evaluated in a high-fat diet (HFD) rodent model. Glucose tolerance test (GTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were performed to characterize the glucose metabolism level. The expression of lipolysis proteins and uncoupling protein-1 (UCP-1) were investigated by western blot. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and apical sodium-dependent bile acid transporter (ASBT) protein expression in the intestine were determined via immunofluorescence. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS were used to detect the alterations in bile acids (BAs) levels in serum, ileum, and inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT). In addition, intestine-specific Tgr5 knockout mice were employed to verify the efficacy of RGS in improving obesity. RESULTS RGS treatment alleviated dietary-induced dyslipidemia and IR in obese mice in a dose-dependent manner and improved glucose and insulin tolerance, and energy expenditure. RGS treatment significantly reduced lipid deposition and induced GLP-1 secretion in the intestine of wild-type mice but not in Tgr5ΔIN obese mice. Furthermore, RGS intervention increased BA levels in serum, ileum, and iWAT. The increase of circulating BAs in mice was related to the activation of ileal TGR5 and the promotion of ASBT translocation to the plasma membrane, thus affecting BA transport. Next, the increased level of circulating BAs entered the periphery, which might facilitate lipolysis and energy consumption by activating TGR5 in iWAT. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that RGS significantly alleviated HFD-induced obesity and insulin resistance in mice. RGS intervention improved glucose metabolism, promoted lipolysis, and energy metabolism by activating TGR5 in the intestine. In addition, we found that activating intestinal TGR5 facilitated the localization of ASBT to the plasma membrane, which ultimately promoted the transport of BAs to regulate metabolic phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription, MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Tongxi Zhuang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription, MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China; Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Institute of Diabetes Center, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zixuan Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription, MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xunjiang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription, MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Longchan Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription, MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yixuan Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription, MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Rufeng Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription, MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Linnan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription, MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wendong Huang
- Department of Diabetes Complications and Metabolism, Institute of Diabetes Center, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, 1500 E. Duarte Road, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Zhengtao Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription, MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Li Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription, MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Lili Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescription, MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China; Shanghai R&D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Leung AYL, Zhang J, Chan CY, Chen X, Mao J, Jia Z, Li X, Shen J. Validation of evidence-based questionnaire for TCM syndrome differentiation of heart failure and evaluation of expert consensus. Chin Med 2023; 18:70. [PMID: 37296429 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00757-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is widely used to treat heart failure (HF). Syndrome differentiation is a unique and crucial component in TCM practice for guiding disease diagnosis and treatment strategies as well as clinical research. The major bottlenecks in TCM syndrome differentiation are the diversity of the syndrome differentiation criteria and the broad spectrum of syndrome patterns, hindering evidence-based studies for clinical research. In the present study, we aim to develop an evidence-based questionnaire for the diagnosis of HF and establish a definitive set of criteria for syndrome differentiation. METHODS We designed a TCM syndrome differentiation questionnaire for heart failure (SDQHF) based on the "TCM expert consensus for diagnosis and treatment of heart failure" (expert consensus), literature review, and various clinical guidelines. To test the reliability and efficiency of the questionnaire, we performed a large-scale multiple-center clinical trial with the recruitment of 661 HF patients. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess the internal consistency of the SDQHF. Content validity was conducted through expert review. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to evaluate the construct validity. We constructed a proposed model for syndrome differentiation for HF based on the PCA results. Tongue analysis was performed to verify the accuracy of syndromes derived from the proposed model and the expert consensus. An evidence-based practical questionnaire for TCM syndrome differentiation patients was developed and validated with the data from 661 HF patients. RESULTS The syndrome differentiation criteria were constructed with five syndrome elements (qi-deficiency, yang-deficiency, yin-deficiency, blood stasis, and phlegm retention). The results revealed good convergent and discriminant validity, satisfactory internal consistency, and feasibility. The significant discoveries include: (1) A total of 91% of the derived TCM syndromes from the proposed model matched with the characterized tongue images of the syndrome patterns; (2) Qi Deficiency Syndrome is the dominant syndrome pattern for HF patients, followed by Yang-Qi Deficiency Syndrome and Qi-yin deficiency Syndrome, and finally, Yin-Yang Dual Deficiency Syndrome; (3) The majority of the HF patients had the combination of Blood Stasis and Phlegm Retention Syndromes; (4) The "Yin-Yang Dual Deficiency" Syndrome was a valid syndrome for HF, suggesting that this syndrome pattern should be included in the criteria for syndrome differentiation; and (5) Through the validation of the expert consensus, several recommendations were proposed to improve the accuracy of syndrome differentiation of HF. CONCLUSIONS The proposed SDQHF and the criteria could be a reliable and valid tool for syndrome differentiation of heart failure with high accuracy. It is recommended to use the proposed model for evidence-based study on Chinese Medicine to diagnose and treat HF. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, http://www.chictr.org.cn . (Registration No.: ChiCTR1900021929); Date: 2019-03-16.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Yeuk Lan Leung
- School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Jialing Zhang
- School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Chun Yin Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaotong Chen
- School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Mao
- Department of Cardiovascular Diseases, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, 300381, China
| | - Zhenhua Jia
- National Key Laboratory of Collateral Disease Research and Innovative Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Yiling Hospital, Key Disciplines of State Administration of TCM for Collateral Disease, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xinli Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Guangzhou Road 300, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jiangang Shen
- School of Chinese Medicine, University of Hong Kong, 3 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, Hong SAR, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wu Y, Ma Y, Cao J, Xie R, Chen F, Hu W, Huang Y. Feasibility study on the use of "Qi-tonifying medicine compound" as an anti-fatigue functional food ingredient based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1131972. [PMID: 37215213 PMCID: PMC10196032 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1131972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fatigue has attracted broad attention in recent years due to its high morbidity rates. The use of functional foods to relieve fatigue-associated symptoms is becoming increasingly popular and has achieved relatively good results. In this study, network pharmacology and molecular docking strategies were used to establish the material basis and mechanisms of Chinese herbal compounds in fatigue treatment. According to traditional medicine theories and relevant guidance documents published by the Chinese Ministry of Health, four herbal medicines, including Eucommia ulmoides Oliver bark, Eucommia ulmoides Oliver male flower, Panax notoginseng, and Syzygium aromaticum (EEPS), were selected to constitute the anti-fatigue herbal compound that may be suitable as functional food ingredients. Methods The major active ingredients in EEPS were identified via comprehensive literature search and Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology database search. Corresponding targets for these ingredients were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction. The network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1 to obtain key ingredients. Prediction of absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity properties was performed using the ADMETIab 2.0 database. The anti-fatigue targets were retrieved from GeneCards v5.13, OMIM, TTD and DisGeNET 7.0 databases. Then, the potential targets of EEPS in fatigue treatment were screened through a Venn diagram. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of these overlapping targets was constructed, and the hub targets in the network selected through topological screening. Gene Ontology and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database and the bioinformatics online platform. Finally, AutoDock tools were used to verify the binding capacity between the key active ingredients and the core targets. Results and Discussion This study identified the active ingredients and potential molecular mechanisms of EEPS in fatigue treatment, which will provide a foundation for future research on applications of herbal medicines in the functional food industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wu
- Center for Evidence Based Medical and Clinical Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication for Tissue Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yixuan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Jiangxi Province Key Laboratory of Biomaterials and Biofabrication for Tissue Engineering, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- College of Pharmacy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jinguo Cao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Rui Xie
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of GanNan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Wen Hu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yushan Huang
- Center for Evidence Based Medical and Clinical Research, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yuan C, Zhang W, Wang J, Huang C, Shu B, Liang Q, Huang T, Wang J, Shi Q, Tang D, Wang Y. Chinese Medicine Phenomics (Chinmedphenomics): Personalized, Precise and Promising. PHENOMICS (CHAM, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 2:383-388. [PMID: 36939806 PMCID: PMC9712866 DOI: 10.1007/s43657-022-00074-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The systematicness of phenomics and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) enable these two disciplines to interlink with each other. This article discussed the similarity in theory and application between TCM and phenomics and illustrates their respective advantages in diagnosis and treatment of diseases, forming a new discipline eventually. Chinese medicine phenomics (Chinmedphenomics) is built on classic TCM, combined with phenomics technology, and the development of which needs the mega cohort with TCM syndrome and the characteristics of precision medicine as well as multi-disciplinary cooperation, which is personalized, precise and promising, providing unique scientific insights into understanding human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunchun Yuan
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Institute of Spine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education about Theory and Treatment of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Weiqiang Zhang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Institute of Spine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education about Theory and Treatment of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai, 200032 China
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Jing Wang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Institute of Spine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education about Theory and Treatment of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Academic Research Center of Shixiaoshan' Traumatology, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Office, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Chen Huang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Institute of Spine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education about Theory and Treatment of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Bing Shu
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education about Theory and Treatment of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Academic Research Center of Shixiaoshan' Traumatology, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Office, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Qianqian Liang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Institute of Spine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education about Theory and Treatment of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Academic Research Center of Shixiaoshan' Traumatology, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Office, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Tingrui Huang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Institute of Spine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education about Theory and Treatment of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433 China
| | - Qi Shi
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Institute of Spine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education about Theory and Treatment of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Academic Research Center of Shixiaoshan' Traumatology, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Office, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Dezhi Tang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Institute of Spine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education about Theory and Treatment of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Academic Research Center of Shixiaoshan' Traumatology, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Office, Shanghai, 200032 China
| | - Yongjun Wang
- Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Institute of Spine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education about Theory and Treatment of Muscles and Bones, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Academic Research Center of Shixiaoshan' Traumatology, Shanghai, 200032 China
- Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Office, Shanghai, 200032 China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Luo J, Shen S, Xia J, Wang J, Gu Z. Mitochondria as the Essence of Yang Qi in the Human Body. PHENOMICS (CHAM, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 2:336-348. [PMID: 36939762 PMCID: PMC9590506 DOI: 10.1007/s43657-022-00060-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The concept of Yang Qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has many similarities with mitochondria in modern medicine. Both are indispensable to human beings and closely related to life and death. This article discusses the similarities in various aspects between mitochondria and Yang Qi, including body temperature, aging, newborns, circadian rhythm, immunity, and meridian. It is well-known that Yang Qi is vital for human health. Interestingly, decreased mitochondrial function is thought to be key to the development of various diseases. Here, we further explain diseases induced by Yang Qi deficiency, such as cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, sleep disorder, senile dementia, and metabolic diseases, from the perspective of mitochondrial function. We aim to establish similarities and connections between two important concepts, and hope our essay can stimulate further discussion and investigation on unifying important concepts in western medicine and alternative medicine, especially TCM, and provide unique holistic insights into understanding human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Luo
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193 China
| | - Shiwei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Jingjing Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, and Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438 China
| | - Zhenglong Gu
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 USA
- Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, 511458 China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Tran MN, Kim S, Nguyen QHN, Lee S. Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Qi-Invigorating Effects in Traditional Medicine: Network Pharmacology-Based Study on the Unique Functions of Qi-Invigorating Herb Group. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11192470. [PMID: 36235337 PMCID: PMC9573487 DOI: 10.3390/plants11192470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Qi-invigorating herbs (QIHs) are a group of herbs that invigorate Qi, the most vital force for maintaining the physiological functions of the human body in traditional medicine. However, the mechanism underlying the Qi-invigorating effects remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the unique mechanisms of QIHs based on unique compounds, using a network pharmacology approach. QIHs and their compounds were identified using existing literature and the TCMSP database, respectively. Subsequently, a method was proposed to screen for unique compounds that are common in QIHs but rare in other traditional herbs. Unique compounds’ targets were predicted using the TCMSP, BATMAN-TCM, and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Finally, enriched GO and KEGG pathways were obtained using DAVID to uncover the biomolecular functions and mechanisms. Thirteen unique compounds, mainly including amino acids and vitamins that participate in energy metabolism and improve Qi deficiency syndrome, were identified among the eight QIHs. GO and KEGG pathway analyses revealed that these compounds commonly participate in neuroactive ligand–receptor interaction and the metabolism of amino acids, and are related to the components of mitochondria and neuronal cells. Our results appropriately reflect the characteristics of traditional Qi-invigorating effects; therefore, this study facilitates the scientific interpretation of Qi functions and provides evidence regarding the treatment effectiveness of QIHs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minh Nhat Tran
- Korean Medicine Data Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea
- Korean Convergence Medical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Faculty of Traditional Medicine, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue 49120, Vietnam
| | - Soyoung Kim
- Korean Medicine Data Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea
- Korean Convergence Medical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Quynh Hoang Ngan Nguyen
- Center for Artificial Intelligence, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
- AI Robotics, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
| | - Sanghun Lee
- Korean Medicine Data Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34054, Korea
- Korean Convergence Medical Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-868-9461
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kan J, Cheng J, Hu C, Chen L, Liu S, Venzon D, Murray M, Li S, Du J. A Botanical Product Containing Cistanche and Ginkgo Extracts Potentially Improves Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Symptoms in Adults: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Placebo-Controlled Study. Front Nutr 2021; 8:658630. [PMID: 34901100 PMCID: PMC8662561 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2021.658630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dietary therapy may be beneficial in alleviating symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), a disorder that is characterized by extreme fatigue and other symptoms, but the cause of which remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of a botanical product containing cistanche (Cistanche tubulosa [Schenk] Wight) and ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.) extracts on adults with CFS in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 190 subjects (35-60 years old, non-obese) with CFS were randomized to receive one tablet of a low dose (120-mg ginkgo and 300-mg cistanche), a high dose (180-mg ginkgo and 450-mg cistanche) or a placebo once daily for 60 days. Blood samples and responses on the Chalder fatigue scale (CFQ 11), the World Health Organization's quality of life questionnaire (WHOQOL), and the sexual life quality questionnaire (SLQQ) were collected at baseline and post-intervention. CFS symptoms of impaired memory or concentration, physical fatigue, unrefreshing sleep, and post-exertional malaise were significantly improved (p < 0.001) in both of the treatment groups. The botanical intervention significantly decreased physical and mental fatigue scores of CFQ 11 and improved WHOQOL and SLQQ scores of the subjects (p < 0.01). Levels of blood ammonia and lactic acid in the treatment groups were significantly lower than those of the placebo group (low-dose: p < 0.05; high-dose: p < 0.01). In addition, the change in lactic acid concentration was negatively associated with the severity of CFS symptoms (p = 0.0108) and was correlated with the change in total physical fatigue score of the CFQ (p = 0.0302). Considering the trivial effect size, the results may lack clinical significance. In conclusion, this botanical product showed promising effects in ameliorating the symptoms of CFS. Clinical trials with improved assessment tools, an expanded sample size, and an extended follow-up period are warranted to further validate the findings. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier: NCT02807649.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juntao Kan
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Junrui Cheng
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Shanghai, China
- Plants for Human Health Institute, North Carolina State University, Kannapolis, NC, United States
| | - Chun Hu
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Buena Park, CA, United States
| | - Liang Chen
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Shanghai, China
| | - Dawna Venzon
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Buena Park, CA, United States
| | - Mary Murray
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Buena Park, CA, United States
| | - Shuguang Li
- School of Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Du
- Nutrilite Health Institute, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Tian J, Huang Y, Wu T, Huang HD, Ko KM, Zhu BT, Chen J. The Use of Chinese Yang/Qi-Invigorating Tonic Botanical Drugs/Herbal Formulations in Ameliorating Chronic Kidney Disease by Enhancing Mitochondrial Function. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:622498. [PMID: 34248614 PMCID: PMC8264145 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.622498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated as a key factor in the development of CKD. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, many Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating botanical drugs/herbal formulations have been shown to produce promising outcomes in the clinical management of CKD. Experimental studies have indicated that the health-promoting action of Yang/Qi invigoration in TCM is related to the up-regulation of mitochondrial energy generation and antioxidant status. Objective: In this review, we aim to test whether Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations can provide medical benefits in CKD and its complications. And we also explore the possible involvement of mitochondrial-associated signaling pathway underlying the beneficial effects of Yang/Qi invigoration in TCM. Methods: A systematic search of "PubMed", "China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)" and "Google Scholar" was carried out to collect all the available articles in English or Chinese related to Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations and their effects on mitochondrial function and chronic kidney disease. Result and Discussion: The relationship between the progression of CKD and mitochondrial function is discussed. The effects of Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations and their active ingredients, including phytosterols/triterpenes, flavonoids, and dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, on CKD and related alterations in mitochondrial signaling pathways are also presented in this review. In the future, exploration of the possible beneficial effects and clinical studies of more Yang- and Qi-invigorating botanical drugs/herbal formulations in the prevention and/or/treatment of CKD and the molecular mechanisms relating to the enhancement of mitochondrial functions warrants further investigation. Conclusion: Given the critical role of mitochondrial function in safeguarding renal functional integrity, the enhancement of mitochondrial energy metabolism and antioxidant status in kidney tissue is likely involved in renal protection. Future studies on the biochemical and chemical basis underlying the effects of Chinese Yang/Qi-invigorating tonic botanical drugs/herbal formulations from a mitochondrial perspective will hopefully provide novel insights into the rational development of new drugs for the prevention and/or treatment of CKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Tian
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yuqi Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hsien-Da Huang
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
- Warshel Institute for Computational Biology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kam Ming Ko
- Division of Life Science, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Bao Ting Zhu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jihang Chen
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
- School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu SH, Chen PS, Huang CC, Hung YT, Lee MY, Lin WH, Lin YC, Lee AYL. Unlocking the Mystery of the Therapeutic Effects of Chinese Medicine on Cancer. Front Pharmacol 2021; 11:601785. [PMID: 33519464 PMCID: PMC7843369 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.601785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the rise of cancer immunotherapy has coincided with a remarkable breakthrough in cancer therapy, which attracted increased interests in public. The scientific community clearly showed that the emergence of immunotherapy is an inevitable outcome of a holistic approach for cancer treatment. It is well established that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) utilizes the principle of homeostasis and balance to adjust the healthy status of body. TCM treatment toward cancer has a long history, and the diagnosis and treatment of tumors were discussed in the ancient and classical literatures of Chinese medicine, such as the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon. Precious heritage has laid the foundation for the innovation and development of cancer treatment with TCM. The modern study indicated that TCM facilitates the treatment of cancer and enhances the survival rate and life expectancy of patients. However, the pharmacological mechanisms underlying these effects are not yet completely understood. In addition, physicians cannot always explain why the TCM treatment is effective and the mechanism of action cannot be explained in scientific terms. Here, we attempted to provide insights into the development of TCM in the treatment and interpret how TCM practitioners treat cancer through six general principles of TCM by using modern scientific language and terms based on newly discovered evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Hsiang Liu
- Celgen Biotech, Taipei, Taiwan.,Taiwan Instrument Research Institute, National Applied Research Laboratories, Zhubei, Taiwan
| | | | - Chun-Chieh Huang
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taitung Christian Hospital, Taitung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Tu Hung
- HanPoo Chinese Medical Clinic, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ying Lee
- Chinese Medicine Women Doctors Association, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Alan Yueh-Luen Lee
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Deng SM, Chiu AF, Wu SC, Huang YC, Huang SC, Chen SY, Tsai MY. Association between cancer-related fatigue and traditional Chinese medicine body constitution in female patients with breast cancer. J Tradit Complement Med 2021; 11:62-67. [PMID: 33511063 PMCID: PMC7817705 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common psychosomatic problem in breast cancer patients. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used to address symptoms in patients with CRF. Identification of the specific constitution in TCM is essential for personalized care. AIM To explore the relationship between fatigue and specific constitutions in breast cancer. EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE We conducted a cross-sectional study in all breast cancer patients at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital in Taiwan. The severity of fatigue was determined using the Brief Fatigue Inventory-Taiwanese (BFI-T) form. TCM patterns were determined using the Body Constitution Questionnaire (BCQ). The relationship between constitution and fatigue was analyzed using logistic regression. RESULTS We recruited 110 breast cancer patients with fatigue (mean age: 55 ± 11 years). The mean duration of breast cancer was 17.4 months. The major constitution among these patients with fatigue was Yang-Qi deficiency (50%). Phlegm-Stasis syndrome was correlated with a duration of breast cancer of more than 18 months (p = 0.02). Out of all participants, 42.7% (n = 47) reported clinically significant fatigue (BFI-T score ≥4). According to logistic regression, the score of Yang-Qi deficiency [odds ratio (OR): 3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.49-8.21, p < 0.01] was also associated with clinically significant fatigue. CONCLUSION Yang-Qi deficiency is associated with clinically significant fatigue in breast cancer patients. However, the association of Phlegm-Stasis syndrome and fatigue as disease duration increases cannot be ignored. Further studies are needed to determine whether treating both constitutions integrating TCM treatment can alleviate patients' fatigue symptoms.
Collapse
Key Words
- BCQ, Body Constitution Questionnaire
- BFI-T, Brief Fatigue Inventory–Taiwan
- BMI, body mass index
- Breast cancer
- CAM, complementary and alternative medicine
- CI, confidence interval
- CRF, Cancer-related fatigue
- Chemotherapy
- Constitution
- Fatigue
- Hb, hemoglobin
- OR, odds ratio
- TCM, traditional Chinese medicine
- Traditional Chinese medicine
- VAS, visual analogue scale
- WBC, white blood cell
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheuh-Mei Deng
- Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
- Department of Nursing, Fooyin University, Kaohsiung, 83102, Taiwan
| | - Aih-Fung Chiu
- Department of Nursing, Meiho University, Pingtung, 91202, Taiwan
| | - Shin-Chung Wu
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chuen Huang
- Department of Medical Research, China Medical University Hospital and School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, 41354, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Chuan Huang
- Department of Nursing, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, E-Da Hospital and I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 82445, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yen Tsai
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Fu Y, Yang J, Fan S, Zhao S, Du R, Shah SMA, Akram M, Rong R, Yang Y. Selection and validation of optimal endogenous reference genes for analysis of quantitative PCR in four tissues pathologically associated with Kidney-yang deficiency syndrome following influenza A infection. Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:244. [PMID: 33178342 PMCID: PMC7651868 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney-yang deficiency syndrome (KYDS) infected with the influenza virus is a suitable model to imitate a population at high-risk to influenza infection with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. However, the specific molecular mechanisms underlying this disease remain unclear. A stable reference gene is essential as an internal control for molecular biology research of this condition. Reverse-transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) is considered an extremely sensitive technique used for absolute and relative quantification of target genes transcript levels. To accurately estimate the relative expression of genes in cells from mice with KYDS in response to infection with influenza A virus subtype H1N1 (A/H1N1) virus using RT-qPCR, it is necessary to identify suitable reference genes. In the present study, analysis of 10 reference genes (Act-β, β2m, GAPDH, Gusβ, Tubα, Grcc10, Eif4h, Rnf187, Nedd8 and Ywhae) was performed across a set of 4 tissue types: Lung; heart; liver; and kidney. KYDS mice were inoculated with A/H1N1 virus or a mock control. For analysis, geNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder, and Bio-Rad Maestro™ statistical programs were used for the estimation of the stability of the reference genes. The results were authenticated through extended experimental settings using a group of 10 samples, parallel to 3 additional innate immune system-associated genes of the host, TLR3, TLR7 and RIG-I, which were also analyzed using the same algorithms. From the 4 algorithms, taking into account the joint analyses of the ranking order outputs, the 2 genes Ywhae and Nedd8 were identified to be the most stable for mice with KYDS following infection with A/H1N1 virus. In contrast, the least stable genes in all 4 tissues were GAPDH and β2m. These results may affect the choice of reference genes in future studies that use RT-qPCR analysis of target genes in experimental conditions, such as mice with KYDS infected with influenza A virus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yepei Fu
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Jia Yang
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Fan
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Shaozhe Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Ruikun Du
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Syed Muhammad Ali Shah
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Directorate of Medical Sciences, Government College University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Punjab 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Akram
- Department of Eastern Medicine, Directorate of Medical Sciences, Government College University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Punjab 38000, Pakistan
| | - Rong Rong
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China.,Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Antiviral Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| | - Yong Yang
- Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Antiviral Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China.,Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250355, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Effects of 10.6-μm laser moxibustion and electroacupuncture at ST36 in a 5-Fu-induced diarrhea rat model. Support Care Cancer 2020; 29:2561-2569. [PMID: 32959156 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-020-05788-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 10.6-μm laser moxibustion and electroacupuncture in 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu)-induced diarrhea model rats. METHODS Forty-eight Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: a normal group, model group, 10.6-μm laser moxibustion (LM) group, and electroacupuncture (EA) group. Diarrhea was induced by 5-Fu (50 mg/kg) injection in 36 rats; the LM and EA groups received treatment at acupoint ST36 (Zusanli) on hind limbs once a day for 6 days. RESULTS 5-Fu injection caused body weight decline and diarrhea. From the 5th to 7th day, the LM group showed higher body weights than the model group (P < 0.05). On the 6th day, diarrhea score of the LM group was better than that of the EA group (P < 0.05). Both scores of the LM group and EA group were better than that of model group (P < 0.05). The LM group and EA group both had better intestine pathological scores and lower endotoxin (ET) and diamine oxide (DAO) activity than the model group (P < 0.01). The LM group got better pathological scores than the EA group (P < 0.01). Ultramicroscopic structures of the model group showed severe damage while the LM group and EA group remained good in their small intestines. The model group had obviously decreased occludin protein in intestine tissues than the control group (P < 0.01), while occludin expressions in the LM group and EA group were both obviously increased compared with the model group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION LM and EA treatment on ST36 could alleviate damage to intestinal barrier function and alleviate diarrhea caused by 5-Fu.
Collapse
|
18
|
Kwon CY, Lee B, Kong M, Lee SH, Jung HJ, Kim KI, Lee BJ. Effectiveness and safety of herbal medicine for cancer-related fatigue in lung cancer survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res 2020; 35:751-770. [PMID: 32929824 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Approximately half of lung cancer patients (LCP) receiving chemotherapy are experiencing cancer-related fatigue (CRF). In East Asia, herbal medicines (HMs) have been used as tonics due to their anti-fatigue effect. This systematic review evaluated the effectiveness and safety of HMs for CRF in LCP. We comprehensively searched 12 electronic medical databases to search randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs investigating HMs for CRF in LCP, published up to September 2019. The primary outcome was the fatigue severity. Secondary outcomes included patients' quality of life (QOL), activities of daily life (ADL), and incidence of adverse events. Cochrane's risk of bias tool assessed the methodological quality of included RCTs. The risk ratio or mean difference was estimated with 95% confidence intervals by performing a meta-analysis. Twelve RCTs with 861 participants were included. Compared to conventional medicine alone, HM combined with conventional medicine significantly improved fatigue level, QOL, and ADL. As monotherapy, HM significantly improved ADL compared with megestrol. No serious HM-related adverse events were reported. Limited evidence suggests that HM could be effective and safe for CRF in LCP. However, further high-quality RCTs are needed to confirm these findings owing to the small number and low methodological quality of the included studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Young Kwon
- Department of Oriental Neuropsychiatry, Dong-eui University College of Korean Medicine, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Boram Lee
- Clinical Medicine Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonkyo Kong
- Division of Lung & Head and Neck Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hyeun Lee
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jae Jung
- Division of Allergy, Immune and Respiratory System, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyunghee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwan-Il Kim
- Division of Allergy, Immune and Respiratory System, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyunghee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom-Joon Lee
- Division of Allergy, Immune and Respiratory System, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyunghee University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Xiong H, Zhang AH, Zhao QQ, Yan GL, Sun H, Wang XJ. Discovery of quality-marker ingredients of Panax quinquefolius driven by high-throughput chinmedomics approach. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 74:152928. [PMID: 31451286 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2019.152928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Quality control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has always been a hot issue to TCM. However, due to the complexity of TCM ingredients, the current quality standards of TCM have problems that are difficult to guarantee clinical efficacy. American ginseng, the dried roots of Pawajc quinquefolium L. (Araliaceae), is a valuable herbal medicine due to various pharmacological effects and huge health benefit, which are associated with numerous active ingredients such as ginsenosides. Although a large number of studies have investigated the active ingredients of American ginseng, Q-markers reflecting comprehensive review on its efficacies has yet been unrevealed. PURPOSE The study aims to discover the Q-markers of Panax quinquefolius (American ginseng), provides a powerful method to clarify the significant ingredents of TCM and help further discovering extensive quality evaluation model,contributing to a significant improvement of TCM quality standard. METHODS Mice general status, biochemical indexes assay, urine metabolic profile, and serum metabolic profile were utilized for model replication and efficacy evaluation. The in vitro and in vivo constituents of American ginseng using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) with Serum Pharmacochemistry of TCM were in-depth investigated. Q-markers that were associated with core markers of therapeutic effects were excavated by a plotting of correlation between marker metabolites and serum constituents (PCMS) approach. RESULTS Correlation analysis of 41 blood and urine labeled metabolites with 14 serum components showed that 24-methyl-7-cholesten-3β-ol, zizybeoside II, betulin, ginsenoside Rd, cinnamyl alcohol, pseudoginsenoside F11 is highly correlated with the therapeutic effects of Compound Zaofan Pill (CZP), while pseudoginsenoside F11 and ginsenoside Rd are highly correlated with the therapeutic effects of American ginseng. The six absorbed blood compounds can be considered as potential Q-markers for compound, of which two compounds, such as pseudoginsenoside F11 and ginsenoside Rd, can be considered as potential Q-markers for American ginseng. CONCLUSION The study has demonstrated that the Chinmedomics is an effective, comprehensive and fire-new method for discovering the Q-markers of TCM, and it may be more reasonable choices to establish quality standards of TCM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Xiong
- National Chinmedomics Research Center, Sino-America Chinmedomics Technology Collaboration Center, National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry, Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin, China
| | - Ai-Hua Zhang
- National Chinmedomics Research Center, Sino-America Chinmedomics Technology Collaboration Center, National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry, Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin, China
| | - Qi-Qi Zhao
- National Chinmedomics Research Center, Sino-America Chinmedomics Technology Collaboration Center, National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry, Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin, China
| | - Guang-Li Yan
- National Chinmedomics Research Center, Sino-America Chinmedomics Technology Collaboration Center, National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry, Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Sun
- National Chinmedomics Research Center, Sino-America Chinmedomics Technology Collaboration Center, National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry, Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin, China
| | - Xi-Jun Wang
- National Chinmedomics Research Center, Sino-America Chinmedomics Technology Collaboration Center, National TCM Key Laboratory of Serum Pharmacochemistry, Laboratory of Metabolomics, Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Heping Road 24, Harbin, China; State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Avenida Wai Long, Taipa, Macau.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Zhang J, Li X, Huang L. Anticancer activities of phytoconstituents and their liposomal targeting strategies against tumor cells and the microenvironment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2020; 154-155:245-273. [PMID: 32473991 PMCID: PMC7704676 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Various bioactive ingredients have been extracted from Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) that affect tumor progression and metastasis. To further understand the mechanisms of CHMs in cancer therapy, this article summarizes the effects of five categories of CHMs and their active ingredients on tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment. Despite their treatment potential, the undesirable physicochemical properties (poor permeability, instability, high hydrophilicity or hydrophobicity, toxicity) and unwanted pharmacokinetic profiles (short half-life in blood and low bioavailability) restrict clinical studies of CHMs. Therefore, development of liposomes through relevant surface modifying techniques to achieve targeted CHM delivery for cancer cells, i.e., extracellular and intracellular targets and targets in tumor microenvironment or vasculature, have been reviewed. Current challenges of liposomal targeting of these phytoconstituents and future perspective of CHM applications are discussed to provide an informative reference for interested readers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Modern Preparation of TCM, Ministry of Education, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, Jiangxi, China
| | - Leaf Huang
- Division of Pharmacoengineering and Molecular Pharmaceutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhao L, Ayu A, Pan W, Huang ZQ. The effect of hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary-target gland axes in a kidney-yang deficiency syndrome model. WORLD JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2020. [DOI: 10.4103/wjtcm.wjtcm_38_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
|
22
|
Yeh MH, Chao CH, Koo M, Chen CY, Yeh CC, Li TM. Association of traditional Chinese medicine body constitution and moderate-to-severe cancer-related fatigue in cancer patients. Complement Ther Med 2019; 43:44-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
|
23
|
Deng X, Fu Y, Luo S, Luo X, Wang Q, Hu M, Ma F, Ma CW, Zhou L. Polysaccharide from Radix Codonopsis has beneficial effects on the maintenance of T-cell balance in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 112:108682. [PMID: 30797152 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 02/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunity due to immune balance contributes to disease prevention and treatment. Radix Codonopsis polysaccharide (RCP) is isolated from the root of the Chinese herb Codonopsis pilosula. Previous studies have indicated that RCP has immunomodulatory activities; however, the effects of RCP on immunity, especially immune balance, are still largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effects of RCP on T-cell balance in mice. The mice were pretreated intragastrically with or without RCP for 15 days and injected with hydrocortisone on days 10-15 to disturb the immune system. The spleen and thymus were weighed and used to calculate immune organ indexes. The percentages of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, Th1 cells, Th2 cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and Th17 cells in peripheral blood were assayed by flow cytometry. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10, in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The results showed that RCP pretreatment could maintain the homeostasis of CD8+ T cells, Tregs, Th17 cells, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-10 in hydrocortisone-treated mice. Furthermore, RCP pretreatment maintained the immune balance of CD4+/CD8+ T cells, Th1/Th2 cells, Tregs/Th17 cells, IL-10/TNF-α and IL-10/IL-1β. Taken together, RCP pretreatment had beneficial effects on the maintenance of T-cell balance against hydrocortisone disturbance in mice and potential to be developed into novel functional food.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangliang Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Infinitus Chinese Herbal Immunity Research Centre, Guangzhou 510663, China; School of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yajun Fu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shuang Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xia Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Minghua Hu
- Infinitus Chinese Herbal Immunity Research Centre, Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Fangli Ma
- Infinitus Chinese Herbal Immunity Research Centre, Guangzhou 510663, China
| | - Chung Wah Ma
- Infinitus Chinese Herbal Immunity Research Centre, Guangzhou 510663, China.
| | - Lian Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Zhu J, Liu S, Guo Y, Hou L, Su X, Li Y, Han B, Liu D, Wang Q, Chen JJD, Wei W. A New Model of Diarrhea with Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency Syndrome. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2018; 2018:4280343. [PMID: 30364058 PMCID: PMC6186382 DOI: 10.1155/2018/4280343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to examine a new method to create a rat model of diarrhea with spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome. METHODS A senna leaf (Folium sennae) decoction was made in 3 concentrations of 1.0, 0.5, and 0.25 g/mL. Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control (C)-, high (H)-, middle (M)-, and low (L)- dose groups. The groups received saline, 1.0, 0.5, or 0.25 g/mL senna leaf decoction, respectively, for 4 weeks. Body weight monitoring, food consumption, water intake, defecation frequency, stool Bristol score, weight-loaded forced swimming test, forelimb grip strength test, D-xylose absorption test, serum cortisone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), 24 h urine 17-hydroxycorticosteroid (17-OHCS), and histopathological detection were conducted to assess the success of the senna leaf decoction-induced model. RESULTS This study showed that the senna leaf decoction could induce diarrhea and dose-dependently slow body weight growth, reduce food consumption, and increase water intake, stool Bristol score, and defecation frequency. Statistical differences were found between groups H and M in rectal temperature, weight-loaded forced swimming time, forelimb grip strength, and serum cortisone. The D-xylose absorption test also showed dysfunction of intestinal absorption in groups H and M. The serum cortisone and 24 h urine 17-OHCS were significantly reduced in group H. CONCLUSIONS Gastric gavage of 10 mL/kg of body weight of a high concentration of a senna leaf decoction (1.0 g/mL) for 4 weeks was used to create a rat model of diarrhea with spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310012, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100102, China
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Basic Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yu Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Liwei Hou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Xiaolan Su
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Yijie Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Boyu Han
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Dengke Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100102, China
| | - Qingguo Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jiande JD Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Wangjing Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100102, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wu HC, Chen KH, Hwang JS. Association of Menopausal Symptoms with Different Constitutions in Climacteric Women. Complement Med Res 2018; 25:398-405. [PMID: 30153672 DOI: 10.1159/000491389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between the body constitution and menopausal symptoms in climacteric women. METHODS This cross-sectional study recruited 427 women aged 40-60 years from the hospital and nearby community. In addition to filling out a questionnaire on menopause rating scale - Traditional Chinese version, the participants completed the body constitution questionnaire. This classifies a person to 1 or more of 3 imbalanced constitutional types, which are yin-xu, yang-xu and stasis-stagnation. We constructed logistic regression models to estimate probabilities of the menopausal symptoms among climacteric women presenting with various menopausal status and differing body constitutions. RESULTS The frequency and scores of the yin-xu, yang-xu, and stasis-stagnation constitutions were significantly higher in perimenopausal and postmenopausal than premenopausal women. Compared to the non-constitution women, the odds ratio of having hot flushes, sleeping disorders, sexual problems, irritability, and anxiety were significantly higher with the yin-xu constitution. The women with a yang-xu constitution had significantly higher odds ratios for having bladder problems, muscle and joint problems, depressive mood, and heart discomfort. Symptoms of heart discomfort, physical and mental exhaustion, and sleeping disorders were correlated to the stasis-stagnation constitution. CONCLUSION With the additional key symptoms related to the 3 constitutional types, physicians performing traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are able to diagnose the menopausal syndrome more accurately. Integrating menopausal symptoms with TCM constitutional theory will contribute to a more rapid diagnosis and treatment of menopausal syndrome.
Collapse
|
26
|
Liao PL, Li CH, Tse LS, Kang JJ, Cheng YW. Safety assessment of the Cistanche tubulosa health food product Memoregain ®: Genotoxicity and 28-day repeated dose toxicity test. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 118:581-588. [PMID: 29886232 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The pharmacological effects of Cistanches Herba, known as "Ginseng of the desert", have been extensively studied. In this study, we aimed to assess the genotoxic and oral toxic effects of the Cistanche tubulosa health food product Memoregain® using in vitro and in vivo tests. Ames tests using five strains of Salmonella typhimurium showed no signs of increased reverse mutation upon exposure to Memoregain® up to a concentration of 5 mg/plate. Exposure of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO-K1) cells to Memoregain® did not increase the frequency of chromosomal aberrations in vitro. Moreover, Memoregain® treatment did not affect the proportions of immature to total erythrocytes or the number of micronuclei in the immature erythrocytes of ICR mice. Additionally, after 28-day repeated oral dose toxicity tests (0, 0.15, 0.3, and 0.5g/kg body weight) in rats, no observable adverse effects were found. These toxicological assessments supported the safety of Memoregain® for human consumption.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Lin Liao
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ching-Hao Li
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ling-Shan Tse
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jaw-Jou Kang
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Yu-Wen Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Huang Y, Kwan KKL, Leung KW, Wang H, Kong XP, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. The Extracts and Major Compounds Derived from Astragali Radix Alter Mitochondrial Bioenergetics in Cultured Cardiomyocytes: Comparison of Various Polar Solvents and Compounds. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1574. [PMID: 29799462 PMCID: PMC6032251 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Astragali Radix (AR) is a widely used "Qi-invigorating" herb in China for its tonic effects in strengthening biological tissues. The extract of AR contains abundant antioxidants, including astragalosides and isoflavonoids. However, very few reports have systematically measured the effects of the major components of AR on cell mitochondrial bioenergetics. Here, a systemic approach employing an extracellular flux analyzer was developed to evaluate mitochondrial respiration in cultured cardiomyocyte cells H9C2. The effects of different polar extractives, as well as of the major compounds of AR, were compared. The contents of astragaloside IV, calycosin, formononetin, and genistein in the AR extracts obtained by using water, 50% ethanol, and 90% ethanol were measured by liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer (LC⁻MS). The antioxidant activities of the AR extracts, as well as of their major compounds, were determined by measuring the free radical scavenging activity and protective effects in tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-treated H9C2 cells. By monitoring the real-time oxygen consumption rate (OCR) in tBHP-treated cardiomyocytes with a Seahorse extracellular flux analyzer, the tonic effects of the AR extracts and of their main compounds on mitochondrial bioenergetics were evaluated. AR water extracts possessed the strongest antioxidant activity and protective effects in cardiomyocytes exposed to oxidative stress. The protection was proposed to be mediated via increasing the spare respiratory capacity and mitochondrial ATP production in the stressed cells. The major compounds of AR, astragaloside IV and genistein, showed opposite effects in regulating mitochondrial bioenergetics. These results demonstrate that highly polar extracts of AR, especially astragaloside-enriched extracts, possess better tonic effects on mitochondrial bioenergetics of cultured cardiomyocytes than extracts with a lower polarity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, China.
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Kenneth Kin Leung Kwan
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Ka Wing Leung
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, China.
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Huaiyou Wang
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Xiang Peng Kong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, China.
| | - Tina Ting Xia Dong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, China.
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Karl Wah Keung Tsim
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Edible and Medicinal Bioresources, Shenzhen Research Institute, Hi-Tech Park, Nanshan, Shenzhen 518000, China.
- Division of Life Science and Center for Chinese Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lin Z, Sun X, Xie H, Zhang T, Zu X, Qiao L, Zhang W. Plasma metabolomics coupled with MetaboAnalyst and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis characterizes linoleic acid metabolism disorder in patients with spleen-yang-deficiency syndrome. Eur J Integr Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
|
29
|
Wang XM, Li XB, Peng Y. Impact of Qi-invigorating traditional Chinese medicines on intestinal flora: A basis for rational choice of prebiotics. Chin J Nat Med 2018; 15:241-254. [PMID: 28527509 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(17)30041-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
According to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Qi (vital energy) is regarded as a driving force of biological activities in human body, including both nutrient substances and organ functions. Qi-invigorating TCMs are widely used to treat various symptoms and disorders, such as fatigue, obesity, immunosuppression, intestinal flora imbalance, and gastrointestinal diseases, in which Qi is considered to be reduced or depleted. Interestingly, abundant clinical evidences suggest that these disorders are associated with the alternation of intestinal flora, which directly affects disease status. Herein we review the interaction between gut microbiota and Qi-invigorating TCMs under healthy and disease conditions and discuss the mechanisms of action and applications of Qi-invigorating TCMs in enhancing health status through microbial alternation. A better understanding of the role of Qi-invigorating TCMs in modulating microbial composition and the association between intestinal microbiota and diseases would help reveal the clinical consequences of microbiota alteration and explore opportunities to harness this symbiotic relationship to improve public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Meng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xiao-Bo Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Ying Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kim J, Jung CJ, Nam DH, Kim KH. Different trends of teeth marks according to qi blood yin yang deficiency pattern in patients with chronic fatigue. Eur J Integr Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eujim.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
|
31
|
Li H, Jiang H, Liu J. Traditional Chinese medical therapy for erectile dysfunction. Transl Androl Urol 2017; 6:192-198. [PMID: 28540226 PMCID: PMC5422677 DOI: 10.21037/tau.2017.03.02] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including acupuncture and Chinese herbs, is used as an alternative therapy to increase the curative effect for erectile dysfunction (ED). A large number of studies have been conducted to investigate the effect and mechanism of TCM for treating ED. The therapeutic effect of acupuncture on ED is still controversial at present. However, some Chinese herbs exhibited satisfying outcomes and they might improve erectile function by activating nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) pathway, increasing cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) expression, elevating testosterone level, reducing intracellular Ca2+ concentration, down-regulating transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1)/Smad2 signaling pathway, or ameliorating the oxidative stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Li
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Hongyang Jiang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Leung WK, Gao L, Siu PM, Lai CW. Diabetic nephropathy and endothelial dysfunction: Current and future therapies, and emerging of vascular imaging for preclinical renal-kinetic study. Life Sci 2016; 166:121-130. [PMID: 27765534 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
An explosion in global epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus poses major rise in cases with vascular endothelial dysfunction ranging from micro- (retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy) to macro-vascular (atherosclerosis and cardiomyopathy) conditions. Functional destruction of endothelium is regarded as an early event that lays the groundwork for the development of renal microangiopathy and subsequent clinical manifestation of nephropathic symptoms. Recent research has shed some light on the molecular mechanisms of type 2 diabetes-associated comorbidity of endothelial dysfunction and nephropathy. Stemming from currently proposed endothelium-centered therapeutic strategies for diabetic nephropathy, this review highlighted some most exploited pathways that involve the intricate coordination of vasodilators, vasoconstrictors and vaso-modulatory molecules in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. We also emphasized the emerging roles of oxidative and epigenetic modifications of microvasculature as our prospective therapeutics for diabetic renal diseases. Finally, this review in particular addressed the potential use of multispectral optoacoustic tomography in real-time, minimally-invasive vascular imaging of small experimental animals for preclinical renal-kinetic drug trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wilson Kc Leung
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, HKSAR, China
| | - L Gao
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, HKSAR, China
| | - Parco M Siu
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, HKSAR, China
| | - Christopher Wk Lai
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, HKSAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
β-Sitosterol increases mitochondrial electron transport by fluidizing mitochondrial membranes and enhances mitochondrial responsiveness to increasing energy demand by the induction of uncoupling in C2C12 myotubes. J Funct Foods 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2016.02.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
|
34
|
Li Z, Lin H, Gu L, Gao J, Tzeng CM. Herba Cistanche (Rou Cong-Rong): One of the Best Pharmaceutical Gifts of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:41. [PMID: 26973528 PMCID: PMC4771771 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cistanche species, known as Rou Cong-Rong in Chinese, are an endangered wild species and are mainly distributed in the arid lands and warm deserts of northwestern China. Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Herba Cistanche is applied as a tonic and/or in a formula for chronic renal disease, impotence, female infertility, morbid leucorrhea, profuse metrorrhagia, and senile constipation. The chemical constituents of Herba Cistanche mainly consist of volatile oils, non-volatile phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs), iridoids, lignans, alditols, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides. There have been an increasing number of studies focusing on its bio-activities, including antioxidation, neuroprotection, and antiaging. The objective of this review is to introduce this herb to the world. Its taxonomy, distribution, and corresponding biological functions and molecular mechanisms are addressed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiming Li
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamen, China; Key Laboratory for Cancer T-Cell Theranostics and Clinical TranslationXiamen, China
| | - Huinuan Lin
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University Xiamen, China
| | - Long Gu
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University Xiamen, China
| | - Jingwen Gao
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University Xiamen, China
| | - Chi-Meng Tzeng
- Translational Medicine Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen UniversityXiamen, China; Key Laboratory for Cancer T-Cell Theranostics and Clinical TranslationXiamen, China; INNOVA Clinics and TRANSLA Health GroupXiamen, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Neuroprotective Effects of Cistanches Herba Therapy on Patients with Moderate Alzheimer's Disease. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2015; 2015:103985. [PMID: 26435722 PMCID: PMC4576016 DOI: 10.1155/2015/103985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Cistanches Herba (CH) is thought to be a “Yang-invigorating” material in traditional Chinese medicine. We evaluated neuroprotective effects of Cistanches Herba on Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Moderate AD participants were divided into 3 groups: Cistanches Herba capsule (CH, n = 10), Donepezil tablet (DON, n = 8), and control group without treatment (n = 6). We assessed efficacy by MMSE and ADAS-cog, and investigated the volume changes of hippocampus by 1.5 T MRI scans. Protein, mRNA levels, and secretions of total-tau (T-tau), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin- (IL) 1β (IL-1β) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were detected by Western blot, RT-PCR, and ELISA. The scores showed statistical difference after 48 weeks of treatment compared to control group. Meanwhile, volume changes of hippocampus were slight in drug treatment groups but distinct in control group; the levels of T-tau, TNF-α, and IL-1β were decreased compared to those in control group. Cistanches Herba could improve cognitive and independent living ability of moderate AD patients, slow down volume changes of hippocampus, and reduce the levels of T-tau, TNF-α, and IL-1β. It suggested that Cistanches Herba had potential neuroprotective effects for moderate AD.
Collapse
|
36
|
Li DQ, Li ZC, Dai ZY. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor combined with dengzhanshengmai capsule improves the fatigue symptoms: a 12-week open-label pilot study. Int J Clin Exp Med 2015; 8:11811-11817. [PMID: 26380022 PMCID: PMC4565405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was to assess the efficacy and safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) plus Dengzhanshengmai capsule in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS SSRI at a moderate dose plus Dengzhanshengmai (n = 134) with SSRI alone (n = 134) were compared for the efficacy and safety in the treatment of CFS. The therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated. RESULTS As compared to monotherapy group, the efficacy in combined therapy group was better and characterized by the improvement of general fatigue (0.8±0.6 vs. 1.3±0.7), physical fatigue (0.6±0.3 vs. 1.0±0.4) and reduced activity (1.0±0.5 vs. 1.3±0.6) since the 2nd week (P<0.01) and in reduced motivation (2.1±0.8 vs. 2.4±1.0) since the 8th week (P<0.01) and the improvement continued thereafter. The mental fatigue score and HAD score were comparable between two groups (P>0.05). No significant difference was found in the drop-out rate between SSRI group (15.7%) and SSRI plus Dengzhanshengmai group (18.0%). The reasons for drop out were adverse events (7.5% vs. 9.7%), requests of the patients or career requirement (3.7% vs. 4.5%), loss to follow-up and others (2.2% vs. 3.0%) and lack of efficacy (2.2% vs. 0.7%). Although the patients in combined therapy group experienced a higher rate of hypertension than (5.8% vs. 1.5%), no significant difference was observed (P = 0.08). CONCLUSION SSRI combined with Dengzhanshengmai capsule may significantly improve the general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity and reduced motivation of CFS patients as compared to monotherapy with SSRI. Furthermore, this combined therapy is safe and tolerable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De-Qiang Li
- Department of Integrated Internal Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang UniversityHangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhong-Chun Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Yuan Dai
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Xiaoying Street Community Health CenterHangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang LL, Ding H, Yu HS, han LF, Lai QH, Zhang LJ, Song XB. Cistanches Herba: Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Effects. CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINES 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/s1674-6384(15)60017-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
|