Coptidis Rhizoma: a comprehensive review of its traditional uses, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology.

CONTEXT: Coptidis rhizome (CR), also known as Huanglian in Chinese, is the rhizome of Coptis chinensis Franch., C. deltoidea C.Y. Cheng et Hsiao, or C. teeta Wall (Ranunculaceae). It has been widely used to treat bacillary dysentery, diabetes, pertussis, sore throat, aphtha, and eczema in China. OBJECTIVES: The present paper reviews the latest advances of CR, focusing on the botany, phytochemistry, traditional usages, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology and toxicology of CR and its future perspectives. METHODS: Studies from 1985 to 2018 were reviewed from books; PhD. and MSc. dissertations; the state and local drug standards; PubMed; CNKI; Scopus; the Web of Science; and Google Scholar using the keywords Coptis, Coptidis Rhizoma, Huanglian, and goldthread. RESULTS: Currently, 128 chemical constituents have been isolated and identified from CR. Alkaloids are the characteristic components, together with organic acids, coumarins, phenylpropanoids and quinones. The extracts/compounds isolated from CR cover a wide pharmacological spectrum, including antibacterial, antivirus, antifungal, antidiabetic, anticancer and cardioprotective effects. Berberine is the most important active constituent and the primary toxic component of CR. CONCLUSIONS: As an important herbal medicine in Chinese medicine, CR has the potential to treat various diseases. However, further research should be undertaken to investigate the clinical effects, toxic constituents, target organs and pharmacokinetics, and to establish criteria for quality control, for CR and its related medications. In addition, the active constituents, other than alkaloids, in both raw and processed products of CR should be investigated.

[Spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprint and free radicals scavenging in Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction].

To establish the spectrum-effect relationship between HPLC fingerprint and free radicals activity scavenging in Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction( GSZD),and provide a basis for the quality evaluation and modernization of classical prescriptions. Shimadsu GL-science C18 column( 4. 6 mm×250 mm,5 µm) was used with acetonitrile-0. 1% formic acid solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution. The detective wave length was 254 nm; the column temperature was set at 32 ℃; the injection volume was 20 µL; and the flow rate was 1. 0 m L·min-1.10 batches of primary standard samples of GSZD were detected,and their HPLC fingerprint was established by using the similarity evaluation system for chromatographic fingerprint of traditional Chinese medicine( TCM). The activity of scavenging free radicals was studied by 1,1-diphenyl-2-trinitrophenylhydrazine( DPPH) method,and the spectrum-effect relationship was studied by Pearson bivariate correlation analysis. The common mode of GSZD fingerprints was established,and 26 common peaks were marked,with similarities ranging from 0. 929 to 0. 998. Eight of the chromatographic peaks were identified by using the control comparison method: gallic acid,mangiferin,paeoniflorin,glycyrrhizin,asparagus,5-O-methylvisamicin,cinnamic acid,and ammonium glycyrrhetate. Among them,the content changes of No. 14( paeoniside),20,12( mangiferin),13 and 23( cinnamic acid) common peaks were negatively correlated with free radical scavenging activity. The fingerprint showed high precision,repeatability and stability,and the common peaks were well separated,so it can be used for the quality evaluation of GSZD,and could provide reference for further studies on the material basis of GSZD.

[Study on change rule of 6 ester-type alkaloids in process of Heishunpian].

To study the variation of six ester-type alkaloids and characteristic fingerprints in the process from Radix Aconite Lateralis to Heishunpian and lay a foundation for the study of the processing principle of Heishunpian, HPLC. analysis was performed on a Phenomenex Gemini C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) with acetonitrile and 40 mmol x L(-1) ammonium acetate (adjusted to pH 10 with concentrated ammonia water) as mobile phase. The detection wavelength was set at 235 nm. The flow rate was set at 0.8 mL x min(-1) and the injection volume was 10-20 microL. Six ester-type alkaloids were determined and characteristic fingerprints of the process were established. As the process continues, the contents of diester diterpene alkaloids were decreased step by step, while the contents varia tion of monoester diterpene alkaloids were not obvious. Each sample showed significant difference in characteristic fingerprints. With the exception of 6 known monoester diterpene alkaloids and diester diterpene alkaloids, 13 peaks were marked in the characteristic fingerprints, of which the total change rule of the other 7 unknown peaks were similar with 3 diester diterpene alkaloids. The established method is accurate, reliable and repeatable, and can provide reference for revealing change rule of index components and illuminating processing principle in the process of Heishunpian.

[Discrimination of Coptidis Rhizoma and its processed products by odor objectify].

Different processed products of Coptidis Rhizoma have its unique odor, which is an important assessment index for pro- cessed products identification of Coptidis Rhizoma. Objectify odor as an entry point in this study, an electronic nose technology was used, and a suitable method for Coptidis Rhizoma measurement was built firstly. Then different processed products of Coptidis Rhizoma were detected by the method built. Finally, different processed products were identified by combining with chemometrics based on the objective odor information obtained. Electronic nose detection indicated that a significant difference in odor between different processed products was performed. Coptidis Rhizoma processed or not can be distinguished based on statistical quality control (SQC) and soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA). Principle component analysis (PCA) model showed that Coptidis Rhizoma and its various processed products discriminated obviously. In addition, in order to identify the processed products of Coptidis Rhizoma, a correct recognition rate of 100% was acquired by discriminant factor analysis (DFA) , and the initial identification rate and cross-validation recognition rate of linear discriminant analysis (LDA) is 100%, 94.4% respectively. In conclusion, differentiationin odor of different processed Coptidis Rhizoma was performed by the electronic nose technology used, and different products Coptidis Rhizoma were dis- criminated by combining with chemometrics. This research can be a reference for objective identification in odor of traditional Chinese medicine, and is good for the inheritance and development of traditional experience in odor identification.

[Theory and research of dryness in traditional Chinese medicine].

Dryness is the inherent performance in traditional Chinese medicine. Dryness with a specific efficacy and side effect can be reduced suitably by processing and compatibility in the clinical application. Nowadays domestic scholars have developed research of dryness in traditional Chinese medicine. However, it remains problems such as evaluation index of dryness not clear. This paper takes medical literature mining technology to analyze the historical origin and features of dryness theory. Combing the modern literatures to explicate the dryness' research status and existing problems. Putting forward the traditional Chinese medicine and research should adopt multidisciplinary knowledge and study the system of comprehensive evaluation. Dryness is expected to further application in traditional Chinese medicine clinical research.

[Classification study of Coptis chinensis based on quantitative physical property characteristics of appearance and internal quality evaluation].

OBJECTIVE: Combining the quantitative physical property characteristics of the appearance with the internal quality evaluation index, its aims to provide experimental basis for the classification and quality evaluation of Coptis chinensis. METHOD: Fourteen batches of C. chinensis from different areas were respectively measured in size (total length, total width, root length, taproot diameter, branch number, branch length, branch diameter, length of the bridge, weight), color (external color, internal color), content (epiberberine, coptisine, palmatine, berberine). Then the determination data were evaluated by spss principal component analysis and cluster analysis. RESULT: Three principal components were extracted from the original data. The principal component analysis results showed that the characteristic elements might be the total length, main root length, taproot diameter, branch length, weight, the total color value of the appearance and content of epiberberine and berberine. The results of cluster analysis showed that 14 batches of samples could be clustered reasonably into two groups. In terms of the appearance and quality, there were some differences between in the geo-authentic and non-authentic producing areas of C. chinensis. CONCLUSION: The method which was combining the quantitative physical property characteristics of the appearance with the internal quality evaluation index, and through the processing of mathematical statistics, could be used for the the classification of C. chinensis.

Tai Chi and other mind-body interventions for cancer-related fatigue: an updated systematic review and network meta-analyses protocol.

INTRODUCTION: Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms in patients with cancer and is responsible for a reduced quality of life. There is a strong evidence base for mind-body interventions (MBIs) to manage cancer-related fatigue (CRF). However, the efficacy of Tai Chi and other MBIs in the treatment of CRF remains controversial. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: We will perform a systematic review and network meta-analyses (NMAs) that aim to assess the effects of Tai Chi and other MBIs in patients with CRF. The following databases will be searched from their inception to 1 August 2021: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, OVID, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal Database, Chinese Biomedical Database and Wan Fang Digital Journals. We will include randomised controlled trials that compare MBIs with no treatment, placebo and usual care in the treatment of CRF. The primary outcome will be changes in the fatigue state as evaluated by validated scales. We will perform a Bayesian NMA to analyse all the evidence for each outcome. The surface under the cumulative ranking curve and the mean ranks will be used to rank the various treatments. We will assess the quality of evidence contributing to network estimates of outcomes using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system framework. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This NMAs will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Since no individual patient data will be involved in the review, ethics approval and concerns about privacy are not needed. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER: CRD42021244999.

Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze, a multifunctional traditional Chinese medicinal plant, and its herbal medicines: A comprehensive review.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Strobilanthes cusia (Nees) Kuntze (SCK, Malan), a traditional Chinese medicinal plant, has long applied to detoxification, defervescence, detumescence and antiphlogosis. "Southern Banlangen" (Rhizoma et Radix Baphicacanthis Cusiae, RRBC), root and rhizome of SCK, is widely used for treatment of many epidemic diseases. Malanye (Southern Daqingye), stem and leaf of SCK, is an antipyretic-alexipharmic drug frequently-used in southern China. Qingdai (Indigo Naturalis, IN), a processed product of SCK, is always applied to dermatoses in the folk. AIM OF THE REVIEW: In order to elucidate the historical uses, recent advances and pharmaceutical prospects of SCK, we summarized roundly in aspects of history, processing method, chemical constitution, quality control, pharmacological activity and toxicity. Some deficiencies in current studies and research directions in the future are also discussed. This is the first comprehensive review of SCK and its herbal medicines, which may be of some help for further research. METHODOLOGY: Comprehensive analysis was conducted on the basis of academic papers, pharmaceutical monographs, ancient medicinal works, and drug standards of China. All available information on SCK and its herbal medicines was collected by using the keywords such as "Strobilanthes cusia", "Southern Banlangen", "indirubin", "tryptanthrin" through different electronic databases including NCBI Pubmed, Google Scholar, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure and so on. Pharmacopoeia of China and some ancient works were obtained from National Digital Library of China. RESULT: Medicinal uses of SCK were already described by famous ancient researchers. Because of vague description, plant species in some works cannot be confirmed. Literature demonstrated that multiple components including total 36 alkaloids and 35 glycosides, the main bioactive components of SCK, were found in SCK and its herbal medicines. Modern studies indicated that SCK and some of its components had multiple pharmacological effects including resistance to cancer, remission of inflammation, suppression of microorganisms, relief of dermatoses, and so on. However, studies on pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and quality control are still not enough. CONCLUSION: A number of reports suggested that SCK and its processed medicines could be promising drug candidates for multiple diseases especially promyelocytic leukemia, ulcerative colitis (UC) and psoriasis. However, bioactive activities of most components, especially glycosides should still be explored further. It is crucial to elucidate the in-depth molecular mechanisms, and pharmacokinetic characteristics of main components in those herbal medicines. Moreover, to ensure the effectiveness of clinical medication, future studies should undoubtedly give the priority to clarifying the effective compositions of SCK, and then a measurement standard of those indicators should be protocolled to establish a comprehensive quality evaluation mode.

Processing methods and mechanisms for alkaloid-rich Chinese herbal medicines: A review.

The processing of Chinese herbal medicine is a form of pharmaceutical technology developed over thousands of years, in order to increase efficiency and decrease toxicity of herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Herbal processing is essential for safe and effective application of TCM in clinical practice, as it alters the active chemical components and therefore the functions of herbal medicines. Alkaloid-rich herbal medicines in TCM are commonly processed by cleansing, cutting, processing by dry stir-frying, stir-frying with liquid adjuvants, and processing by water decoction. In addition, commonly used adjuvants for processing alkaloid-rich herbal medicines are river sand, wine, vinegar, brine, honey and herbal juice. For alkaloid-rich herbal medicines, the main chemical reactions that occur during processing include hydrolysis, oxidation, replacement, decomposition and condensation. This paper aimed to summarize the processing methods and mechanisms for alkaloid-rich Chinese herbal medicines, and provide much-needed theoretical support and scientific evidence for understanding those mechanisms and effects. Information on processing methods for alkaloid-rich herbal medicines was collected from classic books of herbal medicine, PhD and MSc dissertations, online scientific databases including PubMed, SciFinder, Scopus, Web of Science, Baidu Scholar and Google Scholar. This paper should help to advance our knowledge of the processing mechanisms and aid in the development of processing methods for alkaloid-rich Chinese herbal medicines.

Galla Chinensis, a Traditional Chinese Medicine: Comprehensive review of botany, traditional uses, chemical composition, pharmacology and toxicology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Galla chinensis (GC), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has a wide range of pharmacological properties which have been widely used for more than 1400 years. Based on shape, GC is divided into two groups: jiaobei and dubei. It is a bitter, sour, cold and astringent substance which is usually used for treating diarrhea, constipation, bleeding, cough, vomiting, sweating, hemorrhoids, and anal and uterine prolapse. It is distributed in Japan, North Korea, and all parts of China. AIM OF STUDY: This study was aimed at carrying out a comprehensive overview of the current status of research on Galla chinensis (GC) for better understanding of it characteristics, while providing a clear direction for future studies. It has aroused the interest of researchers, leading to development of medicinal value, expansion of its application, and provision of wider and more effective drug choices. This study was focused on the traditional uses, botany, chemical composition, pharmacology and toxicology of GC. Finally, the study focused on possible future research directions for GC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive analysis was done based on academic papers, pharmaceutical monographs, ancient medicinal works, and drug standards of China. This review used Galla and Galla chinensis as keywords for retrieval of information on GC from online databases such as PubMed, Elsevier, CNKI, Web of Science, Google Scholar, SCI hub, and Baidu academic. RESULTS: It was found that the chemical constituents of GC included tannins, phenolic acid, amino acids and fatty acid, with polyphenol compounds (especially tannins and gallic acid) as the distinct components. In vitro and in vivo studies revealed that GC exerted numerous biological effects such as anti-caries, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. The therapeutic effect of GC was attributed mainly to the biological properties of its bioactive components. CONCLUSIONS: GC is an important TCM which has potential benefit in the treatment of a variety of diseases. However, the relationship amongst the structure and biological activity of GC and its components, mechanism of action, toxicity, pharmacokinetics and target organs need to be further studied. Quality control and quality assurance programs for GC need to be further developed. There is need to study the dynamics associated with the accumulation of chemical compounds in GC as well as the original plants and aphid that form GC.

The Important Role of Volatile Components From a Traditional Chinese Medicine Dayuan-Yin Against the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Aromatic Chinese herbs have been used to prevent plagues since ancient times. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the prevention and treatment of epidemic diseases. According to the traditional Chinese medicine treatment plan in the National COVID-19 Diagnosis and Treatment Plan (Trial Seventh Edition) of the National Health Commission, Chinese patent medicines or prescriptions rich in aromatic Chinese herbs are selected for prevention and treatment during the period of medical observation, clinical treatment, and recovery of confirmed COVID-19 patients. Some local health committees or traditional Chinese medicine administrations recommend a variety of other ways of using traditional aromatic Chinese herbs to prevent and cure COVID-19. These involve external fumigation, use of moxibustion, and wearing of sachet. The efficacy of aromatic Chinese herbs plays a decisive role in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. The unique properties, chemical composition, and mechanism of action of aromatic Chinese herbs are worthy of extensive and in-depth experimental and clinical research. The findings are expected to provide a reference for follow-up treatment of novel coronavirus and the development of corresponding drugs. In 2003, Dayuan-Yin produced excellent results in the treatment of the SARS virus. Individually, 112 confirmed cases were administered this drug between January and April 2003, and more than 93.7% of the patients showed noticeable mitigation of the symptoms, as well as recovery. Dayuan-Yin also was selected as one of the nationally recommended prescriptions for the COVID-19. Based on the national recommendation of Dayuan-Yin prescription, this review discusses the role of volatile components in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19, and speculates the possible mechanism of action, so as to provide a basis for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

Modulation of Apoptosis by Plant Polysaccharides for Exerting Anti-Cancer Effects: A Review.

Cancer has become a significant public health problem with high disease burden and mortality. At present, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the main means of treating cancer, but they have shown serious safety problems. The severity of this problem has caused further attention and research on effective and safe cancer treatment methods. Polysaccharides are natural products with anti-cancer activity that are widely present in a lot of plants, and many studies have found that inducing apoptosis of cancer cells is one of their important mechanisms. Therefore, this article reviews the various ways in which plant polysaccharides promote apoptosis of cancer cells. The major apoptotic pathways involved include the mitochondrial pathway, the death receptor pathway, and their upstream signal transduction such as MAPK pathway, PI3K/AKT pathway, and NF-κB pathway. Moreover, the paper has also been focused on the absorption and toxicity of plant polysaccharides with reference to extant literature, making the research more scientific and comprehensive. It is hoped that this review could provide some directions for the future development of plant polysaccharides as anticancer drugs in pharmacological experiments and clinical researches.

Impact of Red Yeast Rice on Metabolic Diseases: A Review of Possible Mechanisms of Action.

Metabolic diseases constitute a major public health burden and are linked with high morbidity and mortality. They comprise atherosclerosis dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. However, there is no single drug that can simultaneously treat multiple diseases with complex underlying mechanisms. Therefore, it is necessary to identify a class of adjuvant drugs that block the development of metabolic diseases from a preventive perspective. Red yeast rice is a food fermentation product widely used to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. Modern pharmacology has shown that red yeast rice exerts potential protective effects on the liver, pancreas, blood vessels, and intestines. Therefore, this study was carried out to analyze and summarize the effect of red yeast rice on several metabolic diseases and the mechanisms of action involved. It was found that red yeast rice may be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases.

Rhizoma coptidis as a Potential Treatment Agent for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and the Underlying Mechanisms: A Review.

Diabetes mellitus, especially type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), has become a significant public health burden. Rhizoma coptidis (RC), known as Huang Lian, is widely used for treating diabetes in China. The bioactive compounds of RC, especially alkaloids, have the potential to suppress T2DM-induced lesions, including diabetic vascular dysfunction, diabetic heart disease, diabetic hyperlipidemia, diabetic nephropathy, diabetic encephalopathy, diabetic osteopathy, diabetic enteropathy, and diabetic retinopathy. This review summarizes the effects of RC and its bioactive compounds on T2DM and T2DM complications. Less research has been conducted on non-alkaloid fractions of RC, which may exert synergistic action with alkaloids. Moreover, we summarized the pharmacokinetic properties and structure-activity relationships of RC on T2DM with reference to extant literature and showed clearly that RC has potential therapeutic effect on T2DM.

Cellular stress response mechanisms of Rhizoma coptidis: a systematic review.

Rhizoma coptidis has been used in China for thousands of years with the functions of heating dampness and purging fire detoxification. But the underlying molecular mechanisms of Rhizoma coptidis are still far from being fully elucidated. Alkaloids, especially berberine, coptisine and palmatine, are responsible for multiple pharmacological effects of Rhizoma coptidis. In this review, we studied on the effects and molecular mechanisms of Rhizoma coptidis on NF-κB/MAPK/PI3K-Akt/AMPK/ERS and oxidative stress pathways. Then we summarized the mechanisms of these alkaloid components of Rhizoma coptidis on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, diabetes and diabetic complications. Evidence presented in this review implicated that Rhizoma coptidis exerted beneficial effects on various diseases by regulation of NF-κB/MAPK/PI3K-Akt/AMPK/ERS and oxidative stress pathways, which support the clinical application of Rhizoma coptidis and offer references for future researches.

Promoting effect of borneol on the permeability of puerarin eye drops and timolol maleate eye drops through the cornea in vitro.

Studies on the influence of borneol on the penetration of puerarin eye drops and timolol maleate eye drops through the cornea, and evaluation of the ocular irritability were conducted to provide a theoretical basis for the application of borneol in enhancing corneal permeability. The cornea penetrative experiment in vitro was conducted to observe the quantitative change of puerarin and timolol maleate penetrated through the cornea after administering different dosages of borneol. The corneal hydration level and blinking frequency were recorded as irritability indexes in vitro and in vivo. The steady-flow J of high, middle and low dosage groups of puerarin eye drops with borneol were increased by 49%, 32%, 5% respectively, and permeability parameter Kp increased by 49%, 32%, 5% respectively, as compared to that of the control group. The steady-flow J of high dosage group of timolol maleate eye drops with borneol was increased by 5%; middle and low dosage groups with borneol were decreased by 6%, 3% respectively. The permeability parameter Kp of high dosage group increased by 5%, while middle and low dosage groups with borneol were decreased by 6%, 3% respectively, as compared to that of the control group. Evaluation showed no ocular irritability caused by borneol. The results of this study suggest that the promoting effect of borneol on the permeability of drugs through the cornea in vitro is selective, which indicates that borneol has the potential to be used as an ophthalmic penetration enhancer.