Shengmai san-derived compound prescriptions: A review on chemical constituents, pharmacokinetic studies, quality control, and pharmacological properties.

BACKGROUND: Shengmai San Formula (SMS), composed of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Ophiopogon Radix and Schisandra chinensis Fructus, was a famous formula in Tradition Chinese Medicine (TCM). With the expansion of clinical applications, SMS was developed to different dosage forms, including Shengmai Yin Oral liquid (SMY), Shengmai Capsule (SMC), Shengmai Granule (SMG), Shengmai Injection (SMI) and Dengzhan Shengmai Capsule (DZSMC). These above SMS-derived compound prescriptions (SSCPs) play an important role in the clinical treatment. This review is aimed to providing a comprehensive perspective of SSCP. METHODS: The relevant literatures were collected from classical TCM books and a variety of databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Springer Link, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data. RESULTS: The chemical constituents of SSCPs, arrived from the individual medicinal materials including Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Ophiopogon Radix, Schisandra chinensis Fructus, Erigerontis Herba, were firstly summarized respectively. Then the pharmacokinetics studies, quality control, and pharmacological properties of SSCPs were all reviewed. The active compounds, pharmacokinetics characterizes, quality control markers, the effects and mechanisms of pharmacology of the different dosage forms of SSCPs were summarized. Furthermore, the research deficiencies of SSCPs and an innovative research paradigm for Chinese materia medica (CMM) formula were proposed. CONCLUSIONS: SMS, as a famous CMM formula, has great values in drug research and in clinical treatment especially for cardiocerebrovascular diseases. This article firstly make a comprehensive and systematic review on SMS.

[Textual study of ginseng in Wupu Bencao].

In the study of materia medica literature, we found of ginseng in Wupu Bencao that "Leaf is a little sharp, root is black and stem is pilous" had been ignored by its subsequent literatures. In this study, the variety of ginseng in Wupu Bencao was researched. We believed the remaining records of ginseng in Wupu Bencao referred to Oplopanax elatus instead of Panax ginseng. The origin of this species was in Handan during the period of three-kingdom dynasty, but distributed in the area of Changbai mountain nowadays.

[Effect compound decoction on notoginsenosides in Panax notoginseng].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of compound decoction on notoginsenosides in Panax notoginseng. METHOD: Notoginsenoside R1, Rg1, Re, Rb1 and pH were used as the parameters to investigate the changes on the content of notoginsenosides in different compound extractions by heating for two hours and their correlation with pH. RESULT: When the pH values of solution of P. notoginseng with Fructus ligustri, P. notoginseng with Eupolyphaga seu steleophaga, P. notoginseng with Pheretima asiatica, and Zhitangjiang Fang (free of Hirudo) were rept higher than 5.7, the reserved rate (RR) of notoginsenside were higher than 90%; When the pH values of decoetion of P. notoginseng with Salvia miltiorrhiza, P. notoginseng with Paeonia lactiflora, P. notoginseng with Platycodon grandiflorum, P. notoginseng with Arctium lappa were kept 4.5-5.5, their RR of notoginsenside were 60% - 85%; When the pH values of the decotction of P. notoginseng with Hirudo nipponica was decreased to 3.4, its RR of of notoginsenside was 38.4%; When the pH values of Zhitangjiang Fang extraction was regulated by 0.1% NaOH solution to pH 6. 3, and the RR of notoginsenside increased to 97%. CONCLUSION: The pH of other Chinese herbal medicines extraction with P. notoginseng compound is a critical effect on the stability and yields of notoginsensides.

[Experimental study of the effects on proliferation and apoptosis of A549 cell line of adenocarcinoma of the lung with compatibility of Radix ex Rhizoma ginseng and Fafces Trogopterori].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of the compatibility of Radix ex Rhizoma Ginseng and Fafces Trogopterori on proliferation and apoptosis of A549 cell line of adenocarcinoma of the lung, to clarify the mechanism, to explore the best proportion compatibility, and to offer the reasonable experiment evidence in clinical medicine therapy. METHOD: Twenty-five healthy Wistar rats were divided into five groups randomly, 5 rats in each group, including normal group, Radix ex Rhizoma Ginseng and Fafces Trogopterori in the ratio of 1:1 group, 1:2 group, 2:1 group, and complex recipe of beetle capsule group. After the pharmacy liquor was decocted, equivalent dose for rat was calculated. According to the weights, all rats were intragastric administrated at the standard of 1 mL x 100 g(-1), twice a day, continuously for 3 days. One hour after the last administration, the serum was collected and mixed with culture media RPMI 1640 to prepare the drug serum incubation liquid at the concentration of 10%. MTT was used to measure the growth curve and the inhibition rate of tumor cell, and the apoptosis was observed by electron microscope. RESULT: The compatibility of Radix ex Rhizoma Ginseng and Fafces Trogopterori could inhibit the cell proliferation of cell line A549 of lung adenocarcinoma and have an inducement on apoptosis. The effect was significant in the ratio of 2:1. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that inhibiting the proliferation and inducing the apoptosis of tumor cell may be one of the anticancer mechanism of the compatibility of Radix ex Rhizoma Ginseng and Fafces Trogopterori.

[The protective effects of Fufang Biejiafang on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible effects and mechanism of Fufang Biejiafang on a single intratracheal instillation (IT) of bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis model. METHOD: SD rats were treated with a single IT dose of bleomycin or control saline. Chinese medicine group were poured into the stomach after the first day of operation with high dosage, middle dosage and low dosage. On days 7, 14 and 28 following IT bleomycin or saline, 4 mL blood were taken from the abdominal aorta for arterial blood gas analysis. The left lung was fixed for routine light microscopic examination. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from the right lung was tested the activity of pulmonary surfactant (PS) by the Whihelmy Film Balance, then the right lung was frozen immediately in liquid nitrogen for determination of hydroxyproline concentration. RESULT: Model rats had obviously changes of body weight and hypoxemia and dysfunction of PS on days 7 and improved on days 14. Compared with three dose groups, the middle dose group some degreely improved and PS function. It ameliorate fibrosis because of inhibition of inflammation. CONCLUSION: (1) PS dysfunction resulted in hypoxemia after bleomycin injured alveolar type II (AT II). Fufang biejiafang-middle dose-group ameliorate hypoxemia by remission AT-II injury. (2) Fufang biejiafang may inhibit exudation inflammation and ameliorate fibrosis.

[Prospects of application of DNA molecular genetic marker to pharmacognostical identification].

The theoretical foundation of application of DNA molecular genetic marker to pharmacognostical identification is summarized. The practical application of the marker is reviewed, the matters deserving attention during application are pointed out, and vistas of the application are spelled out.

[Studies on extraction factors of buxueyangyan mixture].

OBJECTIVE: To study the optimum extraction factors of Buxueyangyan Mixture. METHOD: The orthogonal design was used to select the optimum extraction factors of Cervi Pantotrichum etc. and water extraction rate was used to evaluate the factors. The orthogonal desingn was used to study three factors including crude particle size, extraction time and amount of water. Lcariine content was used as analytical parameter. RESULT: The optimum extraction factors for Cervi Pantotrichum etc. were: 3 a volume ofwith 10 times of water used for three extraction 2.5 h each time. The optimum extraction factors for others were: 1 cm or smaller the crude particle size, boiling 2 times: 2.5, 1.5 h respectively the amount of water used was 10. 8 times of the drug mixture respectively. CONCLUSION: According the optimum extraction factors, the active substance can be extracted efficiently.

[Study on extraction process of zhanjin ruji].

OBJECTIVE: To select the optimum extraction process of Zhanjin Ruji. METHOD: To observe influence of extraction time upon the extraction rate of volatile oil, the orthogonal test was adopted to observe the extraction process by alcohol from the extraction rate and content of the total saponins in Radix Notoginseng. RESULT: The three kinds of herbs including Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Resina Olibani and Myrrha were extracted with water for 3 hours, 95% of volatile oil can be distilled. The three kinds of herbs including Radix Notoginseng, Herba Lycopodii and Radix Gentianae Macrophyllac were extracted by alcohol. Four factors such as alcohol concentration(A), extraction times(B), extraction time(C), and solvent amount(D), had not significant effect on the content of total saponins in Radix Notoginseng in herbal extraction, but factor A and B had significant effect on the extraction rate. The optimum extraction process was as follows extracted with 5 times the amount of the solvent volum 60% alcohol for 3 times and with each time for 1 hour. Three times experiments showed that the extraction rate was 26.5% and the content of the total saponins in Radix Notoginseng was 17.28% mg.g-1. CONCLUSION: The above experimental results can provide experimental basis for deciding the extraction process of Zhanjin Ruji.

[Lipid peroxidation of central nerve system in aged guinea pig and antioxidation effect of the method extract from Pegasus laternarius].

OBJECTIVE: To study the lipid peroxidation products level in aged animals central nerve system and the antioxidation effect of the methol extract from Pegasus laternarius. METHODS: The lipid peroxidation product MDA was tested by spectrophotometer. RESULTS: Compared with the 10 month-old guinea pig, the MDA in 32 month-old guinea pig central nerve system obviously elevated, there were some difference in different fields of tested guinea pig brain, the level of MDA in hypothalamus increased biggest (up to 161.7%), cerebral cortex 93.7%, cerebella 84.9%, brain stem 81.2%, spinal cord 90.7%, rest of the cerebrum 58.9%. The method extract from Pegasus laternarius 10, 20, 40 mg/kg and ginseng saponin 20 mg/kg could reduce the level of MDA in tested brain field of aged animals. The method extract from Pegasus laternarius had stronger activity in brain stem, spinal cord and hypothalamus. CONCLUSION: The lipid peroxidation in aged animal may be increased, the method extract from Pegasus laternarius and ginseng saponin have a protective effect on neuron in central nerve system of aged animals from free radical hurt.

[Study on process of removing impurity from water-extraction of gutianquan-capsule].

OBJECTIVE: To study the result of removing impurity from water-extraction of Gutianquan-capsule with macro-reticular absorbing resin, chitosans clarification, water-extraction and alcohol-precipitation methods. METHOD: Coefficient of Unguent of macro-reticular absorbing resin, chitosans clarification method, water-extraction and alcohol-precipitation methods were compared, and qualitative assay of Ginsenoside Rg1, Re, and snide measurement of Ginsenoside Rg1, Ferulic acid, and stability experiment were made. RESULT: Coefficient of Unguent of water-extraction and alcohol-precipitation method was 17.2%, Coefficient of Unguent of chitosans clarification method was 12.8%, and macro-reticular absorbing resin method was 3.1%. They could clarify liquor of water-extraction. CONCLUSION: Chitosans clarification method is suitable for process of Gutianquan-capsule.

[Effect of radix Ginseng-faeces Trogopterori combination on pharmacodynamics and effective chemical composition of radix Ginseng].

The experiments have shown that there is incompatibility on anti-stress because the action of Radix Ginseng alone is stronger than that of Radix Ginseng and Faeces Trogopterori combined, but there is little incompatibility on non-specific immune function when both are used. The analysis of chemical composition of Radix Ginseng has indicated that the acquired rate of total saponin from the semifinished products and Rg1 of Radix Ginseng is markedly increased when the two drugs are decocted together. The results suggest that the traditional theory is limited in holding that Radix ginseng and Faeces Trogopterori are incompatible with each other.

[Morphological changes and inhibiting effect on human gastric cancer cell SGC-7901 caused by aining].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the inhibiting effect of Aining on the human gastric cancer cells. METHODS: Morphological and MTT methods were adopted to explore the inhibiting effect of Aining and cisplatin (DDP) on the proliferation of SGC-7901 cancer cell. RESULTS: Apoptotic morphological changes were seen after the cells cultured with Aining and DDP; inhibiting rate of 1 g/L Aining group was 51%, which had no significant differences with the inhibiting rate 53% of the 25 mg/L DDP group. But both the Aining and the DDP groups were significantly different from the blank group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Not only DDP but also Aining could inhibit the proliferation activity of the human gastric cancer cells, and the traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription Aining is very likely to become a new medicine which is utilized to inhibit cancer.

Systematic evaluation of organochlorine pesticide residues in Chinese materia medica.

A systematic evaluation on the levels of organochlorine pesticide residues (OCP) was conducted on four selected, authentic Chinese materia medica, namely: Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Radix Notoginseng, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae and Radix Ginseng. Altogether ten representative batches of samples were analysed for each herb. Six batches were collected in the major cultivation areas of the Mainland whilst the remaining four batches were procured in the Hong Kong herbal market. All except Radix Angelicae Sinensis have been identified as containing quintozene and hexachlorocyclohexane in various levels. Hexachlorobenzene and lindane were also reported in samples of Radix Ginseng. The banned pesticide, DDT and its derivatives, was also observed in one of the Radix Notoginseng samples. The investigation will be continued for a target list of common used herbs in Hong Kong. All the results will be gathered and analysed for setting up regulatory permissible limits of OCP residues in Chinese materia medica used in Hong Kong.

Induction of hemopoiesis by saenghyuldan, a mixture of Ginseng radix, Paeoniae radix alba, and Hominis placenta extracts.

AIM: To examine the efficacy of saenghyuldan and its components, Ginseng Radix, Paeoniae Radix Alba, and Hominis Placenta extracts (SHD, GR, PRA, and HP, respectively) on the hemopoiesis in a myelosuppression model system. METHODS: Susceptibility to cyclophosphamide (CP) and S180 carcinoma was determined in SHD, GR, PRA, and HP-treated mice. Analysis of peripheral blood and bone marrow cells was demonstrated by changes in cell types and histopathologic examination. The expression of cytokine mRNAs involved in hemopoiesis was examined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: SHD and its separated components (GR, HP, and PRA, respectively) significantly increased the survival in CP- and S180-treated mice. The hematology data demonstrated that all the agents augmented monocyte and leucocyte counts in the peripheral blood and increased bone marrow density and the ratio of leukocyte to erythrocyte in the bone marrow. These findings were positively correlated with the up-regulation of cytokine mRNA expression such as granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), erythropoietin (EPO), thrombopoietin (TPO), stem cell factor (SCF), and c-Kit. CONCLUSION: SHD is an effective remedy for the bone marrow failure and myelosuppression occurring during chemotherapy.