[A brief textual research on Mei shi fang (Prescriptions of Master Mei) and Yi men fang (Prescriptions of Medical Professionals)].

Mei shi fang (Prescriptions of Master Mei) cited in Zheng lei ben cao (Classified Syndromes Materia Medica) and Yi men fang (Prescriptions of Medical Professionals) cited in Yi xin fang (Ishinpo) are actually the same book with different titles, which is actually called Yi men mi lu (Secret Records of Medical Professionals) with 5 volumes or the 5-volume Mei chong xian fang (Prescriptions of Mei Chongxian) approximately compiled during the years of Zhenyuan to Yuanhe reigns of the Tang Dynasty (785-820) written by Mei Chongxian, a Tang taoist. Mei Chongxian and Mei Biao, the author of Shi yao er ya (Dictionary of Mineral Medicines), might probably be the same person. According to the citations of Yi xin fang and Zheng lei ben cao, Yi men mi lu should be a comprehensive medical book including theories, methods, prescriptions and medications, recorded classical prescriptions of predecessors extensively, with some innovations and high clinical and documentary significance.

[Scanning electron microscope observation and image quantitative analysis of Hippocampi].

The "scale-like projects" on the derma of 3 species of Hippocampi, H. kuda Bleerer, H. trimaculatus Leach and H. japonicus Kaup were observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results showed that some characteristics such us size, shape and type of arrangement of the "scale-like projects" can be considered as the evidence for microanalysis. Image quantitative analysis of the "scale-like project" was carried out on 45 pieces of photograph using area, long diameter, short diameter and shape factor as parameters. No difference among the different parts of the same species was observed, but significant differences were found among the above 3 species.

[Sequencing of Cyt b gene fragments and PCR identification of "jinqian baihuashe" (Bungarus parvus) and its adulterants].

DNAs extracted from both "Jinqian Baihuashe" (Bungarus parvus) and its adulterants and original animals of the crude snake drugs were used as templates for Cyt b gene fragment amplification. The sequence data of the fragments showed that the differences of the sequence between Bungarus parvus and its adulterants were far greater than that between intraspecific variations of Bungarus parvus. Therefore, the Cyt b gene fragment was a good molecular genetic marker for the authentication of Bungarus parvus. On the basis of the sequence data, a pair of specialized primers, BuL-1 and BuH-1 was designed for the PCR identification of Bungarus parvus. The effectiveness of the primers were examined at a series of anneal temperatures. The results showed that Bungarus parvus samples could be absolutely distinguished when the anneal temperatures were 60 degrees C-65 degrees C, whereas no incorrect or missing discrimination was found at these temperatures. The results also showed that the powder of Bungarus parvus which was mixed with powders of three other crude snake drugs may be detected by the PCR identification. This indicates that PCR identification may be a new method for examining the compositions of Chinese patent medicine.

[Clinical study on tongxinluo capsule in treatment of patients with angina pectoris caused by coronary heart disease].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Tongxinluo capsule (TXLC) in treating angina pectoris (AP) caused by coronary heart disease (CHD) and evaluate its safety. METHODS: Randomized single-blind controlled design were adopted. Three hundred and forty two patients were treated with TXLC (4 capsules, three times daily), and 150 patients in the control group done with Shuxin oral liquor (SXOL, 20 ml, two times daily). After 4 weeks of treatment, the data of AP, ECG, main symptoms, total effects were collected and evaluated. RESULTS: TXLC appeared to be more effective than SXOL for patients with mild, moderate, severe AP (P < 0.01), except with mild stomach discomfort for a few patients, TXLC has no side effect and toxicity. CONCLUSION: TXLC is an effective drug in treating AP and has no side effects and toxicity.

[The comparison of contents of uracil, xanthine and hypoxanthine in five species of leech].

Three constituents(uracil, xanthine, hypoxanthine) were isolated from five species of leech and determined by reversed phase HPLC. The column employed was Shim-pack CLC-ODS C18(150 mm x 6 mm). The mobile phase was 0.05 mol/l ammonium phophate dibasic solution(pH = 8.4). The flow rate was 0.8 ml/min and detection was effected at 254 nm. This method is accurate, rapid and reproducible. Analytical data for five species and Whitmania pigra samples from different places were given.

[HPLC determination of uracil xanthine, hypoxanthine and uridine in species of animal drugs].

OBJECTIVE: To make further studies on the water-soluble components in animal drugs by determining the contents of uracil, xanthine, hypoxanthine and uridine from ten species of animal drugs. METHOD: The determination was affected by RP-HPLC, using Shim-pack CLC-ODS column(150 mm x 6 mm), 0.05 mol/L dibasic ammonium phosphate solution as mobile phase, flow rate 0.8 ml/min and detection at 254 nm. RESULTS: This method is accurate, rapid and reproducible. Analytical data for Hirudo nipponia, Eupolyphaga sinensis, Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans, Buthus martensii, Bombyx mori, Mylabris cicorri, Aspongopus chinensis, Lytta caraganae, Tabanus bivittatus and Huechys sanguinea are given. CONCLUSION: There are marked discrepancies in the contents of the four components as shown on the chromatograms, a point that may be helpful in identifying the above-cited ten species of animal drugs.

[Physical and chemical analysis of medicinal animals of syngnathidae].

The total nitrogens, amino acids, fatty acids, Inorganic elements of 12 medicinal animals of syngnathidae have been determined. It will provide scientific evidence for development of the medicinal resources and the establishment of quality standards.

[Survey on medicinal resources of Syngnathidae].

A survey on medicinal resources shows 12 species belonging to 7 genera of Syngnathidae are used as traditional Chinese medicine and some problems about cultivated Haima have been discussed.

[The morphological and commercial identification on medicinal materials "hailong"].

The morphological characters and commercial idendification on medicinal materials named "Hailong" has been reported. The results of identification of 48 commercial samples indicated "Hailong" is adulterated with Halicampus koilomatodon, Trachyrhamphus serratus and Microphis boaja, Solenognathus güntheri besides three species accepted by Pharmacopoeia.

[The morphological and commercial identification on Haima].

The morphological characters and commercial identification on Haima has been reported. The results of identification of 60 commercial samples indicated that all of Haima was the species accepted by Pharmacopoeia. Hippocampus kelloggi, H. histrix, H. kuda and H. trimaculatus were mainly used in Hainan, Guangdong and Fujian Province; H. japonicus was mainly used in Shandong and Liaoning Province; Imported Haima was H. histrix.

[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.

[Analysis of steroids in crude drugs by capillary gas chromatography].

The steroids, cholest-4-ene-one and cholestane-3, 6-dion, were determined in 8 species of crude drugs of Haima and Hailong by capillary gas chromatography.

[The SEM observation of the medicinal materials "hailong"].

The SEM observation of the medicinal meterials "Hailong" have been carried out. The results showed there are significantly difference among 7 species "Hailong".

[Identification of 12 species of hailong and haima by HPCE].

Twelve species of Hailong and Haima were analyzed by HPCE(high performance capillary electrophoresis) and significant differences among the species were found. The method is rapid, highly efficient and reproducible, thus providing experimental criteria for the qualitative identification of these two crude drugs.