Efficacy and safety of self-administered acupressure on symptoms, quality of life and nasal mucosal function in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis: study protocol for a randomized controlled exploratory trial.

INTRODUCTION: Allergic rhinitis is a global health problem that can potentially be managed through acupressure. Our clinical observations have identified Allergic Rhinitis Acupressure Therapeutic (ARAT) as a novel acupressure treatment acting on specific acupoints, which may enhance the effectiveness of acupressure. Therefore, we propose a three-arm randomized controlled trial will be conducted to investigate the efficacy and safety of ARAT for perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR). METHODS/DESIGN: In this trial, eligible 111 participants diagnosed with PAR will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: the ARAT group, the non-specific acupoints group, or the blank control group. The primary outcome will be the change in the total nasal symptom score, and the secondary outcomes will include: 1) changes in the scores of the standard version of Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQs); 2) acoustic rhinometry and anterior rhinomanometry; 3) changes in the scores of relief medication usage; 4) incidence of adverse events. Additionally, we will measure and compare the changes in cytokine levels (IL-5, IL-13, IFN-γ, and TSLP) in nasal secretions. The RQLQs and primary outcomes will be assessed at the beginning, middle, and end stages of the treatment period, with monthly follow-ups conducted over a total of three months. The secondary outcomes and biomarkers in nasal secretions will be measured at the beginning and end of the treatment period. Any adverse events or need for rescue medication will be carefully noted and recorded. DISCUSSION: This study may produce a new acupressure treatment prescription that is easy to learn, more targeted, and adaptable. This trial represents the first clinical investigation comparing ARAT treatment for PAR with the non-specific acupoints group and blank control group. Our data is expected to provide evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of ARAT for PAR patients, while also exploring the functional mechanism underlying ARAT treatment, moreover, the results offer valuable insights for healthcare professionals in managing PAR symptoms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300072292. Registered on June 08, 2023.

A Phytomolecule Icariin Protects from Sarcopenia Partially by Suppressing Myosin Heavy Chain Degradation in Orchiectomized Rats.

Treatments are lacking for sarcopenia, which is an age-related disease characterized by loss of skeletal muscle mass, strength, and/or physical performance. Icariin is a phytomolecule from herbal Epimedium, a traditional Chinese medicine widely used to treat musculoskeletal disorders for thousands of years. Here the effects of icariin against sarcopenia are investigated and the underlying mechanism is elucidated. A classic rat model of bilaterally orchiectomized (ORX) is used to induce sarcopenia. After administration for 8 weeks, compared to the control group, the forelimb grip strength, the specific tetanic forces of the soleus (SOL) and extensor digitorum longus muscle (EDL) are higher, and the fiber cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle are larger in the icariin group. In addition, icariin promotes mRNA and protein expressions of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) both in SOL and EDL. Mechanistically, icariin significantly suppresses the mRNA and protein expressions of FOXO3a, atrogin-1, and MuRF-1, which are related to the degradation of myosin heavy chain. Collectively, icariin protects from sarcopenia in ORX rats characterized by enhancing grip strength and skeletal muscle contraction, as well as increasing skeletal muscle CSA by inhibiting the ubiquitination degradation of the MyHC in skeletal muscle fibers.

Application of traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) has a high rate of infection and antibiotic resistance and poses a serious threat to human life. One of the main strategies to overcome drug resistance is to develop new treatment plans. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that is commonly used to treat many diseases in China can reduce drug resistance and increase the eradication rate of H. pylori. In this paper, we review the research progress on TCM in the treatment of H. pylori infection. The mechanism of action of TCM is reviewed and research and applications of TCM in the treatment of H. pylori are demonstrated. Finally, we discuss problems confronting the use of TCM for the treatment of H. pylori infection and propose possible solutions. In addition, the plans of TCM in H. pylori treatment were also screened: Dampness-heat syndrome in the spleen and stomach, deficiency of spleen and stomach, and cold-heat complicated syndrome, and the effective components therein are studied. The antibacterial effect of TCM is relatively slow; for rapid improvement of the treatment effect of refractory H. pylori gastritis, we provide an appropriate treatment regime combining TCM and Western medicine with immune-regulatory and synergistic antibacterial effects.

Effects of mild moxibustion on intestinal microbiome and NLRP3 inflammasome in rats with 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis / 中西医结合学报

OBJECTIVE@#The present study investigated how mild moxibustion treatment affects the intestinal microbiome and expression of NLRP3-related immune factors in a rat model of intestinal mucositis (IM) induced with 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu).@*METHODS@#Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, chemotherapy, moxibustion and probiotics groups. The IM rat model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 5-Fu. Mild moxibustion treatment and intragastric probiotic administration were provided once daily for 15 days. Tissue morphology, serum levels of inflammatory factors and the expression levels of tight junction proteins, caspase-1, gasdermin D and NLRP3 were evaluated in colon tissue, through hematoxylin and eosin staining, electron microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blotting, quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunofluorescence. Gut microbiome profiling was conducted through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing.@*RESULTS@#Moxibustion and probiotic treatments significantly increased the expression levels of tight junction proteins, reduced cell apoptosis and the expression levels of caspase-1, gasdermin D and NLRP3; they also decreased the serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and IL-18, while increasing serum levels of IL-10. Moxibustion and probiotic treatments also corrected the reduction in α-diversity and β-diversity in IM rats, greatly increased the proportion of the dominant bacterial genus Lactobacillus and reduced the abundance of the genera Roseburia and Escherichia in chemotherapy-treated rats to levels observed in healthy animals. We also found that these dominant genera were firmly correlated with the regulation of pyroptosis-associated proteins and inflammatory factors. Finally, moxibustion and probiotic treatments elicited similar effects in regulating intestinal host-microbial homeostasis and the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome-related factors.@*CONCLUSION@#Moxibustion exerts its therapeutic effect on IM by ameliorating mucosal damage and reducing inflammation. Moreover, moxibustion modulates the gut microbiota, likely via decreasing the expression levels of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Rapid chemome profiling of Cistanche salsa using DI-MS/MS~(ALL) / 中国中药杂志

The current study aims to rapidly and comprehensively profile the chemical composition of Cistanche salsa using direct infusion coupled with MS/MS~(ALL)(DI-MS/MS~(ALL)). The C. salsa extract was directly imported into electrospray ionization(ESI) source of quadrupole time-of-flight(Q-TOF) mass spectrometer with an infusion pump at a flow rate of 10 μL·min~(-1). Acquisition program was applied under negative ionization polarity to collect one MS~1 spectrum(m/z 50-1 200), followed by 1 150 MS~2 spectra with precursor isolation window(m/z 1) amongst mass range m/z 50-1 200. After each MS~2 spectrum was matched to its precursor ion, putative identification was conducted through matching mass spectral data with literature and database. A total of 31 components were identified from C. salsa, including 9 phenylethanoid glycosides, 2 iridoids, 4 saccharides, 9 organic acids, and 7 other compounds, similar to those from C. tubulosa and C. deserticola. In conclusion, DI-MS/MS~(ALL), a facile and reliable analytical tool, can be employed for qualitative analysis of chemical constituents in C. salsa. The research offers a promising strategy to achieve rapid chemome profiling of herbal medicine and provides an alternative source of Cistanches Herba.

[Effect of Puyu Capsules on behavior,HPA axis and CREB-BDNF pathway expression in hippocampus of depressed mice].

This study aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of Puyu Capsules and its potential mechanism. The antidepressant activity of Puyu Capsules was evaluated by forced swimming test(FST) and tail suspension test(TST) after subchronic administration in mice. Next, the mice were subjected to a chronic unpredictable stress(CUS) protocol for a period of 28 d to induce depressive-like behaviors. Then, a sucrose preference test, open-field test and novelty-suppressed feeding test were performed to evaluate the antidepressant effect of Puyu Capsules. After the behavioral test, the adrenal index was calculated; the levels of serum corticosterone(CORT) and adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA); the levels of glucocorticoid receptor(GR), protein expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor(BDNF), and the ratio of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein(CREB) to total CREB were detected by Western blot to explore the antidepressant function and mechanism of Puyu Capsules. The results suggested that Puyu Capsules had significant antidepressant effects on both the depression model and CUS model. At the same time, the drug could prevent the change of adrenal index induced by CUS and reverse the abnormal activation of CORT and ACTH in the serum of depressed mice. Finally, Puyu Capsules could also reverse the lower expression of pCREB, BDNF and GR in the hippocampus of CUS mice. In conclusion, Puyu Capsules produced significant antidepressant effects, and the mechanism was closely related to hypothalamic pituitary adrenal(HPA) axis activity, GR and CREB-BDNF pathway expression.

Chemome profiling and comparison of three Orobanche medicinal plants / 中国中药杂志

Several Orobanche medicinal plants sometimes served as alternative sources of Cistanches Herba, attributing to the benefits such as tonifying kidney, strengthening tendons and bones. Among them, O. coerulescens, O. cernua and O. pycnostachya have been widely utilized in northern China for treatments of pains in the loins and knees, impotence, and spermatorrhea. However, their chemical profiles haven't been elucidated. In the present study, UHPLC-IT-TOF-MS was implemented to conduct in-depth chemome profiling of O. coerulescens, O. cernua and O. pycnostachya, aiming to achieve a comprehensive chemical characterization and to provide pronounced information for the quality control and clinical applications. An ACE Ultra-Core 2.5 Super C_(18)(3.0 mm×150 mm, 2.5 μm) column was deployed for chromatographic separations, and high-resolution MS~n spectra were recorded by IT-TOF-MS. Forty-eight components, in total, were observed, and thirty-eight ones were structurally annotated according to proposing mass fragmentation patterns, matching with relevant databases. Particularly, nine ones were confirmed by reference compounds. Overall, the chemical compositions of O. coerulescens and O. cernua are quite similar, and differences occur between O. pycnostachya and the prior two ones; primary chemical family is phenylethanoid glycosides, and several lignan glycosides as well as iridoid glycosides are also observed; the primary components include acteoside, isoacteoside, crenatoside and 2'-acetylacteoside, etc.

Exploration on an overview of history (from Chunqiu to Ming and Qing Dynasties) and species of Chinese exotic traditional medicine / 中国中药杂志

This paper collected and analyzed literatures about starting of traditional medicine and trading of different medicine from Chunqiu Zhanguo to Ming and Qing Dynasties, in order to preliminarily explore on an overview of specie of chinese exotic traditional medicine and trade of different country in different dynasty（from Chunqiu to Ming and Qing Dynasties）, as well as the amount of exotic medicine over two thousand years. (remove repeating and doubtful species), find peculiarity of exotic medicine, sreen species that used to develop the Silk Route and establish quality standards.Finally, We get conclusions are as follows. First, primary,.prosperous and declining stages of development of exotic traditional medicine are Qin and Han, Song-Jin-Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, respectively. Second, according to literature, the stage that has the most species of exotic medicine is song dynasty,approximately have 300. Removing repeating and doubtful species, the believable species are approximate 230 to 250. Meanwhile, the unknown species are approximate 30, which may be different name of one medicine or processed goods, now these medicines are named as "doubtful species". Third, the medicinal parts of exotic medicine are different from Chinese medicine of Han nation. The number of Resin, fruits and seeds kind are more than root and rhizomes kind,mineral medicines are more than animal. Fourth, the major producing area of exotic medicine is some countries and territories related to the Silk Route in the history. Ultimately, this paper preliminarily figure out basic information of exotic medicine of different dynasty in China,that provide reference for learning study and decision of industrial development.

Research progress on resources and quality evaluation of Tibetan medicine in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau / 中国中药杂志

With the development of Tibetan medicine industry, the demands for Tibetan medicine were rising sharply. In addition, with the eco-environment vulnerability of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau region and the phenomenon of synonymies and homonymies in Tibetan medicine, there were a lack of resources and varieties in the clinical application of Tibetan medicine. At present, the shortage of Tibetan medicine and the inadequacy of its quality standard have become the two major problems that seriously restricted the sustainable development of Tibetan medicine industry. Therefore, it is important to develop the resources investigation and quality evaluation for Tibetan medicine, which were contribute to its resources protection and sustainable utilization. In this paper, current status of resources investigation, quality standardization, artificial breeding and germplasm resources of Tibetan medicine were presented by the integrated application of the new technologies, such as DNA barcoding and 1H-NMR, which provided a reference information for resources protection, sustainable utilization, variety identification and quality standardization of Tibetan medicine resources in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Advances of species identification and quality control for Tibetan medicines / 中国中药杂志

Species identification and quality control of Tibetan medicines are an important part of its modernization studies, and they have important significance for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Tibetan medicines in clinical application. In order to provide a reference for the modernization research of Tibetan medicines, this paper summarized the research progress of species identification, quality standards and quality evaluation of Tibetan medicines in the past 10 years. It also introduces the application examples of some new technologies and methods, such as DNA barcoding, infrared spectroscopy and 1H NMR-based metabolomics.

Endangered situation and conservation strategy of Tibetan medicine in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau / 中国中药杂志

With the rapid development of Tibetan medicine industry, the study on plateau medicinal plants' endangered status is not enough, measures to protect is weak and the plateau ecological environment' inherent vulnerability, resulted in the shortage of Tibetan medicinal resources and affect the sustainable development . According to the existing endangered information of Tibetan medicine resources, how to formulate feasible protection plan, is an urgent problem of the rational development and utilization of Tibetan medicine resources to be solved. To find out the endangered Tibetan medicines in Qinghai Tibet Plateau, the Grade division method of Chinese Rare and Endangered Plants was applied, the endangered species were sorted out, which divided into class one (threatened) eleven species, class two (rare) twenty-one species, and class three (fading) forty-two species,a total of seventy-four species.In addition to national protection list in "Chinese rare and endangered plants". It's proposed to increase the endangered Tibetan medicinal species. Finally, according to the endangered status of the resources,from the survey of endangered Tibetan medicinal species regularly, the germplasm repository establishment of endangered Tibetan medicine, in situ conservation, artificial cultivation research and renew the idea, reasonable development and utilization, a total of 5 aspects to discussed the protection strategy, to provide a scientific basis for the protection and sustainable utilization of Tibetan medicine resources in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Preliminary discussion on an overview of ethnic minority use of species of mineral medicine / 中国中药杂志

As an indispensable part of minority traditional medicine, mineral medicine has used with less dosage and reliable efficacy for the last thousand years. Based on the unearthed relics and medical literatures of past dynasties, the history of Han nationality ap- years, which had been recorded in main literature. But there is less comprehensive report of its usage in the other 55-minority nationality. This article was based on the analysis of ethnic minority literature of thousands of years, and conducted a comprehensive collation and analysis of mineral medicine. It was mostly determined that there was 20 minority groups using mineral medicine, with a total of 163 species (limited our references), and the most used is the Tibetan, accounting for 141. The most serious problems of mineral medicine are that species should be further investigated and researched, and then become the legal commercial medicine, and the classification principles of mineral medicine should be established. Through the traditional processing and experimental studies, the problems of attenuation and detoxification should be solved.

Relationship of energy charge and toxin content of Microcystis aeruginosa in nitrogen-limited or phosphorous-limited cultures.

Effects of nitrogen-limitation and phosphorus-limitation on microcystin (MC) content and energy charge (EC) of the Microcystis aeruginosa were investigated in batch cultures and semi-continuous cultures. In batch cultures, nitrogen-limitation retarded the MC synthesis and phosphorus-limitation had little effects on MC production. The EC remained constant in nitrogen-limited cultures, while it decreased largely when phosphorus was extinct in phosphorus-limited culture. In the semi-continuous cultures, MC production in nitrogen- and phosphorus-limited cultures increased with the increase of dilution rate; however, MC content in phosphorus-limited cultures was more than that in nitrogen-limited cultures. The EC in nitrogen-limited cultures remained constant and in phosphorus-limited cultures increased with the increase of dilution rate. In phosphorus-limited semi-continuous cultures, a direct relationship between EC and MC content was demonstrated. No correlation was observed in nitrogen-limited semi-continuous cultures. Based on the above analysis, a mechanism of nitrogen and phosphorus effect on the MC synthesis was suggested, that the MC synthesis was determined by the combination of necessary enzymes and precursors and EC.

Cyanobacteria and their toxins in Guanting Reservoir of Beijing, China.

The present study investigated the cyanobacteria and one family of their toxins-microcystins (MCs) in Guanting Reservoir of Beijing, China. The dominant species in the cyanobacteria found in August and September of 2006 was Microcystis, which accounted 99% of total algal cells. The specific species of the Microcystis in the cyanobacteria included Microcystis ichthyobalbe, Microcystis novacekii, Microcystis botrys and Microcystis aeruginosa which had different ratios in different sites. The qualitative analysis by HPLC showed that two microcystins were contained in cyanobacteria and one microcystin was in water of the reservoir. The major microcystins were microcystin-RR (MC-RR) and microcystin-LR (MC-LR), but only MC-LR was detected in water. The quantitative analysis by HPLC indicated that the maximum concentrations of MC-RR and MC-LR contained in cyanobacteria were 0.74 and 0.41 mg/g dry weight, respectively. The maximum microcystin concentration in water was 1.15 microg/L and others were below 1 microg/L.

Effect of Danshao Huaxian capsule on expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 in fibrotic liver of rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of Danshao Huaxian (DSHX) capsules, a preparation of traditional Chinese medicine, on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in the fibrous livers of rats. METHODS: Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group (group A), CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis group (group B), non-DSHX-treated group (group C), low dose-treated group (group D), and high dose-treated group (group E). Fibrous liver models in rats were induced by subcutaneous injection of CCl(4), oral administration of alcohol and high-lipid/low-protein diet for 8 wk. After the models were established, the rats in groups D and E were orally given a low dose (0.5 g/kg) and a high dose (1.0 g/kg) of DSHX daily for 8 wk, respectively. Then, the liver indexes, serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were examined. The degree of hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by optical microscopy. Hydroxyproline (Hyp) in the urine was determined, and the expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1 was detected by immunohistochemical techniques. RESULTS: In groups D and E, the liver indexes, levels of serum HA and ALT reduced and development of hepatic fibrosis weakened significantly. The urinary Hyp and expression of MMP-1 in the liver tissues elevated, but the expression of TIMP-1 decreased obviously, as compared to groups B and C. CONCLUSION: DSHX enhances the expression of MMP-1 but decreases that of TIMP-1 in liver tissues of CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrotic rats, which may result in its elevated activity that contributes to fighting against hepatic fibrosis.

In vivo effects of Chinese herbal recipe, Danshaohuaxian, on apoptosis and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells in hepatic fibrotic rats.

AIM: To investigate the effects of Danshaohuaxian (DSHX), a Chinese herbal recipe, on the apoptosis and cell cycles of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in rat hepatic fibrosis and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Seventy-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, hepatic fibrosis group, non-DSHX-treated group and DSHX-treated group. Except for the normal control group, rat hepatic fibrotic models were induced by subcutaneous injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), drinking alcohol, giving diet of hyperlipid and hypoprotein for 8 wk. When the hepatic fibrotic models were produced, 12 rats of hepatic fibrosis group (15 rats survived, others died during the 8 wk) were sacrificed to collect blood and livers. HSCs were isolated from the other 3 rats to detect the apoptotic index (AI) and cell cycles by flow cytometry. DSHX was then given to the DSHX-treated group (1.0 g/kg, PO, daily) for 8 wk. At the same time, normal control group and non-DSHX-treated group were given normal saline for 8 wk. At end of the experiment, some rats in these three groups were sacrificed to collect blood and livers, the other rats were used for HSC isolation to detect the apoptotic index (AI) and cell cycles. Then the liver index, serum hyaluronic acid (HA) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), degree of hepatic fibrosis, urinary excretion of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and expression of collagen types I and III (COL I and III) in these four groups were detected respectively. RESULTS: Compared with the indexes of the hepatic fibrosis group and non-DSHX-treated group, the DSHX-treated group revealed a liver index of (0.0267+/-0.0017 vs 0.0423+/-0.0044, 0.0295+/-0.0019, P<0.05), levels of serum HA (200.78+/-31.71 vs 316.17+/-78.48, 300.86+/-72.73, P<0.05) and ALT (93.13+/-5.79 vs 174.5+/-6.02, 104.75+/-6.54, P<0.01), and stage of hepatic fibrosis (1.30 vs 4.25, 2.60, P<0.01) all reduced. The urinary excretion of Hyp increased (541.09+/-73.39 vs 62.00+/-6.40, 182.44+/-30.83, P<0.01), the COL I and III expression decreased (COL I: 1.07+/-0.96 vs 4.18+/-2.26, 3.22+/-1.44, P<0.01; COL III: 1.09+/-0.58 vs 3.04+/-0.62, 2.23+/-0.58, P<0.01), the HSCs apoptotic index of HSCs (7.81+/-0.47 vs 1.63+/-0.25, 1.78+/-0.4, P<0.05) and the ratio of G0-G1 phase cells increased (94.30+/-1.33 vs 62.27+/-17.96, 50.53+/-2.25, P<0.05). The ratios of S-phase cells (3.11+/-1.27 vs 9.83+/-1.81, 11.87+/-1.9, P<0.05) and G2-M phase cells (2.58+/-0.73 vs 23.26+/-10.95, 13.60+/-1.15, P<0.01) declined. CONCLUSION: DSHX capsule shows certain therapeutic effects on hepatic fibrosis in rats and inhibits abnormal deposition of COL I and III in rat livers by promoting the apoptosis of HSCs and preventing their proliferation.

Pharmacodynamical study on Danqi capsule / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the pharmacodynamical actions of Danqi capsule which was reported to promote blood circulation by removing blood stasis, regulation Danqi and relieving pain so as to be used to treat thoracic obstruction, headache, menstrual pain in clinic.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>To compare the pharmacologic effects of Danqi capsule Danqi tablet in the rats with acute myocardial ischemia and the mice with the increased oxygen-consumption induced by isoproterenol injected subcutaneously. The pain models were prepared by injection of acetic acid and uterospasm model in the female mouse was induced by diethylstilbestrol and pitocin. A hyperlipidemia model was also made in the rats.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Danqi capsule could significantly improve ECG in myocardial ischemia of rats induced by isoproterenol and prolong the mice survival time under hypoxic situation. In the experiment to observe the pain response with body twist as a index induced by acetic acid and uterospasm induced by diethylstilbestrol and pitocin, Danqi capsule could significantly shorten the latency and the time course of body twist. The contents of triglyceride(TG) and total cholesterol(TC) were decreased, while the level of high-density liporotein-cholesterol(HDL-c) was increased after treatment of Danqi capsule in in the rats with hyperlipidemia. Hemorheological data showed that the blood viscosity, blood reductive viscosity, erythrocyte rigidity index and electrophoresis time were significantly decreased by Danqi capsule in the animal model mentioned above as compared with control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). In addition, the dose of Danqi capsule is less than that of Danqi tablet for producing equivalent effect.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Danqi capsule plays a good role in improving myocardial ischemia, increasing the tolerant ability against oxygen-deficiency, alleviating pain and descending the levels of blood fat and blood viscosity.</p>

Effects of Dan-Shao-Hua-Xian on the expression of collagen type I and III in rats with hepatic fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Hepatic fibrosis is the common pathological change in various chronic liver diseases, and its major cause is the imbalance between the production and degradation of the extracellular matrix, which is mainly composed of collagens. Dan-Shao-Hua-Xian (DSHX) capsule, a traditional Chinese herbal compound, has shown marked preventive effects on hepatic fibrosis in rats in our previous studies. The present study was designed to further investigate its therapeutic actions on hepatic fibrosis in rats and its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Eighty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group, hepatic fibrosis group, non-DSHX-treated group, low-dose-treated group, and high-dose-treated group. The rat models of hepatic fibrosis were established by subcutaneous injecton of CCl4, drinking alcohol, giving diet of hyperliprosis and hypoprotein for 8 weeks. The two DSHX-treated groups were treated respectively with low dose (0.5 g/kg) and high dose (1.0 g/kg) of DSHX capsule p.o. everyday for 8 weeks. At the end of the experiment, liver indexes were calculated in each group in addition to the levels of the serum hyaluronic acid and alanine aminotransferase. Their degree of hepatic fibrosis and urinary excretion of hydroxyproline and expression of collagen I, III were detected. RESULTS: Comparison of the indexes of the hepatic fibrosis group and non-DSHX-treated group revealed that the liver indexes, levels of serum hyaluronic acid and alanine aminotransferase, and stage of hepatic fibrosis were all significantly reduced in the two DSHX treated groups. The urinary excretion of hydroxyproline was increased and the expression of collagen I and III in liver tissue was lessened. These alterations were more obviously observed in the high-dose-treated group. CONCLUSION: DSHX capsule has certain therapeutic effect on hepatic fibrosis in rats.

Study on the plant community of Fritillaria cirrhosa / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To provide scientific basis for natural cultivation of Fritillaria cirrhosa.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The cluster analysis to the Bray--Curtis distance coefficient of community plot was carried out to divide the community types of F. cirrhosa.</p><p><b>RESULT AND CONCLUSION</b>The community of F. cirrhosa's natural cultivation can be divided into six types: Sibiraea angustata community, Rhododendron litangense community, Salix sclerophylla community, Dasiphora fruticosa + Spiraea alpina + S. myrtilloides community, Sabina pingii var. wilsonii community, Polygonum viviparum + P. sphaerostachyum community, and the ecological characteristics such as the composition of community and ecological distribution have been showed.</p>