Meaning， Efficacy and Mechanism of Huoxin Pills in Treating Coronary Heart Disease with Qi Deficiency and Blood Stasis Syndrome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Cardiovascular diseases， with high incidence and high mortality， belong to the category of "chest impediment and heart pain" in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. Chinese medicines have unique effect on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases with little side effects. Huoxin pills， one of the National Essential Drugs， is formulated based on the basic pathogenesis of weak pulse at Yang and wiry pulse at Yin and the pathological basis of myocardial ischemia and hypoxia and used for treating angina pectoris of coronary heart disease （Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome）. This medicine is derived from the classic famous prescription and is composed of ten precious Chinese medicinal herbs. It can replenish Qi， activate blood， and warm collaterals to diffuse impediment by enhancing myocardial contractility and cardiac output to improve micro-circulation and increase coronary blood flow， regulating immune functions， alleviating inflammation， detoxifying， and tranquilizing mind. Clinically， it is suitable for patients with angina pectoris caused by the lack of heart Yang， chest tightness， shortness of breath， palpitation， fear of cold for limbs and so on， especially for the elderly with Yang deficiency or the patients with a history of myocardial infarction. On the basis of the available research reports， this paper explains the formula meaning of Huoxin pills from the perspective of the basic pathogenesis of coronary heart disease and predicts its action targets， location and links. Furthermore， we expound the mechanism of action of Huoxin pills based on basic research and clinical evidence-based research， aiming to provide data support and evidence for the clinical application of this medicine.

Analysis of protective effects of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang against ischemic stroke by combining traditional Chinese medicine pathogenesis and efficacy with modern pathology and pharmacology / 中国中药杂志

Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang is a classical Chinese formulas treating Shaoyang syndrome complicated with Yangming syndrome according to Treatise on Febrile Diseases. This formula is used in mental disorder, nervous system, gynecologic, andrologic, and cardiovascular disease. However, its therapeutic effect on ischemia stroke and its mechanism is far from clear. In clinical practice, we have found that this formula is effective in treating ischemic stroke, which can shorten the course of the disease and reduce recurrence. The characteristics of this formula include: Shaoyang cardinal disadvantageous syndrome, mental and nervous symptoms, retained fluid punched upward syndrome and accumulation of heat in the stomach and intestines. By combining traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pathogenesis and efficacy with modern pathology and pharmacology, we proposed that the TCM pathogenesis of stroke, which is characterized by hyperactivity of heat combining with phlegm, stasis and water drink, is consistent with syndromes and corresponding pathology targeted by Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang, including the stress brain edema zone around the ischemic lesion, the increase of intracranial pressure, the excitement of sympathetic nerve, the release of monoamine neurotransmitter, the hypofunction of autonomic nervous system after stroke, and gastrointestinal stress response. Furthermore, the pharmacological mechanism of Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang is concentrated on regulation the neuroendocrinology system centered by hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), participating in the process of neuron regeneration and apoptosis, oxidative stress, hyperactivity of sympathetic nerve, and inflammatory reaction. These pathological processes are consistent with the pathological changes after ischemic stroke. Therefore, Chaihu Jia Longgu Muli Tang is a key formula for treating ischemic stroke.

TRPV1 channel-mediated thermogenesis is a common mode for the Chinese pungent-hot or pungent-warm herbs to demonstrate their natures / 药学学报

To further uncover the scientific significance and molecular mechanism of the Chinese herbs with pungent hot or warm natures, endogenous and exogenous expression systems were established by isolation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and transfection of HEK293 cells with TRPV1 channel gene separately. On this basis, the regulation action of capsaicin, one main ingredient from chili pepper, on TRPV1 channel was further explored by using confocal microscope. Besides, the three-sites one-unit technique and method were constructed based on the brown adipose tissue (BAT), anal and tail skin temperatures. Then the effect of capsaicin on mouse energy metabolism was evaluated. Both endogenous and exogenous TRPV1 channel could be activated and this action could be specifically blocked by the TRPV1 channel inhibitor capsazepine. Simultaneously, the mice's core body temperature and BAT temperature fall down and then go up, accompanied by the increase of temperature of the mice's tail skin. Promotion of the energy metabolism by activation of TRPV1 channel might be the common way for the pungent-hot (warm) herbs to demonstrate their natures.

Study on Modern Scientific Connotation of Bitter Taste Property of Chinese Materia Medica Based on Bitter Taste Receptors / 世界科学技术-中医药现代化

Bitter taste receptors (BTRs) belong to the G protein-coupled receptors, which included 25 subtypes. BTRs, which were distributed in the oral cavity, mediated the bitter taste of mammalian. Furthermore, BTRs were also existed in the extra-oral digestive system such as the stomach and intestine to influence the digestion, absorption and energy regulation. It also can relax airway smooth muscles in the respiratory system and decrease blood pressure in the cardiovascular system. While being strikingly conformed to the latest advancements of BTRs, the efficacy of bitter taste property of Chinese materia medica (CMM) such as“excretion”,“dryness” and“strengthening” have been used in ancient theories of property and flavor in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for thousands of years in the treatment of multisystem diseases such as digestive, endocrine, respiratory and cardiovascular system. Therefore, applying modern techniques and new methods in the interpretation of the scientific connotation of bitter taste property of CMM based on BTRs should be a feasible way and a new research pattern. It played an important role in the enriching of the property theory in CMM, as well as enhancing the modernization and objectivization of CMM.

TRPV1 channel-mediated thermogenesis is a common mode for the Chinese pungent-hot or pungent-warm herbs to demonstrate their natures / 药学学报

To further uncover the scientific significance and molecular mechanism of the Chinese herbs with pungent hot or warm natures, endogenous and exogenous expression systems were established by isolation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons and transfection of HEK293 cells with TRPV1 channel gene separately. On this basis, the regulation action of capsaicin, one main ingredient from chili pepper, on TRPV1 channel was further explored by using confocal microscope. Besides, the three-sites one-unit technique and method were constructed based on the brown adipose tissue (BAT), anal and tail skin temperatures. Then the effect of capsaicin on mouse energy metabolism was evaluated. Both endogenous and exogenous TRPV1 channel could be activated and this action could be specifically blocked by the TRPV1 channel inhibitor capsazepine. Simultaneously, the mice's core body temperature and BAT temperature fall down and then go up, accompanied by the increase of temperature of the mice's tail skin. Promotion of the energy metabolism by activation of TRPV1 channel might be the common way for the pungent-hot (warm) herbs to demonstrate their natures.

Chemistry and pharmacology of Siraitia grosvenorii: a review / 中国天然药物

Siraitia grosvenorii is a perennial herb endemic to Guangxi province of China. Its fruit, commonly known as Luo hanguo, and has been used for hundreds of years as a natural sweetener and as a traditional medicine for the treatment of pharyngitis, pharyngeal pain, as well as an anti-tussive remedy in China. Based on ninety-three literary sources, this review summarized the advances in chemistry, biological effects, and toxicity research of S. grosvenorii during the past 30 years. Several different classes of compounds have been isolated or detected from various parts of S. grosvenorii, mainly triterpenoids, flavonoids, polysaccharides, amino acids, and essential oils. Various types of extracts or individual compounds derived from this species exhibited a wide array of biological effects e.g. anti-tussive, phlegm-relieving, anti-oxidant, immunomodulatory, liver-protecting, glucose-lowering, and anti-microbial. The existing research has shown that extracts and individual compounds from S. grosvenorii are basically non-toxic. Finally, some suggestions for further research on specific chemical and pharmacological properties of S. grosvenorii are proposed in this review.

Reciprocal effects of Guizhi decoction to the Guizhi decoction syndrome by toll-like receptor mRNA expression and cytokines secretion / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the pathological mechanisms of Guizhi Decoction () syndrome and the therapeutic molecular mechanisms of the Guizhi Decoction, Mahuang Decoction (), Sangju Decoction ( ) and Yinqiao Powder (), as well as the potentially biological basis that Guizhi Decoction is most effective only for the patients with Guizhi Decoction syndrome in clinical practice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We first got serum samples from the patients suffering from both upper respiratory tract infection and Guizhi Decoction syndrome identified by the doctors of Chinese medicine (CM) in the clinic. Four formulas with therapeutic actions of pungent warmth or pungent coolness for superficial syndromes were chosen and four kinds of rat serum samples each containing one of the above-mentioned herbal formulas were collected, then the effects of Guizhi Decoction syndromes' patient serum as well as the effects of sera containing the formulas after being stimulated by the patient serum samples on both the mRNA expression of certain toll-like receptor (TLR) subtypes and the release of some inflammatory cytokines in RAW264.7 cells were tested and analyzed in vitro.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of TLR-3, TLR-4 and TLR-9 mRNA among the 9 tested TLR subforms were up-regulated in the macrophages stimulated by the sera from untreated upper respiratory infection patients with the Guizhi Decoction syndrome (symptomcomplex). The products such as interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-β from stimulated macrophages through TLR signaling pathways were also increased correspondingly. Interestingly, the changes induced by the Guizhi Decoction syndrome patients' sera were masked significantly after the macrophages were incubated with the sera from donors treated with Guizhi Decoction. Similarly, the three other exterior-releasing formulas were all effective in reversing the up-regulated changes of certain TLR subforms to different degrees, but both the number of targeted TLRs and efficacy of them seemed to be inferior to that of Guizhi Decoction.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Evidence from these experiments might contribute to the scientific explanation of both the pharmacological mechanisms of Guizhi Decoction and also the CM theory that Guizhi Decoction is specifically prescribed for the treatment of Guizhi Decoction syndrome (The gearing formula to the symptom-complex).</p>

Study on scientific connotation of four herbal properties on basis of cold and hot perceptions / 中国中药杂志

The theory of herbal properties of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an indispensable part of theoretical system of TCM and plays an important role in the clinical prescription and application of TCM. In this theoretical system, the theory of four herbal properties takes a core and dominant position and becomes an indispensable part of TCM natures and actions. In combination of studies and experience, this essay proposes the latest discovery in modern biology-modern scientific connotation of cold and hot herbal properties on the basis of cold and hot perceptions of organism on the basis of analysis and summary of TRP channel protein and correlation of cold and hot perceptions of organism and thermoregulation, which is an effective approach to make breakthroughs in studies on modernization drive of the theory of four herbal properties of TCM.

Effects of ingredients from Chinese herbs with nature of cold or hot on expression of TRPV1 and TRPM8 / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of the ingredients from Chinese herbs with the nature of cold or hot on the expression of TRPV1 and TRPM8.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The effects of ingredients from herbs on primary culture DRG neurons are observed in vitro. The expression quantity of gene is detected by the method of real time PCR. the 2 (-deltadeltaCT) method is applied to analyze the data.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Ingredients from herbs with the nature of cold up-regulate the expression level of TRPV1 and down-regulate that of TRPM8, especially under the temperature condition of 39 degrees C; while ingredients from herbs with the nature of hot up-regulate the expression level of TRPM8 and down-regulated that of TRPV1, which is more significant under the temperature condition of 19 degrees C.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The regulatory changes of TRPV1 and TRPM8 mRNA expression induced by the chemical ingredients might be related to the cold and hot natures of the herbs from which the ingredients are extracted. And this could be one of the therapeutic mechanisms for the treatment of Chinese herbal medicines to cold- and heat-related diseases.</p>

Effects of Wuji pill compound with different compatibility on cytochrome P450 CYP3A1/3A2 in rat liver microsomes in vitro / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Wuji pill is a prescription of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and was composed of Rhizoma Coptidis, Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae and Radix Paeoniae Alba. The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of Wuji pill compound with different compatibility on the levels of enzymic activity of cytochrome P450 CYP3A1/3A2 in rat liver microsomes in vitro, and to confirm the compatibility mechanism of Wuji pill from the point of relationships between compound prescription of TCM and metabolism.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>With testosterone being a probe, the levels of enzymic activity of CYP3A1/3A2 were detected by HPLC, which were suppressed by Wuji pill with different compatibility in vitro.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The IC50 of Rhizoma Coptidis, Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae, Radix Paeoniae Alba and 1"-9" of different level Wuji pill is: 38.96, 871.96, 15 519.17, 43.17, 60. 47, 276.12, 133.40, 118.08, 88. 47, 64. 36, 35. 13 and 39. 91 mg x L -', respectively. Rhizoma Coptidis and 1-9" of Wuji pill can suppress the enzymic activity of CYP3A1/3A2 significantly, and the capability of Rhizoma Coptidis in Wuji pill of action on CYP3A1/3A2 can be modified by different composition of Fructus Evodiae Rutaecarpae and Radix Paeoniae in Wuji pill, and there are statistical differences among the IC50 of 1#-9# of Wuji pill. While the ratio of Rhizoma Coptidis raises up in Wuji pill, Wuji pill may suppress the enzymic activity of CYP1A2 largely.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The reason why Wuji pill with different compatibility has different pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics characteristics is likely to lie in the difference of the capability of Wuji pill with different compatibility on CYP3A1/3A2. [Key words] Wuji pill; CYP3A1/3A2; testosterone; HPLC; different compatibility prescription of traditional Chinese medi-cine</p>