The American journal of Chinese medicine
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In order to explore the anti-inflammatory effects of Nodosin from Isodon serra, a traditional Chinese herb medicine, mouse T lymphocytes were incubated with Nodosin. In the current study, Nodosin suppressed the overproduction of the T lymphocytes; moreover, cell mitosis cycle was modulated by interfering with DNA replication in G1 stages via inhibition of IL-2 cytokine secretion at the mRNA level by Nodosin. Interestingly, Xylene-induced mouse tumescence model results suggested Nodosin depressed the murine ear-swelling extent and the level of IL-2 in the blood serum. Finally, Nodosin possessed significant anti-inflammatory effects and is a potential candidate for further clinical trial.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Chinese medicine acupoint herbal patching for allergic rhinitis: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
The aim of this study is pursue the effect of herbal point-patch treatment on allergic rhinitis patients by investigation of the changes of serum total IgE (T-IgE) and eosinophile cationic protein (ECP) levels and through assessment of the results of SF-36 and rhinitis severity questionnaires. A prospective, randomized, single-blind, parallel, controlled study was used. Forty- three eligible participants were selected from outpatients of the Dept. of Ear, Nose, and Throat and Chinese medicine clinic, and 33 eligible participants completed the treatment satisfactorily. ⋯ The data revealed that the acupoint herbal patch is a valuable treatment for allergic rhinitis, especially in the symptoms of sneezing, running and itchy nose. The results of the SF-36 indicate a distinct improvement in GH (general health) and VT (vitality) in patients treated with acupoint herbal patches. This study supports the belief that the acupoint herbal patch is an effective treatment for allergic rhinitis and can significantly improve general health, social life and vitality in quality of life.
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This was the first study to determine the effect of tanshinone IIA (an active ingredient in herb Danshen) on fetuses in utero under unstressed condition. Tanshinone IIA or 0.9% NaCl as control was intravenously (i.v.) administrated into pregnant ewes. Both maternal and fetal blood were analyzed for PO(2), PCO(2), SO(2)%, hemoglobin, hemotecrit, glucose, lactic acid, Na(+), K(+), and Cl(-) concentrations. ⋯ The results demonstrated that tanshinone IIA used during the last third of gestation did not cause the biochemical changes related to cardiac functions in both maternal and fetal sheep. Fetal oxygen metabolism remained stable in utero, providing new information for clinical use of the herb in pregnancy. That tanshinone IIA increased fetal systolic pressure may open new opportunities to study the herb in fetal medicine.
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The aim of the present work was to explore the anti-hepatoma effects of icariin both in vitro and in vivo and to elucidate its potential mechanism of action. The MTT assay was applied to test the anti-proliferative effects of icariin in vitro. HepG2 bearing NMRI nu/nu mice were used to test the anticancer effects of icariin in vivo. ⋯ CD4/CD8 ratio in icariin group was significantly elevated in bone marrow on day 17. Icariin showed anticancer efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. The possible mechanism of action could be related to its anti-angiogenesis and anti-proliferative effects in tumors.
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Ginger (roots of Zingiber officinale ROSCOE) is a popular spice and herbal medicine worldwide. Cyclosporine is clinically used as an important immunosupressant with narrow therapeutic index. This study attempted to investigate the effect of ginger juice on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in rats. ⋯ In contrast, the pharmacokinetics of intravenous cyclosporine not altered by orally in combination with ginger juice. In conclusion, ginger significantly decreased the oral bioavailability of cyclosporine, and the interaction should occur at the absorption phase. Patients treated with cyclosporine should be discouraged from using ginger products to ensure the efficacy of cyclosporine.