Journal of ethnopharmacology
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The genus Litsea, mainly distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions, has been used in traditional and indigenous Chinese medicines for the treatment of diarrhea, stomachache, dyspepsia, gastroenteritis, diabetes, edema, cold, arthritis, asthma, pain, traumatic injury, etc. for a long history. The present review aims to provide a comprehensive summary on the ethnomedical uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of the Litsea species used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Based on these data, evidences supporting their ethnopharmacological effectiveness are illustrated, and opportunities for the future research and development as well as the therapeutic potential of this genus are analyzed to highlight the gaps in our knowledge that deserves further investigation. ⋯ The extensive literature survey reveals Litsea species to be a group of important medicinal plants used for the ethnomedical treatment of gastrointestinal diseases, diabetes, inflammatory disorders, and microbial infection in TCM. Pharmacological investigations have supported the use of some Litsea species in the traditional medicines. In addition, further researches targeting individual ingredients responsible for the pharmacological effects, as well as their mechanisms of action are necessary. The outcome of these studies will further support the therapeutic potential of the genus Litsea, and provide convincing evidences to its future clinical applications in modern medicine.
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Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC., the sole species in genus Platycodon A. DC. (Campanulaceae) has a long history of use as a traditional herbal medicine for the treatments of cough, phlegm, sore throat, lung abscess, chest pain, dysuria, and dysentery. As a legal medicine and dietary supplement, it is also frequently used as an ingredient in health foods and vegetable dishes. The aim of this review is to provide up-to-date information on the botanical characterization and distribution, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicity of Platycodon grandiflorus based on literature published in recent years. It will build a foundation for further study of the mechanism of action and the development of better therapeutic agents and healthy products from Platycodon grandiflorus. ⋯ In light of its long traditional use and the modern phytochemical and pharmacological studies summarized here, Platycodon grandiflorus has been demonstrated to show a strong potential for therapeutic and health-maintaining uses. Both the extracts and chemical components isolated from the plant showed a wide range of biological activities. Thus, more studies on the pharmacological mechanisms of its main active compounds (e.g., platycodin D, D2) need to be conducted. In addition, as one of the most popular traditional herbal medicines, clinical studies of the main therapeutic aspects, toxicity and adverse effects of Platycodon grandiflorus will also undoubtedly be the focus of future investigation.
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Bu-Shen-Yi-Qi formulae (BSYQF) are frequently used in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases in the respiratory system in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, the regulatory effect of BSYQF on T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T (Treg) cells in murine ovalbumin (OVA) asthma model remains poorly understood. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of high-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) standardized BSYQF on chronic airway inflammation and Th17/Treg imbalance in the murine OVA asthma model. ⋯ Collectively, these results demonstrated that BSYQF could suppress chronic airway inflammation and regulate Th17/Treg imbalance by inhibition of Th17 and enhancement of Treg functions in the murine OVA asthma model, which may help to elucidate the underlying regulatory mode of BSYQF on asthma treatment.
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Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, known as Danshen, is a well-known traditional Chinese herb which has been used extensively for the treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease and neurodegenerative diseases for thousands of years. Tanshinone I is one of major bioactive flavonoids of Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae. Modulation of microglial over-reaction may represent a therapeutic target to alleviate the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we tested the effect of Tanshinone I on neuro-inflammation and whether it can provide neuroprotection through inhibition of neuro-inflammation. ⋯ Tanshinone I selectively suppressed pro-inflammatory M1 genes expression in activated microglia, interestingly, partially reserved anti-inflammatory M2 genes expression. It also could provide neuroprotection in a mouse model of Parkinson׳s disease. These data indicated that Tanshinone I could make the most of the beneficial side and minimize the detrimental side of activated microglia simultaneously, and provide neuroprotection by modulating the immune response of microglia.