Articles

Effects of Fructus Piperis Longi extract on fibrotic liver of gamma-irradiated rats

A major biomarker for liver fibrosis is transglutaminase which catalyzes cross-linking of epsilon-amines and alpha-glutamyl residues among amino acids leading to fibrosis. Fructus Piperis Longi is a common herb u...

Authors: Somaya Zakaria Mansour and Hanan El-Kabany

Minimal acupuncture is not a valid placebo control in randomised controlled trials of acupuncture: a physiologist's perspective

Placebo-control of acupuncture is used to evaluate and distinguish between the specific effects and the non-specific ones. During 'true' acupuncture treatment in general, the needles are inserted into acupoint...

Authors: Iréne Lund, Jan Näslund and Thomas Lundeberg

The immediate effects of local and adjacent acupuncture on the tibialis anterior muscle: a human study

This study compares the immediate effects of local and adjacent acupuncture on the tibialis anterior muscle and the amount of force generated or strength in Kilogram Force (KGF) evaluated by a surface electrom...

Authors: Larissa Araujo Costa and João Eduardo de Araujo

CHINESE MEDICINE (CM) matters

Authors: Chun Un, Lorita Cheang, Jerry Lei, Siu-wai Leung and Hin Wing Yeung

Antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis and some other medicinal plants commonly used in South-East Asia

Eight medicinal plants were tested for their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Different extraction methods were also tested for their effects on the bioactivities of the medicinal plants.

Authors: Lai Wah Chan, Emily LC Cheah, Constance LL Saw, Wanyu Weng and Paul WS Heng

Effects of tender point acupuncture on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) – a pragmatic trial

Acupuncture is used to reduce inflammation and decrease pain in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This study investigates the efficacy of acupuncture on the symptoms of DOMS.

Authors: Kazunori Itoh, Hideki Ochi and Hiroshi Kitakoji

Prescription profile of potentially aristolochic acid containing Chinese herbal products: an analysis of National Health Insurance data in Taiwan between 1997 and 2003

Some Chinese herbal products (CHPs) may contain aristolochic acid (AA) or may be adulterated by the herbs suspected of containing AA which is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic. This study aims to identify the risk ...

Authors: Shu-Ching Hsieh, I-Hsin Lin, Wei-Lum Tseng, Chang-Hsing Lee and Jung-Der Wang

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and cancer prevention: a systematic review of randomized trials and epidemiological studies

Green tea is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. This review summarizes the beneficial effects of green tea on cancer prevention.

Authors: Jianping Liu, Jianmin Xing and Yutong Fei

Recent advances in the investigation of curcuminoids

More than 30 Curcuma species (Zingiberaceae) are found in Asia, where the rhizomes of these plants are used as both food and medicine, such as in traditional Chinese medicine. The plants are usually aromatic and ...

Authors: Hideji Itokawa, Qian Shi, Toshiyuki Akiyama, Susan L Morris-Natschke and Kuo-Hsiung Lee

Anti-inflammatory effects of Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae (Qinjiao), Rhizoma Coptidis (Huanglian) and Citri Unshiu Pericarpium (Wenzhou migan) in animal models

KHU14, an ethanolic extract of Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae (Qinjiao), Rhizoma Coptidis (Huanglian) and Citri Unshiu Pericarpium (Wenzhou migan) was tested for its anti-inflammatory effects.

Authors: Kyoung Soo Kim, Hae In Rhee, Eun Kyung Park, Kiwon Jung, Hyo Jin Jeon, Ji-Hong Kim, Hunseung Yoo, Chang-Kyun Han, Yong-Baik Cho, Chun Jeih Ryu, Hyung In Yang and Myung Chul Yoo

Recent advances in the compound-oriented and pattern-oriented approaches to the quality control of herbal medicines

The current approaches to the quality control of herbal medicines are either compound-oriented or pattern-oriented, the former targeting specific components with some known chemical properties and the latter t...

Authors: Zhongda Zeng, Foo-tim Chau, Hoi-yan Chan, Chui-yee Cheung, Tsui-yan Lau, Shuiyin Wei, Daniel Kam-wah Mok, Chi-on Chan and Yizeng Liang

Effects of ginsenosides Re and Rg3 on intracellular redox state and cell proliferation in C6 glioma cells

Cellular redox state is important to cell growth and death. The growth of tumor cells may be modulated by intracellular reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG). The present study aims to investigat...

Authors: Wai Yee Ng and Mildred S Yang

Chemical markers for the quality control of herbal medicines: an overview

Selection of chemical markers is crucial for the quality control of herbal medicines, including authentication of genuine species, harvesting the best quality raw materials, evaluation of post-harvesting handl...

Authors: Songlin Li, Quanbin Han, Chunfeng Qiao, Jingzheng Song, Chuen Lung Cheng and Hongxi Xu

An optimized high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for benzoylmesaconine determination in Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi, aconite roots) and its products

Benzoylmesaconine (BMA) is the main Aconitum alkaloid in Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Fuzi, aconite roots) with potent pharmacological activities, such as analgesia and anti-inflammation. The present study ...

Authors: Ying Xie, Hua Zhou, Yuen Fan Wong, Zhongqiu Liu, Hongxi Xu, Zhihong Jiang and Liang Liu

Simultaneous determination of eight major bioactive compounds in Dachengqi Tang (DT) by high-performance liquid chromatography

Dachengqi Tang (DT) is a common traditional Chinese medicine formula for expelling neire ('internal heat') in the stomach and intestines. There was no reliable analytical method available for the quality control ...

Authors: Wenfu Tang, Meihua Wan, Zhengyan Zhu, Guanyuan Chen and Xi Huang

Chinese red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus-fermented rice) promotes bone formation

Statin can induce the gene expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2. Red yeast rice (RYR, Hongqu), i.e. rice fermented with Monascus purpureus, contains a natural form of statin. This study demonstrates the eff...

Authors: Ricky WK Wong and Bakr Rabie

Metabolic profiling reveals therapeutic effects of Herba Cistanches in an animal model of hydrocortisone-induced 'kidney-deficiency syndrome'

Herba Cistanches (Roucongrong) is effective in treating Shenxu Zheng ('kidney-deficiency syndrome'). However, the mechanisms and systemic metabolic responses to the herbal intervention are unclear.

Authors: Yunping Qiu, Minjun Chen, Mingming Su, Guoxiang Xie, Xin Li, Mingmei Zhou, Aihua Zhao, Jian Jiang and Wei Jia

A pilot study on using acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to treat knee osteoarthritis (OA)

The present study tests whether a combined treatment of acupuncture and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is more effective than acupuncture or TENS alone for treating knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Authors: Kazunori Itoh, Satoko Hirota, Yasukazu Katsumi, Hideki Ochi and Hiroshi Kitakoji

Effects of Yinchenhao Tang and related decoctions on DMN-induced cirrhosis/fibrosis in rats

Chinese medicine decoctions such as Yinchenhao Tang (YCHT), Xiayuxue Tang (XYXT), Huangqi Tang (HQT), Yiguan Jian (YGJ) and Xiaochaihu Tang (XCHT)) were used to treat liver cirrhosis. The present study evaluates ...

Authors: Cheng Liu, Mingyu Sun, Lei Wang, Gaoqiang Wang, Gaofeng Chen, Chenghai Liu and Ping Liu

The effects of Rhizoma Curculiginis and Rhizoma Drynariae extracts on bones

Rhizoma Curculiginis (Xianmao) and Rhizoma Drynariae (Gusuibu) are 'Yang-tonifying' traditional Chinese herbal medicines used to strengthen bones. This investigation aims to assess the systemic effect of extracts...

Authors: Ricky WK Wong, Bakr Rabie, Margareta Bendeus and Urban Hägg

Verification of the formulation and efficacy of Danggui Buxue Tang (a decoction of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis): an exemplifying systematic approach to revealing the complexity of Chinese herbal medicine formulae

This article exemplifies a systematic approach to revealing the complexity of Chinese herbal medicine formulae through three levels of scientific research: standardization of herbs, verification of ancient for...

Authors: Qiutao Gao, Jun Li, Jerry Ka Hei Cheung, Jinao Duan, Anwei Ding, Anna Wing Han Cheung, Kuijun Zhao, Winnie Zhuoming Li, Tina Tingxia Dong and Karl Wah Keung Tsim

American ginseng modulates pancreatic beta cell activities

The mechanism of the beneficial effects of Panax quinquefolius (Xiyangshen, American ginseng) on diabetes is yet to be elucidated. Recent studies show that Panax quinquefolius increases insulin production and red...

Authors: Zonggui Wu, John Zeqi Luo and Luguang Luo

Effect of an herbal extract Number Ten (NT) on body weight in rats

Chinese herbal extract Number Ten (NT) is a dietary herbal formulation prepared from rhubarb, ginger, astragalus, red sage and tumeric. This study tested the effectiveness of NT in reducing body weight gain in...

Authors: David A York, Sonyja Thomas, Frank L Greenway, Zhijun Liu and Jennifer C Rood

DNA methods for identification of Chinese medicinal materials

As adulterated and substituted Chinese medicinal materials are common in the market, therapeutic effectiveness of such materials cannot be guaranteed. Identification at species-, strain- and locality-levels, t...

Authors: Pui Ying Yip, Chi Fai Chau, Chun Yin Mak and Hoi Shan Kwan

Molecular biology of cantharidin in cancer cells

Herbal medicine is one of the forms of traditional medical practice. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and traditional Vietnamese medicine (TVM) are well-known for their long-standing tradition of herbal medi...

Authors: Rolf Rauh, Stefan Kahl, Herbert Boechzelt, Rudolf Bauer, Bernd Kaina and Thomas Efferth

Simultaneous determination of multiple marker constituents in concentrated Gegen Tang granule by high performance liquid chromatography

Concentrated Gegen Tang (GT) granule is a widely available traditional Chinese medicinal product for the treatment of cold and flu. There was no reliable analytical method available for the quality assessment of

Authors: Jingzheng Song, Quanbin Han, Chunfeng Qiao, Yuekeung Yip and Hongxi Xu

Pharmacogenomics and the Yin/Yang actions of ginseng: anti-tumor, angiomodulating and steroid-like activities of ginsenosides

In Chinese medicine, ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) has long been used as a general tonic or an adaptogen to promote longevity and enhance bodily functions. It has also been claimed to be effective in comb...

Authors: Patrick Ying Kit Yue, Nai Ki Mak, Yuen Kit Cheng, Kar Wah Leung, Tzi Bun Ng, David Tai Ping Fan, Hin Wing Yeung and Ricky Ngok Shun Wong

A survey of Chinese herbal ingredients with liver protection activities

A literature survey was conducted on herbs, their preparations and ingredients with reported liver protection activities, in which a total of 274 different species and hundreds of active ingredients have been ...

Authors: Rubin Wang, John Kong, Dali Wang, Linda Lin-min Lien and Eric Jung-chi Lien

Duhuo Jisheng Tang for treating osteoarthritis of the knee: a prospective clinical observation

Little scientific evidence supports the efficacy of herbal medicines in the treatment of degenerative arthritis of the knee. The purpose of this study is to evaluate both the efficacy and safety of a finished ...

Authors: Jung-Nien Lai, Huey-Jeng Chen, Chao-Chung Chen, Jer-Huei Lin, Jing-Shiang Hwang and Jung-Der Wang

Enhancement of ATP generation capacity, antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory activities by Chinese Yang and Yin tonifying herbs

Chinese tonifying herbs such as Herba Cistanche, Ganoderma and Cordyceps, which possess antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory activities, can be useful in the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases. Pharm...

Authors: Kam Ming Ko and Hoi Yan Leung

Inhibition of release of inflammatory mediators in primary and cultured cells by a Chinese herbal medicine formula for allergic rhinitis

We demonstrated that a Chinese herbal formula, which we refer to as RCM-101, developed from a traditional Chinese medicine formula, reduced nasal and non-nasal symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). The...

Authors: George B Lenon, Charlie CL Xue, David F Story, Frank CK Thien, Sarah McPhee and Chun G Li

A pilot study on acupuncture for lower urinary tract symptoms related to chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain

The etiology and treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) remain poorly understood. Pain, lower urinary tract voiding symptoms and negative impact on quality of life (QOL) are th...

Authors: Jillian L Capodice, Zhezhen Jin, Debra L Bemis, David Samadi, Brian A Stone, Steven Kapan and Aaron E Katz

Chinese red yeast rice (Monascus purpureus) for primary hyperlipidemia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Extracts of Chinese red yeast rice (RYR, a traditional dietary seasoning of Monascus purpureus) contains several active ingredients including lovastatin, and several trials of its possible lipid-lowering effects ...

Authors: Jianping Liu, Jing Zhang, Yi Shi, Sameline Grimsgaard, Terje Alraek and Vinjar Fønnebø

Preclinical and clinical examinations of Salvia miltiorrhiza and its tanshinones in ischemic conditions

Salvia miltiorrhiza (Labiatae, Laminaceae), danshen, is an annual sage mainly found in China and neighboring countries. The crude drug (dried root) and its preparations are currently used in China to treat patien...

Authors: James David Adams, Rubin Wang, Jun Yang and Eric Jungchi Lien

Inhibition of vascular remodelling in a porcine coronary injury model by herbal extract XS0601

Arterial remodelling is a major pathologic change of restenosis after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Our previous studies showed that XS0601 (consisting of Chuangxingol and paeoniflorin) had some ef...

Authors: Hao Xu, Dazhuo Shi and Keji Chen

Chinese Medicine: a peer-reviewed open access journal for evidence-led Chinese medicine

Authors: Hin Wing Yeung