Questions or Enquiries?

Any inquiry of published articles, please e mail kylenorton@hotmail.ca

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

Chinese Herbs – Xing Ren or Bei Xing Ren (Semen pruni armeniacae)


Xing Ren or Bei Xing Ren or Ku Xing Ren is also known as Bitter Apricot Kernel. The warm, bitter and slightly toxic herb has been used in TCM to treat coughing and asthma, enhance bowl movement. moisten the intestine, etc, as it calms cough and asthma, enhances expeling of phlegm, stop conspitation, etc., by enhancing the function of lung and large intestine channels.

Ingredients
1. Amygdalin
2. Fat
3. Emulsin
4. Amygdalase
5. Prunase
6, Estrone
7. α-estradiol
8. Desmasterol
9. Vitamin E
10. Vitamin C
11. Vitamin P
12. Valcium
13. Phosphorus
14. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Hepatic steatosis
In the investigation of the protective effect of 10 % and 20 % apricot-containing feed on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic steatosis and damage, found that Hepatocytes showed an oedematous cytoplasmic matrix, large lipid globules and degenerated organelles. The area of liver injury was found significantly decreased with apricot feeding. Malondialdehyde and total glutathione levels and catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were significantly changed in the CCl4 group and indicated increased oxidative stress. Apricot feeding decreased this oxidative stress and ameliorated histological damage(1)
2. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
In the study of the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of methanol and water extracts of sweet and bitter apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernels, showed that in contrast to extracts of the bitter kernels, both the water and methanol extracts of sweet kernels have antioxidant potential. The highest percent inhibition of lipid peroxidation (69%) and total phenolic content (7.9 +/- 0.2 microg/mL) were detected in the methanol extract of sweet kernels (Hasanbey) and in the water extract of the same cultivar, respectively. the methanol extracts of the bitter kernels were very potent against the Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (0.312 mg/mL MIC value). Significant anti-candida activity was also observed with the methanol extract of bitter apricot kernels against Candida albicans, consisting of a 14 mm in diameter of inhibition zone and a 0.625 mg/mL MIC value(2)
3. Sources of protein
In the evaluation of Hamawy apricot seed kernels (sweet), Amar apricot seed kernels (bitter) and treated Amar apricot kernels (bitterness removed) found that . The Protein Efficiency Ratio data and blood analysis results showed the Hamawy apricot seed kernels to be higher in biological value than treated apricot seed kernels. The Net Protein Ratio data which accounts for both weight, maintenance and growth showed the treated apricot seed kernels to be higher in biological value than both Hamawy and Amar kernels. The Net Protein Ratio for the last two kernels were nearly equal(3)
4. Anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects
In the study of the effect of selected indigenous medicinal plants of Pakistan evaluated on the secretion of interleukin-8 (IL-8) and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a bid to rationalize their medicinal use and to examine the anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects in gastric epithelial cells, the results of the study revealed anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects of selected medicinal plants which could partially validate the traditional use of these plants in GI disorders particularly associated with Helicobacter pylori. Furthermore, results obtained may lead to possible future candidates of chemoprevention against peptic ulcer or gastric cancer(4)
4. Etc.

Side Effects
1. The herb is toxic if overdose, as the presence of hydrogen cyanide
2. Do not use Bei Xing Ren on new born, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consult with your doctor or related field specialist.
3. Etc.


Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19822030
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19330262
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6945764
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22433535
Posted by at No comments:

Chinese Herbs – Kuan Dong Hua (Tussilaginis Farfarae flos)

Kuan Dong Hua is also known as common coltsfoot flowers. The acrid, warm herb has been used in TCM to calm cough and asthma, stimulate respiratory and cardiovascular effects, expel phlegm, etc., as it moistens the Lungs, moves Qi downwards, calms cough, transforms Phlegm, etc., by enhancing the functions of lung channels
 Ingredients
1. Faradiol
2. Butin
3. Arnidiol
4. Farfaratine
5.Tussilagine
6. 14-acetoxy-7β-[3’-ethyl crotonoloxy]-notonipetranome
14-acetoxy-7β-3’-ethylcrotomoyloxy]-1α-[2’-methylbutyryloxy]-
notonipetranone
7. 7β-[3’-ethyl-crotonoyloxy]-lα-
[2’-methylbutyryloxy]-3,14-dehydro-Z-motomipetranone
8. Etc.
Health Benefits
1. Neuroprotective and antioxidant effects
In the investigation of the effects of the ethyl acetate (EA) fraction on various types of neuronal cell damage induced in primary cultured rat cortical cells, found that the EA fraction potently inhibited the neuronal damage induced by arachidonic acid. We also found that it significantly attenuated the neuronal damage induced by spermine NONOate, a stable NO generator. In addition, it inhibited the A(beta(25-35))-induced neurotoxicity and glutamate- or N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-induced excitotoxicity. It was found that the oxidative neuronal damage induced by H2O2, xanthine/xanthine oxidase, or Fe(2+)/ascorbic acid was also inhibited by the EA fraction. Furthermore, it was shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation initiated by Fe(2+)/ascorbic acid in rat brain homogenates, and scavenge DPPH radicals(1)
2. Carcinogenic activity
In the evaluation of the carcinogenicity of young, pre-blooming flowers of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara L., in inbred strain ACI rats, divided into 4 groups: Group I received 32% coltsfoot diet for 4 days, and subsequently 16% diet until the termination of experiment. Groups II and III respectively received 8% and 4% coltsfoot diet for 600 days. Group IV was fed a normal diet as a control group, found that after 600days, all the rats in Group I survived beyond 380 days after the start of feeding and 8 out of 12 rats developed hemangioendothelial sarcoma in the liver, whereas only one out of 10 rats developed the tumor in Group II, and no tumors were observed in Group III. Chemical studies on the dried, young flowers used in this experiment suggested that the carcinogenicity of coltsfoot is most probably due to senkirkine, a hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid(2)
3. Anti inflammatory effects
In the demonstration of that TSL, Tussilagone (TSL), isolated from the flower of buds of Tussilago farfara (Compositae),exerts anti-inflammatory activities in murine macrophages by inducing heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, found that TSL may be an effective HO-1 inducer that has anti-inflammatory effects, and a valuable compound for modulating inflammatory conditions(3)
4. Antimicrobial activity
In the investigation of the antimicrobial activity of crude ethanolic extracts of 16 Siberian medicinal plants, showed that 12 showed antimicrobial activity against one or more species of microorganisms. The most active antimicrobial plants were Bergenia crassifolia, Chelidonium majus, Rhaponticum carthamoides, Sanguisorba officinalis, and Tussilago farfara(4)
5. Etc
 
Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of cough with yin deficiency
2.Not use the herb in newborn, children, if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consult with the related field specialist.
3. Etc.
 
Sources
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12169406
Posted by at No comments:

Chinese Herbs – Kuan Jin Teng (Ramus Tinosporae Sinensis)

Kuan Jin Teng is also known as Chinese tinospora stem. The sweet, slightly acrid and neutral herb has been used in TCM as anti-inflammatory agent and immune enhancer and to treat difficulty in urination, edema, constipation, rheumatism, influenza, hepatitis, stomachache, diarrhea, mastitis, acute cellulitis etc., as it expels Wind-Damp, soothes the sinews, promotes circulation, etc, by enhancing the functions of liver and spleen channels.
 
Ingredients
1. Tinosposides A and B (lignan glucosides)
2. Tinosinen (phenolic glycoside).
3. Betulin,
4. β-sitositerol,
5. Lupeol
6. Etc.
 
Health Benefits
1. Anti-inflammatory activity
In the evaluation of Anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extracts from nine vine plants used in traditional Chinese medicine used to treat inflammatory conditions against a panel of key enzymes relating to inflammation, including Tinospora sinensis (Lour.) Merrill, showed that All of the plant extracts showed inhibitory activities against at least one of the enzymes in various percentages depending upon the concentrations. The extract from S. suberectus was found to be active against all enzymes except COX-2. Its IC(50) values were 158, 54, 31 and 35 microg/ml in COX-1, PLA(2), 5-LO and 12-LO assays, respectively(1)
2. Inhibition of nitric oxide release
In the examination of the Inhibition of nitric oxide release by an aqueous extract of Tinospora tuberculata, showed that when the aqueous extract was added to lipopolysaccharide-stimulated murine macrophages, it inhibited NO release dose-dependently, and similar activity was found in a cell-free system using sodium nitroprusside as a NO donor(2)
3. Etc.
 
Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consult with your doctor or related field specialist
2. Do not use the herb in postpartum period
Sources
Posted by at No comments:

Chinese Herbs– Kun Bu or Hai Dai (Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae)

Kun Bu or Hai Dai is also known as Kelp. The salty and cold herb has been used in TCM as diuretics and to treat thyroid tumor, tumor of the lymph glands, swollen testes, edema, etc., as it eliminates Phlegm, softens what is hard, etc., by enhancing the functions of liver and kidney channels.
 
Ingredients
1. Algin
2. Mannitol
3. Galactan
4. Laminine
5. Laminarin
6. Glutamic acid
7. Aspartic acid
8. Proline
9. Viatimin B1
10. Vitamin C
11. Sulphur
12. Potassium
13. Etc.
 
Health Benefits
1. Thyroid function
In the study of the effects of ingestion of two different doses of supplemental kelp on the thyroid function of healthy euthyroid subjects, showed that Short-term dietary supplementation with kelp significantly increases both basal and poststimulation TSH. These findings corroborate previous studies on the effects of supplemental iodide given to euthyroid subjects for a similar period. Further studies are needed to determine whether long-term kelp supplementation would cause clinically significant thyroid disease(1)
2. Adjuvant activity
In the evaluation of a botanical polysaccharide preparations (from Astragalus, Echinacea, wolfberry, and kelp) for an immunopotentiators/adjuvants of a veterinary rabies vaccine,
showed that lymphocyte proliferation and some cytokines were significantly elevated, with cellular immune responses skewed towards Th1 and Tc1. All four polysaccharides produced accelerated and enhanced effects on rabies-neutralizing antibody responses in mice and dogs.(2)
3. Etc.
 
Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of yang deficiency
2. Do not use Kun Bu or Hai Dai in newborn, children, or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consult with you doctor and related field specialist.
3. Etc.
Posted by at No comments:

Chinese Herbs – La Liao (Herba Plygoni flaccidi)

La liao is also known as water pepper. The acrid, warm and toxic herb has been used in TCM to treat dysentery, diarrhea, digestive inflammation, rheumatoid arthritis, vaginal bleeding, etc., as itcalms pain, gets rid of dampness, toxin and swelling and parasites , disperses blood stasis, etc., by enhancing the functions of spleen and large intestine channels
Ingredients
1. Oxalic acid
2. Dianthraquinone
3. Dianthrone
4. Flavonoids
5. Alkaloids,
6. Evaporating oil
7. Gallic acid
8. Tannin
9. Etc.
 
Health Benefits
1. Anti-inflammatory effects
In the study to exam the anti-inflammatory effects of 99% methanol extracts (Ph-ME) of Polygonum hydropiper found that Ph-ME exerts strong anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing Src/Syk/NF-κB and IRAK/AP-1/CREB pathways, which contribute to its major ethno-pharmacological role as an anti-gastritis remedy(1)
2. Etc.
 
Side Effects
1. Overdoses can cause toxicity
2. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding with out first consult with your doctor or related field specialist
3. Etc.
Sources
Posted by at No comments:

Chinese Herbs– Lai Fu Zi (Semen Raphani)


Lai Fu Zi is also known as Radish Seed. The acrid, sweet and neutral herb has been used in TCM to treat burping with acidic gas, cough and wheezing with phlegm, chronic asthmatic
bronchitis, etc., as it promotes digestion, transforms food retention and Phlegm, moves Qi downwards, etc., by enhancing the functions of spleen, stomach and lung channels.
 
Ingredients
1. Methyl- mercaptan
2. α,β-methylbutanol
3. β, γ－hexenol
4. Eruci acid
5. Linoleic acid
6. Linolenic acid
7. Polysaccharide
8. Phenol
9. Alkaloid,
10 Flavonoid
11. Phytosterols
12. Etc.
 
Health Benefits
1. Multipotent chemopreventive agent
In the investigation of the chemo0preventive effects of Kaiware Daikon (Raphanus sativus L.) extract, showed that 4-methylthio-3-butenyl isothiocyanate (GRH-ITC) and 4-methylsulfinyl-3-butenyl isothiocyanate (GRE-ITC), released by the GLs purified from Japanese (Kaiware) Daikon (Raphanus sativus L.) seeds and sprouts, had selective cytotoxic/apoptotic activity on three human colon carcinoma cell lines prompted further research on the potential chemopreventive role of a standardized Kaiware Daikon extract (KDE), containing 10.5% w/w GRH and 3.8% w/w GRE, compared to its isolated components(1)
2. Cytotoxic and antioxidant activity
In the interest in the chemopreventive potential of Brassica vegetables (cruciferae), particularly due to their content in glucosinolates (GL), which upon myrosinase hydrolysis release the corresponding isythiocyanates (ITC), as Japanese daikon ( Raphanus sativus L.) is possibly the vegetable with the highest per capita consumption within the Brassicaceae family, found that GRH-ITC has interesting antioxidant/radical scavenging properties, associated with a selective cytotoxic/apoptotic activity toward three human colon carcinoma cell lines, and very limited toxicity on normal human T-lymphocytes.
3. Cirrhotic ascites
In the investigation of the efficacy of Xiaozhang Tie, a traditional Chinese herbal cataplasm composed of dahuang (Rheum palmatum L.), laifuzi (Raphanus sativus L.), concocted gansui (Euphorbia kansui T.N. Liou ex T.P. Wang), chenxiang [Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg], dingxiang (Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb.), bingpian (Borneolum syntheticum) and shexiang (artificial Moschus), as an adjuvant in treating cirrhotic ascites, indicated that Xiaozhang Tie as an adjuvant to primary therapy of cirrhotic ascites is safe and shows a remarkable efficacy on relieving abdominal distention(3)
4. Anti diabetic effect
In the study of study screening the glycemic attributes of Raphanus sativus L. (Brassicaceae) root juice in normal as well as sub- and mild-diabetic models, found that the dose of 300 mg kg(-1)bw was identified as the most effective dose which lowers the blood glucose level (BGL) by 33.4% (p < 0.001) at 6 h during fasting blood glucose (FBG) studies in normal rats. However, the glucose tolerance test (GTT) revealed the maximum reduction of 15.9% (p < 0.001) in BGL at 3 h in normal rats with the same dose, whereas the reduction observed was by 23.8 and 28.3% (p < 0.001) in sub- and mild-diabetic rats, respectively, at the same interval of time(4)
5. Antioxidant and choleretic properties
In the examination of the Antioxidant and choleretic properties of Raphanus sativus L. sprout (Kaiware Daikon) extract, showed that contribution of GRH to KDE’s antioxidant activity was considered in two chemical assays (Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity and Briggs-Rauscher methods). The total phenol assay by Folin-Ciocalteu reagent was performed to quantify the reducing capacity of KDE. Finally, on the basis of the putative choleretic properties of antioxidant plant extracts, the effect on the bile flow of KDE administration was investigated in an animal experimental model. The findings showed that KDE has antioxidant properties and significantly induced bile flow in rats administered 1.5 g/kg of body weight for 4 consecutive days(5)
6. Etc.
 
Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of Qi and spleen deficiency
2. No not use Lai Fu Zi in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or hreast feeding without first consult with your doctor or related field specialist.
Sources
Posted by at No comments:

Chinese Herbs– Lang Du (Radix Stellerae Chamaejasmis)





Lang Du is also known as River radis euphordiae lantu. The acrid, slightly bitter and sweet netrual and toxic herb has been used in TCM to get rid of worms, treat swelling, relieve pain in stochmach, etc., as its eliminates Phlegm, get rid of roundworms, calms pain, etc., by enhancing the function of lung, liver and kidney channels.
 
Ingredients
1. Fischeriana A，B
2. Euphol
3. Saponins
4. Glycosides
5. Sterol
6. Tannins
7. Etc.
 
Health Benefits
1. Anti tumor activity
In the investigation of The daphnane-type diterpene gnidimacrin, isolated from the root of the Chinese plant, Stellera chamaejasme L., showed significant antitumor activity against murine leukemias and solid tumors in an in vivo system. In K562, a sensitive human leukemia cell line, gnidimacrin induced blebbing of the cell surface, which was completely inhibited by staurosporine at concentrations above 10(-8) M, and arrested the cell cycle transiently to G2 and finally the G1 phase at growth-inhibitory concentrations(1)
2. Aphis craccivora and Pieris rapae
In the study of the root powder of Stellera chamaejasme extracted with chloroform to obtain chromatographed several times with silica gel columns and finally one pure natural product found that it had good insecticidal activity against Aphis craccivora and Pieris rapae. Its median lethal concentrations (LC50) (24 h after treatment) were 14.81 and 47.68 mg L(-1), respectively. This is the first time that the insecticidal activity of thymol against A. craccivora and P. rapae(2)
3. Prostate cancer
In the evaluation of Neochamaejasmin A ( 1), a biflavonoid isolated from the roots of a traditional Chinese medicine, Stellera chamaejasme L. for it anti prostate caner effects, found that Treatment of LNCaP cells with low doses of 1 (< or =6.25 microg/mL) suppressed DNA-binding activities of the transcription factors NFkappaB and AP-1 to the promoter of cyclin D and also inhibited expression of the cell cycle regulatory proteins cyclin D, proliferating cell nuclear antigen, and nucleolin, thus arresting cells in G 1 phase of the cell cycle. A lengthy exposure with higher doses of 1 (> or =12.5 microg/mL) revealed the production of reactive oxygen species, dissipation of the mitochondrial membrane potential, up-regulation of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21, and induction of cell apoptosis(3)
4. Free radical scavenging activities
In examination of the free radical scavenging action of some medicinal herbs growing in Mongolia. The aqueous extract of nine herbs Chamenerion angustifolium (Ch.ang), Equisetum arvense (Eq.arv), Gentiana decumbens (Gn.dec), Geranium pratense (Gr.pra), Lomatogonium carinthiacum (L.car), Nonea poulla (N.pl), Phodococcum vitis-idaea (Ph.v), Sphallerocarpus gracilis (Sph.gr), Stellera chamaejasme (St.cha), showed that extracts of Ch.ang, Gn.dec, Gr.pra, L.car, N.pl, Ph.v, Sph.gr and St. cha possess strong scavenging action of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals. On the other hand, the radical scavenging action of Eq.arv was low. Extracts of N.pl and Ph.v markedly inhibited the CL generated from rat liver microsomal cytochrome P450 system whereas the CL was moderately inhibited by Eq.arv, Gn.dec, Gr.pra, L.car and St.cha(4)
4. Anti- leukemia
In the observation of Gnidimacrin, a diterpene compound, isolated from the methanol extract of Stellera chamaejasme L, indicated that a significant antitumor activities against mouse leukemia P-388 and L-1210 in vivo. At the dosages of 0.02-0.03mg/kg ip, the in increase in life span (ILS) was 70% and 80%, respectively. Gnidimacrin was also active against murine solid tumors in vivo, such as Lewis lung carcinoma, B-16 melanoma and colon cancer 26. It showed ILSs of 40%, 49% and 41% at the dosages of 0.01-0.02mg/kg ip, respectively. Gnidimacrin strongly inhibited cell proliferation of human cancer cell lines such as leukemia K562, stomach cancers Kato-III, MKN-28, MKN-45, and mouse L-1210 by the MTT assay and colony forming assay in vitro(5)
6. Etc.
 
Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb if you are experience body weakness
2. Over doses can cause toxicity
3. Do not use Land Du in new born, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consult with your doctor or related field specialist.
Sources
Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)