Holistic Health Articles and Research Related to Herbal Medicines, Foods and Phytochemicals

Thursday 31 October 2013

Chinese Herbs – Xiang Si Zi (Semen Abri precatorii)

Xiang Si Zi is also known as Coralhead plant seed. The bitter, neutral and toxic herb has been used in TCM to get rid of parasitic worms and fungal infection of skin, stop itchiness, treat strokes, scabies, eczema, etc. as it expels toxin and watery phlegm, etc. by enhancing the functions of heart and lung channels.

Ingredients
1-Abrine
2. Hypaphorine
3. Methyl ester
4. N-dimethyltrypto-phan methocation
5. Precatorine
6. Choline
7. Trigonelline
8. β-Amyrin
9. Cycloartenol
10. Stigmasterol
11. β-Stigmasterol
12. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antimicrobial activity
In the study to investigate the in-vitro antimicrobial activities of the extracts of Abrus precatorius, the results substantiate the ethno botanical use of different parts of Abrus precatorius for the treatment of various bacteria-related diseases. Topical application of Abrus precatorius extracts in ointments may be recommended especially for treating superficial infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus(1).
2. Antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects
In the study of Five isoflavanquinones have been isolated from the roots of Abrus precatorius L. (Leguminosae), showed that abruquinones A, B, and D exhibited remarkable inhibitory effects on the platelet aggregation. The IC50 of abruquinones A and B for the inhibition of the platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA) and collagen were less than 5 micrograms/ml, and of abruquinone D, was less than 10 micrograms/ml for that induced by AA(2).
3. Etc.

Side Effect
1. Do not use the herb with no direction from the related field specialist
2. Etc.

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Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18408781
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7480175

Chinese Herbs – Xiao Hui Xiang (Fructus Foeniculi Vulgaris)

Xiao Hui Xiang is also known as Fennel Fruit. The acrid and warm herb has been used in TCM as antioxidant and anti fungal agent and to treat Cold type of hernia, indigestion, gastric gas and colic, swollen testes, stimulate the flow of breast milk, etc., as it disperses Cold, calms pain, regulates the Qi, harmonizes the Stomach, etc. by enhancing the functions of liver, kidney, spleen and stomach channels.
Ingredients
1. Trans-Anethole
2. Linoleic acid
3. Palmitic acid
4. Arachidic acid
5. Behenic acid
6. Quercetin
7. Phytosteryl b-fructofuranoside
8. 7-hydroxycoumarin
9. 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin
10. Oleanolic acid
11. Sitosterol
12. Stigmasterol
13. Fenchone α-蒎烯
14. α-pinene
15. Limonene
16. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti microbial activities
In the study to determine the chemical compositions of the essential oil and hexane extract isolated from the inflorescence, leaf stems, and aerial parts of Florence fennel and the antimicrobial activities of the essential oil, hexane extract, and their major component, anethole, against a large variety of foodborne microorganisms, showed that revealed that (E)-anethole, the main component of Florence fennel essential oil, is responsible for the antimicrobial activity and that the essential oils as well as the hexane extract can be used as a food preservative(1).
2. Anticancer Activity
In the study to evaluate the effect of Acetone extracts of selected plant species for their cytotoxicity against a noncancerous African green monkey kidney (Vero) cell line and an adenocarcinoma cervical cancer (HeLa) cell line, showed that dose-dependent studies revealed IC(50) of 34.46 ± 0.48 μg/mL and 126.3 ± 1.00 μg/mL on the HeLa cells and on the Vero cells 124.1 μg/mL ± 18.26 and 163.8 μg/mL ± 2.95 for L. nobilis and O. vulgare, respectively. Light (eosin and haematoxylin staining) and confocal microscopy (Hoechst 33342, acridine orange, and propidium iodide staining) were used to evaluate the cytotoxic mechanism of action for L. nobilis and O. vulgare(2).
3. Antioxidant effects
Foeniculum Vulgare Mill has exerted the antioxidant protective effect by declining liver inflammation response and preventing the hepatic fibrosis progression, according to the study of Xinjiang Medical University(5).
4. Bone loss
in the study of an aqueous extract of Foeniculum vulgare Miller seed (FvMs) at low concentration, which has traditionally been used as a treatment for a variety of ailments, inhibits the osteoclast differentiation and bone resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts, found that oral administration of FvMs (30 mg or 100 mg/kg/day) for 6 weeks had an intermediary effect on the prevention of femoral bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and other parameters compared to OVX controls(4).
5. Etc.

Side Effects
1, Do not use in case of Yin deficiency with loss of fluid
2. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
3. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20136455
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22649474
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22475144
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22447109

Chinese Herbs – Xian Mao (Rhizoma Curculiginis Orchioidis)

Xian Mao is also known as Common Curculigo Rhizome. The acrid, hot and slightly toxic herb has been used in TCM to strengthen muscles, treat for impotence, lower back and knee pain, cold chest and abdomen, urinary incontinence, etc., as it tonifies the Kidneys and the Yang, disperses Cold and Dampness, etc. by enhancing the functions of spleen, kidney and liver channels.

Ingredients
1. Alpha-citral (geranial)
2. Beta-citral (neral)
3. Myrcene
4. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Antibacteria lactivity
The alpha-citral (geranial) and beta-citral (neral) components of Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf., a medical plant used over many years in West Africa individually elicit antibacterial action on gram-negative and gram-positive organisms, the third component, myrcene, did not show observable antibacterial activity on its own. However, myrcene provided enhanced activities when mixed with either of the other two main components identified(1).
2. Fungicidal and anti-aflatoxigenic effects
In the study to develop a natural fungicide against aflatoxigenic fungi, to protect stored rice, using the essential oil of lemongrass. showed that Lemongrass oil could be used to manage aflatoxin formation and fungal growth of A. flavus in stored rice(2).
3. Cytogenotoxicity
In the study to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of aqueous extracts from C. citratus leaves on Lactuca sativa (lettuce) root tip meristem cell, found that the highest concentration of aqueous extracts reduced the mitotic index, the seed germination and the root development of lettuce. The extracts have also induced chromosome aberrations and cellular death in the roots cells of L. sativa(3).
4. Anticonvulsant activities
In the study to compare the effects of both EOs on three models of convulsions (pentylenetetrazol, pilocarpine, and strychnine) and on the barbiturate-induced sleeping time on male Swiss mice, showed that both EOs were more active on the pentylenetetrazol-induced convulsion model, and C. citratus was even more efficient in increasing latency to the first convulsion and latency to death. Both parameters were potentiated in the presence of a lower dose of diazepam (reference drug) when associated to a lower dose of each EO (25 mg kg(-1)). Besides, their anticonvulsant effects were blocked by flumazenil, a known benzodiazepine antagonist. This effect was somewhat lower on the pilocarpine-induced convulsion, and better effects were seen only with the EOs’ higher doses (200 mg kg(-1)). A similar result was observed on the strychnine-induced convulsion model. Both EOs potentiated the barbiturate-induced sleeping time. However, C. citratus was more efficient. Interestingly, both EOs completely blocked the MPO release from human neutrophils and showed no cytotoxic effect on the LDH release from human neutrophils(4).
5. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of Yin deficiency with heat
2. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
3. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/6442749
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12803563
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20563411
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20237771

Chinese Herbs – Xing Ren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae)

Xing Ren is also known as Apricot Seed. The warm, bitter and slightly toxic herb has been used in TCM to treat coughing and asthma, expelling phlegm, promote bowel movements, etc., as it Calms cough and dyspnea, moisten the Intestines, promotes bowel movement, etc. by enhancing the functions of lung and large intestine channels.

Ingredients
1, Amygdalin
2. Emulsin
3. Amygdalase
4. Prunase
5. Estrone
6. α-estradiol
7. Desmasterol
8. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Liver steatosis
In the study to investigate the protective effect of 10 % and 20 % apricot-containing feed on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic steatosis and damage, found that apricot feeding had beneficial effects on CCl4-induced liver steatosis and damage probably due to its antioxidant nutrient (beta-carotene and vitamin) contents and high radical-scavenging capacity. Dietary intake of apricot can reduce the risk of liver steatosis and damage caused by free radicals(1).
2. Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities
In the vitro study of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of methanol and water extracts of sweet and bitter apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) kernels, showed that the most effective antibacterial activity was observed in the methanol and water extracts of bitter kernels and in the methanol extract of sweet kernels against the Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Additionally, 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. Etc.
Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
2. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19822030
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19330262

Chinese Herbs - Xiong Huang (Realgar)

Xiong Huang is also known as Realgar. The acrid, bitter, warm and toxic herb has been used in TCM to treat intestinal parasites (taken orally) and damp rashes, abscesses, ulcerations, snake bites (topical application), etc. as it expels toxins, eliminates parasites, etc. by enhancing the functions of heart, liver and stomach channels.

Ingredients
1. As2S2
2. As2S3
3. As4S4
4. As2O3
5. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Respiratory syncytial virus type A
in the study to establish a model to explore anti- RSV effect of different administration method of Chinese medicine realgar on respiratory syncytial virus type A (RSV-A) replication in Hep-2 cells, showed that Realgar nano-particles was found to be a potential inhibitor of RSV-A in a concentration-dependent manner with the median toxic concentration(TC50) of 0.649 microg/mL in Hep-2 cell culture. The median inhibition concentration (IC50) was 0.20 microg/mL when drug was added before virus infection(1).
2. Anti-adenovirus
in another study to establish a model that adenovirus type 3 (HAdV-3) infected on Hep-2 cell in order to explore anti-adenovirus3 (HAdV-3) effect of Chinese medicine realgar, using high-energy ball milling with distilled water to prepare realgar nanoparticles. indicated that the drug was found to be a potential inhibitor of HAdV-3 in a concentration-dependent manner with the median toxic concentration (TC50) of 0.649 microg/ml in Hep-2 Cell culture(2).
3. Anti tumors
In the investigation to prepare a new nano-sized realgar particle and characterize its anti-tumor effect on tumor cells, researchers at the Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, found that ealgar nanoparticles significantly inhibited C6 glioma cell proliferation and promoted cell apoptosis by inducing the upregulation of Bax and downregulation of Bcl-2 expression. Realgar nanoparticles are a promising in vitro anti-cancer strategy and may be applicable for human cancer therapy studies(3).
4. Anti cancers
Researchers at the East China University of Science and Technology showed that realgar nanoparticles (RN) may provide a strong antiproliferation effect in the MG-63 and HepG-2 cells. Elutriation processing is a suitable approach to limit the dangerous side-effects of As₂O₃, while maintaining the effectiveness of RN(4).
5. Neuro-protective effects
In the study to investigate Wan-Sheng-Hua-Feng-Dan (WSHFD), a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of neurological disorders consistig Cinnabar (HgS) and realgar (As(4)S(4))showed that WSHFD (original) significantly attenuated LPS-induced decrease of DA uptake capacity and TH-positive neuron number, inhibited microglial activation, decreased LPS-induced ROS production, ameliorated LPS-induced elevations of the mRNA expressions of TNFα, iNOS, IL-1β and COX-2 and the subsequent production of TNFα, NO, IL-1β and PGE(2) in neuron-glia cultures. However, WSHFD (removed) and (reduced) failed to protect against LPS-induced neurotoxicity(5).
6. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of Yin and blood deficiency and leukemia with low white blood cell count.
2. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
3. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22416349
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22734223
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22238507
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21845047
(5) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22207210

Chinese #Herbs – Xuan Fu Hua (Flos Inulae)

Xuan Fu Hua is also known as Inula Flower. The acrid, salty, bitter and slightly warm herb has been used in TCM as anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-virus, nti-tumor, anti-oxidation, anti-asthma agent and to treat fullness in chest, asthmatic cough with abundance of phlegm, vomiting, burping, lumps under the chest, etc. by enhancing the functions of lung, spleen, stomach and large intestine channels.

Ingredients
1. Gaillardin
2. Quercetin
3. Quercemeritrin
4. Isoquercitrin
5. Quercetagitrin
6. Huteolin
7. 6-hydroxyluteolin 7-glucoside
8. Quercetin 7-glucuronoglucoside
9. 6-hydroxyluteolin 7-diglucoside
10. Patuletin
11. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Anti proliferation and apoptosis
In the study to determine the effects of Acetylbritannilactone (ABL), a naturally occurring Inula britannica L., on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and apoptosis, found that ABL was capable of suppressing the abnormal VSMC proliferation, accompanied by the induction of apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. It suggested that ABL could be considered a pharmacological candidate for the prevention of restenosis after balloon angioplasty(1).
2. Block neointimal hyperplasia
In the study to investigate whether and how the total flavonoid extracts (TFE) from Inula britannica L. block neointimal hyperplasia induced by balloon injury in rats, showed that the inhibitory effect of TFE on neointimal hyperplasia was almost consistent with that of atorvastatin, a positive control. The plasma SOD activity was obviously increased by TFE treatment (P<0.01), while plasma MDA production was markedly decreased by TFE treatment (P<0.05). On day 14 after balloon injury, the carotid arteries showed an increase in O(2)(-) production that was most evident in the neointimal and medial layer of the vessel(2).
3. Anti-inflammatory activity
In the study to investigate the mechanism of action by which a new anti-inflammatory active compound, 1-O-acetylbritannilactone (ABL) isolated from Inula britannica-F., inhibits inflammatory responses in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), indicate that ABL is a potent inhibitor of LPS-stimulated VSMC inflammatory responses through blockade of NF-kappaB activity and inhibition of inflammatory gene COX-2 expression(3).
4. Autoimmune diabetes
In the study of the effects of IB on diabetes in mice induced by multiple low doses of streptozotocin (MLDSTZ), indicated that the degree of insulitis and destruction of beta-cells were reduced by IB treatment. The IFN-gamma production from stimulated splenic T lymphocytes was inhibited by the IB treatment. Moreover, the proportion of IFN-gamma-producing cells in the CD4(+) population, which was increased by MLDSTZ, was significantly decreased by the IB treatment(4).
5. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Du not use the herb in case of chronic cough with Yin deficiency or wind-heat cough
2. etc.
Side Effects
1. Do not use the herb in case of Yin and blood deficiency and leukemia with low white blood cell count.
2. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
3. Etc.

Sources
(1) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20060605
(2) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19559080
(3) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17915214
(4) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12112297

Chinese #Herbs -- Xuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis)

Xuan Shen is also known as Figwort Root. The salty, sweet, bitter and cold herb has been used in TCM as anti bacterial, anti inflammatory, sedative, anti-pyretic agent and to lower blood pressure, blood sugar, etc., as it clears Heat, expels toxins, nourishes Yin, etc. by enhancing the functions of kidney, lung and stomach channels.

Ingredients
1.Harpagoside
2. Harpagide
3. Aucubin
4. 6-methylcatapol
5. Ningpogoside A, B
6.Mingpogenin scropoliside A
7. Angoroside
8. Etc.

Health Benefits
1. Atherosclerotic plaque
In the study to investigate the effect of Si-Miao-Yong-An a Chinese herbal formulation comprising Flos Lonicerae Japonicae, Radix Scrophulariae Ningpoensis, Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis,on atherosclerotic plaque stability in rabbit model, showed that Si-Miao-Yong-An reduced the level of triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in blood after treatment for 16 weeks. Compared with model group, Si-Miao-Yong-An decreased the content of many inflammatory cytokines in blood and plaque(1).
2. Hypouricemic effects
In the study to investigate the effects of acteoside administration on serum uric acid levels in mice rendered hyperuricemic with the uricase inhibitor potassium oxonate, showed that when administered orally for 3 days at doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg, acteoside reduced serum uric acid levels by 15.2, 23.8 and 33.1%, respectively, relative to vehicle-treated hyperuricemic mice. Importantly, in non-hyperuricemic mice, the serum uric acid levels were not affected by acetoside treatment. Acteoside also inhibited mouse liver xanthine dehydrogenase XDH and xanthine oxidase XO activity at all three doses(2).
3. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Do not use in case of diarrhea as a result of spleen deficiency
2. Do not use in case of spleen and stomach dampness with no heat
3. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
4. Etc.