[Qualitative and semiquantitative analyses of the chemical components of the seed coat and kernel of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen].

Ziziphi Spinosae Semen refers to the dried seed of Mill. var. (Bunge) Hu ex H.

Association of traditional Chinese medicine body constitution and cold syndrome with leukocyte mitochondrial functions: An observational study.

Body constitution in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) refers to the holistic and relatively durable state of an individual, based on the qi and blood assessment, and TCM syndrome is defined as the theoretical abstraction of disease-symptom profiles. The biological basis as related to mitochondria, which produce most of the cellular energy, has not been well studied. This study aimed to elucidate the association of mitochondrial function with TCM body constitution and cold syndrome.

[Discussion on safety evaluation and risk control measures of Epimedii Folium].

Epimedii Folium,a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine,has the effect of tonifying kidney Yang,strengthening bones and treating rheumatism. However,in recent years,the number of reports on adverse reactions of Epimedii Folium and its Chinese patent medicines such as Xianling Gubao Capsules and Zhuanggu Guanjie Pills has been gradually increased,and the toxicity of Epimedii Folium has attracted more and more attention. In this article,the ancient and modern literature on Epimedii Folium was traced through a comprehensive and systematic literature analysis method.

Comparison of hypoglycemic effects of ripened pu-erh tea and raw pu-erh tea in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Pu-erh tea is produced from the leaves of large-leaf tea species ( var. assamica) in the Yunnan province of China and divided into ripened pu-erh tea (RIPT, with pile-fermentation) and raw pu-erh tea (RAPT) according to processing methods. RIPT extract showed more potent anti-diabetic effects on two-hour postprandial blood glucose (2h-PBG) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) than RAPT extract.

[Safety evaluation and risk control measures for Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix].

Through the comprehensive and systematic research of domestic and overseas literature and information, we studied ancient original records on Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix and its toxicity, analyzed related adverse cases and the animal toxicity experiments in recent years, then systematically analyzed the safety of Aconitum and its preparations, and finally we summarized the clinical characteristics and potential risk factors related to the safety of Aconitum. A report on adverse events of Aconitum in 76 patients with myocardial damage and renal damage accounting for 53.9% and 42.

Understanding Qi Running in the Meridians as Interstitial Fluid Flowing via Interstitial Space of Low Hydraulic Resistance.

Qi, blood and the meridians are fundamental concepts in Chinese medicine (CM), which are components of the human body and maintain physiological function. Pathological changes of qi, blood and meridians may lead to discomfort and disease. Treatment with acupuncture or herbal medicine aims to regulate qi and blood so as to recover normal function of the meridians.

Effect of astragalus injection on renal tubular epithelial transdifferentiation in type 2 diabetic mice.

Background: Astragalus injection is used by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine to treat diabetic nephropathy (DN). The current study was conducted to determine the effect of astragalus on tubular epithelial transdifferentiation during the progression of DN in KKAy mice, as well as to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying this effect.

Methods: Diabetic, 14-week-old, male KKAy mice were randomly divided into a model group and an astragalus treatment group, while age-matched male C57BL/6 J mice were selected as controls.

Steroidal Saponins from the Rhizomes of Aspidistra typica.

Eleven new furostanol saponins, typaspidosides B-L (1-11), one new spirostanol saponin, typaspidoside M (12), and five known spirostanol saponins, 25S-atropuroside (13), neoaspidistrin (14), (25S)-pratioside D1 (15), 25S-aspidistrin (16) and 25S-neosibiricoside (17) were isolated from the rhizomes of Aspidistra typica Baill. The structures of the new compounds were established using 1D and 2D NMR (1H-1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC and ROESY) spectroscopy, high resolution mass spectrometry, and chemical methods. The aglycones of 1-3 (unusual furostanol saponins with opened E ring type), 9 and 10 (the methoxyl substituent at C-23 position) were found, identified from natural products for the first time.

Effects of astragalus injection on the TGFβ/Smad pathway in the kidney in type 2 diabetic mice.

Background: In traditional Chinese medicine, astragalus injection is used to treat diabetic nephropathy (DN). The current study was conducted to determine the effects of astragalus injection on DN by assessing potential modulation of the transforming growth factor beta TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway.

Methods: Diabetic, male KKAy mice, aged 14 weeks were randomly divided into a model group and an astragalus treatment group, while age-matched male C57BL/6J mice were selected as controls.

[Effect of Wenmaitong on adhesion of monocytes to vascular endothelial cell induced by hyperlipidemic serum].

Objective: To study the effect of Wenmaitong (WMT) and its disassembled formulas on the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells induced by hyperlipidemic serum to explore the mechanism of WMT on early arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO).

Methods: Serums containing whole WMT and its disassembled formulas, including the formula consisted of warming Jing and boosting qi part (Wenjin Yiqi, WY) and that of promoting blood circulation part (Huoxue Tongmai, HT), as well as the serum contained high concentration of lipids were prepared conventionally, respectively. The adhesion of monocytes cell strain THP-1 to human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVEC) was determined by rose bengal stain method, and ELISA was used to detect expressions of intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1), vascular cellular adhesion molecule (VCAM-1) and P-selectin on HUVEC surface.