Chinese herbal prescription (CHP) is the main method and mean of clinical medication in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The CHP efficacy is the summary of multi-herb function under the guidance of TCM theories. With the development of modern science and technology, the scientific and organic interpretation of scientific connotation of CHP efficacy is a difficult problem in TCM. In this paper, the modern research ideas and methods of CHP efficacy, which greatly enriched the modern research content of CHP efficacy as well as promoted its research and development, were discussed and summarized.

The rat model of multi-infarct was adopted in this study to elucidate the protective mechanism of Sailuotong capsule (Sailuotong) in recovery period of multiple cerebral infarction. The effects of Sailuotong on levels of Glu, GABA and the expression of NMDA receptor subtypes including NR1, NR2A and NR2B, were detected. The multi-infarct model rats were established by injecting embolizing microsphere via internal carotid artery, and were given Sailuotong treatment (16.5 and 33.0 mg x kg(-1)) for 60 days. The pathological changes in brain ultrastructure were observed by transmission electron microscope. The levels of Glu and GABA in brain tissue were measured with high performance liquid chromatography. The expression of NMDA receptors including NR1, NR2A and NR2B in neurons was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Compared with the sham rats, abnormal changes were observed in ultrastructures of neurons, neuroglia cells and synapses of model rat brains. Moreover, significant decrease of Glu and GABA, as well as the elevated expression of NR1, NR2A and NR2B were detected in brain tissues. Sailuotong (16.5 and 33.0 mg x kg(-1)) could improve ultrastructure of cerebral tissue, facilitate synthesis of Glu and GABA, and down-regulate expression of NR1, NR2A and NR2B in neurons. The results demonstrated that Sailuotong could exert neuroprotective effects to some extent in the recovery phase of multiple cerebral infarction by promoting expression of NMDA receptors and synthesis of Glu and GABA.

This study was aimed to observe the effect ofRong-Shuan (RS) capsule on rodent tolerance against cerebral ischemia, hypoxia and cerebral reserve capacity, which was related to promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. Acute cerebral ischemia and anoxia models were established by permanent left carotid artery ligation on C57 BL/6 mice and hypoxia inhalation (O2?N2 = 8?92) for 15 min. Duodenal administration of RS capsule at different doses (100, 200 or 400 mg·kg-1) or saline were given 10 min after ischemia onset. The local brain blood circulation changes and neurobehavioral function were evaluated 24 h after ischemia onset. SD rats were given RS capsule at different doses (75, 150, 300 mg·kg-1) or saline. The effect of RS capsule on improvement of microcirculation disturbance induced by high molecular dextran was observed. The results showed that compared with the sham operation group, the brain blood circulation in the model group was significantly decreased; the cerebral infarction area increased; and the behavioral score after cerebral hypoxia was significantly increased (P < 0.05, orP < 0.01). Meanwhile, after the injection of high molecular dextran among rats in the model group, the cerebral leptomeninx microcirculation was obviously slowed down at 3 timepoints, which were 10, 20 and 30 min. Compared with the model group, RS capsule (400 mg·kg-1) can significantly increase the local blood circulation in the brain of mice, improve behavioral disturbance, reduce cerebral ischemia area (P< 0.05, orP < 0.01). RS capsule can also improve blood flow velocity and flow pattern in cerebral leptomeninx microcirculation disturbance induced by high molecular dextran at different timepoints (P < 0.05, orP < 0.01). It was concluded that RS capsule can increase the tolerance against cerebral ischemia, hypoxia and cerebral reserve capacity in order to protect the neural tissues to promote neuronal recovery.

This study was aimed to observe behavioral changes of post-stroke depression (PSD) rats, and to assess effect ofJie-Du Tong-Luo(JDTL) capsule onqi-supplementing and depression-relieving. Microspheres were injected from external carotid artery of rats under anesthesia to prepare the multiple cerebral infarction. Aftermid long term feeding, PSD rat model was established. Then, open-field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST) and glucose preference test were employed to study behavioral changes of rats. The results showed that rats suffered multiple cerebral infarction after mid long term feeding formed PSD, which were indicated by reduced food consume, slow body weight increasing, reduction of spontaneous movement and inquiry activity, prolonged accumulative immobility time in TST, FST and lowered glucose preference, compared with rats in the normal group. Compared with the model group, rats in the JDTL capsule group andBu-Chang Xin-Nao-Tonggroup showed larger body weight increase, higher scores in OFT, reduced immobility time in TST, FST, and elevated glucose preference. It was concluded that JDTL capsule had significant efficacy on rats’ body weight, behavior and glucose preference, which might be its pharmacological basis onqi-supplementing and depression-relieving.

Objective To study the potential role of PKC inhibitor Rottlerin in the treatment of asthma. Methods Balb/c mice were sensitized and challenged with ovalbumin(OVA) protein to construct murine experimental model of asthma. Then the mice were treated by means of injection of Rottlerin or phosphate buffered saline (PBS) into the abdominal cavity. Changes of the total serum IgE, pulmonary eosinophils, cytokines and pulmonary inflammation were investigated. Results Injection of Rottlerin at the dose 0.3 mg/kg into the murine abdominal cavity could inhibit the infiltration of pulmonary eosinophils and pulmonary inflammation and significantly decrease the production of total serum IgE and Th 2 cytokines as well. Conclusion Rottlerin can inhibit murine experimental asthma.

OBJECTIVE:To optimize the ethanol mixed-extraction technology of Red ginseng and Salvia miltiorrhiza in Xin-likang granules. METHODS:L9(34)orthogonal test was adopted to optimize ethanol mixed-extraction technology with ethanol vol-ume fraction,amount of ethanol and extraction times as factors using weighting coefficient comprehensive score of the contents of ginsenoside Rg1,Re and Rb1 in R. ginseng and the contents of tanshinone ⅡA and salvianolic acid B in S. miltiorrhiza as index;and the verification test was detected. RESULTS:Optimal mixed-ethanol extraction technology was as follows as 6-fold 70% etha-nol,reflux extracting for 3 times,2 h each time. In verification test,average contents of ginsenosides Rg1,Re,Rb1 in R. ginseng and those of tanshinone ⅡA and salvianolic acid B in S. miltiorrhiza were 3.963 8,0.757 3,4.986 2,0.964 7,27.662 5 mg/g,re-spectively,and comprehensive score was 0.96 (RSD=1.26%,n=3). CONCLUSIONS:Ethanol extraction technology of R. gin-seng and S. miltiorrhiza in Xinlikang granules optimized by multiple indexes comprehensive score combined with orthogonal test is stable,reasonable and feasible.

OBJECTIVETo observe the therapeutic effects of Rongban Tongmai granule on oxidative stress in atherosclerotic rabbits.

METHODThe experimental rabbits were randomly divided into control group and hyperlipidemic group. The model of experimental atherosclerosis was prepared by feeding high cholesterol and lipid diet for weeks. After 4 weeks, hyperlipidemic rabbits were randomly divided into five groups, model group, high, medium and low doses of Rongban Tongmai granule and Shujiangzhi group, taking medicine for 8 weeks. The level of NO, ox-LDL, LP(a), SOD and MDA in the serum was measured before experiment, after treatment, treated for 4 weeks and for 8 weeks. After treated for 8 weeks, the level of MDA, GSH and NO, as well as activity of SOD and GSH-Px in the liver of rabbits was determined, meanwhile, the pathologic morphology of aortas was observed by light microscope.

RESULTCompared with control group, aortic intima of rabbits in model group had obviously thickened and developed atherosclerotic plaque. The serum level of MDA and LP(a) in model group had increased (P < 0.01) at 12 weeks after feeding high cholesterol and lipid diet, but the activity of SOD and level of NO were decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.001). At the same time, the level of MDA in the liver had been elevated (P < 0.01), but the activity of SOD, GSH and NO was decreased (P < 0.01, P < 0.001) in 12 weeks. Rongban Tong-mai granule could inhibit atherosclerotic lesion in aorta, decrease the level of MDA and LP(a) (P < 0.05), increase the activity of SOD and NO (P < 0.05) after treated for 8 weeks in serum, moreover, the activity of SOD, GSH and NO content in the liver were increased (P < 0.05), as well as MDA was decreased (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONRongban Tongmai granule can prevent atherosclerosis by antioxidative stress and correcting unbalance of redox.

Animals ; Antioxidants ; administration & dosage ; Atherosclerosis ; blood ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Glutathione ; blood ; Humans ; Lipoproteins, LDL ; blood ; Malondialdehyde ; blood ; Oxidative Stress ; drug effects ; Plaque, Atherosclerotic ; Rabbits ; Random Allocation ; Superoxide Dismutase ; blood

OBJECTIVEAnimal model of Qi deficiency and blood stasis was established by muti-factor stimulation in rats.

METHODHealthy SD rats were chronically stimulated randomly by muti-factor methods (chronic sleep deprivation and feed with moderately high lipid and sugar food). Then the indices of hemorheology, plasma total lipids, vasoactive molecules, blood pressure (BP) and ventricular pressure (VP) were measured.

RESULTThe results as well as the analysis of etiology and pathology suggested that model rats could objectively reflect the clinical characteristics of Qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome. Blood viscosity at low level, plasma content of angiotensin II (Ang II) and endothelin (ET) significantly increased in model rats, while BP and VP significantly decreased (P < 0.05). On the other hand, Buyang Huanwu decoction could lower down the level of AngII in serum and blood viscosity at low level in rats induced by some stimulus, whereas BP and VP elevated significantly (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONAnimal model of Qi deficiency and blood stasis induced by muti-factor stimulation including chronic sleep deprivation and feed with moderately high lipid and sugar food could facilitate further study on blood stasis syndrome and screening of Chinese herbal drugs in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

Animals ; Blood Circulation ; drug effects ; Blood Pressure ; drug effects ; Blood Viscosity ; drug effects ; Disease Models, Animal ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Hemorheology ; Humans ; Lipids ; blood ; Male ; Qi ; Random Allocation ; Rats ; Yin Deficiency ; blood ; drug therapy ; etiology ; physiopathology

ThisstudywasaimedtoobservetheinhibitoryeffectsofQi-Zhu (QZ)granulesonearlyproteinuria in diabetic nephropathy rats with syndrome of qi-yin deficiency and phlegm blocking collaterals. A total of 44 rats were randomly divided into the blank group, model group, Huang-Kui capsule group, QZ granules group. The rat model of diabetic nephropathy with syndrome of qi-yin deficiency and phlegm blocking collaterals was induced by the combination of unilateral renal artery ligation, diet of high-calorie and high cholesterol, and intraperitoneal injection of low-dose streptozotocin. The medication was given for 8 weeks. The concentrations of protein and creatinine in urine were observed on the 4th week. The blood glucose, blood lipids, liver function and renal pathological changes were observed at the end of the experiment. The results showed that compared with the model group, QZ granules can obvious suppress early proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy, promote creatinine excretion, regulate blood lipid metabolism, protect liver function and improve renal pathological changes. It was concluded that QZ granules had independent inhibition effect on early proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy rats with syndrome of qi-yin deficiency and phlegm blocking collaterals. The effect was independent of lowing blood glucose. It represented the corresponding relation between the syndrome and efficacy in Chinese herb compounds.

Objective To observe the effects of dehydrocorydaline (DHC) on proliferation and collagen secretion of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) cultured by high glucose;To provide experimental evidence for clinical application of Rhizoma Corydalis. Methods CFs cultured in vitro with high glucose were made into models. Collagenase and trypsin were used for the combine digestion of CFs from ratsbornin 24 h. 2-4 generation CFs were cultured by high glucose (25 mmol/L), and then 100, 50, 25 mg/L dethydrocorydaline was added for intervention. Cellular morphology of CFs was observed after 24, 48 h. CFs proliferation was detected by MTT method. Cell cycle was assessed via flow cytometry. The levels of collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ were determined by ELISA. Results CFs began to grow adherence 3 hours after planting, and CFs cultured by high glucose significantly proliferated 24, 48 h later (P<0.05, P<0.01). The percentage of S+G2+M phase CFs increased significantly after 48 h (P<0.01). The secretion of collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ also increased significantly (P<0.01). After the intervention of DHC, CFs proliferation was significantly inhibited (P<0.01);the percentage of S+G2+M phase CFs decreased (P<0.01);the secretion of collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). Conclusion DHC can reduce CFs proliferation, decrease collagen secretion of CFs cultured by high glucose, and has potential effects of anti-myocardial fibrosis.