OBJECTIVETo investigate the therapeutic effect of Qingyi Decoction (QYD) and tetrandrine (Tet), used singly or combind, in treating miniature pigs with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and its mechanism.

METHODSThirty-two Guizhou miniature pigs were made into SAP model by pancreatic duct retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate. They were randomly divided into 4 groups: the control group, the QYD group, the Tet group and the combined treated group. The serum amylase activity and interleukin-1 and 6 (IL-1, IL-6) contents in serum from vena cava and portal vein were tested by biochemistry and radioimmunoassay (RIA). Serum emodin and plasma Tet levels were measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) 24, 48 and 72 hrs after treatment. And the pathological changes of pancreas, lung and liver were observed under microscope.

RESULTSThe mortality of SAP pigs was reduced significantly and the inflammatory injury of the organs was ameliorated obviously in all treated groups, and the increased amylase activity and IL-1, IL-6 levels was attenuated. The therapeutic effect was much more obvious, and the plasma Tet level at different time points were much higher in the combined treated group than those in the other two groups treated by single drug (P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONBoth QYD and Tet could treat effectively SAP through multiple pathways, combination of them reveals an elevation of serum drug concentration and shows a synergistic effect.

Alkaloids ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Benzylisoquinolines ; blood ; pharmacokinetics ; therapeutic use ; Drug Synergism ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacokinetics ; therapeutic use ; Emodin ; blood ; Female ; Interleukin-1 ; blood ; Interleukin-6 ; blood ; Male ; Pancreatitis, Acute Necrotizing ; blood ; drug therapy ; Phytotherapy ; Random Allocation ; Swine, Miniature

OBJECTIVETo investigate the chemical components and microstructure of Nengchi Bajin ashes which are adjuvant material in the refining of Tibetan medicine gTSo thal, in order to explore the material basis of the refining of gTSo thal.

METHODScanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometer (SEM-EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to measure the Nengchi Bajin ashes.

RESULTSEM-EDX analysis show that except of themselves elements of Nengchi Bajin ashes, Nengchi Bajin ashes contain the major elements, such as S, O, C and so on, also contain small amount other elements. XRD analysis show that the structures are AuPb2, PbO (tetragonal and orthorhombic) and Pb in gold ash, Ag2S and PbO in silver ash, Cu1.98 (Zn0.73 Fe0.29)Sn0.99 S4, CuS, SiO2, NaCu2S2 and Ca (Fe(+2), Mg) (CO3)2 in bronze ash, Cu7S4 (orthorhombic and monoclinic) and CuO in red copper ash, Cu7 S4, PbS, ZnS, CaCO3and NaCu2S2 in brass ash, FeS, Fe+2 Fe(2+3)O4 and SiO2 in iron ash, SnS and SiO2 tin ash, PbS, PbSO4 and SnS2 in lead ash.

CONCLUSIONWe have acquired the datum of elements and microstructure of Nengchi Bajin ashes by SEM-EDX and XRD techniques, and that is benefit to explore the material basis of refining gTSo thal.

Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Metals, Heavy ; chemistry ; Pharmaceutical Preparations ; chemistry ; X-Ray Diffraction ; methods

OBJECTIVETo further investigate and discuss the cause of species endangerment, the status and present problem of conservation of traditional Tibetan medicine in China.

METHODPrevious relevant investigations and literatures were summed up in the field. The present situation of conservation of traditional Tibetan medicine was analyzed.

RESULTThe status of endangered resources, cause of species endangerment, the conserving status and conserving measures etc were elaborated. The classification was made and suggestion of species conservation of traditional Tibetan medicine were put forward.

CONCLUSIONThe endangered species conservation of traditional Tibetan medicine was carried out by building protective area of endangered species resources and plant garden, setting up germplasm bank, developing the domestication and cultivation of Tibetan medicinal herbs most in use, strengthening the investigation and study of endangered species, launching exchange and cooperation of conservation techniques on endangered species, enhancing the protective awareness of endangered species traditional Tibetan medicine etc. By so doing we can facilitate the sustainable development of traditional Tibetan medicine in China.

Conservation of Natural Resources ; Ecosystem ; Materia Medica ; Pharmacognosy ; Plants, Medicinal ; Tibet