Objective To find out evidences for the identification of Ajuga decumbens Thunb.(Jinchuangxiaocao) and Pogostemon cablin (Blanco.) Benth.(Guanghuoxiang) . Methods Fresh stems and leaves of the two species were collected and used as the samples. We used stereoscopy to observe and compare the macroscopic appearance of the original plants, and used light microscope to observe the stem cross-section, petiole cross-section, leaf epiderm and powder of the two species for microscopic identification. Results The results of macroscopic character identification showed that the petiole of Jinchuangxiaocao had narrow wing, while that of Guanghuoxiang had no narrow wing; the angles between leaf main vein and lateral vein of Jinchuangxiaocao were less than 45°, while the angles of Guanghuoxiang were more than 45°. In respect of microscopic identification, Jinchuangxiaocao had the glandular scales with multicellular head, and Guanghuoxiang had the glandular scales with one-celled head; the intercellular space and crystals were found in the cortex of Guanghuoxiang stems and mesophyll, while Jinchuangxiaocao has no such structures. Jinchuangxiaocao had diacytic and anomocytic stomata, and Guanghuoxiang only had diacytic stomata. Conclusion The appearance and microscopic differences can be used for the identification of Jinchuangxiaocao from Guanghuoxiang.

Objective To establish the gas chromatographic(GC) fingerprint of oleic acid of Whitmania pigra Whitman for its quality control. Methods Ten batches of Whitmania pigra from different sources and processed by different methods were analyzed with Agilent 6890N gas chromatography detector on DB-WAX(30 mm × 0.32 mm × 0.25μm)column at the vaporizing temperature of 270℃, column temperature of 130℃and flame ionization detector (FID) temperature of 280℃. We used a software of Similarity Evaluation System for Chromatographic Fingerprint of TCM(Version of 2004A) published by Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission to calculate GC similarity. Results Oleic acid content of Whitmania pigra processed by different methods had significant differences (F2,7 = 7.350, P = 0.019). The oleic acid content of samples dried after washing with clean water significantly differed from that of the samples processed by alumen or the slices dried naturally(P = 0.021, P= 0.009). The similarity of the fingerprints was in the range of 0.458 - 0.998. The similarity of samples from Lipu of Guangxi Province was the lowest. Conclusion The fingerprints of most of the samples have very high similarity. The established GC fingerprints can be used to effectively identify the qualified or inferior Whitmania pigra products, which will provide some reference for the quality control of Whitmania pigra.

Objective To observe the inhibitory effect of the extracts of Nidus Collocaliae on avian influenza A H5N1 virus in vitro. Methods Nidus Collocaliae water extract, artificial gastric juice digestion products of Nidus Collocaliae water extract, and artifitial intestinal juice digestion products of Nidus Collocaliae water extract were prepared for the experimental study. 293T cells transfection in vitro was carried out. The effects of 3 kinds of Nidus Collocaliae extracts on H5N1 pseudovirus and VSV-G pseudovirus were determined by luciferase detection kit. Blood clotting response to erythrocyte hemagglutinin subtypes H5, H7, H9 antigens and the inhibitory effects of 3 kinds of Nidus Collocaliae extracts were observed. The effects of 3 kinds of Nidus Collocaliae extracts on neuraminidase activity were determined by neuraminidase inhibitor screen kit. Results The 3 kinds of Nidus Collocaliae extracts had inhibitory effects on H5N1 avian influenza pseudovirus, the effects being enhanced with the increase of the concentrations of Nidus Collocaliae extracts. Of the 3 extracts, artificial intestinal digestion products had the strongest inhibitory effect, while Nidus Collocaliae water extract had the weakest effect. However, Nidus Collocaliae extracts had no obvious effect on VSV-G pseudovirus. The concentration of H5, H7 antigen for positive blood clotting response was 1 ∶ 128, and that of H9 antigen was 1 ∶ 256. The 3 kinds of Nidus Collocaliae extracts at certain concentrations could inhibit blood clotting response to H5, H7, H9 antigen, but had no obvious effect on neuraminidase. Conclusion The anti-H5N1 virus effect of Nidus Collocaliae extracts has been achieved probably through resisting hemagglutinin.

Objective To observe the effects of Suhuang Zhike capsules(SZC) on the guinea pig model of cough variant asthma(CVA), and to explore its therapeutic mechanism. Methods Fifty guinea pigs were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, prednisone acetate tablets group, and high-and low-dose SZC groups. With reference to the related literatures, we set up the guinea pig model of CVA. The observation indexes included cough frequency, lung histopathology, the percentage of eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and the serum levels of interleukin 4(IL-4), interferon gamma(IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and immunoglobumin E(IgE). Results Compared with the normal control group, the cough frequency of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.05); compared with the model group, the cough frequency of high-dose SZC group was reduced obviously(P < 0.05). Compared with the normal control group , the percentage of eosinophils in BALF of the model group was significantly increased(P < 0.05); the percentage of eosinophils of the three medication groups was lower than that of the model group (P<0.05). The pathological changes of lung tissue in the medication groups were relieved compared to the model group. Compared with the normal control group, the serum IL-4, TN F-α and IgE levels of the model group were increased significantly (P < 0 . 05); compared with the model group , the serum IL-4 and TN F-α levels of prednisone acetate tablets group were significantly decreased, and the serum TNF-α and IgE levels of high-dose SZC group were decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion SZC could reduce the serum, TNF-α and IgE levels , and relieve the cough symptom, airway inflammation and the lung tissue pathology in CVA guinea pig, so as to achieve the therapeutic effect on CVA.

Objective To observe the effect of Yiqixue Buganshen Recipes(YBR), the compound recipes of Chinese herbal medicine with the actions of replenishing Qi and blood and tonifying liver and kidney, on the endometrial integrin β3 of the mice with embryo implantation dysfunction, and to explore the molecular mechanism of YBR in improving embryo implantation. Methods Ninety mice were divided normal group, model group, and YBR group, 30 mice in each group. YBR group was given Jinghou Zengzhi granules 8mg/kg for promoting post-menstruation proliferation and Cuhuangti granules 8mg/kg for promoting the formation of corpora luteum. At 8∶00 am of pregnant day 4 (Pd4), subcutaneous injection of mifepristone was used for inducing embryo implantation dysfunction in the model group and YBR group. Twenty mice from each group were executed 12 hours after subcutaneous injection of mifepristone, and the uterus was isolated for the detection of mice endometrial integrin β3 mRNA and protein expression with real-time RT-PCR and Western blotting method respectively. Ten mice from each group at Pd4 were executed, and the uterus was isolated and then fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution for the detection of the formation of pinopode in mice endometrium under scanning electron microscope. Results The detection by real-time PCR and Western blotting method revealed that integrinβ3 mRNA and protein expression levels of the model group were significantly lower than those of the normal group (P<0.05), and YBR group had higher integrin β3 mRNA and protein expression levels than the model group(P<0.05). The formation of pinopodes in the model group was less than the normal group and YBR group, but the number of formed pinopodes in YBR group was similar to that in the normal group. Conclusion YBR can up-regulate the expression of integrin β3 in the endometrium of mice with embryo implantation dysfunction, and have positive regulatory effect on the formation of pinopodes on Pd4.

Objective To investigate the clinical and imaging features of Foot-Yangming meridian-muscle syndrome of knee osteoarthritis(KOA) so as to promote the normalization and standardization of the meridian-muscle therapies. Methods A total of 31 KOA cases (involving 31 knees) of Foot-Yangming meridian-muscle syndrome were included into the study group , and 31 healthy volunteers (involving 31 knees) served as the control group. A retrospective research of patellofemoral relationship was carried out based on the clinical and imaging features. Results The differences of Insall index and patella index between the study group and control group were insignificant(P> 0 . 05), but the differences of patellofemoral index , patellofemoral congruence angle, and external patellar angle between the study group and control group were significant(P<0.01). Conclusion The patellofemoral relationship disorder is one of main lesions in Foot-Yangming meridian-muscle syndrome of KOA.

Objective To observe the effect of 7 kinds of Chinese herbs(Pericarpium Arecae, Folium Sennae, Fructus Tsaoko, Fructus Amomi, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Fructus Aurantii, Fructus Aurantii I mmaturus), and 2 kinds of active compounds (bornyl acetate, synephrine) of Chinese herbals on gastrointestinal motility of chronic experimental beagle model. Methods Six beagles were used for inducing chronic experimental model. The beagles’antrum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon were implanted with strain gauges to record canine gastrointestinal motility. Gastric fistula was set up for the intake of Chinese medicine decoction, and the external jugular vein catheter was made for intravenous administration. After modeling, the fasting gastrointestinal motility features of the beagles were observed for 120 min every day, and for 7 continuous days. From the 7th day after modeling, fasting gastrointestinal motility before medication was recorded as fundamental control, and when the interdigestive migrating motor complex (MMC) I phase arrived, the gastrointestinal motilities were sequently recorded after treatment with the 7 kinds of herbs(gavage of 200 mL of the decoction of each herb through gastric fistula), normal saline(200 mL), bornyl acetate(active ingredient of Fructus Aurantii and Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, intravenous injection), and synephrine (active ingredient of Fructus Amomi, intravenous injection). All of the animals were treated with only one kind of Chinese herb one day , and the observation of each herb lasted for 2 continuous days. MMC cycle, frequency of contraction, sum of contraction, amplitude of contraction, average of amplitude, and motor index (MI) were observed by strain gauges. Results On postoperative day 1-6, the animals had gastrointestinal hypomotility and no MMC cycle was recorded. On postoperative day 7, the canine antrum, duodenum, jejunum and ileum showed typical MMC cycle while the colon had irregular MMC cycle at fasting interdigestive period. Compared with the gastrointestinal motilities before treatment and those of the normal saline group, the number of contraction waves and MI were significantly increased in the antrum, duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon after intervention with Pericarpium Arecae and bornyl acetate, were increased in the duodenum, jejunum, ileum and colon after treatment with Folium Sennae and Fructus Tsaoko (P<0.05), and were also enhanced in the antrum and duodenum after administration of Fructus Amomi(P < 0.05). Treatment with Fructus Aurantii induced the decrease of MI in the jejunum, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus decreased MI of the jejunum and colon, and synephrine decreased the number of antrum contraction waves and MI of the antrum and jejunum(P < 0.05). Conclusion The chronic experimental model is effective for the screening of Chinese herbs for improving gastrointestinal motility. Pericarpium Arecae, Folium Sennae, Fructus Tsaoko, Fructus Amomi, and bornyl acetate can increase gastrointestinal motility, while Fructus Aurantii, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus and synephrine can inhibit the gastrointestinal movement, and Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae has no effect on gastrointestinal motility.

Objective To observe the effect of acupoint application of Chinese medicine on preventing constipation after stroke. Methods By means of randomized, double-blind, controlled study design, 96 patients of yang-syndrome stroke were randomly divided into observation group and control group, 48 cases in each group. Both groups were given conventional treatment for stroke and routine nursing for preventing constipation, and additionally, the control group was given acupoint application of placebo while the observation group was given acupoint application of self-made umbilical paste of Radix et Rhizoma Rhei(Dahuang) and Natrii Sulfas (Mangxiao). The incidence of constipation, frequency of laxative usage and adverse reactions of the two groups were observed. Results (1) The incidence of constipation of the observation group was lower than the control group on treatment day 7 and 14 , the difference being statistical significant(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).(2)On treatment day 7 and 14, the Bristol scores of stool properties of observation group were increased compared with those before treatment(P < 0.05), but the changes of scores in the control group were insignificant(P > 0.05). The observation group had better effect on improving stool properties(P < 0.05).(3) The frequency of use of laxatives was reduced in the observation group compared with the control group, the difference being significant(P<0.05).(4) The incidence of adverse reaction was 6.25%in the control group and was 8.333%in the observation group, the difference being insignificant (P>0.05). The adverse reaction of both groups was mild, and had no effect on the accomplishment of the treatment. Conclusion Acupoint application of Chinese medicine is effective and safe on preventing constipation after stroke, showing good prospects for clinical application.

Objective To compare the effect of electro-acupuncture(EA) and warm-needle moxibustion(WNM) on the foot three-dimensional gait time-space parameters and surface electromyography of post-stroke patients with flaccid paralysis. Methods A total of 61 patients were randomly divided into EA group (N=30) and WNM group(N=31). Both groups were given post-stroke conventional treatment, and additionally EA group received EA while WNM group was given WNM. Before treatment and after 2 treatment courses, we detected the foot three-dimensional gait time-space parameters of pace race, stance phase, swing phase, bilateral stance phase, and step length, and surface electromyography parameters of root mean square(RMS), integrated electromyogram (iEMG) and co-contraction ratio(CR) of tibialis anterior muscle and gastrocnemius at the state of maximal isometric voluntary contraction(MIVC). Results(1) After treatment, the foot three-dimensional gait time-space parameters of the two groups were improved in various degrees (P<0.05 or P<0.01 compared with those before treatment) , and the improvement of EA group was superior to that of WNM group (P < 0.05). (2) After treatment, the RMS and iEMG of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscle as well as CR of dorsal extensor at MIVC state were improved in various degrees (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01 compared with those before treatment) , and the improvement of EA group was superior to that of WNM group(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Conclusion WNM exerts better effect on improving the parameters of three-dimensional gait time-space parameters and surface electromyography of post-stroke patients with flaccid paralysis than EA.

Objective To observe the efficacy of electroacupuncture(EA) on the acupoint combination of He-(sea) points, front-mu points, and shu-points(abbrev. He-Mu-Shu) for the treatment of functional diarrhea, and to explore the effect of He-Mu-Shu point combination EA on the anxiety of patients. Methods A randomized controlled clinical trial was performed in 62 functional diarrhea patients. All of the patients were randomly divided into He-Mu-Shu group(32 cases) and medicine group(30 cases). He-Mu-Shu group was treated with EA on unilateral Quchi, Shangjuxu, Tianshu, Dachangshu point alternatively, and medicine group was treated with oral use of Loperamide hydrochloride capsules. Both groups were treated for 4 continuous weeks. Defecation frequency, stool property and anxiety scores were observed before treatment and 2, 4 weeks after treatment. Results After treatment, weekly defecation frequency, stool property and anxiety scores were improved in both groups, and the differences were statistically significant compared with those before treatment(P < 0.05). He-Mu-Shu point combination EA had better effect on improving weekly defecation frequency, stool property and anxiety scores of functional diarrhea patients than Loperamide hydrochloride capsules, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion The clinical efficacy and anxiety-relief action of He-Mu-Shu point combination EA on functional diarrhea are superior to oral use of Loperamide hydrochloride capsules.