Studien zum Lingshu als Beitrag zur Bewertung klinischer Akupunkturstudien: – Punktlokalisation,Stichtiefe, De Qi

Background

Clinical trials on acupuncture use a variety of control methods, such as sham acupuncture, minimal acupuncture, and placebo. Frequently, needle insertion on non-classical acupuncture points (“minimal acupuncture”) is employed for this purpose. The aim of such clinical trials is to evaluate specific effects of acupuncture. There is a controversial discussion regarding the appropriateness of comparing “true” acupuncture to “minimal acupuncture”.Minimal and verum acupuncture are distinguished by various criteria, such as “localisation”, “depth of needle insertion”, and “induction of de qi”.

Aim

This study is dedicated to the question of what information the Huang Di Neijing, specifically the Lingshu-compilation which extensively focuses on needling techniques, has to offer regarding the above mentioned criteria, and their importance for successful acupuncture. In relation to this, it will be discussed if the definition of “minimal acupuncture” as used in the German Acupuncture Trials, is feasible.

Methods

The entire original text of the Huang Di Neijing Lingshu was searched for information regarding “point localisation”, “insertion depth”, and “induction of “de qi”. The paragraphs in question were compiled and probed on statements regarding the efficacy of treatment. These subsequently were compared to the technique of “minimal acupuncture” as in the German Acupuncture Trials (ART, GERAC).

Results

The analysis of the Lingshu shows that neither a specific point localisation, nor a certain insertion depth or the induction of de qi are clearly and in all cases relevant for a successful therapy. Rather, the Lingshu offers specific indications for superficial needling. Sites of acupoint localisation aren't clearly defined and the induction of de qi is not understood as mandatory for a successful therapy.

Conclusion

The criteria distinguishing „verum acupuncture” from „minimal acupuncture” as practiced in many clinical trials don't correspond to the early practice of acupuncture as documented in the Lingshu. This can be a possible explanation for the good clinical results of minimal acupuncture in a number of clinical trials.However, for further discussions of this problem the developments and the clinical evolution present-day acupuncture has undergone since the ancient times have to be held in account.     

Expectation and experience of ‘nonspecific’ (whole person) feelings elicited by acupuncture: Content validity of a set of questionnaires

Background

Two 32-item questionnaires designed to assess expectation and experience of the relatively nonspecific feelings (whether bodily, emotional or mental) that may arise in response to acupuncture-type interventions have been developed and tested on acupuncture and other complementary health practitioners and students (N = 204).

Objectives

To conduct a survey to assess content validity (CV) for the questionnaires, following two methods popularised by Lawshe and Lynn, and to compare the results. A secondary objective was to reduce questionnaire length from 32 to 20 items.

Methods

Two surveys (Phase 1, 48 items; Phase 2, 18 items) were conducted among 20 experienced acupuncture practitioners and researchers, who scored items as either ‘essential’, ‘useful but not essential’, or ‘not necessary’. Lawshe's and Lynn's methods were applied to the returned data, the former using Wilson's recent modification, the latter with ‘useful but not essential’ rescored as either ‘essential’ or ‘not necessary’. Some subgroup analysis was carried out. In addition, Randolph's multi-rater kappa was used to assess inter-rater reliability as a further measure of content validity.

Results

There were 17 usable responses in Phase 1, 13 in Phase 2. In both surveys, women considered more items as ‘essential’ than men, but fewer as ‘not necessary’, and vice versa (p < 0.001). Lawshe's content validity ratio (CVR) was significant for only 3 items, and the resulting content validity index (CVI) therefore meaningless. When ‘useful’ was rescored as ‘essential’ and Lynn's Scale CVI (S-CVI) calculated as the average of the CVI only for those items considered appropriate for retention (S-CVI_AV-UA), acceptable values were found for subsets of the full list of items, although only for the women respondents. Inter-rater reliability was low for most items, but on the basis of the content validity analysis, together with respondent reservations about particular items and analysis of actual questionnaire usage, a 20-item list was created and circulated to the survey respondents for further feedback.

Discussion

This shorter scale is now being tested on electroacupuncture training courses, and may be useful in determining whether different feelings are elicited by different types of acupuncture, other CAM modalities, or even other, unrelated activities.

Conclusions

A modified content validity assessment method was found to give more usable results than conventional methods. With this new approach, 32-item questionnaires on expectation and experience of nonspecific feelings were shortened to more manageable 20-item instruments. In general, CV was greater among women than among men.     

The mystery of the ‘resin-of-canuaru’: A medicine used by caboclos river-dwellers of the Amazon,Amazonas, Brazil

Ethnopharmacological relevance

‘Resin-of-canuaru’ is a medicine utilized by caboclos living in the Amazon Region, Brazil. There is a mystery regarding its origin because the caboclos maintain that this substance is derived only from animal secretions (from a frog called canuaru), whereas the historic literature claims that ‘resin-of-canuaru’ is derived solely from a plant exudate (resin). Based on our ethnographic studies, we hypothesized that this substance is a combination of both. Because the past reports on this resiniferous material in the literature are based solely on observations, we aimed to present ethnographic, zoological and chemical data to try to elucidate the origin of the ‘resin-of-canuaru’.

Materials and methods

Ethnographic techniques and methods were applied, including participant observation, the use of field diaries and informal and unstructured interviews. The canuaru frog (Trachycephalus resinifictrix Goeldi, 1907) and ‘resin-of-canuaru’ were collected for taxonomic identification and chemical analysis, respectively. The resiniferous ‘resin-of-canuaru’ was extracted using MeOH and then analyzed by silica gel TLC and NMR.

Results

Canuaru frogs live in tree cavities and secrete a large amount of substances during spawning, resulting in a resiniferous material. NMR analysis of the MeOH extract of this crude material showed peaks assigned to 3,4-secofriedel-4(23)-en-3-oic acid (putranjuvic acid) and its methyl ester derivative (methyl putranjivate) and to biogenetic precursor of these two compounds (a lactone derivative), which is formed by the oxidation of friedelin. Based on evidence that Protium species accumulate primarily tetracyclic/pentacyclic triterpenoids and that the co-occurrence of the compounds listed above is rarely described in plant species, we suggest that these compounds could be products of the biotransformation of friedelin by the frog.

Conclusions

According to our data, the ‘resin-of-canuaru’ seems to have both animal and vegetal origins.     

Comparative studies on anxiolytic activities and flavonoid compositions of Passiflora edulis 'edulis' and Passiflora edulis 'flavicarpa'

Aim of the study

To compare the anxiolytic activities and flavonoid compositions of the two populations of the species Passiflora edulis, Passiflora edulis ‘edulis’ with purple fruit and Passiflora edulis ‘flavicarpa’ with yellow fruit.

Materials and methods

Four samples for each population of Passiflora edulis were collected from different districts of China. Swiss albino mice were used as experimental animals in elevated plus-maze (EPM) test to assay the anxiolytic effects of ethanol extracts of the samples. The conventional parameters and ethological items of the behavior of the mice were recorded and analyzed. Flavonoid compositions of the samples were analyzed by RP-HPLC monitored with diode array detection and the chromatograms were compared.

Results

The ethanol extracts of the samples of Passiflora edulis ‘flavicarpa’ displayed anxiolytic activity at 400 mg/kg, while those of Passiflora edulis ‘edulis’ exhibited sedative effect at 400 mg/kg. The chromatograms of the samples belonging to similar population of Passiflora edulis were identical, but those belonging to different population were distinct from each other. The series of peaks between 16 and 24 min in the chromatograms of Passiflora edulis ‘flavicarpa’ did not appear in those of Passiflora edulis ‘edulis’, either did the peaks between 54 and 90 min in chromatograms of Passiflora edulis ‘edulis’ not appear in those of Passiflora edulis ‘flavicarpa’. The six major flavonoid compounds isolated from the leaves of Passiflora edulis ‘flavicarpa’, lucenin-2, vicenin-2, isoorientin, isovitexin, luteolin-6-C-chinovoside, and luteolin-6-C-fucoside, had not been detected in Passiflora edulis ‘edulis’.

Conclusions

Passiflora edulis ‘flavicarpa’ is extremely different from Passiflora edulis ‘edulis’ and they should be distinguished when pharmacological studies are performed on them. The aerial part of Passiflora edulis ‘flavicarpa’ is possible to be utilized as the resource of Passionflower Extract.     

国医大师贺普仁教授三棱针疗法特色撷萃

Dr. He's bloodletting therapy utilizing three edged needles is one of his “three adjusting methods of acupuncture”. During his 70 years of clinical practice, he developed the theory that most diseases are caused by qi stagnation, and in order to restore qi circulation one needs to improve the blood circulation first. Based on this theory, in combination with empirical insights from clinical practice, he has developed a unique technique for using three-edged needles. He has also categorized and extended the application of bloodletting therapy with three edged needles to cover over 150 diseases. In addition, Dr. He's bloodletting therapy with three edged needles is an innovation that may inspire other physicians to develope and expand the use of acupuncture-related therapies to treat disease.     

Cytochrome P450 inhibitory potential of Triphala--a Rasayana from Ayurveda

Ethnopharmacological relevance

‘Triphala’ is one of the age-old, most commonly used polyherbal preparation from Ayurveda as Rasayana drug.

Aim of the study

This study was aimed at evaluating the effect of ‘Triphala’ on drug modulating enzymes to assess its safety through its potential to interact with co-administered drugs.

Materials and methods

The cytochrome P450 inhibitory effect of ‘triphala’ formulation was investigated on rat liver microsomes using CYP450-CO complex assay and on individual isoform such as CYP3A4 and 2D6 using fluorescence screening. RP-HPLC method was developed to standardize ‘triphala’ and its individual components using gallic acid as analytical marker compound.

Results

RP-HPLC analysis demonstrated the presence of gallic acid (4.30 ± 2.09 mg/g) in the formulation. The formulation showed 23% inhibition of the rat liver microsomes through CYP450-CO complex assay which is comparatively less when compared with the individual components. Further, the effect of standardized formulation dissolved in ethanol showed CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 inhibitory activity at the IC₅₀ values of 119.65 ± 1.91 μg/ml and 105.03 ± 0.98 μg/ml respectively. Gallic acid was also found to inhibit both the isoforms at the IC₅₀ values of 87.24 ± 1.11 μg/ml and 92.03 ± 0.38 μg/ml respectively.

Conclusions

Various concentrations of the formulation and its individual components showed significantly less inhibitory activity (p < 0.001) on individual isoforms when compared with the positive control. Assessment on the in vitro effect of ‘triphala’ on drug modulating enzymes has important implications for predicting the likelihood of herb-drug interactions if these are administered concomitantly.     

Acupuncture in Modern Society

For at least 2,500 years, acupuncture has been an integral part of traditional Chinese medicine. However, recently as more people in western countries are diagnosed with chronic disease poorly treated with modern medical therapies, many are turning to acupuncture and other forms of alternative medical treatments. Based on the theory of harmonious flowing qi being the basis of good health, acupuncture focuses on restoring qi by manipulation of the complementary and opposing elements of yin and yang. However, in the modern medical community we struggle to with the concept of qi, given a lack of anatomic and histological evidence supporting its existence. However, with the surge in public interest in acupuncture, the scientific community begun heavy investigation of acupuncture's efficacy, as well as the physiologic basis behind it. Thus far, evidence supports the use of acupuncture in post-operative nausea and vomiting, postoperative dental pain, chronic pain conditions such as lower back pain, and possibly also such psychologic conditions as addiction. It is possible that by affecting afferent nerve signaling, acupuncture may influence the release of endogenous opioids to promote pain relief. This effect may be augmented by release of ACTH and cortisol, as well as through down-regulation of signaling through pain fibers. When treating patients who may utilize alternative forms of medicine, it is important that medical practitioners be educated in regards to the basic fundamental beliefs behind acupuncture, as well as the scientific evidence supporting its use and revealing its efficacy. The purpose of this review is to give western trained physicians exposure to history, basic knowledge and its clinical applications of acupuncture to accommodate accelerating interests in acupuncture in modern society.     

贾春生教授补土培元学术思想及验案举隅

Under the influence of academic theories of numerous physicians of TCM such as Li Gao and Li Zhong-zi in antient China, Professor Jia Chun-sheng proposed the academic thought of tonifying spleen and kidney in combination with acupuncture based on his clinical experience for decades. In clinical practice of acupuncture, Zhōngwăn (

CV 12), bilateral Tiānshū (

ST 25), Qìhăi (

CV 6), Guānyuán (

CV4) are often selected to invigorate spleen so as to nourish original qi and to treat both spleen and kidney. The above-mentioned five acupoints form a pattern similar to a star according to their location distribution, so it is called the starlike selection method of acupoints, which attaches importance to spleen and kidney (original qi). Many diseases, especially internal injuries, are often treated with the starlike acupuncture manipulation combined with acupuncture at other acupoints, which achieves good clinical efficacy.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract and fractions from Couroupita guianensis Aublet leaves

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Couroupita guianensis Aublet, ‘macacarecuia’, ‘abricó-de-macaco’, ‘castanha-de-macaco’ and ‘amêndoa-dos-andes’, is found in tropical regions and is widely used in the treatment of tumors, pain, and inflammatory processes.

Aim of the study

Ethanol extract and hexane and ethyl acetate fractions were evaluated in models of inflammatory pain (formalin-induced licking) and acute inflammation (carrageenan-induced peritonitis).

Materials and methods

Ethanol extract, hexane and ethyl acetate fractions (10, 30 or 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and the reference drugs dexamethasone (5 mg/kg), morphine (5 mg/kg, s.c.), and acetylsalicylic acid (100 mg/kg, p.o.) were tested in formalin-induced licking response and carrageenan-induced peritonitis.

Results

All three doses from Couroupita guianensis fractions significantly reduced the time that the animal spent licking the formalin-injected paw in first and second phases. However, only higher doses (30 and 100 mg/kg) were able to inhibit the leukocyte migration into the peritoneal cavity after carrageenan injection. In this model, the 100 mg/kg dose almost abolished the cell migration. It was also observed that protein concentration resulted from extravasation to the peritoneum and nitric oxide (NO) productions were significantly reduced. Cytokines production was differently affected by the treatment. TNF-α production was reduced after ethanol extract and ethyl acetate fraction pre-treatment whereas hexane fraction had effect only with 100 mg/kg dose. IL-1β production was inhibited only after hexane fraction pre-treatment. The inhibitory effect observed was not due to a direct cytotoxic effect on cells nor to a NO-scavenger activity. The effect was due to a direct inhibition on NO production by the cells.

Conclusions

The results show that Couroupita guianensis fractions have anti-inflammatory effect, partly due to a reduction on cell migration and a inhibition on cytokines and inflammatory mediators production.     

Discussion on the treatment of scapulohumeral periarthritis

The severity and location of scapulohumeral periarthritis should be identified for determining its treatment method: when the wei exterior is initially invaded by external pathogens for the first time, the location of disease is shallow, therefore, the shallow needling should be performed, which can contribute to diffusing and discharging pathogens of wei exterior. If pathogens had invaded for a long time, they can enter the ying level from wei level, so the acupuncture on ying level should be conducted to discharge the blood stasis and stagnation, thus removing the pathogenic qi and maintaining the healthy qi. If pathogens had invaded for a long time, the meridians and collaterals will be obstructed, and the penetration moxibustion method should be adopted to make the heat penetrate deeply, thereby achieving the effects of warming the meridians and expelling bi. The therapy should be chosen based on syndromes, so meridians can be dredged, and qi-blood can be harmonized, finally the disease will be cured. The precise determination of the location can ensure the success of manipulations. After the nature of disease is identified, targeted methods of acupuncture, bloodletting and fire needling can be performed for treatment of diseases, as a result, “normal physiological activities can be maintained”.     

Pu-erh tea tasting in Yunnan, China: Correlation of drinkers’ perceptions to phytochemistry

Aim of the study

Pu-erh (or pu’er) tea tasting is a social practice that emphasizes shared sensory experience, wellbeing, and alertness. The present study examines how variable production and preparation practices of pu-erh tea affect drinkers’ perceptions, phytochemical profiles, and anti-oxidant activity.

Materials and methods

One hundred semi-structured interviews were conducted in Yunnan Province to understand the cultural and environmental context of pu-erh tea tasting. The gong fu cha dao (‘way of tea’ with ‘effort,’ ‘work,’ or ‘skill’) method of brewing tea through multiple infusions was employed to evaluate green and black pu-erh samples from smallholder agro-forests and terrace plantations. Ranking interviews, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), and the 1-1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay were conducted to characterize color and taste profiles, Total Catechin Content (TCC), Total Methylxanthine Content (TMC), and free radical scavenging capacity (IC₅₀).

Results

Significant variation was found among pu-erh samples based on: (1) agro-ecosystem mode of production by TCC (P < 0.0001) and TMC (P < 0.0265), (2) processing method for TCC (P < 0.0001), TMC (P < 0.0027), and free radical scavenging capacity (P < 0.0001), (3) infusion sequence for TMC (P < 0.0013), (4) taste rankings for TCC (P < 0.0001), TMC (P < 0.0001), and IC₅₀ (P < 0.0059) and, (5) color rankings for TMC (P < 0.0009) and IC₅₀ (P < 0.0001). Samples rated as bitter and bitter-sweet contained the greatest TCC and free radical scavenging capacity.

Conclusions

This research demonstrated that production environment, processing methods, and infusion sequence in preparing tea are related to the phytochemical profile, free radical scavenging activity, and flavor of tea. Findings contribute to the ethnomedical literature by supporting previous studies that have hypothesized that the taste of plants, particularly bitterness, may guide societies in the search for medicinal plants and beneficial phytochemicals.     

Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum): A review of its botany,ethnopharmacology and phytochemistry

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Safed musli (Chlorophytum borivilianum) is an eminent medicinal plant of India and considered as a ‘white gold’ or ‘divya aushad’ in Indian systems of medicine. In Ayurveda, Chlorophytum borivilianum belongs to the group of “Vajikaran Rasayana” corroborated to its rejuvenating, aphrodisiac, natural sex tonic properties and effective in alleviating sexual disorders. It is largely used as ethnic medicine by local healers of indigenous communities of India.

Materials and methods

A thorough bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing worldwide accepted scientific data base (Pub Med, SciFinder, Scopus and Web of Science), thesis, recognized books, non impact and non indexed journals.

Results

Traditionally, Chlorophytum borivilianum is well known for treating male impotency in India. The multi therapeutic and nutritional importance of Chlorophytum borivilianum is attributed to the rich source of phytochemicals particularly saponins. Recently, Chlorophytum borivilianum has gained a well established domestic (Indian) and international market for being the herbal alternative of “Viagra” without any side effects. Under the trade name ‘Nai Chetna’, the state government of Gujarat, India, has launched a novel potency drug from Chlorophytum borivilianum. Modern pharmacological studies of Chlorophytum borivilianum have demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological activities, most importantly aphrodisiac, immunomodulatory and anticancer activities.

Conclusion

The increased commercial exploitation of Chlorophytum borivilianum and low productivity of this endangered plant has raised the concern over its conservation. It has been envisaged that efforts should be made to standardize, encourage and popularize the cultivation of Chlorophytum borivilianum as a commercial crop. The analysis of previous pharmacological investigations suggested lack of substantial scientific evidences in various studies and do not stand the test of critical assessment. Due to high economic value, Chlorophytum borivilianum has also encountered a problem of adulteration with closely resembling medicinally inferior species. The studies available on toxicity, safety and quality of Chlorophytum borivilianum are inadequate for providing information on commercial utilization. Thus, the present review summarizes comprehensive information on Chlorophytum borivilianum and possible scope for future research to fill the existing lacunae on its different aspects of the study.     

疏利三焦针法合汤药治疗功能性尿潴留经验总结

文章总结了王耀光教授运用疏利三焦针法合汤药治疗功能性尿潴留的临床经验,首先阐述了尿潴留的中西医病因病机及分类,然后介绍了王教授从三焦辨证论治功能性尿潴留的学术思想,重点论述了疏利三焦针法的理论基础及其应用范围,最后分享了王教授运用疏利三焦针法配合汤药治疗功能性尿潴留验案2则。     

基于血浊理论针药结合治疗气滞血瘀型脂肪肝经验

脂肪肝目前为中国第一大慢性肝脏疾病,气滞血瘀型为其临床常见证型。文章在血浊理论指导下,结合临床实践,总结了气滞血瘀型脂肪肝的临床治疗经验。采用行气化浊汤以化浊行气,支沟-阳陵泉以疏通经络,太冲-合谷以调理脏腑,天枢-膈俞以通调气血,针药结合,取得了较好的临床疗效,并附病案1则。     

Traditional usage,phytochemistry and pharmacology of the South African medicinal plant Boophone disticha (L.f.) Herb. (Amaryllidaceae)

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Boophone disticha is the most common member of the South African Amaryllidaceae used extensively in traditional medicine of the various indigenous population groups, including the Sotho, Xhosa and Zulu as well as the San. This survey was carried out to identify and highlight areas relevant to the traditional usage of Boophone disticha. Pharmacological aspects were examined with the purpose of reconciling these with the traditional usage of the plant. In relation to phytochemical make-up, particular attention was paid on how its alkaloid constitution might corroborate the various biological effects manifested by the plant.

Materials and methods

Information gathering involved the use of four different database platforms, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder^® and Scopus. Arrangement and detailing of this information is as reflected in the various sections of the paper.

Results

Sixteen categories were identified under which Boophone disticha finds use in traditional medicine. These were shown to include general usage purposes, such as ‘cultural and dietary’, ‘well-being’, ‘personal injury’, ‘divinatory purposes’, ‘psychoactive properties’ and ‘veterinary uses’. Furthermore, traditional usage was seen to involve six body systems, including functions pertaining to the circulatory, gastrointestinal, muscular, neurological, respiratory and urinary systems. The four remaining categories relate to use for inflammatory conditions, cancer, malaria and tuberculosis. Overall, three areas were discernible in which Boophone disticha finds most usage, which are (i) ailments pertaining to the CNS, (ii) wounds and infections, and (iii) inflammatory conditions. In addition, several aspects pertaining to the toxic properties of the plant are discussed, including genotoxicity, mutagenicity and neurotoxicity.

Conclusion

The widespread ethnic usage of Boophone disticha has justified its standing as a flagship for the Amaryllidaceae and its relevance to South African traditional medicine. Furthermore, its promising pharmacological and phytochemical profiles have stimulated significant interest in the clinical realm, especially in the areas of cancer and motor neuron disease chemotherapy. These collective properties should prove useful in steering the progress of the plant towards a wider audience.     

Thirty two cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus of qi and yin deficiency treated with laser acupuncture: 激光针灸治疗气阴两虚型2型糖尿病32例

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical therapeutic effect of laser acupuncture on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) of qi and yin deficiency type.MethodsLaser acupuncture was used to treat 32 patients of T2DM. Acupoint selection: Fèishū (肺俞BL13), Píshū (脾俞BL20), Shènshū (肾俞BL23), Wǎnxiàshū (胃脘下俞EX-B3), Sānyīnjiāo (三阴交SP6) and Zúsānlĭ 足三里(ST36). It took 20 min in each treatment, five treatments a week. There were 2 days of interval in 2 weeks of treatment. Before and after treatment, the changes in fasting plasma glucose (FPG), postprandial 2 h glucose (2hPG), fasting insulin (FINS), glycosylated albumin (GA), insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and the symptom score of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were observed in the patients. The therapeutic effect was evaluated.ResultsOf 32 cases, 8 cases were remarkably effective, 18 cases effective and 6 cases failed. The total effective rate was 81.3%. At the end of treatment course, the level of every indicator after treatment was significantly lower than that before treatment (all P < 0.01).ConclusionLaser acupuncture achieves the significant therapeutic effect on T2DM of qi and yin deficiency and this therapy deserves to be promoted in clinical application.     

Cytotoxic polyphenols against breast tumor cell in Smilax china L.

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Smilax china L., referred to ‘Ba Qia’ (or ‘Jin Gang Teng’) in China, is a small vine that grows in the southern parts of China. The roots and tubers of S. china L. have been applied not only as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of diuretic, rheumatic arthritic, detoxication, lumbago, gout, tumor, and inflammatory diseases, but also as food in some area of China.

Aim of study

To investigate the breast tumor cell toxic components in S. china L. continuously and systematically.

Materials and methods

Three fractions and six polyphenols were isolated from roots and tubers of S. china L. under bioassay-guided screenings. The structures of six compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and comparison with published data. Their breast tumor cytotoxicity and apoptosis of purified components were performed.

Results

Six polyphenols were obtained on the basis of a bioassay-guided separation of the ethyl acetate extract, and their breast tumor cytotoxic activities were tested. They showed anti-tumor activities against MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 with IC50 value of 2.1–38.9 μg/mL, and can induce apoptosis for MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231.

Conclusions

Among these six polyphenols, five (1, 3–6) were reported for the 1st time with in vitro activities on anti-breast tumor cell. It is likely that these polyphenols are the active components of S. china L. responsible for the anti-breast tumor cell activities.     

Chronic prostatitis treated with acupuncture and bloodletting therapy at the lumbosacral region 针刺配合腰骶刺络放血治疗慢性前列腺炎

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of acupuncture and bloodletting therapy at the lumbosacral region for chronic prostatitis.MethodsA total of 36 patients with chronic prostatitis were collected, and treated in the Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and the External Treatment Center of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese medicine. The patients were treated with acupuncture, combined with bloodletting therapy at the lumbosacral region. The treatment for 4 weeks was as one course and 2 consecutive courses of treatment were required. The therapeutic effect, including the score of the National Institute of Health – Chronic prostatitis symptom index (NIH-CPSI), was assessed.ResultsAfter 1 and 2 courses of treatment, the symptom scores and NIH-CPSI total score were all reduced as compared with that before treatment , respectively (all P < 0.01). After 2 courses of treatment, the score of each symptom and NIH-CPSI total score were reduced as compared with that after 1 course of treatment, respectively (all P < 0.01). Regrading the 3 syndromes/patterns of chronic prostatitis in the patients, i.e. downward invasion of damp heat, qi and blood stagnation and liver qi stagnation, after 1 and 2 courses of treatment, NIH-CPSI total scores were all reduced as compared with that before treatment (all P < 0.01). Additionally, after 2 courses of treatment, NIH-CPSI total score of each syndrome/pattern was reduced as compared with that after 1 course of treatment (all P < 0.01). For kidney yin deficiency, after 2 courses of treatment, NIH-CPSI total score was reduced as compared with that either before treatment or after 1 course of treatment (both P < 0.01). The total effective rate was 91.67% after 1 course of treatment and 97.22% after 2 courses of treatment. No obvious adverse events occurred during the treatment.ConclusionThe combined treatment with acupuncture and bloodletting therapy at the lumbosacral region effectively relieves the symptoms of chronic prostatitis and improves the quality of life in the patients.     

Evaluation of anticancer activity of Cleome gynandra on Ehrlich's Ascites Carcinoma treated mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

The plant Cleome gynandra L. (Capparidaceae), is commonly known as ‘Hurhur’and ‘Karaila’ in India and ‘Cat's whiskers’ in English. Traditionally the whole plant is used in the treatment of tumor, anti-inflammatory and lysosomal stability actions.

Aim of study

The objective of present study is to explore the anticancer activity of the methanol extract of the Cleome gynandra in Swiss albino mice against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell line.

Materials and methods

Anticancer activity of methanol extract of Cleome gynandra (MECG) was evaluated in Swiss albino mice against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell line at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. MECG was administered for nine consecutive days. Twenty-four hours of last dose and 18 h of fasting, the mice were sacrificed and antitumor effect of MECG assessed by evaluating tumor volume, viable and nonviable tumor cell count, tumor weight and hematological parameters of EAC bearing host.

Results

MECG showed significant decrease in (p < 0.01) tumor volume, viable cell count, tumor weight and elevated the life span of EAC tumor bearing mice. Hematological profile such as RBC, hemoglobin, WBC and lymphocyte count reverted to normal level in MECG treated mice.

Conclusion

From the result it was showed that the extract has potent dose dependent anticancer activity and that is comparable to that of 5-fluorouracil.