The American journal of Chinese medicine
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The gut microbiome (GM) has become a crucial factor that can affect the progression of osteoporosis. A number of studies have demonstrated the impact of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) on GM and bone metabolism. In this review, we summarize the potential mechanisms of the relationship between osteoporosis and GM disorder and introduce several natural Chinese medicines that exert anti-osteoporosis effects by modulating the GM. ⋯ These herbs may increase the abundance of Firmicutes, decrease the abundance of Bacteroides, promote the GM to produce more SCFAs, modulate the immune response caused by harmful bacteria, and increase the proportion of Treg-Th17 to indirectly affect bone metabolism. Moreover, gut-derived 5-HT is an important target for TCM to prevent osteoporosis via the gut-bone axis. Puerarin could prevent osteoporosis by improving intestinal mucosal integrity and decrease systemic inflammation caused by estrogen deficiency.
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Fermentation is a processing method used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, traditional fermentation methods suffer from poor production control. In contrast, probiotic fermented herbal medicine (PFHM) offers advantages such as the use of pure strains, a controllable process, and the ability to produce a variety of active enzymes during fermentation. ⋯ PFHM has the potential to transfer the metabolic transformation of the effective components of TCM by intestinal flora outside the body during production and preparation, which has a broad application prospect. However, due to the complexity of the chemical composition of TCM, the mechanism of PFHM requires further investigation. Finally, we discuss the prospects of industrializing PFHM, which is essential for promoting the innovation and modernization of TCM.
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Review
Review on Processing Methods of Toxic Chinese Materia Medica and the Related Mechanisms of Action.
Toxic Chinese materia medica (CMM) has both pharmacological activities and toxic effects. Based on thousands of years of experience in the application of CMMs, people have explored many practical processing methods of CMMs, also known as "Pao Zhi", to reduce/control toxicity and preserve/enhance efficacy. Toxic CMMs have been used throughout China's hospitals. ⋯ This paper summarizes the current understanding and awareness of toxicity and 45 toxic CMMs, the commonly used processing methods of toxic CMMs recorded in the 2020 edition of ChP, and the changes in the chemical component, toxicity, or efficacy profiles after processing. This review may provide useful information for the processing methods of toxic CMMs worldwide. We believe that with an in-depth study and understanding of toxic CMMs combined with a standardized application, the toxicity of CMMs will be predictable and controllable in the future.
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Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a surge burden worldwide owing to its high prevalence and range of associated complications such as coronary artery disease, blindness, stroke, and renal failure. Accordingly, the treatment and management of DM have become a research hotspot. Mulberry leaves (Morus alba L.) have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a long time, with the first record of its use published in Shennong Bencao Jing (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica). ⋯ However, the pharmacological mechanisms of MLs in DM have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we summarize the botanical characterization, traditional use, chemical constituents, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology of MLs, and highlight the mechanisms involved in treating DM and its complications. This review can provide a valuable reference for the further development and utilization of MLs in the prevention and treatment of DM.
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SARS-CoV-2 has posed a threat to the health of people around the world because of its strong transmission and high virulence. Currently, there is no specific medicine for the treatment of COVID-19. However, for a wide variety of medicines used to treat COVID-19, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) plays a major role. ⋯ Normally, flavonoids boost the body's immune system. However, they can suppress the immune system when over immunized. Ultimately, this study hopes to provide a reference for the clinical drug treatment of COVID-19 patients, and more TCM can be put into the market accordingly, which is expected to promote the development of TCM on the international stage.