Journal of ethnopharmacology
-
Hypericum species have been used traditionally as astringent, antipyretic, diuretic, antiphlogistic, analgesic, and antidepressant in Europe, America, Africa, and Asia. One of the most extensively investigated medicinal herbs, H. perforatum L. (St. John's wort), is widely used in many countries to treat mild to moderate mental depression. Hypericum species are abundant throughout China, including 30 used as ethnomedicines. There are limited publications describing the ethnobotanical uses and biological activities associated with Hypericum species in China. Some reported activities include the treatment of wounds and bruises, irregular menstruation, dysentery, hepatitis, mastitis, jaundice, hemoptysis, and epistaxis. ⋯ There is a rich traditional knowledge regarding the ethnomedicinal uses of Hypericum species in China. Through phytochemical and pharmacological studies, several medicinal Hypericum from China have yielded many bioactive phytochemicals, possessing antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties. Hypericum species from China are potential sources of drugs to fight cancer and other chronic diseases. Remarkably, nearly half of Hypericum species in China have rarely been studied, and their ethnomedicinal potential have not been scientifically evaluated. Thus, in vitro mechanistic studies, in vivo pharmacology, and clinical efficacy are all needed, prioritizing those studies that relate most closely with their traditional uses. In addition, a comprehensive plant-resource evaluation, quality control, and toxicology studies are needed.
-
Essential hypertension is a prevalence chronic cardiovascular disease, which is treated by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China. Metabolomics approach has achieved more attention in pharmacology studies of natural products. Tianma Gouteng Decoction (TGD) is effective for the therapeutic of hypertension in China. We aimed to investigate antihypertension effect of TGD on spontaneous hypertension rat (SHR) with live-Yang hyperactivity hypertension (Gan Yang Shang Kang, GYSK) and explore the mechanism by metabolomics method. ⋯ TGD exhibited the antihypertensive activity at the frequency of administration twice a day, which had the association with RAAS system and mediated 15 biomarkers by regulating metabolisms of glycerol phospholipid, sphingomyelin, energy and amino acid.
-
Across Asia, Rhodiola species have been used in Bhutanese, Mongolian, Nepalese, Kazakh, Kyrgyz and Uzbek traditional medical systems. China is globally significant in terms of Rhodiola species diversity, with over 60% (55 species) of the world's 90 Rhodiola species, including 16 species found nowhere else in the world. Since the late 1980's there has been a shift from relatively low demand for infusions using chopped dried Rhodiola roots, to high 21st century demand for a wide variety of processed products. China's trade in Rhodiola products is now very diverse, with use in cosmetics and foods in addition to herbal products. Rhodiola crenulata (Hook.f. & Thomson) H.Ohba is the most widely traded species in China. In addition to R. crenulata and Rhodiola rosea L., 19 Rhodiola other species are used. ⋯ In contrast to Europe and North America, where R. rosea is the focal species in commerce, the trade in Rhodiola products in China is much more diverse. In the face of growing demand, both effective conservation of wild populations and cultivation are needed.
-
Lime Salve (L.S) has been well documented from the 9th to the 19th century AD by traditional Iranian medicine (TIM) as an effective remedy for burn healing. ⋯ L.S could effectively accelerate the healing process of deep second-degree burn wounds and therefore, it may be recommended as a promising topical medication for treating burn wounds in the future clinical trials.
-
The leaves, stems and roots of Melicope pteleifolia (Champ. ex Benth.) T.Hartley (MP; Rutaceae, called sanyaku in Chinese; syn.: Euodia lepta), have been used traditionally for the treatment of sore throat, rheumatism, eczema, dermatitis, bruises, and insect, rat, snake bites based on traditional Chinese medicine concepts. ⋯ In the future and prior to initiating clinical trials, the safety, in vitro and in vivo pharmacology, and mechanism of action of MP needs to be assessed, including a focus on the link between traditional uses and modern applications. In addition, phytochemical and biological studies need to conduct on flowers and fruits of MP. Furthermore, strict quality control measures are needed in the studies investigating any aspect of the pharmacology, chemistry and biology of MP.