Guest guest Posted November 27, 2005 Report Share Posted November 27, 2005 interesting material here! http://hepcchallenge.org/choices/coverpagep.htm Composition of Herbal Therapies Capillaris Combination (plus blood cooling and toxin resolving herbs) Artemisiae capillaris, Gardeniae fructus, Rhei rhizoma, Desmodii herba, Paeoniae rubra radix, Polygoni cuspidati, Plantaginis herba, Polyporus umbellatus, Scutellariae radix, Turmeric radix, Glycyrrhiza uralensis fisch Modified Formulas of Bupleurum and Tang-kuei Formula, and Bupleurum and Peony and Six Major Herb Combination Bupleuri radix polyporus, Poria (Hoelen), Atractylodes rhizoma, Paeoniae alba radix, Urantii fructus, Fructus oryzae germinatus, Fructus hordei germinatus, Endothelium corneum gigeriae galli, Fructus citri sarcodactylis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis fisch Modified Glehnia and Rehmannia Formula Paeoniae alba radix, Aurantii fructus, Angelicae radix, Rehmanniae radix, Ophiopogonis radix, Fructus lycii, Glehniae radix, Cortex moutan radicis, Fructus meliae toosendan, Ligustri fructus, Polygoni multiflori radix, Zizyphi spinosi semen Modified Aconite, Ginseng, and Ginger Combination, and Gardenia and Hoelen Formula (Four Major Herb Combination and Rehmannia Eight Formula) Aconiti praeparata raix, Cinnamomi ramulus, Zingiberis rhizoma, Atractylodes rhizoma, Dioscoreae batatis rhizoma, Polyporus, Poria (Hoelen), Polyporus umbellatus, Alismatis rhizoma, Arecae pericarpium, Glycyrrhiza uralensis fisch Modified Persica and Achyranthes Combination, and Persica and Cinidium Combination (Persica and Eupolyphaga Combination) Carthami flos, Persicae semen, Cortex moutan radicis, Aurantii fructus, Leonuri herba, Cyperi rhizoma, Turmeric radix, Rhei rhizoma, Angelicae radix, Cnidii rhizoma, Rehmanniae radix, Paeoniae rubra radix, Achyranthis radix, Citri aurantii fructus, Bupleuri radix, Glycyrrhizae radix, Platycodi radix AI #3 Capsule Mucunae caulis, Sargentodoxae caulis, Paederiae caulis Allicin Capsule Allii sativum bulbus (garlic) BM Capsule Momordica charantia, Fagophyrum tatarium Capillaris Combination Artemisiae capillaris, Gardeniae fructus, Rhei rhizoma Circulation No. 1 Capsule Carthami flos, Persicae semen, Angelicae radix, Cnidii rhizoma, Rehmanniae radix, Paeoniae rubra radix, Achyranthis radix, Citri aurantii fructus, Bupleuri radix, Glycyrrhizae radix, Platycodi radix Coptin Capsule Coptis chinensis franch Cordyceps Capsule Cordyceps sinensis Gall No. 1 Capsule Bupleuri radix, Artemisiae capillaris herba, Desmodii herba, Taraxaci herba, Gardeniae fructus, Saussureae radix, Citri pericarpium, Citri immaturi pericarpium, Salviae miltiorrhziae radix, Angelica radix, Scutellariae radix, Gentianae radix Ginseng and Atractylodes Formula Ginseng radix, Dioscoreae rhizoma, Dolichoris album semen, Coicis semen, Nelumbinis semen, Atractylodis macrocephalae rhizoma, Poriae alba, Glycyrrhizae radix, Amomi fructus, Platycodi radix, and Zizipi jujubae fructus Glycyrrihzin Capsule Glycyrrhiza uralensis fisch (Licorice root) Hepa Formula No. 2. Capsule Schizandrae fructus, Artemisiae capillaris herba, Alismatis rhizoma, Polyporus, Poria (Hoelen), Atractylodes rhizoma, Cinnamomi ramulus, Citri pericarpium, Magnoliae cortex, Zingiberis rhizoma (ginger), Glycyrrhizae radix (licorice) HerbSom Capsule Corydalis yanhusao rhizoma, Zizyphus spinosi semen, Schizandrae fructus Ligustrin Capsule Ligustrum lucidum ait Red Poeny Combination Paeoniae rubra radix, Puerariae radix, Salviae miltiorrhziae radix, Persicae semen, Artemisiae capillaris herba, Aristolochiae fangchi radix Rhubarbin Capsule Rhei rhizoma Tiao Ying Yin Angelicae radix, Cnidii rhizoma, Paeoniae rubra radix, Rhei rhzoma, Polyporus, Poria (Hoelen), Corydalis yanhusao rhizoma, Dianthi herba, Zedoariae rhizoma, Mori radicis cortex, Leonuri fructus, Arecae pericarpipum Pharmacology of Herbs and Formulas The following list of the pharmacology of the major herbal remedies is for reference only. If you choose to take any of these herbal remedies, it may be helpful to provide your western health care provider with this information. It will help him or her better understand what you are taking and how it may or may not affect any treatment he or she is prescribing. Herbs Allicin Allicin has a very wide spectrum of anti-infectious capabilities. It is effective against bacteria, mycobacteria, fungi, protozoa, and certain viruses. It is potent enough to treat many common infections such as bacillary dysentery, amebic dysentery, deep fungal infections, whooping cough, endobronchial tuberculosis, oxyuriasis (pinworms), trichomonas vaginitis, and others. It has been used in China for more than 20 years. For most of the above conditions, the cure rate is above 80%. It is virtually nontoxic. Its LD50 is 134.9 times higher than its therapeutic dose. Artemisiae capillaris thunb herba This is the main herb in TCM used to treat jaundice. It has the following pharmacological actions. It fosters bile secretion in both healthy or carbon tetrachloride liver damaged animals. The dry weight of the bile is increased with the increased secretion of the bile. Its decoction can decrease the tone of the sphincter of Oddi in anesthetized dogs. It has liver protective effects. It reduces carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage and ALT elevation. It also helps recover liver glycogen and RNA. It lowers blood lipids and has fibrolytic effects. Bupleuri radix Bupleuri radix has the following liver-protective and biliary effects. It can protect the liver from toxic damage caused by galactosalmine, Penicillium notatum and carbon tetrachloride. It can increase bile secretion and the amount of bile salt in the bile. Its anti-inflammatory effect can be used to treat inflammation of the liver and gall bladder. Coptis chinensis franch Coptis chinensis franch has antimicrobial properties. It can strongly suppress Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus, pneumococcus, Vibrio comma, anthrax bacillus, Bacillus dysenteriae, hay bacillus, pneumobacillus, Bacillus diphtheriae, Bordetella pertussis, Brucellaceae, and Mycobacterium tuberculosi. It can suppress influenza viruses and Newcastle disease virus in vitro. It can act against ameba, Chlamydi trachomatis, trichomonad, and Leptospira. It is virtually nontoxic. The LD50 was 205mg/kg. Cordyceps Capsule (Cordyceps sinesis) In TCM, the various actions ascribed to Cordyceps Capsule are lung-nourishing, kidney, vital-essence- and vital-energy-tonifying, homeostatic, and phlegm-resolving (or mucolytic). It is used in general debility after sickness, and for elderly persons. Its superior therapeutic effects have been confirmed in many controlled, well-designed studies carried out by medical schools in China including Beijing, Shanghai, and Nanjing. It is virtually nontoxic. The effects of this herb in chronic viral hepatitis have been studied. The efficacy rate was reportedly above 80% in a 256 patient clinical study. Cordyceps sinesis can lower ALT, improve liver function, relieve liver related symptoms, and increase albumin. It has also been used for cirrhosis caused by chronic viral hepatitis. In the previously mentioned study, 17 out of 22 patients had increased albumin levels after three months of treatment. Twelve of 17 patients with ascites experienced complete resolution of ascites while the other five had a reduction in ascites.1 This herb is helpful for immunodeficiency caused by viral infection, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, major illness or surgery. Cordyceps sinesis is used to treat impotence, premature ejaculation, low libido, low sperm counts and/or activity, irregular menstruation, and leukorrhea. Desmodii styracifolium her This herb can facilitate bile secretion and help expel sandy gall stones. It can relax the sphincter of Oddi. It can abate biliary obstruction and pain. It prevents the precipitation of gallstone forming elements. Glycyrrhizin (GL) GL has various pharmacological actions that can be useful in treating hepatitis C. GL has antiviral effects. It can induce the generation of interferon-gamma in test animals and humans. It can prolong the survival of mice after being injected with mouse hepatitis virus (MHV). In rabbits, it can inhibit vaccinia virus proliferation. GL protects liver cells from chemical injuries. It can alleviate histological changes due to carbon tetrachloride toxication, and lower ALT. It can reduce liver cell degeneration and necrosis, and help recover glycogen and RNA. Experimental hepatitis and cirrhosis studies in rats found GL can promote regeneration of liver cells and inhibit fibrosis. It can also reduce gamma globulin and interstitial inflammation in the liver. It has antiallergic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying activities that resemble those of glucocorticoid. GL also inhibits the release of histamine from mast cells. Although licorice is a nontoxic herb, long-term use of GL can cause adverse reactions in about 20% of patients. Adverse reactions include edema, rise in blood pressure, low blood potassium, dizziness, fatigued limbs, and others. People with hypertension should not take GL. The glycyrrhizin capsule used at Zhang's Clinic in New York City is a potassium salt of glycyrrhizic acid. Ligustrum iucidum ait Ligustrum is a highly purified extract of Ligustrum lucidum fructus. Its active chemical component is oleanolic acid. It can protect the liver from chemical and biological injuries. Ligustrum can lower ALT levels. In experimental cirrhosis studies, it has been found to inhibit degeneration and reduce necrosis of liver cells.2 It can increase the glycogen in the liver, and accelerate the regeneration of liver cells. It can also inhibit inflammation and collagen formation. It can raise the white blood cell count, and is used to treat leukopenia caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In clinical trials for hepatitis, ligustrum reduced ALT, AST, and jaundice. It promotes lymphoblast cell transformation and macrophage phagocytosis. Ligustrum can increase coronary blood flow. Acute and chronic toxicity tests have shown ligustrum has very low toxicity. After injecting dogs with 50mg/kg IV and mice with 5mg/20g IV, 24 hours of observation found no adverse reactions. After injecting rabbits with 50mg/kg IP daily for 6-12 weeks, there were no heart, liver, or kidney disorders found. Marmodica charnatia (Bitter Melon) A 1981 clinical trial in England found that bitter melon (BM) can significantly improve glucose tolerance in type II diabetes.3 A water soluble extract of BM can significantly reduce blood glucose concentrations during oral glucose tolerance tests. Animal studies with normal and diabetic rats and rabbits have shown BM has a hypoglycemic effect.4 There are insulin-like molecules in the extract of BM that have physiological effects similar to those of insulin. The extract of BM can also stimulate the pancreas to secret insulin, so it can help type II diabetics produce more insulin. Some of the ingredients of BM can also prolong the effects of insulin. The blood sugar regulating effects of BM have different time phases, which make its blood sugar regulating effects gradual and steady. Comparative studies conducted in China found that its blood sugar reducing effects were similar to those of tolbutamide.5 In China and southeast Asia, BM is a commonly consumed vegetable, which indicates that it is very safe. Paederiae caulis In TCM, this herb is considered sweet with a slightly bitter aftertaste and a mild property. It is antirheumatic, digestant, antitussive, mucolytic, and analgesic. It also has sedative actions. It can elevate the pain threshold. Paederiae caulis inhibited spontaneous activity in mice experiments, and prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep5 The total alkaloids of this herb inhibit the contraction of the isolated intestine, and antagonize spasm due to acetylcholine and histamine. Paederiae caulis has expectorant, antibacterial, hypotensive, and local anesthetic actions. It also has corticosteroid-like effects. Paederiae caulis has been used for many skin diseases such as eczema, neurodermatitis, and leprosy. This herb is also used to treat respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and whooping cough. It has a high LD50 and has virtually no toxicity. Polygoni cuspidati rhizoma The 10% decoction of this herb inhibited Asian influenza virus type A, Jingke 68-1 strain, ECHO 11, and herpes simplex virus.6 A stronger inhibitory action was exhibited by a 2% decoction against adenovirus type III, poliomyelitis virus type II, Coxsackie virus group A and B, ECHO 11 group, encephalitis B virus, and herpes simplex I strain. The MIC (minimal inhibitory concentration) against these viruses were 1:1600, 1:400, 1:400, 1:2560, 1:10240, 1:3200, and 1:51200, respectively. A 20% solution showed significant inhibitory action against the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The active principles I and II of the herb were able to decrease the HBsAg titer eight-fold. This herb has been used for chronic viral hepatitis, acute inflammatory diseases, neonatal jaundice, and leukopenia. Rhei rhizoma (Rhubarb root) Extracts made by alcohol extraction of this herb contain aloe emodin, rhein, and chrysophanol. Pharmacological studies have found it has a wide antimicrobial spectrum. It can effectively suppress Staphylococcus, anthrax bacillus, Bacillus dysenteriae, Streptococcus, and E. coli.7 It is especially effective for Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. This herb also has antiviral effects. A strong inhibitory action against the influenza virus was exhibited by the herb decoction.8 The minimum effective dose in chicken embryos was 5 mg per embryo. Clinically, rhubarb root has been used for indigestion, constipation, acute inflammatory diseases, infectious and parasitic diseases, hemorrhage, and thrombocytopenia (low platelets). Its strong purgative and laxative effects can be used to treat constipation. Chrysophanol has hemostatic effects (stops bleeding), and is often used for bleeding in the gastrointestinal system. The LD50 of rhubarb root is 250-500mg/kg. The LD50 of chrysophanol is 10grams/kg and is very safe. Salviae miltiorrhziae radix (Salvia) Salvia improves the microcirculation in the liver. It markedly increases liver blood flow in acute and chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxic models.9 The fibrosis preventive effects of Salvia are mainly the result of its microcirculation improving effects. Salvia also improves microcirculation in people with coronary disease. In one study, 70% of the patients' conjunctiva and nail fold microcirculation improved with treatment.10 In animal studies, the extract of this herb reversed the peripheral microcirculation blockage caused by intravenous infusion of 10% dextran.10 It can increase blood supply to the heart and ischemic tissue. In the CCl4 toxic rat model, salvia can quickly lower ALT, and reduce inflammation, necrosis, and steatosis (fatty liver degeneration). In the control group, CCl4 caused liver collagen and globulin to increase from 19.8 mg/g to 51.4 mg/g, and 14.21 mg/g to 23.04 mg/g, respectively. Every rat in the control group developed cirrhosis. In the salvia treated group, not a single rat developed cirrhosis, nor did the collagen and globulin increase.11 Schizandrae fructus Animal studies have shown the alcohol extract of the kernel of the fruit of schizandra (AEKFS) has many pharmacological activities such as: lowering ALT caused by CCl4 induced liver damage reducing fat deposits in liver cells caused by CCl4 intake reducing the histological damage of the liver cells caused by CCl4 promoting glycogen and serum protein synthesis in the liver promoting liver regeneration after partial removal of the liver, and ncreasing metabolic enzymes in the liver. Clinical trials using tablets made from the whole AEKFS conducted in three hospitals in China found that of 107 chronic viral hepatitis cases, ALT was normalized for 73 with an associated improvement in clinical symptoms. There were no serious side effects reported.12 Sophorae subprostratae radix The active ingredient of this herb is oxymatrine. In three commonly used liver damage models (CCl4 induced rabbit, rat, and mouse liver damage models), oxymatrine prevented liver cell damage. Compared with the control group, the oxymatine treated group had much lower ALT, less liver cell necrosis, and much less inflammation.13 Oxymatrine can increase cytochrome P-450 content and activity, and increase the amount of smooth surfaced endoplasmic reticulum of the liver cell. This herb is an inducer of the cytochrome P-450 system. Thus, it can strengthen the detoxification capability of the liver. It also has viral suppressive, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, anticancer, and leukogenic (raising the white blood cell count) effects. Herbal Formulas Capillaris Combination This is a very old and famous formula that was formulated by the Chinese medical sage Zhang Zhongjing about 2,000 years ago. Clinical Pharmacology Clears dampness-heat type jaundice that manifests as bright yellowish coloration of the eyes and skin, oliguria with dark yellow urine, yellow and greasy fur on the tongue, a smooth and rapid pulse, and other signs and symptoms. The whole formula has cholegogic and choleretic (facilitating bile secretion) effects. Intraduodenal administration of the alcohol extracts of this formula in rats markedly increased the bile collected by up to 51.28%, and increased the solid composition of the bile by 85%.14 Its choleretic effects are mainly due to increasing the secretion of the bile in the micro bile ducts. It has liver protective effects and can reduce the liver damage caused by a-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT). While using this formula, the ALP, total bilirubin, ALT, and AST elevations caused by ANIT all improved dramatically.15 Histological examination revealed that hypertrophy of the micro bile duct cells, necrosis of liver cells, and inflammatory cell infiltration were much milder in treated animals compared with the untreated control group. The liver glycogen and RNA content were normalized, and the ALT activity was markedly reduced.16 Circulation No.1 Capsule This is a modified formula based on Persica & Achyranthes Combination and Persica & Cinidium Combination. Traditionally, these formulas were used for blood stagnancy or stasis that manifests with symptoms such as dark or purplish tongue, cold hands and feet, dark rings around the eyes, liver palm, spider moles, dry and itchy skin, rashes, lumps, and upper abdominal discomfort. Clinical Pharmacology This formula can noticeably ameliorate the acute microcirculation disorder induced by macromolecular dextran in rats.17 It dilates the microcapillaries, accelerates blood flow, and opens more micro-capillary networks. The result is to increase blood infusion to the tissues and stop the pathology caused by the microcirculation disorder. It can promote the phagocytosis by macrophages (Kupffer cells) in the liver. It can also clear the clotting factors in DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation) and stop the progress of DIC.18 It will not prolong the PTT or prothrombin time. It can suppress the clustering of platelets. It can improve phagocytosis by macrophages. It can also regulate cellular and humoral immunity. It can noticeably suppress granuloma formation (a fibrotic activity).19 Ginseng and Atractylodes Formula This formula was first created by the National Medical Bureau of the Song Dynasty about 1,000 years ago. Clinical Pharmacology This formula is used for strengthening digestion and vital energy. It is helpful for treating diarrhea, poor appetite, emaciation, and white and greasy fur on the tongue. This formula can improve absorption in the intestinal tract. Giving the decoction of the formula increased water and chloride absorption in the intestine of rabbits under anesthesia.20 It is an antagonist to the spastic effects of acetylcholine on the intestine. HerSom Capsule Clinical Pharmacology This formula has been studied in teaching hospitals in China. Randomized, controlled clinical trials have shown that this formula has sleep-inducing effects and improves the quality of sleep. In a study of 374 patients, improvement in sleep was found to be statistically equivalent to that of methaqualone.21 HerbSom formula is not habit forming and has no hangover effect. The pharmacological data of these herbs show that they may also have many beneficial effects on the cardiovascular and neurological systems of the body. These herbs have no harmful effects on the liver. Caution: Keep this formula out of reach of children. This product should not be taken while driving a car or operating heavy machinery. Yunnan Paiyao Capsule This is a very famous traditional herbal medicine. Clinical Pharmacology This formula can quickly stop bleeding in rat and rabbit liver injury models, and rabbit large artery injury models.22 It has been shown to dramatically reduce clotting time in human and rabbit experiments.23 The hemostatic effects begin 30 minutes after administration, and peaks 2-3 hours after administration. These effects can last for more than four hours. The hemostatic effect is due to a permeability change in the cell membranes of platelets. This causes the release of clotting factors from platelets that promote clotting. This formula can suppress inflammation in various animal models.24 The strength of its antiinflammatory effect is similar to that of corticosteroids. It also has analgesic and antineoplastic (antitumor) effects. ©Copyright 2004 Hepatitis C Caring Ambassadors Program Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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