The concept of Zheng Qi in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) refers to the vital energy produced by the interaction of Yin and Yang forces in the body. Zheng Qi performs two main functions: Wei Qi (defensive Qi), whi...The concept of Zheng Qi in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) refers to the vital energy produced by the interaction of Yin and Yang forces in the body. Zheng Qi performs two main functions: Wei Qi (defensive Qi), which shields the body from external pathogens, and Ying Qi (nutritive Qi), which sustains the internal organs and enhances their functionality. In TCM, Chinese tonifying herbs can help restore the balance of Yin/Yang and Qi/Blood function in visceral organs (i.e., optimal physiological functions), thereby fostering the efficient production of Zheng Qi and enhancing health. To ensure the quality of Chinese herbal products, functional assays to measure Yin/Yang, Qi/Blood functions, and Zheng Qi production should be implemented. The efficacy of Yang and Qi herbs can be evaluated by their ability to increase mitochondrial ATP in cultured mouse cardiomyocytes, while Yin and Blood herbs are tested through their immunostimulatory effects on antigen-induced T/B cell proliferation in mouse splenocytes and the production of erythropoietin/nitric oxide in hepatocytes/vascular endothelial cells, respectively. Additionally, Zheng Qi’s effect can be gauged by examining natural killer cell activity and antigen-induced T/B cell proliferation in mice ex vivo. These assays act as biomarkers for assessing the quality and effectiveness of herbal health products within TCM theory.展开更多
<em>Prunella vulgaris</em> (PV) is a herb which grows widely around the world. It is used in traditional medicine in different continents worldwide. This article reviewed the research studies in the last t...<em>Prunella vulgaris</em> (PV) is a herb which grows widely around the world. It is used in traditional medicine in different continents worldwide. This article reviewed the research studies in the last three decades about the use of this herb in the treatment of cancer. Specifically, this study concentrates on the scientific <em>in-vitro</em> methods used, as the <em>in-vitro</em> methods were the most preferred methods used in the past. Cell viability/apoptosis, migration, anti-oxidative activities, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were the features which most of the research focused. The aim of this article was to summarize on what molecular mechanisms, which these previous research found responsible for the anti-tumoral effect of PV. The assays to investigate the aforementioned items were organized and displayed, including the proteomic methods which study the underlying molecular mechanisms. By categorizing and organizing these methods, the directions and emphases taken by the research efforts were revealed.展开更多
文摘The concept of Zheng Qi in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) refers to the vital energy produced by the interaction of Yin and Yang forces in the body. Zheng Qi performs two main functions: Wei Qi (defensive Qi), which shields the body from external pathogens, and Ying Qi (nutritive Qi), which sustains the internal organs and enhances their functionality. In TCM, Chinese tonifying herbs can help restore the balance of Yin/Yang and Qi/Blood function in visceral organs (i.e., optimal physiological functions), thereby fostering the efficient production of Zheng Qi and enhancing health. To ensure the quality of Chinese herbal products, functional assays to measure Yin/Yang, Qi/Blood functions, and Zheng Qi production should be implemented. The efficacy of Yang and Qi herbs can be evaluated by their ability to increase mitochondrial ATP in cultured mouse cardiomyocytes, while Yin and Blood herbs are tested through their immunostimulatory effects on antigen-induced T/B cell proliferation in mouse splenocytes and the production of erythropoietin/nitric oxide in hepatocytes/vascular endothelial cells, respectively. Additionally, Zheng Qi’s effect can be gauged by examining natural killer cell activity and antigen-induced T/B cell proliferation in mice ex vivo. These assays act as biomarkers for assessing the quality and effectiveness of herbal health products within TCM theory.
文摘<em>Prunella vulgaris</em> (PV) is a herb which grows widely around the world. It is used in traditional medicine in different continents worldwide. This article reviewed the research studies in the last three decades about the use of this herb in the treatment of cancer. Specifically, this study concentrates on the scientific <em>in-vitro</em> methods used, as the <em>in-vitro</em> methods were the most preferred methods used in the past. Cell viability/apoptosis, migration, anti-oxidative activities, and the underlying molecular mechanisms were the features which most of the research focused. The aim of this article was to summarize on what molecular mechanisms, which these previous research found responsible for the anti-tumoral effect of PV. The assays to investigate the aforementioned items were organized and displayed, including the proteomic methods which study the underlying molecular mechanisms. By categorizing and organizing these methods, the directions and emphases taken by the research efforts were revealed.
