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Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi = Zhongguo... Apr 2021The ecological environment is closely related to the growth and quality of authentic medicinal materials. Ginseng is very strict with its natural environment and grows...
The ecological environment is closely related to the growth and quality of authentic medicinal materials. Ginseng is very strict with its natural environment and grows mostly in the damp valleys of forests, and the appearance and chemical composition of ginseng under different growth environments are very different. This article reviews the effects of different ecological factors(including light, temperature, altitude, moisture, soil factors, etc.)on the appearance and chemical composition(mainly ginsenosides) of ginseng. Through systematic review, it is found that soil physical factors are the most important ecological factors that affect the appea-rance of ginseng, and soil bulk density plays a key role; temperature affects ginsenosides in ginseng medicinal materials The dominant ecological factors for the accumulation of chemical ingredents; strong light, high altitude, high soil moisture, low soil nutrient and strong acid soil can influence the accumulation of secondary metabolites in ginseng. Environmental stress can also stimulate the formation and accumulation of secondary metabolites in medicinal plants. Appropriate low temperature stress, high or low water stress, acid or alkali stress can also promote the accumulation of ginsenosides. This article systematically reviews the ecological factors that affect the appearance and chemical composition of ginseng, and clarifies the dominant ecological factors and limiting factors for the formation of ginseng's appearance and quality, as well as beneficial environmental stress factors, in order to provide a theoretical basis for ginseng ecological planting and ginseng quality improvement.
Topics: Forests; Ginsenosides; Panax; Plants, Medicinal; Soil
PubMed: 33982500
DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20210123.102 -
Antioxidants (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that gives rise to motor incoordination and progressive functional disabilities.... (Review)
Review
Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that gives rise to motor incoordination and progressive functional disabilities. Although pharmacological interventions have revealed promising prospects in the management of SCA3, adverse effects may become unbearable. The use of herbal remedies in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may serve as potential alternative medicines to delay the progression of the disease. This systematic review is intended to identify, appraise, and summarize the findings of studies pertaining to the therapeutic roles of herbal remedies in TCM targeting oxidative stress in the management of SCA3. A literature search for relevant articles published from 1 January 2013 to 30 June 2023 in three databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, was carried out according to the procedures of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). A total of ten preclinical studies met the inclusion criteria of the systematic review. We recognized the therapeutic potential of , , sp., , , , , , sp., , , , , and . We identified the types of preclinical models expressing polyglutamine (polyQ) expanded mutant protein (mATXN3), inducers of oxidative stress that mimic the SCA3 pathogenesis, and effective doses of the herbal remedies. The modes of action contributing to the attenuation of oxidative stress are activation of antioxidant pathways, ubiquitin-proteasome system and autophagy, regulation of apoptosis, proinflammatory signaling pathway and chaperones, regulation of mitochondrial function and biogenesis, and restoration of neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. In conclusion, herbal remedies in TCM may possibly delay the progression of SCA3, therefore providing justification for clinical trials.
PubMed: 38539908
DOI: 10.3390/antiox13030375 -
Journal of Ethnopharmacology Mar 2021Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule (FXC) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula composed of four herbs including Panax notoginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, Salvia...
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE
Fufang Xueshuantong Capsule (FXC) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula composed of four herbs including Panax notoginseng, Astragalus membranaceus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Scrophularia ningpoensis. Long-term and extensive clinical applications have confirmed that FXC could exert significant effects on fundus, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular occlusive diseases.
AIM OF THE REVIEW
To systematically analyze and summarize the existing researches involving quality and efficacy re-evaluation of FXC, point out the typical problems, and further propose some opinions to contribute to future study.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Literatures concerning FXC were collected from online scientific databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link up to June 2020. All eligible studies are analyzed and summarized in this review.
RESULTS
This review outlines the chemical profiles, quality control, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties of FXC based on reported results. Some problems are pointed out for FXC: the quality control needs further improvement, the pharmacokinetic properties have not been comprehensively investigated, and in-depth and systematic mechanism researches are scarce. Hereon we propose several directions for future study: (a) establishment of feasible HPLC or LC-MS based quantitative methods for simultaneous determination of multiple components to monitor the overall quality; (b) pharmacokinetic studies concerning humans, drug-drug interactions, and correlation with pharmacodynamics; (c) pharmacological mechanism researches integrating multi-omics technologies (gut microbiome, metabolomics, etc.).
CONCLUSIONS
This review highlights the researches on quality and efficacy re-evaluation of FXC, and points out some typical problems. Further in-depth studies should focus on the promotion of quality control, pharmacokinetic properties, and pharmacological mechanism.
Topics: Animals; Drug Contamination; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Medicine, Chinese Traditional; Phytochemicals; Phytotherapy; Quality Control
PubMed: 33068651
DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113472 -
The World Journal of Men's Health Apr 2022The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of ginseng on erectile dysfunction. We searched multiple electronic databases from their inceptions to 30 January...
The objectives of this study were to assess the effects of ginseng on erectile dysfunction. We searched multiple electronic databases from their inceptions to 30 January 2021 without restrictions by language. We included randomized or quasirandomized controlled trials that evaluated the use of any type of ginseng as a treatment for erectile dysfunction compared to placebo or conventional treatment. The authors independently screened the literature, extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and rated the certainty of evidence (CoE) according to the GRADE approach. We included nine studies, and all compared ginseng to placebo. Ginseng appears to have a trivial effect on erectile dysfunction when compared to placebo based on the Erectile Function Domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-15 instrument (mean difference [MD] 3.52, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.79 to 5.25; I²=0%; 3 studies; low CoE). Ginseng may have little to no effect on adverse events compared to placebo (risk ratio [RR] 1.45, 95% CI 0.69 to 3.03; I²=0%; 7 studies; low CoE). While ginseng may improve men's self-reported ability to have intercourse (RR 2.55, 95% CI 1.76 to 3.69; I²=23%; 6 studies; low CoE), it may have a trivial effect on men's satisfaction with intercourse based on the Intercourse Satisfaction Domain of the IIEF-15 (MD 1.19, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.97; I²=0%; 3 studies; low CoE). No study reported quality of life as an outcome.
PubMed: 34169686
DOI: 10.5534/wjmh.210071 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024As a bioactive metabolite preparation widely used in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the efficacy and safety of saponins injections (PNSI) in patients with AIS after...
BACKGROUND
As a bioactive metabolite preparation widely used in acute ischemic stroke (AIS), the efficacy and safety of saponins injections (PNSI) in patients with AIS after intravenous thrombolysis remain to be evaluated.
METHODS
This study included randomized controlled trials published before 26 April 2024 in 8 databases. AIS patients who received intravenous thrombolysis were included. The control group receiving conventional treatment and the treatment group receiving additional PNSI. Primary outcomes were selected as mortality, disability, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were selected as all-cause mortality, improvement of neurological deficit, quality of life, and cerebral injury indicators. The revised Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess risk of bias. Risk ratio (RR) and mean differences (MD) were calculated for binary variables and continuous variables, respectively, based on a 95% confidence interval (CI).
RESULTS
A total of 20 trials involving 1,856 participants were included. None of them reported mortality or disability. There was no significant difference in the adverse events [RR: 1.04; 95% CI: 0.60 to 1.81] and hemorrhagic transformation [RR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.36 to 2.70] between the two groups. Compared to the control group, the treatment group had a better effect in neurological improvement assessed by National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale [MD: -2.91; 95% CI: -4.76 to -1.06], a better effect in activities of daily living changes in Barthel Index [MD: 9.37; 95% CI: 1.86 to 16.88], and a lower serum neuron-specific enolase level [MD: -2.08; 95% CI: -2.67 to -1.49].
CONCLUSION
For AIS patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis, the use of PNSI improved neurological deficits and enhanced activity of daily living in the short term without increasing the occurrence rate of adverse events. However, due to the moderate to very low certainty of evidence, it is advisable to conduct high-quality clinical trials to validate the findings of this study.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=466851, Identifier CRD42023466851.
PubMed: 38898926
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1376025 -
Pharmaceutical Biology Dec 2021Previous studies indicate that compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) improves the adaptation to high-altitude exposure. However, its mechanism of action is not clear. (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study Meta-Analysis
CONTEXT
Previous studies indicate that compound Danshen Dripping Pill (CDDP) improves the adaptation to high-altitude exposure. However, its mechanism of action is not clear.
OBJECTIVE
To explore the protective effect of CDDP on hypobaric hypoxia (HH) and its possible mechanism.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A meta-analysis of 1051 human volunteers was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of CDDP at high altitudes. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 5 groups ( = 6): control at normal pressure, model, CDDP-170 mg/kg, CDDP-340 mg/kg and acetazolamide groups. HH was simulated at an altitude of 5500 m for 24 h. Animal blood was collected for arterial blood-gas analysis and cytokines detection and their organs were harvested for pathological examination. Expression levels of AQP1, NF-κB and Nrf2 were determined by immunohistochemical staining.
RESULTS
The meta-analysis data indicated that the ratio between the combined RR of the total effective rate and the 95% CI was 0.23 (0.06, 0.91), the SMD and 95% CI of SO was 0.37 (0.12, 0.62). Pre-treatment of CDDP protected rats from HH-induced pulmonary edoema and heart injury, left-shifted oxygen-dissociation curve and decreased P50 (30.25 ± 3.72 vs. 37.23 ± 4.30). Mechanistically, CDDP alleviated HH-reinforced ROS by improving SOD and GPX1 while inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB expression. CDDP also decreased HH-evoked D-dimer, erythrocyte aggregation and blood hemorheology, promoting AQP1 and Nrf2 expression.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS
Pre-treatment with CDDP could prevent HH-induced tissue damage, oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Suppressed NF-κB and up-regulated Nrf2 might play significant roles in the mechanism of CDDP.
Topics: Acetazolamide; Altitude Sickness; Animals; Blood Gas Analysis; Camphanes; Cytokines; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drugs, Chinese Herbal; Humans; Inflammation; Male; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; NF-kappa B; Oxidative Stress; Panax notoginseng; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Salvia miltiorrhiza
PubMed: 34808069
DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1998139 -
Frontiers in Pharmacology 2024Effective and safe treatments for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are limited. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is commonly used in China to manage MCI. However, its...
Effective and safe treatments for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are limited. Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) is commonly used in China to manage MCI. However, its efficacy and safety remain uncertain. This review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CHM for MCI. Nine databases were searched from their inceptions to January 2023. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials of oral CHM for MCI were included. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2.0, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated via the GRADE approach. Thirteen studies, involving 1,043 participants, were analyzed. Most of the studies (10 out of 13) were associated with "some concerns" regarding the overall risk of bias. Meta-analyses results indicated that CHM significantly improved cognitive function compared to placebo in terms of Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) (MD: 1.90 [1.22, 2.58], I = 87%, 11 studies, 823 participants) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) (MD: 2.88 [1.69, 4.06], I = 81%, 3 studies, 241 participants). The certainty of evidence for MMSE was assessed as "moderate", while it was "low" for MoCA. One study did not report adverse events (AEs), one study reported no statistical difference between the groups in terms of AEs, and 11 studies provided detailed numbers of AE cases where gastrointestinal symptoms were the most commonly reported AEs. Two studies reported no SAEs among participants and one study found no significant difference in SAEs proportions between groups. The meta-analysis revealed no significant difference in AEs between the two groups (RR: 1.31 [0.92, 1.87), I = 0%, 11 studies, 839 participants). The cognitive-enhancing function of commonly used herbs ( C.A.Mey., var. Besser, and Willd.) may be attributed to mechanisms including antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, anti-neurotoxic, anti-cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory actions. Chinese herbal medicine holds potential as an effective intervention to improve cognitive function in MCI patients, supported by meta-analyses evidence of low to moderate certainty. Although current data suggests CHM is generally safe, caution is advised due to the lack of AE reporting or detailed information in some instances. : https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=400292, identifier [CRD42023400292].
PubMed: 38425647
DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1341074 -
Current Pharmaceutical Design Jun 2024This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the overall impact of Panax ginseng on lipid profile by synthesizing existing evidence. Cardiovascular Disease... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the overall impact of Panax ginseng on lipid profile by synthesizing existing evidence. Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among the elderly population, and serum lipids play a crucial role in its development. Maintaining optimal levels of triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and total cholesterol is essential in reducing the risk of CVD. Ginsenosides, the active constituents in ginseng, have shown positive effects on lipid metabolism. This review aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the potential benefits of ginseng in managing dyslipidemia, which could have significant implications for the prevention and treatment of CVD.
METHODS
A comprehensive analysis of 29 Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) was conducted to assess the effects of ginseng supplementation on lipid profile, including Triglyceride (TG), Total Cholesterol (TC), High- -density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C), and Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. A systematic search was done in online databases, such as MEDLINE, Scopus, and Clarivate Analytics Web of Science, using relevant keywords and MeSH terms to identify relevant studies until January 2024.
RESULTS
The Weighted Mean Differences (WMD) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) for TG, TC, LDL-C, and HDL-C did not show significant changes with ginseng supplementation.
CONCLUSION
Taking into account the results, using ginseng did not have a statistically significant influence on lipid profile parameters in individuals with different health conditions. Further, well-designed RCTs focusing on specific diseases are needed to clarify the potential beneficial effects of ginseng and its derivatives on lipid profile.
PubMed: 38877862
DOI: 10.2174/0113816128306300240522074056 -
Cancer NursingCancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common yet troublesome adverse effect that compromises patient quality of life (QoL). Ginseng is often used to boost energy. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a common yet troublesome adverse effect that compromises patient quality of life (QoL). Ginseng is often used to boost energy.
OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to systematically appraise evidence whether ginseng could alleviate CRF and improve QoL.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials on the effectiveness of ginseng for relieving CRF. The primary outcome was fatigue. The secondary outcomes included QoL, anxiety, adverse events, depression, and laboratory markers.
RESULTS
The final sample comprised seven trials. The pooled results showed that ginseng consumption led to significant reductions in CRF levels (standard mean difference [SMD], -0.21; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.42 to 0.00). Furthermore, improvements in physical well-being (SMD, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.09-0.41) and emotional well-being (SMD, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.01-0.40) were observed, as were nonsignificant trends toward improvement in vigor (SMD, 0.18; 95% CI, -0.02 to 0.38), mitigated nausea (SMD, 0.38; 95% CI, -0.09 to 0.85), dyspnea (SMD, 0.27; 95% CI, -0.04 to 0.59), and anxiety (mean difference, -0.97; 95% CI, -2.12 to 0.18).
CONCLUSIONS
Ginseng consumption alleviates CRF and may have certain benefits in improving QoL especially physical well-being.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
Ginseng may be used as an energy or nutrient supplement to alleviate CRF. However, the concentration of ginseng's functional components is affected by the production methods and thus probably its effects. Oncology nurses are encouraged to have a better understanding of the benefits and functional limitations of ginseng as an energy or nutrient supplement for CRF.
Topics: Humans; Quality of Life; Panax; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Neoplasms; Fatigue
PubMed: 35184068
DOI: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000001068 -
International Journal of Medical... 2021Sexual dysfunction is a common condition in the opioid substitution therapy (OST) population. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of treatment for sexual... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Sexual dysfunction is a common condition in the opioid substitution therapy (OST) population. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of treatment for sexual dysfunction in the OST population. We searched for interventional studies from Medline, PubMed, and Scopus. Three independent authors conducted a risk-of-bias assessment (RoB 2). A total of seven studies (five randomized-controlled trials, two quasi-experimental), including 473 patients with sexual dysfunction, were identified. Among these, three bupropion (n=207), one trazodone (n=75), two rosa Damascena (n=100), and one ginseng (n=91) studies had reported significantly improve various sexual functioning domains in both genders. In a meta-analysis, bupropion significantly increased male sexual function with standardized mean difference of 0.53; 95% confidence interval of 0.19-0.88; P < 0.01; I=0. The adverse effects were minor for all agents, and no significant difference between treatment and placebo groups in randomized-controlled trials. These agents have a promising future as therapy for sexual dysfunction in the OST population. However, given the limited sample size and number of studies, further studies should be conducted to confirm the use of these agents.
Topics: Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; Bupropion; Humans; Opiate Substitution Treatment; Panax; Plant Extracts; Quality of Life; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological; Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological; Trazodone; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33967614
DOI: 10.7150/ijms.57641