Product Name:
Synonym:
Definition:Rhizoma Chuanxiongg are majorly composed of
Chemical information disclosed as following table:
Research Update:Rhizoma Chuanxiong,Szechwan Lovage Rhizome.
Study on the effect of rhizoma chuanxiong, radix paeoniae rubra and the compound of their active ingredients, xiongshao capsule, on stability of atherosclerotic plaque in ApoE(-/-) mice.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Jun;27(6):513-8. Chinese.Xu H, Wen C, Chen KJ.National Integrative Medicine Center for Cardiovascular Diseases,Beijing. xuhao2005@yahoo.com.cn
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of Rhizoma chuanxiong (RC), Radix Paeoniae rubra (RP) and Xiongshao Capsule (XC, a compound of their active ingredients, Chuanxingols and Paeoniflorins) on stability of atherosclerotic plaque in ApoE-/- mice and to explore the probable mechanisms. METHODS: The effect of RC, RP and XC in stabilizing atherosclerotic plaque, in terms of pathologic morphology, cell composition and inflammatory reaction, in the atherosclerosis model established on ApoE-/- mice was studied by using optical microscope, immunohistochemical method and computerized imaging analysis respectively. RESULTS: After the ApoE-/- mice being fed with high fat diet for 26 weeks, obvious atherosclerotic lesion with typical unstable characteristics was found in their aortic root. Both RC and RP had certain effects in lowering total cholesterol and increasing the thickness of fibre cap. RC could also lower the serum triglyceride (TC) level and the lipid-core/plaque area ratio as well as reduce the macrocytic infiltration. In addition to the same effects as above mentioned, XS could also raise the levels of high density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), lower TC/HDL-C ratio, reduce inflammatory reaction and enlarge the collagen area in plaque. CONCLUSION: The acting links of RC and RP on atherosclerosis are different, the compound of their active ingredients, XS, shows a more evident effect in intervening unstable plaque. It demonstrates the effect-enhancing power of TCM compound and is worth further studying.
Simultaneous determination of hydroxysafflor yellow A and ferulic acid in rat plasma after oral administration of the co-extractum of Rhizoma chuanxiong and Flos Carthami by HPLC-diode array detector.:Biomed Chromatogr. 2007 Aug;21(8):816-22.Qi J, Jin X, Huang L, Ping Q.School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
A simple, rapid and accurate HPLC method has been developed for simultaneous determination of hydroxysafflor yellow A and ferulic acid in rat plasma after oral administration of the co-extractum of Rhizoma chuanxiong and Flos Carthami. Plasma samples were deproteinized with 6% perchloric acid, and riboflavin was used as internal standard. The supernatant after centrifuge was injected into a Shimadzu C(18) (150 x 4.6 mm, i.d. 5 microm) column. Gradient elution for A:B (0 min, 90:10; 25 min, 70:30; 27 min, stop) was applied. The mobile phase was composed of 0.022 mol/L potassium dihydrogen phosphate solutions, adjusted to pH 3.0 with phosphoric acid for pump A, and 90% (v/v) acetonitrile for pump B. The assay was shown to be linear over the range 0.046-4.6 microg/mL (r(2) = 0.9995) for hydroxysafflor yellow A and 0.037-3.7 microg/mL (r(2) = 0.9998) for ferulic acid. Mean recovery was 97.5% for hydroxysafflor yellow A and 83.6% for ferulic acid. Both of the intra-day and inter-day precisions were Fingerprint analysis of Rhizoma chuanxiong by pressurized capillary electrochromatography and high-performance liquid chromatography.:Biomed Chromatogr. 2007 Aug;21(8):867-75.Xie G, Zhao A, Li P, Li L, Jia W.School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, People's Republic of China.
Pressurized capillary electrochromatography (pCEC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used simultaneously to establish fingerprints of Rhizoma chuanxiong. Ten batches of Rhizoma chuanxiong collected from different regions in China were used to obtain the characteristic pCEC and HPLC fingerprints using a standardized procedure of sample preparation and analysis. A total of 22 common peaks were isolated within 60 min by pCEC and 16 common peaks by HPLC within 65 min. The fingerprints of Rhizoma chuanxiong were then used to identify the raw herbs from different sources in China. The two proposed methods demonstrated good stability and reproducibility with RSD less than 5% for retention time in pCEC and in HPLC, respectively. Finally, the data from the analyses of 10 batches of Rhizoma chuanxiong by pCEC and HPLC were all processed with similarity analysis with two mathematical methods, correlation coefficient and the included angle cosine. The fingerprints of Rhizoma chuanxiong established with pCEC and HPLC are suitable to identify samples from different sources and can be used to control the quality of raw herbs.
Low oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of senkyunolide a, a major bioactive component in Rhizoma Chuanxiong, in the rat.:Ther Drug Monit. 2007 Feb;29(1):49-56.Yan R, Lin G, Ko NL, Tam YK.Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.
The pharmacokinetics of senkyunolide A, one of the major bioactive ingredients in the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Rhizoma Chuanxiong, which is commonly used for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases, was studied in rats. After intravenous (IV) administration, senkyunolide A was extensively distributed (Vd/F: 6.74 +/- 0.73 L/kg) and rapidly eliminated from the plasma (CL/F: 7.20 +/- 0.48 L/h per kilogram and t1/2: 0.65 +/- 0.06 hr). Hepatic metabolism was suggested as the major route of senkyunolide A elimination as indicated by the results of in vitro S9 fraction study. After intraperitoneal (IP) administration, senkyunolide A exhibited dose-independent pharmacokinetics. The absorption after IP administration was rapid (Tmax: 0.04 +/- 0.01 hours), and the bioavailability was 75%. After oral administration, senkyunolide A was also absorbed rapidly (Tmax: 0.21 +/- 0.08 hours); however, its oral bioavailability was low (approximately 8%). The contributing factors were determined to be instability in the gastrointestinal tract (accounting for 67% of the loss) and hepatic first-pass metabolism (accounting for another 25%). Pharmacokinetics of senkyunolide A were unaltered when Chuanxiong extract was administered, which suggests that components in the extract have insignificant effects on senkyunolide A pharmacokinetics.
Post-harvest alteration of the main chemical ingredients in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Rhizoma Chuanxiong).:Chem Pharm Bull. 2007 Jan;55(1):140-4.Li SL, Yan R, Tam YK, Lin G.Department of Pharmacology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR.
Rhizoma Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong HORT.) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders. Significant variations of the main components in this herb were observed in commercial samples. The present study investigated effects of post-harvest drying and processing methods on nine main components in the herb. Results showed that drying at 60 degrees C or under the sun the contents of three major constituents, namely senkyunolide A (4), coniferylferulate (5) and Z-ligustilide (6), decreased significantly, while the contents of ferulic acid (1), riligustilide (8) and levistolide A (9) increased significantly. Senkyunolide I (2) and senkyunolide H (3), which were not detected in fresh herbs, appeared in dried samples. Similar chemical alterations, such as decrease in the contents of three major ingredients and increase in the contents of compounds 1, 2, 3, 8 and 9, were also observed in differently processed herbal samples. The possible converting mechanisms of these components were clarified by employing pure major components treated under the same conditions.
Treatment of the localized neurodermatitis by plum-blossom needle tapping and with the modified yangxue dingfeng tang--a clinical observation of 47 cases.:J Tradit Chin Med. 2006 Sep;26(3):181-3.Weiying L, Yuanjiang D, Baolian L.Hunan College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha Hunan, 410007 China.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effects of plum-blossom needle tapping combined with the modified yangxue dingfeng tang (a decoction for nourishing the blood and expelling wind) for the localized neurodermatitis. METHODS: 141 cases of the localized neurodermatitis were randomly divided into 3 groups. Forty-seven patients in the treatment group received local tapping and oral medication of the modified yangxue dingfeng tang which consisted of sheng di huang ([Chinese characters: see text] Radix Rehmanniae), dang gui ([Chinese characters: see text] Radix Angelicae Sinensis), chi shao ([Chinese characters: see text] Radix Paeoniae Rubra), tian dong ([Chinese characters: see text] Radix Asparagi), mai dong ([Chinese characters: see text] Radix Ophiopogonis), jiang can ([Chinese characters: see text] Bombyx Batryticatus), mu dan pi ([Chinese characters: see text] Cortex Moutan), chuan xiong ([Chinese characters: see text] Rhizoma Chuanxiong), he shou wu ([Chinese characters: see text] Radix Polygoni Multiflori), and quan xie ([Chinese characters: see text] Scorpio). Forty-seven patients in the control group I were simply given the modified yangxue dingfeng tang; and 47 patients in the control group II were treated with oral benadryl and Vitamin C plus local external application of 10% urea ointment. The treatment course for all the 3 groups lasted 30 days. RESULTS: The short-term and long-term effects for the treatment group were much better than those of the 2 control groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The plum-blossom needle tapping plus the modified yangxue dingfeng tang exhibits a better and stable effect for the localized neurodermatitis.
The study on angiogenesis activity of danggui, chuanxiong and danshen.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2006 Jun;29(6):574-6. Chinese.Meng H, Zhu MZ, Guo J, Sun JY, Pei JM, Huang C.Department of Physiology, Xi Jing Hospital, China.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of danggui (Radix angelicae sinensis), chuanxiong (Rhizoma chuanxiong) and danshen (Radix salvae miltionrrhizae) on cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) obtained from rat and quantitation of vessels on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. METHODS: Normal rat cardiac microvascular endothelial cells (CMECs) were cultured by collagenase and trypsin and the influences of the herbs on the CMECs were observed by cell count and MTT colorimetry. The activity of blood vessels was determined by quantitation of vessels on chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) model. RESULTS: Compared with the normal group, after treatment with chuanxiong of high dosage, danggui of high and middle dosages, danshen of high and middle and low dosages, they enhanced proliferation significantly (P < 0.05). The two later could be in dependent dose. And the herbs might increase quantitation of vessels on CAM. CONCLUSION: These Chinese herbs may promote angiogenesis by stimulating proliferation of CMEC and incresasing blood vessels.
Screening and analysis of an antineoplastic compound in Rhizoma Chuanxiong by means of in vitro metabolism and HPLC-MS.:Anal Bioanal Chem. 2006 Sep;386(2):264-74. Epub 2006 Jul 26.Kong L, Yu Z, Bao Y, Su X, Zou H, Li X.National Chromatographic R&A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian 116023, People's Republic of China. liangkong@dicp.ac.cn
A new screening and analysis method that combines in vitro metabolism with high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) was developed for the screening and analysis of an antineoplastic compound, coniferyl ferulate, which is present in the rhizome of Rhizoma Chuanxiong. Infrared (IR), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and element analysis were used to identify the molecular structure of coniferyl ferulate. The quantitative analysis of coniferyl ferulate in different extracts of Rhizoma Chuanxiong was carried out, and the metabolism of coniferyl ferulate was investigated by in vitro incubation with rat liver homogenate. The metabolite of coniferyl ferulate, ferulic acid ethyl ester, was identified by HPLC-MS, UV-Vis and IR. In addition, antineoplastic activities of coniferyl ferulate and ferulic acid ethyl ester were detected by the MTT assay. The observed inhibition rate of coniferyl ferulate on the activity of HeLa cells was over 80% at 5.4 ng microl(-1). However, its metabolite, ferulic acid ethyl ester, showed no antineoplastic activity in vitro.
Study on quality standard of Yixin Tablet.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2006 Mar;29(3):286-9. Chinese.Wang FY, Li SM, Zeng LY, Zhan LL, Zhang J.Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, China.
OBJECTIVE:T o determine the quality standard of Yixin Tablet. METHODS: The nature differentiation of Radix Ginseng, Radix Astragali, Rhizoma Chuanxiong, Fructus Schisandrae was determined by TLC and content of salvianolic acid B in Yixin Tablet was determined by HPLC. RESULTS: The nature differentiation separate degree is kind and special attribute was strong. The compounds were base-isolated on the column of C18 which gradient eluted with acetonitrile and H2O (0.05% H3PO4) and detective wavelength was 280 nm. The linearity was obtained over the range of 0.12504-2.50080 microg (r = 0.9999) and the average recovery rate was 99.35%. CONCLUSION: The method is simple, convenient and accurate. The sensitivity is high. It can be used in the quality control of Yixin Tablet.
Study on the therapeutic material basis of traditional chinese medicinal preparation suanzaoren decoction.:Chem Pharm Bull. 2006 Jun;54(6):847-51.Li YJ, Bi KS.School of Life Science and Technology, Beijing Institute of Technology.
Methodology for elucidating the therapeutic material basis and quality control indices of Traditional Chinese Medicinal Preparation Suanzaoren decoction was developed. Combination of Suanzaoren decoction was designed and sixteen groups were obtained. Effects on frequency of spontaneous motion, sleeping number and sleeping duration in mice were studied with sixteen combinations of Suanzaoren decoction to get the pharmacological data. RP-HPLC method was developed to analyze the chromatographic profiles of natural components in all combinations. Areas (corrected by weighting amounts) of chromatographic peaks were collected as chemical data. The pharmacological and chemical data were correlated by chemical statistical methods, and then the therapeutic material basis (thirteen chemical constituents with sedative and hypnotic effects among forty-eight chromatographic peaks) of Suanzaoren decoction were elucidated. Spinosin from Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, ferulic acid from Rhizoma Chuanxiong, mangiferin from Rhizoma Anemarrhenae and glycyrrhizic acid from Radix Glycyrrhizae were selected as quality control indices. This paper provided a new methodology for elucidating the therapeutic material basis and quality control indices for T.C.M. It is instructive for modernization of Chinese herbs and its compound preparations.
Analysis of volatile oil in Rhizoma ligustici chuanxiong-Radix paeoniae rubra by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and chemometric resolution.:Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2006 Apr;27(4):491-8.Li XR, Liang YZ, Guo FQ.College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Research Center of Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
AIM: To analyze the volatile chemical components of the herbal pair Rhizoma Ligustici chuanxiong-Radix paeoniae rubra (RLC-RPR) and compare them with those of each of the herbs alone. METHODS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), a chemometric resolution technique using the heuristic evolving latent projections (HELP) method, and the overall volume integration method were used. RESULTS: In total, 52, 38, and 61 volatile chemical components in RLC, RPR, and RLC-RPR essential oils were determined, respectively, accounting for 95.14%, 95.19%, and 89.68% of the total contents of essential oil of RLC, RPR, and RLC-RPR, respectively. The main volatile chemical components were butyldienephthalide (20.65%) and ligustilide (50.15%) for RLC; and n-hexadecanoic acid (20.18%), [Z,Z]9,12-octadecadienoic acid (30.11%), 2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde (17.08%) for RPR, and butyldienephthalide (14.80%), and ligustilide (38.91%) for RLC-RPR. The main volatile chemical components of RLC-RPR were almost the same as those of RLC, but the relative amounts were altered. CONCLUSION: The number of volatile chemical components in RLC-RPR was almost equal to the sum of the number in the 2 constituent herbs, but the relative amounts were altered. Furthermore, an acid-base reaction takes place during the process of decocting the herbs. The data gathered in this study may be helpful for understanding the synergistic nature of this herb pair in traditional Chinese medicine.
Time-course accumulation of main bioactive components in the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong.:Planta Med. 2006 Feb;72(3):278-80.Li SL, Lin G, Tam YK.Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, SAR.
Fresh rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb, were collected monthly from a cultivating base in China practicing good agriculture practice (GAP). These samples were analyzed by HPLC-UV for their main chemical ingredients. Senkyunolide A (6), coniferyl ferulate (7) and Z-ligustilide (8) were identified as the major ingredients. The accumulation of the main ingredients with time in the herb was elucidated. Both individual and total contents of all main components gradually increased from the beginning of October to the middle of next April. The weight of a single rhizome reached a plateau at the end of May, whilst the content of the major ingredients peaked in the middle of April. Based on these results, it is recommended that Rhizoma Chuanxiong be harvested between the middle of April and the end of May.
Angiogenesis promoting effects of Chinese herbal medicine for activating blood circulation to remove stasis on chick embryo chorio-allantoic membrane.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2005 Oct;25(10):912-5. Chinese.Gao D, Song J, Hu J, Lin J, Zheng L, Cai J, Du J, Chen K.Fujian College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzho 250003.
OBJECTIVE: To observe the angiogenesis promoting effects of clinical common used Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) for activating blood circulation to remove stasis on chick embryo chorio-allantoic membrane (CAM). METHODS: Chicken CAM model was established and mice blood serum containing different kinds of medicines, including Radix Peaoniae rubra, Radix Angelicae sinensis, Flos Carthami, Rhizoma Chuanxiong, Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae, Astragalus membranaceus, and their complex prescriptions, Danggui Buxue Decoction, Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction, Xiongshao Capsule, was applied on it respectively to observe the condition of angiogenesis 72 hrs after incubation. Besides, the normal saline group, blank serum group, blank group and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) group were set up for control. RESULTS: All the CHM applied and bFGF had the CAM angiogenetic promoting effect, among them, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae and the three complex prescriptions showed better effects than the three negative control groups in capillary formation and count, with the efficacy similar to that of bFGF. The effect of complex prescriptions was superior to that of single herb except Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae. CONCLUSION: Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae, Danggui Buxue Decoction, Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction and Xiongshao Capsule have good angiogenesis promoting effect on CAM. This study elucidated, from a certain aspect, the mechanism of action of CHM on ischemic diseases, and unfolded the scientific evidence of applying complex prescription.
Identification and comparative determination of senkyunolide A in traditional Chinese medicinal plants Ligusticum chuanxiong and Angelica sinensis by HPLC coupled with DAD and ESI-MS.:Chem Pharm Bull . 2005 Nov;53(11):1480-3.Yi T, Leung KS, Lu GH, Zhang H, Chan K.Research and Development Division, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, P. R. China.
Using the HPLC/DAD/ESI/MS method, the qualitative and quantitative analysis of senkyunolide A (SA) in the rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong (Rhizoma chuanxiong; CX) and roots of Angelica sinensis (DG) was established. As a result, it was found that SA is a characteristic standard compound for the quality evaluation and chemical differentiation between CX and DG. Methanol was chosen in the preparation of standard solutions and extraction of samples based on the stability data. The identity of SA in CX and DG was unambiguously determined based on the quasimolecular ions in ESI-MS. A comprehensive validation of the method, including sensitivity, linearity, reproducibility and recovery, was conducted using the optimized chromatographic conditions. The linear calibration curve was acquired with R2>0.999 and limit of detection (S/N=3) was estimated to be 12.5 mug/g. The reproducibility was evaluated by repeated sample injection and replicated analysis of samples with the relative standard deviation (RSD) value found within 0.68%. The recovery rates of SA varied within the range of 96.91-101.50% with RSD less than 2.38%. In the present work, the contents of SA were quantified within 3.94-9.14 mg/g and 0.108-0.588 mg/g for 12 batches each of CX and DG. The results demonstrated that SA is a useful standard compound for the quality evaluation and chemical differentiation between CX and DG. The analytical procedure is precise and reproducible and thus suitable for the analysis of a large number of samples.
Study of Rhizoma chuanxiong storage conditions.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2005 Jun;28(6):464-6. Chinese.Jiang G, Jia M, Ma Y, Zhang Y, He Z.School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu.
OBJECTIVE: To study the different packing and storage life effect on the content of effective element in Rhizoma Chuanxiong, so as to guide the packing, moist, volatile oil and ferulic acid in Rhizoma Chuanxiong from two GAP base by the related determination method in supplyment of China Pharmocopeia (2000). And the content of total alkaloids was determined by acid dye colorimentry. RESULTS: The loss of effective element in Rhizoma Chuanxiong was the least when in vaccum packing, sack and weave packet. During the storage the content of moist and volatile oil decreased; the content of ferulic acid increased;the content variety of total alkaloids had no regulation. CONCLUSION: We should choose the sack and weave packet as the packing of Rhizoma Chuanxiong. If the quantity is small we should use vaccum packing. Conbined the changes of Rhizoma Chuanxiong effective element and the phenomenon of mildew and worm eaten during storage, we should not store it for long time.
The protective effects of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici chuanxiong on endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria.:Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2005 Jul;36(4):529-32. Chinese.Lu ZM, Yu YR, Tang H, Zhang XX.Division of Endocrinology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of traditional Chinese complex prescription of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong on urinary albumin excretion (UAE) and vascular endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria. METHODS: Twenty-one type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria were involved in this before-after study by individual informed consent. Each of the eligible subjects was given the decoction of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong per os 150 ml q.d. for six months. The following examinations were performed at baseline and after treatment: (1) high-resolution ultrasonography to measure the diameter changes of brachial artery in response to reactive hyperemia (endothelium-dependent) and on administration of glyceryl trinitrate (endothelium-independent); (2) high resolution ultrasonography to measure combined intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid arteries (CCA); (3) fasting plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) activity, C reactive protein (CRP) and malonic aldehyde(MDA) concentration. RESULTS: The patients had impaired endothelial dependent vasodilation (EDV), elevated plasma PAI-1 activity and increased CRP and MDA concentration at baseline. After six months treatment with Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, their urinary albumin-to- creatinine ratio decreased from (86.5 +/- 53.9) microg/mg to (55.05 +/- 51.67) microg/mg (P=0.002). The EDV was improved at the end of the treatment (baseline: 7.49 +/- 2.98%, after treatment: 12.73 +/- 5.36%, P=0.001). Meanwhile, the activity of PAI-1 and the levels of MDA and CRP were significantly decreased CPAI-1: (83.49 +/- 5.11) X 10(-2) AU/ml vs. (79.7 +/- 7.8) x 10(-2) AU/ml, P=0.015; MDA: (3.20 +/- 1.13) nmol/L vs. (2.09 +/- 0.71) nmol/L, P=0.000; CRP: (7.04 +/- 2.64) mg/ L vs. (1.58 +/- 0.69) mg/L, P=0.000]. But no significant changes of the CCA IMT and endothelial independent vasodilation (EIV) were observed. Partial correlated analysis showed that MDA concentration was negatively correlated with EDV (r=-0.3736, P = 0.018). Correlated analysis also showed that CRP was negatively correlated with EDV (r=-0.348, P=0.028). CONCLUSION: Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong compound medication may decrease urinary albumin excretion and improve endothelial dysfunction in type 2 diabetic patients with microalbuminuria. The mechanism may relate with the therapeutic effects of Radix Astragali and Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong on anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation and alleviation of the hypo-fibrinolytic/pro-thrombotic state.
Effect of drugs for promoting blood circulation on blood lipids and inflammatory reaction of atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE gene deficiency mice.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2005 Apr;25(4):345-9. Chinese.Wen C, Xu H, Huang QF.Beijing University of TCM. linnwen@sina.com
OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of six common Chinese medicinal herbs for promoting blood circulation, including Radix Paeoniae rubra (I), Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae (II), Rhizoma Chuanxiong (III), Radix Notoginseng (IV), Semen Persicae (V) and wine steamed Radix et Rhizoma Rhei (VI), on blood lipids and inflammatory reaction of atherosclerotic plaques in ApoE gene deficiency mice. METHODS: Ninety mice, 6 - 8 weeks old, were divided into 8 groups, the model group, the control group (treated with simvastatin) and the six treated groups treated with the above-mentioned 6 Chinese medicinal herbs respectively. All the mice were fed with the diet of western kind for 13 weeks until the mature atherosclerotic plaques formed in them. Then they were treated with respective drugs for another 13 weeks except those in the model group. All the mice were sacrificed at the end of experiment, their blood was collected for lipids determination, heart and aorta were taken out for determining the level of CD68 in root of aorta, as well as the expressions of monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) by immunohistochemistry staining. RESULTS: All the 6 Chinese herbs showed regulatory action on blood lipids. The positive expression of CD68 in the model group displayed the highest activity. As compared with the model group, the CD68 positive expressed cells in the control group and the groups treated with Chinese herbs II, III, and IV were lesser (P < 0.05), and the expression of inflammatory factors (MCP-1 and TNF-alpha) in atherosclerotic plaques was significantly lower in the control group and the group treated with Chinese herb VI (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Chinese medicinal herbs tested in this study can interfere the maturing progress of atherosclerotic plaques and stabilize the plaques in ApoE deficiency mice, the mechanisms may relate to its actions in regulating lipids metabolism and inhibiting inflammatory reaction. Different Chinese medicinal herbs for activating blood circulation of conventional dosage might show difference in potency and acting links.
In vitro study of the effect of 11 kinds of natural drugs on the growth and acid production of Lactobacillus.:Shanghai Kou Qiang Yi Xue. 2005 Feb;14(1):67-70. Chinese.Huang ZW, Zhou XD, Xiao Y, Liu TJ, Li JY.Department of Endodontics, Ninth People's Hospital, School of Stomatology, Shanghai Second Medical University. Shanghai 200011, China. zhoumxd@yahoo.com
PURPOSE: To study the effect of 11 different natural drugs on the growth and acid production of Lactobacillus, as a preparation for screening an effective agent to mediate the balance of oral microflora. METHODS: Lactobacillus AC413 was chosen as the experimental bacterium. Eleven kinds of drugs, such as Rhizoma Chuanxiong, Surgentodoxa cuneata and Galla Chinensis were extracted by means of maceration, percolation and reflux extraction. The values of MIC of various extracts were measured. Then, different experimental media containing various extracts were prepared. The concentration of the extracts was lower than the MIC of the drug and the initial pH of the medium was 7.4. Lactobacillus was cultured in the medium for 48 hours, and finally the rest pH was measured. One-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: When the concentration of the drugs was lower than 8.000mg/ml, Tea polyphenols, Catechu, Galla Chinensis, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and Nidus Vespae can inhibit the growth of Lactobacillus effectively. Tea polyphenols, Nidus Vespae, Radix Scuteilariae, Galla Chinensis and Surgentodoxa cuneata can inhibit the acid production of Lactobacillus effectively, Rhizoma Chuanxiong, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Semen Arecae and Catechu have no preliminary effect on it, but Surgentodoxa Cuneata and Radix Angelicae Pubescentis can increase it. CONCLUSION: Tea polyphenols, Catechu, Galla Chinensis, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei and Nidus Vespae can inhibit the growth of Lactobacillus effectively, and Tea polyphenols, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Nidus Vespae, Radix Scuteilariae, Galla Chinensis and Surgentodoxa Cuneata can inhibit the acid production of Lactobacillus effectively.
Simultaneous determination of five marker constituents in traditional Chinese medicinal preparation Le-Mai granule by high performance liquid chromatography.:J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2005 Mar 9;37(3):469-73. Epub 2004 Dec 16.Shi Z, He J, Zhao M, Chang W.Institute of Analytical Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing 100871, PR China.
An HPLC method for the simultaneous determination of five marker constituents was established for the quality control of traditional Chinese medicinal preparation Le-Mai granule. The marker constituents were danshensu, protocatechuic acid and protocatechualdehyde from Salviae miltiorrhizae bunge; paeoniflorin from Radix paeoniae rubra and ferulic acid from Rhizoma chuanxiong. Extracted samples were successfully separated on a Diamonsil C18 column (150 mm x 4.6 mm i.d., 5 microm) at 25 degrees C. The mobile phase was a mixture of methanol and 1.0% acetic acid employing gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. Detection was accomplished with a diode-array detector and chromatograms were recorded at 230, 262, 280 and 322 nm. The compounds were identified by comparing their retention times and UV spectra in the 200-400 nm range with authentic standards. Regression equations revealed good linear relationship (correlation coefficients: 0.9993-0.9999) between the peak areas of the constituents and their concentrations. The average recoveries (n=3) were between 96.2 and 102.5%. The proposed method has been successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of the five marker constituents in three lots of Le-Mai granule.
Simultaneous quantification of 12 bioactive components of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. by high-performance liquid chromatography.:J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2005 Feb 7;37(1):87-95.Yan R, Li SL, Chung HS, Tam YK, Lin G.Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong.
A sensitive and specific HPLC-UV method has been developed, for the first time, to simultaneously quantify 12 bioactive ingredients in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Rhizoma Chuanxiong). This assay was fully validated in respect to precision, accuracy and sensitivity. This method was successfully applied to quantify twelve ingredients in six different Chuanxiong samples. The results demonstrated significant variations in the total content and quantity of each of the main bioactive compounds in different herbs, indicating that quality control of bioactive ingredients in Chuanxiong is critical to ensure its clinical benefits. This assay can be readily utilized as quality control method for Chuanxiong.
Study on fingerprint of rhizoma chuanxiong by HPLC-DAD-MS.:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 2004 Aug;39(8):621-6. Chinese.Li SL, Lin G, Chung HS, Tam YK.Department of Pharmacology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, China.
AIM: To establish a high performance liquid chromatographic fingerprint for the quality control of rhizoma Chuanxiong, a traditional Chinese medicine derived from the root of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.. METHODS: An on-line optimized HPLC-DAD-MS technique was employed. The HPLC analysis was performed on a Waters Symmetry C18 column (150 mm x4. 6 mm ID, 5 microm) with a Waters Spherisorb S5 ODS2 (10 mm x 4.6 mm) guard column. The mobile phase consisted of A (methanol) and B (0.25% acetic acid). Components were separated using the following gradient profile: 32% B at 0-3 min, 32%-85% B at 3-33 min, 85%-100% B at 33-52 min; flow rate was 0.7 mL x min(-1). DAD was set from 190 to 400 nm, the fingerprint was monitored at 294 nm. All mass spectra were acquired in the positive ion mode with electrospray ionization; the full scan mass spectrum was recorded over the range of m/z 100-800. Nine samples from three companies were analyzed; the main characteristic peaks were identified based on the comparison of UV and MS spectra of each analyte with that of authentic compounds and literature data. RESULTS: The HPLC fingerprint was established based on the analysis of nine rhizoma Chuanxiong herbal samples supplied by three companies. Twenty-one characteristic peaks were found in all nine samples. These peaks were classified into four groups: group I at 0-12 min, three peaks were found, and the marker peak 3 was confirmed as ferulic acid; group II at 12-24 min, four peaks were found, and the marker peaks 4 and 5 were identified as senkyunolide I and senkyunolide H; group III at 24-32 min, there were seven peaks, and the marker peaks 9, 11, 13 and 14 were elucidated as senkyunolide A, coniferylferulate, ligustilide and 3-butylidenephthalide, respectively; group IV at 32-50 min, seven peaks were observed, and the marker peaks 15 and 17 were identified as riligustilide and levistolide A. The peak areas of 13 main peaks with normalized peak area (1% were determined. Using the most abundant peak 13 as the reference peak, the calculated relative retention times (tR of the characteristic peak/tR of the reference peak) among nine samples were consistent (RSD < or = 1%), while the calculated relative peak areas (peak area of the characteristic peak/peak area of the reference peak) among nine samples were significantly different (P < 0.001), indicating that all nine samples tested contain similar 13 main components with different quantities. CONCLUSION: The established HPLC fingerprint is very specific, and can be used to evaluate the quality consistency of different rhizoma Chuanxiong herbs.
The effects of natural medicine on adherence of Streptococcus mutans to salivary acquired pellicle.:Sichuan Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban. 2004 Sep;35(5):687-9. Chinese.Xiao Y, Liu TJ, Huang ZW, Zhou XD, Li JY.
West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of 5 kinds of natural medicine such as Radix et Rhizoma Rhei on the adherence of Streptococcus mutans to salivary acquired pellicle, and to screen effective natural medicines for the prevention of caries. METHODS: The in vitro model of experimental pellicle was saliva-coated hydroxyapatites (S-HA). Streptococcus mutans and S-HA were treated with natural medicines respectively, and then the adherence of bacteria to S-HA was tested. RESULTS: Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Semen Arecae and Rhizoma Liguistici Chuanxiong could decrease the attachment of Streptococcus mutans to S-HA, and Semen Arecae was the most effective one. Radix Angelicae Dahuricae had no remarkable effect, and Catechu inhibited the adherence only after the bacteria being under treatment. CONCLUSION: Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Semen Arecae, Rhizoma Liquistici Chuanxiong and Catechu could effectively inhibit the adherence of Streptococcus mutans to salivary acquired pellicle, but the effect of Radix Angelicae Dahuricae on the adherence is un-noticeable.
Effect of Chinese herbal medicine 1023 Recipe in blocking cancer transformation of experimental precancerous lesion and its mechanism.:Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Xue Bao. 2004 Jul;2(4):281-4. Chinese.Chen ZL, Guan YQ, Chen X, Chen XL, Chen JC.Xiamen Hospital of Stomatalogy, Xiamen, Fujian Province 361001, China. zuoliangc@yahoo.com.cn
OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Chinese herbal medicine 1023 Recipe in blocking cancer transformation of experimental oral precancerous lesion and its mechanism. METHODS: We treated the experimental oral precancerous lesion in hamster's cheek pouch using 1023 Recipe (consisting of Radix Astragali, Gynostemma Pentaphyllum, Rhizoma Chuanxiong and selenium-rich green tea) for 6 weeks, and observed its effect in blocking cancer transformation, detected 2 kinds of agglutinin receptors (receptors of wheat germ agglutinin and Ricinus communis agglutinin) in the mucosa of the hamster's cheek pouch. RESULTS: The rate of cancer transformation in 1023 Recipe treated group was lower than that in the control group without treatment (P<0.05). Agglutinin receptors in the two groups were different significantly. CONCLUSION: 1023 Recipe is effective in treating hyperplasia, and can prevent its cancer transformation. The mechanism may be that 1023 Recipe can induce precancerous lesions to differentiate into normal tissues.
Inhibition of shear-induced platelet aggregation in rat by tetramethylpyrazine and salvianolic acid B.:Clin Hemorheol Microcirc. 2004;31(2):97-103.Li M, Zhao C, Wong RN, Goto S, Wang Z, Liao F.School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong. limin@hkbu.edu.hk
Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) and salvianolic acid B (SAB) are effective ingredients of Rhizoma Ligustici chuanxiong Hort. and Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae Bge., accordingly. The inhibitive effects of TMP, SAB and their combination on shear-induced platelet aggregation (SIPA) were investigated in the present study. SD rats were used as blood donors to collect anticoagulated blood, the concentration of platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) was adjusted to 5 x 10(5) microl. HAAKE rheometer RS 600 with sensor C60/0.5 degrees was used as shear generator. Different doses of TMP and SAB and their combinations were added to the PRP. After constant shear of 15 Pa at 37 degrees C for 360 seconds, PRP was transferred to a platelet aggregometer and SIPA was determined by turbidity. SIPA was inhibited by TMP and SAB in a dose-dependent manner. SIPA was decreased from 48.6 +/- 4.6% of the control to 12.5 +/- 2.1% in the presence of TMP (1.46 mM) and SAB (10 microM) (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, TMP and SAB have additive effects on inhibiting platelet aggregation induced by high shear stress.
Separation and identification of compounds in Rhizoma chuanxiong by comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.:J Chromatogr A. 2004 Jun 25;1040(2):169-78.Chen X, Kong L, Su X, Fu H, Ni J, Zhao R, Zou H.National Chromatographic R&A Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 161, Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116011, China.
A comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatographic separation system based on the combination of a CN column and an ODS column is developed for the separation of components in a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Rhizoma chuanxiong. Two columns are coupled by a two-position, eight-port valve equipped with two storage loops and controlled by a computer. The effluent is detected by both the diode array detector and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) mass spectrometer. More than 52 components in the methanol extract of R. chuanxiong were resolved and 11 of them were preliminary identified according to their UV and mass spectra.
HPLC determination of ferulic acid in rat plasma after oral administration of Rhizoma Chuanxiong and its compound preparation.:Biomed Chromatogr. 2003 Dec;17(8):543-6.Li Y, Bi K.School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, 110016, People's Republic of China.
An HPLC method is described for determination of ferulic acid in rat plasma. The concentration of ferulic acid in rat plasma was determined after deproteinization with acetonitrile using sulfamethoxazole as internal standard. Chromatographic separations were performed on a C(18) stationary phase with a mobile phase composed of acetonitrile-water (16:84, v/v) with 1% glacial acetic acid. The UV detection wavelength was set at 320 nm. The method was successfully applied to the determination of pharmacokinetic parameters in rat plasma after oral administration of Rhizoma Chuanxiong and and its compound preparation Suanzaoren decoctions. The calibration curve was linear over the range 0.0510-4.08 micro g/mL in rat plasma. Within-day and between-day precisions were less than 4.5% RSD. Mean recovery was determined as 96.9%. The limit of quantitation was 0.0510 micro g/mL. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the two preparations were different significantly (p < 0.05), which may attribute to the effects of other ingredients present in Suanzaoren decoction.
Information theory applied to chromatographic fingerprint of herbal medicine for quality control.:J Chromatogr A. 2003 Jun 20;1002(1-2):25-40.Gong F, Liang YZ, Xie PS, Chau FT.Research Center of Modernization of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chemometrics and Intelligent Analytical Instruments, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
At present, the construction of chromatographic fingerprints plays an important role in the quality control of complex herbal medicines. In this work, information theory was applied to obtain chromatographic fingerprints with good performance. Moreover, according to the characteristics of the chromatographic fingerprints obtained, some modifications of the calculation of the information content were conducted. In comparison with the information content from several chromatographic fingerprints obtained, reliable chromatographic fingerprints with a high separation degree and uniform concentration distribution of chemical components could be determined. The successful application of information theory with modification to simulated chromatographic fingerprints together with real herbal medicines such as Rhizoma chuanxiong and Ginkgo biloba from different sources demonstrated clearly that the proposed method to determine chromatographic fingerprints was reasonable and reliable and it was user-friendly. Chromatographic fingerprints determined with high separation degrees and uniform concentration distribution of chemical ingredients might also chemically represent characteristic components of herbal medicines for quality control.
The in vitro study of the effects of 11 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine on the growth and acid production of Actinomyces viscosus.:Hua Xi Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2002 Apr;33(2):253-5. Chinese.Xiao Y, Liu T, Huang Z, Zhou X, Li G.West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of different natural medicines on the growth and acid production of Actinomyces viscosus, thus making preparations for screening an effective agent to mediate the balance of oral microflora. METHODS: Actinomyces viscosus ATCC 19246 was chosen as the experimental bacteria. 11 kinds of traditional Chinese medicine, such as Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, Sargentodoxa Cuneata and Galla Chinensis were extracted by means of maceration, percolation and reflux extraction. First, the values of MIC of various extracts were measured. Second, the experimental medium containing various extracts was prepared. The concentration of the extracts was lower than the MIC of the medicine, and the initial pH of the medium was 7.4. Then Actinomyces viscosus was cultured in the medium for 48 h, and finally the rest pH was measured. RESULTS: When the concentration of the medicines was lower than or equal to 8.000 mg/ml, it was found that all kinds of medicine except Radix Notoginseng can inhibit the growth of Actinomyces viscosus effectively, especially Polistes mandarinus and Semen Arecae. Tea polyphenols, Radix Notoginseng, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Polistes mandarinus and Sargentodoxa cuneata can inhibit the acid production of Actinomyces viscosus effectively, but Radix Scutellariae, Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, Semen Arecae, Radix Angelicae Dahuricae, Galla Chinensis and Catechu have no preliminary effect on it. CONCLUSION: Tea polyphenols, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Polistes mandarinus and Sargentodoxa cuneata can inhibit the growth and the acid production of Actinomyces viscosus effectively.
Antipruritic and antiinflammatory effects of aqueous extract from Si-Wu-Tang.:Biol Pharm Bull. 2002 Sep;25(9):1175-8.Dai Y, But PP, Chan YP, Matsuda H, Kubo M.Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing. yuedaicpu@hotmail.com
Si-Wu-Tang (SWT), a traditional Chinese formula, has been clinically used in the treatment of cutaneous pruritus, chronic inflammation, and other diseases. The present study was carried out to observe the antipruritic and antiinflammatory effects of SWT aqueous extract using compound 48/80 and picryl chloride (PC) models in mice. SWT (500, 1000 mg/kg p.o.) clearly reduced the scratching responses elicited by compound 48/80 in normal mice. At doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, it inhibited the scratching responses induced by PC in mice actively sensitized with 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP)-ovalbumin (OVA) plus alum. Furthermore, SWT (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the footpad swelling caused by compound 48/80 in mice. In the biphasic ear skin reactions induced by PC in actively sensitized mice, SWT (250, 500 mg/kg) reduced the immediate-phase reaction, but did not affect the late-phase reaction. In vitro, SWT (50-500 microg/ml) showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the histamine release induced by compound 48/80 from rat peritoneal mast cells. The crude drugs contained in SWT, Paeoniae Radix (25, 100 microg/ml), Rehmanniae Radix, and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (100 microg/ml), also showed a clear inhibition, but Angelica Radix did not at the concentrations examined. These findings indicate that SWT aqueous extract has antipruritic and antiinflammatory effects in mice. SWT inhibits histamine release from rat mast cells, and Paeoniae Radix probably plays a crucial role in the formula.
A study on the quality criteria for wushicha capsules.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1999 Apr;24(4):217-20, 255. Chinese. Zhou G, Luo Y, Zhang G.Institute for Drug Control of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330046.
OBJECTIVE: To build up the quality criteria for Wushicha capsules. METHOD: Rhizoma Atractylodis, Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis, Rhizoma Chuanxiong, Herba Pogostemonis in Wushicha capsules were identified by TLC. The contents of magnolol in the preparation were determined by GC. RESULT: These methods are simple and accurate. CONCLUSION: These methods can be used for the quantitative analysis of Wushicha capsules.
Determination of ferulic acid absorbed into human serum from oral decoction of Rhizoma chuanxiong and study on pharmacokinetic of ferulic acid.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2001 Oct;24(10):733-5. Chinese.Sun S, Huang X, Zhang L, Ren P, Chang Z.Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032.
OBJECTIVE: To improve the HPLC method for determining ferulic acid(FA) in the human serum and to research FA clinical pharmacokinetics. METHOD: Serum concentrations of FA were determined by HPLC using methanol-water-acetic acid (40:59.7:0.3, v/v) as the mobile phase and the column packed with ODS (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 microns) as a fixed phase and the flow rate was 1.0 ml/min. FA was detected at 320 nm wave length. The internal standard was coumarin. The serum samples were treated by the water-boiling method. Peak of FA in serum was recognized by photodiode-array detection. RESULT: FA and internal standard were separated completely under the condition described as above. FA was linear in the range of (40.16-8032 ng/ml) (r = 0.9975). The CV was less than 10%, the average recovery was 100.3%, and the limit concentration in serum was 25.1 ng/ml. PK was in accordance with open bicameral model. CONCLUSION: This method can be applied to clinical pharmacokinetic study of FA.
Influence of processing on effective components in rhizoma chuanxiong.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 May;23(5):275-7, 319. Chinese.Zhang Y, Li F, Shao A, Chen K.College of Chinese Pharmacy, Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029.
The contents of the essential oil ferulic acid in different processed products of Rhizoma Chuanxiong were determined, and the changes of constituents in the essential oil before and after processing were compared. The results have provided a scientific basis for processing Rhizoma Chuanxiong.
Distribution, metabolism and excretion of butylidenephthalide of Ligustici chuanxiong rhizoma in hairless mouse after dermal application.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2000 Aug;71(3):401-9.
The absorption, distribution and excretion of butylidenephthalide after dermal application to hairless mouse have been examined with [8-14C]butylidenephthalide. By the investigation of the whole body autoradiogram and liquid scintillation analysis, it was indicated that the transdermally applied butylidenephthalide quickly permeate into peripheral circulation system without accumulation in the skin and then distribute into lung, liver, bile and kidney. The total radioactivity, however, was decreased due to excretion into urine, and in the case of i.v.-administration, 80% of the administered butylidenephthalide was excreted into urine within 24 h, while only 5% was excreted into feces within 24 h. Then, the metabolite in urine was determined to be a cysteine conjugate by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. Thus, it has been concluded that after dermal application butylidenephthalide quickly permeates through skin into peripheral circulation system; distributes to lung, liver, bile and kidney; and then excreted into urine as a cysteine adduct.
Study on baths with crude drug. III. The effect of ligustici chuanxiong rhizoma extract on the percutaneous absorption of some natural compounds.:Biol Pharm Bull. 1997 Sep;20(9):983-7.
To investigate the permeability of natural compounds through hairless mouse skin, compounds having a range of lipophilicity, i.e., ginsenoside-Re (1), baicalein (2), glycyrrhizin (3), baicalein (4), wogonin (5), honokiol (6), magnolol (7), bergapten (8), shikonin (9) and sinomenine (10) were used. These compounds permeated through the skin a little, however, they were generally accumulated into the skin. The uptake amount into the skin of each compound related to their lipophilicities in the in vitro experiment. Furthermore, Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Senkyu) ether extract (SEE) enhanced their permeability into the skin; especially, it exhibited an effect on the skin permeability of moderately lipophilic compounds such as 4, 8. The effect of SEE in vivo was similar to that obtained in the in vitro experiment. From these results, it was clarified that natural compounds having high lipophilicity sufficiently permeated into the hairless mouse skin owing to their accumulative property, and SEE enhanced the permeability of the moderately lipophilic compounds into the skin.
Evaluation with receptor binding assay on the water extracts of ten CNS-active Chinese herbal drugs.:Proc Natl Sci Counc Repub China B. 1995 Jul;19(3):151-8.Liao JF, Jan YM, Huang SY, Wang HH, Yu LL, Chen CF.Department of Pharmacology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
In the present study, we established receptor binding assays to evaluate the water extracts of ten central nervous system (CNS)-active Chinese herbal drugs. These ten herbal drugs are Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong), Danggui (Radix Angelicae sinensis), Danshen (Radix Salviae miltiorrhizae), Duhuo (Radix Angelicae pubescentis), Hangqin (Radix Scutellariae), Qinjiao (Radix Gentianae macrophyllae), Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), Suanzaoren (Semen Zizphi spinose), and Yangjihua (Flos Daturae). The results indicated that these water extracts contained the principles acting on the dopamine (D1 & D2), muscarinice acetylcholine (M1), or 5-HT (5-HT1A & 5-HT2) receptors, or the benzodiazepine and the gamma-amino-n-butyric acid (GABA) binding sites of GABAA receptors as determined by receptor binding assays. The receptors or binding sites which predominantly acted by each water extract are listed as follows: Chaihu: D2, 5-HT1A, GABA; Chuanxiong: GABA, 5-HT1A; Danggui: GABA, 5-HT1A; Danshen: BDZ; Duhuo: GABA, 5-HT1A, D2, D1; Hangqin: BDZ, D1, 5-HT1A; Qinjiao: GABA, BDZ, 5-HT1A, D2; Shengma: 5-HT1A; Suanzaoren: 5-HT1A, 5-HT2, GABA; Yangjihua: M1, 5-HT1A, 5-HT2. These results provided evidence to explain the CNS effects of these herbal drugs at the receptor level. Furthermore, these results provided information to direct the isolation and purification of receptor-interactive compounds from these herbal drugs.
Effects of Rhizoma Ligustici chuanxiong and allopurinol on ischemia-reperfusion damage of rabbit ear flap.:Zhonghua Wai Ke Za Zhi. 1993 May;31(5):312-4. Chinese.Chen JW.Changhai Hospital, Shanghai.
The effect of Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong and allopurinol on ischemia-reperfusion damage of rabbit ear flap was studied. The results showed that MDA level was higher and SOD activity lower distinctly at 0.5 hour after reperfusion than that at 16 hours of postischemia and preischemia, Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong and allopurinol changed the result markedly with a decrease of necrosis rate. The effect of Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong was more significant than that of allopurinol in promoting microcirculation, preventing clot formation, reducing exudation and hemorrhage.
Studies on the baths with crude drug: the effects of Senkyu extract as skin penetration enhancer.:
The effects of Senkyu (Cnidii Rhizoma and Ligustici chuanxiong Rhizoma) on the drug skin penetration were studied to clarify its effectivity as the baths. Ether and methanol extracts, and some essential oils of Senkyu (i.e. ligustilide, neocnidilide and butylidenephthalide) enhanced remarkably the skin penetration of benzoic acid. Furthermore, an appreciable correlation between the enhancing ratio and the skin/donor partition coefficient of benzoic acid was observed. These facts suggest that the constituents of Senkyu influence the skin penetration by enhancing the partition coefficient.
Experimental studies on the decoction siwu tang.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1991 Mar;16(3):153-5, 191. Chinese.Yuan J, Li Y, Yuan H.
Using many kinds of modern instruments, we have measured the content of ferulic acid, eight trace elements, seventeen amino acids and water-soluble substances in various single drug decoctions, group-drug decoctions, and mixtures of various single drug decoctions of radix Angelicae sinensis, radix Rehmanniae, radix Paeoniae alba and Rhizoma chuanxiong that make up the decoction siwu tang. Absorption peaks in ultraviolet spectra have also been measured.
Main pharmacological roles and clinical curative effect of sanbi rebao.:Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1990 Sep;10(9):545-6, 518. Chinese.Zhao DK, Xu HQ, Liu JS.Institute of Clinic Pharmacology, Xi'an Medical University.
Sanbi Rebao (contain 32 components, such as Radix Aconiti, Rhizoma Chuanxiong, Semen Strychni, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Radix Angelicae sinensis, Radix Ledebouriellae, Fructus Evodiae, borneolum syntheticum, etc.) had antagonistic action on the ear swollen response induced by croton oil and on the ear inflammation reaction caused by dimethylphenylene in mice. It could decrease significantly the response rate of turning its body induced by acetic acid, increase the pain threshold caused by warm, reduce the surface seepage of injure skin and accelerate the wound recovery. The above results showed Sanbi Rebao possessed the roles of dephlogisticate, analgesia and promoting wound recovery, Besides these, clinic research indicated that effective rate of Sanbi Rebao on pain or numbness caused by cold, damp and wind (rheumatism) was 97%.
Experimental and clinical studies of "Shen Yan Ling" in treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis.:J Tradit Chin Med. 1989 Jun;9(2):132-4.Wang SQ, Du XR, L¨¹ HW, Wang TL, Li H.
"Shen Yan Ling" (SYL) is a compound herbal preparation consisting of 16 ingredients: Herba Ecliptae, Radix Rhemanniae, Rhizoma Cibotii, Radix Angelica Sinensis, Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, Rhizoma Diosocoreae, Poria, Radix Sanguisorbae, Radix Rubiae, Herba Portulacae, Fructus Gardeniae, Herba Cirsii Japonici, Herba Cephalanoploris, etc. In animal experiments, SYL was shown to have therapeutic effect for Masugi's nephritis models. It has also been used with satisfactory results in the treatment of 314 cases of chronic glomerulonephritis of the common type with manifestations of Yin deficiency and endogenous heat.
Determination of butylidenephthalide in Ligusticum chuanxiong by HPLC.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007 Mar;32(6):508-10. Chinese.Wang CY, Zhang H, Qian ZM.Huaxi Pharmacy College, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
OBJECTIVE: To determine butylidenephthalide in Ligusticum Chuanxiong with RP-HPLC. METHOD: The sample was extracted with methanol using sonication. The ESTD was used to quantify butylidenephthalide. HPLC separation was carried out in a Hypersil ODS columm (4.6 mm x 150 mm, 5 microm) , eluted at 1 mL x min(-1) with methanol-5% isopropyl alcohol (60: 40) at 25 degrees C. The detection wavelength was 230 nm. RESULT: The linear range was 0.07-0.7 microg for butylidenephthalide. The average recovery was 95.3%, and RSD was 2.3% (n =6). CONCLUSION: This method was simple and could be used to determine butylidenephthalide with satisfactory accuracy and reproducibility.
Analysis of the volatile compounds in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. using HS-SPME-GC-MS.:J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2007 Jun 28;44(2):464-70. Epub 2007 Jan 20.Zhang C, Qi M, Shao Q, Zhou S, Fu R.Department of Chemistry, School of Science, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing 100081, China.
A headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is described for the analysis of volatile compounds in the dry rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. Three types of SPME fibers including PDMS, PDMS-DVB and DVB-CAR-PDMS were investigated and the best extraction was achieved with the mixed fiber DVB-CAR-PDMS. Parameters for HS-SPME in terms of temperature and time, sample amount and particle size, and desorption time were also investigated. A polar capillary column was used for the chromatographic separation. As a result, 73 compounds were determined and identified by the HS-SPME-GC-MS method with at least 20 more compounds than those in the methods available. Comparison was made between HS-SPME-GC-MS and steam distillation (SD)-GC-MS methods. Using much less sample amount, shorter extraction time and simpler procedure, HS-SPME method can achieve similar results with those by SD. In conclusion, the present method is simple, rapid and effective and can be used for the analysis of volatile compounds in medicinal plants.
Determination of ligustilide for quality assessment of Ligusticum chuanxiong.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2006 Jul;31(14):1143-6. Chinese.Cheng SQ, Lv GH, Liang SX, Wang Y, Xu YC, Zhao ZZ.Sichuan Provincial Institute for Food and Drug Control, Chengdu 610036, China.
OBJECTIVE: To assay ligustilide content in the herb of Szechwan Lovage Rhizome (Chuanxiong, CX), which is the dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong in order to assess the quality. METHOD: Ligustilide was quantitatively analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography in 21 CX samples. An Alltima C18 column (4.6 mmx 150 mm, 5 microm) was used as the analytical column. The mobile phase consisted of water and acetonitrile (40:60). The flow rate was maintained at 1.0 mL x min(-1) with the column temperature at ambient conditions. The detection wavelength was set at 350 nm. RESULT: The average content of Z-ligustilide in 21 CX samples was found to be 7.40 +/- 3.54 mg x g(-1)(x +/- s, n = 21). Therefore,the content of Z-ligustilide in CX should not be less than 0.66% (calculated on the dried basis). CONCLUSION: The overall analytical procedure is rapid and accuracy which is considered suitable for the quantitative analysis of ligustilide in CX. The amount of ligustilide in CX samples collected from different cultivation areas was obviously different. However, a relatively higher content of ligustilide was generally found in the CX collected from its main cultivated areas.
Effect of the water extract and ethanol extract from traditional Chinese medicines Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. and Rheum palmatum L. on rat liver cytochrome P450 activity.:Phytother Res. 2006 Dec;20(12):1046-51.Tang JC, Zhang JN, Wu YT, Li ZX.School of Chemical Biology and Pharmaceutical Science, Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100069, PR China
Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels (DG), Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (CX) and Rheum palmatum L. (DH), three well known traditional Chinese medicines (TCM), have been used widely for the treatment of various types of disorders in China. Herb-drug interactions, especially cytochrome P450 (CYP)-mediated interactions, cause an enhancement or attenuation in the efficacy of co-administered drugs. In this study, to assess the possible interactions between TCM and drugs, the effect of water and ethanol extracts of DG, CX and DH on cytochrome P450 were studied in rats. The activities of various CYP enzymes were determined by HPLC method. Treatment of rats with water extracts or ethanol extracts of DG, CX and DH at daily dosages equivalent to 3 g (dry herbal material)/kg all increased the microsome protein contents and decreased the total CYP levels. The water extract of DG strongly increased the activities of CYP2D6 and 3A and the water extract of DH significantly increased the activity of 2D6. The other water extracts all showed inhibition against CYP isoforms. Only the ethanol extract of DG and DH increased the CYP2D6 and 3A activities, respectively, and the other ethanol extracts all decreased the level of CYP isoforms. All extract treatments had significant effects on CYP isoforms activities, whether induction or inhibition, compared with the blank control. Thus, caution should be paid to possible drug interactions of DG, CX, DH and CYP substrates.
Factors affecting stability of z-ligustilide in the volatile oil of radix angelicae sinensis and ligusticum chuanxiong and its stability prediction.:Drug Dev Ind Pharm. 2006 Jul;32(6):747-55.Cui F, Feng L, Hu J.School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, People's Republic of China. cuifude@163.com
The purpose of this investigation is to obtain a suitable vehicle for Z-ligustilide in the volatile oil of Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Ligusticum Chuanxiong in which it is stable enough for the application in pharmaceutics, to investigate its degradation laws, and to predict its shelf-life at 25 degrees C. Factors including temperature, light, pH value, co-solvents and antioxidants can all influence the stability of Z-ligustilide, thereinto antioxidants could markedly improve its stability in aqueous solution by almost 35%. The suitable vehicle for Z-ligustilide contains 1.5% tween-80, 0.3% Vitamin C, and 20% propylene glycol (PG). Furthermore, the degradation rates of Z-ligustilide were found to conform to a rate equation following Weibull probability distribution within a range of degradation ratio, and the equation could be expressed as follow: ln ln (1/1-alpha) = ln k + m ln t. Where alpha is degradation ratio; t is time; m and k are constants relating to the degradation rate. The degradation rate will get greater as the increasing of parameter k. According to the degradation law obtained from the equation, the drug shelf-life (10% of active ingredient degraded, T90) in this vehicle was predicted to be more than 1.77 years at 25 degrees C through Arrehenius equation and accelerating experiments.The present investigation was undertaken to propose a kinetic treatment that may be applicable to any type of degradation of the active ingredient of pharmaceutical formulation, and also could provide a good foundation for the new drug development of Z-ligustilide, especially for injection formulation.
Two new phthalides from Ligusticum chuanxiong.:Planta Med. 2006 Jun;72(7):652-6. Epub 2006 Apr 28.Li YH, Peng SL, Zhou Y, Yu KB, Ding LS.Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, P. R. China.
Two new phthalide dimers, namely chuanxiongnolide A (1) and chuanxiongnolide B (2), along with eleven known phthalides and derivatives ( 3 - 13), were isolated from the roots of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Umbelliferae). The chemical structures of the new compounds were established by HR-ESI-MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR spectroscopic analysis, whilst the relative stereochemistry of 1 was confirmed by X-ray crystallographic data.
Dynamics of progestogenic activity in serum following administration of Ligusticum chuanxiong.:Life Sci. 2006 Aug 22;79(13):1274-80. Epub 2006 Apr 15.Lim LS, Shen P, Gong YH, Lee LS, Yong EL.Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National University Hospital, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Lower Kent Ridge Road, Republic of Singapore 119074.
Many women are using botanical alternatives for menopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) because current progestins, compounds with progesterone activity, have adverse risk profiles. However the development of phyto-progestins for HRT is hampered by the absence of basic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) data due to the lack of methods to capture summated effects of the numerous compounds that contribute to bioactivity in vivo. In this study, we explored the utility of progesterone receptor (PR)-driven bioassays to track changes in serum progestogenic activity following administration of traditional Chinese medicinal herb, Ligusticum chuanxiong, with potent progestogenic activity. Sensitive and specific (>300-fold) increases in progestogenic activity were observed when HeLa cells transfected with PR and a PR-driven promoter were exposed to the progestogenic drug, medroxy-progesterone acetate (MPA), suggesting the utility of the bioassay to measure progestogenic effects for PK/PD studies. Progestogens were administered to male Sprague-Dawley rats and serum extracted for measurement of progestogenic activity. Effect-time studies indicate that injection of MPA and L. chuanxiong extract raised area-under-curve of progestogenic activity in sera by 8.2-fold (p<0.001) and 4.5-fold (p<0.01) respectively, compared to sera from rats administered vehicle only. Administration of MPA and L. chuanxiong extract by the oral route resulted in a 5.4 (p<0.001) and 2.3-fold (p=0.07) increase respectively. Our data suggest that PR-responsive reporter gene bioassays can measure bioavailability of compounds, known and unknown, of complex botanicals for hormone replacement therapy. L. chuanxiong extracts exert progestogenic activity in vivo, and may have utility for progesterone-replacement therapy.
Mechanisms underlying the vasorelaxing effects of butylidenephthalide, an active constituent of Ligusticum chuanxiong, in rat isolated aorta.:Eur J Pharmacol. 2006 May 10;537(1-3):111-7. Epub 2006 Mar 20.Chan SS, Choi AO, Jones RL, Lin G.Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
Butylidenephthalide (BDPH) is one of the most potent vasorelaxants isolated from Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. The objective of the current study is to investigate the underlying vasorelaxation mechanisms in rat aorta. In 9,11-dideoxy-9alpha,11alpha-methanoepoxyprostaglandin F(2alpha) (U46619) precontracted preparations, endothelium removal, the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor Nomega-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) and the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) partially inhibited the BDPH relaxation response to a similar extent. The cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin, beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol, adenylate cyclase inhibitors 9-(tetrahydro-2-furanyl)-9H-purin-6-amine (SQ 22536) and 2',5'-dideoxyadenosine, and K(+) channel blocker tetraethylammonium had no effect. BDPH produced full relaxation against contractions induced by KCl and U46619 in the presence of the l-type voltage-operated Ca(2+) channel (Ca(v) 1.2) blocker nifedipine. In a receptor-operated Ca(2+) channel protocol where contraction was mediated by Ca(2+) re-addition in the presence of U46619 and nifedipine, BDPH produced relaxation. In the absence of extracellular Ca(2+), BDPH inhibited contractions induced by phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate and U46619. Our results suggest that BDPH-mediated vasorelaxation comprises both endothelium-dependent (NO) and independent components. It is suggested that BDPH acting through an inhibitory mechanism downstream to l-type voltage-operated and prostanoid TP receptor-operated Ca(2+) channels operating late in the contractile pathway.
Analysis of volatile oil in Rhizoma ligustici chuanxiong-Radix paeoniae rubra by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and chemometric resolution.:Acta Pharmacol Sin. 2006 Apr;27(4):491-8. Li XR, Liang YZ, Guo FQ.College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Research Center of Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
AIM: To analyze the volatile chemical components of the herbal pair Rhizoma Ligustici chuanxiong-Radix paeoniae rubra (RLC-RPR) and compare them with those of each of the herbs alone. METHODS: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), a chemometric resolution technique using the heuristic evolving latent projections (HELP) method, and the overall volume integration method were used. RESULTS: In total, 52, 38, and 61 volatile chemical components in RLC, RPR, and RLC-RPR essential oils were determined, respectively, accounting for 95.14%, 95.19%, and 89.68% of the total contents of essential oil of RLC, RPR, and RLC-RPR, respectively. The main volatile chemical components were butyldienephthalide (20.65%) and ligustilide (50.15%) for RLC; and n-hexadecanoic acid (20.18%), [Z,Z]9,12-octadecadienoic acid (30.11%), 2-hydroxy-benzaldehyde (17.08%) for RPR, and butyldienephthalide (14.80%), and ligustilide (38.91%) for RLC-RPR. The main volatile chemical components of RLC-RPR were almost the same as those of RLC, but the relative amounts were altered. CONCLUSION: The number of volatile chemical components in RLC-RPR was almost equal to the sum of the number in the 2 constituent herbs, but the relative amounts were altered. Furthermore, an acid-base reaction takes place during the process of decocting the herbs. The data gathered in this study may be helpful for understanding the synergistic nature of this herb pair in traditional Chinese medicine.
Time-course accumulation of main bioactive components in the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong.:Planta Med. 2006 Feb;72(3):278-80.Li SL, Lin G, Tam YK.Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, SAR.
Fresh rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong, a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb, were collected monthly from a cultivating base in China practicing good agriculture practice (GAP). These samples were analyzed by HPLC-UV for their main chemical ingredients. Senkyunolide A (6), coniferyl ferulate (7) and Z-ligustilide (8) were identified as the major ingredients. The accumulation of the main ingredients with time in the herb was elucidated. Both individual and total contents of all main components gradually increased from the beginning of October to the middle of next April. The weight of a single rhizome reached a plateau at the end of May, whilst the content of the major ingredients peaked in the middle of April. Based on these results, it is recommended that Rhizoma Chuanxiong be harvested between the middle of April and the end of May.
Dimeric progestins from rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong.:Phytochemistry. 2006 Apr;67(7):728-34. Epub 2006 Mar 3.Lim LS, Shen P, Gong YH, Yong EL.Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Hospital, 119074, Republic of Singapore.
Five dimeric phthalides were isolated from rhizomes of Ligusticum chuanxiong and their structures deduced based on spectral data. All compounds and their parent extracts were assessed for progesterone-like activity using a progesterone receptor driven reporter-gene bioassay. Among all the compounds, riligustilide, displayed weak progesterone-like activity (EC50 approximately 81 microM), whereas, (3Z')-(3a'R,6'R,3R,6R,7R)-3,8-dihydro-6.6',7.3a'-diligustilide (Mr: 382, EC50 approximately 90 nM), was found to be a potent and specific activator of the progesterone receptor. Levistolide A, although having a very similar plenary structure, was inactive indicating the importance of stereochemistry of chiral centers and flexibility of butylidene side chain for progestogenic activity. These bioactive phthalides and their parent extracts (EC50 approximately 8 microg/ml) may have utility for treatment of conditions requiring progesterone action.
Phenolic acids analysis in ligusticum chuanxiong using HPLC.:J Chromatogr Sci. 2005 Sep;43(8):389-93.Zhao YX, Ding MY, Liu DL.Key Lab of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology, Ministry of Education, Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
A reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatographic method with diode array UV detection is developed for the determination of five kinds of phenolic acids common in herbal medicines. Based on this method, ferulic acid and caffeic acid are found to be two main phenolic acids in Chuanxiong (one of the important crude drugs in traditional Chinese medicine). More important, ferulic acid is found to exist in free form, and caffeic acid--a previously unreported component--is found to exist in esterified or insoluble-bound form.
Phthalide Lactones from Ligusticum chuanxiong inhibit lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha production and TNF-alpha-mediated NF-kappaB Activation.:Planta Med. 2005 Sep;71(9):808-13.Liu L, Ning ZQ, Shan S, Zhang K, Deng T, Lu XP, Cheng YY.Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, P. R. China.
The dried rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Umbelliferae) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herb for the prevention and treatment of inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. However, the role of phthalide lactones from Ligusticum chuanxiong in the therapeutic actions is not yet fully understood. In the present study, two phthalide lactones from the herb, Z-ligustilide and senkyunolide A, were identified and characterized as inhibitors of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF-alpha production in monocytes. The results of gene expression studies showed that the observed TNF-alpha suppression was related to their inhibitory activity on TNF-alpha mRNA transcription. Furthermore, the two phthalides exhibited significant suppressive effects on TNF-alpha-mediated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation in reporter gene assays. Taken together, the results suggest that Z-ligustilide and senkyunolide A may have potential applications in the treatment of inflammation and related diseases based on their inhibitory activity on TNF-alpha production and TNF-alpha bioactivity. New insights into the therapeutic basis of the TCM herb, Ligusticum chuanxiong, are presented.
Screening, analysis and in vitro vasodilatation of effective components from Ligusticum Chuanxiong.:Life Sci. 2005 Nov 26;78(2):128-33. Epub 2005 Sep 8.Liang MJ, He LC, Yang GD.Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta Weststreet, #120, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province 710061, PR China.
Effective components, ligustilide and butylidenephthalide, from Ligusticum Chuanxiong (Ligusticum wallichii Franchat, Umbelliferae) were screened and identified by using a cell membrane chromatography (CMC) and a gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The components showed the effects of inhibiting vasoconstriction in vitro on rat abdominal aorta segments. The screening procedure was performed in a rat artery CMC column (50 mm x 2.0 mm I.D.) with a sodium phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) as mobile phase at 37 degrees C. The identification was accomplished by a DB-5MS 30 m capillary column (0.25 mm I.D., 0.25 microm film thickness) with helium as carrier gas operating under program control temperature and electron impact ionization mass spectrometer in a scan mode. Results demonstrated that ligustilide and butylidenephthalide can act on rat artery cell membrane similar to verapamil in CMC system. They significantly inhibited the vasoconstrictions induced by norepinephrine bitartrate (NE) and calcium chloride (CaCl2). The relaxing effect of ligustilide on the NE- and CaCl2-induced constrictions is more potent than that of butylidenephthalide. Ligustilide and butylidenephthalide seem to be the two main effective components of Ligusticum Chuanxiong as a traditional Chinese medicine for treating blood vessel diseases.
Development of pressurized hot water extraction followed by headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for determination of ligustilides in Ligusticum chuanxiong and Angelica sinensis.:J Sep Sci. 2005 Jul;28(11):1237-43.Deng C, Ji J, Wang X, Zhang X.Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
In this work, a simple, rapid, solvent-free, and low-cost method was developed for the determination of ligustilides in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), which was based on pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE) followed by headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The two bioactive compounds Z-ligustilide and E-ligustilide in two common TCMs, viz. Ligusticum chuanxiong and Angelica sinensis, were extracted by water at 150 degrees C and 40 bar, followed by concentration with HS-SPME and detection by GC-MS. PHWE and HS-SPME parameters were investigated and method validation (precision and recovery) was studied. It has been shown that the proposed method provides a powerful approach for quantitative analysis of ligustilides in TCMs. The method was applied to determination of ligustildes in the TCMs from different growing areas. The results indicate that PHWE-HS-SPME-GC-MS is a potential tool for TCM quality assessment.
Inhibition of rat vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by extract of Ligusticum chuanxiong and Angelica sinensis.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Aug 22;100(1-2):140-4.Hou YZ, Zhao GR, Yuan YJ, Zhu GG, Hiltunen R.
Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering, School of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, PR China.
Ligusticum chuanxiong (LC) and Angelica sinensis (AS) have been widely used as traditional Chinese medicine to treat some pathological settings such as atherosclerosis and hypertension. The aim of this paper is to determine the effects of the extract of LC and AS (ELCAS) on serum-induced vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, cell cycle and nitric oxide production. The results show that ELCAS significantly inhibited proliferation and protein synthesis of VSMC in a dose and time dependent manner. The cell population assessed by flow cytometry in the G(0)/G(1) phase increased 74% versus 79.8%, concomitant with a decrease in the S phase, 7.4% versus 4.2%, for control versus ELCAS (300 microg/ml). On the other hand, ELCAS significantly increased nitric oxide production of VSMC. The data suggest that ELCAS markedly inhibited VSMC proliferation by arresting G(1) to S progression, which may be associated with nitric oxide production.
In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori action of 30 Chinese herbal medicines used to treat ulcer diseases.:J Ethnopharmacol. 2005 Apr 26;98(3):329-33.Li Y, Xu C, Zhang Q, Liu JY, Tan RX.Institute of Functional Biomolecules, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, PR China.
Infection by Helicobacter pylori has been ascertained to be an important etiologic impetus leading usually to chronic active gastritis and gastric ulcer with growing incidences worldwide. Utilizing as the test pathogen a standard and five clinic strains of Helicobacter pylori, the antibacterial action was assessed in vitro with ethanol extracts of 30 Chinese herbal medicines which have been frequently prescribed since ancient times for treating gastritis-like disorders. Among the 30 tested materials, the ethanol extracts of Abrus cantoniensis (Fabaceae), Saussurea lappa (Asteraceae) and Eugenia caryophyllata (Myrtaceae) were strongly inhibitory to all test strains (MICs: approximately 40 microg/ml), and Hippophae rhamnoides (Elaeagnaceae), Fritillaria thunbergii (Liliaceae), Magnolia officinalis and Schisandra chinensis (Magnoliaceae), Corydalis yanhusuo (Papaveraceae), Citrus reticulata (Rutaceae), Bupleurum chinense and Ligusticum chuanxiong (Apiaceae) substantially active with MICs close to 60.0 microg/ml. As to antibacterial actions of the aqueous extracts of the same drugs, those derived from Cassia obtusifolia (Fabaceae), Fritillaria thunbergii and Eugenia caryophyllata were remarkably inhibitory against all the six Helicobacter pylori strains (MICs: approximately 60 microg/ml). The work compared almost quantitatively the magnitude of the anti-Helicobacter pylori actions of the 30 most prescribed gastritis-treating Chinese herbal drugs, and located as well some source plants where potent anti-Helicobacter pylori phytochemicals could be characterized.
Protective effect of ligusticum chuanxiong phthalides on focai cerebral ischemia in rats and its related mechanism of action.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Mar;30(6):466-8. Chinese.Tian JW, Fu FH, Jiang WL, Wang CY, Sun F, Zhang TP.School of Pharmacy, Shandong Yantai University, Shandong Engineering Research Center for Natural Drugs, Yamai 264003, China.
OBJECTIVE: To study the protective effect of ligusticum chuanxiong phthalides on cerebral ischemia in rats and its related mechanism of action. METHOD: Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model, thrombosis formation, platelet aggregation and hemorrheological parameters were measured to evaluate the protective effect of ligusticum chuanxiong phthalides. RESULT: Ligusticum chuanxiong phthalides could markedly decrease the infarct size and behavior deficits score, inhibit the thrombus formation and platelet aggregation, ameliorate hemorrheological parameters with a dose-dependent manner in rats.CONCLUSION: Ligusticum chuanxiong phthalides has protective effects on focal cerebral ischemia in rats, and its mechanism may be relevant to its inhibition of platelet-dependent thrombosis and amelioration of hemorrheological parameters.
HPLC-coupled spectroscopic techniques (UV, MS, NMR) for the structure elucidation of phthalides in Ligusticum chuanxiong.:Mol Divers. 2005;9(1-3):33-9.Zschocke S, Klaiber I, Bauer R, Vogler B.Institut f¨¹r Chemie, Universit?t Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany.
Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., a plant that is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been studied using HPLC-coupled spectroscopic techniques such as HPLC-UV, HPLC-MS as well as HPLC-NMR. With the aid of these modern spectroscopic techniques, the main constituents, namely senkyunolide A, butylphthalide, neocnidilide and Z-ligustilide, have been characterized and identified. Phthalide dimers, present in smaller amounts, have been identified by HPLC-UV and HPLC-MS analysis and compared with reference compounds. Stereochemical features of some phthalide monomers have been determined by detailed spectroscopic studies for the first time.
Determination of ligustilide in volatile oil from rhizome of ligusticum chuanxiong by RP-HPLC.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 Feb;29(2):154-7. Chinese.Lin YZ, Tang X, Bi KS.School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang 110016, China.
OBJECTIVE: To determine Ligustilide in volatile oil from Ligustrcum chuanxiong with RP-HPLC. METHOD: ODS2 column (4.6 mm x 200 mm, 5 microm) was used and nitrendipine was used as internal standard. The mobil phase consisted methanol, acetontrile and water (33:21:46). The ligustilide was at 275 nm. RESULT: The linear range was 2.92-29.2 mg x L(-1) for ligustilide. The average recovery of ligustilide was 95.1% and RSD was 2.3%. CONCLUSION: This method is simple and can be used to determine ligustilide with satisfactory accuracy and reproducibility.
Study on the interactions between Ligusticum chuanxiong extract and cardiac muscle membrane receptors by CMSP chromatography.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2005 Jan;30(2):129-33. Chinese.Yue XF, Zhang YN, Zhang ZQ, Tian ZJ, Yang JX, Li FR.Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Resources and Nature Pharmaceutical Chemistry (Ministry of Education), Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an 710062, China.
OBJECTIVE: To study the interactions between Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort extract and cardiac muscle membrane receptors. METHOD: The cell membrane of rabbit cardiac muscle was fixed on silicon to make cell membrane stationary phase (CMSP), and then the interactions were studied by comparing the retention characteristics of the extracts from different solvents with those of the antagonists or activators corresponding to known receptors in cardiac muscle membrane, and by competition effect on the retention characteristics of extracts when adding the antagonists or activators into the mobile phase. RESULT: Water extract and ethanol extract both had retentions on CMSP; the retention characteristics of water extract could be affected when water extract was in competition with the antagonists for alpha receptor, and could not be affected when with the activator beta1 receptor. CONCLUSION: It is possible that some components in water extract may combine with alpha receptor and no component with beta1 receptor, and that some components in ethanol extract may combine with cardiac muscle cell membrane. The process between active components and receptors in vivo can be imitated through the interactions between drugs and CMSP. The method provides references for the resolution of two applications: to screen the active components from Chinese medicine, and to figure out the type of receptors involved.
Studies on the preparation technology of beta-cyclodextrin inclusion compound for chuanxiong volatile oil extracted with CO2 supercritical fluid.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 Jan;29(1):39-41. Chinese.Zhang AJ, Zhu N, Yang AD.Sichuan Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Chengdu 610041, China.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the preparation technology of beta-cyclodextrin inclusion compound for chuanxiong volatile oil. METHOD: Orthogonal test was used to evaluate the influence of the 4 factors, including the proportion of volatile oil to beta-cyclodextrin, the mode of mixing, inclusion temperature and mixing time. RESULT: The best inclusion condition is the proportion of volatile oil to beta-cyclodextrin 1:9, the mode of mixing grinding, inclusion temperature 60 degrees C and inclusion time 90 min. CONCLUSION: The best inclusion technology of chuanxiong volatile oil is confirmed.
Study on the interactions between four components in Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome and acceptors on cardiac muscle membrane.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2004 Jul;29(7):660-2. Chinese.Zhang YN, Yue XF, Zhang ZQ.Key Laboratory of Medicinal Plant Resource and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi' an 710062, China.
OBJECTIVE: To study the interactions between four components in Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome and heart cell membrane acceptors. METHOD: Through observing the retention characteristics of the four components (tetramethylpyrazine, vanillic, chrysophol, ferulic acid) on cell membrane stationary phase (CMSP) chromatographic column, whether the components combine with cell membrane acceptors was studied, and through further comparing the retention characteristics with those of known activators or antagonists corresponding to cell membrane acceptors, the kind of acceptor with which one component combines was studied. RESULT: Tetramethylpyrazine, vanillic and chrysophol had retention on CMSP chromatographic column while ferulic acid hadn't. The retention characteristics of tetramethylpyrazine were similar to activator and antagonist corresponding to a acceptor, vanillic with beta1 acceptor activator. CONCLUSION: Tetramethylpyrazine, vanillic and chrysophol can all combine with cardiac muscle membrane acceptors, while ferulic acid can not; tetramethylpyrazine probably acts on a acceptor and vanillic acts on beta1 acceptor.
Preparative isolation and purification of chuanxiongzine from the medicinal plant Ligusticum chuanxiong by high-speed counter-current chromatography.:J Chromatogr A. 2004 Aug 27;1047(2):249-53.Li HB, Chen F.
Department of Botany, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort has been used widely in traditional medicines for the treatment of various kinds of disorders such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. High-speed counter-current chromatography was applied to the isolation and purification of the bioactive component chuanxiongzine from L. chuanxiong Hort. The crude chuanxiongzine was obtained by extraction with ethanol from the dried roots of L. chuanxiong Hort under sonication. Preparative high-speed counter-current chromatography with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-ethanol-water (5:5:3:7, v/v) was successfully performed yielding 11.5 mg chuanxiongzine at 96.8% purity from 300 mg of the crude extract (4.2% chuanxiongzine) with the recovery of 91% in a one-step separation.
Studies on chemical constituents of the rhizomae of Ligusticum chuanxiong.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2002 Jul;27(7):519-22. Chinese.Xiao YQ, Li L, You XL, Taniguchi M, Baba K.Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China.
OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Ligusticum chuanxiong. METHOD: The constituents were separated and purified by column chromatography with silica gel and ODS, and identified by NMR, MS spectral data. RESULT: Eight compounds were isolated and identified as Ligustilide(I), 4,5-dihydro-3-butylphthalide(II), Z, Z'-6,6',7,3 alpha-diligustili-de(III), Z-6,8',7,3'-diligustilide(IV), Z'-3,8-dihydro-6,6'7,3' alpha-diligustilide(V), 4-hydroxy-3-butylphthalide(VI), ferulic acid(VII) and Xiongterpene(VIII). CONCLUSION: Compound VIII is a new compound.
Effects of hormone proportion on different adventitious buds from explant of Ligusticum chuanxiong.:Zhong Yao Cai. 2002 Mar;25(3):160-1. Chinese.Pen R.Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400065.
The differential results of explants from Ligusticum chuanxiong in medica with different kinds and proportions of hormone were reported in this article. The result showed that the best medica for inducement of adventitious buds and growing into plantlets were MS + 6-BA 0.5 mg/L + NAA 0.5 mg/L and 1/2 MS + IAA 1.0 mg/L + NAA 0.5 mg/L respectively.
Effects of chuanxiong-chishao dispensing ratio on the pharmacokinetics of paeoniflorin in the canine.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2000 Nov;25(11):688-91. Chinese.Zhang Z, Yan YF, Chen K.Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100091, China.
OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of dispensing ratio of Chinese herbs on the pharmacokinetic characteristics of effective components. METHODS: Paeoniflorin (PF) in serum was determined by RP-HPLC with UV-detector. The concentration-time data were fitted using 3P87 Pharmacokinetic Program, and the pharmacokinetic parameters were compared by t-test. RESULTS: The concentration-time curves of PF in both groups of Chuanxiong: Chishao 1:2 and 2:1 Xiongshao Pharmaceutics administrated intragastrically fitted open one compartment model. Parameters of Chuanxiong: Chishao 1:2 and 2:1 groups: Ka = 0.0082 +/- 0.0010 and 0.0088 +/- 0.0011(min-1), Ke = 0.0060 +/- 0.0015 and 0.0071 +/- 0.0008(min-1), t1/2Ka = 86.10 +/- 12.38 and 79.11 +/- 18.69(min), t1/2Ke = 119.95 +/- 27.23 and 98.14 +/- 10.82(min), tpeak = 169.16 +/- 21.18 and 149.39 +/- 29.51(min), Cmax = 3845.89 +/- 716.70 and 1635.81 +/- 230.95 (micrograms.L-1) respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters of the two groups had no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Different formulae of Chinese herbs do not always result in changes of pharmacokinetic characteristics of some one component.
The determination of ligustilide in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. by supercritical fluid extraction.:Yao Xue Xue Bao. 1998 Jun;33(6):457-60. Chinese.Wu G, Shi L, Hu J, Li L.Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433.
In this study, a systematic method was used to optimize the supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) of ligustilide in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. Overall five variables (pressure, temperature, static extracting time, modifier concentration and CO2 dynamic extracting volume) were considered. To reduce the loss of volatile substance, a solid-liquid trap was developed for SFE collection. Comparisons were made on the solvent trap for SFE. The extracts were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet absorbance detection. The recoveries of 99.34% (RSD 1.70%) and 92.11% (RSD 5.72%) were achieved for solid-liquid trap and solvent trap, respectively. SFE conditions: temperature 40 degrees C, pressure 27.6 MPa, static extraction 3 min, dynamic extraction 7 ml and 0.1 ml CHCl3 as modifier. HPLC conditions: The HPLC column (3.9 mm x 150 mm) was packed with Nova-Pak C18(4 microns). Naphthalene was used as internal standard. The mobile phase was methanol--10% isopropyl alcohol solution (53:47 v/v). The detection wavelength was 280 nm and the flow rate was 0.8 ml.min-1.
Studies on the metabolites of tetramethylpyrazine in human urine.:Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao. 1996 Aug;18(4):288-91. Chinese.Ye Y, Wang S, Jiang J.PUMC Hospital, CAMS, Beijing.
Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), an active ingredient in Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Wallich Franch), a traditional Chinese herb, has been widely used especially in the treatment of patients with cerebral ischemic diseases in China. TMP was reported to have a short half-life time because of its rapid metabolism in the liver. In this paper we studied its metabolites in human urine with GC/MS after oral administration of TMP. Three metabolites were found in the water soluble acidic fraction of the urine and the main metabolite was identified to be 3,.5,6-trimethylpyrazinecarboxylic acid.
Studies on the essential oils in Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. of different habitats and species.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1996 Mar;21(3):147-51. Chinese.Zhong F, Yang L, Ji L, Hu S, Fu G.Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing.
Constituents of the essential oils obtained from Chuanxiong, Yungxiong, Fuxiong, Xixiong and "Chuanxiong" of Japan were analysed by GC-MS. Ninety-six compounds including ligustilide, etc. were identified. Their percentages in the oils were given.
Tetramethylpyrazine improves spatial cognitive impairment induced by permanent occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries or scopolamine in rats.:Jpn J Pharmacol. 1995 Feb;67(2):137-41.
Effects of tetramethylpyrazine (TMP), a major constituent of Ligusticum chuanxiong, on spatial cognitive impairment induced by permanent occlusion of bilateral common carotid arteries (2VO) and scopolamine were investigated using 8-arm radial maze performance in rats. Permanent 2VO produced a severe learning deficit in non-pretrained rats. Daily administration of TMP (3-10 mg/kg, i.p.) from the 3rd day after permanent 2VO significantly improved the learning deficit. TMP did not influence the impairment of the retention task in the pretrained permanent 2VO rats, but it tended to reduce the number of errors elevated by 3-min delay interposition in these rats. In the scopolamine model, scopolamine (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased the initial correct response and increased the number of errors. Single administration of TMP (1-3 mg/kg, i.p.) dose-dependently reversed the scopolamine-induced impairment of the maze performance. These results suggest that TMP has therapeutic potential for the treatment of dementia caused by cholinergic dysfunction and/or decrease of cerebral blood flow.
Biological characteristics of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1994 Aug;19(8):463-6, 510. Chinese.Chen XF, Ding DR, Liu SR, Huang WX, Liu SX.Institute of Medicinal Plant Cultivation, Sichuan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Nanchuan.
Observational studies were conducted on the biological characteristics of Ligusticum chuanxiong, such as suitable growth environment, growing period, growth of stems, leaves and rhizomes, yield structure, etc. The specific regularities of each growth period were also studied.
Preliminary study on spraying penicillin on Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1994 Feb;19(2):76-7, 126. Chinese.Xie DM.Institute of Medicinal Plant Cultivation, Sichuan Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchuan.
It has been proved that penicillin spray on Ligusticum chuanxiong can contribute to the growth of the plant in the following ways: cutting down the tissue water potential, strengthening the capability of sucking moisture, increasing the contents of chlorophyll and restraining its degradation to facilitate the formation of photosynthetic compounds, enriching the nutrition root and increasing the root-shoot ratio. All these help to keep the stem tuber rot under 5% so as to guarantee higher economic yield of the plant.
Effects of the combination of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (AM), tail of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels. (TAS), Cyperus rotundus L. (CR), Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (LC) and Paeonia veitchii Lynch (PV) on the hemorrheological changes in normal rats:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1993 Oct;18(10):621-3, 640. Chinese.Xue JX, Jiang Y, Yan YQ.Institute of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing.
The results showed that AM and TAS had significant effects of enriching the blood. CR, a Qi-regulating drug, LC and PV, two blood-activating drugs, could improve all hemorrheological indexes, such as the whole blood specific viscosity, the plasma specific viscosity, erythrocyte electrophoresis, etc. The combination of Qi-regulating drug and blood-activating drug displayed more favorable effect. This experiment has provided some pharmacological evidence for the theory of "Qi Xue Xiang Guan" (correlation of vital energy with blood circulation) in traditional Chinese medicine.
Studies on the chemical components of essential oil from the aerial parts of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1993 Sep;18(9):551-2, 574. Chinese.Guo P, Li ZL, Chen H, Zhang TM, Lin YK.
Department of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, Chengdu College of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the essential oil steamdistilled from the aerial parts of Ligusticum chuanxiong were made by means of GC-MS and GC. Forty-six components which make up 85.82% of the total oil were identified.
Ischemic stroke treated with Ligusticum chuanxiong.:Chin Med J (Engl). 1992 Oct;105(10):870-3. Review.Chen KJ, Chen K.Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing.
Ligusticum Chuanxiong and its effective components were studied in the treatment of ischemic stroke, a common emergent disease in China. Some injections of the medicines, including Ligusticum, Ligustrazine, Ligustylid and ferulic acid, were tested clinically and experimentally. The results showed that the effects of the drugs were the same as or even better than those of the controls, such as papaverine, dextran and aspirin-persantin. They could improve brain microcirculation through inhibiting thrombus formation and platelet aggregation as well as blood viscosity.
Effects of Chinese materia medica in activating blood and stimulating menstrual flow on the endocrine function of ovary-uterus and its mechanisms.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1992 Mar;12(3):165-8, 134. Chinese.Li W, Zhou CH, Lu QL.Jiangxi College of TCM, Nanchang.
Effects of Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), Ligusticum chuanxiong (LC) and Artemisia anomale (AA) on the endocrine function of ovary-uterus were studied. In immature Wistar rats, SM increased the level of estradiol (E2) in plasma (131.8 +/- 7.4 pg/ml, P less than 0.01), the weight of uterus (35.3 +/- 4.5 mg, P less than 0.05) and the ovarian PGF2 alpha content (495.0 +/- 41.7 pg/ova., P less than 0.05), but the ovarian PGE2 content was reduced (2198.3 +/- 139.0 pg/ova, P less than 0.01), as compared with that in the control (96.6 +/- 3.2 pg/ml, 23.3 +/- 2.6 mg, 339.0 +/- 30.0 pg/ova, and 3840.8 +/- 480.0 pg/ova. respectively). LC and AA had no influence except that they decrease PGE2 content in ovary (2534.8 +/- 351.3 and 2629.7 +/- 290.7 pg/ova). AA decreased the receptor binding capacity for E2 in uterus (P less than 0.05). SM stimulated the ovulation in immature mice pre-treated with PMSG. LC and AA had no significant effect on ovulation. In pseudopregnant rats (with PMSC-hCG), SM, LC and AA all inhibited the function of corpus luteum, decreased the level of progesterone in plasma (11.1 +/- 2.8, 15.5 +/- 2.5, 19.3 +/- 5.6, respectively, 55.4 +/- 5.4 ng/ml in control, P less than 0.01) and hCG/LH receptor binding capacity of ovary (P less than 0.01). In pseudopregnant animals treated with AA, endogenous PGE2 content of ovary (50.2 +/- 2.7 pg/ml ova.) and the formation of PGE2 form AA in vitro in ovary (1765 +/- 166 pg/mg ova.) were reduced. The PGF2 alpha content in uterus was increased.
Comparative study of chuanxiong and dextran 40 in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 1992 Feb;12(2):71-3, 67. Chinese.Chen DR.Department of Neurology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical College.
This paper reports the results of a double-blind trial in 220 patients with acute cerebral infarction evidenced by CT, who were randomly divided into ligusticum chuanxiong group (134 cases) and low molecular weight dextran group (86 cases). A weighted scoring system was adopted to evaluate the neurologic function and living capability. The results showed that the total therapeutic efficacy rate in chuanxiong group and in dextran 40 group were 86.6% and 62.8% respectively. The effect of chuanxiong on the treatment of acute cerebral infarction was superior to low molecular weight dextran and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P less than 0.01)
Determination of tetramethylpyrazine in traditional Chinese medicines by high performance liquid chromatography.:Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1991 Dec;16(12):729-30, 762. Chinese.Zhao Z, Yu H, Lu K, Yang S.
88th Hospital of PLA, Taian.
This paper reports a method for determining tetramethyl pyrazine in pilules, injections and extracts of Ligusticum chuanxiong by high performance liquid chromatography. The results showed the recovery rate to be higher than 97% and the coefficient of variation (CV) to be 1.39% (with in day) and 1.51% (day to day). The lowest detection amount was 0.005 micrograms. The method was easy, fast and accurate.
Claims: Information this web site presented is meant for Nutritional Benefit and as an educational starting point only, for use in maintenance and promotion good health in cooperation with a common knowledge base reference...Furthermore,it based solely on the traditional and historic use or legend of a given herb from the garden of Adonis. Although every effort has been made to ensure its accurate, please note that some info may be outdated by more recent scientific developments......
Pharmakon Warning: The order of knowledge is not the transparent order of forms and ideas,as one might be tempted retrospectively to interpret it; it is the antidote....(Dissemination,Plato's Pharmacy,II.The Ingredients:Phantasms,Festivals,and Paints;138cf. Jacques Derrida.).
And as it happens,the technique of imitation,along with the production of the simulacrum,has always been in Plato's eyes manifestly magical,thaumaturgical:......and the same things appear bent and straight to those who view them in water and out,or concave and convex,owing to similar errors of vision about colors, and there is obviously every confusion of this sort in our souls.And so scene painting (skiagraphia) in its exploitation of this weakness of four nature falls nothing short of witchcraft (thaumatopoia), and so do jugglery and many other such contrivances.(Republic X,602c-d;cf.also 607c).
seminal trace...Szechwan Lovage Rhizome Extract.10:1.Rhizoma Chuanxiong Extract,Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. Extract,Ligusticum chinensis Extract.Main content:Chuanxiongzine,C8H12N2;ferulic acid,C10H12O4...
Phytochemical info of Rhizoma Chuanxiong.
Study on the effect of rhizoma chuanxiong, radix paeoniae rubra and the compound of their active ingredients, xiongshao capsule, on stability of atherosclerotic plaque in ApoE(-/-) mice.:Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2007 Jun;27(6):513-8. Chinese.Xu H, Wen C, Chen KJ.National Integrative Medicine Center for Cardiovascular Diseases,Beijing. xuhao2005@yahoo.com.cn
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