1. Poria Cocos Wolf

Application:

• As diuretics, in urinary difficulty, diarrhea, water retention
• Used for palpitations,
• Used for insomnia or forgetfulness, poor appetite.

Function of the herb:

• It has regulatory effect on human immune cells.
• It has anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor function
• It has antinephritic (improve kidney function) effect

Clinical studies by western scientists have shown that Poria cocos has anti-inflammatory functions. 20314

Clinical studies by western scientists have shown that Poria cocos is effective in treating  chronic and acute inflammation. 25140

Clinical studies by western scientists have shown that Poria cocos has strong anti-tumor effect. 84472

Clinical studies by western scientists have shown that Poria Cocos Wolf has anti-tumor and immune-enhancing activity. 65424

Clinical studies by western scientists have shown that triterpene carboxylic acids were isolated from the methanol extract of Hoelen, Poria cocos, and found to inhibit 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TAP)-induced edema. 81415

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Poria Cocos have anti-inflammatory functions, high scavenging activity and protects liver and red blood cells from lipid peroxidation. 60151

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Poria cocos has anti-inflammatory functions and protects red blood cells from AAPH-induced hemolysis (affected by microorganisms). 160 - 162

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Poria cocos improves kidney functions. 07662

2. Radix Polygonum Multiflorum

Applications:

• Polygonum multiflorum can strengthen the tendons, ligaments and bones and prevents premature aging. It is commonly called a longevity-promoting herb.

• Formulated Radix Polygonum multiflorum is used to treat hypertension.

Function of the herb :

• To tone up liver and kidney and replenish their vital essence
• Treat fatty liver, increase red blood cells and reduce blood fats
• Exert same effect as adrenoticortical hormone
• Nourish blood
• For aching back and knee
• Treat tiredness and exhaustion
• Protect heart from damage from free radicals
• Anti aging
• Improve immune system through its antioxidant effect
• Treat cholesterol problem
• Retard and treat arteriosclerosis (hardening of blood vessels)
• Protect liver
• Regulate blood
• Increase red blood cell production

Clinical research shows that the extract of the root of Polygonum multiflorum exhibited a significant antioxidant activity. 33196

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Polygonum Multiflorum increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, reduce total cholesterol, free cholesterol, triglycerides, retard atherosclerosis, protect the heart, strengthen the membranes of erythrocytes (red blood cells) and has powerful natural antioxidant and free radical scavenger and these have powerful anti-aging benefits in humans. Forster

3. Radix Salvia Miltiorrhiza

Applications:

• To promote blood circulation and to remove blood stasis for the treatment of dysmenorrheal, amenorrhea, abdominal masses,.

• To treat coronary heart disease

Function of the herb:

• Promote coronary blood circulation
• Treat coronary heart disease
• Increase red and white blood cells
• Protect liver
• Improves kidney function
• Improve function of liver and spleen
• Benefits the muscle and bones (prevents osteoporosis)

Clinical research by western scientists confirmed the validity of the historical use of the drug for improving liver functions.  566-572(7)

Clinical research by western scientists confirmed the validity of the historical use of the drug, Salvia Miltiorrhiza for improving liver functions by preventing liver damage and micro-circulation disorders 41991.

Scientists confirmed the validity of the historical use of the drug to improve heart and kidneys functions, promoting coronary blood flow without affecting heart rate, inducing dilation of renal vascular system, an increase in renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate, decreases blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, methylguanidine, guanidinosuccinic acid and inorganic phosphate (in rat studies), is a free radical scavenger, inhibits platelet aggregation and reduces accumulation of methylguanidine and guanidinosuccinic acid levels (methylguanidine and guanidinosuccinic acid have been reported to cause platelet dynfunction, hemolytic activity, glucose metabolism disturbance and inhibition of lymphocyte transformation). 1527-0661

Clinical research by western scientists from Taiwan showed that Salvia Miltiorrhiza exerts antifibrotic effects and confirmed the validity of the historical use of the herb for improving liver functions. Stronger liver would reduce kidney stress. 64749

Clinical research by western scientists confirmed Salvia Miltiorrhiza has antioxidative agent by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and suppressed the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). 35448

Research by western scientists confirmed Salvia Miltiorrhiza has antioxidative agent. The active constituents 1,2,15,16-tetrahydrotanshiquinone and Ro-090680 showed inhibitory activity against P388 Leukemia cell in vitro and Ro-090680 was reported to be a potent inhibitor of rabbit platelet aggregation induced by collagen (platelet aggregation can cause vascular obstruction via the formation of a thrombus) 57662

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Salvia miltiorrhiza can be used to treat stroke patients and heart diseases. 56858

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Tanshinone I from Salvia miltiorrhiza has in vivo anti-inflammatory activity. The methanol extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza was found to inhibit PGD₂ production and Tanshinone I was found to inhibit PGE₂ formation. 616 - 620

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that hydroxyl radical seems to be the most important factor in ischemia (reduce blood supply) and reperfusion (damage to tissue caused when blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of ischemia) injury to skeletal muscle and that Salvia Miltiorrhiza have a role in antioxidation as a hydroxyl radical scavenger.   171-175

Research by western scientists confirmed that Salvia Miltiorrhiza extracts are effective in preventing the development of bone loss. 06738

4.  Cortex Eucommia Ulmoides

Function of the herb:

• Used to replenish liver and kidney
• Strengthen bones and muscles
• Treats aching back and knees
• Tone up liver and kidneys
• Strengthen tendon and bones

The most interesting study was conducted on an herb called Eucommia. Eucommia contains chemicals that fit into the testosterone receptor and cause it to fire as if testosterone itself were present - causing androgenic, or male-creating changes. These phytoandrogens also increase the activity of real testosterone. The researchers describe a phenomenal synergy between chemicals in Eucommia, testosterone receptors, and testosterone. (see abstract of the study below). Eucommia's value for strengthening the male system is not news to Asian herbalists. The Chinese have been using it for millenia, and they call it Du Zhong. They use it for increasing libido and treating impotence, as well as for some kidney/adrenal complaints, high blood pressure, arthritis and connective tissue diseases. It is one of the 50 main herbs of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and it has a long history of safe use. The history of searching for plant testosterone is an interesting look into what scientists know, and what they think they know. The scientific literature of the 1950s is littered with failed attempts to find plant sources of testosterone. They all failed because they were looking for a molecule that was identical to human testosterone. No mamalian testosterone was found in plants, but plants do produce some other molecules that hit the testosterone receptors. It took a laboratory 'bioassay' to convince scientists of what the TCM practitioners had been saying all along. The study on Eucommia found that it contains two classes of compounds that pump up Testosterone activity - terpenoids and an unusual type of fatty acids. Therefore it is useful for strengthening weak limps.

BACKGROUND: Plants containing compounds such as the isoflavonoids, with female hormone-like effects that bind to human estrogen receptors, are known. But none has been previously shown to have corresponding male hormone-like effects that interact with the human androgen receptor. Here, we report that the tree bark (cortex) of the Gutta-Percha tree Eucommia ulmoides possesses bimodal phytoandrogenic and hormone potentiating effects by lipidic components. METHODS: The extracts of E. ulmoides were tested using in-vitro reporter gene bioassays and in-vivo animal studies. Key compounds responsible for the steroidogenic effects were isolated and identified using solid phase extraction (SPE), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), thin layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), electron spray ionisation-mass spectroscopy (ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). RESULTS: The following bioactivities of E. ulmoides were found: (1) a phenomenal tripartite synergism exists between the sex steroid receptors (androgen and estrogen receptors), their cognate steroidal ligands and lipidic augmenters isolated from E. ulmoides, (2) phytoandrogenic activity of E. ulmoides was mediated by plant triterpenoids binding cognately to the androgen receptor (AR) ligand binding domain. CONCLUSION: In addition to well-known phytoestrogens, the existence of phytoandrogens is reported in this study. Furthermore, a form of tripartite synergism between sex steroid receptors, sex hormones and plant-derived lipids is described for the first time. This could have contrasting clinical applications for hypogonadal- and hyperlipidaemic-related disorders. “Novel phytoandrogens and lipidic augmenters from Eucommia ulmoides”. BMC Complimentary Altern Med 2007 Jan 29;7:3 PMID: 17261169

The biologically active compounds and free radical-/ or reactive oxygen species (ROS)-/ scavenging effect of water extract from Du-zhong (WEDZ) were investigated. The WEDZ used included leaves, raw cortex, and roasted cortex. The hot water extract of Du-zhong leaves showed marked activity as a ROS scavenger, and the scavenging effect was concentration dependent. The extract of roasted cortex exhibited a modest scavenging effect on ROS, while the extract of raw cortex had the weakest scavenging effect. The scavenging activity of WEDZ on ROS was correlated to its protocatechuic acid (PCA) content. The content of PCA in Du-zhong determined by HPLC followed the order of leaves (17.17 mg/g) > roasted cortex (2.99 mg/g) > raw cortex (1.16 mg/g). The inhibitory activity of leaf extract of Du-zhong was stronger than that of PCA on the peroxidation of linoleic acid at the same concentration of 0.1 mg/mL. The results presented herein indicated that extract of Du-zhong could possibly. act as a prophylactic (remedy that prevents or slows the course of an illness or disease) agent to prevent free radical-related diseases. “Reactive oxygen species scavenging activity of Du-zhong (Eucommia ulmoides oliv.) and its active compounds”. J Agric Food Chem. 2000 Aug;48(8):3431-6. PMID: 10956129

5. Perilla Frutescens

Applications:

• Treats coughs and dyspnea: resolving phlegm and coughs

• It is used as a diaphoretic to disperse external wind and cold for the treatment of common cold without sweat.

Function of the herb:

• Used as anti-asthmatic herb
• Used as a bronchial asthma herb
• Expectorant for chronic bronchitis
• It inhibits allergic inflammation

Chronic systemic inflammation can inflict degenerative effects throughout the body. A primary cause of this destructive cascade is the production of cell-signaling chemicals known as inflammatory cytokines. Along with these dangerous cytokines, imbalances of hormone-like messengers called prostaglandins also contribute to chronic inflammatory processes. What has fatty acid got to do with systemic inflammation?

The body needs fatty acids to survive and is able to make all but two of them: linoleic acid, in the omega-6 family and linolenic acid, in the omega-3 family. These two fatty acids must be supplied by the diet and are therefore considered essential fatty acids (EFAs). Perilla  is rich in linolenic/alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).

Since alpha-linolenic acid or ALA cannot be manufactured by the body it must be obtained from food. ALA, as well as the fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), belongs to a group of fatty acids called omega-3 fatty acids. EPA and DHA are found primarily in fish while ALA is highly concentrated in plants like perilla. Once ingested, the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, the two types of omega-3 fatty acids more readily used by the body. If we can consume sufficient ALA then intake of EPA and DHA is optional.

Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation and most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce inflammation and help prevent certain chronic diseases such as lung disease like asthma and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for behavioral and cognitive function as well as normal development and growth.

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Perilla frutescens has potentially promising agents for the treatment of allergic diseases like bronchitis and asthma. Research showed that the anti-allergic titer of rosmarinic acid was more effective than tranilast, which is a modern anti-allergic drug. Perilla and its constituent rosmarinic acid are potentially promising agents for the treatment of allergic diseases. 72153

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Perilla frutescens improves lung functions. In scientists proved that dietary supplementation with perilla seed oil in selected patients with asthma suppresses the generation of LTC4 and is associated with clinical features such as respiratory function and lipometabolism. 78492

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Perilla frutescens is useful for the treatment of asthma in terms of suppression of LTB4 and LTC4 generation by leucocytes and improvement of pulmonary function. 32825

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that Perilla frutescens is an effective intervention for allergic asthma possibly through the amelioration of increases in cytokines, chemokines, and allergen-specific antibody. 1365-2222

Clinical research by western scientists have shown a protective effect of alpha-linolenic acid (a constituent of Perilla frutescens) in the risk of breast cancer. 36 (3) 335-40.

Clinical research by western scientists have shown the beneficial effects of the n-3 fatty acid, alpha linolenic acid, against cardiovascular disease.  4 (4): 219-26

Clinical research by western scientists have shown a 3g/d increase of dietary ALA (alpha linolenic acid) could increase serum EPA and DHA in 10 mo without any major adverse effects.  45 (6) 759-72.

6. Semen Sinapis Alba

Applications:

• Treats dyspnea (difficult in breathing) and coughing due to cold-phlegm, hypochondriac fluid retention, etc.

• Treats profuse phlegm

• Treats stuffy feeling in the chest for cold abscess and liquid accumulation in the thoracic cavity

Function of the herb:

• Used for cough
• For stuffy feeling in the chest
• Warm the lung, promote energy circulation and eliminate phlegm

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that allyl and phenyl isothiocyanates found in Sinapis alba are effective for strengthening the lungs. 81806

Clinical research by western scientists have shown that napins (the major allergenic proteins of Sinapis alba) is useful for building up the body. 66859

7. Radix Gentiana Macrophylla

Function of the herb:

• Antirheumatic agent for treatment of rheumatic pain of the whole body
• For allergic inflammation
• Tones up the liver
• Strengthen bones, tendons and ligaments

Gentiana macrophylla is categorized in the Materia Medica with herbs that expel wind-dampness. The liver is said to nourish the tendons and ligaments and Gentiana macrophylla is particularly used in cases where these connective tissues become hypercontracted due to insufficient nourishment (e.g., deficiency of liver yin), yielding spasms that run from the joints to the muscles. Vangermeersch L and Sun Peilin, Bi-Syndromes, 1994 SATAS, Brussels, Belgium.

Gentiana macrophylla is as often indicated for "bone fever" in TCM pharmacology. This strange term refers to syndromes with fever and sweating in which the person feels as if there is steam coming from the bones, heating up the skin. It is used by herbal scientists to nourish and strenghten bones, temdons and ligaments. State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Advanced Textbook on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology, (vol. 1) 1995-6 New World Press, Beijing.