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1. Uncaria
Ramulus Cum Uncis
Function of the
herb:
-
Antihypertensive and anticonvulsive agent for
treatment of headaches, numbness of limbs induced by
hypertension
-
Reduced anxiety and blood pressure
-
Sedate and inhibit and counteract convulsion
Clinical research by western scientists
have shown
that
Uncaria
rhynchophylla protects neuronal damage in rat hippocampal
(part
of the brain located inside the temporal lobe)
slices.
93423
Clinical research by western scientists
have shown
that
Uncaria
rhynchophylla exerts anticonvulsant effect and therefore
can be effective in treating neuron problems.
67459
Clinical research by western scientists
have shown
that
Uncaria
rhynchophylla has neuroprotective effects.
Research results suggest that oxyindole alkaloids such as isorhynchophylline,
isocorynoxeine and rhynchophylline and indole alkaloids
such as hirsuteine and hirsutine are the active
components of the hooks and stems of Uncaria sinensis
which protect against glutamate-induced neuronal death.
54049
Clinical research by western scientists
have shown
that
Uncaria
rhynchophylla can be used to lower blood pressure and to
protect and relieve various neurological symptoms.
Research showed that U. rhynchophylla extract inhibited
TNF-alpha and nitric oxide production in BV-2 mouse
microglial cells in vitro. These anti-inflammatory
actions of U. rhynchophylla extract may contribute to
its neuroprotective effects. 73411
Clinical research by western scientists
have shown
that
Uncaria
rhynchophylla protects neuronal damage.
21476
Clinical research by western scientists
have shown
that
Uncaria
rhynchophylla
significantly decreased locomotor activity after oral
administration to mice probably due to its effect on the
central dopaminergic system.
39480
Clinical research by western scientists
have shown
that
Uncaria
rhynchophylla has vasodilative effects.
28929
2. Radix
Paeonia Lactiflora
Function of the herb:
-
Used to nourish the blood
-
Used as a spasmodic and
pain relieving agent for headaches, abdominal pains,
spasms of the calf, muscles etc.
The efficacy of white peony
(Radix Paeonia Lactiflora)
for relieving muscle cramps of various types is supported by several
clinical trials. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled
trial involving 101 patients with muscle cramps due to
hepatic cirrhosis, dried extract of white peony formula
was significantly superior to placebo in relieving
symptoms over a two-week period. (21) The dose in this
study -- 2.5 g three times daily before meals -- was
sufficiently high to induce signs of pseudoaldosteronism
(edema and weight gain) in five patients (9%) receiving
white peony formula, due to the high intake of licorice.
Other uncontrolled trials have shown that
white peony formula can help relieve muscle cramps in
people with diabetes mellitus, (22) those undergoing
dialysis, (23) in alcoholics, (24)
and in people with cerebrovascular disease. (25).
(21.) Kumada T, et al. Effect of shakuyaku-kanzo-to
(Tsumura TJ-68) on muscle cramps accompanying cirrhosis
in a placebo-controlled double-blind parallel study. J
Clin Ther Med 1999;15:499-523.
(22.) Yosida M, et al. Effects of shakuyaku-kanzo-to on
muscle cramp in diabetics. Neurol Ther 1995;12:529-534.
(23.) Yamashita JI. Effect of Tsumura skakuyaku-kanzo-to
on pain at muscle twitch during and after dialysis in
the patients undergoing dialysis. Pain & Kampo Medicine
1992;2:18-20.
(24.) Maruyama K, et al. Effectiveness of
shakuyaku-kanzo-to on convulsion and pain associated
with alcohol dependence. Kampo Igaku 1996;20:81-84.
(25.) Sakamoto T, Hosino M. Effect of shakuyaku-kanzo-to
extract granules on convulsion of gastrocnemius muscle
in patients with cerebrovascular disorder. Jpn J
Oriental Med 1995;45:563-568.
3. Radix
Ledebourillae
Function of the
herb:
4. Radix
Bupleuri
Function of the herb:
-
Used
to relieve stagnancy of
vital energy to the liver
-
To elevate vital energy
of the spleen
-
To reinforce the
resistance of capillary vessels
Clinical research by western scientists
have shown
that
Bupleurum scorzonerifolium can be
used to treat liver diseases.
183-93
Clinical research by western scientists
have shown
that
Saikosaponins, the main active constituents
of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium, possess immunomodulatory,
anti-tumor hepatoprotective and anti-viral activities.
705-9
Clinical research by western scientists
have shown
that
bupleuran
2IIc from
Bupleurum scorzonerifolium
causes proliferation of B cells (improve immunity) and
expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins.
111-8
Clinical research by western scientists
have shown
that
Bupleurum scorzonerifolium
exerts
immunosuppressive
flavones and lignans.
1375-9
Clinical research by western scientists
demonstrated the
anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, anti-oxidant activity
and liver cell regeneration of
Bupleurum scorzonerifolium.
442-8
Clinical research by western scientists
have confirmed
the traditional use of
Bupleurum scorzonerifolium as an
antioxidative
and in vitro hepatoprotective
herb.
1003-8
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