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1.
In silico identification of natural products from Traditional Chinese Medicine for cancer immunotherapy.
Cai, C, Wu, Q, Hong, H, He, L, Liu, Z, Gu, Y, Zhang, S, Wang, Q, Fan, X, Fang, J
Scientific reports. 2021;(1):3332
Abstract
Advances in immunotherapy have revolutionized treatments in many types of cancer. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which has a long history of clinical adjuvant application against cancer, is emerging as an important medical resource for developing innovative cancer treatments, including immunotherapy. In this study, we developed a quantitative and systems pharmacology-based framework to identify TCM-derived natural products for cancer immunotherapy. Specifically, we integrated 381 cancer immune response-related genes and a compound-target interaction network connecting 3273 proteins and 766 natural products from 66 cancer-related herbs based on literature-mining. Via systems pharmacology-based prediction, we uncovered 182 TCM-derived natural products having potential anti-tumor immune responses effect. Importantly, 32 of the 49 most promising natural products (success rate = 65.31%) are validated by multiple evidence, including published experimental data from clinical studies, in vitro and in vivo assays. We further identified the mechanism-of-action of TCM in cancer immunotherapy using network-based functional enrichment analysis. We showcased that three typical natural products (baicalin, wogonin, and oroxylin A) in Huangqin (Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi) potentially overcome resistance of known oncology agents by regulating tumor immunosuppressive microenvironments. In summary, this study offers a novel and effective systems pharmacology infrastructure for potential cancer immunotherapeutic development by exploiting the medical wealth of natural products in TCM.
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2.
Effect of ingredients from Chinese herbs on enterovirus D68 production.
Meng, X, Yu, X, Liu, C, Wang, Y, Song, F, Huan, C, Huo, W, Zhang, S, Li, Z, Zhang, J, et al
Phytotherapy research : PTR. 2019;(1):174-186
Abstract
Human enterovirus 68 (EVD68) is a primary causative agent for respiratory illness worldwide. Until now, there has been no available medication for treating EVD68-related diseases. Rheum emodin, artemisinin, astragaloside, pseudolaric acid B, oridonin, and erianin are natural extracts from Chinese herbs that have traditionally been used for the treatment and prevention of epidemic diseases. Our results showed that pseudolaric acid B protected cells from EVD68-induced cytopathic effects and decreased viral production. However, the same effects were not observed with rheum emodin, astragaloside, or artemisinin. Pseudolaric acid B inhibited EVD68 production by manipulating the host cell cycle in G2/M phase. Further, either oridonin or erianin related G2/M arrest also inhibited viral production. Due to inducing G2/M phase arrest, pseudolaric acid B, oridonin, and erianin might be good candidates for inhibiting EVD68 production, and Chinese herbs with natural compounds inducing G2/M arrest should be considered for the treatment of EVD68-related diseases.
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3.
Comparative efficacy of Chinese herbal injections for angina pectoris: A Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Wang, K, Wu, J, Duan, X, Zhang, D, Lin, X, Zhang, S, Ni, M, Liu, S, Meng, Z, Gao, X, et al
Complementary therapies in medicine. 2019;:208-217
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The severity of angina pectoris has been recognized. It is believed that Chinese herbal injections have an outstanding clinical effect on this condition. This network meta-analysis was devised to investigate the comparative efficacy of eight Chinese herbal injections (Ciwujia injection, Dazhuhongjingtan injection, Huangqi injection, Shenfu injection, Shengmai injection, Shenmai injection, Shenqi Fuzheng injection, Yiqifumai injection) in the treatment of angina pectoris. METHODS A literature search was performed in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, Chinese Biological Medicine Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, and Chinese Scientific Journal Database from their inception to June 25, 2018. A pre-designed eligibility criterion was utilized in this network meta-analysis, and a methodological quality analysis was conducted. Data analysis was performed by WinGUGS 1.4.3, Stata 13.0 and TSA software, and the odds ratio or mean difference with the 95% credible interval was reported for symptomatic improvement, electrocardiography improvement, fibrinogen, triglyceride and cholesterol. The ranking probability of interventions in various outcomes was also utilized. RESULTS A total of 73 randomized controlled trials with 6639 patients were identified. Integrating network meta-analysis results, Shenqi Fuzheng injection plus western medicine therapy and Shenmai injection plus western medicine therapy were shown to be more efficacious than other therapies. In addition, Huangqi injection plus western medicine therapy and Shenmai injection plus western medicine therapy performed well in improving the haemorheology index and serum lipid parameters. CONCLUSIONS Eligible Chinese herbal injections plus western medicine therapy might have a better impact on angina pectoris patients than western medicine therapy alone. While this study had limitations, the findings should be interpreted with caution. In addition, more high-quality randomized controlled trials with a large sample must be conducted to support this study.
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4.
Chinese herbal medicines for benign thyroid nodules in adults.
Wu, W, Yin, D, Yang, W, Kan, Q, Liu, Z, Ren, X, Zhai, C, Zhang, S
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2014;(3):CD010492
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Abstract
BACKGROUND A thyroid nodule is a discrete lesion within the thyroid gland that might be palpable and is ultrasonographically distinct from the surrounding thyroid parenchyma. Thyroid nodules are more common as age increases and occur more frequently in women. Benign thyroid nodules often cause pressure symptoms and cosmetic complaints. In China and many other countries, doctors use Chinese herbal medicines (CHM) to treat thyroid nodules. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of Chinese herbal medicines in the treatment of benign thyroid nodules in adults. SEARCH METHODS Review authors searched the following electronic databases: The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP information (a Chinese database), WANFANG Data (a Chinese database), the Chinese Conference Papers Database and the Chinese Dissertation Database (all searched up to April 2013). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing CHM or CHM plus levothyroxine versus levothyroxine, placebo or no treatment in adults with benign thyroid nodules. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data, assessed studies for risk of bias and evaluated overall study quality according to GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation), with differences resolved by consensus. MAIN RESULTS We included one randomised trial involving 152 participants with a randomisation ratio of 2:1 (CHM vs no treatment). The trial applied adequate sequence generation; however, allocation concealment was unclear. Duration of treatment was three months, and follow-up six months. Our a priori defined outcomes of interest (i.e. nodule volume reduction ≥ 50%; pressure symptoms, cosmetic complaints or both; health-related quality of life; all-cause mortality; cancer occurrence; changes in number and size of thyroid nodules; changes in thyroid volume; and socioeconomic effects) were not investigated in the included study. Thyrotropin (TSH), thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3) serum levels were normal in both groups before and after the trial was conducted. No adverse events were reported (low quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Firm evidence cannot be found to support or refute the use of Chinese herbal medicines for benign thyroid nodules in adults.
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[Jinsangsanjie capsule for treating vocal fold polyps and vocal nodules].
Zhang, S, Li, Y, Wang, Y, Kong, W
Lin chuang er bi yan hou tou jing wai ke za zhi = Journal of clinical otorhinolaryngology, head, and neck surgery. 2012;(15):690-1
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate therapeutic effects of Jinsangsanjie capsule on vocal fold polyps and vocal nodules. METHOD Seventy-five patients with vocal fold polyps and vocal nodules were treated by taking Jinsangsanjie capsule orally. After the therapeutic course, they were all followed up for 1 month. RESULT The effective rate of vocal nodule group was 93.8%, the effective rate of vocal fold polyp group was 89.7%, the effective rate of vocal nodule with acute congestion group was 100%, the effective rate of vocal fold polyp with acute congestion group was 100%, and the effective rate of hypertrophy of vocal cords with chronic congestion group was 66.7%. CONCLUSION Jinsangsanjie capsule has definite efficacy for treatment of vocal fold polyps and vocal nodules and deserved to be recommended.
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[Effect of Tongxinluo on endothelial function and hypersensitive C-reactive protein in acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention].
Ma, Q, Zhang, S, Ning, Y, Pu, X, Yu, G, Zheng, Z, Chen, X, Hu, K, Yang, T
Zhong nan da xue xue bao. Yi xue ban = Journal of Central South University. Medical sciences. 2009;(6):550-4
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of Tongxinluo on the endothelial function and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI). METHODS Thirty-three patients with unstable angina pectoris and 6 patients with acute myocardial infarction who underwent PCI for stenotic lesions of the coronary artery were enrolled. The patients were randomly assigned to a conventional group (n = 19) which took routine treatment or a tongxinluo group (n = 20) which took Tongxinluo(4 capsules once, 3 times per day) at the base of routine treatment after PCI. Nitric oxide synthase (NOS), nitric oxide (NO), endothelium-dependent vasodilation which was evaluated in the brachial artery flow mediated diameter(FMD) and hs-CRP were measured before the PCI and 24 hours and 3 months after the PCI. The correlation between NO and hs-CRP was analyzed. RESULTS NOS, NO, and FMD in the 2 groups 24 hours after the PCI were significantly lower than those before the PCI(P < 0.05), but hs- CRP obviously increased (P < 0.05). NOS, NO, and FMD 3 months after the PCI in the 2 groups were significantly higher than those before the PCI (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), but hs-CRP obviously decreased (P < 0.01).All indexes mentioned above in the Tongxinluo group showed greater changes than those of the conventional group(P < 0.05). NO was negatively correlated with hs-CRP (r = -0.3219, P<0.01). CONCLUSION Tongxinluo capsules have obvious beneficial effect on endothelial function and anti-inflammation in acute coronary syndrome patients undergoing PCI, by directly acting on the endothelium and indirectly inhibiting inflammation.
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Mailuoning for acute ischaemic stroke.
Yang, W, Hao, Z, Zhang, S, Dong, W, Wu, T, Liu, GJ, Liu, M
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2009;(2):CD007028
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mailuoning is widely used in the treatment of acute ischaemic stroke in China. OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy and safety of mailuoning in the treatment of patients with acute ischaemic stroke. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (January 2008), the Chinese Stroke Trials Register (December 2007), the Trials Register of the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field (December 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 4, 2007), MEDLINE (1966 to December 2007), EMBASE (1980 to January 2008), AMED (1985 to December 2007), the China Biological Medicine Database (CBM-disc 1979 to December 2007) and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (1979 to December 2007). We searched clinical trials and research registers, handsearched 10 Chinese journals including relevant conference proceedings, scanned reference lists and contacted the pharmaceutical company manufacturing mailuoning. We also attempted to contact trial authors to obtain further data. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials comparing mailuoning with placebo or mailuoning plus other treatment compared with the other treatment in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted the data. MAIN RESULTS Fifteen trials involving 1280 participants were included. Numbers of deaths and dependent patients at the end of follow up of at least three months were not reported in the included trials. From six trials that reported adverse events, five events occurred in two trials. Fourteen trials were assessed to be of inferior quality; when analysing these trials together, mailuoning was associated with a significant increase in the number of patients with improved neurological deficit (risk ratio (RR) 0.30; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.22 to 0.42). One placebo-controlled trial, assessed to be of good methodological quality, failed to show an improvement of neurological deficit at the end of three months follow up (mean difference (MD) 0.69; 95% CI -3.42 to 4.80), or in activities of daily life. Quality of life, assessed in one trial, did not show significant improvement. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found no convincing evidence, from trials of sufficient methodological quality, to support the routine use of mailuoning to promote recovery after stroke. High-quality and large-scale randomised controlled trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.
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Acanthopanax for acute ischaemic stroke.
Li, W, Liu, M, Feng, S, Wu, B, Zhang, S, Yang, W, Liu, GJ
The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. 2009;(3):CD007032
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute ischaemic stroke is a common cause of death and disability. A number of studies published in China have shown that acanthopanax is beneficial for acute ischaemic stroke. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of acanthopanax in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched January 2008), the Chinese Stroke Trials Register (last searched March 2008), and the Trials Register of the Cochrane Complementary Medicine Field (last searched January 2008). In addition, we searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2008), MEDLINE (1966 to March 2008), EMBASE (1980 to March 2008), CINAHL (1982 to March 2008), AMED (1985 to March 2008), and nine Chinese databases, including the China Biological Medicine Database (CBM-disc) (1979 to March 2008). We handsearched three Chinese journals and searched reference lists, relevant clinical trials registers and research databases. In an attempt to identify further published, unpublished, and ongoing trials, we contacted a pharmaceutical company, researchers and study authors. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials comparing acanthopanax with placebo or open control (no placebo) in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors selected trials for inclusion, assessed trial quality and extracted the data independently. MAIN RESULTS We included 13 trials (962 participants); the period of follow up in all included trials ranged from 10 to 30 days. None of the trials reported the pre-specified primary outcome death or dependency during the follow-up period. The outcome measure in all included trials was the improvement of neurological deficit after treatment; acanthopanax was associated with a significant increase in the number of participants whose neurological impairment improved (risk ratio (RR) 1.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15 to 1.29). Two trials reported adverse events; five trials reported no adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The risk of bias in all the included trials was high, and hence the data were not adequate to draw reliable conclusions about the efficacy of acanthopanax in acute stroke. Much larger trials of greater methodological quality are needed.
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[Multicentric randomized double blinded clinical study of Yiqi Tongmai Oral Liquid against angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease].
Zhang, S, Song, YQ, Yue, W, Mao, XR, Ju, CX, Dong, MJ, Zheng, QL, Dai, XH, Li, ZY, Wang, SP
Zhong xi yi jie he xue bao = Journal of Chinese integrative medicine. 2007;(4):383-91
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the efficacy and safety of Yiqi Tongmai Oral Liquid (YQTM), a traditional compound Chinese herbal medicine, in treating angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease. METHODS A multicentric, randomized, double blinded and paralleled controlled trial was conducted on 110 patients in trial group treated with YQTM, and 109 patients in control group treated with Shuxin Oral Liquid (SX). Cure and effective rates in both groups were evaluated. Frequency and duration of angina attack were counted and measured. Coronary angiography (CAG), electrocardiogram (ECG) and flat exercise test were taken in both groups. Blood lipid indexes, such as cholesterol (CH), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), were determined at pre- and post-treatment. The hemodynamic indexes, such as whole blood viscosity (J2), high-shear reduced viscosity (Eh), low-shear reduced viscosity (Ei), red cell aggregation index (Lb), red cell rigidity index (Rh), fibrinogen (Fb), blood sedimentation rate (BSR) and hematocrit (HCT), were determined at pre-and post-treatment. The indicated scores of symptoms and signs of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pattern, such as chest pain, chest constriction, breath shortness, palpitation, fatigue, dim complexion, spontaneous perspiration and tongue proper, tongue coating were evaluated in week 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 during the treatment course. The safety indexes, such as body temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure were observed. Routine tests of blood, urine and stool, hepatic function test and renal function test were taken at pre- and post-treatment. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the total effective rate of the trial group and that of the control group, which were 91.82% and 85.32%, respectively (P>0.05). Trial groups percentile of cure rate is significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.01). The frequency and duration of angina attack, the positive ratio of CAG and flat exercise test of both groups were lowered, while the effect of the trial group on frequency and duration of angina attack was better. No significant difference was found in ECG features between the two groups (P>0.05). The levels of CH, TG and LDL of both groups were lowered significantly (P<0.05). The effect of lowering CH, TG and LDL of the trial group was stronger than that of the control group (P<0.05). The hemodynamic indexes, such as J2, Eh, Ei, Lb, Rh, Fb, BSR and HCT were improved significantly in both groups (P<0.05). The improvements of J2, Eh, Ei, Lb, Rh, Fb and SR in the trial group were greater than those of control group (P<0.05). The TCM symptoms and signs, such as chest pain, chest constriction, breath shortness, palpitation, fatigue, dim complexion, spontaneous perspiration were improved significantly in both groups (P<0.05). The improvements of chest constriction, palpitation, fatigue and spontaneous perspiration in the trial group were greater than those of the control group (P<0.05). The total indicated score of TCM symptoms and signs was lowered more significantly than that of the control group (P<0.01). No significant changes were found at pre- and post-treatment in safety indexes, such as routine tests for blood, urine and stool, hepatic function test and renal function test. There was no significant difference in safety features of both groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Yiqi Tongmai Oral Liquid bears good therapeutic effect on angina pectoris without adverse reaction, and is superior to Shuxin Oral Liquid. Yiqi Tongmai Oral Liquid is a new effective and safe medicine for the treatment of angina pectoris in patients with coronary heart disease.
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10.
[System review of the Chinese medicine bushenhuoxue for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia].
Wang, L, Zhou, S, Shao, J, Zhang, S
Zhonghua nan ke xue = National journal of andrology. 2004;(10):785-9
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To make a system review of the effects of Bushenhuoxue (kidney-tonifying and blood-activating prescription), a category of compound Chinese medicines, on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and its side effects. METHODS All the research articles about Chinese medicines treating BPH from January 1978 to February 2003 were retrieved using the methods of international evidence-based medicine (EBM), and their qualities were evaluated based on JADAD standard and concealment of research allocation. Then the included articles went through META-analysis with Revman 4.2 software. RESULTS The efficacy of Bushenhuoxue on BPH was better than Qianliekang but not statistically different from finasteride. The combined use of Bushenhuoxue with surgery had no statistical difference from mere surgical treatment. Four articles reported the side effects of this compound Chinese medicine including upset and pain in the abdomen, nausea, diarrhea and dryness of the nose. CONCLUSION Massive, multi-center and randomized controlled clinical trials should be conducted to find out more effective methods for treating BPH with Chinese medicines based on the improvement of measurable symptom evaluation method and for evaluating their side effects.