RESEARCH
THE CLINIC OF THE COLLEGE
OF CHINESE MEDICINE
HERBAL MEDICINE FOR CANCER PATIENTS
Kirsten Dhar – The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine,
26-28 Finchley Rd, St John’s Wood, London, NW8 6ES
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
ABSTRACTS – TRIALS – RESEARCH ARTICLES
 Introduction to plant synergy

Abstracts from the journal ‘Molecular Cancer
Therapeutics’ (American Association for Cancer Research)
 Summaries of Abstracts and Trials
 Herbs for Cancer
Introduction to plant synergy
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), herbal prescriptions are
given to patients as complex formulations containing multiple herbs.
Notably, this approach amounts to the administration of several
chemical entities at once.
The underlying theory is, that interaction among the chemicals
present within a single plant, as an entity, and also the different
herbs in a formula exert synergistic pharmaco-dynamic actions not
present when administered in form of an isolated active ingredient.
Synergy of many different chemical components within the plant is
responsible for these effects and involves a number of different
processes. Whilst the exact mechanisms behind plant synergy and
the allelopathic properties of the plant are still not fully understood,
a great deal of research has been done in this field. Today’s
understanding of basic molecular cell biochemistry and the
consequent possibility of elucidating the actual mechanism of action
of chemical components at the cellular level, or even gene level,
have resulted in a rational explanation of the action of medicinal
plants.
In therapeutic use, medicine administered in form of the entire
plant often shows higher plasma availability of the active ingredient
than when given in an isolated and concentrated form. Since active
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
components within the plant are rather low in concentration, it has
become evident that there is an involvement of substances which
are inactive medicinally but enhance the activity of and protect the
integrity of the so-called active principles of the plant. In the case of
Artemisia annua, a plant which is used to treat malaria, the isolated
active principle artemisinine (2), administered orally at 3000mg
over 4 days produced the same result (anti-parasitic, anti-pyretic,
recrudescence rate) as a four day course of the tea leaves
containing a total dose of 50mg artemisinine. Plant synergy also
offers protection of an active ingredient from degradation by
enzymes and it facilitates transport across barriers such as cell and
organelle membranes. Passage of active ingredients through
membranes, which occurs in the gut from the intestine wall into the
blood stream through to the penetration of an infected cell or into a
parasite, is another important aspect of synergistic properties.
There is evidence of protective action and active transport across,
for example, intestinal walls and inhibition or reversal of the
excretory process which naturally takes place in this location. One
of the key componants to such improved transport of a substance
through the cell membrane are flavonoids. Plant tissue contains
phospholipids, which may be partially or entirely lost in the
extraction process when isolating the active ingredient. These
phospholipids, however, are crucial in transport as they interact
between polar heads of the phospholipids molecules of the
membrane and the phenolic hydroxyl groups of flavonoids in the
process of phospholipic bilayer diffusion.
Moreover, plant synergy can neutralize the adverse effects and
toxicities of specific individual chemicals and provide other signals
to the host’s cells that result in higher efficacy of the crude drug
when compared with isolated components. It can also overcome
and, sometimes reverse, multi-drug resistance mechanisms in
patients who are on medication over prolonged periods of time and
in chemotherapy. MDR protein inhibitors are present in the plant
and are biologically active when the whole extract is used rather
than an isolated principle.
There is no doubt that many other molecular mechanisms are
involved in the behaviour often observed in chemical activity when
the ingredient is retained in the original crude extract and not all of
them are, as yet, fully understood.
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
Abstracts from Molecular Cancer Therapeutics
Reversal of cisplatin resistance with a BH3 mimetic, (–)gossypol (Chinese Cotton Seed Plant), in head and neck
cancer cells: role of wild-type p53 and Bcl-xL Mol Cancer Ther.
2005;4:1096-1104
Joshua A. Bauer1, Douglas K. Trask2, Bhavna Kumar2, Gerrit Los6, Jason Castro2, Julia ShinJung Lee4,5, Jianyong Chen3, Shaomeng Wang3,5, Carol R. Bradford2,5 and Thomas E.
Carey1,2,5 Departments of 1 Pharmacology, 2 Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and 3 Internal
Medicine and Medicinal Chemistry; 4 Biostatistics Unit; and 5 University of Michigan Comprehensive
Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; and 6 Pfizer Global Research and
Development, La Jolla, California Requests for reprints: Thomas E. Carey, Department of
Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, 6020 KHRI, 1301 East Ann Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0506.
Phone: 734-764-4371; Fax: 734-764-0014.
Background: Multi-drug resistance (MDR) is an important biological
behaviour of tumour cells in chemotherapy and it is also one of the
major causes of clinical chemotherapy failure. There is increasing
interest into the exact mechanism of tumour cells' MDR and its
reversion by Chinese herbs. Organ preservation protocols in head
and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are limited by tumours
that fail to respond. We observed that larynx preservation and
response to chemotherapy is significantly associated with p53 overexpression, and that most HNSCC cell lines with mutant p53 are
more sensitive to cisplatin than those with wild-type p53. To
investigate cisplatin resistance, we studied two HNSCC cell lines,
UM-SCC-5 and UM-SCC-10B, and two resistant sublines developed
by cultivation in gradually increasing concentrations of cisplatin. The
cisplatin-selected cell lines, UM-SCC-5PT and UM-SCC-10BPT, are 8
and 1.5 times more resistant to cisplatin than the respective
parental cell lines, respectively. The parental lines over-express p53
and contain p53 mutations but the cisplatin-resistant cell lines do
not, indicating that cells containing mutant p53 were eliminated
during selection. Bcl-xL expression increased in the cisplatinresistant lines relative to the parental lines, whereas Bcl-2
expression was high in the parental lines and decreased in the
cisplatin-resistant lines. Thus, cisplatin selected for wild-type p53
and high Bcl-xL expression in these cells. We tested a smallmolecule BH3 mimetic, (–)-gossypol, which binds to the BH3
domain of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, for activity against the parental and
cisplatin-resistant cell lines. At physiologically attainable levels, (–)gossypol induces apoptosis in 70% to 80% of the cisplatin-resistant
cells but only in 25% to 40% of the parental cells. Thus, cisplatinresistant cells seem to depend on wild-type p53 and Bcl-xL for
survival and BH3 mimetic agents, such as (–)-gossypol, may be
useful adjuncts to overcome cisplatin resistance in HNSCC.
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
Triptolide Inhibits the Growth and Metastasis of Solid
Tumours Vol. 2, 65-72, January 2003, Molecular Cancer Therapeutics
Shanmin Yang, Jinguo Chen, Zhen Guo, Xue-Ming Xu, Luping Wang, Xu-Fang Pei, Jing Yang,
Charles B. Underhill and Lurong Zhang2 Department of Oncology, Georgetown University Medical
Center, Washington, DC 20007 [S. Y., J. C., X-M. X., L. W., X-F. P., J. Y., C. B. U., L. Z.], and Key
Laboratory of China Education Ministry on Cell Biology and Tumour Cell Engineering, Xiamen
University, Fujian, People’s Republic of China 361003 [S. Y., Z. G., L. Z.]
Triptolide (TPL), a diterpenoid triepoxide purified from the Chinese
herb Tripterygium wilfordii (Lei Gong Teng) was tested for its antitumour properties in several model systems. In vitro, TPL inhibited
the proliferation and colony formation of tumour cells at extremely
low concentrations (2–10 ng/ml) and was more potent than Taxol.
Likewise, in vivo, treatment of mice with TPL for 2–3 weeks
inhibited the growth of xenografts formed by four different tumour
cell lines (B16 melanoma, MDA-435 breast cancer, TSU bladder
cancer, and MGC80-3 gastric carcinoma), indicating that TPL has a
broad spectrum of activity against tumours that contain both wildtype and mutant forms of p53. In addition, TPL inhibited
experimental metastasis of B16F10 cells to the lungs and spleens of
mice. The anti-tumour effect of TPL was comparable or superior with
that of conventional anti-tumour drugs, such as Adriamycin,
mitomycin, and cisplatin. Importantly, tumour cells that were
resistant to Taxol attributable to the over-expression of the multidrug resistant gene 1 were still sensitive to the effects of TPL.
Studies on cultured tumour cells revealed that TPL induced
apoptosis and reduced the expression of several molecules that
regulate the cell cycle. Taken together, these results suggest that
TPL has several attractive features as a new anti-tumour agent.
PG490-88, a derivative of triptolide (an active ingredient of
some Chinese medicinal herbs), causes tumor regression and
sensitizes tumors to chemotherapy Mol Cancer Ther. 2003;2:855-862
John M. Fidler1, Ke Li3, Cathie Chung2, Ke Wei2, Jessica A. Ross2, Mingxing Gao2 and Glenn D.
2
Rosen2 Pharmagenesis, Inc., Palo Alto, CA; Department of Medicine, Stanford
3
University Medical School, Stanford, CA; and Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA
Treatment of solid tumours with combinations of chemotherapeutic
agents has not led to significant increases in long-term survival.
Recent studies support a role for inhibitors of checkpoint arrest as a
means to enhance the cytotoxicity of chemotherapy. We have
shown previously that triptolide (PG490), an oxygenated diterpene
derived from a Chinese medicinal plant, induces apoptosis in
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
cultured tumour cells and sensitizes tumor cells to topoisomerase
inhibitors by blocking p53-mediated induction of p21. Here we
extend our studies to a tumour xenograft model and evaluate the
efficacy and safety of PG490-88 (14-succinyl triptolide sodium salt),
a water-soluble prodrug of PG490. We also look at the combination
of PG490 or PG490-88 with CPT-11, a topoisomerase I inhibitor, in
cultured cells and in the tumour xenograft model. We show that
PG490-88 is a safe and potent anti-tumour agent when used alone,
causing tumour regression of lung and colon tumour xenografts. We
also show that PG490-88 acts in synergy with CPT-11 to cause
tumour regression. A phase I trial of PG490-88 for solid tumours
began recently and safety and optimal dosing data should accrue
within the next 12 months. Our findings that PG490-88 causes
tumour regression and that it acts in synergy with DNA-damaging
chemotherapeutic agents suggest a role as an antineoplastic agent
and chemosensitizer for the treatment of patients with solid
tumours.
Caspase-dependent and caspase-independent apoptosis
induced by evodiamine in human leukemic U937 cells Mol Cancer
Ther. 2006;5:2398-2407
Tae-Jin Lee1, Eun Jung Kim1, Shin Kim1, Eun Mi Jung1, Jong-Wook Park1, Seung Hun Jeong2,
Sang Eun Park2, Young Hyun Yoo2 and Taeg Kyu Kwon1 1 Department of Immunology and
Chronic Disease Research Center and Institute for Medical Science, School of Medicine, Keimyung
University, Taegu, South Korea and 2 Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Dong-A University
College of Medicine (BK21 Program), and Medical Science Research Center, Busan, South Korea
Evodiamine is one of the major bioactive compounds that have been
isolated and purified from the fruit of Evodiae fructus (Wu Zhu Yu).
Evodiamine exhibits anti-tumour activities against the human tumor
cells, including multi-drug-resistant tumour cells. However, the
molecular mechanism involved in cell death induced by evodiamine
treatment remains poorly understood. In the present study, we
showed that evodiamine activated the caspase-dependent apoptotic
pathway. This apoptosis was only partially inhibited by a
pancaspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethyl
ketone, which suggested that evodiamine-induced apoptosis in
leukemic U937 cells is partially caspase independent. We observed
the nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor in evodiamineinduced apoptosis of U937 cells, which may be responsible for the
caspase-independent apoptotic execution. We next showed that
evodiamine induced the substantial amount of apoptosis both in Bcl2- and Akt-overexpressing U937 cells but not in human peripheral
blood mononuclear cells. Although benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Aspfluoromethyl ketone inhibited caspase activity in Bcl-2overexpressing U937 cells, it completely prevented neither the
induction of apoptosis or the nuclear translocation of apoptosisKirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
inducing factor, which suggests that evodiamine is, at least in part,
able to bypass the resistance of leukemia cells via caspaseindependent apoptotic pathways. Thus, therapeutic strategy using
evodiamine may warrant further evaluation.
Boswellic acid acetate induces apoptosis through caspasemediated pathways in myeloid leukaemia cells Mol Cancer Ther.
2005;4:381-388
1
Lijuan Xia1, Duo Chen1, Rui Han2, Qicheng Fang2, Samuel Waxman1 and Yongkui Jing1
Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York,
New York and 2 Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
The Chinese herb Ru Xiang (Boswellia carterii) is investigated for its
antineoplastic properties in this article. The mechanism of the
cytotoxic effect of boswellic acid acetate, a 1:1 mixture of boswellic acid acetate and ß-boswellic acid acetate, isolated from
Boswellia carterri Birdw on myeloid leukaemia cells was investigated
in six human myeloid leukaemia cell lines (NB4, SKNO-1, K562,
U937, ML-1, and HL-60 cells). Morphologic and DNA fragmentation
assays indicated that the cytotoxic effect of boswellic acid acetate
was mediated by induction of apoptosis. More than 50% of the cells
underwent apoptosis after treatment with 20 µg/mL boswellic acid
for 24 hours. This apoptotic process was p53 independent. The
levels of apoptosis-related proteins Bcl-2, Bax, and Bcl-XL were not
modulated by boswellic acid acetate. Boswellic acid acetate induced
Bid cleavage and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential
without production of hydrogen peroxide. A general caspase
inhibitor (Z-VAD-FMK) and a specific caspase-8 inhibitor II (Z-IETDFMK) blocked boswellic acid acetate–induced apoptosis. The mRNAs
of death receptors 4 and 5 (DR4 and DR5) were induced in
leukaemia cells undergoing apoptosis after boswellic acid acetate
treatment. These data taken together suggest that boswellic acid
acetate induces myeloid leukaemia cell apoptosis through activation
of caspase-8 by induced expression of DR4 and DR5, and that the
activated caspase-8 either directly activates caspase-3 by cleavage
or indirectly by cleaving Bid, which in turn decreases mitochondria
membrane potential.
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
Effect of curcumin on normal and tumour cells: Role of
glutathione and bcl-2 Mol Cancer Ther. 2004;3:1101-1108
Christine Syng-ai, A. Leela Kumari and Ashok Khar - Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology,
Hyderabad, India
Curcumin, a well-known dietary pigment derived from Curcuma
longa, inhibited growth of several types of malignant cells both in
vivo and in vitro. However, its mechanism of action still remains
unclear. In this study, we have focused primarily on the cytotoxic
effects of curcumin on three human tumour cell lines and rat
primary hepatocytes. Curcumin induced apoptosis in MCF-7,
MDAMB, and HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent
manner. Apoptosis was mediated through the generation of reactive
oxygen species. Attempts were made to establish the role played by
endogenous glutathione on the apoptotic activity of curcumin.
Depletion of glutathione by buthionine sulfoximine resulted in the
increased generation of reactive oxygen species, thereby further
sensitizing the cells to curcumin. Interestingly, curcumin had no
effect on normal rat hepatocytes, which showed no superoxide
generation and therefore no cell death. These observations suggest
that curcumin, a molecule with varied actions, could be developed
into an effective chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic agent.
Berberine (Huang Lian, Rhizoma Coptidis) , a natural
product, induces G1-phase cell cycle arrest and caspase-3dependent apoptosis in human prostate carcinoma cells
Sudheer K. Mantena1, Som D. Sharma1 and Santosh K. Katiyar1,2,3,4 Departments of 1
Dermatology, 2 Environmental Health Sciences, 3 Clinical Nutrition Research Center, and 4
Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
Berberine, a naturally occurring isoquinoline alkaloid, has been
shown to possess anti-inflammatory and anti-tumour properties in
some in vitro systems. Here, we report that in vitro treatment of
androgen-insensitive (DU145 and PC-3) and androgen-sensitive
(LNCaP) prostate cancer cells with berberine inhibited cell
proliferation and induced cell death in a dose-dependent (10–100
µmol/L) and time-dependent (24–72 hours) manner. Treatment of
non-neoplastic human prostate epithelial cells (PWR-1E) with
berberine under identical conditions did not significantly affect their
viability. The berberine-induced inhibition of proliferation of DU145,
PC-3, and LNCaP cells was associated with G1-phase arrest, which in
DU145 cells was associated with inhibition of expression of cyclins
D1, D2, and E and cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 2, Cdk4, and Cdk6
proteins, increased expression of the Cdk inhibitory proteins
(Cip1/p21 and Kip1/p27), and enhanced binding of Cdk inhibitors to
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
Cdk. Berberine also significantly (P < 0.05–0.001) enhanced
apoptosis of DU145 and LNCaP cells with induction of a higher ratio
of Bax/Bcl-2 proteins, disruption of mitochondrial membrane
potential, and activation of caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly(ADPribose) polymerase. Pre-treatment with the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk partially, but significantly, blocked the berberine-induced
apoptosis, as also confirmed by the comet assay analysis of DNA
fragmentation, suggesting that berberine-induced apoptosis of
human prostate cancer cells is mediated primarily through the
caspase-dependent pathway. The effectiveness of berberine in
checking the growth of androgen-insensitive, as well as androgensensitive, prostate cancer cells without affecting the growth of
normal prostate epithelial cells indicates that it may be a promising
candidate for prostate cancer therapy.
SUMMARIES OF ABSTRACTS AND TRIALS
Ginseng enhances anti-cancer effect of 5-fluorouracil on
human colorectal cancer cells
Wang CZ, Luo X, Zhang B, Song WX, Ni M, Mehendale S; Tang Center for Herbal Medicine Research,
The University of Chicago; Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology Journal; 2006 Sep 29; PMID:
17009031 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
PURPOSE: Panax notoginseng is a commonly used Chinese herb.
Although a few studies have found that notoginseng shows antitumor effects, the effect of this herb on colorectal cancer cells has
not been investigated. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapeutic
agent for the treatment of colorectal cancer that interferes with the
growth of cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates
that the herb can enhance the anti-proliferation effect of 5-FU on
HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells and may decrease the
dosage of 5-FU needed for colorectal cancer treatment.
Wogonin sensitizes resistant malignant cells to TNF-alphaand TRAIL-induced apoptosis
Fas SC, Baumann S, Zhu JY, Giaisi M, Treiber MK, Mahlknecht U, Krammer PH, Li-Weber M; Tumor
Immunology Program D030, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Published: Blood, 2006 Dec 1;
1;108(12):3700-6; PMID: 16931628 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
We show here that wogonin, derived from the popular Chinese herb
Huang-Qin, attenuates NF-kappaB activity by shifting TNFalphaKirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
induced free radical .O(2)(-) to a more reduced nonradical product,
H(2)O(2), and thereby sensitizes TNFalpha-resistant leukemia cells
to TNFalpha-induced apoptosis. Importantly, wogonin does not
affect the viability of normal peripheral blood T cells. Wogonin also
sensitizes TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Our data suggest a potential
use of wogonin as a TNFalpha or TRAIL adjuvant for cancer
treatment. Our data also demonstrate how a herbal compound
enhances killing of tumor cells with reduced side effects compared
with other treatments.
Potent inhibition of Lewis lung cancer growth by heyneanol A
from the roots of Vitis amurensis through apoptoic and antiangiogenic activities
Lee EO, Lee HJ, Hwang HS, Ahn KS - Graduate School of East-West Medical Science, Kyunghee
University, Kiheungeup, Yongin 449-701, Republic of Korea. Published: Carcinogenesis, 2006
Oct;27 (10):2059-69; PMID: 16675471 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Vitis amurensis Rupr. (Shan Pu Tao) has long been used for the
treatment of cancer to this end, we isolated from its root heyneanol
A (HA), which is a tetramer of resveratrol (RES), and established
the in vivo anti-tumour activity of HA using the Lewis lung
carcinoma (LLC) model. Remarkably, HA was fairly stable in cell
culture medium and did not undergo intracellular conversion to RES.
Therefore, HA is an active anti-cancer compound that induces
caspase-mediated cancer cell apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis
rivaling the potency of RES and merits further evaluation for cancer
chemoprevention.
Effect of lyceum barbarum polysaccharide on human
hepatoma QGY7703 cells: inhibition of proliferation and
induction of apoptosis
Zhang M, Chen H, Huang J, Li Z, Zhu C, Zhang S - Department of Food Science and Bioengineering,
Tianjin University of Science and Technology, Tianjin; PMID: 15826878 [PubMed - indexed for
MEDLINE]
Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP), extracted from Lycium
barbarum (Fructus Lycii – Gou Qi Zi and Cortex Lycii – Di Gu Pi) is
found to have anticancer activity. In this study, the effect of LBP on
the proliferation rate, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis in the
human hepatoma QGY7703 cell line were investigated.
CONCLUSION: The induction of cell cycle arrest and the increase of
intracellular calcium in apoptotic system may participate in the antiproliferative activity of LBP in QGY7703 cells.
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
Differential control of growth, cell cycle progression and
gene expression in human estrogen receptor positive MCF-7
breast cancer cell by extracts derived form
polysacchaaropeptide I’m-Yunity (a mushroom extract) and
Dan Shen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae)
Hsieh TC, Wu JM - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, New York Medical
College, Valhalla; Published: International Journal of Oncology, 2006 Nov;29(5):1215-22; PMID:
17016654 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
In this study, we investigated the effects of 70% ethanolic extracts prepared from
medicinal mushroom extract denoted I'm-Yunity and Dan Shen, alone and in
combination, using MCF-7 cells as an in vitro model of estrogen receptor positive
(ER+), low invasive Breast Cancer. CONCLUSION: Treatment by I'm-Yunity did not
affect cell cycle progression in MCF-7 cells; however, it promoted active induction of
apoptosis. In addition, treatment with Danshen alone resulted in a pronounced
reduction in the expression of Rb, cyclin D1, and p53, and also led to a diminution of
p65 and p50 forms of NF-kappaB. The pronounced suppressive effects of Danshen on
expression of the aforementioned genes were largely attenuated in cells treated with
I'm-Yunity-Plus suggesting that ingredients in Danshen must have interacted with
those in I'm-Yunity as to culminate in neutralization of the gene suppressive effects of
Danshen. Additional support for such interactions was obtained by targeted cDNA
array analysis using human tumor metastasis and BCa/ER signaling gene arrays.
Taken together, our results are consistent with the interpretation that interaction
exists between Danshen and I'm-Yunity and that I'm-Yunity-Plus may have very good
efficacy in the treatment of Breast Cancer, particularly for patients with ER+ status.
Evidence for Oldenlandia diffusa-evoked cancer cell
apoptosis through superoxide burst and caspase activation
Yadav SK, Lee SC - Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore; Zhong Xi Yi Jie
He Xue Bao, 2006 Sep; 4(5):485-9; PMID: 16965742 [PubMed - in process]
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Various studies using the herb
Oldenlandia diffusa (Bai Hua She She Cao) alone or in combination
with other therapy plans have evidenced the effectiveness of the
herb in the management of cancers of different tissue origin.
RESULTS: We found that it dose-dependently inhibited the cancer
cell growth in MTT assay. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that it
elicited significant production of sub-G(1) population of the cells,
indicating the extract-evoked cell apoptotic death. The LD(50) of
the ethanol extract was estimated to be approximately 320
microg/ml. Moreover, treatment of the cancer cells with the ethanol
component markedly increased the production of superoxide within
few hours. Significant elevation in the protease activities of
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
caspases-2 and -3 were detected at as early as 3 and 6 hours
respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results show that the ethanol
extract of the herb effectively evokes cancer cell apoptosis, possibly
through burst-mediated caspase activation.
Chinese Herb/Chemotherapy Interactions in Breast Cancer
University of California, San Francisco, Michael Campbell Ph D, Award: 2003 (Cycle IX) $200,000
#9WB-0042 Innovative Treatment Modalities: Hormone and Chemotherapy Targets – Improving
Today’s Arsenal.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a treatment modality that has been
used for centuries to treat cancer, prolong life, and increase the quality of
life for cancer patients. The lack of evidence-based clinical trials coupled
with the proliferation of anecdotal and case report studies of TCM make it
an important treatment modality to study. TCM use in the San Francisco
Bay Area is widespread and frequently used by our patient population,
thus it can be studied using standard research models at our institution.
There is a high degree of conformity among TCM practitioners in terms of
diagnoses and treatments due to the extensive historically-based
documentation of TCM treatment modalities.
We have recently obtained laboratory data on the effects of over 70
Chinese herbal extracts on the growth of breast cancer cells in culture.
These herbs have been traditionally prescribed by TCM practitioners for
metastatic breast cancer and other cancer patients. Many of these herbal
extracts demonstrated significant inhibitory effects in our initial screening.
Since many cancer patients who take these herbs also receive
conventional chemotherapy, the objective of this project is to determine
what kinds of interactions these herbs have with standard
chemotherapeutic agents.
Herbs will be prepared as boiled teas, as they are traditionally prepared. Breast cancer
cells growing in tissue culture will be treated with individual herbs, chemotherapeutic
drugs, or combinations of an herb with a chemotherapeutic drug. After three days of
treatment, the cells will be analyzed for growth/death. Growth curves will be
generated from these data and comparisons of the curves from individual herbs, drugs,
and their combinations will determine whether the herbs act to enhance the effects of
the drugs, inhibit their effects, or have no effect. We will then examine the effects of
herb/drug combinations that show greater activity than either alone in a mouse model
of breast cancer. Rather than randomly screening thousands of plants for anti-breast
cancer activity, we have focused on plants which have been used for
hundreds/thousands of years in Chinese medicine. In addition, we are administering
these agents as “teas” which is how they are traditionally administered to patients.
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
Laboratory Testing of Chinese Herbs Used for Breast Cancer
University of California, San Francisco – Dabasish Tripathy MD, Award: 1999 (Cycle V) $85,754
Innovative Award: Creative Drugs.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a treatment modality that has been
used for centuries to cure cancer, prolong life, increase the quality of life
for cancer patients, and more recently to ameliorate the side effects of
Western therapies. The lack of evidence-based clinical trials coupled with
the proliferation of anecdotal and case report studies of TCM make it an
important treatment modality for further study. TCM use in the Bay Area
is widespread and frequently used by our patient population, thus it can
be studied using standard research models at our institution. There is a
high degree of conformity among TCM practitioners in terms of both
diagnoses and treatments due to the extensive historically-based
documentation of TCM treatment modalities. We propose to obtain
laboratory data on herbs commonly used for breast cancer in order to
prioritize herbal formulae for future Phase I/II clinical trials.
We plan to perform laboratory analysis of a number of botanical agents
that have been traditionally prescribed by TCM practitioners for metastatic
breast cancer (MBC) patients. We have pilot data on a few herbal
compounds that show anti-tumour activity, and we will use a similar
expanded methodology to screen approximately 50 more botanical
agents. We will test for the ability of these compounds to cause breast
cancer cells to divide using an MTT assay, to commit suicide (apoptosis)
using APO-BRDU and to grow using clonogenic assays. The compounds
will be tested for their effects using both pulsed and continuous exposure.
For herbal extracts with activity, the responsible components will be
identified using salt exchange column and high performance liquid
chromatography fractions. Promising herbs or combinations could then be
entered into Phase I/II clinical trials using tumor response endpoints.
The Use of Ginger and Turmeric in Cancer Treatments
Vimala, S., et al. Anti-tumour promoter activity in Malaysian ginger
rhizobia used in traditional medicine. British Journal of Cancer, Vol. 80,
No. 1/2, April 1999, pp. 110-16
Ginger, turmeric and other members of the Zingiberaceae family of
rhizomes have a long history of use in Malaysian traditional medicine.
Ginger, for example, is widely used in the treatment of stomach problems,
nausea, vomiting, epilepsy, sore throat, cough, bruises, wounds,
childbirth, sore eyes, liver complaints, rheumatism, asthma, and many
other disorders. Researchers at the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia
now report that several members of the Zingiberaceae family effectively
block the promotion of cancerous tumors. They tested 11 different species
and found that seven of them had strong anti-tumor properties. Their test
involved a short term assay of the inhibitory effect of extracts of the
rhizomes (roots) on human cancer cells. They found that turmeric
(Curcuma domestica) extracts (turmeric root extracted with petroleum
ether, chloroform or ethanol) completely inhibited further growth of the
cancer cells. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) extracts, especially the
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
chloroform extract, also inhibited further growth, but the concentration of
extract was more critical than for the turmeric extracts. The researchers
conclude that turmeric, ginger and other Zingiberaceae rhizomes may be
useful in preventing the promotion of cancer and that populations with
high risks of cancer should be encouraged to include them in their diet.
Further work is now underway to isolate the active components in the
plants.
3. HERBS FOR CANCER
While it may not quite be a case of:
“Eye of newt and toe of frog,
Wool of bat and tongue of dog,
Of the ravin’d salt-sea shark,
Root of hemlock digg’d i’ the dark,
Double, double, toil and trouble:
Fire burn and cauldron bubble.”
(William Shakespeare ‘Macbeth’ 1606)…
…bioactive compounds from plants have been harvested and
deployed for a variety of purposes, not least in health and medicine,
since before the dawn of agriculture more than 10 000 years ago.
The fact that many of the most potent pharmaceuticals and poisons
known to man are of natural, plant origin is often over-looked by
the more ardent proponents of all things ‘organic’!
By the nineteenth century serious attempts were being made to
provide a scientific rationale for observations of allelopathic
phenomena. One of the best known identities of this period was
Augustin Pyrame de Candolle. As early as 1805 he wrote on the
topic of root excretions and applied these studies in the context of
crop rotation. The technology of the day, however, did not permit
him to identify the bioactive compounds which he perceived to be
present. As Willis (2002) writes: “To many, de Candolle is the real
father of allelopathy….he developed a perspicacious theory of plant
interaction, relevant to agriculture and natural ecosystems, based
on chemical substances assumedly released from plants”. Perhaps
de Candolle should be recognized as the grand-father of
allelopathy? In any event, it was appropriate that the acknowledged
father of allelopathy, Hans Molisch, should feature in the first article
of the inaugural edition of Allelopathy Journal, published in 1994. It
is precisely in the allelophatic properties of plants – through their
ever-evolving ‘chemical arms race’ - that we have such immense
molecular complexity which gives rise to their therapeutical value.
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
Clinical Herbal Studies and Research – A Brief Summary
Bai Hua She She Cao, Herba Oldenlandia
Oral indigestion of this herb was found to have a dose-dependent effect to
enhance macrophage function in vitro and inhibit tumour growth in vivo.
Ref.: Wong BY, Lau BH, Jia TY, Wan CP. Oldenlandia diffusa and Scutellaria barbata augment
macrophage oxidative burst and inhibit tumour growth. ‘Cancer Biother Radiopharm’ 1996 Feb; 11
(1):5-6
Dong Ling Cao, Herba Rabdosiae
Esophageal and cardiac cancer: In one study, 95 patients with middle-tolate stage esophageal and cardiac cancer were treated with preparations
of this herb. Preparation I was made by mixing the herb with syrup (1:1
ratio); the treatment protocol was to give 20 to 30 ml three times daily
for 2 to 3 months per course of treatment. Preparation II was made by
incorporating 4.5 to 5 grams of the herb into pills three times daily for 2
to 3 months per course of treatement. Preparation III was made by
mixing 75 to 100 mg of the active ingredient, rubescensine A, in 500 ml of
D5W; the treatment protocol was to infuse the preparation IV every other
day until a total of 3000 to 3500 mg of compound had been given. The
study concluded the rate of effectiveness was 26.7% for Preparation I,
27.6% for Preparation II and 31.8% for Preparation III.
Liver cancer: According to one study, 31 patients with primary liver
cancer were treated successfully with preparations of this herb. Improved
appetite and reduced pain were reported in 80% of the subjects. The
survival rate after treatment was 29.6% after 6 months, 12% after one
year and 10% after 2 years.
Ref.: Xian Dai Zhong Yao Li Xue (Contemporary Pharmacology of Chinese Herbs), 1997; 1468-1469;
and He Nan Yi Xue Yuan Xue Bao (Journal fo Henen University of Medicine) 1976; (5):22.
Ban Mao, Mylabris
Liver cancer: In one study, 300 patients were treated with cantharidin,
the active ingredient in Ban Mao, and chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The
protocol for cantharidin was 0.25 to 0.5 mg three times daily. The study
reported and all-over rate of effectiveness of 65% based on symptomatic
evaluation and the tumour size in the liver. In another study, 2 to 6 pills
of the herb (each pill contained 0.25 mg of cantharidin, Bai Ji (Rhizoma
Bletillae), aluminium hydroxide, and others) were given to 800 patients
with liver cancer daily with 45 to 60% showing positive results. There
were reductions of symptoms, decrease of tumour size and 12.7% of
patients remained alive after one year.
Breast tumour: In one clinical study, 42 patients with lobular hypertrophy
of the mammary gland were treated with on overall rate of 83%
effectiveness using oral, intravenous or intramuscular injection of Tian
Men Dong. In another study, 72 patients with mammary cancer showed
marked improvement using the same treatment protocols. For oral
administration, the protocol was to weigh out 63 grams of the herb,
remove the outer layer of the root, add a small quantity of grain-base
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
liquor, steam the preparation for 30 to 60 minutes and ingest the herbs in
three equally-divided doses daily.
Malignant lymphoma: According to one report, 41 patients were treated
with an overall 87.9% effectiveness using an integrated approach of
Chinese and Western medicine. Out of 41 patients, 23 received herbal
treatment only, and 18 received the combination of herbs and
chemotherapy treatments. The herbal treatment consisted of intravenous
injection of Tian Men Dong and intramuscular injection of Bai Hua She She
Cao (Herba Oldenlandia) twice daily for 3 to 6 months. The injectables
contained dosages equivalent in decoction to 10 to 40 grams (with a
maximum of 120 grams) for Tian Men Dong and 8 grams for Bai Hua She
She Cao. Those who could not tolerate injections were converted to oral
ingestion of the herbs three times daily. Recently, these two herbs have
been use together in studies to treat fibrocystic breast disorders and
cancer of the breast and lymphatic system.
Ref.: Yao Xue Tong Bao (Report of Herbology), 1980; 3:2 And: Jiang Su Yi Yao (Jiangsu Journal of
Medicine and Herbology); Xing Yi Xue (New Medicine) 1975; 4:193
Dong Chong Xia Cao, Cordyceps
Malignant tumours in 30 patients were treated with 1.5 grams of the herb
in concoction three times daily over 2 months. The study reported good
improvement based on symptomatic assessment in 93% of the patients.
Ref.: Shang Hai Zong Yi Yao Za Zhi (Shanghai Journal of Chinese Medicine and Herbology) 1986;
10:25
Da Zao, Fructus Jujubae
Several anti-neoplastic components of this herb have demonstrated and
inhibitory effect on cancer cells. Continuous administration of mashnic
acid, one of the acitive components, for 14 days was more effective than
5-fluorouracil in inhibiting the growth of the cancer cells.
Ref.: Ibid.
Huang Qi, Radix Astragali
In an in vivo study, administration of the herb was associated with the
reversal of cyclophosphamide-induced immune suppression.
Ref.: Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Immunity, 1988 Mar. 25(3):125
Tian Nan Xing, Rhizoma Arisaematis
Cervical cancer: In one study, 105 patients were treated with a 78% rate
of effectiveness using both oral and topical applications of the herb. The
treatment protocol was to start with an oral decoction starting with
15g/day and gradually increasing to 45g/day. In addition, local topical
application was given using various dosage forms such as powder,
suppository and injections.
Ref.: Zhong Yao Xue (Chinese Herbology) 1998; 1972; 17:8
E Zhu, Rhizoma Curcumae
Malignant cancer: Patients with various malignant cancers (stomach,
lung, liver, esophageal) were treated with an IV infusion of herbal solution
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
daily. The herbal injection was prepared by mixing 60 to 100 ml of 150%
E Zhu solution with 500 ml of D5W. Out of 19 patients in the study, there
was complete recovery in 1 case, marked effectiveness in 4 cases,
satisfactory improvement in 3 cases and no response in 11 cases.
Ref.: Journal of Shandong University School of Medicine; 1980; 1:30
San Leng, Rhizoma Sparganii
Hepatic carcinoma: Patients were treated both with herbal injections and
powder with a 43.3% rate of effectiveness. Out of 30 patients, marked
improvement in 3, good improvement in 10 and no response in 17 was
recorded.
Malignant tumour: In one study, 31 patients at terminal stage of cancers
were treated with a herbal decoction. Marked improvement was seen in 5
patients, good improvement in 19 patients and no response in 7 patients.
Ref.: Zhong Liu Yu Fang Yan Jiu (Tumour Prevention Research), 1973, 1:31; Fu Jian Zhong Yi Xue
Yuan Xue Bao (Journal of Zhejian University of Medicine) 1983; 3:31
Fu Ling, Poria
A herbal preparation was evaluated for its antineoplastic effects in 70
patients in the oncology department of Fouzhou hospital in China. Some
patients were given the herbal decoction only, some used it together with
chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery. In all patients, it was
observed that the herb strengthens the immune system, improves liver
and kidney function, increases appetite and body weight and minimized
the adverse side effects associated with chemotherapy.
Fen Fang Ji, Radix Stephaniae Tetandrae
Lung cancer: Intravenous injections of a herbal preparation (180 to 300
mg of the herb mixed with saline or D5W) were given to 97 patients with
promising results. The preparation showed a marked inhibitory effect on
DNA and RNA of the cancer cells.
Ref.: Journal of Chinese Medicine; 1980; 3:597
Mandarin,
Cantonese, Pharmaceutical Name
Therapeutic Action/Pharmacological Effects
San Leng
King Sam Ling, Rhizoma Sparganii
Dispels blood stasis and masses, activates chi,
carcinoma and malignant tumours, antineoplastic,
caution with anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs*
E Zhu
Fung Ol Shud, Rhizoma Curcumae
Dispels blood stasis and masses, activates chi,
antineoplastic, malignant growth, caution with
anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs
Shui Zhi
Soyi Jah, Hirudo, Leech
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
Dispels blood stasis, anticoagulant, caution: hirudin has
same chemical composition as lepirudin (Refludan) *
Quan Xie
Chuen Kit, Scorpio
Eliminates toxins, toxic heat and nodules, opens
channels, breaks up tumours, antineoplastic, caution:
overdose may occur with intake of 30-60 gr. **
Wu Gong
Scolopendra, Centipede
Eliminates toxins, toxic heat and nodules, opens
channels, breaks up tumours, antineoplastic, caution:
Overdose may cause sudden drop in blood pressure &
temperature, slow heart beat, dyspnea. At small doses it
stimulates cardiac tissue, at large doses it paralyzes
cardiac muscle and inhibits respiration. **
Ba Dou
Fructus Crotonis, Croton Fruit (Seed)
Eliminates cold accumulation, phlegm & water,
antineoplastic, best applied topically as past, can be
taken internally, but very toxic, max. dosage 0.3 gr., can
cause severe toxic shock syndrome!
Xuan Shen
King Yeun Sum – Radix Scrophulariae
Clears heat, toxins nodules & palpable masses, reduces
gland swellings, antibiotic
Tian Men Dong
Radix Asparagi
Clears heat, antibiotic, antineoplastic, breast tumours &
malignant lymphoma, 20-25 gr. 3 times a day, steamed
for 30-60 min. in grain-based liquor, seems to be
particularly effective in combination with Bai Hua She
She Cao (Herba Oldenlandia)
Jiao Gu Lan
Rhizoma seu Herba Gynostemmatis
Clears heat, toxins, inflammation, antineoplastic,
inhibits most types of cancer cell, use for all cancers,
may cause drowsiness, sedation and mild stomach
discomfort
Yan Dan Zi
Fructus Bruceae
Clears heat & toxins, treats various cancers, use
topically to dissolve hardenings, slightly toxic,
internally use up to 30 seeds, remove shell, give in pill
form due to extreme bitterness, as powder give 2 gr.
Ban Mao
Mylabris, Blister Beetle
Eliminates toxins, dispels nodules & palpable masses,
antineoplastic, best applied topically, very toxic, max.
dosage 0.03-0.06 gr., very strong stimulation and
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
irritating effect on skin, don’t apply over prolonged
periods, caution: do not overdose **
Lu Feng Fang
Shan Ci Gu
Nidus Vespae (hornet nest)
Clears toxins & relieves pain for mastitis and
ulcerations with pus, tumour, fibrocystic breast
disorder, necrosing nodules, antineoplastic, internally
dry-fried & suspended in grain-based liquor, externally
as wash or ointment
Pseudobulbus Cremastrae
Clears heat & toxins, drains abscess & nodules,
antineoplastic, tumours and breast carcinoma, slightly
toxic, usual dosage 3-6 gr., toxic dose is 15-45 gr.
Bai Hua She She Cao
Herba Oldenlandia
Clears heat, toxins, abscesses, various types of cancer,
dose-dependent effect to enhance macrophage function
in inhibiting tumour growth, suggested cancer dosage is
60 gr.
Zi Cao Gen
Bah Gee Jao, Radix Lithospermi
Clears heat & toxins, invigorates blood circulation,
antineoplastic properties by interfering with DNA
sythesis of cancer cells at G2 phase
Ban Zhi Lian
Boon Chi Lin - Herba Scutellariae Barbatae
Clears heat & toxins, tumours and generally antineoplastic properties, enhances macrophage function
and inhibits tumour growth, reduces abscesses and
swellings
* Certain Phytochemicals can cause potentially dangerous herb-drug interactions. Due
to their synergistic properties some herbs will either inhibit or greatly increase the
bioavailability of an active ingredient in drugs such as in anticoagulants and
antiplatelet medicines. Examples for anticoagulants are heparin, warfarin
(Coumadin) and enoxaparin (Lovenox); examples for antiplatelet drugs include
aspirin, dipyridamole (Persantine) and clopidogrel (Plavix).
* * Quan Xie (Chuen Kit, Scorpio), as some other substances, is toxic. In case of
overdose, ingest 20 gr. Of Yuan Ming Fen (Natrii Sulfas Praeparata) to eliminate
toxins through defecation and prepare detoxing formula with herbs such as Jin Yin
Hua (Gam Ngam Fwa, Flos Lornica), Gan Cao (Gum Jao, Rx. Glycyrrhizae), Da
Huang (Tai Wong, Rx. et Rhz. Rhei), etc.
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
Table 4: Herbs Commonly Prescribed with Chemotherapy, and Chinese
Anticancer Agents
Back to the Table of Contents
Botanical name
and family
Traditional
indications
Huang Qi
Radix Astragalus
membranaceus
(Fisch.) Bge.
(Leguminosae)
Supplements
qi, increases
yang,
consolidates
the surface,
increases
resistance to
disease,
controls
sweating,
delivers
fluids,
disperses
swelling,
discharges
pus.
Increased
CD4/CD8 ratio and
phagocytic
activity in patients
with gastric
cancer undergoing
chemotherapy.
Stimulation of
lymphocyte IL-2,
IL-3, IL-6, TNFa
and IFN-g.
Diuretic effect and
antinephrotoxic
effect.
Antiinflammatory
effect.
Hepatoprotective
effect.
Saponins:
astragalosides I-VIII,
acetylastragaloside I.
Flavones: kaempferol,
quercitin, isorhamnetin,
rhamnocitin,
formononetin,
calycosin.
Polysaccharides:
astragalans I,II,III.
Glucans: AG-1 and
AG- 2.
Bai Zhu
Rhizoma
Atractylodis
macrocephalae
Koidz.
(Compositae)
Replenishes
qi and
reinforces the
spleen.
Harmonises
the spleen
and stomach,
relieves
fatigue.
Induces
diuresis and
eliminates
damp. Arrests
excessive
perspiration
and
spontaneous
sweating.
Increased
phagocytosis,
lymphocyte
transformation,
rosette formation,
and serum IgG
post
chemotherapy.
Increases body
weight and
endurance.
Potentiates
reticuloendothelial
system. Diuretic
effect,
antiulcerative
effect,
hypoglycaemic
effect.
Anticoagulant
Essential oil:s
atractylon. Lactones:
atractylenolides II,III.
Vitamin A.
Sesquiterpene and
furfural.
Pinyin name
Modern research Chemical Constituents
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
effect.
Hepatoprotective
effect. Lowers
blood pressure
and dialates blood
vessels.
Ling Zhi
Ganoderma
lucidum (Leyss.
Ex Fr.) Karst.
(Basidiomycetes)
Nourishes,
tonifies,
supplements
qi and blood.
Removes
toxins,
astringes
essence and
disperses
accumulation.
Relieves
fatigue and
subdues
deficiency
insomnia.
Antitussive effect.
Expectorant
effect.
Hypotensive
effect.
Hepatoprotective
effect.
Antibacterial
effect. Sensitises
radiation effect.
Protects from
radiation damage.
Immune
stimulating effect.
Ergosterol, coumarin,
mannitol,
polysaccharides,
organic acids, resins.
Dang Shen
Radix
Codonopsis
pilosula
(Franch.) Nannf.
(Campanulaceae)
Tonifies qi,
increases
body
resistance,
promotes
digestion &
absorption of
nutrients.
Increases
secretion of
body fluids.
Promotes
digestion and
metabolism.
Stimulates the
CNS: decreases
monoxidase-B
(MAO-B) activity
in the brain.
Hematopeiteic.
Hypotensive
effect.
Significantly
decreases
erythrocyte
electrophoretic
time and
fibrinogen.
Enhances cardiac
function and
increases
tolerance to cold
without increasing
body weight and it
elevates activity
of superoxide
dismutase (SOD).
Increases
Phytosterols and
triterpenes: spinasterol
and Dglucopyranoside,
7-stigmasterol, 5,22stigmasterol, taraxerol,
taraxeryl acetate and
friedelin. Phenols:
syringaldehyde, vanillic
acid, syringin,
tangshenoside I.
Essential oils: methyl
palmitate, octadecane,
nonadecane,
heptadecane, carboxylic
acid.
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
phagocytosis.
Promotes
leukocyte
production.
Increases
haemoglobin
levels, antagonises
insulin induced
hypoglycaemia,
but was
ineffective with
phagocytosis and
the transformation
of lymphocytes. It
also inhibited type
II allergic
reactions and
stimulated the
adrenal cortex
Inhibits
transplanted
sarcoma 180 in
mice.
Fu Ling
Sclerotium Poria
cocos (Schw.)
Wolf
(Polyporaceae)
Induces
diuresis and
excretes
dampness.
Invigorates
the spleen
function.
Tranquillises
the mind.
Increased
monocyte GMCSF production
Enhanced
recovery of
myelosuppression
in mice after
radiation.
Increased
spontaneous
rosette formation,
lymphocyte
transformation,
and serum IgG.
Diuretic effect.
Sedative effect.
Antitumour
promotion effect.
Increases cardiac
contractility.
Polysaccharide: pachyman. Triterpene:
pachymic acid,
tumulosic acid,
eburicoic acid, pinicolic
acid.
Herba
Taraxacum
Removes
toxic heat.
Antimicrobial
effect. Immune
Taraxasterol,
taraxacerin, taraxicin,
Antineoplastic
agents
Pu Gong Ying
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development
mongolicum
Hand.- Mazz.
(Compositae)
Removes
swelling and
nodulation.
Relieves
dysuria.
stimulating effect: choline, inulin and
increases
pectins.
peripheral
lymphoblast
transformation
rate. Choloretic
effect and
hepatoprotective
effect.
Jin Yin Hua
Flos Lonicera
japonica Thunb.
(Caprifoliaceae)
Removes
toxic heat.
Dispels wind
heat.
Antimicrobial
effect. Antiinflammatory
effect,
antilipaemic
effect. Decreases
pregnancy rate
after mating.
Antispasmodic
effect. Diuretic
effect.
Shan Ci Gu
Bulbus
Cremastra
variabilis
(Blume) Nakai
(Orichidaceae)
Reduces heat.
Removes
toxins,
disperses
accumulation,
dissipates
swelling.
Antineoplastic
Tulipine, colchicines.
effect. Cardiotonic
effect. Antiviral
effect.
Huang Yao Zi
Rhizoma
Dioscorea
bulbifera L.
(Dioscoreaceae)
Resolves
phlegm.
Controls
cough.
Disperses
goitre and
controls
bleeding.
Antibacterial
effect. Antifungal
effect. Increases
uterine
contraction.
Terpenoids: diosbulbin
A,B,C,D. 2,4,6,7tetrahydroxy-9,10dihydrophenanthrene,
2,4,5,6- tetrahydroxyphenanthrene. Tannin.
Bai Hua She
She Cao
Herba
Oldenladia
diffusa (Willd.)
Roxb.
(Rubiaceae)
Removes
toxic damp
heat, clears
abscesses,
infections
with fever.
Increases
phagocytosis,
lowers fever,
arrests growth of
spermatogonia
and empties
convoluted
seminiferoous
tubules.
Iridoid glycosides:
oldenlandosides Aand
B. hentriacontane,
stigmasterol, ursolic
acid, oleanolic acid, b
sitosterol, sitosterolDglucoside, p-coumaric
acid and flavonoid
glycosides.
Chlorogenic acid.
Inositol and flavonone.
Essential oils: 2,6,6trimethyl-2-vinyl-5hydroxytetrahydropyran
and linalool.
Kirsten Dhar, The Clinic of the College of Chinese Medicine, Research and Development