biochemical effects of some nourishing herbs

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http://www.cmjournal.org/content/2/1/3 (free access)

 

Enhancement of ATP generation capacity, antioxidant activity and

immunomodulatory activities by Chinese Yang and Yin tonifying herbs

Kam Ming Ko and Hoi Yan Leung

 

2007, 2:3 doi:10.1186/1749-8546-2-3

 

 

Published 27 March 2007

 

 

Abstract (provisional)

 

 

Chinese tonifying herbs such as Herba Cistanche, Ganoderma and Cordyceps,

which possess antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory activities, can be useful

in the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases.

Pharmacological studies on Yang and Yin tonifying herbs suggest that Yang

tonifying herbs stimulate mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP)

generation, presumably through the intermediacy of reactive oxidant species,

leading to the enhancement of cellular/mitochondrial antioxidant status.

Yin tonifying herbs, however, apart from possessing antioxidant properties,

exert mainly immunomodulatory functions that may boost a weak immune system

and may also suppress overreactive immune responses. The abilities of Yang

and Yin Chinese tonifying herbs to enhance ATP generation and to exhibit

antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory actions are the pharmacological basis

for their beneficial effects on the retardation of aging.

 

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