Recent Medline Abstracts on Herbal Medicine

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Benjumea D, Martín-Herrera D, Abdala S, Gutiérrez-Luis J, Quiñones W,

Cardona D, Torres F, Echeverri F. Withanolides from Whitania aristata

and their diuretic activity. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Dec 25. [Epub

ahead of print] Unidad de Farmacología y Farmacognosia, Facultad de

Farmacia, Universidad de La Laguna, 38207, La Laguna, Canary Islands,

Spain. ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Withania aristata is an

endemic plant used traditionally in Canary Islands as a diuretic. In

this paper, we report on this pharmacological activity in several

extracts of the dry vegetal material collected and the identification

and diuretic activity of two withanolides, one of them previously not

reported, isolated from the most active fraction. MATERIAL AND

METHODS: Four Whitania aristata extracts at 100mg/kg were orally

administered to laboratory animals to evaluate their diuretic

activity. From the most active fraction, two withanolides were

isolated. Both and a mixture of them at 5 and 10mg/kg were analyzed

too as diuretics. Water excretion rate and content of Na(+) and K(+)

electrolytes were measured in the urine of saline-loaded animals.

RESULTS: Whitania aristata water fraction, the two withanolides and

the mixture of these compounds displayed high diuretic activity, with

a significant excretion of sodium and potassium ions in laboratory

animals. CONCLUSIONS: This research supports the ethno-medicinal use

of Whitania aristata as diuretic. This activity seems to be

associated to the presence of a new type of natural diuretic agents,

such as withaferin A and witharistatin. PMID: 19146940 [PubMed - as

supplied by publisher]

 

Fernández J, Lagos P, Rivera P, Zamorano-Ponce E. Effect of boldo

(Peumus boldus Molina) infusion on lipoperoxidation induced by

cisplatin in mice liver. Phytother Res. 2009 Jan 14. [Epub ahead of

print] Universidad del Bío-Bío, Casilla 447, Chillán, Chile. Peumus

boldus Molina (Monimiaceae), commonly referred to as 'boldo', is used

in traditional Chilean medicine to treat hepatic and gastrointestinal

diseases. Its leaves are rich in antioxidant compounds, principally

alkaloids and flavonoids. This study evaluates the protective effect

of a complete boldo leaf infusion on lipoperoxidation (MDA

determination at 532 nm) induced by cisplatin in mice liver. To

determine if the observed effect can be explained by the action of

boldine or catechin, each compound was studied separately. The mice

were divided into 8 groups (n = 6): (I) not treated; (II) treated

with cisplatin 6 mg/Kg b.w.; (III) treated with boldo leaf infusion

5%; (IV) pretreated with boldo leaf infusion 5% and treated with

cisplatin 6 mg/Kg b.w.; (V) treated with boldine 50 mg/Kg b.w.; (VI)

pretreated with boldine 50 mg/Kg b.w. and treated with cisplatin 6

mg/kg.b.w.; (VII) treated with catechin; and (VIII) pretreated with

catechin 50 mg/Kg b.w. and treated with cisplatin 6 mg/Kg b.w. As

expected, the treatment with cisplatin significantly increased (p <

0.01) lipoperoxidation in comparison with the non-treated group.

Pretreatment with boldo leaf infusion significantly diminished (p <

0.05) the lipoperoxidation induced by cisplatin with respect to the

animals not pretreated with the infusion. The pretreatments with

boldine and catechin significantly diminished (p < 0.05) the

lipoperoxidation induced by cisplatin with respect to the group

treated only with cisplatin. The results suggest that the boldo

infusion is acting as a protector with respect to the oxidative

hepatic damage caused by cisplatin, and that this protective ability

would be due to the presence in the infusion of the natural

antioxidants boldine and principally catechin. These findings suggest

the potential use of the infusion as a chemoprotector. Copyright ©

2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID: 19145575 [PubMed - as supplied by

publisher]

 

He J, Lin J, Li J, Zhang JH, Sun XM, Zeng CM. Dual Effects of Ginkgo

biloba Leaf Extract on Human Red Blood Cells. Basic Clin Pharmacol

Toxicol. 2008 Dec 18. [Epub ahead of print] College of Chemistry and

Material Science, Shaanxi Normal Univ, Xi'an, China. Extracts from

the leaves of Ginkgo biloba have been used in TCM for thousands of

years. Today, various standardized preparations from G. biloba leaf

extract have been developed. G. biloba leaf extract, which contains

flavonoids and terpenoids as the major biologically active

components, has become one of the most popular and commonly used

herbal remedies due to its wide spectrum of beneficial effects on

health. In this study, we investigated the effects of G. biloba leaf

extract on the properties of human red blood cells in the presence

and absence of amyloid peptide (Abeta25-35), peroxide and hypotonic

stress. The results suggest that G. biloba leaf extract has a dual

action, both protective and disruptive, on red blood cells, depending

on whether an exogenous stress is present. G. biloba leaf extract has

a protective role on red blood cells against Abeta- and hypotonic

pressure-induced haemolysis, peroxide-induced lipoperoxidation, as

well as glutathione consumption and methaemoglobin formation. On the

other hand, G. biloba leaf extract also exhibited damage to red blood

cells by increasing cell fragility, changing cellular morphology and

inducing glutathione consumption and methaemoglobin formation,

especially when applied at high doses. These anti- and pro-oxidative

activities of polyphenolic substances are thought to be involved in

the dual function of G. biloba leaf extract. The results of this

study suggest that high doses of herbal remedies and dietary

supplements can be toxic to cells. PMID: 19143753 [PubMed - as

supplied by publisher]

 

He L, Shen P, Fu Q, Li J, Dan M, Wang X, Jia W. Nephro-protective

effect of Kangqianling decoction on chronic renal failure rats. J

Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Dec 25. [Epub ahead of print] Nephropathy Dept,

ShuGuang Hospital, Shanghai Univ of TCM, Shanghai, China.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Kang Qian Ling decoction (KQL), the

modified formulation of a classical Chinese prescription named Tao

Hong Siwu Tang, was clinically employed to treat renal fibrosis in

chronic renal failure. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was

designed to examine whether KQL has a protective effect on renal

function in association with transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-

beta), angiotensin II (Ang II), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-

alpha), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) in rats with 5/6 renal

ablation (Nx)-induced chronic renal failure. RESULTS: In renal

function deterioration progression, the high expression of serum

creatinine (Scr), 24-h urine protein and systolic blood pressure were

markedly (P<0.05 or P<0.01) restored by KQL, respectively, at 4 and 8

weeks. The increasing expressions of renal Ang II (P<0.05),

angiotensin II1-receptor (AT1R) (P<0.05), TNF-alpha (P<0.05), NF-

kappaB (P<0.001) and urine TGF-beta1 (P<0.05) were reduced by the

treatment of KQL. Immunohistochemical study further confirmed the

nephro-protective activity of KQL as compared to the control and Sham

group. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that KQL is able to protect

renal function via ameliorating experimental rat renal failure as

found in these renal functional parameters. PMID: 19146937 [PubMed -

as supplied by publisher]

 

Isaykina NV, Perevozchicova TV, Kalinkina GI. Immunotropic activity

of plant extract echinosol. [Article in English, Russian] Bull Exp

Biol Med. 2008 Aug;146(2):223-5. Siberian State Medical Univ, Russian

Ministry of Health, Tomsk, Russia. nadezhda.isaykina The

formulation of medicinal herbal tea Echinosol was developed.

Immunotropic properties of aqueous-alcohol extract Echinosol were

studied. This extract (300 mg/kg) had a stimulatory effect on the

following parameters: formation of T cell precursors and production

of T cell effectors; migration of lymphocytes, monocytes and

neutrophils into the blood; digestive activity of neutrophils;

migration of monocytes and lymphocytes into the peritoneal exudate;

expression of C3b receptors on macrophages; phagocytic capacity of

cells due to the existence of C3b receptors; number of antibody-

producing cells in the spleen; and synthesis of immunoglobulins.

PMID: 19145323 [PubMed - in process]

 

Jabeen Q, Bashir S, Lyoussi B, Gilani AH. Coriander fruit exhibits

gut modulatory, blood pressure lowering and diuretic activities. J

Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Dec 25. [Epub ahead of print] Dept of Biological

and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan Univ Medical College, Karachi

74800, Pakistan; Dept of Pharmacy and Alternative Medicine, Islamia

Univ, Bahawalpur, Pakistan. ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Coriander

(Coriandrum sativum) is traditionally used for various

gastrointestinal and cardiovascular disorders. AIM OF THE STUDY: To

rationalize coriander use in dyspepsia, abdominal colic, diarrhea,

hypertension and as diuretic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Coriander crude

extract (Cs.Cr) was evaluated through in vitro and in vivo

techniques. RESULTS: Cs.Cr caused atropine sensitive stimulatory

effect in isolated guinea-pig ileum (0.1-10mg/ml). In rabbit jejunum

preparations, Cs.Cr evoked a similar contractile response but in the

presence of atropine, it exhibited relaxation against both

spontaneous and high K(+) (80mM)-induced contractions as well as

shifted the Ca(2+) concentration-response curves to right, similar to

that caused by verapamil. Cs.Cr (1-30mg/ml) caused fall in arterial

blood pressure of anesthetized animals, partially blocked by

atropine. Cs.Cr produced vasodilatation against phenylephrine and

K(+) (80mM)-induced contractions in rabbit aorta and cardio-

depressant effect in guinea-pig atria. Cs.Cr produced diuresis in

rats at 1-10mg/kg. Bio-assay-directed fractionation revealed the

separation of spasmogenic and spasmolytic components in the aqueous

and organic fractions respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results

indicate that coriander fruit exhibits gut stimulatory, inhibitory

and hypotensive effects mediating possibly through cholinergic,

Ca(2+) antagonist and the combination of these mechanisms

respectively. Diuretic activity adds value to its use in

hypertension. PMID: 19146935 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Jin HT, Shen Y, Xiao LW, Tong PJ. [study on the application of

Aconitum in clinical orthopedics] [Article in Chinese] Zhongguo Gu

Shang. 2008 Dec;21(12):943-5. Zhejiang Univ of TCM, Hangzhou 310053,

Zhejiang, China. Aconitum is important in clinical orthopedics. From

ancient times to the present day,there were many famous doctors who

used this herb to cure many diseases in orthopedics. However, the

toxicity always connect with its effect. This will limit its

application in clinics. So now the important thing is how to use this

herb correctly. This article will give some suggestions about how to

use aconitum in orthopedics and to make sure it can be used correctly

in future. It has four parts: application in orthopedics,

pharmacology, factors related to toxicity and the prospect of the use

of aconitum. PMID: 19146179 [PubMed - in process]

 

Joo SS, Won TJ, Nam SY, Kim YB, Lee YC, Park SY, Park HY, Hwang KW,

Lee DI. Therapeutic advantages of medicinal herbs fermented with

Lactobacillus plantarum, in topical application and its activities on

atopic dermatitis. Phytother Res. 2009 Jan 14. [Epub ahead of print]

Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National Univ,

361-763, Republic of Korea. The use of herbal medicines in the

therapeutic treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) has been suggested

recently. The present study examined whether selected herbal extracts

fermented in Lactobacillus plantarum (FHE) possessed anti-AD

properties. In addition, the study assessed the increased

bioavailability of these herbal extracts both in vitro and in vivo.

The data from these experiments revealed that FHE inhibited the

proliferation of splenic T and B cells in a dose-dependent manner,

when activated with their mitogens. Moreover, the expression of

Th1/Th2 mRNA cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13) from mouse

splenocytes was inhibited severely as was cyclosporine A.

Furthermore, the release of beta-hexosaminidase in RBL-2H3 mast cells

was suppressed significantly. FHE also reduced the plasma level of

IgE in dust mite extract-induced AD-like NC/Nga mice. More dramatic

results were found in the histological changes, which were observed

by hematoxylin-eosin and toluidine blue staining, as well as in the

macroscopic features on dorsal lesions of AD-like NC/Nga mice. In

conclusion, the results presented in this study suggest that FHE may

have therapeutic advantages for the treatment of AD due to its

increased immune-suppressive and increased absorptive effects, which

were fortified by L. plantarum fermentation. Copyright © 2009 John

Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID: 19145636 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

 

Lau TW, Chan YW, Lau CP, Lau KM, Lau CB, Fung KP, Leung PC, Ho YY. Rx

Astragali and Rx Rehmanniae, the principal components of two

antidiabetic foot ulcer herbal formulae, elicit viability-promoting

effects on primary fibroblasts cultured from diabetic foot ulcer

tissues. Phytother Res. 2009 Jan 15. [Epub ahead of print] Institute

of , Chinese Univ of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong

Kong, China. pingcleung Over 194 million people suffer

from diabetes worldwide. Improper control of diabetes may result in

diabetic foot ulcer or even amputation. Herbal medicine provides a

means for treating diabetic foot ulcers for a large population in

developing countries. The wound healing-enhancing activities of the

principal herbs, Rx Astragali (RA) and Rx Rehmanniae (RR) in two

clinically efficacious Chinese herbal formulae were studied in

primary fibroblasts from diabetic foot ulcer patients. The 3-(4,5-

dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay showed

that RA and RR significantly enhanced the viability of fibroblasts

isolated from foot ulcers of diabetic patients, even from those with

no response to insulin treatment. The results in this study indicate

that fibroblast viability enhancement effects of RA and RR likely

underlie the healing effects of F1 and F2 in diabetic foot ulcers.

Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID: 19148881 [PubMed -

as supplied by publisher]

 

Lau TW, Sahota DS, Lau CH, Chan CM, Lam FC, Ho YY, Fung KP, Lau CBS &

Leung PC. An in vivo Investigation on the Wound-Healing Effect of Two

Medicinal Herbs Using an Animal Model with Foot Ulcer: Eur Surg Res

2008;41:15-23 (DOI: 10.1159/000122834) Background/Aim: Over 190

million people in the world suffer from diabetes mellitus. Diabetics

are 25 times more likely to have a leg amputated because of unhealing

foot ulcers. Herbal medicine has been used in China to salvage the

ulcerated limb. With the aim to study the efficacy of two commonly

used herbs for ulcer healing, namely Rx Astragali and Rx Rehmanniae,

a good animal model needs to be developed for a proper in vivo

investigation. Methods: Firstly, a diabetic animal model was

established by streptozotocin injection. Then standard wounds were

created on the feet of the diabetic rats. Digital photographs were

taken and analyzed by a novel image analysis software. Results: The

average ulcer area in the Rx Rehmanniae treatment group was 11.45

mm2, which was significantly smaller than the 15.12 mm2 in the water

treatment group (p = 0.04). Rx Astragali, on the other hand, was

found to have no significant effect on ulcer shrinkage. Conclusion:

Further investigation is needed for the identification of the active

principles of Rx Rehmanniae. S. Karger AG, Basel.

Author Contacts: Prof. Ping-Chung Leung Director, Institute of

, Chinese Univ of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT Hong Kong,

SAR (China) Tel. +852 2252 8868, Fax +852 2632 5441

 

Oliveira DR, Sanada PF, Saragossa FA, Innocenti LR, Oler G, Cerutti

JM, Cerutti SM. Neuromodulatory property of standardized extract

Ginkgo biloba L. (EGb 761) on memory: Behavioral and molecular

evidence. Brain Res. 2008 Dec 29. [Epub ahead of print] Dept of

Biological Science, Federal Univ of Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil; Laboratory

of Neural Plasticity and Phytotherapy, Univ of Sao Francisco,

Bragança Paulista, SP, Brazil; Genetic Bases of Thyroid Tumor

Laboratory, Division of Genetics, Dept of Morphology, Federal Univ of

Sao Paulo, Brazil. Although it has been suggested that the

standardized Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (Egb 761) may have a

beneficial effect on memory, the cellular and molecular changes that

underlie this process are not yet well defined. The present study

evaluated the effects of acute (one dose) or subacute treatments (one

daily dose/seven days) with EGb 761 (0.5 g kg(-1) and 1.0 g kg(-1))

on rats submitted to a conditioned emotional response (CER) in

comparison with positive (4 mg kg(-1) Diazepam) and negative

(12%Tween 80) control groups. To this end, eighty (n=10/group) adult,

male, Wistar rats (+/-250-300 g) were used in an off-baseline CER

procedure. We here observed that the rats submitted to an acute and

subacute EGb 761 treatments had acquisition of fear conditioning.

Additionally, we investigate if the expression of genes previously

associated with classical conditioning (CREB-1 and GAP-43) and new

candidate genes (GFAP) are modulated following EGb 761 acute

treatment. CREB-1, GAP-43 and GFAP mRNA and protein expressions were

evaluated using both quantitative PCR (qPCR) and immunohistochemical

analysis, respectively. We here show, for the first time, that EGb

761 modulated GAP-43, CREB-1 and GFAP expression in the prefrontal

cortex, amygdala and hippocampus. We observed an underexpression of

GAP-43 in all structures evaluated and over-expression of GFAP in the

amygdala and hippocampus following acute G. biloba treatment when

compared to control group (Tween; p<0.01). GAP-43 expression was

decreased in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus in the subacute

treatment with EGb 761. Subacute treatment with EGb 761 lead to a

decreased CREB-1 in mPFC (p<0.001) and increased in the hippocampus

to 1.0 g kg(-1)G. biloba group (p<0.001). The results obtained from

immunohistochemical analysis support our aforementioned findings and

revealed that the changes in expression occurred within specific

regions in the areas evaluated. All together, our findings not only

provide new evidence for a role of EGb 761 on memory but also

identify molecular changes that underlie the fear memory

consolidation. PMID: 19146837 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Roschek B Jr, Fink RC, McMichael M, Alberte RS. Nettle extract

(Urtica dioica) affects key receptors and enzymes associated with

allergic rhinitis. Phytother Res. 2009 Jan 12. [Epub ahead of print]

HerbalScience Group LLC, 1004 Collier Center Way, Suite 200, Naples,

FL 34110, USA. A nettle (Urtica dioica) extract shows in vitro

inhibition of several key inflammatory events that cause the symptoms

of seasonal allergies. These include the antagonist and negative

agonist activity against the Histamine-1 (H(1)) receptor and the

inhibition of mast cell tryptase preventing degranulation and release

of a host of pro-inflammatory mediators that cause the symptoms of

hay fevers. The nettle extract also inhibits prostaglandin formation

through inhibition of Cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1), Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-

2), and Hematopoietic Prostaglandin D(2) synthase (HPGDS), central

enzymes in pro-inflammatory pathways. The IC(50) value for histamine

receptor antagonist activity was 251 (+/-13) microg mL(-1) and for

the histamine receptor negative agonist activity was 193 (+/-71)

microg mL(-1). The IC(50) values for inhibition of mast cell tryptase

was 172 (+/-28) microg mL(-1), for COX-1 was 160 (+/-47) microg mL(-

1), for COX-2 was 275 (+/-9) microg mL(-1), and for HPGDS was 295 (+/-

51) microg mL(-1). Through the use of DART TOF-MS, which yields exact

masses and relative abundances of compounds present in complex

mixtures, bioactives have been identified in nettle that contribute

to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory pathways related to allergic

rhinitis. These results provide for the first time, a mechanistic

understanding of the role of nettle extracts in reducing allergic and

other inflammatory responses in vitro. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley

& Sons, Ltd. PMID: 19140159 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

Tabuchi M, Yamaguchi T, Iizuka S, Imamura S, Ikarashi Y, Kase Y.

Ameliorative effects of yokukansan, a traditional Japanese medicine,

on learning and non-cognitive disturbances in the Tg2576 mouse model

of Alzheimer's disease. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Dec 25. [Epub ahead of

print] Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura & Co., 3586 Yoshiwara,

Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki 300-1192, Japan. AIM OF THIS STUDY:

Aim of the present study is to clarify the effects of yokukansan (TJ-

54; Yi Gan San in Chinese) on learning and non-cognitive disturbances

in the Tg2576 mouse expressing the human form of the APP695SWE (APP-

Tg mice), which is considered to be an animal model of Alzheimer's

disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Powdered diets containing 0.5 and

1.0% TJ-54 were given to the mice for 10 months (from 5 to 15 months

old). The Morris water-maze test, elevated plus-maze test, and open-

field test were performed for evaluation of learning and non-

cognitive disturbances. RESULTS: Treatment with 1.0% TJ-54 for 5

months shortened the time it took for APP-Tg positive (+) mice to

reach the platform in the Morris water-maze test. In the elevated

plus-maze test, treatment with 1.0% TJ-54 for 2 months significantly

reduced the increased number of entries and the time spent in open

arms observed in APP-Tg(+) mice. In an open-field test, treatment of

1.0% TJ-54 for 9 months significantly suppressed the increase in

locomotion observed in APP-Tg(+) mice. CONCLUSION: These results

suggest the possibility that TJ-54 ameliorates learning deficits and

non-cognitive defects including a decrease in the anxiety (or

disinhibition) and an increase in locomotor activity (hyperactivity)

observed in APP-Tg(+) mice. PMID: 19146938 [PubMed - as supplied by

publisher]

 

Yadav H, Yadav M, Jain S, Bhardwaj A, Singh V, Parkash O, Marotta F.

Antimicrobial property of a herbal preparation containing Dalbergia

sissoo and Datura tramonium with cow urine against pathogenic

bacteria. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2008 Oct-Dec;21(4):1013-20.

Subhash Chandra Bose College of Professional Studies, Gwalior, India.

In this study, a herbal preparation containing Dalbergia sissoo and

Datura stramoium with cow urine (DSDS), was evaluated for its

antibacterial potential against pathogenic strains of grampositive

(Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae) and gram-

negative (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella

pneumoniae) bacteria. Antibacterial activity was compared to standard

antibiotic drugs i.e. Chloramphenicol (30 mcg), Ampicillin (10 mcg),

Nalidixic acid (10 mcg) and Rifampicin (30 mcg). Cow urine extract

was found to be most active against both gram-positive as well as

gram-negative bacteria. Clinical isolate of S. aureus showed higher

sensitivity towards cow urine extract of DSDS than standard strains,

and inhibited growth on most regulatory levels such as inhibition of

protein, DNA, RNA and peptidoglycan synthesis. The results of the

present study shows that the cow urine extract of DSDS may be used as

a potent antiseptic preparation for prevention and treatment of

chronic bacterial infections. PMID: 19144288 [PubMed - in process]

 

Zhuang SR, Chen SL, Tsai JH, Huang CC, Wu TC, Liu WS, Tseng HC, Lee

HS, Huang MC, Shane GT, Yang CH, Shen YC, Yan YY, Wang CK. Effect of

citronellol and the Chinese medical herb complex on cellular immunity

of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy/radiotherapy. Phytother

Res. 2009 Jan 14. [Epub ahead of print] Graduate Institute of

Nutritional Science, College of Health Care and Management, Chung

Shan Medical Univ, 110, Sec. 1, Chien-Kuo North Rd., Taichung, 40201,

Taiwan. Leukopenia and immunity impairment usually occur during

cancer therapy. Citronellol, an oil soluble compound derived from the

geranium, has anticancer and antiinflammatory properties, as well as

promoting wound healing. Ganoderma lucidum, Codonopsis pilosula and

Angelicae sinensis are TCM herbs, all of which have proven

immunomodulatory functions in laboratory-based research. This

randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study examined whether

the Chinese medicinal herb complex (CCMH; a mixture of citronellol

and extracts of G. lucidum, C. pilosula and A. sinensis) improves the

immune cell counts of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and/or

radiotherapy. A total of 105 cancer patients receiving chemotherapy

or radiotherapy were enrolled. The quantities of immune cells in the

blood of the subjects were determined before and after 6 weeks of

cancer treatment, with either CCMH or a placebo. CCMH significantly

reduced the depletion of leukocytes (14.2% compared with 28.2%) and

neutrophils (11.0% compared with 29.1%). Analysis of the lymphocyte

phenotype revealed that the patients receiving the placebo had

reduced CD4 lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells than the CCMH-

treated patients. Treatment with CCMH for patients receiving

chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may improve their immune function,

improving their ability to fight off the cancer, as well as any

secondary infections that could compromise their treatment and their

health. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. PMID: 19145638

[PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

 

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