Flu)ex

Common Cold / Flu

The combination of herbs in the Mulberry Leaf & Chrysanthemum Formula effectively address the signs and symptoms associated with the common cold and early stage influenza. The strong antiviral, antipyretic, antibiotic and expectorant actions alleviate the condition within the first few hours of treatment .

Herbamentha and Fructus Arctium lappa clear the head, eyes and benefit the throat. Schizonepeta and Forsythia have powerful antibiotic and antipyretic actions. Chrysanthemum alleviates headaches and fever. Platycodon grandiflorum has both expectorant and antitussive actions. Herbamentha also alleviates sore throat while Magnolia liliflora assists in clearing nasal mucus and congestion.

Schizonepetatenuifolia has been proven to inhibit the Influenza virus . In vitro Schizonepeta has shown a strong activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Corynebacterium diptheriae and was active to some extent against Bacillus anthracid, beta streptococcus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It has antipyretic actions.

Common Cold

“Jing Fang Baidu Powder” (Herba Schizonepetae, Radix Ledebouriellae, Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii, Radix Angelica Pubescentis, Radix Bupleuri, Radix Peucedani, Rhizoma Chuanxiong, Radix Platycodi, Fructus Aurantii, Herba Menthae, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Rhizoma Zingtheris Recens), “Yin Qiao San” (Lonicera-Forsythia Powder), the “Jing Fang Hajji” (Schizonepeta-Ledebouriella Mixture), or the “Biaolishuangjie Tang” (Diaphoretic-Purgative Decoction) was used in the treatment of influenza. The symptoms abated in 1-2 days in most cases and a cure was achieved in 4-6 days (Wen et al., 1998).

Forsythia suspensa

Forsythia suspensa is a broad spectrum antibiotic inhibiting many gram negative and gram positive bacteria. F.suspensa has exhibited the actions of promoting formation of specific antibodies increasing the phagocytic function of inflammatory cells and antagonism of histamine induced inflammation. It also has antipyretic actions.

Effect of Baicalin and Forsythiaside on the Excretion of IFN-a and IFN-g in Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells

LIN Hong, HU Ge, YI Peng-fei, JIANG Xiao-lin, MU Xiang. Zhong Guo Xu Mu Shou Yi. 2009; (6): 30-34.

To study the effect of baicalin and forsythiaside to induce rat pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells to ex-press IFN-a and IFN-g, the model was based on cultured PMVECs in vitro. With the method of ELISA, we detected the secretory volume of IFN-a and IFN-7 after PMVECs was induced by baicalin and forsythiaside at different concentration and time. The results indicated that PMVECs produced the most IFN-a and IFN-g after induced 24 h by baicalin at 10 mg/mL, while forsythiaside was 20 mg/mL at 12 h and 5 mg/mL at 24 h, respectively. The result provided references for screening Chinese herbal medicinal constituents that could induce PMVECs to express IFN, and laid the foundation to further study the anti-virus mechanism of medicinal constituents.

Morus Alba

Morus Alba alleviates coughing and has additional antibacterial effects.

Common Cold

Morus-Chrysanthemum Cold Pill is useful in the early stage of the common cold with symptoms of cough, mild fever, headache, and nasal congestion, and also useful in the early stage of measles.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

The concentrate of Folium Mori Alba, Rhizoma Phragmatis, Gypsum Fibrosum Crudae, Folium Isatidis, Rhizoma Imperatae, Radix Glycyrrhizae) was used with good effects in 40 children suffering from upper respiratory tract infections with symptoms of acute fever and cough; 22 of these cases were given the decoction alone.

Whooping Cough

Folium Mori, Semen Armeniacae Amarum, Radix Adenophorae, Bulbuls Fritillaria, Semen Soya Praeparatum, Cortex Gardeniae, and Pericarpium Pyre was used to treat 72 cases of whooping cough. Improvement of different extents was achieved in 69 cases after one dose; the cough was completely relieved in 24 cases after 3 doses (Wen et al., 1998).

Chrysanthemum sinensis

Chrysanthemum has antipyretic actions and alleviates fever, headaches and disperses and removes toxins.

Upper Respiratory tract infection

Intramuscular injection of a preparation of the distillate of the fresh C.morifolium plant from Hangzhou, which chiefly contains the volatile oil (with a substance called chamzulene) 4 or 8mg/2ml, had definite therapeutic and prophylactic value: the aggregate effective rate achieved in patients with upper respiratory tract infection, tonsillitis, acute bronchitis and acute viral hepatitis was around 80% (Wen et al., 1998).

Platycodon Grandiflorum

Platycodon Grandiflorum has both expectorant and antitussive actions, it circulates the lung energy and resolves phlegm and coughing, it also has known antihistamine actions . P grandiflorum has a marked expectorant action and increases mucous secretion in the respiratory tract diluting the sputum for easy expectoration. It is widely used in the treatment of common cold, cough and upper respiratory tract infections including bronchitis and pneumonia.

Expectorant and Antitussive Effects

Administration of the Platycodon grandiflorum decoction 1g/kg PO to anesthetized dogs markedly increased mucous secretion in the respiratory tract; its potency resembled that of ammonium chloride. Likewise, a marked expectorant effect was demonstrated in anesthetized cats.

It was reported that Platycodon grandiflorum was a more potent expectorant than the root of Polygala tenuifolia but weaker than that of Polygala senega L. However, the result of the phenol red test in mice showed that platycodin was weaker than the root of Polygala tenuifolia. The oral doses of Platycodon grandiflorum irritated the pharyngeal and gastric mucosae, reflexedly increasing mucous secretion in the respiratory tract and diluting the sputum for easy expectoration. The crude preparation of Platycodon grandiflorum had an antitussive effect, its ED50 in guinea pigs was determined to be 6.4 mg/kg IP.

Respiratory Tract Inflammation

Two cases of lung abscess were reported to have been effectively treated with Radix Platycodi White Powder (composed of P. grandiflorum, Fructus Crotonis, and Bulbus FritillariaeCirrhosae). Radix Platycodi Decoction (composed of P. grandiflorum and Radix Glycyrrhizae) was also useful in lung abscess and lobar pneumonia. P. grandiflorum is often combined with other antitussives and expectorants in compound formulae and widely used in the treatment of common cold, cough, upper respiratory tract infection, bronchitis, and pneumonia.

Pharyngitis, Gingivitis

The P. grandiflorum decoction can be administered orally to treat pharyngitis. The powder prepared from P. grandiflorum and the kernel of Lachryma-jobi may be used to treat dental caries and gingivitis (Wen et al., 1998).

Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Glycyrrhiza has further expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties. The herb''s antiinflammatory action resembles that of butazone or hydrocortisone.

Interventional Effect of Glycyrrhizin on Hydroxyproline, Hyaluronic Acid, and Laminin in Pulmonary Fibrosis Model Rats

LV Xiao-hua, WU Tie, QIN Dong-yun. Zhong Guo Yao Fang. 2008; 19(25): 1954-1955.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of glycyrrhizin on hydroxyproline (HYP), hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN) in pulmonary fibrosis model rats. METHODS: A total of 80 SD rats were randomly divided into normal control group, model group, hormone group (prednisone 0.6 mg ·kg·d^-1), and glycyrrhizin group (10 g ·kg·d^-1) . The latter 3 groups were established into pulmonary fibrosis model with bleomycin, and on the second day after modelling, each group was given corresponding test drugs (the normal group and model group were treated with same amount of normal saline) then the changes of the levels of HYP in lung tissues, and serum levels of HA and LN in every group were observed at 7 and 28 days respectively. RESULTS: In glycyrrhizin group compared with model group, the contents of HYP in lung tissue, HA and LN in serum decreased significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Glycyrrhizin has been proved to be of curative effect on pulmonary fibrosis.

Effect of Glycyrrhizin on Nitric Oxide and Nitric Oxide Synthase in Mice Model of Pronchial Asthma

LV Xiao-hua, WU Tie, QIN Dong-yun. Shi Zhen Guo Yi Guo Yao. 2009; 20(1): 40-41.

Objective To observe the effects of glycyrrhizin on nitric oxide and nitric oxide synthase in a mice model of bronchial asthma and to explore the mechanism of glycyrrhizin for treating asthma. Methods The mice model of bronchial asthma was established. The changes of the content of NO and the activity of NOS in every group were observed in serum. Results The content of NO and the activity NOS in model group were increased as compared with normal group (P<0.01) and markedly decreased in glycyrrhizin group as compared with model group(P<0.05). Conclusion Glyeyrrhizin can decrease the activity of NO and the content of NOS in serum and exert preventive and therapeutic effect for asthma.

Mentha Haplocalyx relieves headaches, sore throats and fevers. It has inhibitory effects against Staphyloccocus aureus, Staphylococcus albus, Neisseria enteritidis, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans.

Magnolia liliflora

Magnolia liliflora acts upon the nasal mucosa and decreases nasal secretions.

Experimental study about the effeet of the volatile oil of magnolia biondh pamp (vombp) on eosinophile, granuloeyte in asthmatic guinea pigs

LI Yin-chao, ZHAO Yi-kong, XIE Jing-Li, Shen Yinjun, Chen Shiwei, Li Chenghai. Xian Dai Yu Fang Yi Xue. 2006; 33(8): 1338-1341.

Objective: To explore the effect of the Volatile Oil of Magnolia biondii pamp (VOMbP) on airway inflammation in asthmatic guinea pigs. Methods: 30 qualified male guinea pigs were selected, (body weight 180 ± 20 g) and randomly divided into normal control group (group A), model group (group B), positive control group (group C), high dosage of VOMbP group (group D) and low dosage of VOMbP group (group E). Guinea pigs were allergized and stimulated in order to lead to asthma by means of NS (not antigen), model were established in other groups by im OVA, and ip Pertussis vaccine was used to allergize and stimulate guinea pigs. while allergizing and stimulating lead to asthma, incubative stage was recored. Asthmatic guinea pigs were administrated by ig 2 days after sensitization, once a day, for 14 days. Animals were killed 24 h after timulating, the index was detected, image analysis were carried out. Results: (1)After first sthnulation, the incubation period of group D (76.83 ± 14.97) was prolonged compared with group B (43.50 ± 7.28), with a significant difference (P<0.01) ; After second challenge, the incubation period of group D (68.80 ± 31.63) and group E (56.00 ± 23.02) tended to be prolonged compared with group B (49.00 ± 10.34), but without significant difference (P>0.05), (2)The Eos ratio of group D (9.77±7.46)%and group E in BALF (10.67±8.10)% tended to decrease comparing with group B (15.00 ± 3.00)%, but without significant difference (P)0.05). Protein level in BALF [(0.15 ± 0.07) ×10^9/L] and the blood count [(0.17 ± 0.02) × 10^9/L] of group D are tended to decrease comparing with group B, without significant difference (P>0.05). (3) The detection result of pathology and image analysis: The Eos count in mucous membrane and lumen of bronchiole of group D (26.75 ± 5.33) and group E (50.38 ± 15.18) have significant difference (P<0.01, <0.05) comparing with group B (79.63 ± 16.65). The infiltration of inflammatory cell in bronchial lumen (IOD) of group D (4.15 ± 3.65) and group E (4.27±4.09) tended to decrease compared with group B, but without significant difference (P) 0.05). Conclusion: OMbP can obviously reduce the cell count of EOS in experimental asthma airway, and alleviate the airway inflammatory reaction in asthma.

Effects of flos magnoliae on substance P in nasal mucosa of guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis

JI Xiao-bin, XIE Jing-hua, DU Hong, Zang Linquan, Li Wen, Xie Jun, Wang Lei. Guang Dong Yi Xue. 2007; 28(6): 860-863.

Objective To investigate the effects of flos magnoliae on substance P in the nasal mucosa of guinea pig models with allergic rhinitis. Methods Eight animals treated with olive oil were used as blank controls (control group 1). The other 16 guinea pigs with allergic rhinitis were treated with 10% Toluene 2, 4-diisocyanate. Among 16 animals in the theatment group, 8 were treated with saline( control group 2), the other 8 animals were treated with flos magnoliae (Flos magnoliae treating group). After model was successfully established, the nasal mucosa were obtained from the 3 groups. Distribution and changes of substance P in nasal mucosa were observed by Immunohistochemical staining. Results Results showed that (1) Control group 1: Substance P was present in the nomal nasal mucosal epithelial cells, epithelium cells of blood vessels, glandular cells and its ducts. Control group 2: The substance P staining density in the same nasal mucosa area increased. Immunocytes such as eosinophils, neutrophils, mast cells, plasmocytes and other cells were also substance P-positive. Flos magnoliae-treated group: The substance P staining density decreased. (2) The number of substance P-positive, cells of control group 1 were significantly less than that of the control group 2, which showed that the substance P-positive cells of nasal mucosa increased on allergic nasal inflammation. The number of substance P-positive cells of flos magnoliae-treated group was significantly less than that of the control group 2, which showed that after treatment with flos magnoliae, the number of substance P-positive cells significantly decreased. The number of substance P-positive cells of flos magnoliae-treated group was similar to that of the control group 1, which showed that after treatment with flos magnoliae, the number of substance P-positive, cells can resume normal. Conclusion Flos magnoliae can inhibit substance P in the nasal mucosa with allergic rhinitis, and can treat allergic rhinitis.

Studies on the effects of VOMbP on allergic rhinitis in guinea-pig

XiongTianqin, Qin Xuhua, Shen Yinjun. Zhong Yao Yao Li Yu Lin Chuang. 2006; 22(2): 24-26.

Objective: To determine the effects of VOMbP on allergic rhinitis(AR) in guinea-pig. Methods: AR was induced in guinea-pigs with TDI. The changes in symptoms, morphological features of nasal mucosa under light microscopy and CD106,CD54 expression in nasal mucosa and IL-4 in serum were observed. Result: VOMbP inhibited the increase in nasal symptoms such as sneezing, sniveling and nasal rubbing. And other typical manifestation of AR including nasal mucosal thickness and increased eosinophil number in nasal mucosa were significantly inhibitid in VOMbP group. Immunohistochemistry study revealed that CD54 in the nasal mucosa showed a marked decrease after VOMbP application, And IL-4 decreased too. Conclusion: The effects of VOMbP were as follows: (1)inhibiting the increase in nasal allergic symptoms; (2)relieving the degree of the nasal mucosal engorgement and edema, (3)reducing the increased number and infiltration of eosinophil. One of the mechanisms of VOMbP at AR was restraining the expression of CD54 in nasal mucosal endothelial cell.

Pueraria lobata

Pueraria lobata has significant antipyretic actions and is effective in cases of high fevers associated with common cold, influenza and upper respiratory tract infections.

Clinical Research of Pueraria Total Flavonoids in The Treatment of Pharyngeal Mucous Membrane Lesion Induced by Low Estrogen

DUAN Xiao-dong, JIN Hong-lin, Xin YU Hua, Zhu Lixin. Hei Long Jiang Yi Xue. 2009; (5): 333-334.

Objective to investigate the clinical application of pueraria total oflavone on pharyngeal mucous membrane lesion induced by low estrogen. Methods We selected 150 menopause women who had been menelipsis for more than 1 year. Their history and clinical examination corresponded dry and atrophic pharyngitis, without gynecology tumor or cerebral tumor, diabetes, hyperthyreosis, liver or kidney disease. We gave them purearia isoflavone, 2 tablets, 3 times/ day. The duration was 30 days. During these days, they stopped other treatment. And we compared them between before and after treatment. Results Purearia total oflavone could recover estrogen level of menopause women, compared with before this treatment. Conclusion Purearia total oflavone has excellent therapeutic effect on dry and atrophy of pharyngeal mucous membrane induced by low estrogen.

Mentha arvensis (bo he, mint)

Common Cold

Compound formulae containing M. Haplocalycis are widely used drugs for common cold.

Sore Throat

More than 100 cases of sore throat were cured with M. Haplocalycis in compound formula or alone. One to three doses usually cured the disease.

Acute Mastitis

A filtrate including M. Haplocalycis applied with a towel as a hot compress over the disease site in the morning and evening achieved good therapeutic results (Wen et al., 1998).

Phragmites communis (lu gen, reed rhizome)

Effects on respiratory system

Animal experiments proved that asparagines had quite strong anti-tussive effect.

Acute bronchitis

lu gen, bai mao gen, si gua gen, 60g each, water decoction, taken in three times. The method could be used to treat acute bronchitis.

Pulmonary abscess

lu gen, jin yin hua, 30g each; dong guizi 12g; xing ren 9g, yiyi ren 15g, jiegeng 9g, water decoction. The method had quite good effect on pulmonary abscess (Wen et al., 1998).

Lonicera japonica (jin yin hua, honeysuckle)

Effects of Honeysuckle Soup on Cerebral Stroke with Pneumonia

ZHANG Ai-lian, KONG Xiang-liang. Zhong Hua Quan Ke Yi Xue. 2008; 6(10): 1089-1090.

Objective To investigate the effects of the honeysuckle soup on cerebral stroke with pneumonia. Methods 116 cases were divided into two groups. The treatment group(n = 58) was given the honeysuckle soup and the routine care, whereas the control group( n = 58) only the routine care. The care results of the two groups were compared. Results The total effective rate of the treat group(93.10%) was obviously higher than that of the control group(63.42%). There was statistical difference between the two groups (P<0.01). Conclusions The honeysuckle soup has safe and reliable effects on stroke patients with pneumonia.

Antiviral activities of iridoids isolated from Lonicera japonica Thunb.

MA Shuang-cheng, LIU Yan, Paul BUT Pui -Hay, YANG Ying, Vincent OOI Eng-Chun, Spencer Hon-Sun LEE, Song-Fong LEE, LU Jing, LIN Rui –Chao. Yao Wu Fen Xi Za Zhi. 2006; 26(8): 1039-1042.

Objective: To search for the antiviral components from the flowers of Lonicera japonica Thunb. and determine the contents of iridoids in FlosLoniceraeJaponicae. Methods: To isolate components with different chromatographic method and test the antiviral activities in CPE methods. The contents were determined by RP-HPLC method. The separation was carried out on a HiQ Sil C18(250 mm ×4.6 mm, 5 mm) at room temperature with mobile phase of acetonitrile and water( 15: 85). The detection wavelength was set at 240 nm. The flow rate w, s 1.0 mL · min ^-1. The injected volume was 10 mL. Results: 10 iridoids were isolated from FlosLoniceraeJaponicae. These iridoids showed moderate antivial activities against respiratory viral infections. The contents of 4 iridoids were determined by RP-HPLC. Condusion: The iridoids are effective components and the method is simple and accurate.

References

Wen Weiliang, Fang Shuting, Li Chunsheng, Gao Xiaoshan, Hu Shilin, Chen Fuxin, Zhao Ronglai, Wang Junxuan, Shi Zaixiang, Su Chenlian, Lin Lan, Ye Yisen, Hu Jin, Yu Yingqi, Yu Zhenxuan, Yao Baosen, Wu Jin, Zhang Shuliang, Hou Rongxian, Kou Qiu’ai. Clinical Chinese materia medica, Henan Science & Technology Press, 1998