Undeniable Results Team,
Below you will find just a few of the millions of
articles supporting these supplements that are found in the Isagenesis Product “B”. I
highlighted and under lined the name of the supplements found in the Product “B”.
Read the benefits also, highlighted about how they help reverse, eradicate, and
replenish many the body because of health issues. When the following
ingredients are combined correctly as with Isagenix Product “B” the effect is multiplied.
Ashwagandha may be useful in treating osteoarthritis
because it may protect cartilage from damage and inflammation, according to
About.com. Studies suggest that ashwagandha may be effective for treating
anxiety and depression, as of 2015. Because ashwagandha may improve insulin sensitivity and regulate blood
sugar levels, it is often used to treat type 2 diabetes. Studies suggest that
ashwagandha may also slow cancer cell growth in the lungs, breasts and colon.
Ashwagandha is often used to boost the immune
system following an illness, according to About.com. It may also increase
energy, while also reducing stress levels. Ashwagandha may be utilized to
increase sexual arousal and treat fertility problems, according to WebMD.
Research on ashwagandha is still ongoing, as
of 2015. It is safe, however pregnant women should always consult with their
doctor before using. Ashwagandha may also increase the potency of barbiturate
drugs.
TERMINALIA
CHEBULA FRUIT
Health Benefits of Terminalia Chebula Fruit
Terminalia
chebula is called the "king of medicines" in Tibet and is one of the
prime Ayurvedic herbs from India because of its extraordinary healing powers.
It is the dried fruit from the Terminalia chebula tree, also referred to as
Haritaki.
Terminalia Chebula for
Digestive Health Issues
This fruit is best known for its health
benefits within the digestive system. Traditionally, it is found in natural
colon cleansers (such as Jon Barron’s Colon Corrective formula) and used to address constipation, digestive
disorders, irregular fevers, flatulence, ulcers, vomiting, colic, and
hemorrhoids. It may also help with other gastrointestinal ailments such as tumors,
ascites (abdominal swelling), piles, enlargement of the liver or spleen, worms,
colitis, and food poisoning.
Terminalia Chebula for
Daily Health & Vitamins
In addition to its digestive benefits, the
fruit is also a good source of vitamin C and the minerals selenium, potassium,
manganese, iron and copper. Terminalia chebula fruit is also considered to have
antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. At the same time, it is known
to promote tissue growth and health.
Terminalia Chebula
Antioxidant Benefits
Modern research has found that Terminalia has
a strong effect against the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and exhibits strong
cardio tonic properties. It also has antioxidant components, which indicates it
can increase the life of tissues. Another study shows the anti-tumor activity
of Terminalia, and yet another study shows that it has considerable effect in
inhibiting the HIV virus that ultimately results in AIDS.
More Natural Health
Benefits of Terminalia Chebula
While the key benefits of this herb are
typically found in herbal formulas, the fruit offers additional health benefits
when used in other ways as well. For instance, a topical paste containing the
herb can be used to provide relief to the eyelids in cases of conjunctivitis. A
paste of the fruit is also used to help clean wounds and ulcers and to speed up
the healing process. In astringent form, it may be helpful with dental issues
such as loose or bleeding gums.
Additionally, Terminalia chebula fruit has
been credited with these health benefits:
·
improves memory
·
helps with urinary
stones.
·
improves appetite
·
helps in digestion
·
helps nervous
irritability
·
in combination with
Emblica officinalis (AKA Indian gooseberry or alma), may help lower cholesterol
and prevent the death of heart tissue
How to Take Terminalia
Chebula Fruit
You’ll find this herb in a variety of forms
from powder, capsules, and tablets to actual dried fruit. It’s most commonly
found in Ayurvedic shops, however, is also available online. While no negative
side effects are typically associated with this herb, it is not recommended for
pregnant women.
The
Benefits of the Herb Coptis Chinensis
Updated May 20, 2018
Coptis
chinensis is an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. Sometimes referred to
as huang lian or goldthread, extracts of the herb's roots are available in
dietary supplement form. Often used to treat gastrointestinal problems, Coptis
chinensis is also said to protect against some forms of cancer.
Coptis chinensis contains several compounds
thought to enhance health, including berberine (a chemical found to possess
antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties).
Uses
In
alternative medicine, Coptis chinensis is said to aid in the treatment of the
following health conditions:
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea
- Ear infections
- Heart disease
- High blood
pressure
- High cholesterol
- Psoriasis
- Respiratory infections
In addition, Coptis chinensis is
purported to prevent cancer and protect against liver disease.
Benefits
In
preliminary research on animals and human cells, scientists have found that
Coptis chinensis may offer a variety of health benefits. Although there's
currently a lack of clinical trials testing Coptis chinensis and its health
effects, studies suggest that the herb shows promise in certain areas:
1)
Diabetes
Several
animal-based studies indicate that Coptis chinensis may have anti-diabetic
effects. In a 2011 study from the American Journal of Chinese Medicine,
for instance, tests on rats demonstrated that Coptis chinensis may help protect
against diabetes, in part by improving insulin resistance.
2)
Heart Disease
Coptis
chinensis may be effective against heart disease, according to a study published
in Plant Foods for Human Nutrition in 2006. In an experiment
on rats, the study's authors determined that Coptis chinensis may help prevent
or manage heart disease by lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
3) Cancer
There's some evidence that Coptis
chinensis may possess anti-cancer properties. In a 2005 study published
in Carcinogenesis, for example, tests on human cells revealed that Coptis
chinensis may help combat breast cancer by inducing apoptosis (a type
of programmed cell death essential for stopping the proliferation of cancer
cells).
Additionally, a cell-based study
published in the International Journal of Molecular Medicine in
2009 found that the pro-apoptotic effects of Coptis chinensis may boost the
body's defense against liver cancer.
Alternatives
For help
in fending off diabetes and heart disease, there are many natural remedies that
may offer some benefits. These remedies include such herbs as cinnamon and
fenugreek, as well as anthocyanins (a class of antioxidant compounds found
naturally in acai, bilberry, chokeberry, elderberry, tart cherries, and other fruits and vegetables).
INDIAN FRANKINCENSE
OTHER NAME(S):
Arbre à Encens, Arbre à Oliban Indien, Boswella, Boswellia...
Overview Information
Indian frankincense is a tree that is native to India and
Arabia. It is commonly used in the traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda.
Olibanum is another word for frankincense.
It refers to a resin or "sap" that seeps from openings in the bark of
several Boswellia species, including Boswellia serrata,
Boswellia carterii, and Boswellia frereana. Of these, Boswellia serrata is most
commonly used for medicine.
Indian frankincense is
used for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid
arthritis, joint pain(rheumatism), bursitis, and tendonitis. Other uses
include ulcerative
colitis, abdominal pain, asthma, hay fever, sore throat, syphilis, painful
menstruation, pimples, and cancer. Indian
frankincense is also used as a stimulant, to increase urine flow, and for
stimulating menstrual flow.
Review Article
A Review of the Pharmacological Effects of the Dried Root of Polygonum
cuspidatum (Hu Zhang) and Its Constituents
1Department of Applied
Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong
Kong, China
2Food Safety and Technology Research Centre, Department of Applied
Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong
Kong, China
3Industrial Liaison Office, Technological and Higher Education
Institute of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
4Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau,
China
5State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular
Pharmacology, Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong
Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
Received 22 May 2013; Revised 10 August
2013; Accepted 17 August 2013
Academic Editor: Nobuo Yamaguchi
Copyright © 2013 Huan Zhang et al. This
is an open access article distributed under the Creative
Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is
properly cited.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used
in China for thousands of years to treat and prevent diseases. TCM has been
proven safe and effective, and it is being considered as one of the important
types of complementary and alternative medicine and receives increasing
attention worldwide. The dried root of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc.
(also known as “Hu Zhang” in Chinese) is one of the medicinal herbs listed in the
Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Hu Zhang is widely distributed
in the world. It can be found in Asia and North America and is used as folk
medicine in countries such as Japan and Korea. In China, Hu Zhang is usually
used in combination with other TCM herbs. The therapeutic uses of those Hu
Zhang-containing TCM prescriptions or formulations are for treating cough,
hepatitis, jaundice, amenorrhea, leucorrhea, arthralgia, burns and snake bites.
Recent pharmacological and clinical studies have indicated that Hu Zhang has
antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and
cardioprotective functions. This review gives a summary of the reported
therapeutic effects of the active compounds and the different extracts of Hu
Zhang.
The definition of complementary and
alternative medicine (CAM) is broad. In general, CAM refers to a group of
health care systems, practices, and medications that are not considered
conventional or orthodox. CAM includes traditional Chinese medicine (TCM),
acupuncture, Ayurveda, massage therapies, and mind-body therapies (such as
yoga). It is often used together with conventional medicine. It is common that
patients with chronic diseases turn to CAM therapies for better treatment
effects, fewer side effects, or for relieving side effects of drugs. TCM, a
well-known CAM, has been used to treat a variety of diseases for thousands of
years [1–3]. Panax ginseng, Pinella ternate, Salviae
miltiorrhizae and Arisaema japonicum are some commonly known TCMs [1, 4, 5].
As
one of the important types of CAM, TCM is receiving increasing attention among
scientists worldwide. For treating some complex diseases such as diabetes
mellitus and cancer, TCM is one of the common alternatives of conventional
medications. In recent decades, researchers from mainland China, Hong Kong, and
Taiwan have focused on the investigation of various TCM herbs and their active
compounds and have discovered therapeutics that are based on single compounds,
such as salvicine for anticancer activity and artemisinin for malaria treatment
[6].
Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc.
is a herbaceous perennial plant. It is a member of the genus Polygonumin the family
Polygonaceae, which grows in Asia and North America. In China, there are about
80 species of Polygonum used in TCM [7]. Its dried root (Figure 1) is officially listed in the
Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China under the name “Hu Zhang” [7]; it is also used as folk medicine in
Japan and Korea. From the perspective of TCM theory, Hu Zhang is used to remove
jaundice and clear heat-toxin so as to promote blood circulation, dispel
stasis, expel wind and dampness, dissipate phlegm, and suppress cough.
Therefore, Hu Zhang is commonly prescribed by TCM practitioners for the
treatment of cough, hepatitis, jaundice, amenorrhea, leucorrhoea, arthralgia,
hyperlipidemia scald and bruises, snake bites, and carbuncles [8].
Hu Zhang is
frequently used as a hepatoprotective and cholagogic drug in TCM. Its effects
on hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and cardiovascular and neurodegenerative
diseases have also been intensively investigated, both experimentally and
clinically.
The purpose of this
review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the pharmacological effects of
Hu Zhang and to attract the attention of more researchers towards its use as an
alternative medicine in clinical settings. Additionally, the major chemical
components of Hu Zhang are summarized.
2. Active Ingredients Found in Hu Zhang
Hu Zhang contains various classes of
chemicals. Stilbenes including resveratrol, polydatin, and anthraquinones such
as emodin and its glycoside are the major compounds in Hu Zhang. Hu Zhang also
contains flavonoids such as quercetin and (+)-catechin. The major active
ingredients isolated from this herb are emodin, physcion, emodin 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside,
2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone, citreorosein, (+)-catechin, polydatin, and
resveratrol (Table 1).
3. Pharmacological Activities
Hu Zhang has been used in many TCM
formulas to treat various ailments. It is also used as folk medicine to promote
general physical health. Pharmacological researches and clinical studies have
indicated that Hu Zhang extract and its major compounds possess antivirus, antimicrobial,
anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective activities
3.1. Antiviral
Activities
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)
infection remains one of the most challenging global health problems, with more
than 350 million people infected and at risk of hepatic decompensation,
cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Potent oral antiviral agents have been
approved to treat hepatitis B since 1998. Therapy with interferon alpha and
nucleosides or nucleotide analogues is effective to treat hepatitis B by
suppressing virus replication, reducing hepatitis activity, and preventing
disease progression [10]. Meanwhile, almost 50 million people
worldwide are infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The number of
HIV-positive people continues to increase at an alarming rate in China and some
other Asian countries [11]. Although current anti-HBV/HIV drugs
could improve the quality of life for those infected patients, emerging drug
resistance has driven the need to search for new anti-HBV/HIV agents and
targets.
Many natural compounds that exhibit
anti-HIV activity have been identified. These include alkaloids [12], flavonoids [13], and polyphenols [14]. 70% EtOH extract of Hu Zhang was
demonstrated to have inhibitory function against HIV-1-induced syncytium
formation in C8166 lymphocytes with a 50% effective concentration (EC50) of μg/mL. Through
bioactivity-guided fractionation of Hu Zhang, (E)-resveratrol, 5,7-dimethoxyphthalide,
(+)-catechin, and emodin 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside were shown to exhibit fairly strong antiviral
activity against HIV-1-induced cytopathic effects in C8166 lymphocytes at
noncytotoxic concentrations. This provides evidence for the “heat-clearing and
detoxifying” functions of Hu Zhang and its antiviral activities [15].
Researchers have explored the efficacy
of Hu Zhang extracts against HBV in HepG2 2.2.15 human hepatoblastoma cell
line by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in search of effective
antiviral agents. The expressions of HBeAg and HBsAg were determined by
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results indicated that ethanol extract of Hu
Zhang could inhibit the production of HBV with an effective minimal dose of 10 μg/mL. Both water and
ethanol extracts of Hu Zhang significantly increased the expression of HBsAg,
whereas a higher dose of water extract (30 μg/mL) inhibited the expression of
HBeAg. However, both extracts showed some degree of cytotoxicity to the host
cells [16]. It is not known whether the anti-HBV
effect and cytotoxicity are due to the same compound or active fraction of the
extracts. Further chemical and biological analyses are required to purify the
active component(s) in Hu Zhang.
3.2. Antimicrobial Effects
Dental caries is a dental
biofilm-related oral disease. Chlorhexidine and antibiotics, generally used as
anti-biofilm agents, have shown undesirable side effects such as extrinsic
staining and bacterial resistance. Hu Zhang is shown to be a promising
alternative medicine for preventing dental caries [17]. It has been reported that a Hu Zhang
fraction (called F1), that is mainly composed of physcion, emodin, and
resveratrol, could enhance fluoride activity against Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) virulence. F1 also
showed inhibitory effects against F-ATPase activity and acid production
of S. mutans in biofilms. Therefore, F1 may be useful for preventing oral
diseases, particularly those related to dental biofilm [18].
Vibrio vulnificus (V. vulnificus)could cause fetus
septicemia with mortality rate of more than 50% within a few days after
infection [19]. Research has demonstrated that the
ethanol extract of Hu Zhang and its active compound, emodin, possess significant
protective effects against V. vulnificus cytotoxicity
and infection. It was identified that ethanol extract of Hu Zhang and emodin
could protect RAW 264.7 and Hela cells from V. vulnificus-induced cytotoxicity in vitro. They could also
inhibit V. vulnificus growth and survival in seawater and
heart infusion broth. Pretreatment of ethanol extract of Hu Zhang (200 mg/kg)
or emodin (20 mg/kg) can protect 8-week-old CD-1 mice infected with V. vulnificus
in vivo [20]. This further suggests the
antimicrobial activity of Hu Zhang.
3.3. Anti-Inflammatory
Effects
Inflammation
could cause a variety of diseases such as autoimmune diseases [21],
neurodegenerative diseases [22],
cardiovascular diseases [23],
or cancer [24].
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors
are commonly used to treat diseases related to inflammation, but the adverse effects
on the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems have limited their clinical
applications.
The pathogenesis of arthritis,
hepatitis, and acute lung injury (ALI) are somehow related to inflammation [25–27]. Thus, inflammatory response plays an
essential role in the progression of these diseases. Although many
anti-inflammatory drugs are available clinically to treat arthritis, hepatitis,
and ALI, their efficacy is limited and they always come with side effects.
Researches that aim at identifying botanical drugs with little toxicity and
good therapeutic performance have been increasing [3, 28]. Extensive studies have indicated
that the extract of Hu Zhang or its major constituents have anti-inflammatory activities
that may benefit patients with arthritis, hepatitis or ALI.
The anti-inflammatory effects of the
ethyl acetate extract of Hu Zhang were investigated in Freund’s complete
adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis model and serotonin-induced paw edema model in
Sprague-Dawley rats in vivo. The ethyl acetate extract of Hu Zhang at 100 and
200 mg/kg significantly suppressed serotonin-induced swelling since 12 min
after serotonin treatment. Consistently, in the FCA-induced arthritis model,
the ethyl acetate extract of Hu Zhang at 200 mg/kg significantly suppressed
FCA-induced joint swelling within 3 days, whereas the ethyl acetate extract of
Hu Zhang at 100 mg/kg showed similar suppression within 5 days. Furthermore,
the extract effectively inhibited positive responses of c-reactive protein and
rheumatoid factor when compared with the untreated control in the FCA-induced
arthritis model. Taken together, these findings suggested that the ethyl
acetate extract of Hu Zhang could be a potent agent for rheumatoid arthritis
treatment [29].
Intravenous administration of
lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could lead to activation of various inflammatory
mediators such as phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in the ALI rat
model in vivo. Polydatin, an active compound of Hu Zhang, could
up-regulate Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) to inhibit PLA2, which may be one of
the crucial protection mechanisms of polydatin in LPS-induced ALI. For further
investigation, the human bronchial epithelia cells transformed by the SV40
T-antigen were chosen as the model to study the effect of polydatin on
CCSP in vitro. Polydatin can promote the expression of CCSP in normal and
LPS-stimulated cells [30]. Additionally, polydatin could
protect mice against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury through
anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in vivo. These effects are achieved through
suppressing levels of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), tumour necrosis
factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), COX-2, inducible nitric oxide
synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor-kappaB (NFκB) and enhancing levels of superoxide
dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione transferase (GST), catalase
(CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and transforming growth factor-beta 1
(TGF-) in the liver tissue. Therefore, polydatin may help people cope with
oxidative stress and inflammation-related liver damage [31].
Hu Zhang extract (standardized to
contain 20% trans-resveratrol) demonstrated comprehensive suppressive effects
on inflammatory and oxidative stress. These effects are achieved through decreasing
levels of TNF-α, interleukin, intranuclear NFκB binding, c-jun-N-terminal kinase 1
(JNK 1), phosphotyrosine phosphatase-1B (PTP-1B), as well as reactive oxygen
species (ROS) generation in mononuclear cells [32].
Emodin, an active compound in Hu Zhang,
was shown to inhibit the expression of inflammatory-associated genes including
iNOS, TNF-α, interleukin-10, IκB kinase (IKK)-alpha, and IKK-gamma and
to inhibit the nuclear translocation of NFκB on LPS-induced inflammatory responses
in RAW 264.7 macrophages [33].
Citreorosein, an anthraquinone
derivative isolated from Hu Zhang, inhibited COX-2-dependent prostaglandin D2 generation and
COX-2 expression in mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells stimulated with stem
cell factor. The effect of citreorosein was achieved through inhibition of the
Akt and JNK pathways [34].
Ethanolic solution of Hu Zhang and
resveratrol were demonstrated to inhibit the development of edema and leukocyte
infiltration in the 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-(TPA-) induced ear edema in mice in vivo [35]. Topical application of resveratrol
also significantly inhibited TPA-induced COX-2 expression via modulation of the
IKK-NFκB signaling cascade in mouse skin in vivo. This investigation
provides evidence for the potential uses of Hu Zhang in cosmeceutical and
dermatological products [36].
3.4. Neuroprotective Activities
Preventing neuronal death is a top priority
for treating neurological diseases [37]. Oxidative stress is implicated as a
causative factor in neuronal death in neurodegenerative disorders [38]. There is a growing interest in
searching for neuroprotective agents from natural products since they contain
compounds with high antioxidant power [39]. Several studies have reported the
neuroprotective effects of Hu Zhang extract or its major compounds such as
polydatin, emodin 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone, and
resveratrol.
It has been found that polydatin could
reduce the volume of cerebral infraction and improve rat neurological deficits
induced by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Polydatin also
protects the brain from injury by inhibiting the expression of cell adhesion
molecules, in particular vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1),
intracellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), L-selectin, and E-selectin. These
findings suggest that polydatin may be a potential agent for treatment of brain
injury associated with stroke [40]. Additionally, polydatin could
markedly attenuate cognitive deficits induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion
in rats, decrease the production of MDA and increase the activities of SOD and
CAT. Additionally, polydatin has also exerted the protective effects in oxygen
glucose deprivation (OGD) model. These results demonstrate that polydatin could
offer a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of vascular dementia [41]. Apart from polydatin, emodin 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside
(an anthraquinone) has been suggested to have protective effects against
cerebral ischemia-reperfused injury in vivo and glutamate-induced damage in
cortical cells in vitro. It decreased MDA level in the brain and increased SOD
activity. Moreover, emodin 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside reduced the neurological deficit score and the
cerebral infraction area [42]. Therefore, one of the important
pathways for Hu Zhang to elicit its neuroprotective effects may relate to its
antioxidant properties.
2-Methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone,
another anthraquinone isolated from Hu Zhang, could effectively protect PC12
cells against cytotoxicity induced by tert-Butyl hydroperoxide. The
neuroprotective effect of 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone may contribute to
its antioxidant effect and ability to decrease the expressions of the phosphorylation
of ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 MAPK [43].
Senescence-accelerated mouse (SAM), an
aging model, was used for brain aging and anti-aging pharmacology studies.
Resveratrol extracted from Hu Zhang increased the SOD and GPx activities, while
decreasing MDA level in SAM in vivo. Resveratrol could improve
neuromuscular coordination and sensorimotor ability in tightrope test. It could
also enhance the learning and memory capacity in Morris water maze test in SAM.
These results indicate that resveratrol may exhibit therapeutic potential for
age-related conditions [44].
3.5. Cardioprotective Activities
Hyperlipidemia is one of the major risk
factors of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and
atherosclerosis. Natural products have been shown to be effective in modulating
serum lipid profile under hyperlipidemic [4] or hypercholesterolemic [45, 46] conditions. Polydatin could markedly
reduce the serum levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol in hyperlipidemic rabbits [47]. For the prominent beneficial effect
on serum lipid profile, it is worth exploring polydatin as a hypidolipemic drug
or health supplement for patients with hyperlipidemia and/or
hypercholesterolemia.
Cardiomyocytes are sensitive to
ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Polydatin intravenously administrated strongly
protects the myocardium against I/R injury by activating protein kinase C (PKC)
and opening mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K+ channel. Meanwhile, pretreatment
of polydatin-attenuated changes in MDA and SOD, suggests that polydatin might
protect myocardial against I/R injury through free radical-elimination
mechanism. The findings demonstrated that polydatin may have therapeutic
potential in the treatment of cardiac reperfusion injury and other cardiovascular
diseases that are related to mitochondrial oxidative damage in etiology [48]. Polydatin also has beneficial
effects in ventricular remodeling induced by isoproterenol in mice and by
abdominal aortic banding in rats in vivo. Its pharmacological effects on the
heart are at least in part mediated by inhibiting the activation of
renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) and decreasing the excretion of
endothelin 1, TNF-α, and angiotensin II. Therapeutic use of polydatin might have
potential in early treatment of chronic heart failure and improvement of
ventricular remodeling [49].
Resveratrol could also protect the
heart from I/R injury, prevent cardiac hypertrophy in hypertensive animals, and
reduce the progression of atherosclerosis. It is believed that endothelial NOS,
estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), Akt kinase, NFκB, and survival activating factor enhancement pathway may mediate
the aforementioned cardiovascular effects of resveratrol [50]. Resveratrol supplementation elevated
apo-AI/apo B ratio and levels of HDL-cholesterol, and decreased plasma LDL-C
concentration and hepatic HMG-CoA reductase activity. Moreover, in
resveratrol-supplemented apo mice, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in
atherosclerotic vessels were diminished, thereby delaying the progression of
atherosclerosis [51]. Pretreated with resveratrol improved
cardiac function and reducement myocardial infarct size and cardiomyocyte
apoptosis in the ischemic/reperfused rats heart. Resveratrol protected the
ischemic heart by restoring the IR-induced altered microRNA expressions [52]. All of the above findings suggest
that polydatin and resveratrol are potential bioactive compounds for treating
cardiovascular diseases.
3.6. Other Activities
In
recent years, resveratrol has become widely appreciated in the field of
botanical dietary supplements [56].
Resveratrol, a dietary phenolic compound, in fruits and medicinal plants,
exerts chemopreventive and antitumor effects [57].
Administration of resveratrol was found to protect salivary glands against
radiation-induced dysfunction in mice. It can reverse the reduction of saliva
secretion and restore salivary amylase and SOD activity. Resveratrol has great
potential as a treatment for successful radiotherapy in clinical practice [58].
Resveratrol impeded cancer stem cells’ (CSCs) properties through the activation
of p53. Furthermore, resveratrol suppressed the stemness and
epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through reactivating p53 and inducing
miR-145 and miR-200c [59].
In MCF-7 breast cancer cells, resveratrol with doxorubicin can inhibit HSP
expression and improve the therapeutic effects of doxorubicin probably by means
of cell death induction. These findings suggest that resveratrol may be an
effective adjuvant in breast cancer therapy [60].
In
addition, Hu Zhang’s methanolic extract and active compounds, such as emodin
and emodin 8-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, were found to enhance the
proliferation of MCF-7, an estrogen-sensitive cell line, in a
concentration-dependent manner. It was found that emodin exerts estrogen-like
activities by binding to human ERα and ERβ. It may be useful for hormone replacement therapy
against human menoxenia and post-menopausal diseases [53].
Citreorosein, a naturally occurring anthraquinone derivative from Hu Zhang, was
found to exert estrogenic activity by using a recombinant assay [55].
Three
Hu Zhang’s anthraquinones, physcion, emodin, and citreorosein, showed moderate
to strong tyrosinase inhibition. Thus, they may be used as skin whitening
agents in place of kojic acid. Among these anthraquinones, physcion exhibited
the most potent tyrosinase inhibition and showed higher permeability into the
skin [54],
suggesting its potential in cosmeceutical and dermatological uses.
Conventional
medicines provide significant therapeutic benefits, but they also have side
effects and they may have problem of drug resistance when same drugs are used
over a long period of time. The search for TCM with fewer side effects and
little toxicity has gained momentum over the years. The use of TCM has a long
history with proven effectiveness and safety. Hu Zhang has been prescribed in
China for medical purposes for thousands of years. Reports in the literature
have demonstrated Hu Zhang’s potential beneficial effects such as
antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, estrogenic, neuroprotective, and
cardioprotective activities. Yet, there is no research reporting/investigating
the toxicity of Hu Zhang. Based on the results from both clinical tests and
research tests conducted in laboratories, several active compounds of Hu Zhang
have demonstrated positive effects on a variety of diseases. Hu Zhang might be
a valuable alternative medicine that could be integrated into conventional
treatments. More researches on the beneficial effects of Hu Zhang and its
potential risks as an alternative medicine are needed.
|
HBV:
|
Chronic hepatitis B
virus,
|
|
TCM:
|
Traditional Chinese
medicine,
|
|
CAM:
|
Complementary and
alternative medicine,
|
|
HIV:
|
Human
immunodeficiency virus,
|
|
I/R:
|
Ischemia/reperfusion,
|
|
ALI:
|
Acute lung injury
|
|
FCA:
|
Freund’s complete
adjuvant,
|
|
COX-2:
|
Cyclooxygenase-2,
|
|
LPS:
|
Lipopolysaccharide,
|
|
PL:
|
Phospholipase A2,
|
|
MDA:
|
Malondialdehyde,
|
|
TNF-α:
|
Tumour necrosis
factor-alpha,
|
|
IL-1β:
|
Interleukin-1 beta,
|
|
iNOS:
|
Inducible nitric
oxide synthase,
|
|
NOS:
|
Nitric oxide synthase,
|
|
NFκB:
|
Nuclear
factor-kappaB,
|
|
SOD:
|
Superoxide
dismutase,
|
|
GSH:
|
Glutathione,
|
|
GST:
|
Glutathione
transferase,
|
|
CAT:
|
Catalase,
|
|
GPx:
|
Glutathione
peroxidase,
|
|
TGF-β1:
|
Transforming growth
factor-beta 1,
|
|
ER:
|
Estrogen receptor,
|
|
JNK-1:
|
c-jun-N-terminal
kinase-1,
|
|
PTP-1B:
|
Phosphotyrosine
phosphatase-1B,
|
|
ROS:
|
Reactive oxygen
species,
|
|
IKK:
|
IκB kinase,
|
|
TPA:
|
12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate,
|
|
S.
mutans:
|
Streptococcus
mutans,
|
|
V.
vulnificus:
|
Vibrio
vulnificus,
|
|
CCSP:
|
Clara cell secretory
protein,
|
|
MCAO:
|
Middle cerebral
artery occlusion,
|
|
VCAM-1:
|
Vascular cell
adhesion molecule-1,
|
|
ICAM-1:
|
Intracellular
adhesion molecule-1,
|
|
OGD:
|
Oxygen-glucose
deprivation,
|
|
PKC:
|
Protein kinase C,
|
|
RAAS:
|
Rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone
system,
|
|
CSCs:
|
Cancer stem cells,
|
|
EMT:
|
Epithelial-mesenchymal
transition.
|
The authors have declared that there are no conflicts of
interest.
The authors would
like to thank the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and the Shenzhen Municipal
Key Laboratory Advancement Program 2012 (Shenzhen, China) for their supports to
the project and Ms. Josephine Hong-Man Leung for proofreading the paper.
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