CoolBlue
CoolBlue is a combination of Chinese and Western herbs traditionally used to help promote maximum liver health, These traditional herbs help support with the multiple effects of an imbalance in the gastrointestinal system.*
Supplement FactsServing Size: 3 capsule Servings Per Container: 20 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Amount Per Serving |
% Daily Value |
|
| Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi (Xiang Fu) | 91.8 mg | † |
| Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Fructus Citri Aurantii (Zhi Ke) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Fructus Amomi (Sha Ren) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Semen Alpiniae Katsumadai (Cao Kou) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis (Hou Po) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum (Chen Xiang) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Rhizoma Corydalis (Yan Hu Suo) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Fructus Meliae Toosendan (Chuan Lian Zi) | 91.2mg | † |
| Radix Aucklandiae Lappae (Mu Xiang) | 91.2mg | † |
| Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae (Bai Shao) | 188.7mg | † |
| Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu) | 45mg | † |
| Sclerotium Poriae Cocos (Fu Ling) | 128.7 mg | † |
| 80% Sylymarin | 225mg | † |
| † Daily Value not established. | ||
CoolBlue Liver Detox
60 x 500mg Capsules
Product Overview
Chinese herbal medicine has been treating the Liver for over 1800 years. It has long understood the value of healthy liver function and has utilised a wide range of herbs to help purify and repair the Liver supporting detoxification pathways and addressing the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects.*
CoolBlue is a combination of Chinese and Western herbs traditionally used to help promote maximum liver health, function, and recovery from toxic damage. These traditional herbs help support with the multiple effects of an imbalance in the gastrointestinal system.*
Action
•Supports healthy liver function*
•Promotes healthy detoxification*
•Supports healthy oxidation reduction*
Suggested Use:
Adult dosage: 2-3 caps twice daily, morning and afternoon.
Caution:
Caution with severe Qi and Blood Deficiency, Essence Deficiency.
Warning:
Do not use during Pregnancy or lactation.
Radix Bupleuri (chai hu) should be considered contraindicated in the treatment of solid tumors, but not necessarily for hematological cancers. A research article by Shyu et al., (2004) indicated that chai hu promotes endothelial cells growth, migration and angiogenesis and therefore should be cautioned in its use. Note that this was for one fraction while other fractions may have differing effects.
Shyu KG, Tsai SC, Wang BW, Liu YC, Lee CC. Saikosaponin C induces endothelial cells growth, migration and capillary tube formation. Life Sci. 2004 Dec 31;76(7):813-26.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Shugan Pill Formula (Contained in the Coolblue Liver Detoxification Formula)
An experimental research on treating gastric pain with Shugan Pill.
The research was to study the actions of Shugan Pill on gastric pain. The analgesic effect was tested by the hot-plate test and writhing method. The anti-gastric ulcer action was observed on the gastric ulcer induced by water immersion stress, reserpine and absolute ethyl alcohol. The effect on gastric secretion in rats was studied with pylorus ligation. The effect on gastrointestinal motility was observed by determination of gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion ability in mice. The results showed that Shugan Pill could enhance hot pain threshold and decreased the number of twisting body in mice; markedly inhibit gastric ulcer induced by water immersion stress, reserpine and absolute ethyl alcohol; significantly inhibit the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin and promote the secretion of gastric mucus; markedly delay gastric emptying in normal mice and when gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion was stimulated by neostigmine. It could faintly strengthen the effect of atropine on inhibition of gastrointestinal motility. These effects might be the pharmacological mechanisms of Shugan Pill on gastric pain (Xing et al, 2004)
Cyperus rotundus
Modern research showed that Cyperus rotundus could inhibit bacteria, promote bile secretion. Its ethanol extract could relax isolated ileum of rabbits, and antagonize the contraction of large intestine muscle induced by acetylcholine, 5-HT and BaCl 2 . It could protect the bronchial spasm in guinea pigs induced by histamine. The fluid extract could inhibit isolated uterus of rabbits, mice and pigs, relax uterine smooth muscle. It had obvious treating effect on experimental gastritis in rats. Volatile oil had oestrogen-like activity; ethanol extract had analgesic and blood pressure lowering effects. In clinic, Cyperus rotundus is used to treat chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, hyperplasia of mammary glands, precancerous gastric lesion, premenstrual stress syndrome, gynecomastia, chronic gastritis and vascular headache, etc.
Effects on bile secretion
Cyperus rotundus could inhibit the bile secretions. Water decoction at the dosage of 30g/kg had cholagogue effect on normal rats and rats with injured liver caused by CCl4.
Effects on smooth muscle
Ethanol extract of Cyperus rotundus could relax isolated rabbit ileum, and antagonize the contracture effect of acetylcholine, 5-HT and BaCl2.
Effect on experimental gastritis in rats
Complex water decoction of Cyperus rotundus formula, 2ml every day for 30 days’ gastrogavage. The method could increase the concentration of free acid in the gastric juice, lower pepsin activity and gastric mucus amount and increase serum gastrin in rats with experimental gastritis caused by bile acid and alcohol.
Citrus reticulata
Modern research showed that it could excite isolated and in site frog heart, but would show inhibitory effect at large dosages. It had anti-thrombosis and anti-thrombin effects. Citrus reticulata could regulate blood pressure by directly dilating blood vessels. It could increase gastric juice secretion and total acidity. It also had expectorant, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects.
In clinic, Citrus reticulata is used to treat diabetes, superficial gastritis, hyperplasia of mammary glands, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma and acute mastitis, etc.
Actions on the Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscles
The herb decoction inhibited the motility of the isolated small intestines of mice and rabbits; the intravenous injection of the decoction demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the gastrointestinal musculature of anesthetized dogs, small intestine of anesthetized rabbits, and stomach of anaesthetized rabbits. The action was weaker than that of epinephrine but more prolonged. This was probably due to the relative stability of the active component of the herb (Yokotani, 1960). In experiments on the isolated rabbit intestine, various kinds of Chinese medicines including this herb, which are reputed to "regulate the vital energy", antagonized the effect of acetylcholine. But the inhibitory action of the herb on the isolated rabbit intestine was antagonized by acetylcholine. The herb could elicit further relaxation of the intestines if the intestinal muscular tone was already reduced by pre-treatment with atropine (Acute Abdomen Research Unit, 1974).
The herb also antagonized intestinal spastic contraction due to pilocarpine or barium chlorite. All these results suggest that the mode of action mainly involves direct inhibition of the intestinal smooth muscles (Zhongshan Medical College et al, 1979). Hesperitin had a biphasic action on the isolated intestinal muscles, i.e., an initial transient stimulant action followed by inhibition (Baraboi, 1969).
In conclusion, the various actions of the herb on the digestive tract are not only due to its various constituents, but also subject to the functional states of the digestive tract itself. Hence, it exhibits aromatic, stomachic, carminative and anti-flatulent actions, and relieves stagnation of vital energy in the "spleen" and stomach (Wang 1957).
Anti-gastric Ulcer Action
Ligating the pylorus of the animals produced experimental rat models of gastric ulcer. Medication was given before and during the experiments. The results were as follows: daily subcutaneous injection of methylhesperitin at 100 mg/kg for 6 days markedly reduced the incidence of ulcers. It also inhibited gastric secretion. The anti-ulcer action was greatly enhanced when this agent was used concomitantly with vitamin C and vitamin K (Baraboi, 1969; Heng, 1970).
Dyspepsia
In cases of abdominal distension, tightness of the chest, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, the herb may be used "to regulate the vital energy" and stimulate the appetite. With more severe abdominal distension and pain, the herb may be used together with the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea and the bark and root bark of Magnolia officinalis. When vomiting and hiccups are prominent, the herb is usually combined with Phyllostachys nigra and the root of Codonopsis pilosula (Clinical Application of Chinese Traditional Drugs, 1972).
Citrus aurantium
Citrus aurantium can be used to treat angina pectoris, ulcer, cholecystitis, gallbladder stone, urinary tract system stone, ileus and hepatitis, etc.
Effects on gastrointestinal smooth muscle
Decoction of Citrus aurantium could excite gastrointestinal smooth muscle.
Hepatic and splenic flexure syndrome (Wen et al, 1998).
Amomum villosum
Modern research showed that Amomum villosum could promote gastric function and secretion of digestive juice. Its active ingredient camphor could excite CNS. Its other active ingredients such as saponins and linalool had expectorant or anti-tussive effects. Besides, its active ingredient had anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. In clinic, Amomum villosum is used to treat dyspepsia, acute enteritis, gastritis, ulcer and mastitis, etc.
Effects on digestive system
0.25~0.75% water decoction of yang chun sha had exciting effect on isolated intestinal canal. Its 1~1.25% water decoction and saturated water solution of volatile oil showed inhibitory effect. Amomum villosum could promote the function of stomach, and the secretions of gastric juice.
Gastritis and ulcer
Amomum villosum and Aloeswood of equal amount were encapsulated, 0.3g each capsule, 4 capsules, bid to tid. 10 days as a course of treatment. Among 82 treated cases of acute gastritis 52 were cured, 24 improved, and 6 ineffective. In 295 cases of chronic superficial gastritis, 176 were cured, 93 improved, and 26 ineffective. In 204 cases of gastric ulcer, 133 were cured, 55 improved and 16 ineffective (Wen et al, 1998).
Alpinia hainanensis
Modern research showed that this herb could stimulate gastrointestinal movements and increase the secretion of gastric juice.
In clinic, Alpinia hainanensis is used to treat vomiting, epigastric and abdominal distension.
Effects on gastrointestinal system
Alpinia hainanensis could stimulate gastrointestinal movement and promote the secretions of gastric juice (Wen et al, 1998).
Magnolia officinalis
Modern research showed that the herb could inhibit bacteria including helicobacter pylori, pneumococcus, staphylococcus aureus and shigella dysenteriae, it also had inhibitory effect on dermal fungi. Hou Po decoction could excite isolated intestinal canals of mice and guinea pigs at low dosages and inhibit at high dosages. It could also excite bronchial smooth muscle of mice. In clinic, this herb is used to treat psoriasis, adhesive ileus, chronic pharyngitis, and incomplete ileus, etc.
Effect on acute pancreatitis in rats
Magnolia officinalis Formula (hou po 10g, yin chen 12g, zhi zi 3g, da huang 1.8g (decocted later)). 0.89g/ml. Gastrogavage of 2ml could reduce the secretion of pancreatic juice and the content of amylopsin in rats with acute pancreatitis caused by deoxysodium cholate.
Effect on smooth muscle
Hou po decoction could excite isolated intestinal canal of mice and guinea pigs at small dosage, and inhibit the canal at large dosage.
Adhesive ileus
Formula for ileus: hou po, lai fu zi, da huang, 30g each; jiao sheng qu, jiao mai ya, zhi shi, zhi ke, 15g each; mang xiao, ji nei jin, tao ren, xing ren, 10g each. 1 dose every day, taken in 2~4 times through stomach tube, 50~100ml every time. 150 cases were treated on the base of fasting including water, fluid infusion, gastrointestinal decompression, and 146 cases were cured (Wen et al, 1998).
Aquilaria malaccensis
Modern research showed that this herb contained volatile oil.
In clinic, this herb is used to treat duodenal stasis, epilepsy, senile ileus, gastric pain, angina pectoris, urinary tract stone and insanity.
Senile ileus
chen Xiang 6g, honey 120g, lard 15g. After gastrointestinal decompression, take chen Xiang decoction first, then honey and lard. Patients took the position of semireclining position, reduce activities. 20 cases were treated and the effects were satisfactory.
Gastric pain
Chen Xiang 20g, mu Xiang 20g, yan hu 50g and Bai zhu 20g were grounded into fine powder, 2g tid. The method could be used to treat gastric pain (Wen et al, 1998).
Corydalis turtuchanivnovii
Modern research showed that Corydalis turtschaninovii could affect cardiovascular system, antagonize ulcer induced by pylorus ligation, stress and histamine. It also had analgesic and anti-5-HT effects. It could also inhibit oestrous cycle in mice, lower blood fibrinogen in rabbits and lower blood pressure. It also had inhibitory effect on helicobacter pylori. In clinic, this herb is used to treat greater occipital neuralgia, arrhythmia, angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease, chronic gastritis and pain, etc.
Influence over digestive system
Total alkaloids of Corydalis turtschaninovii could antagonize the ulcer caused by ligation, stress and histamine in rats, but it had no effect on ulcer caused by acetic acid and reserpine.
Chronic gastritis
Oral administration of Corydalis turtschaninovii preparation which was equal to 5~10g crude drug. it had a total effective rate of 76.1% in treating chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcer (Wen et al, 1998).
Inula helenium
Modern research showed that Inula helenium could increase plasma gastrin and promote gastric emptying. Inula helenium and its active ingredients could regulate intestinal movements and cardiovascular system. Water decoction of Inula helenium could inhibit platelet aggregation. Inula helenium decoction and its volatile oil had anti-bacterial effect. In clinic, Inula helenium is used to treat biliary colic, flexure syndrome, adhesive ileus, peptic ulcer, catarrhal otitis media, postoperative enteroparalysis, infantile diarrhoea and bile reflux gastritis, etc.
Effects on digestive system
Inula helenium could promote gastric emptying.
Effects on in vivo bowel movement
Inula helenium decoction could increase in vivo enterokinesia in rabbits, as well as contracting amplitude and frequency of intestinal muscle. Its volatile oil and costuslactone could inhibit isolated bowel movement in rabbits.
Paeonia lactiflora
Modern research showed that Paeonia lactiflora could increase the phagocytic percentage and index of celiac phagocyte in mice, promote cellular immunity, and restore the lowering amounts of antibody induced by cyclophosphane. It had anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Total glucosides of Paeonia lactiflora could increase diastolic pressure and dp/dtmax, lower the heartbeat, and increase the blood pressure elevating effect of NA. In vitro tests showed that Paeonia lactiflora extracts could inhibit thrombosis. Glucosides of Paeonia lactiflora had spasmolytic and analgesic effect. It could also dosage-dependently lower the normal temperature of mice and rats. Total glucosides of Paeonia lactiflora could improve the sleep in different functional states in rats; lengthen the survival time under anoxic condition.
Paeonia lactiflora extract could protect and liver, and paeoniflorin could significantly inhibit the peptic ulcer in rats induced by stress. In clinic, Bai Shao is indicated in the treatment of viral hepatitis, acute bacillary dysentery, heart failure due to pulmonary heart disease, asthma, gastric and duodenal ulcer, bile reflux gastritis, chronic colonitis, constipation, senile chronic diarrhoea, diabetes, primary dysmenorrhea, infertility, whooping cough, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia and facial spasm, etc.
Anti-spasm effect
Paeoniflorin had inhibitory effect on isolated intestinal canal and in vivo gastric movement in Guinea pigs and rats, as well as uterine in rats.
Liver protecting effect
Paeonia lactiflora extract had obvious antagonizing effect on the liver injury and elevated SGPT caused by D-aminogalactose.
Peptic ulcer preventing effect
Paeoniflorin had obvious inhibitory effect on gastric ulcer in rats caused by tension and stimulation.
Acute bacillary dysentery
Modified Paeonia lactiflora formula was used to treat 60 cases of acute bacillary dysentery, two doses every day, 5~7 days as a course of treatment. All cases were cured.
Bupleurum falcatum
Modern research showed that Bupleurum falcatum had anti-febrile, sedative, analgesic, anti-tussive, expectorant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It could promote bile secretion, relax biliary tract sphincter. Bupleurum falcatum preparations could protect the liver from injury induced by typhoid vaccine, CCl 4 and penicillin. Saikosaponin at the concentration of 1×10 -4 ~2×10 -4 could isolated intestinal smooth muscle, significantly inhibit the secretion of gastric juice and lower the activity of pepsin. Saikosaponin at the concentration of 1×10 -4 ~2×10 -4 could inhibit isolated frog and guinea pig's cardiac muscle. Sailosaponin could lower plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipid. Bupleurum falcatum could improve both humeral and cellular immunity. Crude saponins had obvious hemolytic reaction. Bupleurum falcatum also had slightly inhibitory effect on cancer cells. In clinic, the herb is used to treat infantile high fever, hyperlipemia, multiple sclerosis, pancreatitis due to bellyworm, fatty liver, primary trigeminal neuralgia, angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease, snoring and chronic hepatitis B, etc.
Effects on the liver and gallbladder
Experiments proved that chai hu had cholagogue effect. chai hu could also promote the secretions of bile and loosen the sphincter of oddi. chai hu preparations had obvious anti-injury effect on experimental liver injury caused by bacteria (typhoid vaccine), CCl4 and penicillin.
Influence over gastrointestinal tract
Saikosaponins at the concentration of 1×10-4 ~ 2×10-4 could excite isolated intestinal smooth muscle, and wouldn’t be antagonized by atropine. Saikosaponins could obviously inhibit the secretions of gastric juice, lower the activity of pepsin, and tended to reduce ulcer index (Wen et al, 1998).
Wolfiporia cocos
Modern research showed that Wolfiporia cocos had diuretic, anti-tumor and analgesic effects, it could improve the immunity, protect the liver injury induced by CCl 4, and inhibit the gastric ulcer induced by pylorus ligation and lower gastric juice secretions and contents of free acid. Besides, it had blood sugar lowering effect on rabbits; in vitro tests showed that it had inhibitory effect on staphylococcus aureus, tubercle bacillus and bacillus proteus. Its ethanol extract could kill leptospira. Wolfiporia cocos is often used to treat oedema, tumor, infantile diarrhoea, hepatic problems, chronic gastritis, schizophrenia and diabetes.
Effect on the Digestive System
Wolfiporia cocos has a direct stimulant effect on the isolated rabbit intestine, inhibiting gastric ulcer, decreasing gastric secretion and free acidity.
80% Silymarin / (Milk thistle extract) Silybum marianum
Milk Thistle is a herb with remarkable detoxifying and liver protective effects. It is a very well known liver herb, having been recommended in herbal texts since the late 1600's. Its most active constituent is silymarin, which is a bioflavonoid. Research has shown that Milk Thistle can protect or reverse against some severe liver toxins. Silymarin also protects the liver in animals exposed to alcohol, and the solvent carbon tetrachloride, recreational drugs, pesticides, some poisons, or hepatitis
Liver disorders in humans have been treated with silymarin with promising results. Patients with chronic hepatitis had improvements in liver function after taking silymarin for 3 months. Most liver toxins, including alcohol, produce damage to cell membranes via free radical generation. Silymarin functions as an antioxidant and reduces damage to cell membranes. It prevents the formation of leukotrienes, which are dangerous inflammatory chemicals produced by the immune system. Silymarin can increase the quantity of the powerful liver protector glutathione, and improves protein synthesis in the liver.
Two new studies show that it can reduce insulin resistance (the underpinning of adult-onset diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia) and diabetic complications. A third study reports that it may have some anti-cancer benefits as well. Silymarin also treats non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), Insulin resistance is constantly fairly high in patients with NIDDM and hepatic cirrhosis.
References
Acute Abdomen Research Unit, Zunyi Medical College. Xinyiyaoxue Zazhi (Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine) 1974 (12):39.
Baraboi VA. Chemical Abstracts 1969 71:1957v.
Clinical Application of Chinese Traditional Drugs. New Chinese Medicine 1972 (6):43.
Heng GS. Polia Pharmacologica Japonica 1970 56(6):1373.
Wang JM. Shanghai Zhongyiyao Zazhi (Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine) 1957 (9):44.
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
Xing Jianfeng, et al. Zhong Cheng Yao. 2004; 26(2): 124-128.
Yokotani. Folia Pharmacologica Japonica 1960 56(6):1396.
Zhongshan Medical College et al. Pharmacology. People's Medical Publishing House. 1979. p. 478.
Supplement FactsServing Size: 3 capsule Servings Per Container: 20 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Amount Per Serving |
% Daily Value |
|
| Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi (Xiang Fu) | 91.8 mg | † |
| Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Fructus Citri Aurantii (Zhi Ke) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Fructus Amomi (Sha Ren) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Semen Alpiniae Katsumadai (Cao Kou) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis (Hou Po) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum (Chen Xiang) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Rhizoma Corydalis (Yan Hu Suo) | 91.2 mg | † |
| Fructus Meliae Toosendan (Chuan Lian Zi) | 91.2mg | † |
| Radix Aucklandiae Lappae (Mu Xiang) | 91.2mg | † |
| Radix Paeoniae Lactiflorae (Bai Shao) | 188.7mg | † |
| Radix Bupleuri (Chai Hu) | 45mg | † |
| Sclerotium Poriae Cocos (Fu Ling) | 128.7 mg | † |
| 80% Sylymarin | 225mg | † |
| † Daily Value not established. | ||
CoolBlue Liver Detox
60 x 500mg Capsules
Product Overview
Chinese herbal medicine has been treating the Liver for over 1800 years. It has long understood the value of healthy liver function and has utilised a wide range of herbs to help purify and repair the Liver supporting detoxification pathways and addressing the imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects.*
CoolBlue is a combination of Chinese and Western herbs traditionally used to help promote maximum liver health, function, and recovery from toxic damage. These traditional herbs help support with the multiple effects of an imbalance in the gastrointestinal system.*
Action
•Supports healthy liver function*
•Promotes healthy detoxification*
•Supports healthy oxidation reduction*
Suggested Use:
Adult dosage: 2-3 caps twice daily, morning and afternoon.
Caution:
Caution with severe Qi and Blood Deficiency, Essence Deficiency.
Warning:
Do not use during Pregnancy or lactation.
Radix Bupleuri (chai hu) should be considered contraindicated in the treatment of solid tumors, but not necessarily for hematological cancers. A research article by Shyu et al., (2004) indicated that chai hu promotes endothelial cells growth, migration and angiogenesis and therefore should be cautioned in its use. Note that this was for one fraction while other fractions may have differing effects.
Shyu KG, Tsai SC, Wang BW, Liu YC, Lee CC. Saikosaponin C induces endothelial cells growth, migration and capillary tube formation. Life Sci. 2004 Dec 31;76(7):813-26.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Shugan Pill Formula (Contained in the Coolblue Liver Detoxification Formula)
An experimental research on treating gastric pain with Shugan Pill.
The research was to study the actions of Shugan Pill on gastric pain. The analgesic effect was tested by the hot-plate test and writhing method. The anti-gastric ulcer action was observed on the gastric ulcer induced by water immersion stress, reserpine and absolute ethyl alcohol. The effect on gastric secretion in rats was studied with pylorus ligation. The effect on gastrointestinal motility was observed by determination of gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion ability in mice. The results showed that Shugan Pill could enhance hot pain threshold and decreased the number of twisting body in mice; markedly inhibit gastric ulcer induced by water immersion stress, reserpine and absolute ethyl alcohol; significantly inhibit the secretion of gastric acid and pepsin and promote the secretion of gastric mucus; markedly delay gastric emptying in normal mice and when gastric emptying and small intestinal propulsion was stimulated by neostigmine. It could faintly strengthen the effect of atropine on inhibition of gastrointestinal motility. These effects might be the pharmacological mechanisms of Shugan Pill on gastric pain (Xing et al, 2004)
Cyperus rotundus
Modern research showed that Cyperus rotundus could inhibit bacteria, promote bile secretion. Its ethanol extract could relax isolated ileum of rabbits, and antagonize the contraction of large intestine muscle induced by acetylcholine, 5-HT and BaCl 2 . It could protect the bronchial spasm in guinea pigs induced by histamine. The fluid extract could inhibit isolated uterus of rabbits, mice and pigs, relax uterine smooth muscle. It had obvious treating effect on experimental gastritis in rats. Volatile oil had oestrogen-like activity; ethanol extract had analgesic and blood pressure lowering effects. In clinic, Cyperus rotundus is used to treat chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, hyperplasia of mammary glands, precancerous gastric lesion, premenstrual stress syndrome, gynecomastia, chronic gastritis and vascular headache, etc.
Effects on bile secretion
Cyperus rotundus could inhibit the bile secretions. Water decoction at the dosage of 30g/kg had cholagogue effect on normal rats and rats with injured liver caused by CCl4.
Effects on smooth muscle
Ethanol extract of Cyperus rotundus could relax isolated rabbit ileum, and antagonize the contracture effect of acetylcholine, 5-HT and BaCl2.
Effect on experimental gastritis in rats
Complex water decoction of Cyperus rotundus formula, 2ml every day for 30 days’ gastrogavage. The method could increase the concentration of free acid in the gastric juice, lower pepsin activity and gastric mucus amount and increase serum gastrin in rats with experimental gastritis caused by bile acid and alcohol.
Citrus reticulata
Modern research showed that it could excite isolated and in site frog heart, but would show inhibitory effect at large dosages. It had anti-thrombosis and anti-thrombin effects. Citrus reticulata could regulate blood pressure by directly dilating blood vessels. It could increase gastric juice secretion and total acidity. It also had expectorant, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects.
In clinic, Citrus reticulata is used to treat diabetes, superficial gastritis, hyperplasia of mammary glands, chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma and acute mastitis, etc.
Actions on the Gastrointestinal Smooth Muscles
The herb decoction inhibited the motility of the isolated small intestines of mice and rabbits; the intravenous injection of the decoction demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the gastrointestinal musculature of anesthetized dogs, small intestine of anesthetized rabbits, and stomach of anaesthetized rabbits. The action was weaker than that of epinephrine but more prolonged. This was probably due to the relative stability of the active component of the herb (Yokotani, 1960). In experiments on the isolated rabbit intestine, various kinds of Chinese medicines including this herb, which are reputed to "regulate the vital energy", antagonized the effect of acetylcholine. But the inhibitory action of the herb on the isolated rabbit intestine was antagonized by acetylcholine. The herb could elicit further relaxation of the intestines if the intestinal muscular tone was already reduced by pre-treatment with atropine (Acute Abdomen Research Unit, 1974).
The herb also antagonized intestinal spastic contraction due to pilocarpine or barium chlorite. All these results suggest that the mode of action mainly involves direct inhibition of the intestinal smooth muscles (Zhongshan Medical College et al, 1979). Hesperitin had a biphasic action on the isolated intestinal muscles, i.e., an initial transient stimulant action followed by inhibition (Baraboi, 1969).
In conclusion, the various actions of the herb on the digestive tract are not only due to its various constituents, but also subject to the functional states of the digestive tract itself. Hence, it exhibits aromatic, stomachic, carminative and anti-flatulent actions, and relieves stagnation of vital energy in the "spleen" and stomach (Wang 1957).
Anti-gastric Ulcer Action
Ligating the pylorus of the animals produced experimental rat models of gastric ulcer. Medication was given before and during the experiments. The results were as follows: daily subcutaneous injection of methylhesperitin at 100 mg/kg for 6 days markedly reduced the incidence of ulcers. It also inhibited gastric secretion. The anti-ulcer action was greatly enhanced when this agent was used concomitantly with vitamin C and vitamin K (Baraboi, 1969; Heng, 1970).
Dyspepsia
In cases of abdominal distension, tightness of the chest, anorexia, nausea and vomiting, the herb may be used "to regulate the vital energy" and stimulate the appetite. With more severe abdominal distension and pain, the herb may be used together with the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea and the bark and root bark of Magnolia officinalis. When vomiting and hiccups are prominent, the herb is usually combined with Phyllostachys nigra and the root of Codonopsis pilosula (Clinical Application of Chinese Traditional Drugs, 1972).
Citrus aurantium
Citrus aurantium can be used to treat angina pectoris, ulcer, cholecystitis, gallbladder stone, urinary tract system stone, ileus and hepatitis, etc.
Effects on gastrointestinal smooth muscle
Decoction of Citrus aurantium could excite gastrointestinal smooth muscle.
Hepatic and splenic flexure syndrome (Wen et al, 1998).
Amomum villosum
Modern research showed that Amomum villosum could promote gastric function and secretion of digestive juice. Its active ingredient camphor could excite CNS. Its other active ingredients such as saponins and linalool had expectorant or anti-tussive effects. Besides, its active ingredient had anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects. In clinic, Amomum villosum is used to treat dyspepsia, acute enteritis, gastritis, ulcer and mastitis, etc.
Effects on digestive system
0.25~0.75% water decoction of yang chun sha had exciting effect on isolated intestinal canal. Its 1~1.25% water decoction and saturated water solution of volatile oil showed inhibitory effect. Amomum villosum could promote the function of stomach, and the secretions of gastric juice.
Gastritis and ulcer
Amomum villosum and Aloeswood of equal amount were encapsulated, 0.3g each capsule, 4 capsules, bid to tid. 10 days as a course of treatment. Among 82 treated cases of acute gastritis 52 were cured, 24 improved, and 6 ineffective. In 295 cases of chronic superficial gastritis, 176 were cured, 93 improved, and 26 ineffective. In 204 cases of gastric ulcer, 133 were cured, 55 improved and 16 ineffective (Wen et al, 1998).
Alpinia hainanensis
Modern research showed that this herb could stimulate gastrointestinal movements and increase the secretion of gastric juice.
In clinic, Alpinia hainanensis is used to treat vomiting, epigastric and abdominal distension.
Effects on gastrointestinal system
Alpinia hainanensis could stimulate gastrointestinal movement and promote the secretions of gastric juice (Wen et al, 1998).
Magnolia officinalis
Modern research showed that the herb could inhibit bacteria including helicobacter pylori, pneumococcus, staphylococcus aureus and shigella dysenteriae, it also had inhibitory effect on dermal fungi. Hou Po decoction could excite isolated intestinal canals of mice and guinea pigs at low dosages and inhibit at high dosages. It could also excite bronchial smooth muscle of mice. In clinic, this herb is used to treat psoriasis, adhesive ileus, chronic pharyngitis, and incomplete ileus, etc.
Effect on acute pancreatitis in rats
Magnolia officinalis Formula (hou po 10g, yin chen 12g, zhi zi 3g, da huang 1.8g (decocted later)). 0.89g/ml. Gastrogavage of 2ml could reduce the secretion of pancreatic juice and the content of amylopsin in rats with acute pancreatitis caused by deoxysodium cholate.
Effect on smooth muscle
Hou po decoction could excite isolated intestinal canal of mice and guinea pigs at small dosage, and inhibit the canal at large dosage.
Adhesive ileus
Formula for ileus: hou po, lai fu zi, da huang, 30g each; jiao sheng qu, jiao mai ya, zhi shi, zhi ke, 15g each; mang xiao, ji nei jin, tao ren, xing ren, 10g each. 1 dose every day, taken in 2~4 times through stomach tube, 50~100ml every time. 150 cases were treated on the base of fasting including water, fluid infusion, gastrointestinal decompression, and 146 cases were cured (Wen et al, 1998).
Aquilaria malaccensis
Modern research showed that this herb contained volatile oil.
In clinic, this herb is used to treat duodenal stasis, epilepsy, senile ileus, gastric pain, angina pectoris, urinary tract stone and insanity.
Senile ileus
chen Xiang 6g, honey 120g, lard 15g. After gastrointestinal decompression, take chen Xiang decoction first, then honey and lard. Patients took the position of semireclining position, reduce activities. 20 cases were treated and the effects were satisfactory.
Gastric pain
Chen Xiang 20g, mu Xiang 20g, yan hu 50g and Bai zhu 20g were grounded into fine powder, 2g tid. The method could be used to treat gastric pain (Wen et al, 1998).
Corydalis turtuchanivnovii
Modern research showed that Corydalis turtschaninovii could affect cardiovascular system, antagonize ulcer induced by pylorus ligation, stress and histamine. It also had analgesic and anti-5-HT effects. It could also inhibit oestrous cycle in mice, lower blood fibrinogen in rabbits and lower blood pressure. It also had inhibitory effect on helicobacter pylori. In clinic, this herb is used to treat greater occipital neuralgia, arrhythmia, angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease, chronic gastritis and pain, etc.
Influence over digestive system
Total alkaloids of Corydalis turtschaninovii could antagonize the ulcer caused by ligation, stress and histamine in rats, but it had no effect on ulcer caused by acetic acid and reserpine.
Chronic gastritis
Oral administration of Corydalis turtschaninovii preparation which was equal to 5~10g crude drug. it had a total effective rate of 76.1% in treating chronic gastritis and duodenal ulcer (Wen et al, 1998).
Inula helenium
Modern research showed that Inula helenium could increase plasma gastrin and promote gastric emptying. Inula helenium and its active ingredients could regulate intestinal movements and cardiovascular system. Water decoction of Inula helenium could inhibit platelet aggregation. Inula helenium decoction and its volatile oil had anti-bacterial effect. In clinic, Inula helenium is used to treat biliary colic, flexure syndrome, adhesive ileus, peptic ulcer, catarrhal otitis media, postoperative enteroparalysis, infantile diarrhoea and bile reflux gastritis, etc.
Effects on digestive system
Inula helenium could promote gastric emptying.
Effects on in vivo bowel movement
Inula helenium decoction could increase in vivo enterokinesia in rabbits, as well as contracting amplitude and frequency of intestinal muscle. Its volatile oil and costuslactone could inhibit isolated bowel movement in rabbits.
Paeonia lactiflora
Modern research showed that Paeonia lactiflora could increase the phagocytic percentage and index of celiac phagocyte in mice, promote cellular immunity, and restore the lowering amounts of antibody induced by cyclophosphane. It had anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Total glucosides of Paeonia lactiflora could increase diastolic pressure and dp/dtmax, lower the heartbeat, and increase the blood pressure elevating effect of NA. In vitro tests showed that Paeonia lactiflora extracts could inhibit thrombosis. Glucosides of Paeonia lactiflora had spasmolytic and analgesic effect. It could also dosage-dependently lower the normal temperature of mice and rats. Total glucosides of Paeonia lactiflora could improve the sleep in different functional states in rats; lengthen the survival time under anoxic condition.
Paeonia lactiflora extract could protect and liver, and paeoniflorin could significantly inhibit the peptic ulcer in rats induced by stress. In clinic, Bai Shao is indicated in the treatment of viral hepatitis, acute bacillary dysentery, heart failure due to pulmonary heart disease, asthma, gastric and duodenal ulcer, bile reflux gastritis, chronic colonitis, constipation, senile chronic diarrhoea, diabetes, primary dysmenorrhea, infertility, whooping cough, migraine, trigeminal neuralgia and facial spasm, etc.
Anti-spasm effect
Paeoniflorin had inhibitory effect on isolated intestinal canal and in vivo gastric movement in Guinea pigs and rats, as well as uterine in rats.
Liver protecting effect
Paeonia lactiflora extract had obvious antagonizing effect on the liver injury and elevated SGPT caused by D-aminogalactose.
Peptic ulcer preventing effect
Paeoniflorin had obvious inhibitory effect on gastric ulcer in rats caused by tension and stimulation.
Acute bacillary dysentery
Modified Paeonia lactiflora formula was used to treat 60 cases of acute bacillary dysentery, two doses every day, 5~7 days as a course of treatment. All cases were cured.
Bupleurum falcatum
Modern research showed that Bupleurum falcatum had anti-febrile, sedative, analgesic, anti-tussive, expectorant, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It could promote bile secretion, relax biliary tract sphincter. Bupleurum falcatum preparations could protect the liver from injury induced by typhoid vaccine, CCl 4 and penicillin. Saikosaponin at the concentration of 1×10 -4 ~2×10 -4 could isolated intestinal smooth muscle, significantly inhibit the secretion of gastric juice and lower the activity of pepsin. Saikosaponin at the concentration of 1×10 -4 ~2×10 -4 could inhibit isolated frog and guinea pig's cardiac muscle. Sailosaponin could lower plasma cholesterol, triglyceride and phospholipid. Bupleurum falcatum could improve both humeral and cellular immunity. Crude saponins had obvious hemolytic reaction. Bupleurum falcatum also had slightly inhibitory effect on cancer cells. In clinic, the herb is used to treat infantile high fever, hyperlipemia, multiple sclerosis, pancreatitis due to bellyworm, fatty liver, primary trigeminal neuralgia, angina pectoris due to coronary heart disease, snoring and chronic hepatitis B, etc.
Effects on the liver and gallbladder
Experiments proved that chai hu had cholagogue effect. chai hu could also promote the secretions of bile and loosen the sphincter of oddi. chai hu preparations had obvious anti-injury effect on experimental liver injury caused by bacteria (typhoid vaccine), CCl4 and penicillin.
Influence over gastrointestinal tract
Saikosaponins at the concentration of 1×10-4 ~ 2×10-4 could excite isolated intestinal smooth muscle, and wouldn’t be antagonized by atropine. Saikosaponins could obviously inhibit the secretions of gastric juice, lower the activity of pepsin, and tended to reduce ulcer index (Wen et al, 1998).
Wolfiporia cocos
Modern research showed that Wolfiporia cocos had diuretic, anti-tumor and analgesic effects, it could improve the immunity, protect the liver injury induced by CCl 4, and inhibit the gastric ulcer induced by pylorus ligation and lower gastric juice secretions and contents of free acid. Besides, it had blood sugar lowering effect on rabbits; in vitro tests showed that it had inhibitory effect on staphylococcus aureus, tubercle bacillus and bacillus proteus. Its ethanol extract could kill leptospira. Wolfiporia cocos is often used to treat oedema, tumor, infantile diarrhoea, hepatic problems, chronic gastritis, schizophrenia and diabetes.
Effect on the Digestive System
Wolfiporia cocos has a direct stimulant effect on the isolated rabbit intestine, inhibiting gastric ulcer, decreasing gastric secretion and free acidity.
80% Silymarin / (Milk thistle extract) Silybum marianum
Milk Thistle is a herb with remarkable detoxifying and liver protective effects. It is a very well known liver herb, having been recommended in herbal texts since the late 1600's. Its most active constituent is silymarin, which is a bioflavonoid. Research has shown that Milk Thistle can protect or reverse against some severe liver toxins. Silymarin also protects the liver in animals exposed to alcohol, and the solvent carbon tetrachloride, recreational drugs, pesticides, some poisons, or hepatitis
Liver disorders in humans have been treated with silymarin with promising results. Patients with chronic hepatitis had improvements in liver function after taking silymarin for 3 months. Most liver toxins, including alcohol, produce damage to cell membranes via free radical generation. Silymarin functions as an antioxidant and reduces damage to cell membranes. It prevents the formation of leukotrienes, which are dangerous inflammatory chemicals produced by the immune system. Silymarin can increase the quantity of the powerful liver protector glutathione, and improves protein synthesis in the liver.
Two new studies show that it can reduce insulin resistance (the underpinning of adult-onset diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolemia) and diabetic complications. A third study reports that it may have some anti-cancer benefits as well. Silymarin also treats non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM), Insulin resistance is constantly fairly high in patients with NIDDM and hepatic cirrhosis.
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