From Ayurveda To Chinese Medicine by Leung Ping-Chung

Author:Leung, Ping-Chung
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9789813200357
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Company
Published: 2017-03-18T04:00:00+00:00

Figure 5.1. Research directions for supplementary cancer treatment.

Figure 5.2. Study on direct cytotoxicity.

Figure 5.3. Study on immunomodulation.

Figure 5.4. Study on anti-angiogenesis.

According to recent reports on popular herbs being used for cancer treatment in China, five herbs are chosen for platform studies. They are Scutellaria, Andrographis paniculata (for apoptosis), Hedyotis diffusa (for anti-angiogenetic) and Acanthopanax senticosus, Ganoderma lucidum (for immunomodulation). The herbs are studied separately for the desired bioactivities, and then combined, on in vitro and in vivo platforms.

For academic and pharmacological interests, sub-fractions are produced from different gross extracts and are tested on in vitro platforms to screen out those with the best biological activities. This knowledge will be important for future extension of research work. Of the five herbs used to compose the anticancer formula, three are found to be most effective in the in vitro studies. The two less effective herbs are thus excluded from the formulation. The three herbs selected for further study belong to the food-category of medicinal herbs that have been used on dinner tables of Chinese communities. Safety therefore is not an issue of concern. On completion of the platform studies, the formula would be put on a proper evidence-based clinical trial for cancer patients to be used as a supplement agent to maintain well-being and prevent recurrence after conventional treatment (Zhang et al., 2011; Wong et al., 2010; Yue et al., 2011, 2012).

B.Creating a cardiovascular protective herbal formula

The second example is an old herbal formula to be developed into a cardiovascular tonic. Mortality arising from cardiovascular pathologies remains one of the highest. Maintenance of cardiovascular health therefore remains a universal concern. Interventional therapies and medications have made impressive advances, but preventive measures would be of equal importance. A two-herb combination created in the later part of Qing Dynasty, consisting of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Puerariae Lobatae Radix is used in a combined herbal formula which has been studied extensively on cardiovascular biological platforms and then put on three clinical trials. In the laboratory, the formula was found to have the biological effects of anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-foam cell formation on vascular endothelium and vasodilation (Cheung et al., 2012, 2013; Zhou et al., 2012; Lam et al., 2010a; Liang et al., 2012; Koon et al., 2011, Fong et al., 2011; Ng et al., 2011) (Fig. 5.5). Clinical trials using ultrasonic carotid intima thickness as a surrogate marker repeatedly showed very significant thinning benefits. No significant adverse effects were encountered.

The first randomised control trial was done for post-intervention coronary occlusion patients who were found to have two coronary arteries blocked. Of the 100 patients recruited all enjoyed intima thinning of the carotid artery while the control group did not after six months of treatment. The second similarly designed control study was done for patients with diabetes and/or hypertension. Results showed 96% of the treatment group enjoying intima thinning. The third clinical trial was done for para-menopausal women who had border-line hypercholesterolemia. Again, significant thinning of the carotid intima was found in the treatment group after taking the herbal formula for 12 months.

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