bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Herbs in Anticancer Agents
Authors: Hsu Bin
Published: November 2004

The effectiveness of certain herbal drugs as anticancer agents has been studied for many years in China by researchers in various disciplines. The preparations discussed here are: Camptothecin and hydroxycamptothecin; harringtonine and homoharringtonine; colchicine and colchicinamide; curzerenone; monocrotaline; lycobetaine; oridonin; indirubin; and cantharidin. The success of their use is encourgaging but a great deal of research is required in the future.
Central Neurotransmitters and Acupuncture Analgesia
Authors: Han J. S. , Tang J. , Ren M. F. , Zhou Z. F. , Fan S. G. , Qiu X. C.
Published: November 2004

The role played by central neurotransmitters in acupuncture analgesia was evaluated by correlating neurochemical changes in central nervous system with the acupuncture effect, as well as modification of the acupuncture effects by pharmacological manipulations of central neurotransmitters. The results of experimental studies which were performed mainly on rats and rabbits indicated tha central serotonin and endogenous opiate-like substances (OLS) seem to be the most important substrates for mediation of acupucture analgesia while central cateholamines, especially nor-epinephrine through alpha receptors, may exert an antagonistic effect. It was found that prolonged and repeated acupuncture resulted in a gradual decrease of the acupucture effect. The development of some endogenous anti-opiate substrates (AOS) in central nervous system was tentatively implicated.
Clinical Experience and Mechanism of Acupuncture and Electrical Stimulation (AES) in the Treatment of Drug Abuse
Authors: Wen H. L.
Published: November 2004

Three hundred cases were treated by AES in an out-patient detoxification setting. Seventy-seven cases completed 14 days of treatment and of these 30 were detoxified. On hundred and twenty-six cases came back for retreatment and another 19 cases (19/300 = 6.3% or 19/126 = 15.5%) were detoxified. It was found that the ACTH, cortisol (corticosterone), c-AMP were elevated during abstinence and these compounds were reduced after AES treatment. Fraction I of the opiate activity in the brains of mice was found to be increased after AES. It has been suggested that this could be a beta-endorphin. Recently it was found that during abstinence the plasma beta-lipotropin and beta-endorphin were elevated but not reduced after AES. However, the CSF met-enkephalin was within normal limits during abstinence but greatly elevated after half an hour of AES. It is suggested that acupuncture affects only the somatosensory nervous system but also the autonomic nervous system, as well as the neuro-endocrine system in drug abusers.
Therapeutic Acupuncture for Sensori-Neural Deafness
Authors: Sodipo Joseph O. A. , Okeowo Phillip A.
Published: November 2004

This article presents a case report of a 29 year-old Nigerian male with sensori-neural deafness since the age of 7 years managed by therapeutic acupuncture according to the classicl Chinese technique. The patient was examined by radiological pictures in addition to biochemical and physical examinations. No medications were administered during the course of therapy. The study indicates that the impressive result obtained is due to the ability of therapeutic acupuncture to improve speech discrimination and hearing ability in our patient with sensori-neural deafness.
Tai Chi Chuan
Authors: Koh T.C.
Published: November 2004

Tai Chi Chuan, a mind-body relaxation exercise, was devised by Chang San Feng for meditation and self-defense in the thirteenth century A.D. The 108 forms are performed in a slow relaxed manner, taking 30 minutes altogether. Practitioners of Tai Chi claimed that it promotes health and cures certain illness but this has not been substantiated and therefore further research into its health benefits is warranted.
In Vivo and In Vitro Studies on the Mechanism of Cardiovascular Effects of Wu-Chu-Yu (Evodiae Fructus)
Authors: Chen Chieh-Fu , Chen Shu-Ming , Lin Mao-Tsun , Chow Sien-Yao
Published: November 2004

The effects of the Chinese herb Wu-Chu-Yu (Evodiae fructus) on the cardiovascular function were assessed in anesthetized cats, conscious rats, and isolated preparations of rat aortic strip and auricle. In anesthetized cats, intravenous administration of alcohol-water crude extracts of Wu-Chu-Yu (0.03-0.24 g/kg) produced a dose-dependent hypertension and an increased contractile force of nictitating membrane which lasted for more than 5 min in higher doses. Phetolamine, but not tetra-ethylammonium antagonized hypertension and the increased contractile force of nictitating membrane induced by Wu-Chu-Yu. In conscious rats, hypertension was also observed by intraperitoneal administration of Wu-Chu-Yu (6 g/kg). Bilateral nephrectomy, administration of phentolamine or propranolol, all significantly decreased the hypertensive effect of Wu-Chu-Yu. Pretreatment with reserpine 24 hours in advance did not change the pressor effect of the crude extract. In aortic strip preparations, Wu-Chu-Yu caused the increase of contractile force, and the dose-response curve was parallel shift to the right in the pressence of phentolamine. In auricle preparations, Wu-Chu-Yu produced positive inotropic and positive chronotropic effects, and the presence of propranolol changed the slope of Wu-Chu-Yu's dose-inotropic effect curve and reversed the chronotropic effect from positive to negative. Both in vivo and in vitro results suggested that alpha and beta adrenoceptors were directly involved in the cardiovascular effects of Wu-Chu-Yu.
Effect of Panax Ginseng Saponins and Eleutherococcus Senticosus on Survival of Cultured Mammalian Cells After Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Ben-Hur Ehud , Fulder Stephen
Published: November 2004

Panax ginseng saponins and Eleutherococcus senticosus extract were applied to cells in culture in order to assess the effect of these substances on resistance to γ-irradiation. Eleutherococcus was slightly radio protective. However, ginseng saponin at a dose of 10 μg/ml was significantly radio-protective (Do = 2.25 Gy) compared to control (Do = 1.80 Gy) when it was present prior to γ-irradiation (Do = 1.10 Gy). Ginseng-treated cells made 30% less RNA and 14% more protein during a 1 hour pulse of labeled intermediates. The cells were morphologically altered. It is concluded that ginseng saponin can increased radiation resistance. The effect is indirect, due to alterations in cell physiology rather that DNA repair processes.
Jade and Gold Originally as Drugs in China
Authors: Mahdihassan S.
Published: November 2004

Demand for a drug identifies its user and also his needs. An aged ascetic living alone in a forest needed a drug to acquire physical strength. His search was guided by the theory that like makes like. Accordingly, jade was selected as a hard stone that never tarnishes which, when taken as a powder, will make the consumer strong-bodied. Previously, red-ochre was consumed orally on the principle that its redness would increase blood and promote longevity. Jade came to supercede red-ochre or red-earth. Its inscribed character in Chinese, Yü, is a horizontal stroke on the top of Thu, earth or clay. Thus Yü, jade, signifies Super-Earth or a drug superior to red-ochre. Searching for a more potent drug, gold was discovered and, being fireproof, was thus everlasting. Chin, gold, as a character, is composed of Yü, jade, plus a phonetic as the specifying additive. Hence the resultant character, Chin, presents gold as Super-Jade. Briefly, jade is Super (Red)-Earth and gold is Super-Jade.
Effects of Ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 of Panax Ginseng on Mitosis in Root Tip Cells of Allium Cepa
Authors: Ng Wan-yee , Chao Chuan-ying
Published: November 2004

The effects of ginsenosides Rg1 and Rb1 of Panax ginseng on mitosis in the onion root tip cells as well as on the rate of DNA synthesis in onion seedlings were studied. Results obtained from the concentration and time course study in bulb and seedling root tip cells indicate that Rg1 promotes and Rb1 inhibits mitosis, both being dose-dependent. The promoting effect of Rg1 on the rate of DNA synthesis was observed at the peak hour which occurs at the same time as that of the control. Rb1 was found to shift the peak hour of DNA synthesis to a later period of the experiment. These results are in agreement with the results obtained from the study of the cell cycle by pulse labelling and auto-radiography, which show that Rg1 shortens the mitotic cell cycle and S period while Rb1 lengthens them. They in turn increase and decrease the mitotic indices respectively.
A Comparative Study of the Word Sugar and of Its Equivalents in Hindustani as Traceable to Chinese
Authors: Mahdihassan S.
Published: November 2004

Etymology enables words to deliver past facts and can become an independent source of knowledge. Here the word sugar is traced to the Chinese term Sha-Che, literally "Sand-Sugar plant", signifying a sand-like product from the sugar plant, which is sugar. Sha-Che underwent the following phonetic changes: Sha-Che = Sha-Ke = Sha-Ker = Sharkera, which became the Sanskrit word for sugar, with the variant Sha-Kera. Its popular vernacular form became Shak-Ker. This entered Arabic as Al-Shakker, changing into Al-Sukker, pronounced as "Assuker". Muslims in Spain gave the Spanish their word when Assuker = Azucar (Spanish), Sukker, the real Arabic word, entered Old French as Suker-e, Italian as Zuker-o or Zucckero, and German as Zucker. When "k" is emphasized it can become aspirated as "kh" or doubled as "kk", or mutate into "g". Sukker then changed into Sugar with the "s" further mutating into "sh", giving the final form Shugar, written as Sugar. The Greeks directly borrowed the popular vernacular word Shakker. It was Hellenized as Sakkharon, mentioned by Discoredes in 56 A.D. From the Greek it passed into Latin as Saccharum. In India the large crystalline form of sugar is called Misri. Its Chinese original is Mi-Sha-Li, "sweet-pebble-glassy", a sweet crystalline (glassy) substance the size of pebbles. Another form of sugar is in small crystals, which in a heap apper opague-white or poreclain-white rather than transparent salt-white. Poreclain-white sugar was called Cheeni, where Cheeni = Poreclain. Thus, Cheeni does not mean Chinese sugar, nor Misri Egyptian sugar. Both these forms of sugar were sweetening agents not intended to be directly consumed. But a sweet, composed of sugar and an article of food, was known in Chinese as Kan-Di, "Sweet-Drop". This became Candy in English, Qand in Arabic, Khanda in Sanskrit and Khand in vernaculars.
Endorphins: Mechanism of Acupuncture Analegsia
Authors: Sodipo Joseph O.A. , Gilly H. , Pauser G.
Published: November 2004

Discharges were recorded from spinal dorsal horn neurons in response to noxious skin heating (50°C) in anesthetized cats. Repetitive electrical stimulation of the superficial peroneal (SP) and posterior tibial (PT) nerves inhibited these nocieptive discharges as well as systemic administration of met-enkephalinamide (synthetic endorphin). The inhibitory effects of electro-stimulation as well as administration of synthetic endorphin were partially but significantly antagonized by naloxone, thus arguing in favor of endogenous morphine release as the basis for the mechanism of acupuncture analgesia. However, non-responding neuronal units to the administration of enkephalin were also observed in the present study. These non-responding units may explain why acupuncture is not effective in some individuals.
Baduanjin - An Ancient Chinese Exercise
Authors: Koh T.C.
Published: November 2004

Baduanjin (Eight-Treasured Exercises) is one of the many health-promoting ancient Chinese exercises that can easily be learnt without a teacher. Its therapeutic value is unproven, however, it is claimed to be valuable for indigestion, constipation, asthma, osteoarthritis, obesity and neurasthenia. Although the exercise may be practiced by following the pictures and instructions, success really depends on concentration, relaxation and daily practice.
Preventive Geriatrics: An Overview from Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Zhuo Da-hong
Published: November 2004

The philosophical tradition of Chinese geriatrics contains a strong preventive element closely tied to the concept of a balanced man-nature relationship and body-mind relationship. It has been emphasized that a sound mind in a sound body is essential to longevity. Moderation in physical and emotional activities is encouraged. There have been a number of approaches to longevity in traditional Chinese medicine. The preventive value of Tai Chi Chuan (a gentle "spiritual" exercise), Chi Kung (a combination of breathing exercise, relaxation and meditation), acupressure and moxibustion on the point of Chu San Li, and tonic herbal medicines like ginseng is discussed in this article. These are regarded to be helpful in improving the general health of the elderly and in promoting longevity.
Personality Types in Ayurveda
Authors: Dube K.C. , Kumar Aditya , Dube Sanjay
Published: November 2004

The basis of human personality as given in ancient Hindu Ayurvedan literature is reviewed and interpreted in the light of current knowledge and understanding. The structure of mind expounded in Sankhyan philosophy is explained and its parallelism with the Freudian approach is brought out. The formative influences in the development of the mental constitution of an individual are described. An attempt is made to demonstrate close similarity between Ayurvedan and Lewin's field (Gestalt) theories. Significance of Tridosh (Vat, Pitta and Kaf), by vitiating the chemical balance, as estiological factors of mental illness is described. Sixteen presonality types and their correspondence with 16 types of mental disorders are mentioned.
Hypoglycemic Effect of Guava Juice in Mice and Human Subjects
Authors: Cheng Juei-Tang , Yang Ren-Shaw
Published: November 2004

Guava is a plentiful fruit in Taiwan and it was taken from the plants of Psidium guajava Linn. (Myrtaceae). According to the folklore in Chinese Medicine, gauva was useful in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. In the present study, acute i.p. treatment with 1 g/kg guava juice produced a marked hypoglycemic action in normal and alloxan-treated diabetic mice. Although effective duration of guava is more transient and it is less potent than chlorpropamide and metformin, blood glucose lowering effect of guava also can be obtained by oral administration in maturity-onset diabetic and healthy volunteers. Thus, it is suggested that guava may be employed to improve and/or prevent the disease of diabetes mellitus.
Acupuncture and Rehabilitation (III) Effects of Acupuncture Applied to the Normal Side on Osteoarthritis Deformans and Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Knee and on Disorders in Motility of the Knee Joint after Cerebral Hemorrhage and Thrombosis
Authors: Arichi Shigeru , Arichi Hideko , Toda Shizuo
Published: November 2004

In osteoarthritis deformans and rheumatoid arthritis of the knee and in disorders in motility of the knee joint after cerebral hemorrhage and thrombosis, acupuncture was applied to the normal side at the symmetrical part to the leison and flection-extension exercise and massage on the affected joint were carried out as rehabilitation (Reha) during the time the needles were used. A most remarkable cure rate was obtained in osteoarthritis deformans of the knee when treated with acupuncture on the normal side and flection-extension exercise and massage on the affected part. The cure rate was low in rheumatoid arthritis, and the therapy was non-effective concerning disorders in motility of the knee joint after cerebral hemorrhage or thrombosis.

The improvement rate, however, was extremely low in ostearthritis deformans and rheumatoid arthritis of the knee after the acupuncture on the affected part of the affected side with Reha on the affected part of the affected side, or Reha on the leison, and these means of therapy were completely non-effective concerning disorders in motility after cerebral hemorrhage or thrombosis. Our previous reports No. 1 and 2 accord with the evidence obtained in this study that the acupuncture on the normal side and Reha on the affected part of the affected side produced most remarkable effect in osteoarthritis deformans of the knee. The low improvement rate in rheumatoid arthritis and non-effectiveness concerning disorders in motility of the knee joint after cerebral hemorrhage or thrombosis may be explained by differences in morphology of the diseases.
Antihemostatic Effect of Hsien-Ho-T'sao (Agrimonia pilosa)
Authors: Wang Jih-Pyang , Hsu Mei-Feng , Teng Che-Ming
Published: November 2004

Bleeding time in rats was markedly prolonged after the adminstration of the water extract of Hsien-Ho-T'sao. This antihemostatic effect was more marked in the group of i.p. injection of the drug than in the group of p.o. administration for 2 to 7 consecutive days. Blood coagulation studies showed that plasma prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and stypven time were prolonged, while thrombin time adnd fibrinogen level were not changed. The thromboelastographic recording showed that reation time was prolonged and maximal elasticity of clot was decreased. In addition, ADP- and collagen- induced aggregations of platelet-rich plasma was suppressed. In conclusion, the prolongation of the bleeding time might be due to both anticoagulant and antiplatelet action of the drug.
Effect of Electro-acupuncture on Chronic Painful Conditions in General Medical Practice — a 4 Years' Study
Authors: Cheung Joseph Y.T.
Published: November 2004

A total of 204 consecutive, recalcitrant painful conditions were treated by electroacupuncture and closely observed up to 4 years in a group medical practice in Australia. The majority (151 cases or 74%) had enjoyed significant pain reduction well beyond 3 months. The causes of failure in the remainders were analysed and discussed. The encouraging overall results led to a renewed call for this mode of therapy to be used more widely as an adjunct in family medicine.
Studies on Cardiovascular Actions of Salvia miltiorrhiza
Authors: Lei Xun-Lan , Chiou George C.Y.
Published: November 2004

Cardiovascular actions of S. miltiorrhiza (SM) were studied on systemic blood pressure in the rat. Langendorff cardiac preparation in the guinea pig, and four types of vasculature in the dog including coronary, renal, femoral, and mesenteric arteries. SM induced dose-related hypotension without changing heart rate. The hypotension was antagonized by atropine, propranolol, and chlorpheniramine plus cimetidine. In the isolated whole-heart preparation, SM increased coronary blood flow significantly for 15 min and positive inotropic action for 3 min after pulse injection. SM relaxed all arteries at low concentration (3.0 mg/ml) and contracted all but the coronary artery at higher concentration (10.0 mg/ml). The coronary artery relaxed at all doses of SM tested.
Two-Year Experience with "San-Huang-Hsieh-Hsin-Tang" in Essential Hypertension
Authors: Chen Ho-Chan , Hsieh Ming-Tsuen
Published: November 2004

In this paper, the long-term effects of the ancient Chinese formula of San-Huang-Hsieh-Hsin-Tang on patients with essential hypertension were reported. San-Huang-Hsieh-Hsin-Tang could significantly improve the hyperkinetic states of the cardiovascular system, improve the accompanying sympathetic symptoms, lower serum norepinephrine and have no apparent side effects.
Specific Irritability of Acupuncture Points as an Early Symptom of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Steinberger Antun
Published: November 2004

28 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis were treated by acupuncture. The age of the patients ranged from 24 to 60 yr. Results of the treatment were satisfactory, but remarkable spontaneous remissions, characteristic for this illness, make any treatment difficult to evaluate. In this article the peculiar behaviour of all treated patients is described: increased sensibility of the skin over the acupuncture loci, while insertion of the acupuncture needles provoke spasms, clonus and even tonic-clonic contractions of the muscles of the extremities. This phenomenon is very specific and can be used as an early sign of this ill-fated illness.
Clinical Study of Objective Pulse Diagnosis
Authors: Yoon Sook Hyang , Koga Yoshihisa , Matsumoto Isao , Ikezono Etsutaro
Published: November 2004

The recording of the objective pulse diagnosis was performed and that meridian points were selected from this recording. The proper meridian points (five element points) according to the five element theory and the improper points (non-five element points) were stimulated. Pain threshold was elevated by the stimulation of five element points and not raised by non-five element points in a patient who had nasal ploypectomy under acupuncture analgesia and also in 6 of 9 healthy volunteers. Naloxone reversal of elevated pain threshold was also observed in volunteers.
Acid-Ethanol Extractable Compounds from Fruits and Seeds of the Bitter Gourd Momordica Charantia: Effects on Lipid Metabolism in Isolated Rat Adipocytes
Authors: Ng T.B. , Wong C.M. , Li W.W. , Yeung H.W.
Published: November 2004

Fruits and seeds of the bitter gourd Momordica charantia (Family Cucurbitaceae) were extracted with the acidic ethanol. The extract was adjusted to pH 3 and proteins and peptides were precipitated by additon of a copious volume of aceton. The precipitate was dissolved, dialyzed and lyophilized. The resulting material, designated "p-fraction" was tested for antilipolytic and lipogenic activities. Seed "p-fraction" was further chromatographed on fetuin agraose to yield an unadsorbed fraction (F) which could be fractioned by gel filtration on Sephadex G-10 to give an unretarted fraction (F1) and a retarted function (F2). Fruit "p-fraction" exhibited antilipolytic activity in hamster adipocytes and stimulated 3H-glucose incorporation into lipids, F1, a saponin containing fraction, inhibited both lipolysis and 3H-glucose incorporation into lipids. F2 enhance 3H-glucose corporation into lipid. The results are indicavie of the presence of compounds with insulinomimetic activities in M. charantia fruits and seeds.
Are There Long Lasting Effects on Migraine Headache After One Series of Acupuncture Treatments?
Authors: Boivie Jorgen , Brattberg Gunilla
Published: November 2004

The long term effect of one series of acupunture treatments on migraine headache was investigated. Twenty-five patients (20 women, 5 men) with a mean migraine history of 22 years and a stable, severe migraine (mean frequency 8 days/28 days) completed the study, out of 30 days originally enrolled. The patients recorded the presence, severity and duration of headache as well as drug consumption during three 12 weeks long periods: one pretreatment period (baseline period = BP), follow up period I (FU I) immediately following the treatment period of 6-8 weeks and follow up period II (FU II) starting the 25th post treatment week. An index for migrainous headache was calculated for each 28 days period (number of days times severity rated, 1, 2 or 3). Acupuncture was given close to or in the region of the headache.

During FU I and FU II the migraine index had decreased 40% and 39%, respectively, compared to BP (to 10.3 and 10.5 from 17.2), giving a statistical signficance with p<0.01. The number of days with migraine headache was reduced 35 and 34% respectively, during FU I and FU II to 5.1 to 5.2 from 8.0 days/28 days during BP. This reduction is signicant too with p<0.05 and was responsible for almost the whole reduction of the index. Thus the severity of the pain was not much changed.

On the individual basis 7 of the 25 patients obtained a very large reduction of migraine headache. Their index was down to 3.6 and 2.1 during FU I and FU II from 20.8 during BP. In 11 patients the treatments gave no benefits. In general a good effect during FU I lasted throughtout and FU II, i.e. for at least 9 months.

In the 14 patients with non-migrainous headache a decrease of 33 and 20%, respectively, was recorded to an index of 8.5 and 10.5 from 12.7 before treatment. The reduction during FU I gave a p-value of <0.05, but the reduction during FU II was not stastically significant.

In conclusion, acupuncture treatments appear to give a long lasting reduction of severe migraine headache in some patients, whereas other patients get no benefit at all treatments. The present study does not show, however, if that is a specific affect of the acupuncture needling itself.
Suppression of the Tail Flick Reflex by Electroacupuncture Delivered at the Intra- and Extrasegmental Needling Points
Authors: Tsuruoka Masayoshi , Yamakami Yoshio
Published: November 2004

Electroacupuncture effects conveyed by Aβ afferent never impulses from the different dermatomes, the Zusanli and the Hoku, was compared using the tail flick reflex in lightly anesthetized rats. The Zusanli stimulation decreased the EMG activity, but the threshold temperature did not change. These effects were not antagonized by naloxone (1 mg/kg). The Hoku stimulation also produced the suppression of the EMG activity without the increase of the threshold temperature. However, these effects were antagonized by naloxone (1 mg/kg). These results suggest that intrasegmental stimulation presynaptically inhibits the input of the noxious message in the spinal cord through the non-opiate system, while extrasegmental stimulaton presynaptically inhibits this input through the opiate system.
An Objective Method of Pulse Diagnosis
Authors: Yoon Sook Hyang , Koga Yoshihisa , Matsumoto Isao , Ikezono Etsutaro
Published: November 2004

One component of Oriental medical diagnosis is pulse diagnosis. To make this method more objective, three pressure transducers were positioned over the radial artery and the absolute pressure of 50,100 and 150 g as applied at three positions to stimulate the classical pulse diagnosis. The transient pressure changes at the three positions were not equal even when the same absoulte pressure was applied. Pressures were compared in superficial and deep locations, right and left wrist. The largest deflection was consdered as excess and the smallest as depletion in twelve meridians.
Control of Preweaning Diarrhea in Piglets by Acupunture and Chinese Medicine
Authors: Lin J.H , Lo Y.Y , Shu N.S , Wang J.S , Kung S.C , Chan W.W
Published: November 2004

Preweaning diarrhea in piglets is a very common disease. Even thought vaccination and antibiotics are used widely for controlling the disease nowadays, it is still a serious production problem. Therefore, the search for a new medication that is both cheaper and more effective is of major importance. During the last year, acupuncture and Chinese medicine have been evaluated for this purpose. The results are summarized as follows: 1) Oral administration of 0.5 g of Ko-ken-huang-lien-huang-chin-tang (pueraria, coptis, scute and licorice combination) to piglets at 1 day old was effective in reducing incidence of infection (P<0.1) and increasing the body weight gain (p<0.05) during the first 10 days of life. Gentamycin or aqua-acupuncture at day 1 of life had no prophylactic value. 2) Piglets with preweaning diarrhea were treated by aqua-acupuncture at Chang-Chiang point (VG 1, or called Chiao-Chao in traditional pig charts) with 0.2 ml of 3% saline, or by oral administration of 0.5 g of Ko-ken-huang-lien-huang-chin-tang or by injection of gentamycin (10 mg/piglet) twice a day for 1-3 days. These treatments significantly reduced the duration of illness (P<0.01) when compared with the control groups which received 0.5 g lactose orally. These results indicate that both acupuncture treatment and Chinese medicine have a high clinical value for controlling piglet diarrhea.
Serratia Marcescens Infected Silk Suture Rejected by Combined Acupunture, Moxibustion and Low-Power Laser Therapy from the Abdominal Fascia
Authors: Sternfeld M. , Finkelstein Y. , Hod I.
Published: November 2004

Upper abdominal pains lasting 12 years after cholecystectomy, were improved in an 82-year-old woman following the rejection of indigestable silk surgical sutures induced by combined therapy of acupuncture, moxibustion and low-power laser beam irradiation directed to an old post-cholecystectomy scar. An inflammatory reaction followed by granulation tissue mass was developed. Embedded in the granulation tissue were the above mentioned silk sutures which finally were expelled through the skin at the operation scar. A surgical procedure suggested to the patient, in case of acupuncture therapy failure, was obviously avoided. Serratia-marcescens infection of the expelled material was bacteriologically defined.
Low Power Laser Irradiation Does Not Affect the Generation of Signals in a Sensory Receptor
Authors: Lundberg T. , Zhou J.
Published: November 2004

The effect of low power Helium-Neon (He-Ne) and Gallium-Arsenide (Ga-As) laser on the slowly adapting custacean stretch receptor was studied. The results showed that low power laser irradiation did not affect the membrane potential of the stretch receptor. These results are discussed in relation to the use of low power laser irradiation on the skin overlaying acupuncture points in treatment of pain syndrome.
The Pharmacological and Pathological Studies on Several Hepatic Protective Crude Drugs from Taiwan (I)
Authors: Chiu Hui-Fen , Lin Chun-Ching , Yang Chui-Ching , Yang Fay
Published: November 2004

This study is to investigate hepatic protective effect of several Taiwan crude drug extractions on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The pharmacological and pathological effects of Bupleurm chinense, Phellodendron wilsonii, Clematis chinensis and Hedyotis corymbosa were analyzed by liver enzyme function test and pathological studies. However, the results of amine transferase SGOT and SGPT have shown a significant hepatic protective effect after treatment with Bupleurm chinense (P<0.005), Phellodendron wilsonii (P<0.001), Clematis chinensis (P<0.005) and Hedyotis corymbosa (P<0.005, SGPT only). The fatty degeneration around the central vein area and necrosis of the central lobule can be significantly improved by P. wilsonii and moderately changed by B. chinense or C. chinensis. Although fatty metamorphosis has been affected by H. corymbosa various inflammatory cell infiltrations in the cytoplasm were noted.
Efficacy of Kan-baku-taiso-to (TJ-72) on Breath-Holding Spells in Childern
Authors: Murata R. , Matsuoka O. , Hattori H. , Kawawaki H. , Nakajima S. , Nakamura N. , Tsukamoto Y. , Isshiki G.
Published: November 2004

When Kan-baku-taiso-to (TJ-72) (0.1~0.25 g/kg/day) was given to 12 children with breath-holding spells (BHS) of the cyanotic type, the attacks were lessened starting in the second week of administration. There were no side effects even when administration was continued for more than one year. We think that the drug should be given primarily for BHS when the frequency of severe attacks is high and also to patients who did not respond to other medication.
The Pharmacological and Pathological Studies on Several Hepatic Protective Crude Drugs from Taiwan (II)
Authors: Chiu Hui-Fen , Lin Chun-Ching , Yang Chui-Ching , Yang Fay
Published: November 2004

Four crude drug extracts of Solanum incanum (entire plant), Ixeris chinensis (entire plant), Gardenia jasminoides (wild and cultivated, fructus) were adminstered to rats as dose of 1.0 g/kg, I.P. injection to screen the liver protective effect on CC14 induced hepatotoxicity. The acute increase of transaminase SGOT and SGPT levels that was caused by CC14 (1.0 ml/kg) S.C. injection can be significantly improved when treated with Solanum incanum( p <0.005), Ixeris chinensis( p <0.001), Gardenia jasminoides (cultivated) ( p <0.005) but only a moderate change was shown by means of wild Gardenia jasminoides( p <0.05). As our results indicated, the extraction of these drugs has been found to possess a marked hepatic protective effect. The hepatic fatty metamorphosis and necrosis of central lobule were obviously improved by S. incanum and .I. chinesis administration, while the effect of treatment with G. jasminoides (cultivated) demonstrated a moderate protective action and little histopathological change by G. jasminoides (wild). In contrast to B. chinese, which has been reported previously as a treatment criteria, the S. incanum( p <0.01) and I. chinensis( p <0.01) in the present study has indicated that a significantly different hepatic protective effect on CC14 induced hepatic injury.
Neuroendocrine Effect of Toki-Shakuyaku-San on Ovulation in Rats
Authors: Koyama Takao , Hagino N. , Cothron Anna W. , Saito Motoi
Published: November 2004

In this study, the experiments were designed to examine if Toki-Shakuyaku-San (TSS) has a neuroendocrine effect on ovulation. TSS (500 mg/kg Bwt in drinking water) was given to Sprague Dawley immature female rats on 25 days of age and during experimental sessions. Fifteen IU of the hMG (Gonadoryl 4; GNR 4) was injected intraperitoneally on the morning of 28 days of age, and avulation occurred in 70% of rats on the following day. In TSS drinking immature female rat, administration of GNR 4 on 28 days of age results in ovulation twice: once on 29 days of age and again on 31 days of age. Administration of sodium pentobarbital (Nembutal) at 12:30 pm on 28 days of age did not block the first ovulation on 29 days of age, but administration at 12:30 pm on 30 days of age blocked the second ovulation on 31 days of age. However, delayed ovulation was observed on 32 days of age. This evidence indicates that GNR 4 acts on the ovary directly and induces first ovulation in TSS treated rats. However, TSS treatment modulates the chain of events in the neuroendocrine control of ovulation and results in the second ovulation.
Psychosomatic Correlations in Chronic Pain Patients Using Electroacupuncture
Authors: Berlin J. , Erdman W. , David E.
Published: November 2004

Different reports on the efficacy of electroacupuncture in pain led to a randomized prospective study on 120 patients suffering from long-term chronic pain syndromes of different aetiology taking into account the psycholgical situation. The collected data included measuring the pulse amplitude difference of the arteria radialis dextra and sinistra oscillographically, pain evaluation by visual analogue scales, blood pressure and heart frequency and psychometrie. Results show that neurotic patients have a higher level of anxiety and that reduction of pain and the equalization of the amplitudes of both arterial curves is higher in anxious patients. The results are highly significant with an α value of 0.001.
A Comparative Study on the Hepatic Toxicity and Metabolism of Crotalaria Assamica and Eupatorium Species
Authors: Chan Mo-Yin , Zhao Xiang-Lan , Ogle C.W.
Published: November 2004

The oral LD50 of Crotalaria assamica, which contains mainly monocrotaline, was found to be 154 mg/kg in mice. Neither liver necrosis nor morbidity was demonstrated with Eupatorium extract at a dose level of 144 mg/kg, which was equivalent to the LD20 of Crotalaria. Pretreatment with phenobarbitone enhanced the toxicity of both plant extracts in mice. In in vitro studies, "metabolic pyrrole" was formed by incubating Eupatorium japonicum extracts with liver microsomes. The rate of "pyrrole" formation was similar to that of Crotalaria extract and pure monocrotaline alkaloid, but was much slower than retrorsine. The rate of N-oxide formation was, in descending order, retrorsine, Eupatorium japonicum and Crotalaria/monocrotaline. It is concluded that the alkaloid in Eupatorium species is metabolized to "pyrrole" and an N-oxide metabolite in the liver, but hepatotoxicity is much lower when compared with that caused by Crotalaria.
The Pharmacological and Pathological Studies on Taiwan Folk Medicine (III): The Effects of Bupleurum Kaoi and Cultivated Bupleurum Falcatum var. Komarowi
Authors: Lin Chun-Ching , Chiu Hui-Fen , Yen Ming-Hong , Wu Chung-Chieng , Chen Min-Fen
Published: November 2004

The protective effects of water extract from roots of Bupleurum kaoi Liu, Chao et Chuang and Bupleurum falcatum L. var komarowi Koso-Polj on CCI4-induced hepatotoxicity have been investigated. Both B. kaoi (p<0.05) and B. falcatum var. komarowi (p<0.01) possessed more marked anti-hepatotoxic pharmacological effects that Bupleurum chinese DC., the typical strain widely used in Taiwan. The pathological improvement from treatment by means of the three drugs to alleviate CCI4-induced hepatic toxicity was estimated using morphological changes of hepatocytes, reduction of inflammatory cells infiltration and liver function tests.
The Sufi, His Headdress and Its Significance
Authors: Mahdihassan S.
Published: November 2004

Etymologically Sufi, as an Arabic word, means woolen-clad. This is unsuitable in designating a devotee who tries to have union with God. When the word is taken to Chinese it means (my) master-and-father, my Guru. There are at least nine more words used in addressing the Sufi or speaking of him, all of Chinese origin. This leaves no word specially used for the sufi which is not derived from Chinese. Next comes a rite special to the sufis, its is whirling-dancing. It has no precedence in traditional Islam. On the contrary "Dancing in ancient China was a powerful means of seeking divine will, and producing ecstasy for calling down spirits from the invisible word". Thus sufism would be an adaptation from Chinese Shamanism. The headdress, rather than the dress covering the body, is special to the sufis; it is a long hat made to resemble the male generative organ. In ancient times this organ was sanctified and, as sacred object, its emblem formed the headdress of male and female deities. Even sages were buried with emblem of the male organ on their heads. The earlier form of Hindu Trinity was called Trai-Linga-Ishwara, where Linga literally neans the male organ but semantically connotes creative power. To understand creation man had projected Birth as Creation when the male organ of reproduction was sublimated as power of creation. The prehistoric word was Chhiu, meaning phallus. This was pronounced as Shiu or Shew and later became Shiva, who was Phallus-god. In Greece Hermes was Phallus-god. With Shiva there was the Trinity Trai-Linga-Ishwara; Hermes was correspondingly called Tris-Majestis. The headdress, originally formed to resemble the male organ of reproduction underwent modifications. It grew in length while the top, from being round became flat. In this form it could be used without a cloth wrapped round to support it on the head. This was again unique and used only by the Sufis. Its past took it to emblem of male generative organ but in all stages represented creative power.
A Comparative Study of Diazepam and Acupuncture in Patients with Osteoarthritis Pain: A Placebo Controlled Study
Authors: Thomas M. , Eriksson S. V. , Lundeberg T.
Published: November 2004

Forty-four patients with chronic cervical osteoarthritis took part in this study. Patients were treated with acupuncture, sham-acupuncture, diazepam or placebo-diazepam in randomized order. Pain was rated on visual analogue scales before, during, and after treatment. Two scales were separately used to rate the intensity (sensory component) and the unpleasantness (affective component) of pain. The results analyzed from these trials show that diazepam, placebo-diazepam, acupuncture and sham-acupuncture have a more pronounced effect on the affective than on the sensory component of pain. Acupuncture was significantly more effective than placebo-diazepam ( p < 0.05), but not significantly more effective than diazepam or sham-acupuncture.
Traditional Acupuncture Increases the Content of Beta-Endorphin in Immune Cells and Influences Mitogen Induced Proliferation
Authors: Bianchi Mauro , Jotti Edda , Sacerdote Paola , Panerai Alberto E.
Published: November 2004

We measured beta-endorphin concentrations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and mitogen-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation in patient who underwent treatment with traditional acupuncture. Traditional acupuncture increased both the concentrations of the opioid in the immune cells and lymphocyte proliferation. Our data are consistent with the hypothesis that traditional acupuncture modulates immune responses in man.
Tokishakuyakusan Stimulates Progesterone and Estradiol-17 β Production by Rat Granulosa Cells and Progesterone, Testosterone and Estradiol-17 β by the Residual Portion of the Follicle in Vitro
Authors: Usuki Satoshi
Published: November 2004

To examine the possible effects of Tokishakuyakusan (TS) on steroidogenesis by preovulatory follicles at the cell level, the expressed granulosa cells and remaining portion of follicles from pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin (PMS)-treated immature rats were incubated in vitro with increasing concentrations of TS for 3 h. TS significantly stimulated progesterone and estradiol-17 b production, with a predominant stimulation of progesterone, by the expressed granulosa cells, while testosterone production was not stimulated. In the remaining portion of the follicle, TS also significantly stimulated progesterone, testosterone and estradiol-17 b production. Similar to the effect produced by granulosa cells, the stimulatory effect of TS was stronger on progesterone than on testosterone and estradiol-17 b production. These results suggest that TS has a potent, direct stimulatory effect on steroidogenesis, especially progesterone production, by constituent tissue compartments of rat preovulatory follicles in vitro.
Acupuncture to the Skin Induces Release of Substance P and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide From Peripheral Terminals of Primary Sensory Neurons in the Rat
Authors: Kashiba Hitoshi , Uedo Yoshihiro
Published: November 2004

We immunohistochemically examined the short term effects of electron-acupuncture (E-acupuncture) to the skin on substance P (SP)- and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) containing primary sensory neurons in the rat. Immunoreactivity to SP and CGRP in these neurons at the treatment site decreased after 30 min of E-acupuncture. These results suggest that E-acupuncture induces release of SP and CGRP from peripheral terminals of primary sensory neurons.
Development of the Low Impedance Points in the Auricular Skin of Experimental Peritonitis Rats
Authors: Kawakita Kenji , Kawamura Hirosada , Keino Hiromi , Hongo Takahiro , Kitakohji Hiroshi
Published: November 2004

Electrical impedance of the auricular skin was measured in experimental peritonitis rats. Constant voltage pulses (10ms, 4V) were applied to the skin, then the impedance was estimated. Low impedance points were gradually increased after the operation for 7-14 days then they returned to the control level. The pseudo-sweating responses accompanied by the development of peritonitis were also observed. Histological study could not find any sweat glands in the auricular skin. These results suggest that the activation of the sweat glands is not the major cause of the formation of the low impedance points. Other possibilities of these phenomena were discussed.
Pharmacological Studies on Aerial Parts of Calotropis Procera
Authors: Mossa J. S. , Tariq M. , Mohsin A. , Ageel A. M. , Al-Yahya M. A. , Al-Said M. S. , Rafatullah S.
Published: November 2004

The decoction of the aerial part of Calotropis procera is commonly used in Saudi Arabian traditional medicine for the treatment of variety of diseases including fever, joint pain, muscular spasm and constipation. The present investigation was undertaken to confirm its claimed activity in traditional medicine. The ethanol extract of the plant was tested on laboratory animals for its antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, purgative and muscle relaxant activities. The results of this study showed a significant antipyretic, analgesic and neuromuscular blocking activity. On smooth muscle of guinea pig ileum, the extract produced contractions which was blocked by atropine supporting its use in constipation. The extract failed to produce significant anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities. Our phytochemical studies on the aerial parts of C. procera showed the presence of alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterols and/or triterpenes. However, the chemical constituents responsible for the pharmacological activities remains to be investigated. The safety evaluation studies revealed that the use of extract in single high doses (up to 3g/kg) does not produce any visible toxic symptoms or mortality. However, prolong treatment (90 days) causes significantly higher mortality as compared to control group.
Effects of Ryo-Kan-Kyomi-Sin-Ge-Nin-To Extract on Degranulation of and Histamine Release from Rat Mast Cells
Authors: Shibata Tadayoshi , Kono Takeshi , Tanii Tsukasa , Mizuno Nobuyuki , Hamada Toshio
Published: November 2004

The effects of Ryo-kan-kyomi-sin-ge-nin-to (RKSG) extract, a medicinal agent traditionally used in China and Japan for treatment of asthma, on the degranulation of and histamine release from rat mast cells were studied. At a concentration of 5 mg/ml RKSG, degranulation of mast cells stimulated either by antigen (DNP-Ascaris) or compound 48/80 was markedly suppressed. At a concentration of 1-5 mg/ml RKSG, histamine release from mast cells due to application of either antigen or compound 48/80 was inhibited in a dose-dependent fashion. These results suggest that RKSG may be useful for the treatment of type I allergy-related diseases.
Editorial: The Impact of Chinese Medicine on America
Authors: Kao Frederick F.
Published: November 2004

As a Chinese American born in Peking and educated both in China and in the United States, the author has, for several decades, been interested in the impact of Chinese culture, including medicine, on American society. While holding a professorship in physiology and biophysics at the State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, the author began to teach a course on Chinese medical history in the early 1960s. In 1972, he founded the Institute for Advanced Research in Asian Science and Medicine (IARASM) which publishes the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, holds international conferences for scholars and physicians interested in indigenous medical systems, trains physicians for acupuncture therapy, and fosters centers for urban primary health care. The author is a member of the World Health Organization's Expert Advisory Panel on Traditional Medicine. He is the Editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Chinese Medicine which now reaches an audience in 45 countries. The IARASM is a World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Traditional Medicine. The author served on the Rockefeller Commission of New York State on Acupuncture in 1973, and, in the same year, served as a panel member of the National Institutes of Health Conference on Acupuncture. He visited China at the invitation of the Ministry of Public Health of the People's Republic of China or WHO in 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1984, and 1987 when he chaired meetings and lectured to faculty of several medical schools. The author envisages that the process of integration of all indigenous medicines of various cultures will end in the 21st century, at which time the "ecumenical medicine" - a term first used by Joseph Needham - movement will not be necessary, for all forms of medicine will be one system. The author has a great interest in the furtherance of indigenous medicine and their integration into one system, but his views and observations, as all endeavors in humanity, are not infallible.