## 7 Pharmacological Effects
### Antioxidant Effect  
The varied pharmacological impacts of Orientin in _T. chinensis_, particularly its potent antioxidant effect, surpass those attributed to Vitexin. This discrepancy may be attributed to the structural disparity between Orientin and Vitexin. The oxidative activity of flavonoids with an o-diphenyl hydroxyl group on the B-ring is notably more robust compared with those flavonoids possessing a singular phenol hydroxyl group attached to the B-ring [75].  
To assess the antioxidant capacity of Orientin and Vitexin in _T. chinensis_ concerning D-galactose-induced subacute senescence in mice, D-galactose was administered intraperitoneally [75]. The experimental outcomes revealed that Orientin and Bauhiuha glycosides in _T. chinensis_ effectively elevated the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPGP), and glutathione peroxidase (GPP) in the tissues of the kidneys, livers, and brains of senescent mice. Additionally, these compounds increased SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Na+-K+-ATPase, and Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase activities in kidney, liver, and brain tissues. Notably, Orientin demonstrated superior efficacy over Oryza sativa in augmenting T-AOC activity within the organism [75]. The former mitigates impaired sodium ion transport and associated metabolic disorders [76], while the latter, elevated levels of Ca2+, adversely impact the cytoskeleton and membrane structure of neuronal cells, culminating in diminished stability and heightened membrane permeability, thereby contributing to the senescence process [16; 75].  
In contrast, the glycosides of Orientin and Vitexin pruriens act as antioxidants by positively modulating the activity of membrane transporter enzymes within tissue cells. Remarkably, Orientin exhibited greater efficacy than Vitexin in enhancing the activity of these tissue cell membrane transporter enzymes [15]. The robust antioxidant potential of Orientin, exceeding that of penicillin and further surpassing total flavonoids, has been corroborated in various studies. Both Orientin and Vitexin demonstrate the ability to scavenge superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical, and DPPH radical, effectively safeguarding the erythrocyte membrane. Specifically, Orientin displayed notable scavenging efficacy within the concentration range of 2.0-12.0 \(\upmu\)g/mL. In contrast, Vitexin exhibited hydroxyl radical scavenging within the concentration range of 0-1.0 \(\upmu\)g/mL, achieving maximum scavenging efficiency at 1.0 \(\upmu\)g/mL, followed by a decline in scavenging effect with increasing Vitexin concentration [77].  
The pharmacological mechanism underlying the antioxidant action of _T. chinensis_ encompasses several key facets: (1) Scavenging of free radicals: The active constituents in _T. chinensis_, particularly flavonoids, exhibit potent free radical scavenging capabilities. Thiscapacity enables the neutralization of free radicals both inside and outside the cell, thereby mitigating oxidative stress-induced damage [78]. (2) Stimulation of antioxidant enzyme activity: the active ingredients in _T. chinensis_ stimulate the activity of antioxidant enzymes by stimulating the intracellular antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, etc. [79]. This stimulation enhances the efficacy of the antioxidant system, fortifying cells against oxidative damage. In conclusion, _T. chinensis_ safeguards cells from oxidative damage through the dual mechanisms of scavenging free radicals and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity. These combined actions underscore the efficacy of _T. chinensis_ as a potent antioxidant therapeutic agent.