DOCSLIB.ORG

Liquorice, a Unique “Guide Drug” of Traditional Chinese Medicine: a Review of Its Role in Drug Interactions

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Liquorice, a Unique “Guide Drug” of Traditional Chinese Medicine: a Review of Its Role in Drug Interactions Journal of Ethnopharmacology 150 (2013) 781–790 Contents lists available at ScienceDirect Journal of Ethnopharmacology journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/jep Review Liquorice, a unique “guide drug” of traditional Chinese medicine: A review of its role in drug interactions Xiaoying Wang a,c, Han Zhang b,c, Lili Chen b,c, Lihua Shan a, Guanwei Fan b,c, Xiumei Gao b,c,n a College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China b Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Research, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 300193, China c Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 300193, China article info abstract Article history: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Liquorice is the root of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. or Glycyrrhiza glabra L., Received 23 June 2013 Leguminosae. It is a widely used herbal medicine native to southern Europe and parts of Asia and has Received in revised form beneficial applications in both the medicinal and the confectionery sectors. Unlike its usage in Europe, 24 September 2013 liquorice in traditional Chinese medicine is commonly combined with other herbs in a single prescription, Accepted 24 September 2013 as a unique “guide drug” to enhance the effectiveness of other ingredients, to reduce toxicity, and to Available online 5 November 2013 improve flavor in almost half of Chinese herbal formulas. A review on phytochemical and pharmacological Keywords: research to explain this unique “guide” effect is suggested for future investigations. Liquorice Materials and methods: The information was collected from scientific journals, books, and pharmacopeia. The Cytochrome P450 studies about the traditional uses, randomized controlled trials, chemical, pharmacological and pharmaco- Drug interactions kinetic data related to liquorice–herb/drug interaction or combination were included in the review. Traditional Chinese medicine Results: According to recent reports, the “guide” effect of liquorice is partially through components Detoxification transformed in liquorice–drug interaction; altering enzyme activity of P450 isoforms, as evidenced by induction of model probe substrates; and modulation of drug transporter proteins such as intestinal P-glycoprotein. Conclusion: The overview and comparison of traditional uses of liquorice with recent pharmacological studies and randomized controlled trials provide new insights into this ancient drug for future investi- gations and clinical use, especially in drug combination. & 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. Contents 1. Introduction . 782 2. Liquorice in TCM theories . 782 3. Modern pharmacological experiments and clinical trials of liquorice. 782 4. Component analysis in liquorice–drug interaction . 783 5. The effects of liquorice and its active components on model probe substrates of CYP isoforms . 785 6. The effects of liquorice/active ingredients on drug transporter proteins . 786 7. Adverse effects and toxicological studies of liquorice . 788 8. Conclusions . 788 Acknowledgements . 788 References.............................................................................................................788 Abbreviations: CYP, cytochrome; DGLL, diammonium glycyrrhizinate lipid ligand; GA, glycyrrhetic acid; GZ, glycyrrhizin; HSYA, hydroxysafflor yellow A; IC50, half maximal inhibitory concentration; P-gp, P-glycoprotein; TCM, traditional Chinese medicine n Corresponding author at: Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, # 312 Anshanxi Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300193, China. Tel.: þ86 22 59596586. E-mail address: [email protected] (X. Gao). 0378-8741/$ - see front matter & 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2013.09.055 782 X. Wang et al. / Journal of Ethnopharmacology 150 (2013) 781–790 1. Introduction liquorice is based on the ability to tonify the qi (life energy) of the heart and spleen. Liquorice is also useful for relieving the follow- Herbal products are becoming popular as alternative medicines ing conditions: phlegm, cough, dyspnea, spasms, pain, and toxicity worldwide. Herb–drug and herb–herb interactions are a current and cooperates with other medicines. As a tonic herbal medicine topic of debate, while combination therapies have been validated in TCM, liquorice is a high-grade herb, non-toxic and sweet, and it and show potential clinical benefits. Traditional Chinese Medicine is slightly “cold” in nature. It is combined in various formulas due (TCM) has focused on this issue because most herbs are combined to its ability to harmonize the characteristics of other herbs. with others in a single prescription. The most notable of these is Through detoxification, it can reduce the toxic properties of certain liquorice (Glycyrrhiza), which appears in approximately 60% of herbs. Through harmonizing, it can improve the synergy between TCM prescriptions (Xing et al., 2011). “cold” and “heat” herbs in a formula, alleviate the toxicity of herbs, Liquorice (Radix Glycyrrhizae, Liquiritiae radix) is the root of and modulate the taste of herbs due to its sweet flavor. Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. or Glycyrrhiza glabra L. or Glycyrrhiza After the mention of liquorice in Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, all inflata Bat., Leguminosae. It is a widely used herbal medicine subsequent TCM literature describes liquorice as an essential herb native to southern Europe and parts of Asia and has beneficial with a variety of usages. In 283 herbal prescriptions in “Shang Han applications both in the medicinal and the confectionery sectors. Za Bing Lun” (which is among the oldest complete clinical text- The sweet-tasting compound makes the liquorice root in popular books in the world and compiled by Zhang Zhongjing prior to 220 candies or sweets in Europe, and meanwhile a history of its A.D.), liquorice was used in 140 formulas. In Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji various therapeutic applications also has been documented Ju Fang, the first official formula book in China (Song Dynasty, 960- (Fiore et al., 2005). Unlike its usage in Europe, in China, liquorice 1279), liquorice appeared in 261 prescriptions among 788 listed is one of the most widely used herbal medicines, as it appears in herbal formulae. Therefore, classical texts state that “nine out more than half of TCM prescriptions. According to TCM theory, of ten herbal formulas contain liquorice” (Wang et al., 2002). liquorice is primarily effective for fatigue and debilitation, asthma A summary of historical references having important formulas that with coughing, excessive phlegm and for relieving drug toxicity. contain liquorice is shown in Table 1. Moreover, it has a unique effect on moderating and complement- We analyzed the frequency of herbs that were combined with ing the characteristics of other herbs, leading to a special guide liquorice in Shang Han Za Bing Lun. The ten herbs with the highest role in many Chinese herbal prescriptions (Commission, 2010). frequencies are the following: Fructus jujubae (Da Zao, 63 times), Unlike European herbal medicine, in which herbs are often Ramulus Cinnamomi (Gui Zhi, 63 times), Rhizoma Zingiberis used alone, TCM uses several herbs in one prescription. According Recens (Sheng Jiang, 60 times), Radix Paeoniae Alba (Shao Yao, to the theories of TCM, the prescriptions are classified as monarch 43 times), Herbal Ephedrae (Ma Huang, 28 times), Radix Ginseng (main) drugs, minister drugs, assistant drugs, and guide drugs (Ren Shen, 27 times) Rhizoma Pinelliae (Ban Xia, 26 times), (Steven and Yue, 1992). Monarch drugs are those that exert the Rhizoma Zingiberis (Gan Jiang, 26 times), Radix Aconiti Lateralis primary effect on the health condition. Assistant drugs cooperate Praeparata (Fu Zi, 20 times), Poria (Fu Ling, 17 times), and Gypsum with the major ingredient in a prescription to enhance its effect. Fibrosum (Shi Gao, 17 times), which comprised approximately 50% Minister drugs synergistically increase the effect of the monarch of the drugs combined with liquorice (Fig. 1). Of these top ten drug. Meanwhile, the "guide drug" is added to enhance the herbs, six are warm in nature, and two are hot in nature which effectiveness of other ingredients, to reduce toxicity or to improve refers medicine's effect on our bodies. In TCM theory, all medicinal taste. Although it has multiply pharmacological effects, liquorices are ascribed a nature, cold, cool, neutral, warm, or hot. “Cool” and is more commonly used as a unique “guide drug” in more than half “cold” herbs treat heat diseases like high fever, strong sweating, of all traditional and modern formulas and prescriptions, which and big thirst. “Warm” and “hot” herbs treat cold diseases like cold accounts for its unique effect on moderating the characteristics of limbs, aversion to cold, watery diarrhea (Ergil and Ergil, 2009). other herbs in low dosages (Wang and Gong, 2013). The moderat- According to TCM theory, “warm”/“hot” drugs are more likely than ing effects of liquorice on other herbs include a marked detoxify- “cold” drugs to lead to serious adverse reactions of the respiratory ing effect that can treat drug and food poisoning and/or inhibit system and to cause cardiovascular damage. “Hot” drugs, such as adverse effects, and this “guide” effect has been examined in a Rhizoma Zingiberis and Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata, are number of formulas
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Mint in the Garden Kristie Buckland and Dan Drost Vegetable Specialist
    Revised May 2020 Mint in the Garden Kristie Buckland and Dan Drost Vegetable Specialist Summary Plants: Mint can be grown from seed or Mint is a rapid growing perennial herb with transplants. Since mints readily hybridize between many varieties that grow up to 3 feet tall and are quite different types, plants grown from seed often fail to be invasive. Mint grows best in full sun to partial shade, true to type. For specific cultivars or varieties, buy should be planted early in the growing season and is established plants from reputable sources, take cuttings generally hardy to -20° F. Mint prefers moist soil from known plants, or divide an established plant. conditions, but excess water will promote root and leaf Divide and replant established plants in the spring diseases. Harvest leaves and stems throughout the before growth starts or early in the fall. season, or cut back within an inch of the ground about Planting and Spacing: Sow seeds ¼ inch deep three times a season, just before the plant blooms. and then thin seedlings once they emerge. Transplants should be planted with roots just beneath the soil Varieties surface. Row spacing should be at least 2 feet apart to allow for growth. Use care when selecting mint varieties. The taste Water: Water regularly during the growing and smell varies greatly between varieties. For cold areas season, supplying up to 1 to 2 inches per week, of Utah, peppermint, spearmint, and woolly mints are depending on temperatures, exposure and soil very hardy. All varieties are well suited to areas of Utah conditions.
    [Show full text]
  • Sage Salvia Officinalis Garden Sage, Red Sage, Salvia Salvatrix Photo
    Sage Salvia officinalis Garden Sage, Red Sage, Salvia salvatrix Photo: LuvlyMikimoto 9/1/07 Botanical Description Salvia officinalis can be used for both culinary and medical needs. Sage generally grows to be approximately a foot tall with leaves one and a half to two inches long. The leaves grow in pairs on the thin stems. Over time the plant eventually becomes woody and much like a shrubbery. All parts of the plant have a strong scent due to the essential oils within them.1 The essential oil is made up of thujone, 1,8-cineole, camphor, borneol, isobutyl acetate, camphene, linalool, alpha- and beta-pinene, viridiflorol, alpa- and beta-caryphyllene. Sage blossoms in August. The flowers are labiate (lip-like) with a light purple, white, or pink color.2 Cultivation Sage grows well in almost all types of garden soil. It thrives in partial shade and warm, dryer soil. Though sage is a perennial, it usually needs to be replanted every few years due to the thinning of the plant.3 Origins The name scientific classification, salvia officinalis comes from the Latin verb salvare meaning to save. It was valued for its healing attributes as illustrated in a common Latin translation, “How can a man die who has Sage in his garden?” Some claim that the Virgin Mary used sage’s “extraordinary virtues” to guide her to Egypt and seek shelter.4 History The Ancients and Arabians considered sage linked to immortality. It was first found northern Mediterranean countries and eventually spread to England, France and Switzerland in the fourteenth century.
    [Show full text]
  • Therapeutic Uses of Peppermint –A Review
    Aishwarya Balakrishnan /J. Pharm. Sci. & Res. Vol. 7(7), 2015, 474-476 Therapeutic Uses of Peppermint –A Review Aishwarya Balakrishnan, Saveetha Dental College,Chennai-77 Abstract: Peppermint (Mentha piperita, also known as M. balsamea Willd), is a hybrid mint, a cross between watermint and spearmint. The plant, indigenous to Europe and the Middle East, is now widespread in cultivation in many regions of the world. It is found wild occasionally with its parent species. The concentrated oil of peppermint has a high menthol content. The oil also contains menthone and menthyl esters, particularly menthyl acetate. Dried peppermint typically has volatile oil containing menthol, menthone , menthyl acetate ,menthofuran and 1,8-cineol. Peppermint oil also contains small amounts of many additional compounds including limonene, pulegone, caryophyllene and pinene. According to the German Commission E monographs, peppermint oil (as well as peppermint leaf) has been used internally as an antispasmodic (upper gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts) and to treat irritable bowel syndrome, catarrh of the respiratory tract, and inflammation of the oral mucosa. Externally, peppermint oil has been used for myalgia and neuralgia. According to Commission E, peppermint oil may also act as a carminative, cholagogue, antibacterial, and secretolytic, and it has a cooling action. Enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules (Colpermin) have been used as an orally administered antispasmodic premedication in colonoscopy. Key Words : Mentha piperita, peppermint, menthone. INTRODUCTION: important aromatic and medicinal crops produced in the Peppermint or mentha piperta is a common herb that is U.S. The world production of peppermint oil is about 8000 grown in Europe and north America.
    [Show full text]
  • Download Article (PDF)
    International Conference on Economics, Management, Law and Education (EMLE 2015) Shaping of Local City Image under New Media Context Shuo Chen School of Humanity and Law Nanyang Institute of Technology Nanyang, Henan, China 473004 Abstract—The globalization and information in 21st communication of city’s virtual image and positively has an century have brought unprecedented opportunities and influence on the public’s perception and overall evaluation of challenges to mankind. In order to stand out from the the city, it plays a leading role in construction and competition, cities around the world gradually begin to pay communication of city image and the “image competition” attention to city image construction and take it as an important between cities. bargaining chip in the competition between cities. It is well- known that city image construction has provided powerful The arrival of new media age makes media environment impetus and support for the development of the city and plays and public opinion environment of city image a vital role in the accumulation of human resources and social communication have earth-shaking changes, which provide capital. But under the impact of new media, the existing more abundant resources and wider space for the communication mode cannot meet the demands of city image construction and communication of city image, and bring any more. In order to realize the maximization of the more severe challenges. In current social trend of communication effect of city image, we must start from three informatization, the communication of city image must be aspects of communication subject, communication media and supported by new media.
    [Show full text]
  • Bian Que's Viewpoint on Medicine and the Preventative Treatment of Diseases
    Northeast Asia Traditional Chinese Medicine Communication and Development Base of traditional medicine in Northeast Asia, conduct academic seminars and collaborative innovation, and form annual report on development of traditional medicine in Northeast Asia. 2. Special Belt & Road scholarships for Northeast Asia: are ready to provide yearly funding support such as full & partial scholarships and grants for overseas TCM talents with medical background. 3. Exhibitions on traditional medicine in Northeast Asia: to held exhibitions on traditional medicine of northeast Asian countries, health-care foods, welfare In November 2016, the Northeast Asia Traditional equipments and service trade negotiations, and promote Chinese Medicine Communication and Development multilateral p roject cooperation. Base was established in Changchun University of Chinese Medicine being approved by the State 4. The forum on Traditional Medicine in Northeast Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Asia (Planning): to invite principals of traditional China. This foundation will serve as an important medicine departments from northeast Asian or platform for the spread of TCM in northeast China. relevant countries to make keynote speeches, and distinguished specialists and experts to participate in Distinct Regional Advantages Historically, this conference discussion. area is the core of the Northern Silk Road that extends to Russia, Japan, Mongolia, Republic of Korea and 5. One journal and one bulletin: to issue restrictedly Democratic People’s Republic of Korean. The city of Northeast Asia Traditional Chinese Medicine (quarterly) Changchun aims to be a regional center in Northeast and Bulletin on Traditional Chinese Medicine Asia. The China-Northeast Asia Expo in Changchun Information in Northeast Asia (monthly). serves as an important window to open to the north.
    [Show full text]
  • Hazard Assessment of Glycyrrhizic Acid from Liquorice
    VKM Report 2018: 09 Hazard assessment of glycyrrhizic acid from liquorice Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids, Materials in Contact with Food and Cosmetics of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment Report from the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) 2018: 09 Hazard assessment of glycyrrhizic acid from liquorice Opinion of Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids, Materials in Contact with Food and Cosmetics of the Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment 08.05.2018 ISBN: 978-82-8259-306-9 ISSN: 2535-4019 Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM) Po 4404 Nydalen N – 0403 Oslo Norway Phone: +47 21 62 28 00 Email: [email protected] vkm.no vkm.no/English Cover photo: ColourBox Suggested citation: VKM, Inger-Lise Steffensen, Gro Haarklou Mathisen, Ellen Bruzell, Berit Brunstad Granum, Jens Rohloff, Ragna Bogen Hetland (2018) Hazard assessment of glycyrrhizic acid from liquorice. Opinion of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids, Materials in Contact with Food and Cosmetics. ISBN: 978-82-8259-306-9. Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (VKM), Oslo, Norway. VKM Report 2018: 09 Hazard assessment of glycyrrhizic acid from liquorice Preparation of the opinion The Norwegian Scientific Committee for Food and Environment (Vitenskapskomiteen for mat og miljø, VKM) appointed a project group to answer the request from the Norwegian Food Safety Authority. The project group consisted of two VKM members of the Panel on Food Additives, Flavourings, Processing Aids, Materials in Contact with Food and Cosmetics and a project leader from the VKM secretariat.
    [Show full text]
  • Featuring Lemon Balm Herbal Water Lillian's
    Recipes Featuring Lemon Balm Herbal Water 1 handful of lemon balm ½ handful of pineapple sage ½ handful orange mint ¼ handful mystery herb (like rose, lime basil, or rose scented geranium) in 2 quarts of water Six hours before drinking it, gather the herbs, wash them gently in cold water and place them in a jug of water. Place the jug in the fridge so that is refreshingly chilled for family or guests. For a morning garden tour, make this the night before. Any citrus, pleasant scented geranium, mint or other pleasing herbs can be substituted. © 2009 Lemon Balm: An Herb Society of America Guide, Recipe Karen Langan Lillian's Lemon Noodles 1 cup butter (no substitutions) Blend in: 1½ cups sugar 2¾ cups flour 2 eggs 1 teaspoon cream of tartar 6-8 leaves of lemon balm that have been 1 teaspoon baking soda finely chopped (can put in blender with Zest of one fresh lemon or a tablespoon eggs to be chopped) of dried grated lemon peel 1 teaspoon vanilla Chill batter 1 hour or longer. Roll small balls the size of a cherry or walnut depending on the size of cookie you like; bake at 350°F, 8-12 minutes, till golden. Batter can be kept up to a week covered, in refrigerator. While still warm, frost with small dollop of lemon butter icing. Lemon Butter Icing: Beat one stick of room temperature butter with 1 box 4X sugar. Add the juice of ½ lemon, 1 teaspoon vanilla; beat well. If too stiff, add a drop or two of milk.
    [Show full text]
  • Using Garden Sage Wisely
    Garden Mastery Tips September 2003 from Clark County Master Gardeners Using Garden Sage Wisely Garden sage (Salvia officinalis, common sage) and its cultivars are frequently grown in both herb gardens and among ornamentals. Few people, however, take full advantage of their garden sage. You’re thinking that the next piece of advice will be that we should all slog through the mud Thanksgiving morning to harvest fresh sage for the turkey stuffing? No, let’s see what we can do with sage right now. ♦ Caution Taken in high doses, the compound thujone contained in garden sage may cause convulsions. Since thujone is volatile, most of it dissipates when sage is cooked, so the culinary use of sage is safe. Please consult a professional about the risks of using sage as an internal medicinal treatment. Sage should be avoided or used with caution during pregnancy, as it is a uterine stimulant. ♦ Sage Leaves – cosmetic and therapeutic uses To make a soothing mouthwash or gargle, pour one cup boiling water over three teaspoons finely chopped fresh sage leaves, steep the tea, strain, cool and use. Rub sage leaves on teeth to whiten them. Use one quarter cup each dried sage leaves and dried strawberry leaves or mugwort in herbal baths to relieve stiff muscles and aching joints. Hang the cheesecloth-wrapped bundle of herbs from the spout while running the bath water, let the bundle steep a while, and squeeze the bundle well before removing it and climbing in. Another approach is to make an infusion of sage and strawberry leaves (pour boiling water over a half-cup of dried herbs; let it steep 10 to 20 minutes; strain) and add it to your bath.
    [Show full text]
  • View Article
    OPEN ACCESS Freely available online Biology and Medicine Review Article Herbal Prescription for COVID-19 Enqin Zhang* Department of Medicine, UK Academy of Chinese Medicine, United Kindom ABSTRACT The clinical studies from China have proved that the use of herbal medicine has played a significant role in the prevention and treatment of COVID-19. This article aims to introduce the six most effective herbal prescriptions in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating the coronavirus (COVID-19). Each formula has been described in detail including the name, source, indication, ingredients (Chinese Pinyin, English and Latin names), usage and discussion, etc. The first chief formula introduced in this article is the most popular prescription published by The National Health Commission of People’s Republic of China on 3/3 2020 for the treatment and prevention of coronavirus infection and pneumonia; and subsequent formulas are the modified classical herbal prescriptions and my experienced herbal formula I often use in the UK. Keywords: COVID-19; Herbal formulas; Ingredients, Indications; Usage; Discussion INTRODUCTION infected by COVID -19 in the UK. This is why I choose to write this article. The coronavirus (COVID-19) is highly contagious with a characteristic tendency to severely affect the respiratory tract and METHODS the lung in certain individuals .TCM classifies COVID-19 as an epidemic disease termed ‘Wen YI’ and considers both external and Here is detailed information on the anti-coronavirus herbal internal factors contributing to
    [Show full text]
  • Aconite and Licorice Decoction)
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Middlesex University Research Repository Sweating Method in Shang Han Lun Engin CAN 张恩勤 Everwell Chinese Medical Centre , London Ming Zhao CHENG 程铭钊 Middlesex University, London Introduction Sweating method （汗法）is the first therapeutic methods described in Shang Han Lun （伤寒论Treatise on Cold Damage Disease ）by Zhang Zhongjing in the East Han Dynasty (3 rd century AD, about 200-219 AD). This method is mainly used for treating exterior syndrome of Taiyang Disease (Greater Yang) Disease. Its first representative formula is Mahuang Tang (麻 黄汤 Ephedra Decoction). Additionally, there are many other formulas that can also be classified in the category of sweating method to treat associated or deteriorated syndromes mainly in Taiyang Disease. These formulae are: Gegen Tang (葛根汤 Pueraria Decoction) Da Qinglong Tang （大青龙汤 Major Blue Dragon Decoction ） Xiao Qinglong Tang (小青龙汤 Minor Blue Dragon Decoction) Mahuang Xingren Gancao Shigao Tang （麻黄杏仁甘草石膏汤 Ephedra, Bitter Apricot Seed, Licorice and Gypsum Decoction ） Guizhi Mahuang Ge Ban Tang (桂枝麻黄各半汤 Half Cinnamon Half Ephedra Decoction), Guizhi Er Mahuang Yi Tang (桂枝二麻黄一汤 Two Cinnamon One Ephedra Decoction ） Mahuang Xixin Fuzi Tang （麻黄细辛附子汤 Ephedra, Asarum and Aconite Decoction ） Mahuang Fuzi Gancao Tang (麻黄附子甘草汤 Ephedra ，Aconite and Licorice Decoction) The formulae and Their Clinical Use In this article, we will discuss the above formulae one by one. 1. Mahuang Tang （（（麻黄汤（麻黄汤 Ephedra Decoction ））） Mahuang Tang consists of following ingredients: Mahuang/Herba Ephedrae (with joints removed) 3 Liang /9 g (Notes: in the UK, you may choose Xiangru/ Herba Moslae 9g instead of Mahuang/Ephedra) 1 Guizhi/Ramulus Cinnamomi 2 Liang /6g Zhi Gancao/Radix Glycyrrhizae Praeparatae 1 Liang /3g Xingren/Semen Armeniacae Amarum (with its skin removed) 70 pcs / 9g Traditionally, boil Mahuang in water (9 Sheng = 198.1mlx9) first until 2 Sheng (198.1mlx2) of the water has been reduced, then remove the froth (which contains more ephedrine).
    [Show full text]
  • The Chemotaxonomy of Common Sage (Salvia Officinalis)
    medicines Article The Chemotaxonomy of Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) Based on the Volatile Constituents Jonathan D. Craft, Prabodh Satyal and William N. Setzer * Department of Chemistry, University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA; [email protected] (J.D.C.); [email protected] (P.S.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-256-824-6519 Academic Editors: João Rocha and James D. Adams Received: 2 May 2017; Accepted: 26 June 2017; Published: 29 June 2017 Abstract: Background: Common sage (Salvia officinalis) is a popular culinary and medicinal herb. A literature survey has revealed that sage oils can vary widely in their chemical compositions. The purpose of this study was to examine sage essential oil from different sources/origins and to define the possible chemotypes of sage oil. Methods: Three different samples of sage leaf essential oil have been obtained and analyzed by GC-MS and GC-FID. A hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out on 185 sage oil compositions reported in the literature as well as the three samples in this study. Results: The major components of the three sage oils were the oxygenated monoterpenoids α-thujone (17.2–27.4%), 1,8-cineole (11.9–26.9%), and camphor (12.8–21.4%). The cluster analysis revealed five major chemotypes of sage oil, with the most common being a α-thujone > camphor > 1,8-cineole chemotype, of which the three samples in this study belong. The other chemotypes are an α-humulene-rich chemotype, a β-thujone-rich chemotype, a 1,8-cineole/camphor chemotype, and a sclareol/α-thujone chemotype.
    [Show full text]
  • Herbs and Spices
    Herbs and Spices spices bo bs and ost flav Shop and Save Her or, Fresh or Dried? - and < In bulk foods, you can buy a are salt sugar-f Both fresh and dried herbs add nd ree! small amount to use while the a flavor. Adjust amounts to your flavor is strongest. Or try taste. something new. Most Herbs: < Check for a “BEST by” date 3 teaspoons fresh = on packaged spices and herbs. 1 They are still safe after the date teaspoon dried but the flavor will be weaker. Garlic: 1 clove fresh = < Fresh herbs should be a color ¼ teaspoon garlic powder typical for the herb. Avoid Ginger: 1 teaspoon wilted or yellowed leaves. fresh ginger root = < If you garden, grow some ¼ teaspoon ground herbs. Try basil, parsley, chives ginger powder and others in the ground or a container. I Whole dried spices keep their a bowl of water; lift out flavor for up to 4 years; ground of the water; repeat in fresh ore We spices for 2 to 3 years and dried water until no dirt appears in St ll herbs for 1 to 3 years. Smell them the bowl. ste Le to check for strength of flavor. I Freeze fresh herbs and use in a ss I Refrigerate fresh herbs like W cooked dishes within one year. parsley, basil or cilantro upright Remove clean, dry leaves from I Store dried herbs and spices in in a glass of water like flowers. main stems, spread on a tray a cool, dark location away from Cover with a loose plastic bag.
    [Show full text]