This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81573992). We thank Emily K. Lo and Kathleen DiNapoli for their language editing assistance.

The protocol follows the animal care guidelines of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is approved by the animal experiment Shanghai Animal Ethics Committee.
1. Protocol I: Preparation of EXD
<ol>
	<li>Calculation
	<ol>
		<li>Administer the EXD to a treatment group of 10 Six month-old female Imprinting Control Region (ICR)&#160;mice (0.02 kg/mouse), 5 days per week for 12 weeks. 
		NOTE: A total of 1.702 EXDs are needed. Because EXDs are measured in discrete increments, in real practice, administer 2 EXDs.</li>
		<li>Calculate the volume of EXD applied per mouse (i.e. V = (0.1418 EXD/kg&#8226;day) * (0.02 kg/mouse) * 50 mL/EXD = 0.14 mL/mouse&#8226;day).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Soaking
	<ol>
		<li>Put all the raw materials of two EXDs (ie., Curculigo orchioides Gaertn (18 g), Herbaa Epimedii (18 g), Radix Morindae Officinalis (18 g), Radix Angelicae Sinensis (18 g), Cortex Phellodendri (12 g), and Rhizoma Anemarrhenae (12 g), 96 g in total) into a container with a lid. 
		NOTE: A ceramic container is recommended.</li>
		<li>Macerate the raw herbs with 500 mL of distilled water for 1 h; the water should cover the herbs by about an inch. Let all the herbs thoroughly soak.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>First water decoction
	<ol>
		<li>Heat the herbs using a gas cooker or an induction cooker on high power until the water boils (about 5 - 10 min; the time span depends on the heating power, the container, and the quantity of herbs and water). Turn down the power to a low simmer for 2 h.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>First filtration
	<ol>
		<li>Cover a 500-mL glass beaker with regular filter paper or with gauze and cotton. Carefully pour off the decoction into the beaker through the filter. Leave the herbs in the container.</li>
		<li>Return the remaining herbal residue on the filter paper to the container.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Second water decoction
	<ol>
		<li>Add distilled water to the container with the herbs; let it cover the herbs by about an inch.</li>
		<li>Repeat step 1.3.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Second filtration
	<ol>
		<li>Repeat steps 1.4.1 and 1.4.2.</li>
		<li>Pour off the second decoction into the same beaker. Mix the first and second decoctions together.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Concentration
	<ol>
		<li>Put the beaker onto a gas cooker with asbestos-free wire gauze between them, heat the decoction using a low simmer, and slowly and continuously stir with a glass rod.</li>
		<li>When the decoction reduces to 200 mL, transfer it to a 500-mL beaker.</li>
		<li>Repeat step 1.7.1 until the decoction reduces to 100 mL.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Storage and administration
	<ol>
		<li>Transfer the concentrated decoction to a sterile glass bottle. Let it cool to room temperature (RT). Store at 4 &#176;C if using within one week or at -70 &#176;C for long-term storage.</li>
		<li>Using a gavage needle, administer 0.14 mL/mouse of the decoction to ovariectomized (OVX) mice once per day, 5 days a week for 12 weeks.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>
2. Protocol II: Preparation of EXD-containing Serum
<ol>
	<li>Calculation
	<ol>
		<li>Calculate the rat-equivalent dose (RED) using 0.15 kg as the body weight of each rat (1 month old): dB = (1/60) * (90/100) * (60/0.15)1/3 = 0.111 EXD/kg/day. 
		NOTE: A total of 10 mL of EXD-containing serum is needed to prepare 100 mL of culture medium (10% EXD-containing serum). Each rat is expected to provide 2 mL of serum. Thus, 6 rats (a 20% loss is taken into account) are needed for EXD administration once a day for 3 days. The number of EXDs is: (0.111 EXD/kg&#8226;day) * (0.15 kg/rat) * (6 rats) * (3 days) = 0.300 EXD. Again, because EXDs are measured in discrete increments, use 1 EXD.</li>
		<li>Calculate the volume of EXD applied per rat (i.e., V = (0.111 EXD/kg&#8226;day) * (0.15 kg/rat) * (50 mL/EXD) = 0.83 mL/rat&#8226;day).</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Soaking
	<ol>
		<li>Put the raw materials for 1 EXD into a container with a lid. Macerate the raw herbs in distilled water for 1 h; the water should cover the herbs by about an inch. Let all the herbs thoroughly soak.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>First water decoction
	<ol>
		<li>Heat the herbs using an induction cooker on high power until the water boils (about 5 - 10 min; the time span depends on the heat power, the container, and the quantity of herbs and water). Turn the power down to a low simmer for 2 h.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>First filtration
	<ol>
		<li>Cover a 500-mL glass beaker with regular filter paper or with gauze and cotton. Carefully pour off the decoction into the beaker through the filter. Leave the herbs in the container.</li>
		<li>Return the herbal residue on the filter paper to the container.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Second water decoction
	<ol>
		<li>Add distilled water to the container with the herbs; let it cover the herbs by about an inch.</li>
		<li>Repeat step 2.4.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Second filtration
	<ol>
		<li>Repeat steps 2.5.1 and 2.5.2.</li>
		<li>Pour off the second decoction into the same beaker as in step 2.4.1 and mix the first and second decoctions together.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Concentration
	<ol>
		<li>Put the beaker on a gas cooker with asbestos-free wire gauze between them, heat the decoction using a low simmer, and slowly and continuously stir with a glass rod.</li>
		<li>When the decoction reduces to 100 mL, transfer it to a 100-mL beaker.</li>
		<li>Repeat step 2.7.1 until the decoction reduces to 50 mL.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Storage and administration
	<ol>
		<li>Transfer the concentrated decoction into a sterile glass bottle. Let it cool to RT. Store at 4 &#176;C if using within one week or at -70 &#176;C for long-term storage.</li>
		<li>Intragastrically administer 0.83 mL/rat once per day for 3 days.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>EXD-containing serum preparation
	<ol>
		<li>Anesthetize the rats by intraperitoneally injecting of 300 mL/100 g of 80 mg/kg ketamine and 10 mg/kg xylazine&#160;&#160;at 1 h after the last administration of EXD. Confirm proper anesthetization by toe pinch.</li>
		<li>Incise the skin and peritoneum of the rat from the abdomen to the bottom of the thorax using a scalpel (or straight operating scissors). Create an incision of length and depth of about 5 cm and 0.5 cm, respectively. Move the abdominal viscera to the left using tissue paper.</li>
		<li>Using tissue paper, remove the connective tissue of the abdominal aorta to clearly expose the vessel.</li>
		<li>Draw the blood slowly from the abdominal aorta using a 10-mL, 22-gauge syringe. Transfer it to a 15-mL sterile tube after removing the needle; one rat can produce 8-10 mL of blood. 
		NOTE: The rat should be alive (i.e., with the abdominal aorta pulsating) when beginning the blood drawing and dead after the drawing completes.</li>
		<li>Clot the blood in an upright position for 30 - 60 min at room RT. Centrifuge at 500-600 x g for 20 min. Carefully place all the supernatant (serum) in one 50-mL sterile tube and mix all the serum (from different animals) together.</li>
		<li>Perform heat inactivation by incubating the serum in a 56 &#176;C water bath for 30 min. Filter the serum using a syringe filter with a 0.22-&#181;m pore size hydrophilic polyethersulfone membrane. Use the serum fresh or store it at -20 &#176;C.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Control drug-containing serum preparation (used in the control group)
	<ol>
		<li>Administer each rat with the same volume of saline (0.83 mL) once per day for 3 days. The other steps are the same as in step 2.9.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
	<li>Application
	<ol>
		<li>Add 10 mL of EXD-containing serum or drug-containing serum to each 100 mL of medium, plus 1% penicillin-streptomycin (PS)23.</li>
	</ol>
	</li>
</ol>

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L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Effects+of+Ling+Qi+Juan+Gan+capsule+drug-containing+serum+on+PDGF-induced+proliferation+and+JAK/STAT+signaling+of+HSC-T6+cells].">Effects of Ling Qi Juan Gan capsule drug-containing serum on PDGF-induced proliferation and JAK/STAT signaling of HSC-T6 cells].</a> Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi. 21 (9), 663-667 (2013).</li><li>Li, Y. K. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=[Some+issues+in+methology+of+Chinese+herbs+serum+pharmcology].">[Some issues in methology of Chinese herbs serum pharmcology].</a> Zhong Yao Xin Yao Yu Lin Chuang Yao Li. 10 (5), 263 (1999).</li><li>Zhang, L., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=[A+review+of+Chinese+herbs+serum+pharmcology+methodological+study].">[A review of Chinese herbs serum pharmcology methodological study].</a> Nan Jing Zhong Yi Yao Da Xue Xue Bao. 18 (4), 254 (2002).</li><li>Zhang, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=[Issues+and+strategies+for+study+of+serum+pharmcology+in+oncology].">[Issues and strategies for study of serum pharmcology in oncology].</a> Zhong Yi Yan Jiu. 17 (5), 13-14 (2004).</li></ol>

The authors declare that they have no competing financial interests.

In recent years, more attention has been paid to herbal medicines, one type of alternative medicine that has been applied in the clinical setting in the Eastern world for thousands of years. Different from the &#34;bench to bed&#34; pattern of modern medicine, traditional herbal medicine first require the &#34;bed to bench&#34; pattern to explain their mechanisms. This can be followed by validation performed at the bench stage and processing for the development of newly optimized drugs. So far, there are several extracti...

Interest in the study and application of traditional herbal medicine is currently growing. As opposed to modern drugs, in which chemical ingredients are definite, herbal formulas have some unknown ingredients and require extraction processes to enable the delivery of their active compounds. Although many studies try to select one small compound with a well-known structure as a representative of the whole herb or herbal formula, neither the pharmacological efficacies nor mechanisms can be considered equivalent1,2. While fingerprinting enables the analysis of the constituents of complex herbal formulas, some constituents are still not clearly analyzed, leading to a challenge when combining all extracts for study3. The interactions of numerous constituents/extracts mediate the therapeutic effects of herbal medicines. To retain this advantage, the traditional extract form&#8212;decoction&#8212;is still widely used in the clinic. Since the extract procedure has a great impact on the therapeutic efficacy, a standard protocol of traditional water decoction is necessary, especially for in vivo studies4,5.
On the other hand, when exploring pharmacological mechanisms, the administration of herbal decoctions during in vitro or ex vivo studies is also a challenge. The concept of a drug-containing serum was first proposed by Tashino in 19886. Since then, increasing numbers of researchers have applied it to herbal medicine7,8,9. Although the method of drug-containing serum has some limitations, such as the influence of certain components of the serum, it is still considered to be a method that closely mimics physiological conditions.
The er-xian decoction was developed in the early 1950s to relieve menopausal symptoms10,11,12,13. It has also been applied to the treatment of aplastic anemia14, menopausal osteoporosis15,16,17, premature ovarian failure18, breast cancer19, ovarian cancer20, and delayed puberty21. Here, we present detailed protocols for the preparation of both the er-xian decoction (EXD) and its drug-containing serum. In addition, we describe the application of EXD and EXD-containing serum to murine menopausal osteoporotic models.
An EXD is composed of 9 g each of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn, Herbaa Epimedii, Radix Morindae Officinalis, and Radix Angelicae Sinensis and 6 g each of Cortex Phellodendri and Rhizoma Anemarrhenae per adult patient per day. The equivalent dose for a mouse is 0.1418 EXD/kg/day based on the following equation22: dB = dA * RB / RA * (WA / WB) 1/3. dA and dB refer to the dose per bodyweight (mg/kg) of the human and mouse, respectively. The dose, in mg/kg, is replaced by the number of EXD/kg. RA and RB represent the human body factor and mouse body factor, respectively, which are proportional to the (body surface area (m2) / body weight (kg))2/3 (See Table 1). WA and WB indicate the bodyweight (kg) of the human and mouse, respectively.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Curculigo orchioides Gaertn (9&amp;thinsp;g), Herbaa Epimedii (9&amp;thinsp;g), Radix Morindae Officinalis (9&amp;thinsp;g), Radix Angelicae Sinensis (9&amp;thinsp;g), Cortex Phellodendri (6&amp;thinsp;g), and Rhizoma Anemarrhenae (6&amp;thinsp;g)</td><td>Kang-qiao Chinese Medicine Yinpian Co. Ltd (Shanghai, CN)</td><td>160922</td><td>EXD components</td></tr><tr><td>Filter paper</td><td>GElifesciences</td><td>99-103-952</td><td>Filter EXD decoction before concentration</td></tr><tr><td>Imprinting Control Region (ICR) mice</td><td>Shanghai Laboratory Animal Center</td><td>SCXK 2007-0005</td><td>In vivo study</td></tr><tr><td>Sprague Dawley rats</td><td>Shanghai Laboratory Animal Center</td><td>SCXK 2007-0005</td><td>EXD-containing serum preparation</td></tr><tr><td>Syringe filter</td><td>Millipore</td><td>SLGP033RB</td><td>0.22 &amp;micro;m</td></tr><tr><td>gavage needles (10 ml)</td><td>Shanghai BO Ge trade sales department</td><td>59104274</td><td>Adminstration of EXD</td></tr><tr><td>Ketamine (80 mg/kg)&amp;nbsp;</td><td>Fujian Gutian Pharma Co. Ltd</td><td>H35020148</td><td>Anesthesia</td></tr><tr><td>Xylazine (10 mg/kg)</td><td>Sunway Pharma Co. Ltd</td><td>CB07591</td><td>Anesthesia</td></tr><tr><td>Dulbecco&amp;rsquo;s modification of Eagle&amp;rsquo;s medium Dulbecco (DMEM) culture medium</td><td>Gibco</td><td>12800-116</td><td>DMEM with 2 mM L-glutamine and without ribonucleosides and ribonucleotides</td></tr><tr><td>Streptomycin</td><td>Sigma</td><td>1277</td><td>100 &amp;micro;g / ml</td></tr><tr><td>Penicillin</td><td>Sigma</td><td>4687</td><td>100 &amp;micro;g / ml</td></tr></tbody></table>

preparation of herbal medicine: er-xian decoction and er-xian-containing serum for in vivo and in vitro experiments

Traditional herbal medicine, an alternative medicine in the clinical setting, has received increased attention in recent years. Before delivery to the body, an additional extraction procedure is commonly required to release the active constituents from raw herbs. Water decoction is a classical extraction procedure that is still broadly used in the clinical settings. Here, we propose a detailed protocol for er-xian decoction (EXD) in order to apply herbal decoctions to experimental studies. The calculation of an animal-appropriate dose is described, as well as the four main steps of EXD: soaking, water decoction, filtration, and concentration. In addition, serum-containing EXD is introduced to rats as a means of in vitro validation. Here, rats were orally administered EXD for three days. Blood samples were then collected, inactivated, centrifuged, and filtered. The serum, diluted with the culture medium, can be utilized to treat cells or tissues in vitro. For example, EXD was applied to both in vivo and in vitro studies and demonstrated that EXD enhances osteogenesis. This protocol can be used as a reference for the preparation and application of herbal medicines.

The effect of EXD on the bone density of OVX mice
Hematoxylin and eosin (H&#38;E) staining of the lumbar vertebra section shows increased bone trabeculae after EXD treatment in vivo (Figure 1A, right panel) compared with those in the OVX group (Figure 1A, left panel). Figure 1B shows the representative &#181;CT images of the 4th lumbar in OVX mice (Figur...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Preparation of Herbal Medicine: Er-Xian Decoction and Er-Xian-containing Serum for In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments at JoVE.com

Preparation of Herbal Medicine: Er-Xian Decoction and Er-Xian-containing Serum for In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments

Here, we present the preparation of an er-xian decoction (EXD) in four steps&#8212;soaking, decoction, filtration, and concentration&#8212;and demonstrate the administration of a prepared EXD-containing serum to rats. These methods are applicable to the in vivo and in vitro study of herbal decoctions such as traditional Chinese medicines.

Preparation of Herbal Medicine: Er-Xian Decoction and Er-Xian-containing Serum for In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments

Traditional herbal medicine, an alternative medicine in the clinical setting, has received increased attention in recent years. Before delivery to the ...

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10.9K Views.  Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Hier presenteren we de voorbereiding van een er-xian decoctie (EXD) in vier stappen: ontdooiing, afkooksel, filtratie en concentratie- en de toediening van een bereid EXD-bevattende serum aan ratten aan te tonen. Deze methoden zijn van toepassing op de in vivo en in vitro studie van kruiddekkingen zoals traditionele Chinese geneesmiddelen. 

Video: Preparation of Herbal Medicine: Er-Xian Decoction and Er-Xian-containing Serum for In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments

Extraction and Purification of Polyphenols from Freeze-dried Berry Powder for the Treatment of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells In Vitro

Epidemiological studies indicate that increased flavonoid intake correlates with decreased mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the United States (US) and Europe. Berries are widely consumed in the US and have a high polyphenolic content. Polyphenols have been shown to interact with many molecular targets and to exert numerous positive biological functions, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects. Polyphenols isolated from blackberry (BL), raspberry (RB), and black raspberry (BRB) reduce oxidative stress and cellular senescence in response to angiotensin II (Ang II). This work provides a detailed description of the protocol used to prepare the polyphenol extracts from freeze-dried berries. Polyphenol extractions from freeze-dried berry powder were performed using 80% aqueous ethanol and an ultrasonic-assisted extraction method. The crude extract was further purified and fractionated using chloroform and ethyl acetate, respectively. The effects of both crude and purified extracts were tested on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs) in culture.

Extraction and Purification of Polyphenols from Freeze-dried Berry Powder for the Treatment of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells In Vitro

This work details a step-by-step method to prepare polyphenol-rich extracts from freeze-dried berry powder. In addition, it provides a thorough description of how to use these polyphenol-rich extracts in cell culture in the presence of the peptide hormone angiotensin II (Ang II) using Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells (VSMCs).

Epidemiological studies indicate that increased flavonoid intake correlates with decreased mortality due to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the United ...

Chemistry

Ultra High-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry and Self-established Database Analysis of Chinese Herbal Medicine Components

Chinese herbal medicine is complex and has numerous unknown compounds, making qualitative research crucial. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) is the most widely used method in qualitative analysis of compounds. The method includes standardized and programmed protocols for sample pretreatment, MS tune, MS acquisition, and data processing. The sample pretreatments include collection, pulverization, solvent extraction, ultrasound, centrifugation, and filtration. Data post-processing was described in detail and includes data importing, self-established database construction, method establishment, data processing, and other manual operations. The above-ground part of the alpine yarrow herb, Achillea millefolium L., is used to treat inflammation, gastrointestinal disturbances, and pain and its 3-oxa-guaianolides could be useful leads for anti-inflammatory drug development. Three representative compounds in AML were identified, combining TOF-MS with a self-established database. Moreover, the differences from existing literature, liquid-phase parameter optimization, scan mode selection, ion source suitability, collision energy adjustment, isomer screening, method limitation, and possible solutions were discussed. This standardized analysis method is universal and can be applied to identify complex compounds in Chinese herbal medicine.

We describe a general protocol and systematic design that could be applied to separate and recognize complex components in alpine yarrow herb, Achillea millefolium L., a Chinese herbal medicine.

Chinese herbal medicine is complex and has numerous unknown compounds, making qualitative research crucial. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography ...

Preparation Of Gushukang (GSK) Granules for In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine plays a role as an alternative method in treating many diseases, such as postmenopausal osteoporosis (POP). Gushukang (GSK) granules, a marketed prescription in China, have bone-protective effects in treating POP. Before administration to the body, one standard preparation procedure is commonly required, which aims to promote the release of active constituents from raw herbs and enhance the pharmacological effects as well as therapeutic outcomes. This study proposes a detailed protocol for using GSK granules in in vivo and in vitro experimental assays. The authors first provide a detailed protocol to calculate the animal-appropriate dosages of granules for in vivo investigation: weighing, dissolving, storage, and administration. Second, this article describes protocols for micro-CT scanning and the measurement of bone parameters. Sample preparation, protocols for running the micro-CT machine and quantification of bone parameters were evaluated. Third, serum-containing GSK granules are prepared, and drug-containing serum is extracted for in vitro osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis. GSK granules were intragastrically administered twice per day to rats for three consecutive days. Blood was then collected, centrifuged, inactivated, and filtered. Finally, serum was diluted and used for performing osteoclastogenesis and osteoblastogenesis. The protocol described here can be considered a reference for pharmacological investigations of herbal prescription medicines, such as granules.

Preparation Of Gushukang GSK Granules for In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments

This article provides a detailed protocol for preparing a working solution of Gushukang granules for animal studies and GSK granule containing serum for in vitro experiments. This protocol can be applied to pharmacological investigations of herbal medicines as well as prescriptions for both in vivo and in vitro experiments.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine plays a role as an alternative method in treating many diseases, such as postmenopausal osteoporosis (POP). Gushukang ...

Preparation of Naringenin Solution for In Vivo Application

The preparation of a compound (phytochemical) solution is an overlooked but critical step prior to its application in studies such as drug screening. The complete solubilization of the compound is necessary for its safe use and relatively stable results. Here, a protocol for preparing naringenin solution and its intraperitoneal administration in a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model is demonstrated as an example. A small amount of naringenin (3.52-6.69 mg) was used to test its solubilization in solvents, including ethanol, dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), and DMSO plus Tween 80 reconstituted in physiological saline (PS), respectively. Complete solubilization of the compound is determined by observing the color of the solution, the presence of precipitates after centrifugation (2000 x g for 30 s), or allowing the solution to stand for 2 h at room temperature (RT). After obtaining a stable compound/phytochemical solution, the final concentration/amount of the compound required for in vivo studies can be prepared in a solvent-only (no PS) stock solution, and then diluted/mixed with PS as desired. The antidiabetic osteoporotic effects of naringenin in mice (intraperitoneal administration at 20 mg/kg b.w., 2 mg/mL) were assessed by measuring blood glucose, bone mass (micro-CT), and bone resorption rate (TRAP staining and ELISA). Researchers looking for detailed organic/phytochemical solution preparations will benefit from this technique.

Preparation of Naringenin Solution for In Vivo Application

Here, the protocol presents the preparation of naringenin solution for in vivo intraperitoneal administration. Naringenin is fully dissolved in a mixture of dimethylsulfoxide, Tween 80, and saline. The antidiabetic osteoporotic effects of naringenin were assessed by blood glucose testing, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

The preparation of a compound (phytochemical) solution is an overlooked but critical step prior to its application in studies such as drug screening. The ...

An In Vitro Dissolution Determination of Multi-Index Components in Tibetan Medicine Rhodiola Granules

The composition of the Tibetan medicine Rhodiola granules (RG) is complex, and the overall quality of RG is difficult to determine. Therefore, establishing a method to determine the multi-component in vitro dissolution of RG is of great significance for quality control. This study uses the second paddle method of the fourth general rule 0931 from the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), compliant with apparatus 2 of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). The dissolution apparatus was set to a rotation speed of 100 rpm with ultrapure water as the dissolution medium. A sample volume of 1 mL was collected at each timepoint. Furthermore, the cumulative dissolution of gallic acid, salidroside, and ethyl gallic acid in RG at different time points was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Finally, the dissolution curves were drawn, and the curves were fitted to the GompertzMod, the Gompertz, the Logistic, and the Weibull equations. The results showed that the cumulative dissolution of gallic acid in RG was over 80% at 1 min, the cumulative dissolution of salidroside and ethyl gallic acid was over 65% at 5 min, and the cumulative dissolution of each index component decreased after 30 min. The curve fitting demonstrated that the GompertzMod equation was the best-fitting model for each index component of RG. In conclusion, the dissolution test method described in this protocol is simple, accurate, and reliable. It can characterize the dissolution behavior of the index components in RG in vitro, which provides a methodological reference for quality control of RG and quality evaluation of other ethnic compounds.

An In Vitro Dissolution Determination of Multi-Index Components in Tibetan Medicine Rhodiola Granules

Here, we test the dissolution of Rhodiola granules (RG) in vitro, draw dissolution curves of salidroside, gallic acid, and ethyl gallate in ultrapure water, and fit the curves to different mathematical models. This protocol provides information and guidance for in vivo bioequivalence and in vivo-in vitro correlation studies of RG.

The composition of the Tibetan medicine Rhodiola granules (RG) is complex, and the overall quality of RG is difficult to determine. Therefore, ...

Exploring the Two Herb Combination Strategy to Treat Injured PC12 Cells

In view of the advantages of the combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of cerebral ischemia, we studied the differences in the efficacy and mechanism between the preparation combination and the component combination in order to explore the two herb combination strategy to treat injured PC12 cells. Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) combined with a glucose-free medium was employed to induce oxidative damage of PC12 cells. Then, the optimal combination of Astragalus mongholicus (Ast) and Erigeron breviscapus (Eri) injection was selected and combined following uniform design methods after screening their safe and effective concentration on PC12 cells. Further, the component combination screened comprises 10 &#181;M astragaloside A, 40 &#181;M scutellarin, and 75 &#181;M chlorogenic acid in two herbs. Then, MTT, Annexin V-FITC/PI, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis were used to evaluate the efficacy and mechanism of the preparation combination and the component combination on injured PC12 cells. The results showed that the optimal preparation combination for cell pro-survival was Ast injection and Eri capsule with a concentration of 6:1.8 (&#181;M). The component combination (10 &#181;M astragaloside A, 40 &#181;M scutellarin, and 75 &#181;M chlorogenic acid) was more effective than the preparation combination. Both combinations remarkably reduced apoptotic rate, the fluorescence intensity of caspase-3, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level; meanwhile, they upregulated the expression levels of p-Akt/Akt, Bcl-2/Bax, and Nrf2. These effects were more evident in the component combination. In conclusion, both combinations can inhibit the injury induced by CoCl2 combined with a glucose-free medium on PC12 cells, thus promoting cell survival. However, the efficiency of the component combination over the preparation combination may be due to its stronger regulation of the PI3K/Akt/Nrf2 signaling pathway related to oxidative stress and apoptosis.

This protocol provides a combination strategy of two herbs to treat injured PC12 cells. The protocol provides a reference for optimizing the best application mode of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

In view of the advantages of the combination of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of cerebral ischemia, we studied the differences in ...

Optimization of the Epimedii Folium Mutton-Oil Processing Technology and Testing Its Effect on Zebrafish Embryonic Development

As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Epimedii folium (EF) has a history in medicine and food that is &#62; 2,000 years old. Clinically, EF processed with mutton oil is often used as a medicine. In recent years, reports of safety risks and adverse reactions of products that use EF as a raw material have gradually increased. Processing can effectively improve the safety of TCM. According to TCM theory, mutton-oil processing can reduce the toxicity of EF and enhance its tonifying effect on the kidneys. However, there is a lack of systematic research and evaluation of EF mutton-oil processing technology. In this study, we used the Box-Behnken experimental design-response surface methodology to optimize the key parameters of the processing technology by assessing the contents of multiple components. The results showed that the optimal mutton-oil processing technology of EF was as follows: heating the mutton oil at 120 &#176;C &#177; 10 &#176;C, adding the crude EF, stir-frying it gently to 189 &#176;C &#177; 10 &#176;C until it is evenly shiny, and then removing it and cool. For every 100 kg of EF, 15 kg of mutton oil should be used. The toxicities and teratogenicities of an aqueous extract of crude and mutton-oil processed EF were compared in a zebrafish embryo developmental model. The results showed that the crude herb group was more likely to cause zebrafish deformities, and its half-maximal lethal EF concentration was lower. In conclusion, the optimized mutton-oil processing technology was stable and reliable, with good repeatability. At a certain dose, the aqueous extract of EF was toxic to the development of zebrafish embryos, and the toxicity was stronger for the crude drug than for the processed drug. The results showed that mutton-oil processing reduced the toxicity of crude EF. These findings can be used to improve the quality, uniformity, and clinical safety of mutton oil-processed EF.

In this protocol, the mutton-oil processing technology of Epimedii folium (EF) was optimized by applying a Box-Behnken experimental design-response surface methodology, and the effect of crude and optimized water-extracted EF on zebrafish embryonic development was preliminarily investigated.

As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Epimedii folium (EF) has a history in medicine and food that is &#62; 2,000 years old. Clinically, EF processed ...

Impact of Sanleng Jiashen Formula on Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice

Establishment of Hepatocarcinoma in BALB/c-nu Mice and Investigation of the Therapeutic Effect of the Sanleng Jiashen Formula

The lethality of liver cancer and the resistance to chemical drugs have forced the search for effective prescriptions of traditional herbs for liver cancer. Animal models that are repeatable, easy to manipulate, and highly mimic the pathophysiological processes of liver cancer are the prerequisite for the successful screening of effective drug candidates. Meanwhile, reliable drug efficacy evaluation indicators and means are also the guarantee of anti-liver cancer drug research and development.
Sanleng Jiashen formula, a representative prescription of traditional Chinese medicine containing Sparganium stoloni erum, Buch. -Ham. (Sanleng), Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (ginseng), Rheum officinale Baill. (rhubarb), and Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort. (Chuanxiong), is prescribed to nourish the liver and clear heat, remove toxins, and promote blood circulation to treat liver cancer. This experimental protocol describes the preparation of lyophilized Sanleng Jiashen formula and the establishment process of in-situ liver cancer in BALB/c-nu mice. Histopathological staining, immunohistochemical detection of cancer markers, in vivo imaging of mice, and chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane test were used to explore the inhibition and anti-angiogenesis effect of Sanleng Jiashen formula on malignant proliferation of liver cancer tissue. The data show that the Sanleng Jiashen formula can effectively resist the malignant proliferation of liver cancer tissue, which is manifested by reduced tumor mass volume, improved pathological damage, and lower levels of the cancer marker ki67.
The superior inhibition of angiogenesis also suggests that the Sanleng Jiashen formula may have the potential to treat and prevent the progression and deterioration of liver cancer. The whole experimental scheme shows a comprehensive process of traditional Chinese medicine components in the treatment of mouse liver cancer, which provides a reference for the establishment and optimization of a liver cancer model, as well as the research and development of drugs to prevent and treat liver cancer.

Here, we present the step-by-step protocol to investigate the therapeutic and vascular inhibitory effects of the Sanleng Jiashen formula on BALB/c-nu mice with orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma.

The lethality of liver cancer and the resistance to chemical drugs have forced the search for effective prescriptions of traditional herbs for liver ...

Herb Decoction Formulation and Gavage Standardization in Osteosarcoma Mice

Gavage Strategy for Decoction Formula of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Osteosarcoma Model Mice

Decoction formula is the most commonly used dosage form in traditional Chinese medicine and applied in clinical practice for thousands of years by trans-oral administration, which is characterized by quick effect, easy absorption, and individualized treatment based on the specific syndromes of patients. The quality of the decoction formula is directly responsible for the clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine; therefore, the standardization process of the decoction formula is important to avoid differences in decoction quality caused by subjective factors. Meanwhile, due to the limitations of performing clinical experiments, small animals bearing human diseases, such as mice, are often used in medical research to explore the therapeutic efficacy and comprehensive mechanisms of different interventions, including the decoction formula for traditional Chinese medicine.&#160;Consequently, as an important trans-oral administration method, the skilled gavage technique is particularly important to avoid potential esophagus damage and drug spillage, which will ensure an equal amount of medicine being administered to each model animal, leading to accurate experimental results. Furthermore, the standardized method of decoction formula preparation and skilled gavage strategy are necessary to protect animal welfare and minimize the number of animals used. Here, we reported a detailed standardization process of the decoction formula and gavage technique with Yiqi Jiedu decoction in osteosarcoma mouse model as an example. The efficacy was evaluated by the tumor volume. This protocol will maximize animal protection and improve the reliability of research data, therefore providing effective strategies for future investigating therapeutic efficacy and molecular mechanisms of decoction formula for traditional Chinese medicine in vivo.

Author Spotlight: Standardized Herbal Decoction Protocol for Enhanced Animal Studies

The protocol provides a detailed standardization process of decoction formula and gavage technique with Yiqi Jiedu decoction in the osteosarcoma mouse model as an example. It describes animal protection and improves reliability of research data, providing effective strategies for investigating therapeutic efficacy and molecular mechanisms of decoction formulas in vivo.

Decoction formula is the most commonly used dosage form in traditional Chinese medicine and applied in clinical practice for thousands of years by ...

Construction of Lung Adenocarcinoma Xenograft Model in Mice and Evaluation of the Efficiency of XY Decoction through MAPK Pathway

Lung adenocarcinoma is increasing worldwide, prompting the exploration and development of effective treatment methods. In recent years, the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine for lung adenocarcinoma, such as the XiaoYi (XY) decoction, has been increasingly recognized. The mechanism of action of traditional Chinese medicine in treating lung adenocarcinoma continues to be elucidated. In this study, animal models were used to investigate the therapeutic effects of XY decoction in the treatment of lung adenocarcinoma. The blood-entry chemical components of XY decoction in mice were separated and analyzed in both positive and negative ion modes using UHPLC-QE-MS. The findings were then validated through in vivo experiments, which demonstrated reduced tumor size, improved pathological changes, and increased apoptosis. As a result, fifteen components absorbed into the blood following XY decoction administration were identified: Stachyose, Quercetin-3-O-beta-glucopyranosyl-7-O-alpha-rhamnopyranoside; Imperialine; Spinosin B; Peimine; Flavone base + 3O, 2MeO, O-Hex; Picropodophyllotoxin; (2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[(2R,3R,4S,5S,6R)-4,5-dihydroxy-2 [[(3S,5R,8R,10R,12R,13R,14R,17S)-12-hydroxy-17-(2-hydroxy-6-methylhept-5-en-2-yl) 4,4,8,10,14-pentamethyl-2,3,5,6,7,9,11,12,13,15,16,17-dodecahydro-1H cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-yl]oxy]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-3-yl]oxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol; Tricin; Ginsenoside Rg1; (20R)-Ginsenoside Rh1; Jujuboside B; Aucubin; Ginsenoside Rg3; and beta-Elemonic acid. Animal experiments demonstrated that XY decoction inhibited tumor growth, improved pathological changes, and promoted tumor cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanisms involved may be related to the upregulation of p-JNK and p-P38 protein expression in the MAPK pathway and the downregulation of p-ERK protein expression in the MAPK pathway. In conclusion, XY decoction has the potential to regulate the MAPK pathway and exert therapeutic effects against lung adenocarcinoma.

This study demonstrates that XY decoction exerts therapeutic effects against lung adenocarcinoma by regulating the MAPK pathway.

Lung adenocarcinoma is increasing worldwide, prompting the exploration and development of effective treatment methods. In recent years, the therapeutic ...

Preparation of Herbal Medicine: Er-Xian Decoction and Er-Xian-containing Serum for In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments

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