STUDENT RESEARCH
diverse ailments , such as muscular aches , arthritis and fever .( 24 ) Studies also suggest that its properties are useful in treating inflammatory disorders , including gastritis , esophagitis and hepatitis , which are a result of infectious agents such as bacteria and physical and chemical agents - all considered high risk factors for cancer .( 25-27 )
Huang Lian Huang Lian has been used for a thousand years as a TCM herbal medicine with strong anti-inflammatory properties . It has been commonly used to treat bacillary dysentery , tuberculosis , typhoid , epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis , empyrosis , broncho-cephalitis and other diseases . ( 28 ) More recent studies on Huang Lian and its main bioactive alkaloid components , such as berberine , revealed many pharmacological effects , such as anti-bacterial , anti-inflammatory , antioxidative , anti-tumour , anti-diabetic , hypolipidemic and neuroprotective actions .( 28 )
Dan Shen Dan Shen traditionally was used to invigorate blood , transform stasis , tonify and cool the blood .( 2 ) According to more recent phytochemical studies , active compounds of Dan Shen are diterpenoids and phenolic acids . The chemical constituents cause several therapeutic effects , including improving microcirculation , anti-atherosclerosis , anti-inflammation and anti-tumour actions , and alleviating diabetes .( 29 )
Final thoughts
Sheng Jiang is commonly used in both TCM and Western medicine . To some extent , it has been found to be an effective treatment for the conditions discussed earlier . Conflicting results on its anti-emetic effects against chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting could be a result of variations in the bioactive compounds , as these studies were conducted in different countries .( 30 ) In light of these observations , it is imperative that quality controls be established for the identification of the active phytochemicals in the types of Sheng Jiang used in experiments .( 30 ) Moving ahead , further extensive biochemical and pharmacological investigations are needed to establish Sheng Jiang ’ s effectiveness as an antiemetic in chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting as a cheaper and safer alternative to current medical treatments . The narrative OA review by Rondanelli et al .( 11 ) acknowledged that conflicting results may be due to the differences in administration , duration of administrations , and the number of participants . The review found ginger to be a safe alternative for chemotherapyinduced nausea and vomiting , and new studies with an adequate number of patients and using standardised Sheng Jiang formulations are necessary to confirm results .( 11 )
Huang Lian has been used for over 2000 years in treating diabetes , and more recently CVD . Although the body of research shows promising results , the mechanisms underpinning the actions of Huang Lian are not fully understood .( 14 ) Further investigation into the exact mechanisms of Huang Lian ’ s cardioprotective and anti-diabetic functions is needed if this TCM herb is to contribute to the development of new cardioprotective agents .( 14 )
Studies suggest Dan Shen in combination with chemotherapy is better than standard treatment alone . ( 19 ). Dan Shen had significant effects in reducing gastrointestinal side effects of cancer , suggesting it could be incorporated in the treatment of cancer in future to reduce the gastrointestinal reaction of patients .( 19 ) The results of subgroup analysis suggested that Dan Shen formulae could be used for cancer treatment , but the pathologic and clinical pharmacological mechanisms of cancer are still relatively unknown and require further study . Dan Shen ’ s protective effects against CVD are supported by substantial evidence , but the side effects seem daunting . Dan Shen is often used in combination with other medicines and this can pose a hidden danger of adverse reactions . Multicentre RCTs with large sample sizes are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Dan Shen for CVDs .( 31 )
REFERENCES
1 . Chinese Medicine Board of Australia . Nonmenclature compendium of commonly used Chinese herbal medicines ( 2 ).
2 . Bensky D , Clavey S , Stoger E , Gamble A . Trans . Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica , 3rd ed , 2004 , Eastland Press , Inc .
3 . Chen JK , Chen T TChinese medical herbology and pharmacology , ( n . d ), Art of Medicine Press , Inc .
4 . Cheng Q , Shahrajabian MH , Sun W . The power of natural chinese medicine , ginger and ginseng root in an organic Life . Middle-East Journal of Scientific Research , 2019 ; 27 ( 1 ), 64 – 71 . https :// doi . org / 10.5829 / idosi . mejsr . 2019.64.71
5 . Haniadka R , Rajeev AG , Palatty PL , Arora R , Baliga MS . Zingiber officinale ( Ginger ) as an anti-emetic in cancer chemotherapy : A review . Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , 2012 ; 18 ( 5 ), 440 – 444 . https :// doi . org / 10.1089 / acm . 2010.0737
6 . Ryan JL , Heckler CE , Roscoe JA , Dakhil SR , Kirshner J , Flynn PJ , Hickok JT , Morrow GR . Ginger ( zingiber officinale ) reduces acute chemotherapy-induced nausea . Supportive Care in Cancer , 2012 ; 20 ( 7 ), 1479 – 1489 . https :// doi . org / 10.1007 / s00520- 011-1236-3
7 . Ernst E , Pittler MH . Efficacy of ginger for nausea and vomiting : A systematic review of randomized clinical trials . British Journal of Anaesthesia , 2000 ; 84 ( 3 ), 367 – 371 . https :// doi . org / 10.1093 / oxfordjournals . bja . a013442
8 . Lete I , Allué J . The effectiveness of ginger in the prevention of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and chemotherapy . Integrative Medicine Insights , 2016 ; 11 , 11 – 17 . https :// doi . org / 10.4137 / IMI . S36273
9 . Panahi Y , Saadat A , Sahebkar A , Hashemian F , Taghikhani M , Abolhasani E . Effect of ginger on acute and delayed chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting : A pilot , randomized , openlabel clinical trial . Integrative Cancer Therapies , 2012 ; 11 ( 3 ), 204 – 211 . https :// doi . org / 10.1177 / 1534735411433201
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