The combination of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis attenuates the IFN-γ-induced immune destruction of hematopoiesis in bone marrow cells

Background Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis are two herbs that compose Danggui Buxue Tang (an herbal formula for treatment of anemia diseases). In this study, we explored the molecular mechanism and effective targets to immune destruction of bone marrow (BM) cells treated with Radix Astragali, Radix Angelicae Sinensis or a combination of two agents. The potential synergic advantages of two herbs should also be explored. Methods The constituents of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization/mass spectrometer system BM cells were separated from limbs of BALB/c mice, and immune destruction was induced with IFN-γ. The percentages of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and CD3+ T cells were detected by flow cytometry. The distribution of T-bet and changes in the combination of SAP and SLAM in BM cells were observed by immunofluorescence. Western blotting was used to assay the expression of key molecules of the eIF2 signaling pathway in BM cells. Results Seven constituents of Radix Astragali and six constituents of Radix Angelicae Sinensis were identified. The percentages of HSCs increased significantly after treatment with Radix Angelicae Sinensis, especially at high concentrations. The percentages of CD3+ T cells were significantly decreased after Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis treatment. However, the synergistic function of two-herb combinations was superior to that of the individual herbs alone. The distribution of T-bet in BM cells was decreased significantly after Radix Angelicae Sinensis treatment. The number of SLAM/SAP double-stained cells was increased significantly after Radix Astragali treatment at low concentrations. The phosphorylation levels of eIF2α were also reduced after Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis treatment. Conclusions Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis could intervene in the immunologic balance of T lymphocytes, inhibit the apoptosis of BM cells induced by immune attack, restore the balance of the T cell immune response network and recover the hematopoietic function of HSCs. The synergistic effects of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis were superior to those of each herb alone.

Chinese Herbal Formula, Modified Danggui Buxue Tang, Attenuates Apoptosis of Hematopoietic Stem Cells in Immune-Mediated Aplastic Anemia Mouse Model

A derivative formula, DGBX, which is composed of three herbs (Radix astragali,Radix Angelicae sinensis, andCoptis chinensisFranch), is derived from a famous Chinese herbal formula, Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) (Radix astragaliandRadix Angelicae sinensis). We aimed to investigate the effects of DGBX on the regulation of the balance between proliferation and apoptosis of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) due to the aberrant immune response in a mouse model of aplastic anemia (AA). Cyclosporine (CsA), an immunosuppressor, was used as the positive control. Our results indicated that DGBX could downregulate the production of IFNγin bone marrow cells by interfering with the binding between SLAM and SAP and the expressions of Fyn and T-bet. This herbal formula can also inhibit the activation of Fas-mediated apoptosis, interferon regulatory factor-1-induced JAK/Stat, and eukaryotic initiation factor 2 signaling pathways and thereby induce proliferation and attenuate apoptosis of HSCs. In conclusion, DGBX can relieve the immune-mediated destruction of HSCs, repair hematopoietic failure, and recover the hematopoietic function of HSCs in hematogenesis. Therefore, DGBX can be used in traditional medicine against AA as a complementary and alternative immunosuppressive therapeutic formula.

EFFECTS OF “HOE HOA TAN II” REMEDY IN THE TREATMENT OF INTERNAL HAEMORROHIDS GRADE I, II AND III

Objectives: To investigate and evaluate the therapeutic effects of Hoe hoa tan II in the treatment of internal haemorroids grade I, II and III. Ingredients of the remedy include: Hoe Hoa (Styphonolonium japonicum), Chi xac (Fructus citri Aurantii), Hau phac (Magnolia offinalis), Tran bi (Citrus deliciosa Tenore), Thuong thuat (Atractylodes lancea), O mai (Armeniaca vulgaris Lamk), Cam thao (Clycyrrhiza uralensis), Duong quy (Radix Angelicae Sinensis). Subjects and methods: Randomised controlled study (RCT) has been conducted on 60 patients which were divided into two groups, i.e. the first 30 patient group were treated with Hoe hoa tan II remedy 20 g, and the second 30 patient group were treated with Daflon 500 mg in the course of 14 days. Results: Study showed that Hoe hoa tan II has helped improve symptoms of internal haemorroids grade I, II and III such as bleeding, anal exudation, pain, reducing the size of the haemorroid tissues. The remedy has been shown to have the most significant effect on relieving constipation which is typical in haemorroids. The study also revealed no unwanted effects caused by this formula. Conclusion: Hoe hoa tan II can be therapeutically used to treat internal haemorroids grade I, II and III without causing any serious side effects. Key words: Hoe hoa tan II, internal haemorroids grade I, II, III.