No abstract

Background The theories of Shen-reinforcement and Qi-supplementation are important in asthma treatment based on traditional Chinese medicine theories. Early studies suggested that Invigorating Kidney and Supplementing Qi herbal formulae, Bu Shen Fang Chuan (BSFC) and Bu Shen Yi Qi (BSYQ), conveyed promising results in asthma treatment. However, the efficacy and safety of the formulae need to be further investigated by a randomized double-blind clinical trial. Methods 328 eligible patients were randomly sent to BSFC, BSYQ, and placebo group. The two formulae were received as add-on therapy. The primary endpoints were rate of asthma exacerbation and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D) score. The secondary endpoints included HPA axis function and inflammatory cytokine production profile. All indexes were measured before and after treatment. Results The primary endpoints were not improved in both groups; however, the depression levels of subgroup patients with HAM-D score > 5 were improved in BSFC group. HPA axis functions and inflammatory cytokines level were also improved by two formulae. The incidences of adverse events were similar among groups. Conclusions The two formulae had multiple advantage effects on neuroendocrine-immune system. They are worth used as a replacement therapy in asthma. Trial Registration This trial is registered with clinical trial number ChiCTR-PRC-09000529.

Icariin is the major active constituent of Epimedii Herba. Our recent study showed that icariin displayed anti-inflammatory potential. One novel derivate of icariin is 3,5,7-Trihydroxy-4'-methoxy-8-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-flavone (ICT). Little is known about ICT's pharmacological activities. In our study, the anti-inflammatory properties of ICT were evaluated. Murine RAW264.7 cells and C57BL/6J mice stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used as in vitro and in vivo inflammatory model, respectively. Our data showed that ICT (1-100 μg/mL) significantly inhibited LPS-induced tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production in vitro. These effects did not depend on cytotoxicity. The in vivo assay displayed that pretreatment of C57BL/6J mice with ICT (25-100 mg/kg, by gavage) for 3 days decreased LPS-induced serum levels of TNF-α, PGE2, and neutrophils CD11b expression dose-dependently. Furthermore, our data suggested that ICT reduced NO and PGE2 levels by inhibiting inducible NO synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 protein expression. To our knowledge, it is the first time that the anti-inflammatory effects of ICT have been evaluated.