A review on charred traditional Chinese herbs: carbonization to yield a haemostatic effect

Abstract

Context: Charcoal of Chinese drugs is a kind of special processing product in Chinese medicine and used for treatment of haemoptysis, hematemesis and haemorrhage in the clinic during ancient times. During carbonizing, significant changes occur in chemical constituents and the efficacy of haemostasis will be enhanced. But the quality control standard of ‘carbonizing retains characteristics’ should be followed. Objective: This review introduces the typical methods of carbonizing, which highlight current research progress on haemostatic substances of charcoal drugs so as to provide a reasonable explanation for the theory of haemostasis treated by charcoal medicine. Methods: English and Chinese literature from 2004 to 2019 was collected from databases including Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier and CNKI (Chinese). Charcoal drug, chemical constituents, processing, haemostasis and carbon dots were used as the key words. Results: Charcoal drugs mainly play a haemostatic role and the effect can be classified into four types to stop bleeding: removing blood stasis, cooling blood, warming meridians and astringing. Changes in composition lead to changes in pharmacodynamics. Carbonizing methods and basic research on haemostasis material in charcoal drugs have also been summarized. Conclusions: This review summarizes the classification of charcoal drugs and highlights the possible material bases for the haemostatic effect of charcoal drugs in recent years, providing new insights to future research.

Herbal medicine derived carbon dots: synthesis and applications in therapeutics, bioimaging and sensing

“…Charcoal drugs, an essential component of herbal medicine, have more than 2000 years in China [ 108 ]. Although the hemostasis effects of charcoal drugs are broadly recognized, the material basis from the perspective of small molecule activators is poorly understood [ 108 , 109 ]. The carbonization is completed by heating at high temperature, which is one of the operations of pyrolysis and microwave methods.…”

Dissecting the mechanism of Yuzhi Zhixue granule on ovulatory dysfunctional uterine bleeding by network pharmacology and molecular docking

“…TCMs, including such as Cebaiye, Daji, Xiaoji, Rubia cordifolia L. (Qiancao), and Sanguisorba officinalis L. (Diyu) can achieve hemostasis by shortening bleeding and clotting times. In contrast, Qiancao are mainly used to increase the number of platelets and enhance their aggregation to ensure hemostasis [ 36 – 38 ]. However, the molecular mechanism of these compounds in treating uterine bleeding and heavy menstrual flow is unclear, which will be the focus of the discussion.…”

“…In YZG, flavonoids, coumarins, and organic acids are the compounds that are most closely related to crucial potential targets. In contrast, Qiancao are mainly used to increase the number of platelets and enhance their aggregation to ensure hemostasis [36][37][38]. However, the molecular mechanism of these compounds in treating uterine bleeding and heavy menstrual flow is unclear, which will be the focus of the discussion.…”

A Brief Overview of Potential Treatments for Viral Diseases Using Natural Plant Compounds: The Case of SARS-Cov

“…At the same time, this compound has a low toxicity in human cell lines [204]. Baicalin showed considerable anti-viral properties on lipopolysaccharide-activated cells, while the oral application of baicalin expressively increased the survival rate of influenza A virus-infected mice [57]. The in silico analysis of the inhibitory effect of baicalin showed that this flavone inhibits ACE2 in the case of COVID-19 disease.…”