home therapies chinese herbal medicine the analysis of plant content

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Some of the techniques currently used to analyse a plant in the laboratory are the HPLC method, TLC densitometry, UV absorption spectrophotometry, gas chromatography (used mainly for essential oils), acidic dye colorimetry (used for alkaloids), electrophoresis and palaeography. With these tests, researchers can determine what type of bio-medical constituents comprise each herb. This analytical, theoretical approach is known as biochemical or scientific pharmacognosy or pharmacology.

Below are some of the constituents that are found in various Chinese Herbs:

Essential Oils - Predominantly produce stimulating, spasmolytic, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions. Most herbs contain more than one essential oil, and produce unique complex essential oil combinations. Ligusticum Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Root) has over 180 different essential oils.

Vitamins - With their many health-giving properties, are abundant in numerous herbal remedies. Those containing vitamin E benefit the skin and cellular performance eg- Angelica Dang Gui (Dong quai root). Vitamin A is invaluable for immunity, growth and vision eg- Atractylodes Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizome). Vitamin P is an active component in the capillary restorative effect of herbs such as Sophora Huai Hua ( Japanese Pagoda Tree Flower) and Ginkgo Yin Xing Ye (Ginkgo Leaf).

Trace Minerals - Essential to every metabolic reaction and are found in most plants. Examples of herbs containing particularly good trace minerals are Sargassum Hai Zao (Sargassum Seaweed) and Panax Ren Shen (Asian Ginseng Root)

Polysaccharides - Highly complex sugar chains are the key ingredients of several immune enhancing/stimulating plants. Eg- Ganoderma Ling Zhi (Reishi Mushroom) and Astragalus Huang Qi (Astragalus Root).

Amino Acids - Act to provide nutritive & tissue-building results and a variety of anabolic effects. Eg- Codonopsis Dang Shen (Downy Bellflower Root) and Rehmannia Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root).

Organic Acids - These provide a cooling anti-infective effect. Eg- Prunellia Xia Ku Cao (Selfheal Spike)

Enzymes - Herbs that facilitate enzymatic digestion are useful in various digestive disorders, especially those arising from pancreatic insufficiency. Eg- Crataegus Shan Zha (Asian Hawthorn Berry).

Alkaloids - Possess a variety of potential factors, notably anti-infective, spasmolyitic, anti-inflammatory, and antitumoral ones. Eg- Fritillaria Zhe Bei Mu (Zhejiang fritillary bulb) which is an important lymphatic decongestant and antitussive remedy, containing peimine, peimitidine, and numerous others. Corydalis Yan Hu Suo (Chinese corydalis root) posses analgesic corydalises and many other alkaloids. Coptis Huang Lian (Goldthread root) is anti-infective and contains numerous alkaloids such as berberine, palmatine and magnoflorine.

Saponin Glycosides - Contained in many Qi (energy) and Blood tonics, that enhance digestion, promote nutrient assimilation and increase weight gain. Eg- Astragalus Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) containing daucosterin, astramembrannins and soyasaponins.Panax Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng Root) contains ginsenoside and panaxoside. Some herbs contain steroidal saponins that exert an anti-inflammatory effect. Eg- Dioscorea Bi Xie (Long Yam Root) and Achyranthes Huai Nui Xi (White Ox Knee). Saponins are also largely responsible for the mucolytic expectorant effect of respiratory demulcents such as Ophiopogon Mai Men Dong (Dwarf Lilyturf Root), Polygala Yuan Zhi (Thin-Leaf Milkwort Root) and Polygonatum Yu Zhu (Fragrant Solomon’s Seal Root).

Anthraquinone glycosides - Known for their stimulant laxative effect. Eg- Rheum Da Huang (Rhubarb Root). In some herbs the glycosides also exert an important urinary stone dissolving effect.

Coumarin glycosides - With their blood-thinning effect are the main active ingredient in many anticoagulant herbs including Daphne Zu Shi Ma (Giraldi’s Daphne Bark) and Angelica Du Huo (Hairy Angelica Root). These two particular plants the Coumarins also possess antitumoral and platelet inhibiting activities.

Flavanoid glycosides - Exert a restorative effect on the circulation of the heart, along with spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects. These flavanoids are abundant in plants such as Ginkgo Yin Xing Ye (Ginkgo Leaf) containing Ginkgetin, Bilobetin and Quercetin. Pueraria Ge Gen (Kudzu Root) containing isoflavanoids.

Cardiac glycosides - Produce a restorative effect on the cardiac circulation are active in herbs such as Polygonatum Yu Zhu (Solomon’s Seal Root) and Salvia Dan Shen (Cinnabar Sage Root).

Tannins - Have the action of inhibiting discharges, including diarrhea, leucorrhoea and hemorrhage, along with antiseptic and anti-inflammatory actions. Eg- Agrimonia Xian He Cao (Furry Agrimony herb) and Rubia Qian Cao Gen (Heart-Leaf Madder Root) have been shown to contain high levels of tannins.

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