Holistic Health Articles and Research Related to Herbal Medicines, Foods and Phytochemicals : Chinese Herbs

Monday 4 November 2013

Chinese Herbs – Ma Qian Zi (Semen Strychnotis)

Ma Qian Zi or Fan Mu Bie is also known as Nux Vomica.. The bitter, cold and very toxic herb has been used in TCM to treat Bell’s palsyma, myasthenia gravis, tuberculosis, cervical erosion, rheumatoid arthritis,injuries,boils and swellings,sequelae from polio of children,impotence,etc., as it promotes circulation in the channels and collaterals, dissolves nodules, resolves oedema, calms pain, etc., by enhancing the functions of liver and spleen channels.

Ingredients
1. Strychnine
2. brucine
3. vomicine
4. pseudostrychnine
5. pseudobrucine
6. (a-Colubrine
7. β-Colubrine
8. loganin
9. chlorogenic acid
10. palmitic acid
11. Etc

Health Benefits
1. Human gastric carcinoma AGS cells
In the study to examine whether and how the water extract of Strychni Semen (ESS) treatment would affect the growth of AGS human gastric carcinoma cells, found that ESS inhibits the growth of AGS cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Cell cycle analysis showed G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis in AGS cells following ESS treatment. ESS-mediated G2/M arrest was found to be associated with up-regulation of cyclin A, Cdc2, tumor suppressor p53 and cyclin dependent kinase (Cdk) inhibitor p21(WAF1/CIP1), whereas the expressions of other G2/M regulatory proteins, including cyclin B1 and Cdk2, were down-regulated compared with the control. The induction of apoptotic cell death by ESS was associated with down-regulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic Bax expression(1)
2. Ovalbumin-specific IgE antibody response
In the study to investigate Strychnos nux-vomica Linn. (SNV; Loganiaceae) possible immunomodulatory effect on induction of ovalbumin (OVA)-specific IgE antibody response in a murine model, indicated that revealed no significant change in the total IgG antibody response against OVA, as evaluated by ELISA. These results confirm the suppressive activity of S. nux-vomica on allergen-specific IgE antibody response and suggest its possible application in allergic conditions(2).
3. Antisnake venom activity
Scientist at the Department of Physiology, University of Calcutta indictaed that the whole seed extract of S. nux vomica (in low doses) effectively neutralized Daboia russelii venom induced lethal, haemorrhage, defibrinogenating, PLA2 enzyme activity and Naja kaouthia venom induced lethal, cardiotoxic, neurotoxic, PLA2 enzyme activity. An active compound (SNVNF) was isolated and purified by thin layer chromatography and silica gel column chromatography, which effectively antagonised D. russelii venom induced lethal, haemorrhagic, defibrinogenating, oedema, PLA2 enzyme activity and N. kaouthia induced lethal, cardiotoxic, neurotoxic, PLA, enzyme activity. Polyvalent snake venom antiserum action was significantly potentiated by the active compound. Spectral studies revealed it to be a small, straight chain compound containing methyl and amide radicals. Detailed structure elucidation of the compound (SNVNF) is warranted before its clinical trials as a snake venom antagonist.(3).
4. Etc.

Side Effects
1. Since the herb is very toxic, overdose can cause spasm of the jaw and neck muscles, difficulty in swallowing, the whole body is uncomfortable, then extreme contraction of the muscles and tetany, etc.
2. Do not use the herb in newborn, children or if you are pregnant or breast feeding without first consulting with the related field specialist.
3. Etc.