title: Pharmacological basis of 'Yang-invigoration' in Chinese medicine.
abstract: The 'Yin-Yang' theory is an ancient Chinese philosophy that underlies the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Although Yang-tonic herbs tend to boost body function possibly through enhancing the mitochondrial oxidative processes, the Yin property (i.e. antioxidant potential) of these herbs can also play a role in safeguarding mitochondrial ATP generation. The pharmacological basis of 'Yang-invigoration' by Chinese tonic herbs might be due primarily to the enhancement of mitochondrial ATP generation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China. bcrko@ust.hk
authors.forename: Kam-Ming
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Ko
authors.forename: Duncan H F
authors.initials: DH
authors.lastname: Mak
authors.forename: Po-Yee
authors.initials: PY
authors.lastname: Chiu
authors.forename: Michel K T
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Poon
mesh_terms: D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000818:Animals; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D016709:Yin-Yang
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate