Pharmacological basis of 'Yang-invigoration' in Chinese medicine.
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.
Ko
Kam-Ming
KM
Department of Biochemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China. bcrko@ust.hk
Mak
Duncan H F
DH
Chiu
Po-Yee
PY
Poon
Michel K T
MK
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
D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D000255:Adenosine Triphosphate