A yang-promoting Chinese herbal suppository preparation enhances the antioxidant status of red cells in male human subjects.
In the 16-week pilot study, the effect of a Yang-promoting Chinese herbal suppository preparation (VI-28) on the red cell antioxidant status was examined in 31 healthy male subjects aged 41-66 years old. VI-28 treatment for 12 weeks (one suppository (0.3 g) daily for week 1-4; one every 2 days for week 5-8; one every 3 days for week 9-12) produced a time/dose-dependent alteration in red cell antioxidant status. The VI-28-induced change is characterized by a slight depletion in cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) level and a decrease in susceptibility to peroxide-induced lipid peroxidation as well as increases in catalase (CAT) and Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. While a reversal trend of change was observed in cellular GSH level, the susceptibility to lipid peroxidation as well as the CAT activity after the cessation of treatment for 4 weeks, the SOD activity exhibited a protracted increase. The results indicate that VI-28 treatment enhances red cell antioxidant status in male subjects. The beneficial effect of VI-28 treatment on red cells may re fl ect a corresponding change in antioxidant status of peripheral tissues.
Department of Biochemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China.
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Lam
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000378:metabolism*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004912:Erythrocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D015227:Lipid Peroxidation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D010946:Plants, Medicinal; D013488:Suppositories; D016711:Yang Deficiency / Q000517:prevention & control
D000975:Antioxidants; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D013488:Suppositories