Chemical and biological assessment of a chinese herbal decoction containing Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis: Determination of drug ratio in having optimized properties.
Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT), a Chinese medicinal decoction that is commonly used as a dietary supplement in treating woman with menopausal irregularity, contains two herbs: Radix Astragali (Huangqi) and Radix Angelicae Sinensis (Danggui). The ratio of Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis used in DBT should be 5:1 as described in China in 1247 A.D.; however, the rationale of this formula has not been given. Here, the chemical and biological properties of DBT, prepared from different ratios of the drugs, were determined. Significantly, higher amounts of Radix Astragali-derived astragaloside IV, calycosin, and formononetin and Radix Angelicae Sinensis-derived ferulic acid were found in DBT with Radix Astragali and Radix Angelicae Sinensis in a 5:1 ratio. By using the biological effects of DBT in stimulating osteoblast proliferation, estrogen promoter activation, and anti-platelet aggregation activity, the drug ratio of 5:1 produced the best effects. In addition, the use of ethanol-treated Radix Angelicae Sinensis enhanced the efficacy of DBT, and the treatment further increased the solubilities of chemical constituents. By analyzing the correlation of chemical and biological results, several chemicals showed positive correlation with DBT-induced bioactivities. The current results support the ancient formulation of DBT, and the identified chemicals could serve as markers for quality control of DBT.
Dong
Tina T X
TT
Department of Biology, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay Road, Hong Kong, China.
Zhao
Kui J
KJ
Gao
Qiu T
QT
Ji
Zhao N
ZN
Zhu
Ting T
TT
Li
Jun
J
Duan
Ran
R
Cheung
Anna W H
AW
Tsim
Karl W K
KW
D029971:Angelica sinensis; D027885:Astragalus propinquus / Q000737:chemistry*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003373:Coumaric Acids / Q000032:analysis; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D006801:Humans; D007529:Isoflavones / Q000032:analysis; D010006:Osteoblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects; D018517:Plant Roots / Q000737:chemistry; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000187:drug effects; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000235:genetics; D012503:Saponins / Q000032:analysis; D014315:Triterpenes / Q000032:analysis
D003373:Coumaric Acids; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal; D007529:Isoflavones; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D012503:Saponins; D014315:Triterpenes; C477279:danggui buxue decoction; C121707:7,3'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxyisoflavone; C007768:formononetin; C052064:astragaloside A; C004999:ferulic acid; C044613:angelicae sinensis extract