Banxia Xiexin decoction: A review on phytochemical, pharmacological, clinical and pharmacokinetic investigations

Abstract

Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD), a famous traditional Chinese prescription constituted by Pinelliae Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Jujubae Fructus and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Mell, has notable characteristics of acrid-opening, bitter down-bearing and sweet-tonification, interfering with tumors, gastrointestinal diseases, central nervous system diseases and much more. Based on the wide clinical applications, current investigations of BXD focused on several aspects: chemical analysis to explore the underlying substrates responsible for the therapeutic effects; basic studies on pharmacological actions of the whole prescription or of those representative ingredients to demonstrate the intriguing molecular targets for specific pathological processes; pharmacokinetic feature studies of single or all components of BXD to reveal the chemical basis and synergistic actions contributing to the pharmacological and clinically therapeutic effects. In this review, we summarized the main achievements of phytochemical, pharmacological, clinical and pharmacokinetic profiles of BXD and its herbal or pharmacologically active chemicals, as well as discussions of our understanding which further reveals the significance of BXD clinically.

Protective Application of Chinese Herbal Compounds and Formulae in Intestinal Inflammation in Humans and Animals

“…The "courier" herbs that direct the other herbs to the target organs are Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata Cum Mell, and Jujubae Fructus. Additionally, it's possible that the advantageous effects of these active components from various herbs are coordinated and harmonized to produce overall responses that allow BXD to simultaneously affect several targets and exert synergistic therapeutic effects (Figure 4) [192]. Baicalin, wogonoside, berberine, coptisine, and liquiritin were shown to be the primary active substances in BXD among the test flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins, according to the absolute quantification of bioactive components in BXD.…”

“…This may be a reason why BXD exerts multifunctional effects on the brain-gut axis. [192,196,197,201].…”

“…The inability to set uniform standards, the impossibility of measuring the effectiveness of Chinese medicines, and the generally unstable quality control of Chinese medications are the results of this. The effectiveness, patient acceptance, affordability, relative safety, and other advantages of Chinese medicines, however, [192,196,197,201].…”