Intercellular communication, NO and the biology of Chinese medicine

Abstract

New multiple categories of health disciplines have become popular in the west and integration between the medicinal approaches has become essential.The hypothesis presented here suggests a novel integrative view that combines Western biochemistry with the Chinese medicinal concept of qi.The core for this hypothesis is that transmission of qi along the meridians is based on informational molecules that travel via an intercellular communication system. Acupuncture at specific points enhances the flow of the signaling molecules through this communication system. Nitric oxide is suggested as a prime candidate for such a signaling molecule in the meridian system. The biochemistry of nitric oxide can shed light on the biology underlying Chinese medicine while Chinese medicinal data can provide a clue to the sought after framework for nitric oxide.

Array-based techniques for fingerprinting medicinal herbs

“…Bioactive compounds in certain medicinal herbs affect cell communication and signalling [ 1 ], induce inflammatory responses [ 2 ] and help prevent diseases [ 3 ]. Chinese medicinal herbs such as ginseng ( Panax ginseng ), Danshen ( Salvia miltiorrhiza ), Korean Mint ( Agastache rugosa ), Chinese motherwort ( Leonurus japonicus ) are globally recognized for treating human disorders.…”