Research Advances in Pharmacology, Safety, and Clinical Applications of Yunnan Baiyao, a Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula

Abstract

Ethnopharmacology relevance: Yunnan Baiyao (YNBY), a traditional Chinese medicine formulae, has some significant properties including activating blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis (Huo-Xue-Hua-Yu), eliminating swelling and alleviating pain (Xiao-Zhong-Zhi-Tong), and eliminating necrotic tissues and promoting granulation (Qu-Fu-Sheng-Ji).Aim of this study: This paper intends to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of studies on YNBY, proposing new possible therapeutic directions of this formula.Materials and methods: Relevant data on YNBY were retrieved from available databases and a hand-search by searching the keywords such as “Yunnan Baiyao,” “pharmacology,” “toxicity,” and “clinical applications.”Results: Traditionally, YNBY has been used to cure hemorrhage, bruises, swelling, and pain caused by injuries in the Chinese folk. Modern pharmacological studies show that YNBY possesses pharmacological activities including hemostasis, invigorating the circulation of blood, wound healing, anti-inflammation, analgesia, antibiosis, infection prevention, and other effects. Toxicological studies demonstrate that YNBY has a certain toxicology, which is mainly caused by Aconitum alkaloids from Cao-wu (CW, Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix). The developmental non-toxic reaction dose (NOAEL) of YNBY for embryos and fetuses is 0.5 g/kg in rats. In addition, the NOAEL for fertility and early embryo development toxicity is 4.0 g/kg in rats. Clinical trials have confirmed the safety of YNBY in a large number of patients, and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, allergy, and others in very few people. YNBY is routinely used in clinic to cure bleeding, pain, swelling, upper digestive tract ulcer, postoperative wound, arthritis, mouth ulcers, ulcerative colitis, etc.Conclusions: Hemostasis is a conspicuous effect of YNBY. Except for this effect, analgesia and anti-infection may be new research directions of this formula. In addition, the in vitro and in vivo pharmacology and mechanisms of action of YNBY are encouraged as well as the pharmacokinetics of this formulae. Furthermore, the material basis of the pharmacological effects of YNBY also needs clear identification.

Botanical Drugs in Traditional Chinese Medicine With Wound Healing Properties

“…Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma [Araliaceae; Panax notoginseng (Burkill) F.H.Chen] has been used for hundreds of years in traumatic injuries and various kinds of bleeding ( Ren et al, 2020 ). Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma is an important component of Yunnan Baiyao, and Yunnan Baiyao is a famous commercial medicinal product in China, which is widely used for wounds ( Yao et al, 2021 ). Saponins isolated from Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma are the active components.…”

Therapeutic effects on cancer of the active ingredients in rhizoma paridis

“…Pharmacological studies have shown that Rhizoma Paridis has significant antitumor, hemostatic, antiinfection, and antioxidant activities ( Zhao et al, 2009 ; Liu et al, 2012b ). Rhizoma Paridis is the main ingredient in well-known TCPMs including Yunnan Baiyao, Gongxuening capsule, and Baibaodan that are mainly used for promoting blood circulation, removing blood stasis, heat-clearing, detoxifying, and regulating menstruation, according to TCM theory ( Liu et al, 2009 ; Yao et al, 2021 ). Moreover, as a traditional anticancer TCM, the active ingredients of Rhizoma Paridis have been widely studied as potential new anticancer drugs.…”

Yunnan Baiyao Inhibits Periodontitis by Suppressing the Autophagic Flux

“…At present, YNBY has been observed to cause various effects such as wound-healing, procoagulant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitumour, antibacterial, and other effects. 5 , 6 Current investigations have indicated that YNBY exhibits antiarthritic properties through the reduction of the T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T cells (Tregs) ratio, regulation of cytokine balance, and repression of OC activity. 7 …”