Seeing the unseen of Chinese herbal medicine processing (Paozhi): advances in new perspectives

Abstract

Processing (Paozhi) represents a unique Chinese pharmaceutic technique to facilitate the use of Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) for a specific clinical need in the guidance of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. Traditionally, most CHMs require a proper processing to meet the needs of specific clinical syndromes before being prescribed by TCM practitioners. During processing, significant changes in chemical profiles occur, which inevitably influence the associated pharmacological properties of a CHM. However, although processing is formed in a long-term practice, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear for most CHMs. The deepening understanding of the mechanism of processing would provide scientific basis for standardization of processing. This review introduced the role of processing in TCM and several typical methods of processing. We also summarized the up-to-date efforts on the mechanistic study of CHM processing. The processing mechanisms mainly include the following aspects: (i) directly reducing contents of toxic constituents; (ii) structural transformation of constituents; (iii) improving solubility of constituents; (iv) physically changing the existing form of constituents; (v) and influence by excipients. These progress may give new insights into future researches.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: From Aqueous Extracts to Therapeutic Formulae

“…However, the non-processed Chuan wu is very toxic and induces remarkable neuro-and cardiotoxicity. Chuan wu is processed by boiling and drying [61]. The comprehensive metabolomic characteristics of non-processed and processed samples were investigated by a LC-MS method, which identified specific metabolite changes.…”

“…After processing by steaming and drying, the chemical profiles are remarkably different between processed and non-processed Ginseng. The structural transformation of ginsenosides in processed Ginseng, which proved to have more potent bioactivities, contributes to its enhanced efficacy [61]. Solubility is influenced by processing, and by the addition of excipients, such as wine, honey, vinegar, salt water and ginger juice.…”

“…With the guidance of TCM theory and according to the properties of medicinal plants, the raw herbal medicine is processed to suit the TCM therapeutic purpose [8]. In TCM theory, it is the belief that disease is caused by the imbalance of Yin and Yang, and ancient Chinese people believe that the processing procedure could adjust the 'Qi' (heat, warm, cold and cool qualities) of raw herbal medicines [61], to equilibrate the balance of Yin and Yang in the human body.…”

“…The raw He shou wu is used for its anti-malarial properties, while 'Zhi' He shou wu has different therapeutic indications including improving the kidney function, hair blackening and strengthening of Table 1. [61]. bones.…”

Recent developments in detoxication techniques for aristolochic acid-containing traditional Chinese medicines

“…The formula for TCM is mainly based on extensive attempts and experience. 10,12,52 Compared to processing, the compatibility of different herbal medicines has the same principle in essence. TCM theory is aimed toward mixing different materials together to maximize the efficacy and minimize the adverse effects of the main herbs.…”