He Rongrong

Shanghuo Syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Abstract “Shanghuo”, a traditional concept in Chinese medicine, has no specific physiological indicators and varies from person to person. It is a physiological process of uncoordinated responses to stresses and a disorder of homeostasis with physical and mental fatigue syndromes. “Shanghuo”, caused by inner factors, is not a disease. However, if “Shanghuo” is not treated on time, it will cause physiological dysfunctions, such as decreased immunity which may eventually lead to diseases. “Shanghuo” is also a psychological reaction. In addition to its impacts on the central neurotransmitter, it also induces energy metabolism disorders which can lead to fatigue. In Chinese medicine, “Shanghuo” is reversed by “xiehuo”. Although the purpose of “xiehuo” can be attained by reducing the workload, adjusting living habits and mental states and improving the living environment, these psychological adjustments alone may be far from enough. Therefore, it is necessary to administrate drug and food supplements to adjust the body according to different conditions of different people. Nowadays, physical stress is not the main factor of fatigue anymore with the modifications of modern working and living conditions. People are more susceptible to physical and mental fatigue, as well as “Shanghuo” caused by various kinds of stress sources, such as environmental changes, life style changes and physiochemical changes. In order to explain “Shanghuo”, this article reviews the study of stresses, describes the relationship between “Shanghuo” and stress, and provides references to the common phenomenon of “Shanghuo” in modern society.

Studies on the “Xiehuo” Effect and Compositions of Guangdong Herbal Tea

Abstract In recent years, people are concerned about the “xiehuo” effect of Guangdong Herbal Tea (GHT). Study results found that GHT not only elevated the decreased levels of neurotransmitters and reduced immunocompetence in restraint stressed mice, but also prevented stressed mice against liver injury and inflammation. We also noticed that GHT accelerated the utilization of sugar energy and improved the capability of lipid tolerance in stressed mice. These results indicated that the effect of GHT on “xiehuo” may be related to its anti-stress effects. The results of mechanism study showed that GHT had the effects of anti-stress by regulating RNS and ROS generation in cells of restrained mice, at the same time regulating the activities and gene expressions of the key enzymes in the free radical chain reaction. Therefore, the anti-stress mechanism of GHT was related, at least partly, to the protection effect against oxidative stress in stress-loaded organisms. The main compounds of GHT identified were Gallic acid, Protocatechuic acid, (+)-Catechin, 4-Hydroxybenzoic acid, Caffeic acid, Ellagic acid-4-O-xylopyranoside, Isoquercitrin, and Ellagic acid. Results showed that most of these compounds are the active ingredients that are responsible for the “xiehuo” effect of GHT.