J Ethnopharmacol. 1985 Nov-Dec; 14(2-3): 223-53.

Recent advances in studies on Chinese medicinal herbs with physiological activity.

Xu RS, Zhu QZ, Xie YY.

Medicinal plants with physiological activity studied in China during recent years are classified into three types: (1) drugs originating from traditional medicine and ancient prescriptions; (2) drugs originating from folk prescriptions or experienced prescriptions; (3) drugs originating from Chinese drugs with modified structures of the active principles and now in common use. The physiological activities are discussed in separate sections according to their therapeutic effects: nervous system; parasites; cardiovascular system; cancer; birth control; immuno-activity.