Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 1998 Nov; 23(11): 687-90, 704-inside back cover.

[Experimental studies on anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and diuretic effects of several species of tongcao and xiao-tongcao]

Shen Y, Zeng N, Jia M, Zhang Y, Wei Y, Ma Y.

Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075.

OBJECTIVE: To observe and compare the anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and diuretic effects of three kinds of Tongcao(Tongtuomu, Panyezhangyeshu and Luosan) and seven kinds of Xiao-tongcao(Ximashanjinjiehua, Xinanxiuqiu1. 2., Ditanghua, Suixuezhangcai, Qingjiaye and Zhongguo jinjiehua). METHOD: Decoctions prepared from the above kinds of Tongcao and Xiao-tongcao crude drugs were given to rats at dosages of 8 g/kg and 4 g/kg by ig. Pharmacological actions were observed by means of carrageenan-induced swelling paws, fever models induced by beer-yeast or carrageenan and metabolic cage method in rats. RESULT: All the experimental decoctions could inhibit carrageenan-induced swelling of rat paws in different degrees and exerted anti-pyretic effect on rat fever models induced by beer-yeast or carrageenan. Three kinds of Xiaotongcao(Ximashanjingjiehua, Xinanxiuqui2., Zhongguojinjiehua) had obvious diuretic effect on rats. CONCLUSION: Decoctions of different species of Tongcao and Xiao-tongcao all have anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and diuretic effects, thus providing some pharmacologic basis for the efficacy assay, clinical application, species collation and quality study of Tongcao and Xiao-tongcao.