Phytomedicine

Researchers at the University of Osaka found that Bofutsushosan, a Kampo medicine used for obesity, reduced fibrosis-related changes in fat tissue and the liver of aged male mice. Cell experiments suggested that Bofutsushosan also had a direct effect on fibrosis-related signals, partly through the TGF-β/SMAD2/3 pathway. Four ingredients showed particularly strong anti-fibrotic activity, while some mineral ingredients showed the opposite effect under cell-culture conditions. Adjusting the formula strengthened the suppression of some fibrosis-related markers in cultured cells. However, the modified formulas have not been tested in animals or people, and further research is required before the findings can guide treatment.

A research led by scientists of Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) found that isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a flavonoid isolated from the Chinese herbal medicine licorice, can inhibit pancreatic cancer progression. It may also enhance the efficacy of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs in treating pancreatic cancer. It is the first time that a research group reported the anticancer potential of ISL in treating pancreatic cancer.