Édafos™ Biomedical & TCM Details

Various laboratory and clinical studies have shown effects of the herbs in Édafos™ on the stomach, liver, and digestive metabolism. Tangerine peel has medicinal properties that benefit the gastrointestinal tract, particularly for stomach pain (1, 2). Crampbark, hawthorn, cardamom, kudzu root, and skullcap have shown gastro-protective properties (3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Many of the herbs, including hawthorn, skullcap and white peony, have anti-inflammatory functions (4, 8, 9). White peony also has anti-spasmodic and pain relievingproperties (9). Other herbs in Edafos™ have exhibited effects on metabolism in laboratory studies. Skullcap, hawthorn, magnolia bark extracts, atractylodes, and cinnamon regulate bloodsugar levels(8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16). One clinical review suggested that cinnamon can help those with type 2 diabetes achieve better glycemic control; with some studies reporting moderate reductions in fasting blood glucose and modest decreases in HbA1c (16). Blood lipid levelshave also shown to be moderated in animal studies with hawthorn, magnolia bark, atractylodes, and skullcap  (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18). 

Along with the stomach, the liver is an important organ of digestion. It processes drugs, alcohol, and other chemical and natural toxins, and is important in the regulation of blood sugar and lipids. Because the liver is the first organ that processes food and drink, it is susceptible to injury. Edafos™ contains herbs that have exhibited liver-protectiveeffects in studies, including skullcap, white peony, kudzu root, atractylodes, and bupleurum (8, 19, 20, 21, 22).

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine view:

Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel, Citri reticulatae)is warm and enters the LU, SP and ST channels; regulates Qi, adjusts the Middle relieves the diaphragm, dries Damp, transforms Phlegm, descends Qi.

Bai Shao (White Peony Root, Paeoniae alba)is cool and enters the LIV and SP channels; nourishes the Blood, regulates the menses, astringes Yin and adjusts Ying and Wei, Calms Liver Yang, Liver Wind, softens the liver and alleviates pain.

Crampbark (Viburnum opulus)is not included in the Chinese Materia Medica; however its TCM functions are described as: tonifies Liver Blood, invigorates the Blood, and reducing spasms and abdominal pain.

Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit, Crataegus pinnatifida)is slightly warm and enters the LIV, SP and ST channels; reduces and guides out Food Stagnation, transforms accumulations and blood stasis, invigorates the Blood, dissipates clumps, and stops diarrhea.

Sha Ren (Black Cardamom, Villous amomum)is warm and aromatic and enters the SP and ST channels; promotes the movement of Qi, aromatically transforms Damp, strengthens the Spleen, warms the Middle and stops diarrhea, and calms the fetus.

Ge Gen (Kudzu Root, Puerariae lobatae)is cool and enters the SP and ST channels; discharges exterior conditions, releases muscles especially of the neck and back, relieves Heat, generates Fluids, raises Spleen Yang and stops diarrhea.

Hou Po (Magnolia Bark, Magnoliae officinalis)is warm and enters the LI, LU, SP, and ST channels; moves Qi in the middle and relieves food stagnation, promotes movement of Qi downward, dries damp, transforms phlegm, descends rebellious Qi, reduces phlegm and calms wheezing.

Skullcap Leaf (Scutellaria lateriflora)is cold, enters the LU, ST, GB, and LI channels, clears Heat and dries Damp, drains Fire and detoxifies cools the Blood and stops bleeding, clears Heat, calms the fetus, and calms ascending Liver Yang.

Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Root, Atractylodes macrocephalae)is warm and enters the SP and ST channels; tonifies the Spleen and augments Qi, dries Damp and promotes water metabolism, stabilizes the Exterior, stops sweating, and calms the fetus.

Mu Xiang (Costus Root, Auclandiae lappe)is warm and enters the GB, LI, SP, ST, and SJ channels; promotes the movement of Qi and alleviates pain, regulates stagnant Qi in the intestines, strengthens the Spleen, prevents stagnation, dispels Damp-Heat, and harmonizes the Liver and Spleen.

Chai Hu (Thorowax Root, Bupleurum chinesis)is cool and enters the GB, LIV, and PC channels; relieves Shao Yang disorders, reduces fever, spreads Liver Qi, relieves stagnation, raises Yang Qi, disperses Wind-Heat and resolves phlegm.

Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger Root, Zingiberis officinalis)is hot and enters the HT, LU, SP, and ST channels; warms the Middle, expels Cold, dispels Wing-Damp in the Lower Jiao, rescues devastated Yang, expels interior Cold, warms the Lung, transforms mucus, warms the channels and stops bleeding.

Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig, Ramulus cinnamomi)is warm and enters the HT, LU, and BL channels; releases the Exterior, assists Yang, adjusts Ying and Wei, releases muscle layer, warms channels and collaterals to relieve pain, unblocks Yang, transforms Qi, thins mucus, assists Heart Yang and warms and facilitates Yang Qi in the chest, warms and facilitates Qi flow in the channels and collaterals and Blood through the vessels, and warms the Middle and directs turbid Yin downward.

References:

  1. Yu, X., Sun, S., Guo, Y., Liu, Y., Yang, D., Li, G., Lu, S. 2018. Citri Reticulata Pericarpium(Chenpi): Botany, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacology of a frequently used traditional Chinese medicine. J Ethnopharmacol. Jun 28;220:265-282. https://doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2018.03.031. 
  2. Wang, C., Zhu, M., Xia, W., Jiang, W., Li, Y. 2012. Meta-analysis of traditional Chinese medicine in treating functional dyspepsia of liver-stomach disharmony syndrome. J Tradit ChinMed. Dec;32(4):515-22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23427381.
  3. Zayachkivska, O.S., Gzhegotsky, M.R., Terletska, O.I., Lutsyk, D.A., Yaschenko, A.M., Dzhura, O.R. Influence of Viburnum opulusproanthocyanidins on stress-induced gastrointestinal mucosal damage. J Physiol Pharmacol.57:Suppl 5:155-67.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17218766.
  4. Tadić ,V.M., Dobrić, S., Marković, G.M., Dordević, S.M., Arsić, I.A., Menković, N.R., Stević, T. 2008. Anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, free-radical-scavenging, and antimicrobial activities of hawthorn berries ethanol extract. J Agric Food Chem. Sep 10;56(17):7700-9. https://doi:10.1021/jf801668c. 
  5. Jamal, A., Javed, K., Aslam, M., Jafri, M.A. 2006. Gastroprotective effect of cardamom, (elettaria cardamomum maton) fruits in rats. J Ethnopharmacol.16:103(2):149-53. https://doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.016.
  6. Zhong, Z., Yao, Z.Z. 2006. Protective effect of puerarin on stress-induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. Mar;31(6):504-6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16722386.
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  8. Yin, H., Huang, L., Ouvang, T., Chen, L. 2018. Baicalein improves liver inflammation in diabetic db/db mice by regulating HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol.55:55-62. https://doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2017.12.002. 
  9. Romm, A., MD. 2010. Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health. St. Louis MO: Churchill Livingstone (Elsevier, Inc.). ISBN: 978-0-443-07277-2.
  10. Lee, Y.H., Jin, B., Lee, S.H., Song, M., Bae, H., Min B.J. Park, J., Lee, D., Kim H. 2016. Herbal Formula HT048 Attenuates Diet-Induced Obesity by Improving Hepatic Lipid Metabolism and Insulin Resistance in Obese Rats. Molecules. 25;21(11). https://doi:10.3390/molecules21111424.
  11. Aierken, A., Buchholz, T., Chen, C., Zhang, X., Melzig, M.F. 2017. Hypoglycemic effect of hawthorn in type II diabetes mellitus rat model. J Sci Food Agric. 97(13):4557-4561. https://doi:10.1002/jsfa.8323.
  12. Wang, T., An, Y., Zhao, C., Han, L., Boakye-Yiadom, M., Wang, W., Zhang, Y. 2011. Regulation effects of Crataegus pinnatifidaleaf on glucose and lipids metabolism. J Agric Food Chem. 11;59(9):4987-94. https://doi:10.1021/jf1049062. 
  13. Sun, J., Fu, X., Liu, Y., Wang, Y., Huo B., Guo, Y., Gao, X., Li, W., Hu, X. 2015. Hypoglycemic effect and mechanism of honokiol on type 2 diabetic mice. Drug Des Devel Ther. Dec 4;9:6327-42. https://doi:10.2147/DDDT.S92777. 
  14. Song, M.Y., Lim, S.K., Wang, J.H., Kim, H. 2018. The Root of Atractylodes macrocephalakoidzumi Prevents Obesity and Glucose Intolerance and Increases Energy Metabolism in Mice. Int J Mol Sci.19:1. https://doi:10.3390/ijms19010278. 
  15. Song, M.Y., Kang, S.Y., Oh, T.W., Kumar, R.V., Jung, H.W., Park, Y.K. 2015. The Roots of Atractylodes macrocephala koidzumiEnhanced Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in C2C12 Myotubes via Mitochondrial Regulation. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. Epub 2015 Nov 4. https://doi:10.1155/2015/643654.
  16. Costello, R.B., Dwyer, J.T., Saldanha, L., Baily, R.L., Merkel, J., Wambogo, E. 2016. Do Cinnamon Supplements Have a Role in Glycemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes? A Narrative Review. J Acad Nutr Diet.116(11):1794-1802. https://doi:10.1016/j.jand.2016.07.015. 
  17. Shao, F., Gu, L., Chen, H., Liu, R., Huang, H., Ren, G. 2016. Comparation of Hypolipidemic and Antioxidant Effects of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of Crataegus pinnatifida Fruit in High-Fat Emulsion-Induced Hyperlipidemia Rats. Pharmacogn Mag.12(45):64-9. https://doi:10.4103/0973-1296.176049.
  18. Seo, M.J., Choi, H.S., Jeon, H.J., Woo, M.S., Lee, B.Y. 2014. Baicalein inhibits lipid accumulation by regulating early adipogenesis and m-TOR signaling. Food Chem Toxicol. May;67:57-64. https://doi:10.1016/j.fct.2014.02.009. 
  19. Xie, T., Li, K., Gong, X., Jiang, R., Huang, W., Chen, X., Tie, H., Zhou, Q., Wu, S., Wan, J., Wang, B. 2018. Paeoniflorin protects against liver ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice via inhibiting HMGB1-TLR4 signaling pathway. Phytother Res.Jul 26. https://doi:10.1002/ptr.6161. 
  20. Li, L., Yin, H., Zhao, Y., Zhang, X., Duan, C., Liu, J., Huang, C., Liu, S., Yang, S., Li, X. 2018. Protective role of puerarin on LPS/D-Gal induced acute liver injury via restoring autophagy. Am J. Transl Res.10(3):957-965. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29636885.
  21. Jin, C., Zhang, P.J., Bao, C.Q., Gu, Y.L., Xu, B.H., Li, C.W., Li J.P., Bo, P., Liu, X.N. 2011. Protective effects of Atractylodes macrocephalapolysaccharide on liver ischemia-reperfusion injury and its possible mechanism in rats. Am J Chin Med. 39(3):489-502. https://doi:10.1142/S0192415X11008981.
  22. Lin, L., Que, R., Shen, Y., Chen, Y., Yan, N., Li, Y. 2018. Saikosaponin-d alleviates carbon-tetrachloride induced acute hepatocellular injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in the HL-7702 cell line. Mol Med Rep.17(6):7939-7946. https://doi: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8849.