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From Purgative Herb to Modern Tonic

Explore the historical transformation of Hoshou, a herb in traditional Chinese medicine.

In this video, Prof Brand explores the evolution of processing techniques for Polygon multiflor, focusing on Hoshou’s transformation from a purgative herb to a tonic in traditional Chinese medicine.

Once celebrated for longevity, recent liver toxicity concerns prompt a reevaluation of processing methods. Discrepancies between ancient and modern techniques raise questions about safety and efficacy. Hoshou’s varied appearances in different markets and the uncertainty around its processing implications highlight the need for standardized procedures. Chemical analyses reveal changes in components during processing, impacting laxative properties, but the cause of liver toxicity remains elusive, warranting further investigation.

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Clinical Drug Development of Chinese Herbal Medicine

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