Feasibility of vinegar processing of toxic herbs in Shi-Zao-Tang: toxicity reduction, efficacy preservation in malignant ascites rats and underlying pharmacodynamic mechanisms.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Shi-Zao-Tang (SZT), a classical formula of Traditional Chinese Medicine orally used for treating malignant ascites effusion (MAE), is made by mixing the powder of Kansui Radix (KR), Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix (EPR) and fried Genkwa Flos with the decoction of Jujubae Fructus. According to Chinese Pharmacopoeia, vinegar-processed KR and EPR should be used in oral administration. However, toxicity and efficacy of SZT containing vinegar-processed KR and EPR (VSZT) versus SZT in MAE rats, and the potential mechanisms of VSZT against MAE, remain unknown. Here, we comparatively studied the quality, toxicity and efficacy of SZT and VSZT, and explored the potential mechanisms of VSZT against MAE.

Methods

Main components in SZT and VSZT were quantified by liquid chromatogr

SUBMITTER: Xu JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12495871 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature