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Open Access 01-12-2007 | Review

Enhancement of ATP generation capacity, antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory activities by Chinese Yang and Yin tonifying herbs

Authors: Kam Ming Ko, Hoi Yan Leung

Published in: Chinese Medicine | Issue 1/2007

Abstract

Chinese tonifying herbs such as Herba Cistanche, Ganoderma and Cordyceps, which possess antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory activities, can be useful in the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases. Pharmacological studies on Yang and Yin tonifying herbs suggest that Yang tonifying herbs stimulate mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation, presumably through the intermediacy of reactive oxidant species, leading to the enhancement of cellular/mitochondrial antioxidant status. Yin tonifying herbs, however, apart from possessing antioxidant properties, exert mainly immunomodulatory functions that may boost a weak immune system and may also suppress overreactive immune responses. The abilities of Yang and Yin Chinese tonifying herbs to enhance ATP generation and to exhibit antioxidant and/or immunomodulatory actions are the pharmacological basis for their beneficial effects on the retardation of aging.

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Title: Enhancement of ATP generation capacity, antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory activities by Chinese Yang and Yin tonifying herbs
Authors: Kam Ming Ko
Hoi Yan Leung
Publication date: 01-12-2007
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: Chinese Medicine / Issue 1/2007
Electronic ISSN: 1749-8546
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1749-8546-2-3

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Enhancement of ATP generation capacity, antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory activities by Chinese Yang and Yin tonifying herbs

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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