Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 25, 2026

Preparation of Herbal Medicine: Er-Xian Decoction and Er-Xian-containing Serum for In Vivo and In Vitro Experiments
Published on: May 31, 2017
[Effects of the active components of some Chinese herbs on drug metabolizing-enzymes]
Xiu-fen Yang1, Nai-ping Wang, Fan-dian Zeng
1Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China. xiufenyang@163.net
Objective:
To review the effects of the active components of Chinese herbs on drug metabolizing-enzymes.
Method:
Relevant research papers reported in recent years were consulted and studied.
Result:
The drug metabolizing-enzymes cytochrome P450 and UDP-glucuronosyl transferase and glutathione S-transferase were inhibited or induced by the flavonoids, furocoumarins, and the active components extracted from salvia miltiorrhiza and hypericum perforatum, and so on, which therefore slowed or sped metabolism of other drugs in vivo and in vitro.
Conclusion:
Much attention should be paid to the metabolic interaction of the Chinese herbs when coadministered with other drugs.
Related Concept Videos
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Active Drug, Metabolite and Fraction of Metabolized Drug
Factors Affecting Drug Biotransformation: Biological
Species differences: Variations in enzyme systems across species can cause disparities in drug metabolism. For instance, humans may metabolize certain drugs faster than rodents, altering therapeutic effects.
Strain differences: Genetic variations within a species can result in differing enzyme activity, impacting drug response and toxicity. For example, some mouse strains may...
Pharmacokinetics: Drug–Drug Interactions
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Metabolism: Overview
Factors Affecting Drug Biotransformation: Physicochemical and Chemical Properties of Drugs
The drug's acidity or basicity is essential in determining the metabolic...
Pharmacogenetics of Phase I Enzymes: Cytochrome P450 Isozymes