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Pharmacological basis of 'Yang-invigoration' in Chinese medicine
Kam-Ming Ko1, Duncan H F Mak, Po-Yee Chiu
1Department of Biochemistry, The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China. bcrko@ust.hk
Trends in Pharmacological Sciences
|January 16, 2004
Abstract:
The 'Yin-Yang' theory is an ancient Chinese philosophy that underlies the practice of traditional Chinese medicine. Although Yang-tonic herbs tend to boost body function possibly through enhancing the mitochondrial oxidative processes, the Yin property (i.e. antioxidant potential) of these herbs can also play a role in safeguarding mitochondrial ATP generation. The pharmacological basis of 'Yang-invigoration' by Chinese tonic herbs might be due primarily to the enhancement of mitochondrial ATP generation.