A Song of Ice and Fire: Cold and Hot Properties of Traditional Chinese Medicines
Liu J, Feng W, Peng C · Frontiers in Pharmacology · 2021 January 19
DOI 10.3389/fphar.2020.598744
Objective
In this review, we first briefly introduced the basic theories about cold and hot properties, including how to distinguish between the cold and hot properties of TCMs and the classification and treatment of cold and hot syndromes. Then, focusing on the application of cold and hot properties, we take several important TCMs with cold or hot property as examples to summarize their traditional usage, phytochemistry, and pharmacology. In addition, the mechanisms of thermogenesis and antipyretic effect of these important TCMs, which are related to the cold and hot properties, were summarized. At the end of this review, the perspectives on research strategies and research directions of hot and cold properties were also offered.
Conclusions
Cold and hot properties of TCMs have played and will still play important roles in guiding TCM practitioners to combating human diseases. From ancient times to the present, people have been exploring the mystery of cold and hot properties of TCMs. In ancient times, the identification of cold and hot properties mainly depends on the healthy human’s direct feeling on a given TCM or the effects of TCMs on patients with cold or hot syndrome. Nowadays, some animal models (such as collagen-induced arthritis rats) and advanced technologies (such as network pharmacology) have been used to identify the cold and hot properties of TCMs. In recent years, phytochemical and pharmacologic research of cold and hot TCMs have indicated that although the chemical components are different, the representative cold TCMs all have antipyretic effects, and the typical hot TCMs all can promote thermogenesis. In addition, the studies on the mechanism related to the cold and hot properties have demonstrated that activating TRPM8 and inhibiting TRPV1 are the common mechanisms of the antipyretic effect of cold TCMs, and BAT activation and WAT browning are the common mechanisms of hot TCMs to promote thermogenesis. Although some progress has been made in understanding the cold and hot properties of TCMs, more and more studies are still needed to further explore the mechanism differences of TCMs with the same property.
Critical Appraisal
Published research can offer valuable insights, but a paper’s conclusions may go beyond what its results support. Critical appraisal examines the methods, findings and limitations to clarify what can reasonably be concluded—and what remains uncertain.
This article has not yet been critically appraised by the Research Hub.
Learn more about Critical Appraisal
Related insights
- Tianma Gouteng Yin (TMGTY) improves cognitive performance and lowers blood pressure in rats, mainly through curtailing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress via the NF-κB signaling pathway.
- The research found that combining Chinese patent medicines with conventional western medicine enhances the efficacy of Parkinson's disease treatments, particularly Qishen Huanwu capsules and Tianma Gouteng granules.
- The active component in Tianma Gouteng Decoction, Gastrodin, offers protective effects against Preeclampsia by activating cellular signals while also suppressing harmful cell death.
- Chaihu Shugan Powder alleviates pancreatic injury from acute pancreatitis by activating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, and heme oxygenase-1 pathway.
- CSS, a traditional Chinese multi-herbal formulation, alleviates perimenopausal symptoms in rats by regulating hormone levels and interactions with the FMO3 enzyme.
- Chaihu-Shugan-San was found to alleviate chronic atrophic gastritis by inhibiting inflammation and apoptosis through the nuclear factor-kappa B signaling complex.
- Chaihu Shugan San, a traditional Chinese medicine, shows potential antidepressant effects by suppressing neuroinflammation and favoring beneficial microglial polarization.
- Chaihu-Shugan-San, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, treats functional dyspepsia by inhibiting central sensitization-related activity and modulating glutamate metabolism via NMDAR/CaMKII signaling pathway.
