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Published in final edited form as:
Phytother Res. 2010 December ; 24(12): 1813–1824. doi:10.1002/ptr.3191.
In Vitro Screening of Tumoricidal Properties of International
Medicinal Herbs: Part II
Elizabeth A. Mazzio and Karam F. A. Soliman*
College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A & M University, Tallahassee,
Florida 32307, USA
Abstract
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With growing use of anticancer complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) worldwide,
there is a need to assess and screen commercially available natural products for relative
tumoricidal properties under standard experimental conditions. In the current study, we screened
and ranked 264 traditional Chinese and Egyptian herbal medicines for tumoricidal potency against
malignant neuroblastoma in vitro. The data obtained show that tumoricidal potencies of plants
were randomly dispersed throughout similar orders, families and genera under the Division:
Magnoliophyta, class: Magnoliopsida, subclasses: Asteridae, Caryophyllidae, Dilleniidae,
Hamamelididae, Magnoliidae and Rosidae. The most potent plant extracts (LC50 < 0.08 mg/ml)
were prepared from gromwell root also known as ‘Hong Tiao Zi Cao’ (Lithospermum
Erythrorhizon) Family (Boraginaceae) > beth root (Trillium Pendulum), Family (Liliaceae) and
galbanum (Ferula Galbaniflua), Family (Apiaceae). Gromwell root is traditionally used in the
preparation of Chinese medicinal tea. In addition, galbanum was highly regarded for its sacred and
medicinal value according to ancient texts and the bible. Future research will be required to isolate
and identify chemical constituents within these plants which are responsible for tumoricidal
effects.
Keywords
herbs; screening; cancer; bible; galbanum; beth root; Lithospermum erythrorhizon root
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INTRODUCTION
There is an increase of individuals seeking self-administration of complementary and
alternative medicine (CAM)s worldwide to aid in the fight against cancer. The term CAM
generally refers to the use of potential holistic therapeutic practices that contribute to the
integrated health of mind, body and spirit. While a number of studies provide helpful
statistics on the types of individuals who use CAM modalities (Ferrucci et al., 2009; Owens
et al., 2009), there continues to be a lack of established research evaluating the relative
efficacy of various CAMs to treat or assist in the treatment of cancer.
With regard to chemoprevention, popular consumer choices are known to include the oral
administration of antioxidant supplements, glutamine, arginine, zinc, omega-3, fatty acids,
Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
*
Correspondence to: Dr Karam F. A. Soliman, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A & M University,
Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA. karam.soliman@famu.edu.
Conflict of Interest
The authors have declared that there is no conflict of interest.
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probiotics, prebiotics, garlic and phytochemical rich spices such as turmeric, red chilli,
cloves, ginger, nutmeg, fennel, fenugreek and black cumin (Blot, 1997; Rosenberg et al.,
2002; Conney, 2003; Kraft, 2009). Once cancer is established and diagnosed, selfadministration of CAMs can occur without apprising the primary care physician (Clerici et
al., 2009; Richardson et al., 2000; Ohno et al., 2009) often including oral administration of
selenium, beta-carotene (van Tonder et al., 2009), herbal teas, green tea (Boon et al., 2000;
Yates et al., 2005; Scott et al., 2005; Molassiotis et al., 2006), mistletoe, ginseng, cayenne,
chamomile, don quai, feverfew, kava kava, milk thistle, licorice, meadowsweet, motherwort,
senna leaf, shepherds purse and stinging nettle (Advance Data, CDC, 2004; Dy et al., 2004;
Hu et al., 2005; Kumar et al., 2005; Gerson-Cwilich et al., 2006; Melnick, 2006; Tarhan et
al., 2009). Although a number of reports suggest that the prevalence of self-administered
CAMs is greatest when the disease prognosis is poor (Kristoffersen et al., 2009) or in
instances of pediatric cancers (Genc et al., 2009; Clerici et al., 2009), there remains meager
research on the relative potencies or efficacy of CAMs utilized in late stage cancers.
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In our first report entitled ‘In Vitro Screening of Tumoricidal Properties of International
Medicinal Herbs’ (Mazzio and Soliman, 2009), the tumoricidal potencies of the most
popular plant based CAMs were evaluated and ranked. Hundreds of international medicines,
herbs and plants which are distributed and available to the public worldwide were also
tested. While the data showed significant tumoricidal effects for green tea, feverfew, senna
leaf, nutmeg, ginger and clove, promising herbs with the lowest LC50s included: wild yam
root, balm of gilead bud, chapparal, frankincense and bakuchi seed. In contrast, many
popular CAMs used against cancer such as chamomile, milk thistle, motherwort, shepherd’s
purse and fennel seed etc., showed weak, or a lack of, tumoricidal properties where the LC50
exceeded 5 mg/mL in vitro. In the current study, we continue to rank the relative efficacy of
a diverse range of Chinese and Egyptian herbal medicines for tumoricidal cytotoxic
properties in malignant neuroblastoma under uniform extraction and experimental
conditions in vitro.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
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Neuro-2A cells (N-2A) cells were purchased from American Type Culture Collection
(Manassas, VA). Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium (DMEM), l-glutamine, fetal bovine
serum – heat inactivated (FBS), phosphate buffered saline (PBS), Hank’s balanced salt
solution (HBSS) and penicillin/streptomycin were purchased from Fischer Scientific,
Mediatech, (Pittsburgh, PA, USA). Chinese herbal medicines were purchased from Mayway
Herbs (Oakland, CA) with all other herbs being obtained from Kalyx Natural Marketplace
(Camden, NY, USA), Frontier Natural Brands, (Norway, Iowa, USA), Mountain Rose Herbs
(Eugene, OR, USA), Scents of the Earth (Cape May, NJ) and Monterey Bay Spice Company
(Santa Cruz, CA). Chemicals and research supplies were purchased from Sigma Chemical
(St Louis, MO, USA).
Extraction and sample preparation
All crude plants were weighed (0.25 g), pulverized, macerated/homogenized and extracted
in 1000 µL of absolute ethanol for 7 days at 4°C (Chakraborty et al., 2004) in the absence of
light. A stock solution for each extract was subsequently prepared by dilution to 10 mL with
HBSS + 5 mM (N-[2-hydroxyethylpiperazine-N′-[2-ethanesulfonic acid]) (HEPES), preadjusted to a pH of 7.4. Dilutions of each experimental extract were prepared from the stock
solution in order to span a 1000-fold concentration range with the highest final plating
concentration set at 5 mg/mL (w/v).
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Cell culture
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Neuro-2A cells (N-2A) were used to screen for tumoricidal effects, as they were originally
derived from a malignant spontaneous tumor and deemed appropriate for evaluation of
chemotherapy drugs (Klebe and Ruddle, 1969; Finklestein et al., 1975; Mazzio et al., 2003).
Briefly, N-2A cells were cultured in DMEM containing phenol red supplemented with 10%
FBS, 4 mM L-glutamine, 20 µm sodium pyruvate and penicillin/streptomycin (100 Units/0.1
mg, mL). The cultures were maintained at 37°C in 5% CO2/atmosphere and sub-cultured
every 2–3 days. Experimental plating media consisted of DMEM (- phenol red)
supplemented with 1.8% FBS, penicillin/streptomycin (100 Units/0.1 mg/mL), 20 µm
sodium pyruvate and 4 mm L-glutamine. The cells were plated in 96-well plates at a density
of ~0.5 × 106 cells/mL. A three tier process was established where all extracts were
evaluated at 0.5–5 mg/mL (tier 1). Those inducing cell death at any level were then reexamined at (0.1–0.5 mg/mL) (tier 2), and those inducing cell death at any level of tier 2,
where further evaluated at tier 3 (.05–0.1 mg/mL). Any extract that was lethal within this
range was re-tested, and further assessed at lower concentrations.
Evaluation of cellular toxicity
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Cell viability was assessed by resazurin-almar blue indicator dye as described previously
(Mazzio et al., 2003). Experimental blanks and extract controls were run simultaneously
with samples, in order to detect any interferences or reactivity with the dye or cell viability.
Briefly, almar blue was dissolved in sterile PBS (0.5 mg/mL) and the cell viability was
assessed by quantifying the reduction of the dye to its corresponding fluorescent
intermediate – resorufin. The use of fluorescence for cell viability eliminates significant
interferences introduced by experimental compounds themselves, otherwise presented
during UV detection using spectrophotometric dyes. The fluorescence intensity was
analysed using a microplate fluorometer – Model 7620 version 5.02 (Cambridge
Technologies Inc, Watertown, Mass) with settings held at [550/580], [excitation/emission].
Evaluation of cell death
Fluorescein diacetate (FD) was used to corroborate the loss of cell viability (Mazzio et al.,
2003). FD is cleaved by viable esterases in living cells where a loss of fluorescence is
indicative of cell death. Samples were analysed photographically using an Olympus IX-70
inverted microscope and images were captured using a MD35 Electronic Eyepiece (Zhejiang
Jincheng Science and Technology Co., Ltd, China) with acquisition using C-imaging
systems confocal PCI-Simple software (Compix Inc. Cranberry Township, PA, USA).
Data analysis
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Statistical analysis was performed using both Origin Lab Scientific Evaluation Software
(version 7.5 SR6) (Original Lab Corp., Northampton, MA, USA) and Graphpad Prism
(version 3.0), (Graphpad Software Inc. San Diego, CA, USA). The lethal concentrations
(LC50) were established from dose-dependent data with Origin Lab 7.5 SR6 and
significance of difference between the groups was assessed using a one-way analysis of
variance (ANOVA), followed by a Tukey post-hoc means comparison test using Graphpad
Prism Ver 3.0 software.
RESULTS
The data in Table 1 list each natural product that was examined by the common name and
respective LC50 which was calculated from dose dependent toxicity in malignant
neuroblastoma across three tiers and nine concentrations ranging from 0.005–5 mg/mL (n =
4). A taxonomical cross-reference with specific Latin names, families and plant parts are
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presented in Table 2. The data are listed with the most potent tumoricidal properties first and
separated into five classifications based on LC50 where Category 1 (Table 1A) list the
strongest agents LC50 =[0.015–0.553 mg/mL]; Category 2 (Table 1B) moderate to strong
LC50 =[0.554–1.504 mg/mL]; Category 3 (Table 1C), moderate LC50 =[1.509–3.026 mg/
mL]; Category 4 (Table 1D), weak to moderate LC50 = [3.03–4.47 mg/mL] and Category 5
(Table 1E), weak – listing those with no tumoricidal effects and an LC50 > 5.0 mg/mL.
The data obtained show that less than 1% of extracts screened were capable of inducing cell
death at <0.1 mg/mL. The most potent plants were ‘Hong Tiao Zi Cao’ (Lithospermum
erythrorhizon root) Siebold & Zucc., common name: gromwell root > (Trillium Pendulum)
Willd, common name: beth root and (Ferula galbaniflua), common name: galbanum).
Figure 1 (Almar blue viability test) and Fig. 2 (FD photographic validation of viability)
show that the lethal effects of Lithospermum erythrorhizon root in tumor cells were
observed at very low concentration. In order to assess the water soluble fraction of
Lithospermum erythrorhizon root due to its general consumer use as a tea, an herbal tea was
prepared by boiling powdered root in sterile water for 5 min, then brought to room
temperature. The data obtained show that ethanol extracts were identical in strength to the
prepared water extract where the LC50 of gromwell root tea was 0.014 mg/mL and the
gromwell root extract was 0.015 mg/mL (data not shown).
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DISCUSSION
The current study investigates a diverse range of plants for their tumoricidal properties.
While in vitro screenings may provide valuable information regarding elucidation of
potential chemotherapy agents, it should also be noted that limitations include lack of
consideration as to gastrointestinal absorption, kinetics, bioavailability, tissue distribution,
route of systemic circulation, catabolism and excretion, all of which contribute to efficacy in
vivo (Lin, 1998). With respect to direct tumoricidal properties, the data in this study show
the greatest potency for the following three herbs; gromwell root (Lithospermum
erythrorhizon Siebold and Zucc.), beth root (Trillium pendulum Willd.) and galbanum
(Ferula galbaniflua).
Patterns within taxonomical classifications
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The results were examined to elucidate for patterns of cytotoxic potency within similar
botanical categories. Similar to the results obtained from our previous work (Mazzio and
Soliman, 2009), there is an inconsistent nature by which plants exert tumoricidal effects
even with similar botanical categories. For example, beth root (Trillium pendulum) falls
under the botanical classification: Division Magnoliophyta, Class Liliopsida, Order Liliales,
Subclass Lilidae and Family Liliaceae. In this study, a total of 11 plant extracts were
assessed under the Liliaceae family, with two extracts ranked in the strongest category
(Category 1) including Zhi Mu (Genus Anemarrhena) Bunge., and beth root (Genus
Trillium) Willd., with nine extracts falling in the weakest category >5 mg/mL (Category 5).
A similar trend was noted for Ferula galbaniflua which is classified under the Division
Magnoliophyta, Class Magnoliopsida, Order Apiales, Subclass Rosidae and Family
Apiaceae. Of the 17 plants examined in this category, only four were identified as strong
(Category 1); F. galbaniflua, F. assafoetida, S. divaricata, A sinensis root-tail, A.
gracilistylus root-bark, four were ranked as moderate to strong (Category 2), P.
praeruptorum root, N. incisium root, L. chuanxiong, and four as moderate (Category 3),
three as weak to moderate (Category 4) and two under the weakest category <5 mg/mL
(Category 5).
The data also indicate a non-systematic pattern of cytotoxicity from extracts within the same
genus including those derived from Angelica (LC50 2.4–4.1 mg/kg), Citrus (LC50 2.317–>5
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mg/kg), Curcuma (LC50 0.27–5 mg/kg), Dioscorea (LC50 0.89–5 mg/kg) and Gleditsia
(LC50 0.287–5). Although there was a random nature by which tumoricidal effects were
observed amongst botanical classifications, the data did indicate a trend amongst extracts
from genus and species under the Division Coniferophyta, Class Pinopsida, Order Pinales,
where 4/5 tested had an LC50 < 0.676 mg/kg, including those commonly known as
arbovitae, pine and juniper.
Gromwell root
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In this study, the most potent plant extract was Lithospermum erythrorhizon Siebold &
Zucc. which is classified under the Boraginaceae family (Borage). Its extract yields a redpurple pigment analogous to synthetic dyes purported for use in commercial cosmetics (Lee
et al., 2008). These light sensitive pigments are also attributable to the high concentration of
shikonin naphthoquinones such as deoxyshikonin, shikonin, acetylshikonin,
isobutylshikonin and beta-hydroxyisovalerylshikonin which vary in color according to pH
(Cho et al., 1999). A large number of shikonin naphthoquinones are emerging as promising
chemotherapy agents with the ability to induce apoptosis in a diverse range of cancer cells
(Hou et al., 2006; Cui et al., 2008) also having the capability to inhibit DNA toperisomerase
(Ahn et al., 1995) and to protect against UV damage (Ishida and Sakaguchi, 2007).
Shikonins also inhibit the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells in culture and
block tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-induced melanoma in mice (Hisa et al., 1998). It is of
interest to note in this study that the tumoricidal effects of Lithospermum erythrorhizon
superseded that of other traditional Chinese medicines commonly used for the treatment of
cancer, including ‘chuan xin lian’ (andrographis), ‘ya dan zi’ (brucea fruit), ‘ban zhi lian’
(barbat skullcap), ‘shan dou gen’ (bush sophora), ‘shi shang bai’ (selaginella), ‘kuan dong
hua’ (colts foot), ‘pai lan’ (eupatorium) and ‘Huang qi’ known as astralagus root (Bensky et
al., 2004). According to the literature, the primary use for Lithospermum erythrorhizon root
as a traditional Chinese homeopathic medicine is for maintaining the health of the heart and
liver, to facilitate the passage of stools and urine and the treatment of skin boils, eczema and
burns. The advised oral daily dose of this root is 3–9 g per day, indicating its use at high
concentrations as has been used historically and is generally safe (Bensky et al., 2004). This
study also examined the water soluble fraction of Lithospermum erythrorhizon root by
boiling the powdered root in sterile water for 5 min, and then bringing it to room
temperature. The data show that water extracts were near identical in strength yielding an
LC50 of 0.014 mg/mL vs the Lithospermum erythrorhizon ethanol extract having an LC50 of
0.015 mg/mL.
Galbanum
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In this study, galbanum (Ferula galbaniflua) was the third most potent extract. Galbanum is
a dark brown-yellow sticky resin with a distinct pungent odor classified under the botanical
family Apiaceae (carrot family). The gum is derived from cutting the stem of the plant,
which upon exposure to the air forms a semi-solid substance. Galbanum has been referenced
in historical literature, the bible and by ancient Egyptians as a holy anointing agent and a
valuable medicine. Hippocrates described its extraordinary curative powers, and it was one
of the earliest drugs known to man as a stimulant, expectorant, diuretic, antispasmodic
carminative, antiseptic and antiinflammatory drug. It was commonly used to treat bronchial
afflictions and arthritis. The bible in Exodus 30: 34–35 makes reference to the use of
galbanum and frankincense as ingredients required in the preparation of holy incense. More
recently, its medicinal use was referenced in the British Pharmacopoeia 1898, named ‘Pilula
Galbani Composita’ which describes a mixture of galbanum, asafetida, myrrh and glucose.
Today, the resin is used primarily as an odorant or flavoring agent associated with the
fragrance of must (Bajgrowicz et al., 2003).
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In this study, it was found that the extract of F. galbaniflua was ~3.5 fold more toxic to
N-2A cells than F. assafoetida L. However, both Ferula species were classified in the
strongest category and pre-existing reports also corroborate the substantial antitumor
properties for species within this genus. Recently it was reported that the extract of F.
vesceritensis Coss. & DR. contains a compound called lapiferin which is responsible for
cytotoxic effects on human MCF-7 breast cancer cells (Gamal-Eldeen and Hegazy, 2010).
Extracts derived from the roots of F. elaeochytris Korovin contain 6anthraniloyljaeschkeanadiol which exerts cytotoxic properties on K562R imatinib-resistant
human chronic myeloid leukemia and a dasatinib-resistant mouse leukemia cell line
(Alkhatib et al., 2008). Similarly, F. szowitsiana DC (umbelliprenin) exerts tumoricidal
effects on malignant melanoma, cell lung carcinoma and prostate carcinoma (Barthomeuf et
al., 2008), where F. szowitziana DC contains conferone, a sesquiterpene coumarin known to
inhibit protein transporter P-glycoprotein indicating potential in treating multidrug resistant
carcinoma (Barthomeuf et al., 2006). The present study reports that F. assafoetida L. exerts
potent tumoricidal effects. These findings have also been reported where F. assafoetida L is
known to contain ferulic acid and farnesiferols, which at very low concentration can prevent
vascular endothelial growth factor initiated processes, angiogenesis and the progression of
mouse Lewis lung cancer in mice (Lee et al., 2010; Ghosh et al., 2009). In vitro, terpenes
and other constituents within extracts of F. assafoetida L. may be responsible for cytotoxic
effects which at low concentrations (<4 µg/mL) are induced against cancer cell lines such as
HepG2, Hep3B and MCF-7 (Lee et al., 2009).
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Beth root
There seems to be no existing research investigating the bio-therapeutic potential for beth
root, which only recently was reported to contain steroidal saponins hypothesized to account
for therapeutic efficacy in menopausal women (Hayes et al., 2009). It is also likely that the
steroidal glycosides within the root may be accountable for cytotoxic effects on tumor cells
(Yokosuka and Mimaki, 2008). While there is a lack of existing research on this plant root,
historical literature suggests a benefit for the treatment of colds, hemorrhage, diarrhea and
dysentery. Future research will be required to investigate constituents in this plant primarily
responsible for the lethal effects on malignant cell lines as observed in this study.
In summary, the findings from this study suggest that relative to the hundreds of other plants
tested, gromwell root, bethroot and galbanum are the most cytotoxic to tumor cells at low
concentrations. These plants should be further explored for anticancer constituents,
application to other types of tumor cells, and could be considered for future CAM strategies
that apply to suppressing the growth of malignant tumors.
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Acknowledgments
This work was supported by a grant from the United States of America National Institute of Health (NIH) National
Center for Research Resources NCRR RCMI Program G12RR03020. The authors acknowledge the valuable
technical help Ms Kathelene Park.
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Figure 1.
The effects of gromwell root on the loss of cell viability in murine neuroblastoma cells
derived from a malignant spontaneous tumor as determined with almar blue. The data are
expressed as the mean ± SEM (n =4), and represent viability as % control.
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Phytother Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.
Mazzio and Soliman
Page 11
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Figure 2.
The effect of gromwell root on the loss of cell viability in murine neuroblastoma cells
derived from a malignant spontaneous tumor as determined by photographic acquisition of
cells stained with FD. (A) Controls, (B) 0.008 mg/mL, (C) 0.011 mg/mL, (D) 0.015 mg/mL,
(E) 0.019 mg/mL, (F) 0.023 mg/mL, (G) 0.027 mg/mL, (H) 0.031 mg/mL.
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Phytother Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
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Table 1
A. Anti-Cancer Screen – Category 1: Strongest
LC50 = [0.015–0.553 mg/ml]
Phytother Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.
Gromwell root
[0.015]
Burningbush
[0.375]
Cao Dou Kou
[0.531]
Beth root
[0.032]
Silk Tree [1]
[0.378]
Lilytree
[0.532]
Galbanum
[0.078]
Akebia
[0.401]
Baikal Scullcap
[0.533]
Asafetida
[0.253]
Damask Rose
[0.451]
Ji Xue Teng
[0.534]
Yuan Zhi
[0.255]
Southern Chinese Pine
[0.464]
Szechuan Pepper
[0.538]
Zhi Mu
[0.261]
California Yerba Santa
[0.485]
Official Burnet
[0.545]
Tumeric
[0.269]
Common Tansy
[0.502]
Daisy
[0.548]
White Edge Morning Glory
Woodland Figwort
[0.505]
Ramanas Rose
[0.549]
Locust
[0.287]
[0.28]
Common Hop
[0.508]
Moutain Peony
[0.549]
Chinese Rhubarb
[0.353]
Common Selfheal
[0.527]
Cinnamon Twig
Common Pricklyash
[0.373]
Oriental Arbovitae
[0.528]
Fang Feng
Mazzio and Soliman
The effect of natural products on cell viability in murine neuroblastoma cells originally derived from a spontaneous malignant tumor. The data represent
the Common English name or Chinese name and the LC50 (mg/mL) calculated from 3–9 concentrations spanning a thousand-fold dilution range (n = 4)
[0.55]
[0.553]
B. Anti-Cancer Screen – Category 2: Moderate to Strong
LC50 = [0.554–1.504 mg/ml] →
Dang Gui (Wei)
[0.554]
Florida fishpoison tree
[0.746]
Jing Jie
[1.084]
Korean Epimedium
[0.554]
Sassafras
[0.784]
Foetid Bugbane
[1.108]
Hou Po
[0.563]
Bi Xie
Cow Cockle
[0.577]
Gravelroot
Clove Bud
[0.577]
Thoroughwort
Himalayan Teasel Root
Lesser Galangal
Wu Jia Pi
Hai Feng Teng
Fang Ji
[0.6]
[0.603]
[0.61]
[0.61]
[0.622]
Chinese Rhubarb
[0.89]
[0.892]
[0.92]
[0.921]
Oregano
[1.123]
Partidgeberry
[1.126]
Hu Po (Succinum Resin)
[1.164]
Yin Chai Hu
[1.197]
Evodia Fruit
[0.941]
Soybean
[1.214]
Qian Hu
[0.951]
Japanese Gentian
[1.237]
Sacred Lotus
[0.968]
European Dogbane
[1.263]
Cinnamon Bark
[0.969]
Sha Ren Guang
[1.323]
[0.627]
Qiang Hua
[0.972]
Cornmint
[1.329]
Arbovitae
[0.629]
Indian Madder
[0.982]
Chuan Hua Jiao
[1.357]
Common Mullein
[0.665]
Sappanwood
[0.983]
Japenese Persimmon
[1.377]
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Cultivated Radish
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B. Anti-Cancer Screen – Category 2: Moderate to Strong
[0.665]
Licorice Root [1]
[1.003]
Madder
[1.438]
Common Juniper
[0.676]
Yi Zhi Ren
[1.008]
Balloon Flower
[1.448]
Queens Delight
[0.682]
Red Sage
[1.027]
Licorice Root [2]
[1.478]
Cang Zhu
[0.704]
Sandalwood
[1.082]
Sang Ji Sheng
Cultivated Radish
[0.741]
Black Cardamom
[1.082]
Flowered Wintergreen
[1.49]
[1.504]
Mazzio and Soliman
Huang Lian
C. Anti-Cancer Screen – Category 3: Moderate
Phytother Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.
LC50 = [1.509–3.026 mg/ml]
Largebracted Plantain
[1.509]
False Starwort
[2.249]
Hu Huang Lian
[2.571]
Hairy Agrimony
[1.519]
Mosla
[2.253]
Egyptian Senna
[2.578]
Loosestrife
[1.562]
British Yellowhead
[2.256]
Flowering Quince
[2.656]
Ze Xie
[1.601]
Balsampear
[2.262]
Tangerine (peel immature)
[2.695]
Tian San Qi
Sour Orange
[2.317]
Blackberry Lily
[2.723]
Chinese Corktree
[1.801]
[1.8]
Fu Pen Zi
[2.334]
Dang Gui (Tou)
[2.824]
Bai Zhu
[1.919]
Giant Puffball
[2.369]
Wine Grape
[2.841]
Evergreen Spice Bush
[1.943]
Japanese Pagoda Tree
[2.384]
Xiang Jia Pi
[2.901]
Florist’s Daisy
[2.007]
Silk Tree [2]
[2.453]
Zhang Nao
[2.958]
Greater Burdock
[2.147]
Textile Bamboo
[2.458]
Gumweed
[2.99]
Monnier’s Snowparsley
[2.159]
Du Huo
[2.471]
Canadian Wildginger
[3.026]
D. Anti-Cancer Screen – Category 4: Weak to Moderate
LC50 = [3.03–4.47 mg/ml]
Richweed
[3.03]
Marijuana
[3.071]
Chinese Violet
[3.629]
Bai Zhi
[4.122]
Poontahai
[3.071]
Licorice Root [3]
[3.761]
Oriental Arbovitae
[4.154]
Yin Chen Hao
[3.15]
Dang Gui
[3.598]
Indian Trumpet Flower
[4.087]
Bai Jiang Cao
[3.767]
Confederate Jasmine
[4.299]
Narrowleaf Cattail
[3.166]
Mao Dong Qing
[3.773]
Bitter Lettuce
[4.315]
Cherokee Rose
[3.196]
Tangerine (seed)
[3.783]
Cape Jasmine
[4.389]
Dandelion
[3.292]
Horseradish
[3.785]
Simple Leaf Chastetree
[4.393]
European Centaury
[3.344]
Formosan Gum
[3.794]
Beefsteakplant
[3.347]
Scouringrush Horsetail
[3.929]
Bitter Ash
[3.431]
Cocklebur
[3.935]
Peach
[3.514]
Spike Moss
[3.987]
[4.47]
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Sweet Wormwood
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D. Anti-Cancer Screen – Category 4: Weak to Moderate
Loquat
[3.558]
Sorrell
[3.997]
LC50 > [5.0 mg/ml]
Phytother Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.
American Plum
Da Quing Ye
Little Hogweed
Shi Chang Pu
Asiatic Dogwood
Da Zao
Locust
Siberian Ginseng
Bai Bu
Dai Zhe Shi (Haematitum)
Long Chi (Dens Draconis)
Silver Cock’s Comb
Bai Dou Kou
Devils Horsewhip
Long Gu (Os Draconis)
Snake Needle Grass
Bai Fu Zi
Dill
Longan
Snow Fungus
Beefsteakplant
Duckmeat
Lou Lu
Solomon’s Seal
Big Leaf Gentian
Dwarf Lilyturf
Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas)
Sour Orange
Bile Arisaema
E Zhu
Matrimony Vine
Spiketail
Cao Wu (Zhi)
English Walnut
Mayapple
Suan Zao Ren
Carmichael’s Monkshood
European Lily of the Valley
Mexican Tea
Swallow-wort
Chaun Bei Mu
False Daisy
Ming Fan (Alumen)
Tangerine (peel)
Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysitum Rubrum
Fringed Pink
Mu Tong
Thistle
Chinese Asparagus
Fuller’s Earth
No-Binu
Tian Ha
Chinese Cinquefoil
Ge Gen
Nutgrass
Tiger’s Claw
Chinese Cobra Lily
Gou Teng
Paper Mulberry
Ting Li Zi
Chinese Cucumber (fruit)
Gu Jing Cao
Peach
Tuckahoe [1]
Chinese Cucumber (peel)
Herb of the Cross
Puntinpole Bamboo
Tuckahoe [2]
Chinese Cucumber (seed)
Hong Kong Lily
Qing Dai
Waxgourd
Chinese Cucumber (root)
Hua Shi (Talcum)
Qing Feng Teng
While Mulberry (fruit)
Huai Niu Xi
Qing Meng Shi (Lapis Chloriti)
While Mulberry (leaf)
Chinese Lobelia
Huang Jing
Rangoon Creeper
While Mulberry (root bark)
Chinese Motherwort
Huang Qin
Red Tangerine Peel
While Mulberry (twig)
Chinese Peony
Hyacinthbean
Ricebean (seed) [1]
Ya Dan Zi
Chinese Yam
Indian Mulberry
Ricebean (seed) [2]
Yan Hu Suo
Chuan Niu Xi
Japanese Apricot
Ricebean (root)
Yang Qi Shi (Actinolitum)
Ci Shi (Magnetitum)
Japanese Bush Cherry
Ricebean (fruit)
Yu Jin
Citron
Japanese Pagoda Tree
Sacred Lotus
Zhe Bei Mu
Cluster Mallow
Japenese Climbing Fern
San Leng
Zhu Ling
Common Barley
Ji Gu Cao
Sesame Roots
Zi Ran Tong (Pyritum)
Page 14
Chinese Haw
Mazzio and Soliman
E. Anti-Cancer Screen – Category 5: Weak
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
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NIH-PA Author Manuscript
E. Anti-Cancer Screen – Category 5: Weak
Job’s Tears
Sesame Seed
Common Wheat
Largebracted Plantain
Sha Yuan Zi
Crowdipper
Ling Zhi (Hong)
Shan Dou Gen
Zi Shi Ying (Fluoritum)
Mazzio and Soliman
Common Rush
Phytother Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.
Page 15
Mazzio and Soliman
Page 16
Table 2
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Taxonomy of natural products listed in Table 1A–E. in alphabetical order by Common Name, [Family];
Genus Species and Parts
Akebia [Lardizabalaceae] Akebia trifoliata fruit
American Plum [Rosaceae] Prunus armeniaca seed
Arbovitae [Cupressaceaea] Thuja occidentalis Twigs
Asafetida [Apiaceae] Ferula Assa-Foetida
Asiatic Dogwood [Cornaceae] Cornus officinalis fruit
Bai Bu [Stemonaceae] Stemona sessilifolia root
Bai Dou Kou [Zingiberaceae] Amomum kravanh fruit
Bai Fu Zi [Araceae] Typhonium giganteum rhizome
Bai Jiang Cao [Dipsacaceae] Patrinia villosa herb
Bai Zhi [Apiaceae] Angelica dahurica root
Bai Zhu [Asteraceae] Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome
Baikal Scullcap [Lamiaceae] Scutellaria baicalensis root
Balloon Flower [Campanulaceae] Platycodon grandiflorum root
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Balsampear [Cucurbitaceae] Momordica cochinchinensis seed
Beefsteakplant [Lamiaceae] Perilla frutescens fruit
Beefsteakplant [Lamiaceae] Perilla frutescens stem
Beth root [Liliaceae] Trillium pendulum root
Bi Xie [Dioscoreaceae] Dioscorea Collettii var hypoglauca rhizome
Big Leaf Gentian [Gentianaceae] Gentiana macrophylla root
Bile Arisaema [Araceae] Arisaema cum bile
Bitter Ash [Simaroubaceae] Picraena excelsa
Bitter Lettuce [Asteraceae] Lactuca virosa latex, leaves
Black Cardamom [Zingiberaceae] Amomum tsao-ko fruit
Blackberry Lily [Iridaceae] Belamcanda chinensis rhizome
British Yellowhead [Asteraceae] Inula britannica flower
Burningbush [Chenopodiaceae] Kochia scoparia fruit
California Yerba Santa [Hydrophyllaceae] Eriodictyon californicum
Canadian Wildginger [Aristolochiaceae] Asarum canadense root rhizome
Cang Zhu [Asteraceae] Atractylodes lancea rhizome
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Cao Dou Kou [Zingiberaceae] Alpinia katsumadae seed
Cao Wu (Zhi) [Ranunculaceae] Aconitum kusnezoffi i root prepared
Cape Jasmine [Rubiaceae] Gardenia jasminoides fruit
Carmichael’s Monkshood [Ranunculaceae] Aconitum carmichaeli root prep
Chaun Bei Mu [Ranunculaceae] Fritillaria cirrhosa bulb
Cherokee Rose [Rosaceae] Rosa Laevigata fruit
Chinese Asparagus [Liliaceae] Asparagus cochinchinensis tuber
Chinese Cinquefoil [Rosaceae] Potentilla chinensis herb
Chinese Cobra Lily [Araceae] Arisaema erubescens rhizome
Chinese Corktree [Rutaceae] Phellodendron chinense bark
Chinese Cucumber (fruit) [Cucurbitaceae] Trichosanthes kirilowii fruit
Phytother Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.
Mazzio and Soliman
Page 17
Chinese Cucumber (peel) [Cucurbitaceae] Trichosanthes kirilowii peel
Chinese Cucumber (root) [Cucurbitaceae] Trichosanthes kirilowii root
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Chinese Cucumber (seed) [Cucurbitaceae] Trichosanthes kirilowii seed
Chinese Haw [Rosaceae] Crataegus pinnatifida fruit
Chinese Lobelia [Campanulaceae] Lobelia chinensis herb
Chinese Motherwort [Lamiaceae] Leonurus japonicus herb
Chinese Peony [Paeoniaceae] Paeonia lactiflora root
Chinese Rhubarb [Polygonaceae] Rheum palmatum root
Chinese Rhubarb [Polygonaceae] Rheum palmatum root & rhizome
Chinese Violet [Violaceae] Viola yezoensis herb
Chinese Yam [Dioscoreaceae] Dioscorea oppositifolia rhizome
Chuan Hua Jiao [Rutaceae] Zanthoxylum bungeanum peel
Chuan Niu Xi [Amaranthaceae] Cyathula officinalis root
Cinnamon Bark [Lauraceae] Cinnamomum cassia bark
Cinnamon Twig [Lauraceae] Cinnamomum cassia twig
Citron [Rutaceae] Citrus medica finger – fruit
Clove Bud [Myrtaceae] Eugenia caryophyllata flower bud
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Cluster Mallow [Malvaceae] Malva verticillata seed
Cocklebur [Asteraceae] Xanthium sibiricum fruit
Common Barley [Poaceae] Hordeum vulgare fruit
Common Hop [Cannabaceae] Humulus lupulus
Common Juniper [Cupressaceaea] Juniperus communis
Common Mullein [Scrophulariaceae] Verbascum thapsus flower, leaf
Common Pricklyash [Rutaceae] Zanthoxylum americanum bark, berries
Common Rush [Juncaceae] Juncus effusus
Common Selfheal [Lamiaceae] Prunella vulgaris
Common Tansy [Asteraceae] Tanacetum vulgare flowering tops
Common Wheat [Poaceae] Triticum aestivum fruit
Confederate Jasmine [Apocynaceae] Trachelospermum jasminoides stem
Cornmint [Lamiaceae] Mentha haplocalyx herb
Cow Cockle [Caryophyllaceae] Vaccaria segetalis seed
Crowdipper [Araceae] Pinellia ternata rhizome
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Cultivated Radish [Brassicaceae] Raphanus sativus bark
Cultivated Radish [Brassicaceae] Raphanus sativus seed
Da Quing Ye [Polygonaceae] Polygonum tinctorium leaf
Da Zao [Rhamnaceae] Ziziphus jujuba fruit-black
Daisy [Asteraceae] Chrysanthemum indicum flower
Damask Rose [Rosaceae] Rosa damascena
Dandelion [Asteraceae] Taraxacum mongolicum herb
Dang Gui [Apiaceae] Angelica sinensis root-palm sliced
Dang Gui (Tou) [Apiaceae] Angelica sinensis root-head
Dang Gui (Wei) [Apiaceae] Angelica sinensis root-tail
Devils Horsewhip [Amaranthaceae] Achyranthes aspera root
Phytother Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.
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Page 18
Dill [Apiaceae] Anethum graveolens seeds, leaf
Du Huo [Apiaceae] Angelica pubescens root
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Duckmeat [Lemnaceae] Spirodela polyrhiza
Dwarf Lilyturf [Liliaceae] Ophiopogon japonicus tuber
E Zhu [Zingiberaceae] Curcuma wenyujin rhizome
Egyptian Senna [Fabaceae] Cassia angustifolia leaf
English Walnut [Juglandaceae] Juglans regia seed
European Centaury [Gentianaceae] Centaurium erythraea root, leaf, flower
European Dogbane [Apocynaceae] Apocynum venetum herb
European Lily of the Valley [Liliaceae] Convallaria majalis flower, leaf
Evergreen Spice Bush [Lauraceae] Lindera aggregata root
Evodia Fruit [Rutaceae] Evodia rutaecarpa fruit
False Daisy [Asteraceae] Eclipta prostrata herb
False Starwort [Caryophyllaceae] Pseudostellaria heterophylla root
Fang Feng [Apiaceae] Saposhnikovia divaricata root
Fang Ji [Menispermaceae] Stephania tetranda root
Florida fishpoison tree [Fabaceae] Piscidia erythrina root bark
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Florist’s Daisy [Asteraceae] Chrysanthemum morifolium flower
Flowered Wintergreen [Pyrolaceae] Pyrola calliantha herb
Flowering Quince [Rosaceae] Chaenomeles speciosa fruit
Foetid Bugbane [Ranunculaceae] Cimicifuga feotida rhizome
Formosan Gum [Hamamelidaceae] Liquidambar formosana fruit
Fringed Pink [Caryophyllaceae] Dianthus superbus herb
Fu Pen Zi [Rosaceae] Rubus chingii fruit
Galbanum [Apiaceae] Ferula Galbaniflua
Ge Gen [Fabaceae] Pueraria thomsonii root
Giant Puffball [Lycoperdaceae] Calvatia gigantea
Gou Teng [Rubiaceae] Uncaria rhynchophylla twig and thorn
Gravelroot [Asteraceae] Eupatorium purpureum root
Greater Burdock [Asteraceae] Arctium lappa fruit
Gromwell root [Boraginaceae] Lithospermum erythrorhizon root
Gu Jing Cao [Eriocaulaceae] Eriocaulon buergerianum flos
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Gumweed [Asteraceae] Grindelia camporum leaf, flowering top
Hai Feng Teng [Piperaceae] Piper kadsura stem
Hairy Agrimony [Rosaceae] Agrimonia pilosa herb
Herb of the Cross [Verbenaceae] Verbena officinalis herb
Himalayan Teasel Root [Dipsacaceae] Dipsacus asperoides root
Hong Kong Lily [Liliaceae] Lilium brownii bulb
Horseradish [Brassicaceae] Armoracia rusticana root, leaf
Hou Po [Magnoliaceae] Magnolia officinalis bark
Hu Huang Lian [Plantaginaceae] Picrorhiza scropulariaeflora rhizome
Huai Niu Xi [Amaranthaceae] Achyranthes bidentata root
Huang Jing [Liliaceae] Polygonatum sibiricum rhizome
Phytother Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.
Mazzio and Soliman
Page 19
Huang Lian [Ranunculaceae] Coptis chinensis rhizome
Huang Qin [Fabaceae] Astragalus membranaceus root
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Hyacinthbean [Fabaceae] Lablab purpureus seed
Indian Madder [Rubiaceae] Rubia cordifolia root & rhizome
Indian Mulberry [Rubiaceae] Morinda officinalis root
Indian Trumpet Flower [Bignoniaceae] Oroxylum indicum seed
Japanese Apricot [Rosaceae] Prunus mume fruit
Japanese Bush Cherry [Rosaceae] Prunus japonica seed
Japanese Gentian [Gentianaceae] Gentiana scabra root
Japanese Pagoda Tree [Fabaceae] Sophora japonica flower
Japanese Pagoda Tree [Fabaceae] Sophora japonica fruit
Japenese Climbing Fern [Lygodiaceae] Lygodium japonicum spore
Japenese Persimmon [Ebenaceae] Diospyros Kaki calyx & receptacle
Ji Gu Cao [Fabaceae] Abrus cantoniensis herb
Ji Xue Teng [Fabaceae] Spatholobus suberectus vine
Jing Jie [Lamiaceae] Schizonepeta tenuifolia herb
Job’s Tears [Poaceae] Coix lachryma jobi seed
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Korean Epimedium [Berberidaceae] Epimedium koreanum
Largebracted Plantain [Plantaginaceae] Plantago asiatica
Largebracted Plantain [Plantaginaceae] Plantago asiatica seed
Lesser Galangal [Zingiberaceae] Alpinia offi cinarum rhizome
Licorice Root [1] [Fabaceae] Glycyrrhiza uralensis root prepared
Licorice Root [2] [Apiaceae] Ligusticum chuanxiong zhizome
Licorice Root [3] [Apiaceae] Ligusticum sinese root
Lilytree [Magnoliaceae] Magnolia denudata flower
Ling Zhi (Hong) [Gandodermataceae] Ganoderma lucidum fungus – red
Little Hogweed [Portulacaceae] Portulaca oleracea herb
Locust [Fabaceae] Gleditsia sinesis fruit
Locust [Fabaceae] Gleditsia sinesis spine
Longan [sapindaceae] Dimocarpus longan fruit
Loosestrife [Primulaceae] Lysimachia christiniae
Loquat [Rosaceae] Eriobotrya japonica leaf
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Lou Lu [Asteraceae] Rhaponticum uniflorum root
Madder [Rubiaceae] Rubia tinctorum root
Mao Dong Qing [Aquifoliaceae] Ilex pubescens root
Marijuana [Cannabaceae] Cannabis sativa fruit
Matrimony Vine [Solanaceae] Lycium barbarum fruit
Mayapple [Berberidaceae] Podophyllum peltatum Root
Mexican Tea [Chenopodiac eae] Chenopodium ambrosiodes
Monnier’s Snowparsley [Apiaceae] Cnidium monnieri fruit
Mosla [Lamiaceae] Mosla chinesis herb
Moutain Peony [Paeoniaceae] Paeonia suffructicose root, bark
Mu Tong [Ranunculaceae] Clematis armandii stem
Phytother Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.
Mazzio and Soliman
Page 20
Narrowleaf Cattail [Typhaceae] Typha angustifolia pollen
No-Binu [Liliaceae] Allium macrostemon bulb
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Nutgrass [Cyperaceae] Cyperus rotundus rhizome
Official Burnet [Rosaceae] Sanguisorba officinalis root
Oregano [Lamiaceae] Origanum vulgare
Oriental Arbovitae [Cupressaceaea] Platycladus orientalis seed
Oriental Arbovitae [Cupressaceaea] Platycladus orientalis twig/leaf
Paper Mulberry [Moraceae] Broussonetia papyrifera fruit
Partidgeberry [Rubiaceae] Mitchella repens berries, aerial parts
Peach [Rosaceae] Prunus persica
Peach [Rosaceae] Prunus persica seed
Poontahai [Sterculiaceae] Sterculia Lychnophorum seed
Puntinpole Bamboo [Poaceae] Bambusa tuldoides shavings
Qian Hu [Apiaceae] Peucedanum praeruptorum root
Qiang Hua [Apiaceae] Notopterygium incisium root
Qing Dai [Polygonaceae] Polygonum tinctorium levis
Qing Feng Teng [Menispermaceae] Sinomenium acutum stem
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Queens Delight [Euphorbiaceae] Stillingia sylvatica root
Ramanas Rose [Rosaceae] Rosa rugosa flower
Rangoon Creeper [Combretaceae] Quisqualis indica fruit
Red Sage [Lamiaceae] Salvia miltiorrhiza root
Red Tangerine Peel [Rutaceae] Citrus rubrum peel
Ricebean (fruit) [Poaceae] Orzya sativa fruit
Ricebean (root) [Poaceae] Oryza sativa root
Ricebean (seed) [1] [Phaseolus] Phaseolus calcaratus seed
Ricebean (seed) [2] [Phaseolus] Phaseolus radiatus seed
Richweed [Lamiaceae] Collinsonia canadensis root, leaf
Sacred Lotus [Nelumbonaceae] Nelumbo nucifera plumule
Sacred Lotus [Nelumbonaceae] Nelumbo nucifera seed – white
San Leng [Sparganiaceae] Sparganium stoloniferum rhizome
Sandalwood [Santalaceae] Santalum album wood
Sang Ji Sheng [Loranthaceae.] Taxillus chinensis stem & leaf
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Sappanwood [Fabaceae] Caesalpinia sappan wood
Sassafras [Lauraceae] Sassafras officinale
Scouringrush Horsetail [Equisetaceae] Equisetum hyemale herb
Sesame Roots [Pedaliaceae] Sesamum indicum seeds, roots
Sesame Seed [Pedaliaceae] Sesamum indicum seed
Sha Ren Guang [Zingiberaceae] Amomum villosum fruit
Sha Yuan Zi [Fabaceae] Astragalus complanatus seed
Shan Dou Gen [Fabaceae] Sophora tonkinensis root
Shi Chang Pu [Acoraceae] Acorus tatarinowii rhizome
Siberian Ginseng [Araliaceae] Acanthopanax senticosus root
Silk Tree [1] [Fabaceae] Albizia julibrissin flower
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Silk Tree [2] [Fabaceae] Albizia julibrissin bark
Silver Cock’s Comb [Amaranthaceae] Celosia argentea seed
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Simple Leaf Chastetree [Verbenaceae] Vitex trifolia fruit
Snake Needle Grass [Rubiaceae] Oldenlandia diffusa herb
Snow Fungus [Tremellaceae] Tremella fuciformis
Solomon’s Seal [Liliaceae] Polygonatum odoratum rhizome
Sorrell [Polygonaceae] Rumex acetosella aerial parts
Sour Orange [Rutaceae] Citrus aurantium fruit – immature
Sour Orange [Rutaceae] Citrus aurauntium fruit – ripe
Southern Chinese Pine [Pinaceae] Pinus tabulaeformis modular branch
Soybean [Fabaceae] Glycine max seed-prepared
Spike Moss [Selaginellaceae] Selaginella doederleinii herb
Spiketail [Stachyuraceae] Stachyurus himalaicus
Suan Zao Ren [Rhamnaceae] Ziziphus jujuba seed – prepared
Swallow-wort [Asclepiadaceae] Cynanchum stauntonii rhizome
Sweet Wormwood [Asteraceae] Artemesia annua herb
Szechuan Pepper [Rutaceae] Zanthoxylum simulans
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Tangerine (peel immature) [Rutaceae] Citrus reticulata peel-immature
Tangerine (peel) [Rutaceae] Citrus reticulata peel
Tangerine (seed) [Rutaceae] Citrus reticulata seed
Textile Bamboo [Poaceae] Bambusa textilis tabasheer
Thistle [Asteraceae] Cirsium setosum herb
Thoroughwort [Asteraceae] Eupatorium fortunei herb
Tian Ha [Orchidaceae] Gastrodia elata rhizome
Tian San Qi [Araliaceae] Panax notoginseng root
Tiger’s Claw [Fabaceae] Erythrina variegata bark
Ting Li Zi [Brassicaceae] Lepidium apetalum seed
Tuckahoe [1] [Polyporaceae] Poria cocos – spirit
Tuckahoe [2] [Polyporaceae] Poria cocus
Tumeric [Zingiberaceae] Curcuma longa
Waxgourd [Cucurbitaceae] Benincasa hispida seed
White Mulberry (fruit) [Moraceae] Morus alba fruit
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
White Mulberry (leaf) [Moraceae] Morus alba leaf
White Mulberry (root bark) [Moraceae] Morus alba root-bark
White Mulberry (twig) [Moraceae] Morus alba twig
White Edge Morning Glory [Convolvulaceae] Pharbitis nil seed
Wine Grape [Vitaceae] Vitis vinifera seed, stem, leaf, fruit
Woodland Figwort [Scrophulariaceae] Scrophularia nodosa aerial tops
Wu Jia Pi [Araliaceae] Acanthopanax gracilistylus root-bark
Xiang Jia Pi [Asclepiadaceae] Periploca sepium root-bark
Ya Dan Zi [Simaroubaceae] Brucea javanica fruit
Yan Hu Suo [Fumariaceae] Corydalis yanhusuo rhizome
Yi Zhi Ren [Zingiberaceae] Alpinia oxyphylla fruit
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Yin Chai Hu [Caryophyllaceae] Stellaria dichotoma root
Yin Chen Hao [Asteraceae] Artemisia capillaris herb
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Yu Jin [Zingiberaceae] Curcuma phaeocaulis tuber
Yuan Zhi [Polygonaceae] Polygala tenufolia root
Ze Xie [Alismataceae] Alisma orientale rhizome
Zhang Nao – Camphor
Zhe Bei Mu [Liliaceae] Fritillaria thunbergii bulb
Zhi Mu [Liliaceae] Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome
Zhu Ling [Polyporaceae] Polyporus umbellatus
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
NIH-PA Author Manuscript
Phytother Res. Author manuscript; available in PMC 2010 December 1.