Objective: To investigate the difference between fresh and dry Dihuang (Radix Rehmanniae) in hemostatic and immunological actions.
Methods: The hemostatic action was assessed in aspirin-treated mice; immunological action was assessed by phagocytosis of macrophages in dexamethasone-treated mice; and Con A-induced mitogenesis and LPS-induced alkaline phosphatase activity of splenocytes were determined in thyroxin-treated mice.
Result: The blood clotting in mice induced by aspirin was inhibited by oral administrations of juice decoction of fresh Dihuang or decoction of dry Dihuang alike. The action of fresh Dihuang juice was stronger than that of dry Dihuang decoction. Oral administrarion of fresh Dihuang juice or decoction for 10 days enhanced LPS-induced alkaline phosphatase activity of splenocytes in thyroxin-treated mice. The juice also enhanced Con A-induced splenocyte mitogenesis. The action of dry Dihuang decoction was weaker than that of fresh juice in increasing LPS-induced alkaline phosphatase activity.
Conclusion: It is recommended to follow the tradition of using fresh Dihuang juice or decoction to treat some diseases such as hemorrhagenic troubles.