Zhang Wen-Jin, Wang Sheng, Kang Chuan-Zhi, Lv Chao-Geng, Zhou Li, Huang Lu-Qi, Guo Lan-Ping
1State Key Laboratory of Dao-di Herbs Breeding Base, Joint Laboratory of Infinitus (China) Herbs Quality Research, National Resource Center for Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700 China.
2College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004 China.
Plant Methods. 2020 Feb 28;16:26. doi: 10.1186/s13007-020-00571-y. eCollection 2020.
Biomacromolecules, the first components of bioactive substances in traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) have wide bioactivity-related efficacy but have not yet been fully appreciated compared to small molecule components. The present review brings a novel and systemic point of view to deepen the understanding of the pharmacodynamic material basis of TCM based on biomacromolecules (polysaccharides, proteins and nucleic acids). Biomacromolecules have been, are and will have considerable roles in the efficacy of Chinese medicine, as evidenced by the number of biological activities related to traditional clinical efficacy. The direct and indirect mechanisms of biomacromolecules are further accounted for in a variety of neurotransmitters, hormones, and immune substances to maintain immune function in both sensitive and stable equilibrium. The biological functions of biomacromolecules have been elaborated on in regard to their roles in the process of plant growth and development to the relationship between primary metabolism and secondary metabolism and to the indispensable role of polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids in the quality formation of TCM. Understanding the functional properties and mechanisms of biological macromolecules will help to demystify the drug properties and health benefits of TCM.
生物大分子是中药中生物活性物质的首要成分，具有广泛的与生物活性相关的功效，但与小分子成分相比，尚未得到充分认识。本综述基于生物大分子（多糖、蛋白质和核酸），带来了一种新颖而系统的观点，以加深对中药药效物质基础的理解。生物大分子在中药功效中已经、正在并将继续发挥重要作用，这一点从与传统临床疗效相关的生物活性数量中可见一斑。生物大分子的直接和间接机制在维持免疫功能处于敏感和稳定平衡的多种神经递质、激素和免疫物质中得到了进一步阐释。生物大分子的生物学功能已在其对植物生长发育过程的作用、初级代谢与次级代谢的关系以及多糖、蛋白质和核酸在中药品质形成中不可或缺的作用等方面进行了阐述。了解生物大分子的功能特性和机制将有助于揭开中药的药性和健康益处的神秘面纱。
