Radical-scavenging activity of Wen-Pi-Tang and its component crude drugs

In renal diseases, active oxygen and free radicals play various roles in the development and progression of the pathological condition. Our previous studies have provided evidence that the Oriental medical prescription Wen-Pi-Tang normalizes the kidney under conditions of increased oxidative stress. In the present study, we examined the antioxidant capacity of Wen-Pi-Tang and its component crude drugs in a nitric oxide, superoxide and peroxynitrite generation system. It was found that the radical-scavenging effect of Wen-Pi-Tang is dose-dependent, and that three of its component crude drugs, i.e., Rhei Rhizoma, Zingiberis Rhizoma and Glycyrrhizae Radix, play important roles in the antioxidant action.