A detailed analysis of the physiological functions of traditional Chinese medicine's vitamin treasure trove and folic acid and nicotinic acid.

In recent years, with the deepening of research into the chemistry of traditional Chinese medicine, it has been discovered that in addition to alkaloids, trace elements, and enzymes, traditional Chinese medicine is also rich in vitamins. Vitamin A is a component of photosensitive substances in visual cells and promotes normal physical development. Many traditional Chinese medicines contain vitamin A, such as Atractylodes macrocephala, Atractylodes lancea, jujube, Rehmannia glutinosa (processed), longan, Polygonatum odoratum, Rehmannia glutinosa (raw), wolfberry, mulberry leaf, Vitex trifolia, Rubus idaeus, Cornus officinalis, Artemisia annua, Tetrapanax papyriferus, silkworm excrement, night-blooming jasmine, and Acanthopanax senticosus. Therefore, Rehmannia glutinosa (processed), Cornus officinalis, and Atractylodes macrocephala can be used to treat developmental delays in children. Vitamin D can enhance the reabsorption of calcium and phosphorus in the renal tubules, promoting bone calcification and preventing rickets in infants. Traditional Chinese medicines such as egg yolk and bezoar contain vitamin D. It has been reported that "Ejiao and Egg Yolk Decoction" has a good therapeutic effect on rickets in children. Vitamin E can prevent gray hair, fight aging, and lower cholesterol. It can also treat excessive menstrual bleeding after IUD insertion, postpartum hypogalactia, promote breast fullness, and stabilize pregnancy. The richest sources of Vitamin E in traditional Chinese medicine are Dipsacus asper and walnut kernels. Historical records indicate that Dipsacus asper was frequently used to treat infertility; for example, Zhang Xichun's "Shoutai Wan" (Longevity Pill) uses it as its main ingredient. Dipsacus asper has the effect of "tonifying the liver and kidneys, and strengthening the Chong and Ren meridians," mainly due to its Vitamin E content. Imperial physicians in the Qing Dynasty considered Cuscuta chinensis, walnuts, and black sesame seeds as essential medicines for beauty and anti-aging because they contain relatively high amounts of Vitamin E, which can lower lipids, moisturize the skin, and fight aging. Vitamin K, also known as the "coagulation vitamin," has been found in recent experiments to inhibit the automatic rhythmic contractions of isolated intestinal segments and acetylcholine-induced contractions. Reports indicate that intravenous infusion of Vitamin K3 with 5% glucose has significant antispasmodic and analgesic effects on biliary colic, gastrointestinal spasms, and renal colic. Wang Xugao, a renowned physician of the Qing Dynasty specializing in liver diseases, favored using papaya to "soothe the liver and harmonize the stomach." He often added papaya and fox nuts to iron-rich tonics such as rehmannia root, jujube seeds, and red dates. The vitamin C in papaya and similar herbs aids in iron absorption. Clinically, kiwifruit, rich in vitamin C, is frequently used to inhibit esophageal epithelial cell proliferation caused by nitrosamines, thus achieving anti-cancer effects. Similarly, purslane and lotus root can stop bleeding without leaving scars, primarily because their vitamin C content participates in the formation of intercellular matrix, improves capillary permeability, participates in redox reactions, and promotes metabolism. Vitamin P enhances capillary resistance and reduces capillary fragility. Traditional Chinese medicines rich in vitamin P include sophora japonica and forsythia. Adding these two herbs to formulas for treating thrombocytopenic purpura has shown good efficacy. Furthermore, sophora japonica has been found to be particularly effective for hypertension caused by liver yin deficiency.

Folic acid also plays an important role in supplementation: (1) Hematopoietic function. Folic acid is closely related to the synthesis of nucleic acids and hemoglobin, and promotes the formation of normal red blood cells. When folic acid is lacking, the development and maturation of red blood cells are impaired, resulting in megaloblastic anemia. (2) Coenzyme component. It participates in the metabolism of amino acids and the synthesis of purines and thymine. This is also related to the formation of megaloblasts. (3) Others. Folic acid deficiency can also cause stomatitis diarrhea, intellectual degeneration, and mental illness.

The physiological functions of nicotinic acid include: (1) Coenzyme component. Nicotinic acid constitutes coenzyme I and II in the body, participating in the dehydrogenation of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. (2) Lowering cholesterol. Nicotinic acid can dilate peripheral blood vessels and reduce the levels of cholesterol, β-lipoprotein, and triglycerides in the blood. High doses of nicotinic acid are commonly used clinically to treat hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, etc. (3) Maintaining the normal function of the nervous system, digestive system, and skin. Deficiency can lead to pellagra, with dermatitis, enteritis, and neuritis as typical symptoms. Nicotinic acid can cause histamine release and vasodilation, thus causing facial flushing as a side effect. Those who ingest large doses are prone to acute gout.