KING-HERBS ORAL SOLUTION (Each ml contains Astragalus polysaccharides as glucose from Astragalus membranaceus 30mg)

Indications

• Fluid and electrolyte imbalances
• Hypoglycemia
• Nutritional supplementation
• Diabetic emergencies

Dosage

Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate paediatric dosing guidelines.

Adults: The dosage varies based on the clinical condition and specific formulation used. For intravenous administration, consult product literature for precise dosing.

Mechanism of action

Glucose supplies energy to tissues by undergoing glycolysis, which begins with its phosphorylation by hexokinase to form glucose 6-phosphate. This activates glucose for breakdown, ultimately generating ATP and NADH. The aerobic metabolism of glucose can yield up to 36 ATP molecules. Glucose also serves as a precursor for other biomolecules and regulates various physiological processes including gene transcription and hormone secretion.

Pharmacodynamics

Glucose is an obligatory energy source for cellular activities and plays a significant role in metabolic signaling. It is oxidized to yield energy through glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation. Glucose can be converted into fat for energy storage and is stored as glycogen in the liver and muscles. Its administration increases blood glucose levels and stimulates insulin secretion, particularly through oral routes that activate gut incretin hormones.

Pharmacokinetics

Glucose is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or directly into the bloodstream when administered intravenously. It is distributed widely throughout the body and metabolized primarily in tissues requiring energy. The body maintains glucose homeostasis through regulatory mechanisms involving insulin and glucagon. Excess glucose can be stored as glycogen or converted to triglycerides for long-term energy storage.

Adverse effects

• Hyperglycemia
• Increased osmolarity
• Fluid overload
• Electrolyte imbalances

Interactions

• Insulin - may require dose adjustments

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with diabetes mellitus
• Monitor blood glucose levels in patients receiving parenteral glucose
• Adjust dosage in renal impairment

Pregnancy

Glucose is generally considered safe in pregnancy; however, monitoring is advised, especially in diabetic patients.

Breast-feeding

Glucose is considered safe during breastfeeding, as it is a natural sugar found in breast milk.

Storage

Store at room temperature, away from light. Avoid freezing.

Formulations

• Glucose 5% solution for infusion
• Glucose 10% solution for infusion
• Glucose 0.9% solution for injection
• Glucose sodium chloride combination solutions

Indications

• Immune system support
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Heart disease
• Diabetes management
• Respiratory infections
• Inflammatory conditions

Dosage

Children: Refer to a qualified health professional for appropriate dosing in children, as specific dosages can vary based on the formulation and intended use.

Adults: Refer to a qualified health professional for appropriate dosing, as specific dosages can vary based on the formulation and intended use.

Mechanism of action

The active components of astragalus, including polysaccharides and saponins, are believed to exert their effects through several mechanisms. They may enhance the proliferation of immune cells, such as macrophages and lymphocytes, which plays a role in boosting the immune response. Additionally, astragalus may have antioxidant properties that help mitigate oxidative stress, thereby protecting cells from damage. These compounds can also modulate signaling pathways associated with immune function, inflammation, and cell survival.

Pharmacodynamics

Astragalus exhibits various pharmacodynamic effects, primarily through its immunomodulatory actions. It is known to stimulate the production of cytokines and enhance phagocytic activity, which contributes to its ability to support immune system function. Furthermore, its antioxidant properties help in reducing inflammation and protecting tissues from oxidative damage, supporting overall health and well-being.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of astragalus are not well-defined due to the complexity of its constituents. However, it is known that the bioactive compounds are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, and their effects are mediated through systemic circulation. Metabolism primarily occurs in the liver, while excretion routes and half-lives for specific constituents remain largely undocumented. The variability in absorption and metabolism can be influenced by factors such as the form of astragalus used (e.g., extract versus whole root) and individual patient characteristics.

Adverse effects

• Allergic reactions
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Fatigue
• Skin rashes

Interactions

• May enhance the effects of immunosuppressants
• May interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs
• Potential interaction with blood pressure medications

Precautions

• Use with caution in individuals with autoimmune diseases
• Monitor for potential interactions with other medications
• Not recommended for use in individuals with known allergies to plants in the Fabaceae family

Pregnancy

Limited data available. Safety during pregnancy has not been established; consult a healthcare provider before use.

Breast-feeding

Insufficient data on safety during breastfeeding; consult a healthcare provider before use.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Formulations

• Dried root extracts
• Capsules
• Powder
• Tinctures

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific clinical guidelines or institutional protocols for dosing information.

Adults: Refer to specific clinical guidelines or institutional protocols for dosing information.

Pregnancy

Safety in pregnancy has not been established. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Breast-feeding

Caution is advised as it is not known whether membranaceus is excreted in human milk.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

Indications

• Anticoagulation
• Hyperlipidemia management
• Wound healing
• Dietary supplementation
• Immune modulation

Dosage

Children: Refer to specific guidelines for individual polysaccharides. Dosing varies by the type of polysaccharide and intended use.

Adults: Refer to specific guidelines for individual polysaccharides. Dosing varies by the type of polysaccharide and intended use.

Mechanism of action

Polysaccharides exert their effects through various mechanisms depending on their structure and function. For instance, heparin, a sulfated polysaccharide, binds to antithrombin III, enhancing its inhibitory effect on thrombin and factor Xa, thus preventing blood clot formation. Other polysaccharides may modulate immune responses or serve as prebiotics that promote beneficial gut microbiota.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of polysaccharides involve their interactions with biological systems, leading to various therapeutic effects. For instance, heparin's anticoagulant activity results in increased clotting time, whereas chitosan may reduce lipid absorption in the gut. The pharmacodynamic profile is also influenced by the polysaccharide's molecular weight, degree of sulfation, and specific glycosidic linkages.

Pharmacokinetics

The pharmacokinetics of polysaccharides vary significantly based on their chemical structure. For example, low molecular weight heparins are absorbed more readily than high molecular weight heparins, with bioavailability ranging from 90% to 100%. After administration, polysaccharides may undergo metabolism in the liver and are excreted primarily via the kidneys. The elimination half-life can vary widely, with heparin having a half-life of about 1 to 2 hours, while others may have longer durations.

Adverse effects

• Allergic reactions
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• Bloating
• Flatulence

Precautions

• Use with caution in individuals with known allergies to specific polysaccharides
• Monitor for gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals

Pregnancy

Polysaccharides are generally considered safe during pregnancy, but specific polysaccharide types should be evaluated for safety.

Breast-feeding

Most polysaccharides are considered safe during breastfeeding, but specific types should be assessed for safety.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep container tightly closed.

Formulations

• Oral supplements
• Powders
• Capsules
• Tablets

Mechanism of action

Glucose supplies most of the energy to all tissues by generating energy molecules ATP and NADH during a series of metabolism reactions called glycolysis. Glycolysis can be divided into two main phases where the preparatory phase is initiated by the phosphorylation of glucose by hexokinase to form glucose 6-phosphate. The addition of the high-energy phosphate group activates glucose for the subsequent breakdown in later steps of glycolysis and is the rate-limiting step. Products end up as substrates for following reactions, to ultimately convert C6 glucose molecule into two C3 sugar molecules. These products enter the energy-releasing phase where the total of 4ATP and 2NADH molecules are generated per one glucose molecule. The total aerobic metabolism of glucose can produce up to 36 ATP molecules. These energy-producing reactions of glucose are limited to D-glucose as L-glucose cannot be phosphorylated by hexokinase. Glucose can act as precursors to generate other biomolecules such as vitamin C. It plays a role as a signaling molecule to control glucose and energy homeostasis. Glucose can regulate gene transcription, enzyme activity, hormone secretion, and the activity of glucoregulatory neurons. The types, number, and kinetics of glucose transporters expressed depends on the tissues and fine-tunes glucose uptake, metabolism, and signal generation to preserve cellular and whole body metabolic integrity. Vascular calcification is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes. Glucose stimulates calcification in culture of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) but the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. We observed that high glucose levels stimulated mouse and human VSMC trans-differentiation into chondrocytes, with increased levels of Sox9, type II collagen, glycosaminoglycan and Runx2 expression, and increased alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization. These effects were associated with increased expression of IL-1beta, which stimulated alkaline phosphatase and calcification, suggesting that glucose induces chondrocyte differentiation of VSMCs, possibly through IL-1beta activation.

Pharmacodynamics

Blood glucose is an obligatory energy source for humans involved in various cellular activities, and it also acts as a signaling molecule for diverse glucose-sensing molecules and proteins. Glucose undergoes oxidation into carbon dioxide, water, and yields energy molecules in the process of glycolysis and subsequent citric cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Glucose is readily converted into fat in the body which can be used as a source of energy as required. Under a similar conversion into storage of energy, glucose is stored in the liver and muscles as glycogen. Glucose stores are mobilized in a regulated manner, depending on the tissues' metabolic demands. Oral glucose tablets or injections serve to increase the supply of glucose and oral glucose administration is more effective in stimulating insulin secretion because it stimulates the incretin hormones from the gut, which promotes insulin secretion.