#为什么中药都做的那么苦?##头条创作挑战赛#中药作为中国传统医学的一个重要组成部分 has a history of thousands of years. Among the many traditional Chinese medicines, many are impressive for their bitter taste. This characteristic bitterness is not only related to the preparation method and composition of traditional Chinese medicine, but also closely related to its curative effect.
The source of the bitterness of Chinese medicine
The bitterness in traditional Chinese medicine mainly comes from the bitter components it contains, most of which belong to natural phytochemicals, such as alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, etc. These compounds mainly act as a defense in the plant against pests and diseases. When these substances are used in traditional Chinese medicine, their bitter taste is also retained.
- Alkaloids: Alkaloids often have significant physiological activity, and many alkaloids are easily recognizable due to their bitter taste. For example, the common Coptis chinensis contains a large amount of alkaloids, and its bitter taste is used in traditional Chinese medicine to clear heat and detoxify.
- Glycosides: Aglycosides are also common in traditional Chinese medicine, where they can be converted into more biologically active substances in the body. The glycosides in Sophora sophora are the main source of its bitterness.
- Tannins: Tannin is a natural polyphenolic compound in plants, often with a strong bitter and astringent taste, such as schisandra chinensis, which contains more tannins.
The relationship between bitterness and curative effect
In TCM theory, bitterness is closely related to its medicinal efficacy. Bitter drugs usually have the effects of clearing heat, drying dampness, and reducing fire, and are suitable for treating symptoms such as dampness and heat, and fire. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that "bitterness can be discharged", that is, bitter medicine can promote the secretion of fluid in the body, so as to achieve the purpose of clearing heat, dryness, and reducing inflammation.
Scientific research on bitter drugs
In recent years, modern scientific research has also begun to pay attention to the pharmacological effects of bitter components in traditional Chinese medicine. For example, berberine in Coptis chinensis has been found to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticancer effects, while matrine in Sophora sophora has shown good antiviral and immunomodulatory effects.
Consumer acceptance of bitterness
Despite its therapeutic properties, consumer acceptance of bitterness remains a challenge in the popularization of TCM. In order to improve the taste, modern traditional Chinese medicine preparation technology is increasingly using film coating, microcapsulation and other technologies to mask the bitter taste on the basis of maintaining the efficacy.
conclusion
The bitter taste of traditional Chinese medicine is a direct manifestation of its natural components and is also an important indicator of its efficacy. By understanding the source and role of the bitterness of Chinese medicine, we can better understand and utilize these traditional medicines to promote health.