Effects of Wen‐Pi‐Tang and its crude drug extracts on proliferation of cultured mouse mesangial cells

The efficacy of Wen‐Pi‐Tang and each of its crude drug extracts on the proliferation of mouse mesangial cells was determined in terms of [ 3 H]thymidine uptake. When Wen‐Pi‐Tang was added to the medium of mesangial cell cultures, it suppressed the proliferation of mesangial cells markedly. Similar to the effects of Wen‐Pi‐Tang, Rhei Rhizoma, its main ingredient, exerted an inhibitory effect on mesangial cell proliferation at a relatively low concentration. Ginseng Radix and Aconiti Tuber were also an effective crude drug. As for Zingiberis Rhizoma, an inhibitory activity at relatively high concentration was noted. However, the proliferation of mesangial cells in the presence of Glycyrrhizae Radix showed no particular alteration. As is clear from the results of the present study, Rhei Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix, Aconiti Tuber and Zingiberis Rhizoma alone each exert an inhibitory effect. The inhibition of mesangial cell proliferation by Wen‐Pi‐Tang can thus be explained by the action of these crude drugs.