Identification of nanofibers in the Chinese herbal medicine: Yunnan Baiyao

J Biomed Nanotechnol. 2009 Oct;5(5):472-6. doi: 10.1166/jbn.2009.1056.

Abstract

Yunnan Baiyao is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been used to treat wounds for over 100 years. Here, we use Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) to determine nano-scale structures of the Yunnan Baiyao. AFM images revealed uniform nanofibers present in relatively high abundance in a solution of this medicine. Fibers were typically 25.1 nm in diameter and ranged in length from 86-726 nm due to processing. Due to the unique adhesive and structural properties of nanofibers, we concluded that these fibers may play a role in platelet aggregation, leading to clotting, and the sealing of wounds.

MeSH terms

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal / chemistry*
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure*
  • Particle Size

Substances

  • Drugs, Chinese Herbal
  • yunnan baiyao