Activation of human pregnane X receptor (PXR) by CM and ZM extracts. The activation effects on human PXR by extracts of CM and ZM were evaluated by the reporter gene assay. Rifampicin (RIF; 10 µM) was used as a positive control. Following treatment, firefly luciferase activity was determined and normalized against Renilla luciferase activity. *P<0.05, **P<0.001. CM, Chuan Maidong; ZM, Zhe Maidong; ee, ethanol extract; ae, aqueous extract.