Objective Study on the chemical components of Chishui Dendrobium nobile (Orchidaceae).Methods A systematic chemical study was conducted on the n-butanol fraction of the 95% ethanol extract of Chishui D. nobile using methods and techniques such as silica gel, Toyopearl HW-40C, and semi-preparative liquid chromatography, with structural identification carried out through HRESIMS, NMR, IR, UV, and other spectroscopic methods. Results A total of six compounds were isolated and identified as 6,7-dimethyl-1-[(2S,3R,4R)-2,3,5-trihydroxy-4-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl]-1,4-dihydroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (1), 2-phenylethyl 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (2), diospyrososide (3), benzyl-β-D-glucoside (4), icariside D₂ (5), 2-methoxyphenyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (6). Conclusion Compound 1 was identified as a new alkaloid, named dendronobiline A1, while compound 2 was identified as a new phenylethanoid glycoside, named dendronobiside A1. Compounds 3—6 are isolated from the plant for the first time.

Objective To study the chemical constituents from the ethyl acetate extract of Alhagi sparsifolia Shap. Methods The compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatography, and semi‑preparative HPLC, and their structures were identified by modern spectroscopic techniques. The anti‑cervical cancer activities of the compounds against human HeLa cells were evaluated by the MTT assay. Results Fifteen compounds were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of A. sparsifolia and identified as 1-{1-[4-(4-hydroxyphenethoxy)phenethyl]-1H-pyrrol-2-l}ethan-1-one(1), 5,7-dihydroxy-6-methoxyflavone (2), callyspongidipeptide A (3), cyclo-(D-proline-D-valine) (4), 7-O-ethylguaiacyl glycerol (5), 7-O-ethylguaiacyl glycerol (6), isololiolide (7), N-phenethylacetamide (8), skullcapflavone II (9), 4-hydroxyphenethyl alcohol (10), N-phenethylformamide (11), 3′-methoxydaidzein (12), cyclo(alanine-proline) (13), N-(p-hydroxyphenethyl)formamide (14), and N-acetyltyramine (15). Conclusions Compound 1 is a new compound and named as alhagipyrrolizidine A. Compounds 1, 5 and 6 showed significant activity against human HeLa cells, with IC₅₀ values of 31.4, 26.6 and 37.3 μmol/L, respectively.

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents of Urtica cannabina and their hypoglycemic activity in vitro. Methods The compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography of HPD-600 macroporous resin, silica gel, preparative TLC, and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by physicochemical properties and spectral analyses. The hypoglycemic activity was evaluated in vitro through their inhibitory effects on α-glucosidase, sucrase, and maltase. Results Twenty compounds were isolated and identified from the 70% ethanol extract of U. cannabina, including cis-p-hydroxycinnamic acid (1), trans-p-hydroxycinnamic acid (2), dimethyl glansreginate (3), kaempferol 3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), caffeic acid (5), chlorogenic acid methyl ester (6), 4-O-feruloylquinic methyl ester (7), hydroxycinnamic acid methyl ester (8), (E)-p-coumaroyl dimethyl malate (9), fraxidin (10), trans-caffeic acid methyl ester (11), trans-caffeic acid ethyl ester (12), 3,4-dihydroxy-acetophenone (13), 4-caffeoylquinic acid (14), 3-O-p-coumaroyl quinic acid methyl ester (15), 3-O-feruloylquinic methyl ester (16), hydroxybenzoic acid (17), phaseic acid (18), 5-O-p-coumaroylquinic methyl ester (19), 5-O-feruloylquinic methyl ester (20). The in vitro activity screening revealed that compounds 5 and 7 exhibited significant inhibitory activity against α-glucosidase, while compounds 5, 6, 11, 12 and 14 displayed considerable inhibitory effects on both sucrase and maltase. Conclusion Compounds 1, 2, 5—12, and 14—20 are phenolic acids, compound 4 is a flavonoid, and compound 13 is a ketophenol. Among these, compounds 3, 7, 9, 10, 13, 15, 16, and 18—20 were isolated from U. cannabina for the first time. Compound 5 demonstrated notable inhibitory activity against all three enzymes, suggesting that it may serve as the core pharmacophoric structure for the hypoglycemic effect. Structure-activity relationship analysis indicated that the catechol structure and the caffeic acid esterification motif collectively constitute the key structural basis for the glycosidase inhibitory activity of these phenolic acids.

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents of the taproots of Brassica rapa (Qiamagu) and evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. Methods The chemical constituents were systematically isolated and purified using silica gel, ODS, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, including NMR, MS, and UV. The cytotoxicity of the isolates against RAW264.7 murine macrophages was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated via the Griess method. Results Twenty-five compounds were isolated from the 70% ethanol extract of B. rapa taproots and identified as 2-C-β-D-glucosyl-indole-3-acetonitrile (1), sinapic acid (2), p-coumaric acid (3), ferulic acid (4), methyl sinapate (5), methyl 4-hydroxycinnamate (6), trans-4-methoxycinnamic acid (7), dimethyl feruloyl malate (8), sinapoyl dimethyl malate (9), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (10), phenylacetic acid (11), phenylethane-1, 2-diol (12), 3-phenylpropanamide (13), phenylethyl-β-D-glucoside (14), 4-(3-hydroxypropyl) phenyl β-D-glucopyranoside (15), idaeusinol B (16), syringaresinol-4-O-β-D-glucoside (17), equiselignan A (18), phaseic acid (19), abscisic acid (20), roseoside (21), bergapten (22), methylthioadenosine (23), 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (24), and rabdosia acid B (25). The CCK-8 assay demonstrated the cytotoxicity of compounds 16, 22, and 25. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity in vitro, the Griess method was employed. The results demonstrated that all tested compounds exhibited varying degrees of inhibitory activity. Conclusion Compound 1 is an indole glucosinolate; compounds 2—9 and 16—18 are phenylpropanoids, compounds 10—12, 14 and 15 are benzene ring derivatives, and compounds 13 and 23 are nitrogen-containing compounds. Among them, compounds 1, 6—9, 13, 15, 16, 18, 19, and 23 are isolated from B. rapa for the first time. In the anti-inflammatory assay, with compounds 8 and 9 demonstrating significant effects, yielding IC₅₀ values of 6.95 and 6.46 μmol/L.

Objective To establish an objective endpoint criterion for the nine cycles of steaming and sun-drying in the processing of Shudihuɑng (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, RRP), to quantitatively characterize the dynamic changes in “morphology, color, and taste”, and to elucidate the correlation between chemical component transformations and the Maillard reaction. Methods Samples subjected to one through nine cycles of conventional steaming and wine-assisted steaming were prepared. An integrated analytical approach combining electronic tongue, electronic nose, electronic eye, mass spectrometry imaging, and infrared spectroscopy was employed to obtain quantitative parameters related to taste, odor, and chromaticity. These data were used to analyze the spatial distribution and dynamic variation of chemical constituents, as well as the migration patterns of characteristic functional groups. Results The electronic sensory data exhibited strong concordance with the results of manual sensory evaluation and demonstrated high discriminative capability among RRP samples subjected to varying cycles of re-hydration and re-drying. A pronounced shift in taste profile was observed at the third cycle of re-hydration and re-drying, identified as the critical inflection point for sensory deterioration. Concurrently, the color value decreased progressively with increasing reprocessing cycles—a trend consistent with the traditional quality benchmark “black as lacquer, sweet as honey”, wherein darker coloration correlates with superior quality. Volatile propane-type compounds were identified as key odor discriminants across treatment groups. Mass spectrometry imaging revealed that with increasing processing intensity, the levels of iridoid compounds, amino acids, and non-reducing sugars progressively declined, whereas those of reducing sugars and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural increased steadily. In contrast, phenethyl alcohol exhibited a triphasic trend—initially increasing, subsequently decreasing, and finally rising again. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy further demonstrated characteristic shifts in absorption peaks corresponding to sugar-derived hydroxyl groups and conjugated carbonyl moieties, consistent with hallmark spectral features of the Maillard reaction. Notably, organic acids present in the wine-steaming medium exerted a catalytic effect, advancing the onset of quality inflection points by one steaming cycle relative to the clear-steaming control group; However, no statistically significant difference in final product quality was observed between the two processing modalities. Conclusion The proposed multi-dimensional evaluation system objectively captures the evolutionary patterns of “morphology, color, and taste” throughout the nine-cycle steaming and sun-drying process of processed RRP. These findings provide a quantitative foundation for determining the optimal processing endpoint and offer a technical framework for quality control in the production of steamed and sun-dried traditional Chinese medicines.

Objective Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive co-loaded elemene (Ee) and chlorin e6 (Ce6) liposomes (Ee-Ce6-L) were prepared, characterization of their physicochemical properties, and evaluated for their inhibitory effects on bladder cancer 5637 cells. Methods The synergistic ratio of elemene and Ce6 (Ee + Ce6) was screened using the MTT assay. Ee-Ce6-L was prepared via the thin-film hydration method and characterized for morphology, particle size, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading capacity, stability, ROS generation capacity, and in vitro release rate. MTT assays evaluated the cytotoxicity of Ee-Ce6-L against 5637 cells. Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining was used to study the apoptotic effects of Ee-Ce6-L on cells. Fluorescence microscopy and a fluorometer were employed to examine its impact on ROS generation capacity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Western blotting analysis was conducted to investigate the expression of apoptosis pathway-related proteins. Results Ee + Ce6 exhibited synergistic effects across the 40:1 to 200:1 concentration range, with optimal synergy observed at 120:1; Ee-Ce6-L exhibited good stability and dispersibility. After irradiation with 660 nm laser, the particle size changed from (194.27 ± 0.20) nm to (390.97 ± 2.76) nm, and the ζ potential shifted from (−19.06 ± 0.07) mV to (−6.30 ± 0.34) mV. In vitro release experiments demonstrated that Ee-Ce6-L exhibits dual functions of sustained release and light-controlled drug release; the encapsulation efficiencies of elemene and Ce6 were (94.02 ± 0.38)% and (96.95 ± 0.70)%, respectively, while the drug loading capacities of Ee and Ce6 were (11.51 ± 0.46)% and (2.32 ± 0.01)%; Ee-Ce6-L exhibited strong singlet oxygen generation capacity; In vitro cell experiments demonstrated that Ee-Ce6-L promoted apoptosis in 5637 cells by increasing ROS production and reducing MMP, as well as by decreasing B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) protein expression while increasing Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cleaved poly ADP-ribose polymerase (cleaved PARP), and cleaved cystein-asparate protease-3 (cleaved Caspase-3) protein expression. Conclusion Ee-Ce6-L exhibits ROS-responsive release properties and synergistically inhibits 5637 cell proliferation and induces apoptosis through the combined effects of traditional Chinese medicine and phototherapy.

Objective To elucidate the dynamic changes in moisture, color, and index components during the “sweating” process of Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, SMRR) and preliminarily explore the correlation between moisture migration, color evolution, and changes in index components. Methods SMRR samples from Shandong underwent the “sweating” process, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were employed to analyze moisture migration and distribution characteristics. The high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and colorimeter were used to determine the contents of salvianolic acid B, tanshinone II_A, tanshinone I, cryptotanshinone and chromaticity values (L^*,a^*, b^*, and ΔE) of SMRR at different “sweating” degrees, respectively, followed by Pearson correlation analysis. Results The “sweating” process mainly involved free water loss, with relaxation peak gradually shifting leftward. MRI results indicated that moisture migrated from the core to the exterior of the roots. The cross-sectional color transitioned from the outer to inner layers, changing from yellowish-white to brown and finally to purplish-brown, with the L^* decreasing while a^*, b^*, and ΔE increasing continuously. The contents of salvianolic acid B and tanshinones initially increased and then decreased, reaching the highest values in lightly sweated SMRR (SD3, 47.38 mg/g) and moderately sweated SMRR (SD7, 4.62 mg/g) respectively. The content of salvianolic acid B exhibited a significant correlation with L^*, a^*, b^* and ΔE (P < 0.01). Conclusion By clarifying the characteristics of moisture migration and distribution during the “sweating” process of SMRR, this study scientifically validates the traditional view that “sweating promotes the outward diffusion of internal moisture in medicinal materials”. It reveals the dynamic changes in color and index components during “sweating” and preliminarily explores the role of moisture in driving the color deepening from the outside to the inside and changes in salvianolic acid B content, providing a reference for optimizing the “sweating” process of SMRR.

Objective To investigate the existing states of Panax notoginseng total saponins in complex solution systems and elucidate the micellar association behavior of total saponins based on their ultrafiltration separation characteristics. Methods A total saponins solution of P. notoginseng was used as the research subject, with notoginsenoside R₁ and ginsenoside Rg₁, Rb₁, Rd selected as representative analytes. Ultrafiltration rejection rate, permeation rate, and micellar compositional ratio were employed as evaluation indices to analyze how key parameters—including inorganic salt concentration, temperature, and saponin concentration—affect saponin molecular states and ultrafiltration behavior. Results Owing to their amphiphilic structures, the saponins readily form micelles in aqueous solution, and their ultrafiltration performance is regulated by multiple environmental factors. Inorganic salts modulate micellar stability through ionic effects and salting-out actions: the divalent anion SO₄²⁻ disrupts hydration layers and strengthens hydrophobic interactions, thereby promoting micelle formation and precipitation, with salting-out intensity ranked as Na₂SO₄ > MgSO₄ > KCl. Monovalent salts such as KCl facilitate micellar association at low concentrations via charge shielding, whereas high concentrations intensify salting-out. Dammarane-type saponins, particularly Rb₁ and Rd, showed higher participation in salt-induced micelles, indicating a structure-driven association preference. Increasing temperature enhances molecular motion, weakens hydrophobic interactions and intermolecular hydrogen bonding within micelles, thereby promoting micelle dissociation, increasing permeation rates, and reducing rejection. Elevating saponin concentration strengthens hydrophobic and aggregative interactions among solute molecules, facilitating micelle assembly. By fitting the relationship between ultrafiltration rejection and membrane pore size at different solute concentrations, the molecular weight of micelles at 90% rejection and the internal compositional ratio of characteristic saponins were estimated. The results showed that at 10—20 mg/mL, micelles mainly consisted of diol-type saponins, but their association degree remained limited at low concentrations. At 30—60 mg/mL, the micellar molecular mass increased markedly, indicating that higher solute concentrations promote the formation of hybrid micelles. Conclusion This study elucidates the mechanisms by which pharmaceutical processing parameters regulate the micellar structure and ultrafiltration efficiency of P. notoginseng total saponins, providing theoretical and practical guidance for quality control and purification process optimization in saponin‑based traditional Chinese medicine formulations.

Objective To optimize the honey-frying process of Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium, EF) and establish a quality differentiation system between raw and processed products, providing scientific evidence for standardized production and quality control of honey-fried EF. Methods The effects of five factors-honey-to-water ratio, solid-to-liquid ratio, moistening time, stir-frying temperature, and stir-frying duration were investigated through single-factor experiments. The comprehensive weights of maslinic acid, corosolic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, and hyperoside were determined using the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) combined with the criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) objective weighting method. Key process parameters (honey-to-water ratio, stir-frying temperature, and stir-frying duration) were optimized via Box-Behnken design coupled with response surface methodology (BBD-RSM) to establish the optimal honey-processing conditions for EF. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography/high-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC/HPLC) was employed to develop fingerprint profiles of raw and honey-processed EF. Component differences were compared using similarity analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Additionally, correlation analysis between colorimetric values and indicator components was conducted. Results The optimized honey-processing parameters for EF were determined as follows: honey-to-water ratio of 1:1.06, solid-to-liquid ratio of 2.0:1, moistening time of 2.5 h, stir-frying temperature of 157.9 ℃, and stir-frying duration of 11.1 min. In the established fingerprint profile of triterpenic acids in EF, 12 common peaks were identified in the raw products, while nine common peaks were identified in the processed products. Among these, four peaks were assigned as maslinic acid (peak 6), corosolic acid (peak 7), oleanolic acid (peak 11), and ursolic acid (peak 12), all of which showed increased content after honey-processing. In the fingerprint profile of organic acids, 11 common peaks were identified in the raw products, and 12 common peaks were found in the processed products. Four of these peaks were identified as neochlorogenic acid (peak 1), chlorogenic acid (peak 3), cryptochlorogenic acid (peak 4), and hyperoside (peak 11)-all of which decreased in content after honey-processing. The colorimetric values (L^*, a^*, b^*) of the honey-processed loquat slices showed a significant positive correlation with the content of triterpenic acids, and a significant negative correlation with the content of organic acids and flavonol glycosides. Conclusion The AHP-CRITIC weighting method combined with BBD-RSM can effectively balance multiple indicators. The honey-frying process for EF is stable and feasible. Integrating fingerprints with chemometric methods precisely characterizes quality changes before and after processing, offering evidence for enhanced quality control standards.

Objective To investigate the different effects of carboxymethyl starch sodium (CMS) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVPP) on the structure, free surface energy, and key direct compression properties of composite particles produced by co-spray drying based on traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) extracts. Methods This study selected extracts of Fuling (Poria), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), and Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) (PC、AS、AM、SM、LJ) as model drugs, and CMS and PVPP as modifiers. The composite particles of TCM extracts (CP-PC/AS/AM/SM/LJ-CMS and CP-PC/AS/AM/SM/LJ-PVPP) were prepared via co-spray drying. The properties of the co-spray dring liquid, and structure, free surface energy and direct compression properties of composite particles were comprehensively characterized. The different effects of CMS and PVPP on these properties were analyzed by statistical analysis. Results The application of different modifiers led to differential variations in the properties of the co-spray dring liquid, as well as in the structural characteristics, free surface energy, and direct compression properties of the composite particles. Compared to PVPP, co-spray dried liquid containing CMS exhibited increased solid content and viscosity, and lower surface tension and hydrodynamic size (except for CP-SM/LJ-CMS); All composite particles exhibited spherical structures, and those containing CMS showed smoother surfaces and larger particle size than those containing PVPP; The composite particles containing CMS brightness values (except for CP-AM-CMS), hardness (except for CP-AS/AM-CMS), elasticity, and rebound property (except for CP-AS/AM-CMS) were lower; The cohesion (except for CP-PC/LJ-CMS), cohesion work (except for CP-SM/LJ-CMS), free surface energy (except for CP-SM/LJ-CMS), and polarity index (except for CP-SM -CMS) of composite particles containing CMS were relatively high; The Carr’s index, Hausner ratio, angle of repose (except for CP-SM-CMS), and disintegration time (except for CP-LJ-CMS) of composite particles containing CMS were all smaller, while composite particles containing PVPP demonstrated higher tensile strength. Conclusion The properties of TCM extract co-spray drying solutions, structures, free surface energy, and direct compression performance of composite particles containing CMS and PVPP were exhibited different effects. These findings provide valuable insights for advancing co-spray drying technology in TCM extracts and for preparing composite particles suitable for direct powder compression.

Objective To investigate the mechanisms by which Compound Danshen Dropping Pills (复方丹参滴丸) ameliorate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) in mice using single-cell and spatial transcriptomics. Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into sham group, model group, Compound Danshen Dropping Pills low-, medium-, and high-dose (61.43, 122.85, 245.70 mg/kg) groups, with 15 mice in each group. Mice were continuously given drug intervention for 7 d, and a MIRI model was constructed using left anterior descending artery ligation reperfusion method 30 min after the last administration. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography 24 h after surgery, and myocardial histopathology was evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Hearts from sham group, model group, and Compound Danshen Dropping Pills medium-dose group were subjected to single-cell and spatial transcriptomic analyses. Single cell transcriptomics was used for cell type identification, cardiomyocyte subpopulation typing, differential gene expression analysis, pseudo temporal analysis, differential gene expression analysis and enrichment analysis. Spatial transcriptomics analysis was used to identify the spatial transcriptomic features of MIRI and the characteristic genes of injury boundary region. Western blotting was performed to detect the expression levels of nuclear receptor subfamily 3 group C member 1 (NR3C1), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in myocardial tissue of mice. Results Compared with sham group, the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of mice in model group was decreased (P < 0.05), pathology showed significant necrosis of myocardial cells and increased collagen fibers. Compared with model group, Compound Danshen Dropping Pills significantly improved the cardiac function of MIRI mice (P < 0.05), reduced myocardial injury and decreased collagen fibers. The results of single-cell transcriptomics indicated that Compound Danshen Dropping Pills could increase the proportion of myocardial cells and reduce the proportion of fibroblasts and inflammatory cells. Spatial transcriptomics revealed key genes involved in the spatial transcriptomic characteristics and damage boundary regions of MIRI. Western blotting results showed that compared with sham group, the expression levels of NR3C1, PDK4 and ACSL4 proteins in myocardial tissue of mice in model group mice were significantly increased (P < 0.05), while the expression level of GPX4 protein was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with model group, the expression levels of NR3C1, PDK4 and ACSL4 proteins in myocardial tissue of mice in Compound Danshen Dropping Pills group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the expression level of GPX4 protein was significantly increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion Compound Danshen Dropping Pills may alleviate MIRI in mice by modulating myocardial metabolism and attenuating ferroptosis.

Objective To explore the effect differences and biological mechanisms of Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) combined with sour herb Wumei (Mume Fructus) and pungent herb Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus) in treating cholestasis based on “liver desires dispersion” theory from “five zang-organs preferences and aversions in tonification and purgation” in traditional Chinese medicine, thereby enriching the scientific connotation of “sour purgation” and “pungent tonification”. Methods A total of 36 male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, Coptidis Rhizoma group, Coptidis Rhizoma-Mume Fructus group, Coptidis Rhizoma-Evodiae Fructus group and ursodeoxycholic acid group. A cholestasis model was induced using α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT). After drug intervention, the anti-cholestatic effects were evaluated by measuring serum biochemical markers sun as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBIL), total bile acid (TBA) and histopathological examination. The anti-inflammatory effects were assessed by measuring levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 in serum. The anti-oxidative stress was evaluated by measuring activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum. The lipid-regulating effects were evaluated by measuring levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in serum. LC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics was performed on fecal samples to analyze metabolites, identify differential metabolites, and conducting Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results Compared with model group, the serum biochemical index levels of each treatment group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001), the phenomena of liver tissues inflammatory cell infiltration, liver cell swelling and focal necrosis were significantly alleviated. Compared with Coptidis Rhizoma group, Coptidis Rhizoma-Mume Fructus group demonstrated significantly enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects (P < 0.05, 0.01), while Coptidis Rhizoma-Evodiae Fructus group showed significantly enhanced lipid-regulating effects (P < 0.05). Metabolomics analysis indicated that the enhanced anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects following the combination of Coptidis Rhizoma with Mume Fructus were associated with the modulation of primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway, the enhanced lipid-regulating effect following the combination of Coptidis Rhizoma with Evodiae Fructus was linked to the regulation of linoleic acid metabolism pathway. Conclusion Coptidis Rhizoma, whether combined with Mume Fructus or Evodiae Fructus, exerts definite interventional effects on cholestatic rats, demonstrating the differential characteristics of “purgation with sour herbs” and “tonification with pungent herbs”. The modulation of primary bile acid biosynthesis pathway and linoleic acid metabolism pathway represents the potential mechanism underlying these differential effects.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Xuezhikang Capsules (血脂康胶囊) in intervening coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD) in ApoE^−/− mice based on non-targeted metabolomics. Methods After seven weeks of high-fat diet feeding, SPF-grade ApoE^−/− mice were injected with sodium laurate via tail vein to establish CMD model. The mice were then randomly divided into model group, atorvastatin (6 mg/kg) group, Xuezhikang low-, medium-, and high-dose (90, 180, 360 mg/kg) groups, another 12 C57BL/6J mice were selected as the control group. After eight weeks of drug intervention, the morphology and pathological changes of myocardial tissue and myocardial microvessels in mice were detected using hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Carstairs and Heidenhain staining. Cardiac functional injury was evaluated by echocardiography. Oil red O staining was used to evaluate the degree of lipid accumulation in the aorta. Lipid levels, myocardial injury and endothelial function-related indicators were detected by biochemical assays, ELISA, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. The changes in fecal metabolites were analyzed using non-targeted metabolomics, and differential metabolites and significantly enriched metabolic pathways were identified. Western blotting was used to detect silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), p-p65 and p65 protein expressions in myocardial tissue. Results Compared with model group, Xuezhikang Capsules significantly reduced the levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, as well as the degree of myocardial and endothelial injury in serum of mice (P < 0.05, 0.01), and significantly improved the degree of microthrombus, myocardial ischemia and heart function decline in mice (P < 0.01). Non-targeted metabolomics identified 14 differentially expressed metabolites and 15 enriched pathways (P < 0.05). Western blotting results showed that compared with model group, Xuezhikang Capsules significantly up-regulated the protein expressions of SIRT1 and PGC-1α in myocardial tissue (P < 0.01), and down-regulated the protein expression of p-p65/p65 (P < 0.01). Conclusion Xuezhikang Capsules could regulate blood lipids, improve endothelial dysfunction and inflammatory response, thereby effectively improving cardiac function and reducing myocardial structural damage in CMD model mice. Its mechanism may be related to the regulation of arginine-proline-α-ketoglutarate metabolic axis and eNOS/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of ethanol extract of bran-fried Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) (EBAR) on bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis in mice and explore the mechanism of its treatment for liver fibrosis from the perspective of regulating hepatic metabolites. Methods C57BL/6 mice were subjected to bile duct ligation to establish a liver fibrosis model and treated with EBAR for 14 d. Levels of liver function markers and inflammatory cytokines in serum were measured. The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (COL1A1) and COL4A2 in liver tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and Western blotting. JS1 cells were induced with transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) to establish a hepatic stellate cell activation model. After EBAR intervention, the expressions of α-SMA, COL1A1, COL4A2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 1 (TIMP1) were examined by immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and metabolomics were employed to investigate the potential mechanisms of EBAR against liver fibrosis, and key mechanisms were validated by Western blotting. Results In the liver fibrosis mouse model, EBAR significantly reduced liver index, serum liver function indicators and inflammatory cytokine levels (P < 0.05, 0.01), significantly inhibited the expressions of α-SMA, COL1A1 and COL4A2 in liver tissues (P < 0.05, 0.01), significantly alleviated hepatic fibrous tissue hyperplasia and collagen deposition and improved pathological damage in liver tissue. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that Atractylodis Rhizoma exerts anti-hepatic fibrotic effects primarily by regulating signaling pathways such as adenosine 5’-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Metabolomic analysis showed that EBAR affected the generation of various metabolites in liver tissues of liver fibrosis mouse model, particularly metabolites related to the citric acid cycle and fatty acid metabolism. Further mechanistic studies demonstrated that EBAR exerted anti-hepatic fibrotic effects by promoting AMPK phosphorylation (P < 0.05, 0.01) and activating AMPK/silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) signaling pathway. Conclusion EBAR exerts anti-fibrotic effects by activating AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway and regulating hepatic energy metabolism.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Yaobitong Capsules (腰痹通胶囊, YBT) on deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Methods Multi-scale evaluation of the effect of YBT was conducted using a rat lower limb deep vein ligation model, a zebrafish blood stasis model induced by phenylhydrazine, and an oxygen glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury model. In the rat lower limb deep vein ligation model, the ratio of thrombus weight to length and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining were used to evaluate the pathological changes of thrombus. Six coagulation parameters, plasma tissue factor (TF), endothelin-1 (ET-1), soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and other indicators were detected. In the zebrafish blood stasis model, the stasis of red blood cells and platelet aggregation were assessed via o-dianisidine staining and confocal microscopy, respectively. qRT-PCR was employed to measure the expressions of coagulation-related genes (fga, fgb, fgg, f2). In the OGD induced HUVEC cell injury model, qRT-PCR, Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expressions of TF, VCAM-1, ET-1, HIF-1α, as well as the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65. Results In the rat model of deep vein ligation of the lower limbs, YBT could reduce the ratio of thrombus weight to length, improve histopathological changes (P < 0.05), prolong activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) (P < 0.001), reduce fibrinogen (FIB), D-dimer, fibrinogen and fibrin degradation products (FDP), TF, ET-1, sVCAM-1, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF -α, MDA and HIF-1α levels (P < 0.01, 0.001), and increase SOD activity (P < 0.05, 0.01). In the zebrafish blood stasis model, YBT could significantly increase cardiac erythrocyte staining intensity and circulating platelet number (P < 0.001), and down-regulate the expressions of coagulation related genes (P < 0.01, 0.001). In the OGD induced HUVEC cell injury model, YBT could down-regulate the mRNA expressions of TF, VCAM-1, ET-1 and HIF-1α (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001), down-regulate the protein expressions of TF and HIF-1α (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001), inhibit the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 (P < 0.05, 0.01). Conclusion YBT may effectively inhibit DVT by inhibiting HIF-1α/NF-κB p65/TF axis (down-regulating HIF-1α expression, inhibiting NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, thereby reducing TF overexpression), alleviating the hypoxia inflammation cascade, protecting endothelial function, and improving hypercoagulability.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix) containing serum (CRCS) on inflammatory factors release and epithelial cell excessive apoptosis in vitro model of ulcerative colitis (UC). Methods Bioinformatics analysis tools were used to predict and regulate the upstream miRNAs of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of PTEN and the expressions of miR-21, miR-30a-3p, miR-198, miR-152-3p, miR-301a-3p, miR-320 and miR-3691-5p in colon tissues of UC rats model induced by enema 5% 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid solution (TNBS)/ethanol composite solution. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 μg/mL) was used to induce human normal colon epithelial NCM460 cells to construct an in vitro model of UC, 1%, 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% CRCS intervention was administered for 24 h. The cell viability was detected by CCK-8 method. Subsequently, miR-21 mimics and miR-21 inhibitor were transfected into model cells, respectively, which were cultured in 6 % CRCS complete medium for 24 h. The levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-17, IL-1β, IL-8, nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in each group were detected by ELISA. The expression of miR-21 in each group was detected by qRT-PCR. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of PTEN, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), cleaved cystein-asparate protease-3 (cleaved Caspase-3) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway related proteins. The binding sites of miR-21 and PTEN were predicted by bioinformatics, and the targeting effect of miR-21 on PTEN was verified by dual luciferase reporter gene detection system. Results A total of seven miRNAs that may target PTEN were screened by bioinformatics analysis. Among them, the expression of miR-21 was decreased significantly after CRCS intervention (P < 0.01), while the expressions of miR-30a-3p, miR-198, miR-152-3p, miR-301a-3p, miR-320 and miR-3691-5p had no statistical significance. The results of CCK-8 showed that 2%, 4%, 6% and 8% CRCS could significantly improve cell viability (P < 0.01). Compared with model group, CRCS and miR-21 inhibitor increased the expression levels of PTEN and Bcl-2 proteins in cells (P < 0.01), and decreased the expression levels of miR-21, Bax, cleaved Caspase-3, p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt (P < 0.01). Compared with CRCS group, miR-21 mimics significantly attenuated the up-regulation of PTEN and Bcl-2 expressions by CRCS (P < 0.01) and the down-regulation of miR-21, Bax, cleaved Caspase-3, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt expressions (P < 0.05, 0.01). The results of dual luciferase reporter assay showed that in the transfected wt-Luc-PTEN plasmocytes, CRCS intervention could significantly increase luciferase activity (P < 0.01), and miR-21 mimics could significantly reduce luciferase activity (P < 0.01). In the combined treatment, miR-21 mimics could partially weaken the effect of CRCS on luciferase activity (P < 0.01). In transfected mut-Luc-PTEN plasmocytes, CRCS intervention and miR-21 mimics did not cause significant changes in luciferase activity. Conclusion CRCS could alleviate UC by inhibiting pro-inflammatory factors release and excessive apoptosis of epithelial cells. The mechanism is at least partially dependent on miR-21/PTEN/PI3K/Akt axis.

Objective To preliminarily explore the correlation between changes in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes and peripheral neurotransmitter levels in patients with depression of heart-kidney non-interaction syndrome treated with Jiaotai Pill (交泰丸, JTW) alone or in combination with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and to exploratorily develop efficacy prediction models. Methods This post-hoc analysis utilized data from a randomized controlled trial (n = 91). Patients were divided into the JTW group (n = 31), JTW combined with SSRIs group (n = 30), and SSRIs group (n = 30). Response after eight weeks of treatment was defined as a ≥ 50% reduction rate in the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score. Changes in neurotransmitter levels and TCM syndrome scores before and after treatment were compared among the three groups. Spearman correlation analysis was used to assess the associations between changes in individual TCM syndrome scores and changes in neurotransmitter levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and dopamine (DA). Firth's penalized-likelihood logistic regression, adjusted for confounders such as age and sex, was employed to analyze the independent associations between baseline characteristics and treatment response within each group, identifying potential predictors. Predictive models were constructed based on statistically significant predictors. Bootstrap internal validation (1 000 repetitions) was performed to correct for overfitting, and the optimism-corrected area under the curve (AUC) was reported to evaluate the discriminatory performance of the models. Results No statistically significant difference in response rates was observed among the three groups (P > 0.05). Comparisons before and after treatment showed that 5-HT and NE levels, as well as most TCM syndrome scores, improved significantly from baseline in all three groups (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that in the JTW group, Δ5-HT was positively correlated with Δinsomnia/dreamfulness (r = 0.521, P = 0.003) and Δdry throat and mouth (r = 0.438, P = 0.014). Multivariate analysis indicated that in the JTW group, baseline “forgetfulness” was a negative predictor of efficacy (OR = 0.60, P = 0.022). In the combination group, baseline “palpitations” was a positive predictor (OR = 1.62, P = 0.029), while “spermatorrhea or irregular menstruation” was a negative predictor (OR = 0.22, P = 0.007). Notably, the symptom of “spermatorrhea or irregular menstruation” itself did not show significant improvement after treatment. Predictive model analysis showed that in the JTW group, the model based on “forgetfulness” had a corrected AUC of 0.669 (original AUC = 0.838). In the combination group, the composite model including both “palpitations” and “spermatorrhea or irregular menstruation” demonstrated the best predictive performance, with a corrected AUC of 0.809 (original AUC = 0.937), suggesting preliminary discriminatory ability but also indicating potential overfitting. Conclusion By exploring the associations between TCM syndromes and neurotransmitter changes in depressed patients with heart-kidney non-interaction syndrome treated with JTW and by developing efficacy prediction models, this study provides preliminary evidence to guide treatment selection for clinical subtypes predominantly characterized by “exuberance of heart fire” or “kidney essence deficiency”. These findings offer exploratory clues for the precise application of JTW, though its predictive performance requires further validation in prospective and large-scale studies.

Objective To address the issues of strong subjectivity and low efficiency in traditional Chinese medicine origin tracing, we explore the method of Chinese medicine origin tracing based on mid-infrared spectroscopy (MIRS) combined with machine learning algorithm modeling, and provide new technical support for traditional Chinese medicine origin tracing. Methods Based on the mid-infrared spectral dataset, this study performed outlier handling, missing value imputation, first-order difference, high-variance feature selection, distance calculation and clustering analysis, and locally linear embedding (LLE) for dimensionality reduction. Subsequently, we constructed six machine learning models including Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), K-nearest neighbor (KNN), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), and artificial neural network (ANN) models. We then employed the Ivy Algorithm (IVYA) to optimize model parameters. A multidimensional evaluation framework was established, incorporating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) alongside accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 score (F1). This framework was used to identify the optimal model for Chinese herbal medicine origin tracing. Results SVM (macro-average AUC = 0.998, F1 = 0.949, accuracy = 0.949, recall = 0.949, precision = 0.956) and ANN (macro-average AUC = 0.999, F1 = 0.940, accuracy = 0.939, recall = 0.939, precision = 0.944) demonstrated optimal performance in identifying the origins of Chinese herbal medicines. They exhibited high consistency in predicting the origins of unknown samples, with core evaluation metrics significantly outperforming RF, LightGBM, KNN, and XGBoost. The SVM model can accurately capture the functional group vibration differences in the medium chemical components of medicinal materials from different origins. ANN models simulate the multifactorial nonlinear coupling effects formed by Chinese herbal medicine origins. Both models not only achieve efficient differentiation among 11 origins but also exhibit complementary strengths: SVM’s globally optimal classification hyperplane excels at processing origins with markedly distinct spectral features, while ANN’s distributed representation capability better suits complex scenarios with high feature overlap. The MIRS method, integrating SVM and ANN, offers rapid, non-destructive, and high-throughput advantages for Chinese herbal medicine traceability. This provides an objective tool for large-scale origin tracing of authentic medicinal materials and delivers a practical technical pathway for the modernization of the Chinese herbal medicine industry. Conclusion MIRS combined with SVM, RF, LightGBM, KNN, XGBoost, and ANN demonstrates effectiveness for Chinese herbal medicine origin tracing. Among these, SVM and ANN emerge as preferred models for this application, offering an interdisciplinary solution. Future integration of multimodal data and deep learning techniques holds promise for enhancing model performance.

Objective To explore the cross-regional and multi-dimensional cooperation of global traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) researchers in the field of research on the TCM Corydalis yanhusuo from 2000 to 2024, and to sort out the research hotspots, frontier trends and regional distribution of research topics, so as to provide reference for the subsequent research on C. yanhusuo. Methods Literature on C. yanhusuo was retrieved from databases such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, Web of Science (WOS), and PubMed. The bibliometric software Coocation (COOC20.0) combined with VOSviewer 1.6.20 was used to conduct a visual analysis from multiple dimensions, including the number of publications, core authors, prolific institutions, keyword co-occurrence, and new word discovery, to construct a knowledge map of research hotspots and frontiers for C. yanhusuo. Results Since the 21st century, the number of papers published on C. yanhusuo research at home and abroad has gradually increased, and China is the core country for C. yanhusuo research. Major universities and research institutes in China are the main institutions for C. yanhusuo research, and the scope of cooperation exists in various TCM research units and related enterprises. English publications on C. yanhusuo are mostly contributed by Chinese research institutions, with hotspots concentrating on isolation and structural elucidation of alkaloid active components, establishment of quality assessment methods, and evaluation of alkaloid activity mechanisms. Conclusion Research on C. yanhusuo has entered a stage of diversified and in-depth development. In the future, it is expected that cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and multi-omics will be applied to the research on C. yanhusuo targets, mechanisms of action, and compound medication rules.

Objective To identify the genome-wide family members of type III polyketide synthase (PKS III) and conduct bioinformatics analysis and expression profile analysis and clarify the relationship between their expression and the content of active components of Huzhang (Polygonum cuspidatum). Methods Based on the genome data of P. cuspidatum, the members of PKS III gene family were identified. Subsequently, the characteristics of these members were analyzed, including the physicochemical properties of their encoded proteins, secondary structure, phylogeny, and conserved motifs. Transcriptome data were further used to analyze their expression profiles, and the correlation between the expression levels of these PKS III genes and the active components was investigated. Results A total of 73 PKS III members were identified in the whole genome of P. cuspidatum, which were unevenly distributed on 20 chromosomes. Subcellular localization prediction indicated that most PKS III members were localized in the cytoplasm, while a small portion were localized on the plasma membrane. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that they were clustered into three major groups, and members within the same group shared identical conserved domains. Analysis of promoter cis-acting elements demonstrated that the PKS III genes contained various elements responsive to hormones, light, and growth and development. Expression profile analysis showed significant differences in the expression of PKS III genes among five tissues of roots and rhizomes of P. cuspidatum. Specifically, the expression levels of PKS32 and PKS42 were significantly higher than those of other genes in all tissues, with the highest expression detected in the rhizome pith. Correlation analysis indicated that PKS3, PKS8, PKS21, PKS44, PKS58, and PKS61 exhibited a significant positive correlation with the contents of polydatin and physcion, and PKS27, PKS56, and PKS69 showed a significant positive correlation with the contents of resveratrol and emodin; and PKS32 and PKS42 displayed a significant positive correlation with the content of physcion. Conclusion A total of 73 PKS III family members were identified, and the expression levels of some members correlated significantly with the contents of active components in P. cuspidatum roots and rhizomes. This study provides a foundation for subsequent research on the functions of PKS III genes and for elucidating the biosynthetic mechanisms of anthraquinones, stilbenes, and flavonoids in P. cuspidatum.

Objective To screen, identify, and analyze the FsUGTs family from Forsythia suspensa based on transcriptomic data. Methods The FsUGTs gene family of F. suspensa was identified from transcriptomic and genomic data. Bioinformatics techniques were applied for comprehensive analysis to explore the physicochemical properties and subcellular localization of the proteins encoded by these genes. The evolutionary relationships among these gene family members were further revealed through phylogenetic tree construction, chromosomal localization, cis-acting element analysis, conserved motif analysis, domain analysis, and gene structure analysis. In addition, RT-qPCR was used to detect the expression patterns of FsUGTs in different tissues (roots, stems, leaves, and fruits), and correlation analysis was performed by integrating these results with the tissue distribution of phillyrin. Results After screening and identification in the F. suspensa transcriptome data, a total of 82 FsUGTs were finally obtained. Their amino acid lengths ranged from 385 to 558 amino acids (aa), relative molecular masses from 43 140—60 750, and theoretical isoelectric points (pI) from 4.81 to 8.26. These proteins are primarily localized to the plasma membrane and all contain the PSPG box domain. Phylogenetic analysis classified the 82 FsUGTsinto 17 groups: Group L contained the highest number of UGTs (16 members), followed by Groups A and E with ten and nine respectively, while no FsUGTs were distributed in Group Q. Chromosomal localization results showed that 16 FsUGTs were located on Chr10, with seven each on Chr11, Chr12, and Chr13, while Chr3 contained the fewest FsUGTs (only two). Analysis of cis-acting elements indicated that the expression of FsUGTs was most strongly influenced by light, followed by methyl jasmonate. Domain analysis revealed that all 82 FsUGTs contained three conserved domains, namely GT1_Gtf-like, PLN02448, and Glycosyltransferase_GTB-type superfamily. Correlation analysis between tissue-specific expression of FsUGTs and phillyrin content in different tissues indicated that FsUGT1-FsUGT3, FsUGT9, FsUGT12-FsUGT16, FsUGT18, FsUGT21-FsUGT24, and FsUGT31 may play roles in the glycosylation of phillygenin to form phillyrin. Conclusion This study identified and analyzed the physicochemical properties, cis-acting elements, protein structures, phylogenetic relationships, and tissue-specific expression of the FsUGTs family from F. suspensa. It also screened FsUGTs that may be involved in the glycosylation of phillygenin to phillyrin, laying a foundation for the further identification of phillygenin glycosyltransferases and the understanding of the regulatory mechanisms underlying the synthesis of medicinal components in F. suspensa.

Objective To initially analyze and determine the levels of potential quality Markers (Q-Markers) in four medicinal parts (spikes, stems, leaves, and roots) of Prunella vulgaris based on fingerprinting, network pharmacology, and molecular docking techniques.Methods Fingerprint profiles of the spikes, stems, leaves, and roots of P. vulgaris were established for eight different origins. The common and non-common peaks in the fingerprints of different parts were identified. To predict Q-Markers of P. vulgaris, similarity analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), TOPSIS analysis, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were employed, utilizing network pharmacology. Additionally, quantitative analysis was conducted to provide a comprehensive quality evaluation. Results A total of 17 common peaks were identified in the spikes of eight batches of P. vulgaris, 22 in the stems, 21 in the leaves, and 16 in the roots. Peaks 5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, and 20 were identified as caffeic acid, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, salviaflaside, rosmarinic acid, and luteolin, respectively. Caffeic acid and rosmarinic acid were present in all four parts, with similarity values exceeding 0.97 within the same medicinal part, while the fingerprints of different medicinal parts showed significant differences. Network pharmacology screening identified 14 core targets, including PTGS2 and EGFR. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed involvement in protein polysaccharides in cancer, COVID-19, lipid metabolism, and atherosclerosis. A “component-target-pathway” network diagram was developed. For molecular docking, 14 core targets and two components were chosen. The results indicated that the components exhibited strong binding properties with the proteins. Conclusion The established fingerprinting method is both accurate and reliable. Combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, it predicted the activity of two potential Q-Markers in the four medicinal parts of P. vulgaris. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the comprehensive quality evaluation of P. vulgaris and the exploration of new medicinal parts.

Objective To establish the HPLC fingerprint of water-soluble components for different habitat‑processed products of Fritillaria thunbergii, and evaluate the quality of F. thunbergii piece and Huibei from different origins. Methods Inertsil ODS-SP-C₁₈column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5.0 μm) was used with methanol (A)-water (B) as mobile phase for gradient elution. The detection wavelength was 260 nm, the column temperature was 25 °C, the volume flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, and the injection volume was 15 μL. The HPLC fingerprint was established and the similarity was analyzed. The chemical constituents were identified and quantitatively determined by comparing with the reference substances. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal components analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to evaluate the quality of F. thunbergii from different producing areas. Results A total of 15 common peaks were matched in the fingerprints of F. thunbergii piece and Huibei, and ten components were identified including peak 3-uracil, peak 5-hypoxanthine, peak 6-guanine, peak 8-thymine, peak 9-inosine, peak 10-guanosine, peak 11-adenine, peak 12-thymidine, peak 14-adenosine and peak 15-2-deoxyadenosine. The areas of 15 common peaks were further analyzed by HCA, PCA and OPLS-DA. The results can distinguish F. thunbergii piece and Huibei well. With VIP > 1 as the index, a total of eight differential components with large contribution rate were obtained, which were peak 3,7,10,5,12,14,6 and 8. Conclusion The established fingerprint and multi-component content determination methods of water-soluble components of F. thunbergii piece and Huibei are simple and reproducible, and can be used for the quality evaluation and quality control of different processing methods of F. thunbergii from different producing areas.

Objective To achieve accurate, nondestructive and low-cost identification of Panax ginseng age, a P. ginseng age identification method was established in this study based on hyperspectral imaging technology combined with machine learning. Methods Hyperspectral images of 84 P. ginseng samples and hyperspectral data of 1 680 regions of interest were obtained by acquiring P. ginseng hyperspectral images in the visible-near infrared (VNIR) and short-wave infrared (SWIR) bands from one to seven years old in Tonghua, Jilin, China, respectively. The hyperspectral data of ginseng samples were preprocessed with multiple scattering correction (MSC), standard normal variation (SNV), Savitzky-Golay smoothing, first-order derivative (FD) and second-order derivative (SD) in the VNIR, SWIR and VNIR + SWIR fusion bands, and then combined with partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), linear Then, we combined PLS-DA and LinearSVC discriminant analysis methods to establish the identification models of P. ginseng years in two classification scales distinguished by “medicinal food”, three classification scales distinguished by greater than, less than, and equal to five years, and seven classification scales distinguished by seven years, respectively. Results In the VNIR 410—720 nm band range, there was an overall trend of sequential decrease in the average spectral reflectance of P. ginseng from one year to seven years at the same wavelength. The results of confusion matrix evaluation of different classification recognition models showed that the LinearSVC model with FD preprocessing in SWIR band and fusion band had better classification and higher accuracy at three annual scales, and the prediction set accuracy of 2, 3 and 7 classification models were 99.60%, 98.41% and 95.24%, respectively. The recognition models built using the feature bands screened by the continuous projection algorithm (SPA) have higher accuracy at 2 and 3 classifications, and use fewer bands for more efficient classification and recognition. Conclusion Hyperspectral imaging technology combined with machine learning and feature band screening methods can better achieve the identification of the age of P. ginseng of specific origin, and provide a reference for realizing the practical applications of this technology in P. ginseng age identification and quality control.

Chinese medicine formulas (CMF) are the core means of clinical treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). As a key component of CMF, dosage forms can exert a decisive impact on the exertion of efficacy by altering the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion processes of drugs. “Same prescription, different dosage forms” refers to the diverse dosage forms formed by processing the same prescription through different preparation technologies, and its phenomenon of “different effects” has become a research hotspot in the field of TCM and a focus of clinical attention. Centering on “same prescription, different dosage forms, different effects”, this paper first constructs a complete logical chain of “differences in dosage form and preparation technology-changes in chemical composition profiles-differentiation of in vivo pharmacokinetic-differences in pharmacodynamic and clinical efficacy”. It systematically sorts out the differences of TCM with “same prescription, different dosage forms” in chemical composition, pharmacokinetics, in vitro activity, pharmacodynamics, clinical application and adverse reactions. It clarifies that the core of these differences lies in the fact that preparation technologies affect chemical composition profiles and dissolution behaviors, thereby significantly altering pharmacokinetic characteristics and tissue distribution patterns, and ultimately leading to the differentiation of pharmacodynamic and clinical application. By establishing this logical chain, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for the precise design of TCM dosage forms, the improvement of quality standards, and the rational clinical drug selection, so as to promote the high-quality development of TCM with “same prescription, different dosage forms” in the process of precision medicine and internationalization.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by persistent fatigue as its core symptom, often accompanied by cognitive impairment, pain, sleep disturbances, and emotional abnormalities. Its pathophysiology involves the interplay of multiple factors including genetics, infection, dysbiosis, immune-inflammatory dysregulation, oxidative stress, and metabolic abnormalities. Clinically, the lack of specific diagnostic markers and effective treatment options have made CFS a significant public health challenge. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classifies it under the categories of “consumptive disease” and “deficiency syndrome”. The core pathogenesis is attributed to dual deficiency of the spleen and kidney, leading to impaired qi transformation. Spleen deficiency results in inadequate transportation and transformation, causing deficiency of qi and blood, which in turn fails to nourish the limbs, leading to fatigue. Kidney deficiency manifests as depletion of essence and marrow, resulting in exhaustion of primordial energy, causing mental fatigue and weakness of tendons and bones. Mutual impairment of spleen and kidney disrupts qi transformation, causing internal retention of water and dampness, which further exacerbates deficiency. Throughout history, TCM case studies addressing CFS are not uncommon. Its holistic perspective and syndrome differentiation approach align with CFS’s complex, multi-targeted, and multi-pathway pathology. This study therefore systematically reviews the etiology and pathogenesis of CFS from both TCM and Western medical perspectives, summarizing the applications of both traditional and modern medicine in CFS treatment to provide insights for clinical management and academic research.

Oxidative stress is a central pathological process driving the onset and progression of multiple chronic diseases, characterized by excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species and imbalance of endogenous antioxidant defenses. Puerarin, a natural isoflavone glycoside extracted from Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), exhibits potent multi-target antioxidant activities. Accumulating evidence indicates that puerarin alleviates oxidative stress and cell death processes such as ferroptosis, pyroptosis and apoptosis by directly scavenging free radicals, activating endogenous antioxidant systems, inhibiting pro-oxidant enzymes, modulating key signaling pathways such as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and protein kinase B (Akt), and improving the functional homeostasis of cellular organelles including mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, and lysosomes. This review systematically summarizes the multi-target antioxidant mechanisms of puerarin, its current clinical applications, pharmacokinetic limitations, and recent advances in novel drug delivery systems, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of puerarin as a precision-targeted therapeutic agent for oxidative stress-related diseases.

Duzhongye (Eucommiae Folium), as a medicinal herb with dual food and medicinal properties, exerts functions such as nourishing the liver and kidneys, strengthening tendons and bones, alleviating aches and pains, and enhancing mental focus and vital energy. Modern fermentation technology, integrated with microbiology and modern biotechnology, enables precise regulation of the fermentation process to efficiently produce fermentation products. In recent years, modern fermentation technology has been extensively applied in Chinese medicine. Fermentation can enhance or modify the therapeutic effects of herbal medicines, reduce toxicity, and broaden their clinical applications. Based on the current research status of Eucommiae Folium fermentation, this paper reviews fermentation methods, microbial strain selection, fermentation processes, and pharmacological effects. It aims to provide a reference for further in-depth research and development of Eucommiae Folium fermentation.

Fuling (Poria cocos) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb with a sweet, bland taste and neutral nature, which is attributed to the heart, lung, spleen, and kidney meridians. It exerts the effects of inducing diuresis to eliminate dampness, invigorating the spleen and tranquilizing the mind, and is mainly indicated for the treatment of symptoms and diseases including edema with oliguria, phlegm retention accompanied by vertigo and palpitations, poor appetite caused by spleen deficiency, loose stools and diarrhea, mental restlessness, and palpitations with insomnia. Studies have shown that the active components of P. cocos mainly include polysaccharides, triterpenes, sterols, and so on. It exhibits various pharmacological activities, such as diuretic, immunomodulatory, antitumor, lipid-regulating, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other effects. By systematically searching relevant literature at home and abroad, this study comprehensively reviews the chemical components and pharmacological effects of P. cocos, and further explores its potential mechanisms of action, aiming to provide new ideas and scientific basis for the modern research and clinical development of P. cocos.

Shuanghuanglian Powder Injection (SHLPI) is an innovative traditional Chinese medicine powder injection derived from Shuanghuanglian Injection (SHLI). It addresses the limitations of the conventional dosage form, such as poor stability and easy degradation of active ingredients, and has been widely used in the clinical treatment of respiratory system infections and viral diseases. In recent years, there has been an increasing number of reports on its adverse reactions, including allergic reactions, raising widespread concerns regarding its quality controllability and medication safety. Focusing on elucidating the material basis and establishing a quality control system for SHLPI, this study retrieves and integrates relevant data to summarize the research advances in its chemical components, pharmacological mechanisms, and the application of quality control technologies. It also identifies current challenges such as unclear pharmacodynamic mechanisms of certain components and inadequate coverage of quality control standards. This work aims to provide insights for improving the quality stability and medication safety of SHLPI, as well as scientific references for the upgrading of quality standards and secondary development.

Panax ginseng is a valuable traditional Chinese medicinal herb with both therapeutic and nutritional properties, and ginsenosides are its principal active components. Due to the limited availability of wild resources, increasing market demand, and constraints of conventional cultivation methods, the development of an efficient and controllable in vitro culture system has become a major research focus. Based on recent multi-omics studies, this review summarizes the biosynthetic pathways of ginsenosides and the regulatory mechanisms of their key enzyme genes. It systematically discusses the advantages of adventitious root culture and its potential applications in the production of secondary metabolites, with particular emphasis on the effects of medium optimization, elicitor strategies, and environmental factors on ginsenoside production. Future studies should aim to uncover the post-modification steps in ginsenoside biosynthesis, integrate multi-omics data to construct dynamic metabolic models, and refine eco-friendly elicitation strategies to facilitate the industrial-scale application of adventitious root culture technology in P. ginseng production.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) dripping pills represent a modern dosage form founded on solid dispersion systems. Characterized by rapid dissolution, enhanced bioavailability, precise dosing, and convenient administration, they exhibit considerable potential in improving the release and absorption of multi-component TCM formulations. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pharmaceutic characteristics of dripping pills, processing mechanisms, and recent advances in their intelligent manufacturingand and clinical applications. Particular attention is given to the physical states, as well as to the formulation characteristics underlying their rapid-release and solubilization behaviors that enhance oral absorption efficiency. Furthermore, by integrating intelligent manufacturing technology , this article discusses the engineering challenges and developmental strategies associated with process optimization and quality control. Overall, this review aims to offer theoretical insights and technical references for the systematic investigation, industrial upgrading, and clinical translation of TCM dripping pills.

The controllability and scientific rigor of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) quality standards are fundamental to ensuring their clinical efficacy. The core limitation of current TCM quality standards lies in the inherent conflict between holistic and reductionist approaches, which hinders their international recognition under reductionist frameworks and significantly impedes TCM’s globalization. As a mathematical tool for processing complex high-dimensional data, tensor theory demonstrates exceptional computational efficiency when applied in artificial intelligence (AI) and big data technologies, thereby accelerating the development of sophisticated AI models and applications. Furthermore, tensor-based theoretical and algorithmic research in high-dimensional data modeling provides essential mathematical tools for practical problem-solving. By applying the second-order tensor correction method and the third-order tensor correction method, we can accurately analyze the components of TCM, thus establishing the logical relationship between the macro-quality of TCM and the micro-components, and effectively solving the contradiction between the integrity and reducibility of TCM quality. Therefore, tensor technology is expected to provide new theoretical support and technical means for the modernization of quality standards of TCM.