Objective To investigate the chemical constituents from the methanol extract of the polyporaceae fungus Ganoderma cochlear and preliminarily evaluate their anti-atherosclerotic activity in vitro. Methods The extract was systematically isolated and purified by D-101 macroporous adsorption resin, silica gel column chromatography, reversed-phase C₁₈ column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by HR-ESI-MS, IR, and NMR. Meanwhile, the absolute configurations of the new compounds were determined by NMR and ECD calculation. The in vitro anti-atherosclerotic activities of the isolates were assessed using an oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage lipid deposition model. Results Two novel compounds were isolated and identified from G. cochlear, designated as 7,10-epoxy-3,4-seco-9 (10→19) abeo-25,26,27-trinorlanosta-4,11-dioxo-8-en-3,24-dimethyl ester (1) and 6-hydroxy-2-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one (2). In the ox-LDL-induced macrophage model, compounds 1 and 2 did not exhibit significant anti-lipid deposition activity at 40 μmol/L. Conclusion This study successfully isolated and identified two new compounds, and named as ganodeconoid J (1) and ganodeconoid K (2). Compound 1 represents the first Ganoderma triterpenoid possessing a 5β-H, enriching the chemical diversity of Ganoderma fungi. Compounds 1 and 2 did not show significant in vitro anti-atherosclerotic activity.

Objective To investigate the biphenyl compounds in the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the twigs of Garcinia yunnanensis. Methods Based on the UV spectral characteristics absorption of biphenyl derivatives, targeted separation and purification were performed using various chromatography techniques, including silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 gel column and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by means of physicochemical properties and spectral data of the monomer compounds, in combination with relevant literature. The anti-inflammatory activity of the new compound was evaluated by measuring its inhibition effect of nitric oxide (NO) production. Results Eight bipheny derivatives were obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction of G. yunnanensis, elucidated as (R)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-ol (1 ), garcibiphenyl C (2 ), cylindrobiphenyl B (3 ), multibiphenyl C (4 ), doitungbiphenyls B (5 ), multiflorabiphenyl B (6 ), honokiol (7 ), and magnolol (8 ). Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound named yunnabiphenyl A, while compounds 2 —8 were reported from this plant for the first time. Compound 1 showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity, with a median inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) value of 21.5 μmol/L.

Objective To investigate the chemical components and anti-inflammatory activities of the roots of Stemona tuberosa from Hainan province. Methods The chemical constituents of S. tuberosa were isolated and purified using chromatography techniques such as silica gel, gel column chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Subsequently, the structures of the purified compounds were identified by modern spectroscopic methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Finally, the anti-inflammatory activities of the compounds were evaluated using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine monocyte-macrophage RAW264.7 cell model. Results A total of seven compounds were isolated from S. tuberosa, and identified as (4R)-3,5,5-trimethyl-4-(3-methylbut-2-enoyl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one (1 ), oxystemofoline (2 ), methyl 4-hydroxycinnamate (3 ), (-)-stemoamide (4 ), tuberostemospiroline (5 ), stemanthrene C (6 ), stilbostemin F (7 ). Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited inhibitory activity against NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, with median inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) values of (42.99 ± 4.96) and (70.22 ± 0.81) μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion Compound 1 was identified as a new compound, named tuberostemoterpenone. Compound 2 was isolated from S. tuberosa for the first time. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited no significant cytotoxicity within the tested concentration range and demonstrated certain anti-inflammatory activity.

Objective To rapidly identify the chemical constituents of the ethanol extract of Dendropanax dentiger, a She ethnic medicine, using ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and feature-based molecular networking(FBMN), and preliminarily evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity. Methods Chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) using a gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and acetonitrile (B) as the mobile phases. MS data were acquired in both positive and negative ion modes, and FBMN was constructed on the global natural products social molecular networking (GNPS) platform (http://gnps.ucsd.edu). Based on the matching results of the SIRIUS 6.2.2 software and the GNPS database, combined with the reference standards, retention time, feature fragments, literature, and information from the PubChem and MassBank databases, and in combination with the structural clustering characteristics of FBMN, the chemical composition of the alcohol extract of D. dentiger was rapidly identified and its lysis rules were summarized. In vitro anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage inflammation model, with CCK-8, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence analyses. Results A total of 59 compounds were identified, including 18 phenolic acids, 11 lignans, eight flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides, six coumarins, four cyclic peptides, three phenylethanoid glycosides, four fatty acids and derivatives, two iridoids, two glycosides, and one alkaloid. Among them, 19 potentially unreported compounds were identified from D. dentiger for the first time. Three positional isomers—isochlorogenic acid A, B, and C were successfully identified via FBMN, and a methylated derivative was further proposed. The results of cell experiments demonstrated that the ethanol extract of D. dentiger significantly suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells by downregulating interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression, upregulating IL-10 secretion, and inhibiting nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa-B p65(NF-κB p65) . Conclusion FBMN effectively overcomes the limitations of traditional molecular networking in isomer identification. The integration of UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS with FBMN enables rapid and efficient identification of the complex components in D. dentiger, leading to the first identification of 19 potentially unreported compounds. The ethanol extract of D. dentiger exhibits promising anti-inflammatory activity, providing an experimental basis for further research and development application of its active substances.

Objective Through multidimensional dynamic correlation analysis of the “appearance, nature, odor, and texture” during the processing of Mifuzhiqiao (honey bran-fried Aurantii Fructus, hbAF), the multidimensional characterization variation patterns during the processing of hbAF were explored. Methods Headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) and HPLC were employed to identify and analyze the volatile components, drying ingredients and effective ingredients of Chinese herbal decoction pieces. Intelligent sensory technologies such as colorimeters, high-resolution cameras, texture analyzers, and electronic noses were combined with methods including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to evaluate indicators of the herbal decoction pieces, such as color, texture, and odor, and convert these indicators into objective and quantitative characterization information. Pearson correlation analysis combined with the Mantel test was used to analyze the relationships between key quality parameters of the “external characteristics-internal components” of the herbal decoction pieces. Results The study found that the color of the herbal decoction pieces at the optimal processing time (100—125 s) was consistent with the results of experience-based identification by traditional senior herbal processing technicians, with the color parameters showing a^* 5.05—5.50, b^* 38.01—39.25, and a moderate texture (65.15—69.06 N). During herbal processing, volatile components undergo phased evolution, with their characteristic odors gradually changing from fruity and baking aromas to a scorched aroma. Quantitative component analysis indicates that drying ingredients are significantly reduced after processing, while the components responsible for the “regulating vital energy and eliminating flatulence” effect have relatively higher contents at the properly processing stage, which corroborate the processing theory of “reducing dryness and enhancing efficacy”. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the external quality indicators of the samples, such as color and texture, were significantly correlated with the contents of components including 1,3,8-menthatriene, (+)-α-magnolene, γ-magnolene, and 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptemthoxyflavone. Conclusion Through the comprehensive analysis of objective characteristics such as the “appearance, nature, odor, and texture” of the samples, the law of quality changes of hbAF throughout the entire processing process can be preliminarily evaluated, which provides a reference for the rapid identification of the processing degree and quality control of hbAF.

Objective To prepare hyaluronic acid-modified polyphyllin VII-loaded metal-organic framework material IRMOF-10 targeted nanoparticles (HA@IRMOF-10@PPVII), systematically evaluate their physicochemical properties, safety and in vitro anti-triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) activity. Methods Metal-organic framework material IRMOF-10 was synthesized by triethylamine method. PPVII was encapsulated by the heterotopic encapsulation method, and the surface of the drug-loaded nanoparticles was modified with hyaluronic acid to construct the targeted nanoparticles HA@IRMOF-10@PPVII. The drug loading was determined by HPLC. The morphology, structure and thermal stability of nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and BET specific surface area method. Its blood safety was evaluated by hemolysis test, and its cell targeting was verified by laser confocal microscopy. CCK-8, DAPI staining, Annexin V/PI double staining, migration assay, clone formation assay, cell uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) detection and other methods were used to verify its inhibitory effect on TNBC 4T1 cells. Results The drug loading capacity of HA@IRMOF-10@PPVII was (39.56% ± 1.78)% (n = 3). HA@IRMOF-10@PPVII had good biosafety, which could significantly reduce the hemolysis risk of PPVII. This nanoparticle can effectively improve the uptake of PPVII in 4T1 cells, and significantly inhibits cell migration and clone formation. Its anti-tumor mechanism is closely related to inducing an increase in intracellular ROS levels, a decrease in MMP triggering apoptosis, and inhibiting the migration and cloning of 4T1 cells. Conclusion The HA@IRMOF-10@PPVII nanoparticles were successfully prepared, which exhibit excellent targeting ability and anti-TNBC activity. They can significantly enhance the efficacy of PPVII, providing experimental evidence for the development of PPVII-based anti-tumor formulations.

Objective To establish the physical, chemical, and taste fingerprints of 15 batches of the classic traditional Chinese medicine formula Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Decoction (ZXGD, 枳实薤白桂枝汤) benchmark samples, as well as a method for determining the content of three index components. Methods Fifteen batches of ZXGD benchmark samples were prepared. A physical fingerprint was constructed using six physical parameters: solid content rate, conductivity, refractive index, surface tension, density, and pH value. Similarity evaluation, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis were employed for analytical evaluation of this physical fingerprint. HPLC was used to establish the chemical fingerprint of ZXGD, followed by similarity evaluation of the chemical fingerprint. Additionally, the contents of three index components (cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, and synephrine) were determined via HPLC. Electronic tongue technology was applied to analyze the taste of ZXGD, construct a taste radar chart, and generate a heatmap to analyze the correlation between taste, chemical component contents, and physical properties. Results The similarity between the physical fingerprint of each of the 15 batches of benchmark samples and the control fingerprint was greater than 0.9. Results of hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the 15 batches of samples were clustered into two groups: one group included samples S1, S6, S11, S12, and S15, while the remaining benchmark samples formed the other group. Cluster analysis based on the contents of the three index components showed results consistent with those of the physical fingerprint analysis. The heatmap revealed that cinnamaldehyde and synephrine were strongly correlated with bitterness, bitter aftertaste, saltiness, and alkaline bitter aftertaste (P < 0.05); pH value was significantly associated with sourness and richness; while synephrine exhibited correlation with electrical conductivity, refractive index, and pH value. Conclusion There is a correlation among the physical, chemical and taste attributes of ZXGD benchmark samples. The established “physical-chemical-sensory” multi-dimensional evaluation model can more comprehensively reflect the overall quality, providing a scientific basis for the quality control of ZXGD benchmark samples and the development of compound preparations.

Objective To optimize the processing technology of Jiaomaya (charred Hordei Fructus Germinatus, CHFG) and investigate its synergistic effects and mechanisms on intestinal motility in functional dyspepsia (FD) mice. Methods Thermal analysis techniques were employed to analyze the pyrolysis characteristics of maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus, HFG) and its active components, determining the appropriate temperature range for charring. Using 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) content, total flavonoids content, and appearance trait scores as evaluation indicators, the AHP-CRITIC weight analysis was applied to establish the weight of each indicator. Response surface methodology was utilized to optimize processing parameters such as temperature and duration. A multifactorial composite method was used to establish an FD mouse model. Intestinal propulsion rate, gastric emptying rate, and gastrointestinal hormone (motilin, gastrin) levels were measured to compare the pharmacological differences between optimized CHFG and raw HFG. Results Thermal analysis identified the optimal charring temperature window for HFG as 217.7—286.3 ℃. Response surface optimization yielded the best processing parameters: 270.00 ℃ for 20.00 min. Pharmacological experiments demonstrated that the high-dose CHFG group significantly improved intestinal propulsion rate (P < 0.05), gastric emptying rate (P < 0.05), and serum motilin (P < 0.05) and gastrin (P < 0.05) levels in FD mice. Conclusion The AHP-CRITIC weighting method combined with thermal analysis technology successfully optimized the processing of CHFG. The optimized CHFG significantly enhanced gastrointestinal motility in FD mice, providing methodological references for the quantification and standardization of fire control in traditional Chinese medicine processing.

Objective To prepare naringenin micelles-loaded thermosensitive gel (NMTG), evaluate its biological safety and anti-inflammatory activity, and investigate its therapeutic effects on dry eye disease (DED) induced by benzalkonium chloride (BAC) in rats. Methods Naringenin micelles (NM) were prepared by the thin-film dispersion method. Quality evaluations of the prepared NM included appearance, particle size, ζ potential, transmission electron microscopy, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading and stability. Concentrations of Poloxamer 188 (P188) and Poloxamer 407 (P407) were optimized based on the phase transition temperatures (T_gel and T_{atd gel}) of NMTG before and after dilution with tear fluid. Optimal concentrations of P188 and P407 were dissolved in NM to form NMTG. Biological safety, anti-inflammatory activity, and therapeutic effects on BAC-induced DED rats were investigated. Results Prepared NM was clear and transparent. Transmission electron microscopy showed near-spherical particles with an average particle size of (21.56 ± 0.16) nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) value of 0.053 ± 0.033, and a ζ potential of (-18.63 ± 1.94) mV. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were (73.96 ± 0.24)% and (7.34 ± 0.38)%, respectively, and the stability was good within 14 d. The optimal NMTG was achieved with concentrations of 5.29% P188 and 16.24% P407. NMTG demonstrated good biological safety and anti-inflammatory activity. Pharmacological experiments indicated that NMTG showed favorable therapeutic effects on DED rats. Conclusion The successful preparation of NMTG improve the solubility of naringenin, which endow it with good DED therapeutic effects. This will provide support for new indications of naringenin in ocular applications and offer candidate solutions for the development of new naringenin dosage forms.

Objective The HPLC fingerprint and the content determination method of the benchmark sample of Guizhi Gancao Decoction (GGD, 桂枝甘草汤) were established to study the rule of quantity-quality transmitting of GGD benchmark samples. Methods According to the method recorded in “Treatise on Febrile Diseases”, 15 batches of GGD benchmark samples were prepared and the HPLC fingerprint of 15 batches of benchmark samples was established. The peak attribution and similarity range in the fingerprint were clarified, and the quantity-quality transfer indexes such as the range of extract yield, the content range of index components and the range of transfer rate were analyzed. The quality control system for GGD benchmark samples was preliminarily established. Results A total of 40 common peaks were identified in the 15 batches of GGD benchmark samples, which with good similarity (> 0.99). The contents of protocatechuic acid, liquiritin, coumarin, cinnamyl alcohol, liquiritigenin, cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, and glycyrrhizic acid in the benchmark sample were 0.080—0.087, 0.863—1.055, 0.431—0.560, 0.167—0.227, 0.087—0.127, 0.423—0.492, 0.160—0.199, and 2.437—2.904 mg/g, respectively. The transfer rates of the eight index components from decoction pieces to water decoction were 44.35%—54.84%, 40.56%—44.44%, 48.82%—56.00%, 22.84%—52.61%, 25.70%—30.02%, 33.75%—37.83%, 23.42%—28.98%, and 62.09%—65.13%, respectively. The transfer rates from the water decoction to the reference sample were 67.99%—84.39%, 62.15%—67.93%, 59.42%—74.22%, 76.20%—85.64%, 51.31%—60.73%, 78.80%—85.17%, 16.27%—22.19%, and 71.82%—76.58%, respectively. Overall, the transfer rates of components from decoction pieces to water decoction were relatively low, while the transfer rates of most components increased during the subsequent concentration and freeze-drying processes. Only cinnamaldehyde showed a significant loss during freeze-drying. The dry paste yield of the reference sample was stable, with an average transfer rate of 77.71 %. Conclusion Through the HPLC fingerprint of GGD benchmark samples and the quantity-quality transfer patterns of its active components, a preliminary quality control system based on index components was established. This provides a scientific basis for the standardization and quality consistency evaluation of GGD classical prescription preparations.

Objective To investigate the inhibitory effect and mechanism of pennogenin 3-O-β-chacotrioside (P3C), an active ingredient from Paris polyphylla, on the proliferation of Burkitt’s lymphoma (BL) cells, as well as the combined effect of P3C and the chemotherapeutic drug etoposide (VP-16) on BL cell proliferation. Methods The inhibitory effects of different concentrations of P3C alone or in combination with VP-16 on Raji and CA46 cells proliferation were assessed using CCK-8 assay. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of proteins related to cell cycle, apoptosis and autophagy. qRT-PCR was used to detect the expressions of autophagy-related genes. Using an immunodeficient mouse xenograft model, after P3C intervention, the effect of P3C on tumor growth in vivo was monitored via live imaging. Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of Ki67 and apoptosis-related proteins cystein-asparate protease-3 (Caspase-3) and poly ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) in tumor tissues. Results P3C inhibited the viability of Raji and CA46 cells in a dose-dependent manner, with half inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of 1.12, 0.97 μmol/L, respectively, and induced G₀/G₁ phase cell cycle arrest. P3C significantly increased the proportion of apoptotic cells and elevated the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins such as Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and PARP, increased the expressions of autophagy-related genes and proteins such as microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3), autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) and ATG7, decreased the expression of p62, increased the phosphorylation level of p38, while decreased the phosphorylation level of extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK), all of which were statistically significant compared with control group (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001). P3C and etoposide had a good synergistic effect, with a collaboration index (CI) < 1. Compared with the monotherapy group, the drug combination group had a stronger killing effect on Raji and CA46 cells, and further promoted p38 and reduced ERK phosphorylation levels (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001). In the in vivo experiments, compared with model group, P3C significantly inhibited tumor growth (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001), significantly reduced Ki67 protein expression in tumor tissue (P < 0.001), and significantly increases Caspase-3 and PARP protein expressions (P < 0.05), which was consistent with the results of cell experiments. Conclusion P3C could effectively inhibit the proliferation of Burkitt’s lymphoma cells, induce apoptosis, autophagy, and cell cycle G₀/G₁ arrest, as well as their growth and proliferation in vivo. At the same time, it could enhance the killing effect of chemotherapy drug etoposide on Burkitt’s lymphoma cells, and may achieve anti-tumor effects by regulating p38/ERK signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the potential targets and mechanism by which curcumin regulates cholesterol metabolism in intestinal epithelial cells based on both in vivo and in vitro experiments. Methods A high-cholesterol model was established in ApoE^-/- mice fed a high-fat diet, followed by intervention with curcumin, lipid levels in serum were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in small intestine tissue. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), NPC1 like intracellular cholesterol transporter 1 (NPC1L1), adenosine triphosphate binding cassette transporters G8 (ABCG8), ABCG5 and liver X receptor α (LXRα) in small intestine tissue. An in vitro high-cholesterol model was constructed in rat intestinal epithelial cells-6 (IEC-6) using cholesterol micelle stimulation. After intervention with curcumin or LXRα inhibitor GSK2033, lipid levels were detected by oil red O staining and immunofluorescence. Transwell experiment was used to detect cholesterol transport. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect cholesterol metabolism-related protein expressions. Results In vivo experiments showed that 100, 200 mg/kg curcumin caused no damage to small intestine tissue structure of ApoE^-/- mice fed with high-fat diet, and could reduce the body weight and lipid levels in serum of mice (P < 0.05), regulate the expressions of proteins related to cholesterol uptake and intestinal cholesterol excretion (TICE) pathway (P < 0.05, 0.01). The regulation results of protein profile in vitro experiments were consistent with the in vivo model, and curcumin could reduce the lipid levels of intestinal epithelial cells in a high cholesterol environment and inhibit cholesterol transport (P < 0.05, 0.01). After further intervention with LXRα inhibitor GSK2033, there was a significant reversal in intracellular lipid levels and expressions of TICE pathway related proteins such as ABCG5, ABCG8 and NPC1L1 (P < 0.05). Conclusion Intestinal epithelial LXRα is an important target of curcumin for promoting cholesterol efflux and inhibiting cholesterol uptake, thereby contributing to the maintenance of systemic cholesterol homeostasis, and its effects may also involve other regulatory pathways.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect and potential mechanism of Penthorum chinense (PCP) on primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Methods The chemical constituents of PCP extract were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). A total of 50 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, obeticholic acid (6.5 mg/kg) group and PCP low-, high-dose (2, 4 g/kg) groups, with 10 mice in each group. Mice were fed with 0.1% 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) feed to induce PSC model. After 14 d of intervention, the efficacy of PCP was evaluated by measuring serum biochemical indicators, liver histopathological changes and liver fibrosis markers. To further explore the mechanisms, transcriptomic sequencing, qRT-PCR experiment and quantitative analysis of bile acid profile were performed. Results A total of 331 chemical constituents were identified in PCP extract. Pharmacodynamic results showed that compared with model group, high-dose PCP significantly reduced liver index and levels of liver injury markers in serum (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001), and effectively alleviated cholestasis and fibrosis in liver tissue, with effects superior to those of positive drug obeticholic acid. Transcriptomic analysis identified 51 differentially expressed genes. Enrichment analysis suggested that the effect of PCP was associated with pathways such as bile secretion. Mechanistic validation revealed that compared with model group, high-dose PCP significantly down-regulated mRNA expressions of key enzymes for primary bile acid synthesis in liver tissue (P < 0.05), while up-regulated expression of bile acid‑conjugating enzyme (P < 0.001). Serum and liver bile acid profiling revealed that high-dose PCP intervention significantly increased the ratio of conjugated to unconjugated bile acids (P < 0.001). Conclusion PCP ameliorates DDC‑induced cholestatic liver injury and exerts a therapeutic effect on PSC by inhibiting primary bile acid synthesis, promoting bile acid conjugation and excretion.

Objective To study the anti-anxiety effect of baicalein based on zebrafish model. Methods The zebrafish were divided into control group, model group, baicalein group and diazepam group. Except for the control group, all other groups underwent the induction of a zebrafish anxiety model through unpredictable chronic stress (UCS). After drug intervention, the behavior changes of zebrafish were evaluated through novel tank test. ELISA was used to measure the levels of stress response biomarkers cortisol and brain neurotransmitter serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT). qRT-PCR was employed to detect the gene expressions of tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2), a rate-limiting enzyme for 5-HT synthesis in brain tissue, 5-hydroxytryptamine 1ab receptors (5-HT_1abR), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), as well as intestinal IL-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and NF-κB. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptors (5-HT_1AR) in brain tissue. The composition of intestinal microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA microbial diversity sequencing technology. Results After UCS treatment, zebrafish exhibited anxiety-like behavior, with a decrease in the total number and diversity of intestinal microbiota species, and an increase in the proportion of Aeromonas. Compared with model group, after intervention with baicalein, the dwell time of zebrafish at the bottom of the tank was significantly reduced (P < 0.001), cortisol level was significantly decreased (P < 0.001), 5-HT level in brain tissue was significantly increased (P < 0.001), gene expression of TPH2 in brain tissue was significantly increased (P < 0.05), gene expressions of IL-1β, NF-κB in brain tissue and IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, NF-κB in intestine were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001), the protein expression of 5-HT_1AR in brain tissue was decreased (P < 0.001), species richness and diversity of intestinal microbiota species were increased, the gene expression of 5-HT_1abR in brain tissue was significantly reduced in 2 mg/L baicalein group (P < 0.01), while the gene expression of 5-HT_1abR in brain tissue was significantly increased in 1, 4 mg/L baicalein groups (P < 0.05, 0.001). Conclusion Baicalein has a certain protective effect on UCS-induced anxiety-like behavior in zebrafish, which may be achieved by anti-inflammatory and regulating gut microbiota, inhibiting excessive production of cortisol in zebrafish, maintaining normal secretion of 5-HT, and exerting anti-anxiety effects.

Objective To investigate the effects of Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, ABR) on tissue distribution, plasma protein binding rate and receptor expression of marker components (amygdalin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, ferulic acid, paeoniflorin, naringin) from Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (血府逐瘀汤, XFZYD) in rats with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) of qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome (QS-BSS), and to further clarify the mechanism underlying its meridian-guiding effect. Methods A rat model of MAFLD with QS-BSS was established by high-fat diet combined with adrenaline injection. After successful modeling, rats were stratified and grouped by body weight, followed by intragastric administration of XFZYD (full formula), XFZYD without Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix, PR), XFZYD without ABR, and XFZYD without both PR and ABR. For the plasma protein binding rate and receptor expression experiments, abdominal aortic blood was collected at 10, 30 min after a single administration, after which rats were euthanized for the collection of brain, heart, lung, liver, and kidney tissues. For the tissue distribution experiment, rats were euthanized at 10, 30, 60 min after a single administration, with the same tissues collected as above. The concentrations of marker components in tissues were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS). Qualitative and quantitative analyses of these components in plasma were performed to determine their plasma protein binding rates. The expression levels of platelet-activating factor (PAF) and receptors including adenosine A1 receptor (A1R), P2Y12 receptor, and endothelin A receptor (ETAR) in tissues were measured by ELISA. Results ABR decreased the plasma protein binding rates of amygdalin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, ferulic acid, and naringin in model rats. Meanwhile, ABR increased the distribution of amygdalin and paeoniflorin in the brain and liver, hydroxysafflor yellow A in the liver and kidney, ferulic acid in the brain, heart, liver, and kidney, and naringin in the liver and kidney. Furthermore, ABR upregulated the expression levels of A1R in brain, heart, and liver as well as P2Y12 receptor in the brain, heart, and kidney, while downregulating the expression level of PAF in brain, heart, liver, and kidney and the expression level of ETAR in brain, heart and lung. Conclusion ABR could reduce the plasma protein binding rates of amygdalin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, ferulic acid and naringin in MAFLD-QS-BSS rats, thereby increasing the distribution of these components in the corresponding tissues, enhancing the effect of each component on the related receptors, and ultimately regulating the upregulation or downregulation of receptor expression in various tissues, which synergistically exerts the therapeutic effect against QS-BSS. This may be one of the mechanisms by which ABR exerts its meridian-guiding effect in XFZYD.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of Qingke Pingchuan Granules (清咳平喘颗粒) in the treatment of rats with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) based on the effect of autophagy on cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway. Methods Male SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, dexamethasone (4 mg/kg) group, Qingke Pingchuan Granules low-, high-dose (2.5, 5.0 g/kg) groups and autophagy activator rapamycin (1 mg/kg) group, with 10 rats in each group. An AECOPD rat model was established using cigarette smoke exposure combined with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) airway instillation. After drug intervention, the general status of rats in each group was observed. The pulmonary function and pathological changes in lung tissue were detected. The numbers of inflammatory cells in peripheral blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were analyzed. The levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-1β in BALF were measured by ELISA. The mRNA expressions of interferon-β (IFN-β) and chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 10 (CXCL10) in lung tissue were detected by qRT-PCR. The protein expressions of cGAS, STING, p-STING, TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1), p-TBK1, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), p-NF-κB p65, microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) and autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) in lung tissue were determined by Western blotting. Results Compared with model group, the pathological damage and lung function of rats in each treatment group were improved (P < 0.01, 0.001), the numbers of inflammatory cells in peripheral blood and BALF were significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001), and the levels of inflammatory factors in BALF were significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001). The mRNA expression levels of IFN-β and CXCL10 in lung tissue of rats in Qingke Pingchuan Granules high-dose group and rapamycin group were significantly reduced (P < 0.01, 0.001), the protein expression levels of cGAS, p-STING, p-TBK1 and p-NF-κB p65 were significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001), the protein expression levels of LC3-II/I and ATG5 were significantly increased (P < 0.01, 0.001). Conclusion Qingke Pingchuan Granules inhibit cGAS/STING pathway by activating autophagy, thereby alleviating the persistent inflammatory response of AECOPD.

Objective The study employed bioinformatics to identify prognostic genes associated with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) and predict Chinese medicines and active ingredients that regulate these genes. Methods The integration of data from the TCGA, GTEx, and GEO databases was conducted, then screening the prognostic genes through differential gene analysis, COX regression analysis, and survival analysis. The subsequent step involves prognostic efficacy analysis and a verification of the expression trends of the identified key genes. Concurrently perform gene ontology (GO) functional and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses, as well as gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), to identify potential pathways and biological processes. The impact of feature genes on the infiltration status of immune cells was analyzed, and their correlation with immune checkpoints was further investigated, and tumor immune escape capacity and tumor mutation burden were predicted. Validation of gene expression patterns at the single-cell level. The DSigDB, CTD, and HERB databases are used to predict the potential active ingredients of Chinese medicine and perform molecular docking. Additionally, pharmacokinetic analysis is conducted using Swiss ADME and prediction and analysis of Chinese medicine by Coremine Medical database. Cellular experiments were conducted to validate the regulatory effect of the key active ingredient on the characteristic gene. Results The investigation ultimately led to the identification of the key gene interferon alpha inducible protein 27 (IFI27), which exhibited significantly elevated expression levels in PAAD tissues. Patients exhibiting low IFI27 gene expression demonstrated superior overall survival. Enrichment analysis indicated its potential involvement in various biological processes, including apoptosis, ECM-receptor interaction, regulation of T cell activation, macrophage migration, and signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt and NF-κB. Immune infiltration analysis indicates that IFI27 may regulate the infiltration status of various immune cells, such as B cells naive, T cells CD8⁺, T cells regulatory (Tregs), and macrophages M0, suggesting that it has an important function in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment. Meanwhile, the expression of IFI27 showed significant positive correlations with multiple immune checkpoint molecules. Further studies have revealed that low expression of IFI27 is significantly associated with the response to immunotherapy, supporting its value as a therapeutic target. Single-cell RNA sequencing verified IFI27 upregulation in PAAD, pinpointing its expression to macrophages and other immune cells. Experiments confirmed that fisetin significantly downregulated both mRNA and protein expression levels of IFI27 in pancreatic cancer cells. Furthermore, a total of 22 Chinese medicines, including Jianghuang (Curcumae Longae Rhizoma), Zaojiaoci (Gleditsiae Spina), and Yujin (Curcumae Radix), were predicted. The four qi encompass cold and warm, and the five flavors are primarily bitter, sweet, and pungent, with a focus on the liver, spleen, and stomach meridians. The main effects are activating blood and resolving stasis, moving qi to relieve pain, and clearing heat and detoxifying, combined with tonifying and inducing diuresis. Conclusion The results of this study imply that IFI27 may serve as a prognostic gene related to PAAD immunity, while fisetin and various Chinese medicines may serve as potential therapeutic drugs.

Objective To investigate the medication rules, core formula, and multi-dimensional mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of cancer cachexia (CC). Methods Medication rules and the core formula were screened from 211 publications through data mining. Network pharmacology was subsequently applied to identify the active components and potential targets of the core formula, followed by gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses and molecular docking validation. Finally, the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms were validated in vivo using an A549 tumor-bearing nude mouse CC model. Evaluation indicators included tumor-free body weight, food intake, muscle function, inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], and key proteins [muscle atrophy F-box protein (Atrogin-1), muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), protein kinase B1 (Akt1), and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)]. Results A total of 67 prescriptions involving 171 drugs were identified, and the core formula was determined as Fuling (Poria), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), and Zhigancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle). Network pharmacology predicted 149 potential targets involved in the PI3K-Akt, HIF-1α, p53, and apoptosis signaling pathways. Molecular docking showed that core components, such as quercetin, exhibited strong binding affinities with key targets. In vivo experiments demonstrated that the high-dose core formula exhibited the best therapeutic effect, significantly improving anorexia, maintaining tumor-free body weight, and restoring peak grip strength and quadriceps wet weight (all P < 0.05). Mechanistically, the core formula significantly reduced serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. Furthermore, it markedly inhibited the expression of muscle-atrophy-related proteins Atrogin-1 and MuRF1 in the gastrocnemius muscle. It also upregulated the expression of the anabolic protein Akt1 and anti-apoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), while downregulating the expression of metabolic reprogramming and pro-apoptotic proteins, including HIF-1α, tumor protein p53 (TP53), and cellular-Myc (MYC) (all P < 0.05). These results were consistent with the regulatory patterns predicted for the HIF-1α and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways. Conclusion The core TCM formula for treating CC follows the therapeutic principles of invigorating the spleen, resolving dampness, supplementing qi, and strengthening healthy qi. Its mechanism likely involves the modulation of the PI3K-Akt/HIF-1α signaling axis to comprehensively regulate metabolic reprogramming, inflammatory response, and cell apoptosis while effectively inhibiting the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, thereby exerting a multi-dimensional and holistic anti-cachexia effect.

Objective To systematically evaluate the current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for pulmonary nodules (including early-stage lung cancer), and to provide evidence-based recommendations for future clinical practice and research. Methods Comprehensive searches were conducted across the following databases up to September 2025: Intelligent Clinical Evidence Database of Chinese Patent Medicine, China national knowledge infrastructur (CNKI), VIP Journal Database, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Chinese biomedical literature service system (SinoMed), PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. Extracted data included key characteristics of participants and studies, such as disease subtype, TCM syndrome, year of publication, sample size, TCM therapeutic principles, details of treatment and control interventions, duration of treatment and follow-up, methodological details, and outcome measures. For studies involving Chinese patent medicines, extracted data were categorized using the Aireview Agent and subsequently verified manually. Data from other TCM studies were extracted and verified manually. Results A total of 70 RCTs were included, with the greatest number published in 2024. The studies showed that deficiency of both qi and yin syndrome and phlegm-stasis mutual binding syndrome were the most common TCM syndromes. The main therapeutic principles were resolving phlegm, tonifying qi, and dispersing nodules. In the treatment groups, Chinese herbal decoctions were the predominant intervention. Clinical efficacy was the most commonly reported outcome measure. In the risk-of-bias assessment, the measurement of the outcome domain was most frequently rated at high risk of bias. Conclusion RCTs of TCM interventions for pulmonary nodules (including early-stage lung cancer) exhibited several critical limitations, such as inadequate specification of disease subtypes in participant eligibility criteria, inconsistent TCM syndrome differentiation, failure to report or analyze primary endpoints, and a high risk of bias—particularly in outcome measurement. We recommend developing a core outcome set for TCM interventions in pulmonary nodules. Future clinical trials—whether decentralized or large-scale, multicenter randomized controlled trials should be stratified by disease subtype, use standardized protocols, and strictly adhere to established follow-up guidelines to generate high-quality evidence, particularly for nodules at elevated risk of malignancy.

Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of various Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) combined with guideline-directed medicine (GDM) for chronic heart failure (CHF) using network meta-analysis. Methods The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding CPMs for CHF were searched in CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from inception to July 2025. RevMan 5.4 and Stata16 software were used for quality assessment and network meta-analysis. Results A total of 128 RCTs involving, 15 913cases and seven types of CPMs, with 8 003 cases in the experimental group and 7 910 cases in the control group. Network meta-analysis indicated that CPMs combined with GDM outperformed GDM alone in efficacy without serious adverse reactions. (1) The top CPMs in terms of clinical efficacy were Qili Qiangxin Capsule (芪苈强心胶囊), Shexiang Tongxin Dripping Pill (麝香通心滴丸), and Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pill (芪参益气滴丸). (2) For improving left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the top three were Shensong Yangxin Capsule (参松养心胶囊), Qili Qiangxin Capsule, and Tongxinluo Capsule (通心络胶囊). (3) In the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), the top three were Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pill, Shexiang Tongxin Dripping Pill, and Wenxin Granule (稳心颗粒). (4) For reducing left ventricular end-diastolic dimension (LVEDD), the top three were Shexiang Tongxin Dripping Pill, Wenxin Granule, and Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pill. (5) For reduction in left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), the top three were Shensong Yangxin Capsule, Tongxinluo Capsule, and Qili Qiangxin Capsule. (6) In terms of improvement in N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), the top three were Qishen Yiqi Dripping Pill, Shexiang Tongxin Dripping Pill, and Qili Qiangxin Capsule. Conclusion The results indicated that the combination of Chinese patent medicines with GDM for heart failure could effectively improve clinical efficacy, enhance cardiac function and exercise tolerance, delay ventricular remodeling, reduce serum markers of heart failure compared to the GDM alone. However, due to limitations in the quality and number of included studies, the above conclusions need further verification through more high-quality RCTs.

Objective AsMAPK1 and AsMAPK2 are two mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) genes with unknown functions in Aquilaria sinensis. To investigate their fundamental characteristics and potential functions in wound-induced agarwood formation, in this study, we performed cloning, expression analysis, and preliminary in vitro functional assays on the two genes. Methods Using cDNA from subcultured A. sinensis callus as the template, the coding sequences of AsMAPK1 and AsMAPK2 were obtained by PCR amplification. Bioinformatics analysis was performed using relevant online tools and softwares. The prokaryotic expression vectors pGEX4T-1-AsMAPK1/2 were constructed, transformed into E. coli BL21 for expression, and induction conditions were optimized. The AsMAPK1-GFP and AsMAPK2-GFP fusion expression vectors were constructed and transformed into Arabidopsis thaliana protoplasts to observe their subcellular localization using confocal microscopy. The kinase activity of the purified proteins was detected using an in vitro phosphorylation assay. Results The AsMAPK1 (1 188 bp) and AsMAPK2 (1 128 bp) genes were successfully cloned. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that both encoded proteins contain typical kinase domains and belong to the MAPK family. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that AsMAPK1 is most closely related to the AtMAPK6 homolog in A. thaliana and belongs to Group A, while AsMAPK2 clusters with Group B AtMAPK13. SDS-PAGE detection showed successful induction of soluble recombinant proteins of approximately 71 000 and 69 000. Subcellular localization results demonstrated that both AsMAPK1-GFP and AsMAPK2-GFP are localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Further kinase activity analysis confirmed that both AsMAPK1 and AsMAPK2 undergo autophosphorylation and can phosphorylate the universal substrate MBP. Conclusion This study confirms that AsMAPK1 and AsMAPK2 are active protein kinases localized in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. The cloning, expression analysis, and kinase activity detection of the two AsMAPKs provide a foundation for further elucidating their roles in the signal transduction mechanism underlying wound-induced agarwood formation in A. sinensis.

Objective This study aimed to develop SSR molecular markers for Platostoma palustre and analyze the genetic diversity of its germplasm resources, so as to provide theoretical support for the conservation of P. palustre germplasm resources and the breeding of elite varieties. Methods Based on the whole-genome sequence of P. palustre, the distribution characteristics of simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were mined and analyzed, and polymorphic SSR primers were developed to provide a theoretical basis for the evaluation of genetic diversity and analysis of population structure in P. palustre. Results A total of 122,699 SSR loci were identified in the P. palustre genome, with a genomic SSR density of 96.91 loci/Mb and a locus occurrence frequency of 10.32 kb/SSR. Dinucleotide repeat motifs were the dominant type, accounting for 68.3% of all repeat motifs. After polymorphism screening, 15 pairs of SSR primers with good polymorphism were obtained. Their polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.197 to 0.736, with an average value of 0.425. Genetic diversity analysis of 40 P. palustre germplasms showed that the number of alleles at the 15 SSR loci was higher than the number of effective alleles, and the alleles were unevenly distributed. There were differences in heterozygosity among different loci; the average observed heterozygosity was higher than the average expected heterozygosity with a certain gap between them, indicating that the tested population deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE), with genetic variation and favorable overall genetic diversity, and the genotype frequencies of some loci in the population changed. Fixation index (F) analysis showed that F > 0 at 3 loci and F < 0 at 12 loci, indicating that the number of heterozygous individuals was higher than that of homozygous individuals in the population. The Shannon’s information index (I) ranged from 0.449 (TDF191) to 1.628 (TDF166), with an average of 0.887. A phylogenetic tree of the 40 P. palustre germplasms was constructed using Phylip software based on the UPGMA method, which divided the germplasms into two subgroups. A “0/1” DNA fingerprint was successfully constructed by digital assignment coding. Conclusion The abundant SSR loci information obtained in this study can provide important theoretical and technical support for the development of whole-genome SSR markers, molecular marker-assisted breeding, and genetic diversity research of P. palustre.

Objective A detailed analysis of the chloroplast (CP) genome structure and sequence characteristics of Thalictrum plants was conducted to screen for candidate molecular markers, laying the foundation for addressing the controversies in species classification and identification of Thalictrum species caused by their wide distribution and complex phenotypic variations. Methods The CP genome sequencing and structural analysis of Thalictrum finetii and Thalictrum cultratum were performed for the first time using the Illumina HiSeq4000 sequencing platform. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis was performed simple sequence repeats (SSRs), inverted repeat (IR) region boundary structures, nucleotide diversity (Pi) and other characteristics, combined with the chloroplast (CP) genome data of 14 congeneric species published in the NCBI. Finally, by integrating the CP genome data of 45 species from 10 genera within the Ranunculaceae family, an ML phylogenetic tree was constructed and phylogenetic analysis was performed. Results The chloroplast genome lengths of T. finetii and T. cultratum are 155 953 bp and 155 901 bp, respectively, both exhibiting a typical circular quadripartite structure. A total of 131 genes were identified, with codon usage bias showing a predominant preference for A/U endings. While the CP genomes of Thalictrum species demonstrate high conservation in both gene count and genomic structure, specific differences are observed in the lengths of particular genes at the IRs/LSC and IRs/SSC boundaries in certain species. In terms of sequence variation, the divergence in non-coding sequences was significantly higher than that in coding sequences, with the IR regions exhibiting markedly lower variability compared to the LSC and SSC regions. Ultimately, ten hypervariable regions (ndhF-rpl32, ycf1, petN-psbM, ndhC-trnV, trnT-trnL, trnS-psbZ, ndhG-ndhI, ndhD, infA, rpl16) were identified as candidate DNA barcodes for the Thalictrum genus. Through systematic evolutionary analysis, the evolutionary relationships among the species within the genus Thalictrum and the systematic evolutionary position of this genus in the Ranunculaceae family were clarified. Conclusion This study presents the first report of the chloroplast genomes of T. finetii and T. cultratum, with a detailed analysis of the genomic structure and sequence characteristics of the Thalictrum genus. Ten hypervariable regions were identified as candidate DNA barcodes for species identification within Thalictrum. And a more comprehensive and reliable phylogenetic tree of the family Ranunculaceae was established.

Objective This study aimed to screen key enzyme genes associated with the biosynthesis of gastrodin and parishin E in Gastrodia elata. Through comparative transcriptome sequencing following methyl jasmonate (MeJA) treatment. Methods Using both the corm (MTE and the symbiotic tuber (IMTC) as experimental materials, different concentrations (100—500 μmol/L) of MeJA were sprayed for varying durations (0—72 h). The content changes of gastrodin and parishins E were determined by HPLC. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed on samples treated under the optimal MeJA conditions to mine key genes in the parishin E biosynthetic pathway. Results After 48 h of treatment with 300 μmol/L MeJA, the contents of all six target compounds were significantly increased. Specifically, the content of parishin E increased from 0.21 mg/g to 0.61 mg/g, representing an approximately 2.90-fold enhancement. Transcriptome sequencing generated 432.79 Gb of Clean Data and identified 18 886 expressed genes, including 2 389 novel genes. Differential expression analysis revealed 5 704 differentially expressed genes, with 2 635 up-regulated and 3 069 down-regulated. KEGG enrichment analysis showed significant enrichment in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant signal transduction, and other secondary metabolism-related pathways. Through integrated analysis of expression patterns and compound accumulation trends, along with homology comparison, we identified two glycosyltransferase genes GeUGT, two citrate-CoA synthetase genes GeCCS, and two acyltransferase genes GeBAHD potentially involved in parishin E biosynthesis. Conclusion This study demonstrates that MeJA effectively regulates secondary metabolism in G. elata and identifies candidate genes (GeUGTs, GeCCSs, GeBAHDs) potentially associated with the biosynthesis of gastrodin and parishin E, providing a molecular foundation for elucidating the complete biosynthetic pathways of these key active compounds.

Objective To decipher the association between corm rot disease in Crocus sativus and the impairment of the functional synergistic network within the rhizosphere microbiome, and to identify core beneficial microorganisms, thereby providing a basis for the targeted design of synthetic microbial communities (SynComs). Methods Rhizosphere soil samples from healthy and diseased saffron plants were collected. Metagenomic sequencing was employed to analyze the microbial community structure and function, while multivariate statistical analyses were used to identify differentially enriched taxa and disease-resistant functional pathways. Results The diseased rhizosphere was characterized by the abnormal proliferation of pathogens such as Fusarium oxysporum (with a combined relative abundance of up to 21%), alongside a significant decrease in the abundance of beneficial microbes like Bacillus and Trichoderma. In contrast, the healthy rhizosphere was enriched with functional pathways related to signal transduction, biosynthesis of antimicrobial compounds (e.g., nonribosomal peptides), and defense mechanisms. Species-function correlation analysis revealed that the core beneficial microorganisms in the healthy rhizosphere were significantly positively correlated with these disease-resistant functions, forming a potential “functional synergistic network”, which collapsed under diseased conditions. Conclusion The occurrence of corm rot is closely related to the disruption of the functional synergistic network in the rhizosphere microbiome. This study reveals the functional synergistic network constituted by core beneficial microbes in the healthy rhizosphere, providing key theoretical foundations and microbial resources for targeted restoration of this network and the design of multi-mechanistic SynCom-based biocontrol strategies.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor of the digestive tract globally, ranking among the top in terms of incidence worldwide. Metabolic reprogramming is a key hallmark of CRC, involving the abnormal remodeling of glucose, lipid, and amino acid metabolism, which is precisely regulated by signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin, hypoxia inducible factor-1α, and c-Myc. In recent years, targeting metabolic reprogramming has emerged as a novel strategy for CRC treatment. However, single-target chemical inhibitors face challenges like drug resistance. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrates unique advantages in intervening in CRC metabolic reprogramming through its multi-component and multi-target characteristics. Based on a brief overview of the core mechanisms of metabolic reprogramming in CRC, this review systematically summarizes the mechanisms by which active TCM components (berberine, ginsenosides, wogonin, etc.) and TCM formulas (Huangqin Decoction, Wumei Wan, etc.) inhibit CRC progression by regulating key metabolic enzymes and signaling pathways, thereby reversing the Warburg effect, inhibiting de novo fatty acid synthesis, and intervening in amino acid metabolism. This article aims to offer new research ideas and a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of CRC with TCM.

Loganin, a representative iridoid glycoside derived from Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), has attracted increasing attention due to its significant multi-target biological activities, including neuroprotective, antitumor, metabolic regulatory, and osteoarticular protective effects. Despite substantial progress in pharmacodynamic validation and the exploration of individual signaling pathways, critical scientific issues remain unresolved, particularly regarding its complex in vivo mechanisms, limited bioavailability, and unclear effects of its metabolites. By systematically reviewing the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion characteristics of loganin in vivo, this review elucidates the coordinated regulation of its pharmacokinetic behavior by multidrug resistance transporters, gut microbiota, and pathological states. Furthermore, we comprehensively summarize its pharmacological mechanisms in neurological disorders, cancer, metabolic diseases, and osteoarticular conditions, highlighting its multi-layered regulatory effects mediated through key signaling networks involved in anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and reconstruction of metabolic homeostasis via multiple key signaling pathways. From a systems pharmacology perspective, this work provides an integrated framework for understanding the mechanistic basis of bioactive constituents derived from traditional Chinese medicine.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a common peripheral nervous system injury in cancer treatment, specifically manifested as sensory abnormalities, neuropathic pain, and motor dysfunction, which significantly affects patients’ quality of life and chemotherapy progression. The core mechanism of CIPN involves the induction of mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to mitochondrial oxidative stress and metabolic dysfunction, followed by aberrant sodium/calcium channel function, resulting in neuronal apoptosis and nerve fiber degeneration. CIPN is classified as the “Xuebi” category in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), results from drug toxicity, causing qi and blood deficiency and meridian obstruction. TCM interventions, based on “tonifying vital energy, activating meridians, and integrating internal-external therapy” aim to reduce nerve damage. This review summaries CIPN’s toxicological mechanisms and TCM-based pathogenesis, focusing on TCM therapeutic strategies. A treatment protocol, including “formula-based reinforcement, synergistic enhancement, external meridian penetration, and acupuncture regulation”, is proposed to improve chemotherapeutic outcomes and patient survival.

Morchella spp. are a group of precious edible and medicinal fungi. Their polysaccharides have become a research hotspot in the field of natural products in recent years due to their excellent biological safety and diverse physiological activities. In recent years, many studies have revealed the mechanism by which Morchella polysaccharides (MPs) can regulate host body function by influencing the composition and metabolism of gut microbiota. MPs can selectively promote the proliferation of beneficial commensal bacteria in the gut while inhibiting potential pathogenic bacteria, thereby alleviating diseases associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis. Moreover, MPs can be degraded by the gut microbiota into biologically active metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These metabolites not only promote the absorption of polysaccharides, but also play essential roles in maintaining the intestinal barrier function, regulating immune responses, and inhibiting inflammation. The current review summarizes the isolation and purification methods of MPs, the degradation of MPs in intestine, the impacts of MPs on gut microbiota community and SCFAs productivity, as well as the beneficial effects of MPs to host by targeting gut microbiota, and reveals the interaction mechanism among MPs, gut microbiota and host body function. We hope this article can offer some theoretical bases and inspirations for the clinical application of MPs and the development of functional foods.

Ziwan (Asteris Radix et Rhizoma) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine for relieving cough and resolving phlegm. Its application history can be traced back to Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica. Under the background of the Silk Road civilization exchange, the compatibility prescription of Asteris Radix et Rhizoma contained in Dunhuang medical classics P.2882 reflects the integration and dissemination of Eastern and Western medical knowledge. Through the integration of herbal textual research and modern research methods, the chemical composition, pharmacological effects and clinical application of Asteris Radix et Rhizoma were systematically analyzed. Studies have shown that triterpenes such as shionone, cyclic peptide astins and flavonoids in Asteris Radix et Rhizoma are the material basis of its antitussive and expectorant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects. The classical drug pairs formed by its compatibility with Kuandonghua (Farfarae Flos) and Tinglizi (Descurainiae Semen or Lepidii Semen) have shown clear efficacy in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and lung cancer. It provides a scientific basis for the in-depth development of Asteris Radix et Rhizoma, and shows the important value of Silk Road civilization exchange in traditional medicine research.

Curcumin is a polyphenolic active compound in Jianghuang (Curcumae Longae Rhizoma), exhibiting pharmacological effects such as antitumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolic regulation properties. Existing research indicates that curcumin demonstrates broad biological potential in fields including tumor diseases, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic disorders. However, issues such as poor water solubility and low bioavailability during its pharmacokinetic processes—including absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion—have limited further advancement in clinical applications. To address these limitations, researchers worldwide have employed novel delivery technologies such as polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, and nanoemulsions to enhance curcumin's solubility, stability, targeting efficiency, and bioavailability. This systematic review summarizes the latest advances in curcumin's pharmacology, clinical research, pharmacokinetics, and formulation development by analyzing databases including CNKI, PubMed, and Web of Science. It also discusses the clinical translation potential of novel delivery systems and their design strategies, providing a reference for further research and application of curcumin.

The stability and controllability of the quality of Chinese medicinal materials are directly related to the sustainable development of Chinese medicine industry. The construction of a traceability system covering the whole life cycle of Chinese medicinal materials has become a key measure for national policy guidance and industry upgrading. This paper expounds the policy background and practical necessity of the construction of the traceability system of Chinese medicinal materials, and systematically analyzes the key nodes covered by the whole life cycle of Chinese medicinal materials, it also systematically analyzes the integrated application of modern information technologies such as blockchain, internet of things, and big data supported for the traceability system. Practice shows that the effective application of the traceability system can significantly improve the transparency and supervision efficiency of the quality of traditional Chinese medicine and enhance consumer trust. However, the current system construction still faces many difficulties, including the lack of standardization of indicators, the lack of technical maturity in some links, and the problems of data reliability and privacy security. The purpose of this study is to provide theoretical reference and practical direction for the further improvement of the traceability system of Chinese medicinal materials. It is suggested that in the future, taking domestic bulk medicinal materials as a breakthrough point, reducing costs through technical integration, improving policies and regulations, and finally realizing the whole variety traceability network of “source can be traced, whereabouts can be traced, and responsibilities can be investigated”, so as to promote the high-quality development of the industry.

Breast cancer, one of the most prevalent malignancies among women globally, involves multiple mechanisms in its pathogenesis and progression. Clinical treatment continues to face challenges such as recurrence and metastasis. Ezhu (Curcumae Rhizoma), a traditional Chinese medicine for promoting blood circulation and resolving stasis, is warm in nature, with pungent and bitter flavors, and acts on the liver and spleen meridians. It contains various active components, including volatile oils, curcuminoids, and other compounds, and functions to break blood stasis, promote qi movement, eliminate accumulation, and relieve pain. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Curcumae Rhizoma and its active components exert anti-breast cancer effects through multiple mechanisms, such as inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing apoptosis, preventing tumor metastasis, suppressing angiogenesis, and regulating autophagy. According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, Curcumae Rhizoma addresses the pathogenesis of “qi stagnation and blood stasis, toxic accumulation and masses” by strongly activating blood circulation, dispersing stagnation, and resolving masses, thereby alleviating breast masses (including breast cancer) caused by phlegm-stasis binding and qi obstruction. In compound formulations, the efficacy of Curcumae Rhizoma can be enhanced through different herb pairings. For example, when combined with qi-tonifying herbs like Huangqi (Astragali Radix), it reinforces healthy qi to eliminate pathogens and reduces chemotherapy resistance. When paired with blood-activating and stasis-resolving herbs such as Sanleng (Sparganii Rhizoma), it enhances the effect of dispersing masses and combating toxins, reflecting the compatibility strategy of “simultaneously eliminating pathogens and reinforcing healthy qi”. This article reviews the pharmacological mechanisms and research progress of Curcumae Rhizoma and its active components in anti-breast cancer studies in recent years, aiming to provide references for further research and clinical applications in breast cancer treatment.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease, and its prevalence is increasing annually owing to the influence of lifestyle and diet structure. Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) is a widely used natural medicine and food commonly used in condiments, spices, agriculture, medicine, and other fields. Cinnamomi Cortex exerts a regulatory effect on blood glucose. To promote its better and safer application in medical practice and daily life, this article reviews the role and mechanism of Cinnamomi Cortex in regulating blood glucose, as well as its potential toxic and side effects. It is found that the chemical components of cinnamon responsible for lowering blood glucose include cinnamon polyphenols, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon polysaccharides, hydroxycinnamic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, flavonoids, camphor, etc. As a supplement, it may regulate blood glucose through multiple pathways such as regulating glycogen metabolism, glycolipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, incretins, and digestive enzyme activity. Cinnamomi Cortex is a relatively safe supplement, but toxic reactions may still occur at higher doses, including hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and skin allergies.