Gynostemma pentaphyllum is a medicinal and edible plant belonging to the genus Gynostemma of the family Cucurbitaceae and has a long history of medicinal use. Its dried aerial parts are used medicinally. G. pentaphyllum is rich in various active components such as saponins, flavonoids and polysaccharides, and exhibits a wide range of pharmacological activities, such as lipid-regulating and hepatoprotective effects, adjuvant effects in cancer treatment, and amelioration of atherosclerosis.. This review systematically summarizes the research status and progress of marketed drugs containing G. pentaphyllum as the principal medicinal ingredient, with a focus on their pharmacological effects, basic research, clinical application and quality standards. It aims to provide theoretical support for the popularization, application and further development of G. pentaphyllum in clinical medicine, promote the development of the G. pentaphyllum industry towards standardization, modernization and internationalization, and support the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine.

Wine-processed Huangjing (Polygonati Rhizoma) is one of the primary processed products of the Polygonati Rhizoma, its preparation technology has seen important progress in recent years. Literature research and the latest research results indicate that the chemical composition undergoes notable changes during the wine-processing of Polygonati Rhizoma, particularly generating substances that pose potential health risks to humans, such as 5-hydroxymethylfurfural, 2,3-dihydro-3,5-dihydroxy-6-methyl-4H-pyran-4-one, acrylamide. Following processing, the pharmacological activities such as immunomodulation, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and hypolipidemic effects are markedly enhanced. Current research on wine-processed Polygonati Rhizoma faces challenges such as inconsistent processing standards, unclear process parameters and difficulties in quality control. This paper systematically summarizes research progress of wine-processed Polygonati Rhizoma, including the historical evolution, modern processing techniques, chemical composition, and pharmacological effects. Future research should focus on standardizing processing techniques, modernizing mechanism analysis, and applying technological innovations to further promote the comprehensive and rapid development of the wine-processed Polygonati Rhizoma industry.

The theory of five flavors serves as a core component of medicinal property system in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The “flavor-effect” association is closely linked with the functional substances through the medicinal properties such as “pungent dispersion and sour astringency”, thereby providing a critical bridge for screening, mechanistic interpretation, and modern research on effective components. This paper systematically outlines the developmental trajectory of five-flavor theory and constructs a “taste-component-meridian tropism-effect” research framework. By analyzing characteristic components of five flavors and their multi-target regulatory effects on visceral functions, it reveals the molecular basis underlying the traditional efficacy of TCM. Furthermore, a flavor theory-guided strategy for studying effective components is proposed, integrating interdisciplinary technologies such as electronic tongue/nose bionic sensing, chromatography-mass spectrometry, network pharmacology, and artificial intelligence to establish a systematic pathway from material analysis to mechanistic verification. This framework deeply integrates traditional TCM theory with modern scientific techniques, strengthening the guiding role of five-flavor theory in discovering effective components and enhancing scientific rigor and reproducibility of mechanistic explanations for TCM actions. It aims to deeply reveal the scientific connotations and integrated action rules of the effective components in TCM, expand the research ideas of effective components, and contribute to the modernization research of TCM.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of treating human diseases with proven efficacy. However, due to the inherent complexity of TCM, significant challenges remain in scientifically elucidating its chemical composition, processing mechanisms, pharmacological and toxicological effects, and related mechanisms. Currently, commonly used qualitative and quantitative analytical instruments, such as ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS), have made substantial contributions to the scientific interpretation of the complex chemical components and pharmacological mechanisms of TCM. Nevertheless, these methods often fail to provide information on the spatial distribution and localization of target chemical components. Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is an emerging molecular visualization technique. It not only possesses the qualitative identification capabilities of mass spectrometry but also enables the intuitive visualization of the spatial distribution of various chemical components within a sample, allowing simultaneous qualitative, quantitative, and spatial analyses. Currently, MSI has achieved a series of research outcomes in the field of TCM research. Firstiy, several commonly used MSI techniques are introduced. It then focuses on reviewing the research progress of MSI in the field of TCM analysis in recent years. Furthermore, it summarizes the technical bottlenecks encountered in MSI applications and corresponding solutions. Finally, it discusses the future development trends of this technology in TCM research, aiming to provide reference for enhancing the application of MSI in field of TCM analysis.

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.

Spectrum-effect relationship research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) serves as a crucial technical bridge between traditional therapeutic efficacy and modern scientific research. By elucidating the intrinsic correlations between the chemical spectra of TCM and their pharmacological activities, this approach enables accurate identification of pharmacodynamically active substances and elucidation of their mechanisms of action. It thereby provides an innovative foundation for scientific quality control of TCM. However, inherent characteristics of TCM and current research limitations present significant challenges in this field. Centered on framework of “spectrum-efficacy, spectrum-effect relationships and achievement transformation”, this review systematically summarizes the key challenges facing spectrum-effect research in TCM, analyzes their underlying causes, and offers recommendations for standardizing future studies and industrializing research outcomes. This work aims to advance spectrum-effect research toward greater scientific rigor, systematicity, and practical value.

Objective Novel self-assembled nanoparticles (RMN-SAN) of Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) and Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex) were prepared by the micro-precipitation method, and their characterization, formation mechanism and anti-colorectal cancer (CRC) efficacy were investigated. Methods The process parameters were optimized through single-factor experiments, and characterization methods such as dynamic light scattering, ζ potential and transmission electron microscopy were performed. The core active components were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS, and the self-assembly mechanism of RMN-SAN was revealed by FTIR and UV spectroscopy. The in vitro CT26 cell experiments and in vivo tumor-bearing mouse models were used to verify its anti-CRC efficacy. Results The optimized preparation method for RMN-SAN involves taking 10 g each of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Moutan Cortex, adding 10 times their volume of water, soaking for 30 min, and refluxing for 0.5 h, followed by filtration. The residue is then refluxed with 8 times its volume of 70% ethanol for 0.5 h and filtered again. The two extracts are combined, magnetically stirred at 600 r/min and 25 ℃ for 30 min, and the alcohol is removed by rotary evaporation at 60 ℃, concentrating to a final concentration of 0.2 g/mL. The solution is subjected to gradient centrifugation (4 ℃, 6 000, 8 000, and 10 000 r/min, each for 10 min), followed by dialysis (cut-off molecular weight 3 500) for 12 h, yielding the final product. The results showed that the average particle size of the optimized RMN-SAN was (109.30 ± 4.20) nm, the PDI was 0.353 ± 0.009, and the ζ potential was (-24.5 ± 1.3) mV, presenting a uniform spherical structure. Five core components such as rhein, aloe-emodin, sennoside B, paeonol, and paeoniflorin were identified, and their self-assembly was driven by hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking interactions, which was verified by molecular docking. The in vitro experiments confirmed that RMN-SAN could inhibit the proliferation of CT26 cells in a concentration-dependent manner, induce apoptosis and block the cell cycle at the G₁ phase. In the in vivo experiments, the tumor suppression effect of the high-dose RMN-SAN group (6.0 g/kg) was significantly higher than that of the traditional decoction group, and it could regulate the levels of immune and inflammatory factors more efficiently. Conclusion This study enabled the utilization of the therapeutic advantages of traditional Chinese medicine through modern processing, providing new ideas for the optimization of the preparation of self-assembled nanoparticles of traditional Chinese medicine, and also providing an efficient and stable new formulation for the treatment of CRC with traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective To establish the HPLC chromatograms of the classic prescription Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Decoction (HGWD, 黄芪桂枝五物汤) of its decoction and freeze-dried powder, as well as quantitative determination methods for nine marker components, in order to characterize the law of quantitative transfer. Methods According to the “Technical Guidance for Pharmaceutical Research of Traditional Chinese Compound Preparations Managed According to Ancient Classic Formula Catalogue (Trial)”, HPLC finger printing profiles and a simultaneous quantitative method for eight active components, along with a separate assay for astragaloside A, were developed. Fifteen batches of HGWD decoction and freeze-dried powder were prepared using an optimized process. The value transfer process from medicinal materials to decoction pieces, decoctions, and finally freeze-dried powders was systematically characterized by evaluating the characteristic peak area of the unit mass compound yinpian (equivalent characteristic peak area) and/or quantitative levels of multiple constituents. Results The established HPLC methods both met the requirements stipulated in the 2025 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The intra-batch similarity of the characteristic chromatograms for the 15 batches of HGWD and its freeze-dried powder was ≥ 0.983, while the inter-batch similarity was ≥ 0.909, indicating good consistency of sample quality both within and between batches. The 15 characteristic peaks in common covered all the herbal components of HGWD, among which seven peaks were identified. Among the 15 batches of HGWD decoctions, the contents of nine quality indicators-astragaloside IV, gallic acid, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, formononetin, 6-gingerol-were calculated based on the corresponding dosage of the herbs, ranging from 0.14 to 0.32, 1.33 to 1.84, 2.26 to 7.57, 11.57 to 15.01, 0.11 to 0.26, 0.17 to 0.32, 0.45 to 0.97, 0.01 to 0.02, and 0.21 to 0.32 mg/g respectively. The content ranges were mostly within the mean ± 30%. For the 15 equivalent characteristic peaks across the 15 batches of HGWD, the intra-batch transfer rates from decoction to freeze-dried powder ranged from 73% to 129% for 14 peaks, except for cinnamaldehyde in some batches, which showed a transfer rate of 45% to 71%. The mean inter-batch transfer rates ranged from 62% to 101%. Conclusion The decoction form is determined as the reference substance for HGWD. The established quality control indicators are comprehensive and reasonable. The method for characterizing the transfer of equivalent characteristic peak area is relatively scientific. It can provide new evaluation and quality control indicators for the research and development of benchmark samples of other classic prescriptions. These findings provide a basis for establishing quality standards for HGWD reference samples and for supporting the development of granule formulations.

Quality evaluation of traditional Chinese medicinal materials, a critical link in the inheritance and innovation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is currently confronted with structural dilemmas including fragmented standard system, data silos, intergenerational talent gaps, and conflicts between technical and ethics. From the collaborative “humanities-science” perspective, this study systematically reviews the evolution and inherent contradictions of TCM medicinal materials quality evaluation from an experience-led paradigm to digital-intelligent governance. To address the prominent issues of “replacing quality with quantity” and the absence of value rationality, this study constructs a four-dimensional collaborative governance framework underpinned by digital-intelligent technologies, which encompasses the core dimensions of quality, yield, humanities, and ecology. Through such implementation paths as full industrial chain traceability, intelligent modeling, and human-machine collaborative processing, the framework facilitates the explicitization of tacit knowledge and the quantification of ecological and cultural values. This study argues that the quality evaluation system for traditional Chinese medicinal materials should shift from the monism of technical rationality to the dual parallel emphasis of both value rationality and technical rationality. It emphasizes that the application of relevant technologies should be guided and regulated by humanities, so as to advance the transformation of TCM medicinal materials quality evaluation towards digital-intelligent governance.

Genuine medicinal materials (Dao-di medicines) are renowned for their superior quality and proven efficacy, and serve as a core marker for assessing and ensuring the quality of traditional Chinese medicine. However, due to the combined effects of the widespread adoption of modern cultivation techniques and market demand, the boundaries of traditional Dao-di producing regions are becoming increasingly blurred. Consequently, the accurate identification of Dao-di medicines is becoming ever more important. Significant progress has been made in the identification research of Dao-di medicines. Building upon traditional empirical identification methods, research in this field is now exhibiting a trend towards diversification. Through strategies such as assessment of characteristic morphological features, analysis of key constituents, molecular marker identification, multi-indicator combined analysis, and digital and intelligent recognition, Dao-di medicines have been comprehensively identified from various dimensions. In this article, we systematically reviewed various identification strategies and research progress regarding Dao-di medicines, including macroscopic morphological identification, microscopic identification, physicochemical identification, molecular identification, and digital and intelligent identification, thereby providing foundational reference materials for research into the identification of Dao-di medicines.