Objective To optimize the processing technology of Cubiejiɑ (vinegar-quenched Pelodisci Carapax, vqPC) and to investigate the correlation between color and intrinsic component content during processing, thereby providing a basis for process standardization and quality evaluation. Methods Using Box-Behnken design combined with response surface methodology (BBD-RSM), sand-frying temperature, sand-frying time, and drying time after vinegar quenching were selected as independent variables, while appearance characteristics, moisture content, extract contents, and the contents of six amino acids served as response variables. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method were integrated to calculate overall desirability (OD) for process optimization. Color values (L^*, a^*, b^*) of the processed powder were measured using a colorimeter and their correlations with component contents were analyzed. Results The optimal processing parameters were determined as follows: sand-frying temperature 211 ℃, sand-frying time 7 min, and drying time after vinegar quenching 121 min. Correlation analysis indicated that the L^* value showed a highly significant positive correlation with proline content (P < 0.01) and positive correlation with the contents of glycine and valine (P < 0.05). The b^* value exhibited a highly significant negative correlation with the contents of hydroxyproline, glycine, arginine, proline and valine (P < 0.01). The a^* value showed a highly significant negative correlation with glycine content (P < 0.01) and a significant negative correlation with arginine and valine content (P < 0.05). The E^* value showed a significant positive correlation with proline content (P < 0.05). Regression analysis further confirmed quantitative relationships between color values and the contents of multiple components. Conclusion The combination of AHP-CRITIC and BBD-RSM provides a scientific approach for optimizing the processing technology of vqPC. The significant correlations between color parameters and chemical components offer a new method for establishing its quality evaluation system.

Objective To integrate differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in gastric cancer (GC) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, systematically identify core targets associated with tumor progression, and predict therapeutic Chinese medicines via network distance, providing molecular evidence for integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine precision intervention in GC. Methods A total of 21 GC datasets (2 125 GC, 367 normal samples) were downloaded from GEO to construct an expression matrix. DEGs were screened using the limma package (|log₂(FC)| > 1, FDR < 0.05), weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to identify modules most correlated with disease phenotype, gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted on key genes, seven machine learning models were built with SHapley additive exPlanations (SHAP) for feature importance interpretation; network distance between Chinese medicine target modules and GC key genes was calculated based on the human PPI network to screen topologically proximal medicines, with statistics on four properties, five flavors, meridian tropism, and efficacy. Results A total of 455 DEGs were obtained. WGCNA yielded 31 modules, with the light-yellow module (r = 0.56, q < 0.01) containing 194 hub genes; intersection with DEGs produced 177 key genes. Enrichment analysis showed GO-biological processes (BP) focused on extracellular matrix organization and adhesion, GO-cell component (CC) on collagen-containing ECM and focal adhesion, GO-molecular function (MF) on integrin/growth factor binding, and KEGG on actin cytoskeleton regulation, phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt), and interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling. The random forest (RF) model achieved 0.991 accuracy, with SHAP consistently ranking SULF1, THY1, DNER, and SPINK7 as top contributors. Network distance screening identified Arctii Fructus, Prunellae Spica, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, Hypocreaceae, and Persicae Semen among the top 15 medicines, characterized by cool/cold properties, bitter flavor, liver/stomach/lung tropism, and primarily heat-clearing with deficiency-tonifying efficacy. Conclusion This study systematically elucidates GC molecular mechanisms, predicting multi-target anti-GC potential of heat-clearing, yin-nourishing, and blood-activating Chinese medicines, and provides novel strategies for GC precision diagnosis/treatment and modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective To characterize the material basis of Mahuang Xixin Fuzi Decoction (麻黄细辛附子汤, MXF) and Mahuang Gancao Fuzi Decoction (麻黄甘草附子汤, MGF), and explore the differences in intervention effects and mechanisms of MXF and MGF on mouse models of kidney-yang deficiency and external infection syndrome, and provide basic research basis for clinical precision medication. Methods The chemical composition of MXF and MGF was analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-QQQ/MS). A total of 60 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group (12 mice) and kidney-yang deficiency syndrome model group (48 mice). A mouse model of kidney-yang deficiency syndrome was established by ip estradiol benzoate, and then intranasal infection with H1N1 influenza virus was performed to establish a mouse model of kidney-yang deficiency and external infection syndrome. The successfully modeled mice were randomly divided into model group, MXF (1.8 g/kg) group, MGF (1.8 g/kg) group and oseltamivir (22.53 mg/kg) group, with 12 mice in each group. After continuous administration for 7 d, changes in body weight, anal temperature, survival rate, organ indexes, lung tissue pathology, levels of secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in tracheal and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, lung viral load, and serum inflammatory cytokine levels of mice in each group were detected. Results A total of 15 components including ephedrine, aconitine, sesamin ester and asarinin were detected in MXF, and 18 components including ephedrine, aconitine and liquiritin were detected in MGF. The content of ephedra alkaloids in MXF was higher than that in MGF. Compared with model group, all treatment groups were able to restore the body weight and anal temperature of mice, and the recovery effect was oseltamivir > MXF > MGF; There were no mouse deaths in oseltamivir and MXF groups, while one mouse died in MGF group; The lung index of oseltamivir group and MXF group were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, 0.01); The lung tissue lesions of mice in each treatment group were reduced, with the degree of reduction being oseltamivir > MXF > MGF; MXF had a higher clearance rate of lung viruses in mice; MGF significantly increased the level of SIgA in lung lavage fluid (P < 0.05); Oseltamivir, MXF and MGF could effectively reduce the total value of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, the ratio of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors, and the proportion of pro-inflammatory factors, alleviate the body’s inflammatory response, and MGF had higher anti-inflammatory and immune enhancing effects than MXF; According to the box plot analysis of comprehensive therapeutic effects, MXF was superior to MGF. Conclusion Different adjuncts [Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma/Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)] in MXF and MGF affect the contents of common components (ephedra alkaloids, aconitum alkaloids) in the formula; Both MXF and MGF could effectively treat kidney-yang deficiency and external infection syndrome and reduce the damage caused to the body by viral infection. Comparing the two, MXF has better comprehensive pharmacological effects, but MGF has better effects on inflammatory factors and immune regulation.

Respiratory viral infections are highly prevalent infectious diseases worldwide, characterized by complex pathogens and rapid mutations, posing limitations to existing prevention and treatment strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrates unique advantages in holistic regulation and multi-target intervention for these infections. However, the complex pharmacodynamic basis and systemic mechanisms of TCM have presented challenges in achieving comprehensive evaluation and systematic mechanism elucidation. Inspired by systems philosophy and systems biology, this paper proposes an integrative research pathway centered on metabolomics as a phenotypic hub. At the observational level, it incorporates conventional metabolomics, stable isotope tracing, spatial metabolomics, and single-cell/subcellular metabolic analyses. At the association level, it combines multi-omics data such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and microbiome data. At the computational level, artificial intelligence is utilized for feature extraction and network modeling. This pathway aims to advance systematic research in biomarker discovery, syndrome substance basis elucidation, and the synergistic mechanisms of complex formulas in the prevention and treatment of respiratory viral infections with TCM. By promoting a new paradigm of systems biology research driven by metabolomics, it is expected to enhance the interpretation of TCM-based preventive and therapeutic mechanisms, thereby significantly promoting the modernization and internationalization of TCM.

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are common acute infectious diseases, primarily affecting immunocompromised populations, mainly caused by viral or bacterial infections. Typical symptoms include nasal congestion and coughing, which can progress to lower respiratory tract complications such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, significantly impacting patients’ health and quality of life. Flavonoid glycosides, bioactive compounds widely found in traditional Chinese medicine, exhibit therapeutic effects against URTI through mechanisms including anti-inflammatory action, inhibition of oxidative stress, antiviral activity and immune regulation. This review summarizes recent research progress on the therapeutic mechanisms of flavonoid glycosides for upper respiratory infections, aiming to provide reference for clarifying the mechanism and clinical application of flavonoid glycosides in the treatment of URTI.

Chikungunya fever (CHIK) is an acute infectious disease caused by chikungunya virus and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Its main clinical manifestations are fever, joint pain and rash, and some patients may develop into chronic arthritis. At present, there are no specific antiviral drugs. Based on the theory of “wind evil” in traditional Chinese medicine, this paper systematically summarizes the role and mechanism of wind medicine in preventing and treating this disease. CHIK belongs to the category of “damp-heat” and “epidemic disease”, and its core pathogenesis is that wind and evil are mixed with dampness, heat and toxin, which are confined to muscle surface meridians. Its characteristics of “good behavior and variable numbers” are highly consistent with the clinical manifestations of sudden high fever in acute stage and wandering joint pain in chronic stage. Wind drugs [such as Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix), etc.] have the functions of expelling wind, eliminating dampness and dredging collaterals, and run through all stages of treatment of CHIK. Representative prescriptions such as Xuanbi Decoction and Juanbi Decoction can significantly improve clinical symptoms. Modern research shows that its active components play a therapeutic role by directly inhibiting virus replication, regulating immune inflammatory response and other multi-target mechanisms. This study provides a theoretical basis for antivirus of traditional Chinese medicine, and highlights the unique value of wind medicine in preventing and treating new infectious diseases.

Objective To investigate the chemical components in the Hosta plantaginea flower and evaluate their anti-inflammatory activities. Method The extraction was carried out using 95% and 70% ethanol aqueous solutions through percolation, followed by liquid-liquid extraction with petroleum ether and ethyl acetate. The chemical components were separated and purified by column chromatography methods such as D101 macroporous adsorption resin, silica gel, and ODS, as well as preparative liquid chromatography. Structural identification was conducted using high-resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectrum (ECD). Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activities of all compounds were evaluated. Results Ten compounds were obtained from the aqueous layer of the H. plantaginea flower ethanol extract after extraction with ethyl acetate, including three steroids (1–3), four flavonoids (4–7), two alkaloids (8, 9), and one fatty acid (10). They were identified as (8S,9R,10S, 12S,13R,14R,16R,17S,20R,22S,25R,26R)-12,16-hydroxy-22,26-epoxy-26-methoxy-5α-cholest-4-en-3-one (or hostaspirone A, 1), (2α,3β,5α,25R)-2-hydroxyspirostan-3-yl O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-galactopyranoside (2), (25R)-3-(β-D-Glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-galactopyranosyl)-5-spirostan-2α-ol (3), rhamnocitrin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), quercetin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (5), isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside (6), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (7), thymine (8), uracil (9), and myristic acid (10), respectively. Conclusion Compound 1 is the first steroid identified in this genus to exhibit an E-ring cleavage spirostan. Compounds 4, 6–8, and 10 were isolated for the first time from the family Asparagaceae, and compound 5 is reported here for the first time from the Hosta genus. In addition, compounds 1 and 4 have some anti-inflammatory effects. This study expands the chemical profile of H. plantaginea and provides a scientific foundation for its potential clinical applications.

Objective To conduct a bibliometric analysis of antiviral research on chikungunya fever, to reveal the current status and research hotspots, and to provide references for infection prevention and drug development. Methods Publications related to antiviral studies on chikungunya fever were retrieved from the Web of Science core collection from database inception to August 10, 2025. CiteSpace and VOSviewer were used for visual analysis of publication output, countries, journals, institutions, authors, and keywords, wheras Excel 2019 was employed to summarize and calculate the frequency of drug-related keywords. Results A total of 583 publications were included, showing an overall upward trend in output between 2004 and 2025. The United States had the highest number of publications; the top three productive authors were Merits Andres, Neyts Johan, and Delang Leen, Antiviral Research was the leading journal in terms of publications, and core research forces were concentrated in comprehensive universities such as the University of Tartu and infectious disease institutes such as the Institut Pasteur. Keyword analysis indicated that “chikungunya virus” “replication” “infection” were high-frequency core terms. Research themes mainly focused on viral replication, infection, and identification, encompassing molecular docking, gene expression, and inhibitor screening, as well as animal model construction and cross-virus studies. Keyword frequency analysis of antiviral drugs showed that chemical drugs dominated the field, with small-molecule inhibitors being the most common, and chloroquine and ribavirin appearing most frequently, studies on biologics, traditional Chinese medicine, and natural products were relatively scattered. Conclusion Antiviral research on chikungunya virus remains in its early stages, with a paucity of clinically approved therapeutics and specific vaccines. Research priorities have shifted from transmission surveillance toward drug discovery and target-based investigations, with emerging technologies—including structural biology, molecular docking, and reverse genetics—facilitating candidate compound development. Future research should prioritize drug repurposing, multi-target strategies, and systematic evaluation of bioactive natural products, particularly flavonoids, diterpenoids, and traditional Chinese medicinal compounds for symptomatic intervention. Integrating interdisciplinary methodologies and fostering international collaboration are essential to enhance research efficiency, accelerate clinical translation, and provide innovative avenues for chikungunya virus prevention and control.

Objective To systematically investigate the chemical constituents and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of the dried tuberous roots of Triplostegia glandulifera. Method Compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data. The cytotoxicity and inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production were evaluated by CCK-8 assay and Griess method, respectively. Results Twenty-four compounds were isolated and identified as 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol-O-[β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside] (1), sysamarin B (2), primulagenin A (3), oleanolic acid-3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside] (4), oleanolic acid-3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside (5), caffeic acid (6), ethyl caffeate (7), (2'R,3'R)-2',3'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy caffeoyl butyrate (8), 5-O-[(E)-caffeoyl]-quinic acid (9), methyl 4,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinate (10), eugenyl-O-β-D-gucopyranoside (11), rel-(2α,3β)-7-O-methylcedrusin (12), (7S,8R)-erythro-7,9,9'-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxy-8-O-4'-neolignan-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (13), (＋)-pinoresinol (14), (-)-pinoresinol (15), (＋)-syringaresinol-O-β-D-diglucopyranoside (16), ethyl protocatechuate (17), tangeretin (18), hesperidin (19), (1S,3S)-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (20), nonialkaloid B (21), strych-novoline (22), 1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazone (23), and inosine (24). Compounds 2, 4, 5 and 19 showed significant inhibitory activities against NO production. The IC₅₀ values of compounds 4 and 5 were (23.76 ± 1.22) and (23.87 ± 0.23) μmol/L, respectively, which were comparable to that of dexamethasone. Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound. Compounds 2-5 and 7-24 were isolated from the genus Triplostegia for the first time. Compounds 2, 4, 5 and 19 possess potent in vitro anti-inflammatory activities.

Objective To investigate the mechanism by which Reduning Injection (热毒宁注射液, RDN) against secondary Staphylococcus aureus infection following H1N1 influenza A virus infection by inhibiting alveolar macrophages (AMs) depletion. Methods Lethal and sub lethal infection model of H1N1 secondary S. aureus were established and drugs were given for intervention, mortality, body weight change rate and lung index of mice were determined. Lung viral load was detected by qRT-PCR and lung bacterial load was detected using plate colony counting. The expressions of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), C-X-C motif chemokine ligand-1 (CXCL-1), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in lung tissue were analyzed by qRT-PCR and ELISA, levels of myeloperoxidase-DNA (MPO-DNA) and neutrophil elastase-DNA (NE-DNA) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by ELISA. Flow cytometry was used to assess the proportions of AMs, neutrophils and monocytes in lung single-cell suspensions and the proportion of T helper 1(Th1)/T helper 2 (Th2) cells in peripheral blood. Results Compared with the secondary infection group, high-dose of RDN reduced mortality and inhibited body weight loss and lung index (P < 0.01, 0.001). Both high-and low-dose of RDN significantly reduced lung virus and bacteria levels (P < 0.05, 0.001). High-dose of RDN were superior to cefuroxime in inhibiting weight loss, reducing the lung index and decreasing lung virus level (P < 0.05, 0.01). RDN high-and low-dose groups significantly reduced the levels of IFN-γ and CXCL-1 in lung tissue and significantly increased the proportion of AMs (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001). RDN high-dose group significantly reduced MCP-1 level (P < 0.05, 0.01); The proportion of AMs in RDN high-dose group was higher than that of oseltamivir phosphate group and cefaclor group (P < 0.05, 0.001), while the levels of CXCL-1 and MCP-1 were lower than those of cefaclor group (P < 0.05, 0.01). The infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes in RDN high-and low-dose groups was significantly reduced (P < 0.001), and RDN high-dose group was superior to oseltamivir phosphate group and cefaclor group (P < 0.05, 0.001). The level of TNF-α was significantly decreased in RDN high-dose group (P < 0.01), while the levels of MPO-DNA and NE-DNA were significantly decreased in RDN high-and low-dose groups (P < 0.05, 0.001); The levels of TNF-α and NE-DNA in RDN high-dose group were lower than those in cefaclor group (P < 0.01). The Th1/Th2 ratio was significantly decreased in RDN high-and low-dose groups (P < 0.01, 0.001), and RDN high-dose group was lower than cefaclor group (P < 0.05). Conclusion RDN shows significant activity against secondary S. aureus infection following H1N1 infection. RDN alleviates lung inflammatory damage by correcting excessive Th1-type immune polarization, reducing IFN-γ expression, restoring the AMs ratio and reducing effector cell infiltration.