Objective Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) technology combined with pharmacological methods was developed to analyze the chemical components of Zhizi Dahuang Decoction in different proportions in ancient and modern optimized prescriptions. Subsequently, an alcoholic liver injury model was established to evaluate its hepatoprotective effects and screen potential active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. Methods Gradient elution was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) column with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile. The mass spectrometry data were collected in positive and negative ion mode. Chemical constituents of Zhizi Dahuang Decoction were identified by comparing with literature and database records, considering retention time, accurate molecular mass, and MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Furthermore, an alcoholic liver injury mouse model was utilized to compare the efficacy of the two formulations, and to screen for active components related to hepatoprotective effects through a spectrum-activity relationship study. Results A total of 80 common chemical components were identified in Zhizi Dahuang Decoction, including 22 organic (phenolic) acids, 18 flavonoids, 11 iridoids, eight anthraquinones, six isoflavones, etc. Pharmacological results demonstrated that the classical formula group exhibited significantly lower serum levels of alanine amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), and triglyceride (TG) compared to the modern optimized group (P < 0.05). Screening potential pharmacological substances closely related to alcohol-induced liver injury, such as geniposide acid, protocatechuic acid, and cryptochlorogenic acid, through spectrum-effect relationship analysis. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the ancient formulation of Zhizi Dahuang Decoction has better hepatoprotective effects on alcoholic liver injury than the modern optimized formulation, and further characterized the potential bioactive components contributing to its anti-alcoholic liver injury efficacy.

Ginsenosides, the primary bioactive constituents of Panax plants, exhibit a wide range of remarkable pharmacological activities, including antitumor, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective and anti-fatigue effects, underpinning their significant medicinal value. Based on a systematic review of the recent advances in the chemical structures, classification, biosynthetic pathways and medicinal functions of ginsenosides, this article focuses on the transcription factors involved in the regulation of ginsenosides biosynthesis. The pathways various transcription factor (TF) families, including NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2 (NAC), basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH), myeloblastosis (MYB), APETALA2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF), WRKYGOK (WRKY), TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA and PCF (TCP) and [(Gibberellic Acid Insensitive, GRI), (Repressor of GAI-3 mutant, RGA), and (Scarecrow, SCR)](GRAS) precisely regulate the expression of key genes in the ginsenoside biosynthesis through responding to abiotic stresses such as cold, drought and salt, and phytohormone signals including methyl jasmonate (MeJA), ethylene and salicylic acid, leading to the ultimately determination of the accumulation and composition of ginsenosides. This paper raised the challenges in current studies concerning the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in ginsenoside biosynthesis, which could provide a theoretical reference for researchers in related fields to further improve quality of Panax ginseng through strategies such as synthetic biology and molecular breeding.

Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), a fundamental herb in traditional Chinese medicine, is widely used to nourish kidney essence and replenish marrow. It is commonly applied in the prevention and treatment of syndromes related to “kidney essence deficiency”. Modern research has revealed its potential therapeutic value in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Given the complex pathological mechanisms of both conditions and the current lack of effective clinical treatments, studies suggest that NDDs and NDs share common neuropathological mechanisms. Traditional Chinese medicine theory posits that “kidney essence deficiency” is a key pathological mechanism underlying both disorders. This article, while reviewing the therapeutic advantages of Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata in treating NDDs and NDs, aims to provide an in-depth analysis of its potential biological mechanisms in preventing and treating these two categories of diseases through its action of “tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence”. Furthermore, it seeks to offer new insights into the herb’s role in promoting neurodevelopment and intervening in neurodegenerative processes, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of its pharmacological mechanisms and supporting subsequent drug development. This study also provides scientific evidence for the application of the TCM principles of “tonifying the kidney and replenishing essence” and “treating different diseases with the same method” in the field of neurological disorders, contributing to the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.

Sepsis-associated acute lung injury (SA-ALI) is a common and life-threatening complication in critically ill patients, for which current therapeutic options remain limited. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) exhibits multi-target and multi-pathway regulatory effects with relatively few adverse reactions, showing promising potential in the prevention and treatment of SA-ALI. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death, driven by iron metabolism dysregulation, uncontrolled lipid peroxidation chain reaction, and impaired antioxidant defense systems, and it plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of SA-ALI. Emerging evidence indicates that TCM agents—such as curcumin, Ginkgo leaves extract, and Xuebijing Injection—can suppress ferroptosis by activating antioxidant signaling pathways, promoting glutathione synthesis, and restoring iron homeostasis, thereby alleviating pulmonary tissue damage. This article systematically reviews recent advances in TCM-mediated targeting of ferroptosis for SA-ALI, aiming to provide a theoretical foundation for optimizing clinical strategies and developing novel therapeutics.

Objective To explore the differential attenuation effects of Nüzhenzi (Ligustri Lucidi Fructus) and its wine-processed product on Tripterygium wilfordii polycoride (TWP)-induced reproductive toxicity, and to investigate its attenuation mechanism based on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mediated testicular antioxidant defense. Methods ICR mice were ig TWP (40 mg/kg) for 28 d, and intervention was also given with Ligustri Lucidi Fructus or its wine-processed products. Reagent kits were used to detect the levels of testosterone in serum and oxidative stress-related indicators in testicular tissue. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in testicular tissue. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of Nrf2, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) in testicular tissue. Results TWP caused a loose structure of seminiferous tubules in testes of mice, a decrease in level of spermatogenic cells, a significant reduction in number of mature sperm, a significant decrease in testosterone levels (P < 0.01), and a significant increase in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product in testes (P < 0.01). Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (1, 2 g/kg) could significantly inhibit the abnormal indicators mentioned above (P < 0.05, 0.01), and Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (2 g/kg) could also significantly enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes (P < 0.05, 0.01). Ligustri Lucidi Fructus wine-processed products (1, 2 g/kg) could significantly inhibit the abnormal indicators mentioned above (P < 0.01), and Ligustri Lucidi Fructus wine-processed products (2 g/kg) could more comprehensively reverse oxidative stress imbalance (P < 0.01). At the same dose, the detoxification effect of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus wine-processed products was significantly better than that of their raw products (P < 0.05, 0.01). Mechanism analysis revealed that TWP significantly down-regulated the expressions of Nrf2 and its downstream molecules HO-1 and NQO1 in testicular tissue of mice (P < 0.01), while Ligustri Lucidi Fructus and its wine-processed products (1, 2 g/kg) significantly up-regulated the expressions of Nrf2 and its downstream molecules HO-1 and NQO1 (P < 0.05, 0.01), with Ligustri Lucidi Fructus wine-processed products showing a significantly better effect than Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (P < 0.01). Conclusion Ligustri Lucidi Fructus and its wine-processed products could alleviate the testicular reproductive toxicity caused by TWP, and the detoxification effect of wine-processed products is significantly better than that of raw products. The mechanism may be related to enhancing Nrf2 mediated testicular antioxidant defense.

Jiezi (Sinapis Semen), as an essential herb for warming and resolving cold phlegm, possesses the effects of warming the lungs, dispelling phlegm, promoting qi flow, dispersing nodules, unblocking collaterals, and relieving pain. It plays a significant role in clinical applications of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Modern research has shown that Sinapis Semen primarily contains various chemical components such as glucosinolates, sinapine, flavonoids, and volatile oils. Among these, sinapine thiocyanate is listed as the quality control indicator for Sinapis Semen in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. However, the current quality evaluation indicators for Sinapis Semen remain relatively limited, making it difficult to comprehensively reflect its overall material basis of effective components, and further in-depth research is still needed. This article systematically and comprehensively reviews the research progress on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Sinapis Semen. Based on three essential criteria of effective components (identification, dose-effect precision, and mechanism clarification) and the “five principles” of quality markers for TCM—effectiveness, specificity, measurability, transmission and traceability, and compatibility environment, this study identifies sinalbin, sinigrin, sinapine, sinapine thiocyanate, and allyl isothiocyanate as potential core components for the quality evaluation of Sinapis Semen. This review can provide a theoretical reference for establishing a more scientific and comprehensive quality control system for Sinapis Semen.

Objective Hesperetin and palmatine hydrochloride co-amorphous system (Hes-PH CAS) was prepared to develop new solid forms and improve the solubility and dissolution of hesperetin. Methods Hes-PH CAS was obtained via the rotary evaporation method. The solid-state characteristics were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic vapor sorption and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, respectively. The solubility and dissolution behavior were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Furthermore, the antioxidant and antitumor activities were analyzed through radical scavenging assay and cell proliferation studies. Results Hes-PH CAS possessed a single glass transition temperature (T_g = 104.5 ℃) and exhibited intermolecular interactions. The co-amorphous simultaneously influenced the solubility and dissolution of both drugs, increasing hesperetin solubility while decreasing palmatine hydrochloride solubility, and promoting hesperetin release while delaying palmatine hydrochloride release. The antioxidant and anti-tumor results demonstrated that the free radical scavenging rate and HT-29/HCT 116 cell inhibition rate of Hes-PH CAS were higher than those of the individual raw materials, indicating a synergistic effect between the two drugs in terms of both free radical scavenging and cell inhibition. Conclusion The prepared Hes-PH CAS improved the solubility and dissolution of hesperetin, with two pharmaceutical components exhibiting good antioxidant and antitumor effects.

Objective Based on the theory of “heart-small intestine relationship” and the “gut-heart axis” hypothesis, this study applies Mendelian randomization (MR) and bioinformatics approaches to investigate gut microbiota with genetic causal effects on myocardial infarction (MI), explore underlying mechanisms, and predict potential interventional traditional Chinese medicines. Methods Genome-wide association study (GWAS) and gene expression data for gut microbiota and MI were obtained from the MiBioGen, IEU GWAS and GEO databases. MR analysis was primarily performed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method. Potential mechanisms were explored through gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses. Core genes were screened via machine learning algorithms. Potential traditional Chinese medicines were predicted by integrating the Coremine database, and their properties (four qi), flavors (five tastes), meridian tropism, and functions were statistically analyzed. Results MR analysis revealed six gut microbiota taxa with genetically causal associations with MI: Butyricicoccus (a protective factor, OR < 1, P < 0.05), Lachnoclostridium, Ruminococcaceae UCG014, Odoribacter, Oxalobacter, and Sellimonas (risk factors, OR > 1, P < 0.05).The core genes were mainly enriched in signaling pathways including the ephrin receptor signaling pathway, calcium signaling pathway, and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway. A total of 596 potential traditional Chinese medicines were predicted. Their properties (four qi) were predominantly warm, followed by cold and neutral; their flavors (five tastes) were primarily sweet, with bitter and pungent also being notable. The main therapeutic functions identified were clearing heat and detoxifying. Representative medicines included Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Sanqi (Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma), and Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma). Related classical prescriptions encompassed Xiaochaihu Decoction (小柴胡汤) and Taohong Siwu Decoction (桃红四物汤). Conclusion This study reveals the genetic causal relationship and molecular mechanisms through which gut microbiota mediates the occurrence of MI. It enriches the modern biological connotation of the “heart-small intestine relationship” theory. The predicted traditional Chinese medicines provide new strategies for the traditional Chinese medicine-based prevention and treatment of MI and offer a reference for further investigation into the “gut-heart axis”.

The dynamic balance of the immunometabolic network constitutes the core of maintaining organismal homeostasis, and the close crosstalk between immune cell functional remodeling and metabolic reprogramming exerts a pivotal regulatory role in the occurrence and progression of diseases. Adhering to the core characteristic of holistic regulation and treatment based on syndrome differentiation, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) features the inherent advantages of multi-component and multi-target actions, which are highly consistent with the systematic regulatory demands of the immunometabolic network. This paper systematically reviews the application paradigms of modern technologies including high-throughput sequencing, single-cell metabolomics and metabolic flux analysis in TCM immunometabolism research, and focuses on elaborating the metabolic regulatory mechanisms of TCM monomers (flavonoids, polysaccharides, saponins, etc.) and compound prescriptions on core immune cells such as macrophages, T cells, dendritic cells, B cells and neutrophils. Meanwhile, it analyzes the key bottlenecks in current research, including the unbalanced research on immune cell subtypes, ambiguous correlation between active components and target networks, and the disconnection between TCM syndrome types and metabolic phenotypes. Furthermore, innovative research directions are proposed, such as multi-omics technology integration, artificial intelligence-assisted target prediction and correlation analysis of syndrome type-metabolic phenotype, so as to provide a scientific basis and practical reference for the modernization of TCM and the metabolic regulatory therapy for immune-related diseases.

Objective In order to demonstrate the feasibility of microwave processing as an alternative to traditional methods, the study aimed to systematically compare that different processing methods affect on the appearance, active components, toxicity and efficacy of Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, PR). Methods This study systematically compares the active components of different processed PR using extract yield determination, UV spectrophotometry, and HPLC. The irritancy of various processed products of PR was assessed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM)/X-ray diffraction (XRD) characterization, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), and slug irritation tests. Additionally, mouse ammonia-induced cough suppression and tracheal phenol red secretion assays were employed to evaluate the antitussive and expectorant effects of the different processed products of PR. Results The experimental results indicate that the water-soluble extract and alkaloid content of microwave-processed PR are significantly higher than those of traditionally processed products (P < 0.01). However, the total nucleoside content is lower than that of raw PR, Jiangbanxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Zingibere et Alumine, PRPZA), and Qingbanxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Alumine, PRPA), but higher than that of Fabanxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum, PRP) (P < 0.01). Compared to raw PR and traditionally processed products, the content of calcium oxalate raphides in microwave-processed PR is significantly reduced (P < 0.01), and the lectin protein structure is disrupted. The mucosal irritation was in the order: raw PR > PRPA > PRP > PRP > microwave-processed PR, and microwave-processed product showed almost no mucosal irritation. Pharmacological experiments indicated that the cough-suppressing and expectorant effects of microwave-processed PR were comparable to those of raw PR and significantly superior to those of traditionally processed products. Conclusion Microwave processing retains active components of PR while rapidly reducing its irritancy, with antitussive and expectorant activities comparable to those of raw PR. This study demonstrates the feasibility of microwave technology for PR, providing scientific evidence for its industrial-scale production and clinical applications.