Objective This paper uses scientometrics methods to conduct a visual analysis of Chinese and English literature on the Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus) to explore its research progress and future development trends. Methods Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software were used to conduct a scientometric analysis of research literature in the field of the Gardeniae Fructus in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP, Wanfang, Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed databases up to 2025. From the perspectives of annual publication volume, countries, institutions, journals, keywords, and theme evolution, a visual analysis of the research on Gardeniae Fructus at home and abroad was conducted. Results A total of 5 049 relevant Chinese and 639 English literature were retrieved. The countries that conduct research in the field of Gardeniae Fructus are mainly China. The research forces show a significant regional and institutional concentration feature, and the core contributions are mostly from leading Chinese universities of traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, the popularity of research on the Gardeniae Fructus has continued to grow, with both Chinese and English literature focusing on the pharmacological mechanisms of active ingredients such as geniposide, extraction process optimization, and quality control system construction. Chinese research focuses more on the application and industrial development of traditional formulas, while English research focuses more on molecular mechanisms and international collaboration. Scientometric analysis indicates that the pharmacological activity and toxicity of key active ingredients in the Gardeniae Fructus, as well as research methods such as network pharmacology, metabolomics, molecular docking, and response surface methodology, are currently the focus and hotspots of research. Conclusion This study analyzed and visualized the Chinese and English literature on the Gardeniae Fructus using scientometric methods, and identified the research priorities and hot topics in the pharmacological activities, toxic effects, and research techniques and methods of Gardeniae Fructus. This has certain reference significance for in-depth research on the Gardeniae Fructus and its active ingredients, as well as for the selection of future research topics.

Objective To investigate the hypolipidemic effects of gypenosides based on serum, liver and fecal metabolomics techniques. Methods A high-fat diet was used to establish a hyperlipidemia model in rats, with 32 male SD rats randomly divided into control group, model group, atorvastatin (10 mg/kg) group and gypenosides (150 mg/kg) group. After eight weeks of continuous administration, body weight and blood lipid levels were measured. Metabolites in serum, liver and feces were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and differential metabolites were screened through multivariate statistical analysis. Results Gypenosides significantly reduced levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum of hyperlipidemic rats (P < 0.05, 0.01). Metabolomics analysis revealed that gypenosides effectively normalized the endogenous metabolic profile of model rats, identifying 30, 27, 19 differential metabolites in serum, liver and feces, respectively, primarily including lysophosphatidylcholine, unsaturated fatty acids and derivatives, bile acids, and amino acids and derivatives, linked to glycerophospholipid, linoleic/arachidonic acid, unsaturated fatty acid, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and tryptophan metabolism. Except for glycoursodeoxycholic acid and glycylglycoursodeoxycholic acid in liver, which still showed an increasing trend after gypenosides intervention, all other differential metabolites returned to near-normal levels. Conclusion Gypenosides modulate blood lipids by regulating the lipid metabolism network through multiple targets, with mechanisms related to intervention in lysophosphatidylcholine metabolism, linoleic acid and arachidonic acid metabolism, bile acid metabolism and tryptophan metabolism pathways, systematically revealing the overall regulatory effect of gypenosides on endogenous metabolism of hyperlipidemic rats.

Objective The glutamate receptor-like (GLR) gene family was identified at the whole genome level of Panax notoginseng and the expression analysis under different hormone treatments was conducted to provide a reference for in-depth study of its functions. Methods The PnGLR gene family was systematically identified using bioinformatics methods, followed by comprehensive analyses of physicochemical properties, phylogenetic relationships, conserved motifs, protein structures, cis-regulatory elements, and expression patterns. Additionally, their expression responses were examined under exogenous hormone treatments, including methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), and L-glutamic acid (L-Glu), as well as upon infection with Cylindrocarpon destructans. Results Genome-wide analysis identified 12 PnGLR genes in P. notoginseng, which were unevenly distributed across six chromosomes and grouped into four clades. Members of the PnGLR gene family encoded 693 to 1372 amino acids and contained 2 to 5 transmembrane domains, and were all predicted to localize to the plasma membrane. The cis-acting element prediction results showed that the promoter region of PnGLR contained response elements related to light, plant hormones, and abiotic/biotic stress. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results demonstrated that PnGLR2, PnGLR4, PnGLR5, PnGLR8, PnGLR9, and PnGLR11 were significantly upregulated under exogenous hormone treatments and C. destructans infection. Exogenous L-Glu treatment with 1 and 10 mmol/L could significantly induce the upregulation of gene expression of PnGLR5, PnGLR6, PnGLR7, PnGLR9, and PnGLR10. Conclusion A total of 12 members of the PnGLR gene family were identified at the whole-genome level, and their expression patterns under exogenous hormone, L-Glu treatment and C. destructans infection were different, this laid a theoretical foundation for further exploring the potential functions of the PnGLR genes.

Objective To investigate the dynamic changes of volatile and water-soluble constituents in Schizonepetae Herba and Cinnamomi Cortex decoctions at different boiling durations, reveal the characteristics of constituent dissolution, volatilization, and degradation during decoction from the material basis, and provide a scientific basis for rational determination of decoction time and different administration routes (e.g., decoction, powder infusion) in clinical practice. Methods Decoctions of JIngjie (Schizonepetae Herba) and Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) were prepared at different boiling times. A headspace GC-MS/MS method was established and validated for pulegone, menthone, o-methoxycinnamaldehyde, and cinnamaldehyde, and their content changes at different decoction times were compared. UPLC-Q-TOF MS/MS was employed to characterize and semi-quantify water-soluble constituents. Normalized ion intensities and clustering analysis were used to assess the impact of boiling duration on the overall chemical profile. Results The four volatile compounds exhibited distinct time-dependent patterns.Pulegone, menthone, and cinnamaldehyde increased rapidly at early stages and declined thereafter, whereas o-methoxycinnamaldehyde increased continuously. A total of 139 water-soluble constituents were identified by UPLC‑Q‑TOF MS/MS, many of which showed reduced abundance with prolonged boiling, indicating potential heat degradation. Integrated analysis suggested that approximately 7.5 min represents an optimal decoction time for Schizonepetae Herba. For Cinnamomi Cortex, prolonged decoction is not suitable when emphasizing the effects of warming yang and reinforcing fire, whereas appropriate prolonged decoction or alternative administration such as powder infusion can be used when emphasizing warming and unblocking to relieve pain. Conclusion Schizonepetae Herba and Cinnamomi Cortex exhibit clear time-dependent chemical changes during decoction. Boiling time critically influences the retention of volatile and water-soluble constituents. The results provide a reference for selecting decoction time and optimizing administration routes of the two herbs under different clinical applications, and offer an experimental basis for the standardization and modernization of traditional Chinese medicine decoctions.

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Shouhui Tongbian Capsule (首荟通便胶囊, SHTB) on post-stroke depression (PSD) using a multi-omics strategy. Methods A mouse model of PSD was established by photochemical induction of stroke combined with chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Depressive-like behaviors were evaluated by behavioral tests, and neuronal and myelin sheath structures were assessed by histological analysis. A comprehensive approach integrating 16S rDNA sequencing of gut microbiota, metabolomics of feces and brain tissues, proteomics, neurotransmitter detection and Western blotting was employed to systematically elucidate the potential mechanism. Additionally, gut microbiota was depleted by antibiotics to verify whether the effect of SHTB is dependent on intestinal microbes. Results SHTB significantly improved depressive-like behaviors and neuronal morphology in PSD mice. 16S rDNA sequencing analysis showed that SHTB restored the balance of gut microbiota, characterized by an increase in beneficial genera (e.g., Enterococcus) and a decrease in pro-inflammatory genera (e.g., Oscillibacter, Erysipelotrichaceae). Metabolomic results indicated that SHTB could correct fatty acid metabolism disorders, particularly linoleic acid and arachidonic acid pathways, and reduce the levels of neuroinflammation-related metabolites. Proteomics and neurotransmitter detection further revealed that SHTB could restore the levels of serotonin (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) (P < 0.05), reduce the abnormal accumulation of glutamate (P < 0.05), and inhibit the excessive activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory pathway (P < 0.05). After depletion of gut microbiota by antibiotics, the above effects were significantly attenuated, indicating that the efficacy of SHTB was gut microbiota-dependent. Conclusion SHTB could restore the gut microbiota, repair the intestinal barrier, regulate fatty acid metabolism, inhibit TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway-mediated peripheral and central inflammatory responses, and restore the balance of key neurotransmitters through a gut microbiota-dependent mechanism. This multi-dimensional improvement in the gut-brain axis function contributes to its anti-PSD and neuroprotective effects.

Objective To screen key genes of ischemic stroke (IS) and analyze their mechanisms by integrating multi-omics and machine learning methods, and predict their potential targets for traditional Chinese medicine prevention and treatment. Methods IS transcriptome data from GEO database was integrated, and candidate genes were screened through differential expression, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and protein interaction network analysis. A variety of machine learning algorithms including logistic least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso), random forest, etc. were used to construct a diagnostic model, and the optimal gene set is determined through cross-verification. An middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was constructed and further verified by Bederson scoring, HE staining and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Immune infiltration was analyzed using CIBERSORTx and potential traditional Chinese medicines were reverse-matched based on Coremine Medical database. Results Eight core genes (ARG1, CLEC4E, CLEC5A, FCAR, FCGR1A, IRAK3, MCEMP1, TLR5) were identified, and their diagnostic models performed well in both the training and verification cohorts [area under curve (AUC) > 0.7]. Animal experiments had confirmed that the expression of these genes was significantly up-regulated in the cortical tissue of IS model rats, and was closely related to the infiltration level of immune cells such as M0-type macrophages and neutrophils. Based on the above targets, 59 potential traditional Chinese medicines were predicted. Most of the four qi were cold, warm and calm, and most of the five are bitter and sweet. The meridian tropism was mainly concentrated in the liver, kidney and spleen meridians. The medicinal properties and meridian tropism were consistent with the pathogenesis of IS “liver and kidney yin deficiency, and stasis and heat accumulation”. Conclusion By integrating bioinformatics, machine learning and experimental validation, this study systematically identified and validated eight key genes involved in the remodelling of the post-stroke immune microenvironment, which may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers for IS. Predictive analysis of traditional Chinese medicine suggests that the pharmacological properties—including taste, nature and meridian tropism—of drugs targeting these genes are consistent with the pathogenesis of IS, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of IS using traditional Chinese medicine from the perspective of immune regulation.

Objective To clone the cytochrome P450 gene (CaCYP2) involved in C-6β hydroxylation modification of triterpenoid saponins in Centella asiatica, systematically analyze its molecular characteristics, tissue expression pattern and subcellular localization, and achieve prokaryotic soluble expression, so as to provide experimental basis for clarifying its function in triterpenoid biosynthesis. Methods The full-length sequence of CaCYP2 was cloned from C. asiatica cDNA and subjected to bioinformatics analysis. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed to detect the gene specific expression in different tissues. Seamless cloning technology was employed to construct yeast two-hybrid vector, prokaryotic expression vector and subcellular localization vector for self-activation detection, recombinant protein expression and tobacco transient localization analysis, respectively. Results The CaCYP2 gene was successfully cloned. Its open reading frame (ORF) was 1 443 bp, encoding 480 amino acids, and it belonged to the CYP716 family, hence named CYP716E116. The predicted protein had a relative molecular mass of 54 430 and a theoretical isoelectric point of 8.98, showing hydrophilicity. It contained a typical CYP90-like conserved domain and one transmembrane domain. Subcellular localization results indicated that this protein was localized in the endoplasmic reticulum. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression level of CaCYP2 was highest in the leaves, which was 6.2 times higher than that in the roots (P < 0.000 1), showing significant differences compared to other tissues. Prokaryotic expression results indicated that a soluble recombinant protein with a relative molecular mass of approximately 91 300 (including a 40 300 tag protein) was obtained after isopropyl β-D-thiogalactoside (IPTG) induction. The yeast two-hybrid experiment confirmed that the yeast two-hybrid vector had no self-activating activity and could be used for subsequent screening of interacting proteins. Conclusion This study successfully cloned the CaCYP2 gene and characterized its molecular structure, tissue-specific expression pattern, and endoplasmic reticulum localization. It also confirmed that the protein can be expressed solubly in a prokaryotic system. These findings lay an important foundation for further investigation into its catalytic function and regulatory role in the biosynthetic pathway of triterpenoid saponins in C. asiatica.

Objective To investigate the acute and chronic diuretic effects and diuretic mechanisms of Clematis hexapetala in a saline-loaded rat model. Methods Model group, furosemide (10 mg/kg) group, C. armandii (20 g/kg) group, C. hexapetala low-, medium- and high-dose (5, 10, 20 g/kg) groups, with eight rats in each group. Urine volume and electrolyte concentration in rats were measured after acute and long-term drug intervention. The activity of Na⁺-K⁺-triphosphatase (ATPase) and levels of angiotensin II (Ang II), antidiuretic hormone (ADH), aldosterone (ALD), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in serum were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in renal tissue. Network pharmacology was used to screen the active ingredients and diuretic targets of C. hexapetala, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to perform gene ontology (GO) functional and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis on core targets. Molecular docking validation was performed on the core components and targets, qRT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expressions of genes and proteins related to aquaporin (AQP)/cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) pathway in renal tissue. Results A total of seven active compounds and 354 potential drug targets were identified for C. hexapetala from TCMSP database. A total of 1 531 disease-related targets were screened from GeneCards and OMIM databases, including 133 intersecting targets. PPI analysis revealed that the top 5 core targets were prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), adrenergic receptor β1 (ADRB1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARA), angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AGTR1) and PPARG. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that cAMP pathway played an important role in the process of diuresis in C. hexapetala. Animal experiment results showed that C. hexapetala significantly increased urine output and Na⁺, Cl⁻, K⁺ levels in urine of rats (P < 0.05, 0.01), significantly reduced Ca²⁺ level (P < 0.05), thereby increasing NaCl excretion. C. hexapetala significantly reduced the levels of ADH, Ang II and ALD in serum of rats (P < 0.05, 0.01), significantly increased Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase activity and ANP level (P < 0.05, 0.01), thereby inhibiting the activation of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). C. hexapetala significantly inhibited the expressions of genes and proteins related to AQP/cAMP/CREB pathway (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001). Conclusion C. hexapetala may exert acute and long-term diuretic effects by inhibiting AQP/cAMP/CREB pathway in saline loaded rats.

Objective To compare the composition and content differences of volatile components in Liushenqu (六神曲, Massa Medicata Fermentata, MMF) samples with different fermentation times, clarify the material basis of the unique aroma of MMF, and identify the key components that give it its main characteristic aroma. Methods Taking MMF fermented for different durations as the research object, and electronic nose was used to characterize its overall odor profile, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was combined to analyze the specific volatile components. Chemometrics was applied to screen the differential components at different fermentation stages, and the relative odor activity value (ROAV) was used to reveal the odor differences of MMF and the material basis for its odor formation. Results Based on the detection results of the W5S, W1W, and W2W sensors of the electronic nose, the fermentation process of MMF was clearly divided into three stages: T1—T4 (initial fermentation), T5—T8 (middle fermentation), and T9—T12 (late fermentation). A total of 120 volatile components were identified by GC-MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) confirmed that there were significant differences in the volatile components of MMF at different fermentation times. A total of 49 differential components were screened out according to the criteria of variable importance in projection (VIP) > 1 and P < 0.05. Combined with the relative odor activity value method, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural was identified as the component contributing the most to the characteristic aroma of the main body. 2-Hexene, pentyl (9E)-octadec-9-enoate, 3,5-dihydroxy-1-nonadecylbenzene, and methyl 2-methoxy-5-hexadecenoate played important modifying roles in the characteristic aroma. Conclusion The differences in volatile components during the fermentation of MMF can be effectively analyzed by electronic nose, GC-MS, combined with the relative odor activity value method, which provides a scientific basis for the identification and quality evaluation of MMF.

Objective To conduct a bibliometric and visual analysis using CiteSpace and VOSviewer on the current research, status of plants in the genus Eleutherococcus and predict future research trends. Additionally, by analyzing the patent landscape of Eleutherococcus plants, this study aims to evaluate the current status and development trends of its technological transformation, thereby providing a decision-making basis for subsequent research, development, and industrialization. Methods Literature searches were performed in four databases: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Sci-Tech Journal Full-text Database (VIP), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform (Wanfang), and Web of Science (WOS), using keywords such as “Eleutherococcus” The retrieved literature was imported into NoteExpress software for screening and deduplication. The exported data were then visualized using CiteSpace and VOSviewer to analyze the distribution of the number of published papers, author and institutional collaboration networks, as well as keyword clustering and co-occurrence networks. The search function of the Incopat patent database was utilized to analyze and summarize global patent trends, geographical distribution, applicant rankings, and applicant type composition related to Eleutherococcus plants. Results A total of 2 081 Chinese articles and 462 English articles meeting the criteria were included. Over the past decade, the number of Chinese publications on Eleutherococcus generally showed a fluctuating decline before stabilizing, while English publications exhibited a fluctuating upward trend. China was the leading country in terms of publication volume. Author collaboration networks were primarily based on intra-team cooperation, with relatively insufficient inter-team collaboration. Through the Incopat patent database, 18 992 patent records related to Eleutherococcus plants were retrieved. Among these, 9 942 patents (52.35%) were domestic applications in China, accounting for more than half of the global patents in this field. Conclusion Domestic research on Eleutherococcus in China is currently in a phase of fluctuating decline, while international research is on the rise. Studies predominantly focus on Acanthopanax senticosus and A. sessiliflorus, with research hotspots trending toward active components, oxidative stress, modern pharmacology, and resource conservation. The global distribution of patents related to Eleutherococcus plants shows significant disparities. Although China has a relatively high number of patent applications, it faces challenges such as reduced application activity in recent years and insufficient innovation.