Objective To investigate the chemical constituents of Euonymus alatus. Methods Separation and purification were performed using normal- and reversed-phase silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, and high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of the obtained compounds were identified using NMR, MS, and X-Ray techniques. The protective effect of the compound against podocyte injury was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. Results Six compounds were isolated and purified from the dichloromethane fraction of the 95% ethanol extract of E. alatus, namely 3β-hydroxy-24-norhopa-4(23) (1), acetyl ursolic acid (2), betulinic acid (3), foliasalaci A4 (4), betulonicacid (5), and ursolic acid lactone (6). Moreover, compound 1 has a significant protective effect against MPC5 cell damage induced by advanced glycation end-products (AGEs). Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound, named 2,4-dehydrowhite birch resinol. All the other compounds were isolated from this plant and plants of the same genus. Compound 1 exhibits anti-podocyte injury activity in a concentration-dependent manner.

Objective To address the issues of poor flowability and high hygroscopicity of fermented Cordyceps powder, the particle size gradation strategy and investigates the relationship between flowability parameters, particle size, and particle size distribution, so as to provide theoretical support and technical guidance for enhancing powder performance and optimizing processing strategies. Methods A laser particle size analyzer, powder characteristics tester, and powder rheometer were employed to systematically characterize the particle size distribution, static flowability parameters (angle of repose, Hausner ratio, and flat plate angle, etc.), and rheological properties (flow energy, aeration, permeability, and shear behavior) of the fermented Cordyceps powder. The effects of different particle size ratios on powder packing behavior and hygroscopicity were analyzed. Results Particle size is a critical factor affecting powder flowability. A particle size ratio of 24-80 (95:5) mesh yielded optimal packing performance. Hygroscopic kinetics modeling showed that both the double exponential and Weibull models provided good fits for describing the moisture absorption behavior of powders with different particle sizes, offering quantitative indicators of hygroscopicity. Conclusion Particle size gradation design provides a new strategy for improving the flowability and stability of fermented Cordyceps powder.

Objective To establish the pressing process of the Fujv decoction pieces of Daqingye (Isatidis Folium, IF), and determine the optimal process parameters. Methods The contents of indirubin, isovitexin and tryptanthrin in IF were determined by HPLC. The paste yield was determined by hot maceration. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-entropy weight method was used to determine the weight coefficients of each index and calculate the comprehensive score. Pressure, compression time, drying temperature and drying time were investigated as single factors. The AHP-entropy weight method combined with the Box-Behnken design-response surface methodoly (BBD-RSM) was used to optimize the pressing process of the decoction pieces of the Fujv decoction pieces of IF. Results The optimal parameters of the initial pressing process of the decoction pieces of the Fujv decoction pieces are as follows: After moistening, the medicinal materials were cut into 5—7 mm pieces, pressed at 4 MPa for 60 s, and baked at 60 ℃ for 4 h. Under these conditions, the overall desirability (OD) value of the validation tests was 94.12%, which is close to the predicted OD value of 93.30%. Conclusion The compression process for IF Fujv decoction pieces is practically feasible, providing a reference for the development and utilization of such pieces.

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents from the twigs and leaves of Alstonia mairei and to evaluate their antifungal activity. Methods The separation and purification were conducted by a variety of chromatographic separation techniques, including MCI, silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatography, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and electronic circular dichroism (ECD). The antifungal activity of the selected compounds was evaluated against Candida albicans CMCC98001 and Aspergillus niger R330 using the microbroth dilution method. Results A total of eight compounds were isolated from the twigs and leaves of A. mairei, including one new compound, ent-12-hydroxy-16-methylol-atisane-3-one (1), and seven known compounds, 17-acetylsarpagine (2), 1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-oxo-β-carboline (3), vinorine N₄-oxide (4), vinorine (5), yohimbine (6), hancockinol (7), ent-16β, 17-dihydroxyatlsan-3-one (8). The MICs of compound 1 and 8 against A. niger R330 were 12.5 and 6.25 μg/mL, respectively. Conclusion Compound 1 is a new diterpenoid named alstomanoid A, and compounds 3, 7 and 8 are isolated from the genus of A. mairei for the first time. Compounds 1 and 8 show antifungal effect against A. niger R330.

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents of the intestinal bacteria transformation products of total saponins from Platycodon grandiflorus and their anti-drug-induced liver injury activity. Methods The compounds were isolated and purified by column chromatography techniques including AB-8 macroporous resin, normal phase silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 gel chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. Their structures were identified based on physicochemical properties, mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectral data. The anti-drug-induced liver injury activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated using an acetaminophen-induced AML12 cell hepatic injury model. Results A total of 16 compounds were isolated from the intestinal bacteria transformation products of total saponins from P. grandifloras and identified as 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyloxy-2β,3β,16α,23-tetrahydroxyolean-12-en-28-oic acid-28-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside (1), polygalacin D (2), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl platycodigenin (3), platycodin D₃ (4), platycoside F (5), platycodin D (6), deapio-platycodin D (7), platycodonoid B (8), 3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl polygalacic acid (9), leiyemudanoside A (10), linoleic acid (11), (6Z,9Z)-6,9-hexadecadienoic acid (12), glyceryl linoleate (13), (2S)-1-O-(9Z,12Z-octadecandienyl)-3-O-β-galactosyl glycerol (14), dibutyl phthalate (15), and triallyl isocyanurate (16). Anti-drug-induced liver injury activity study showed that compounds 1—3, 5—7, 9, and 14 significantly inhibited the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in acetaminophen-induced AML12 cell supernatants (P < 0.05,0.01). Conclusion A total of 16 compounds were successfully isolated and identified from the intestinal bacterial transformation products from total saponins of P. grandiflorus. Compound 1 is a new compound named des-apio-xylosyl polygalacin D. Compounds 1—3, 5—7, 9, and 14 exhibit significant anti-drug-induced liver injury activities, showing potential hepatoprotective effects.

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.

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.

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.

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.