Objective To investigate trinorcycloartane triterpenoids from the stems and leaves of Astragalus membranaceus (AMSL). Methods Comprehensive separation and purification were performed using silica gel, ODS column chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The structures of the compounds were identified by modern spectroscopic techniques. The cytotoxic activities of the compounds against PC12 cells were assessed using the MTT assay. Results Two trinorcycloartane triterpenoids were isolated from the n-butanol fraction of the 70% ethanol extract of AMSL, namely 1α,3β,12β,16β-tetrahydroxy-25,26,27-trinorcycloartan-24-oic acid methyl ester (1) and 1α,3β,12β-trihydroxy-25,26,27- trinorcycloartan-24,16β-olide (2). The MTT assay showed that compounds 1 and 2 exhibited varying degrees of cytotoxicity against PC12 cells within the concentration range of 5—100 μmol/L. Conclusions Compounds1 and 2 are identified as new trinorcycloartane triterpenoids, named cyclastraine K (1) and cyclastraine L (2), respectively. Both compounds 1 and 2 demonstrate cytotoxicity against PC12 cells.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, which may eventually lead to end-stage renal disease. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) are the main active components of Huangqi (Astragali Radix) and have been proven to possess multiple functions such as antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation and immunomodulation in recent years. Based on the multi-dimensional pharmacological effects of scavenging reactive oxygen species and regulating adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase signaling pathway, inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors, and regulating immune responses, APS can reduce the renal injury caused by oxidative stress in patients with DN, reduce the inflammatory response of the kidneys, improve the immune microcirculation, exhibit renal protective effects, and ultimately delay the progression of DN. However, APS are macromolecular mixtures by acidic heteropolysaccharides and dextran, with poor membrane permeability and low oral bioavailability, which limit their clinical application. This article reviews the mechanism of action of APS in treatment of DN based on their multi-dimensional pharmacological effects and summarizes the research on the formulations of APS, which provide reference and guidance for the application of APS in DN.

Objective To prepare liposomes co-loaded with shikonin and ligustilide (Lip@Shi/Lig), optimize its preparation process, and to investigate its characterization and transdermal performance in vitro. Methods The CCK-8 assay and Synergy Finder analysis tool were used to determine the optimal combination ratio of shikonin and ligustilide based on cell viability. Lip@Shi/Lig was prepared using the thin-film dispersion method, and the optimal formulation of Lip@Shi/Lig was screened through single-factor investigation using encapsulation efficiency as the evaluation criterion. The quality evaluation of Lip@Shi/Lig was conducted using characterization methods, including appearance and morphology observation, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), ζ potential determination, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis. Finally, the transdermal permeability and dermal retention performance of Lip@Shi/Lig were investigated using the Franz diffusion cell method. Results The optimal combined ratio of shikonin and ligustilide was 1∶1. The optimal conditions were determined as follows: egg yolk lecithin concentration of 10 mg/mL, phospholipid-cholesterol ratio of 4∶1, total drug-phospholipid ratio of 1∶15, and ultrasonication time of 5 min. The resulting Lip@Shi/Lig exhibited regular, spherical vesicle morphology, with encapsulation efficiencies of shikonin and ligustilide at (98.16 ±0.67)% and (97.20 ±0.76)%, respectively, particle size of (88.62 ±0.26) nm, PDI of 0.246 ±0.013, and ζ potential of (-36.57 ±1.65) mV. XRD and FT-IR results indicated that shikonin and ligustilide were successfully encapsulated in the liposomes. The cumulative penetration of shikonin and ligustilide in Lip@Shi/Lig within 30 h were (82.97 ±0.72) μg/cm² and (81.57 ±3.59) μg/cm², respectively, with dermal retention rates of (6.12 ±0.18) μg/cm² and (8.08 ±0.04) μg/cm², respectively, both of which were significantly higher than those of the single drug and the single-drug-loaded liposomes. Conclusion Lip@Shi/Lig was successfully prepared with favorable transdermal properties and stability. It significantly enhanced the transdermal penetration and dermal retention of both shikonin and ligustilide, providing a solid experimental foundation for further in vivo studies and potential clinical applications.

Objective To evaluate the quality and differences among different varieties of Mume Flos by analyzing their fingerprints using chemical pattern recognition techniques, combined with quantitative analysis of characteristic components and antioxidant activity assays. Methods Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was used to establish the fingerprints of different varieties of Mume Flos, combined with the chemical pattern recognition technology to explore the differences between different varieties of Mume Flos, screened for the characteristic chemical components that lead to the differences between different varieties of Mume Flos, and quantitatively analyzed them. The antioxidant activity of different varieties of Mume Flos was detected by DPPH free radical scavenging method. Results A total of 22 common peaks were identified in the fingerprints of 33 batches of Mume Flos.The similarity within the varietal group was above 0.869, while the similarity between the varietal groups was relatively low. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to classify the 33 batches of Mume Flos into two major groups and three subgroups, among which the green calyx group could be distinguished from the rest of the samples. The combination of OPLS-DA indicated that 12 components, including chlorogenic acid, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, isochlorogenic acid B, quercitrin, and naringenin, might be the characteristic markers leading to the differences in different varieties of Mume Flos. The results of the content determination showed that the samples from the green calyx variety group were dominant in the content of the components except naringenin. The results of antioxidant activity showed that the antioxidant capacity of green calyx variety group, the vermilion variety group, and DHH were relatively higher, and the antioxidant activities of various varieties of Mume Flos had strong correlations with chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, isochlorogenic acid B. Conclusion The content of components and antioxidant activity of different varieties of Mume Flos have some variability, among which the green calyx variety group is relatively stable. These results provide data support for exploring the variability of different Mume Flos varieties and the preference of “green calyx” for Mume Flos.

Objective To optimize the formulation process of co-loaded nanoparticles (TBF-HQD-SAN NPs) comprising self-assembled nanoparticles of Huangqin Decoction (黄芩汤) (HQD-SAN) and terbinafine (TBF). Methods The HQD-SAN was obtained with high-speed centrifugation combined with dialysis and then TBF was further loaded to prepare TBF-HQD-SAN NPs. Based on the single-factor investigation, taking the concentration of HQD-SAN, the speed of magnetic stirring and the stirring time as the investigation factors, and the drug loading (DL) of TBF, the encapsulation efficiency and the DL of baicalin as the investigation indicators, the formulation and process of TBF-HQD-SAN NPs were optimized by using the 3-factor 3-level Box-Behnken design (BBD)-response surface methodology (RSM). The optimized TBF-HQD-SAN NPs were characterized for morphology, particle size distribution, ζ potential, and drug-loading capacity. Their saturated solubility was determined, and their antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum, T. mentagrophytes, and Microsporum canis was investigated. Results The TBF-HQD-SAN NPs process was optimized by BBD. The established quadratic regression model had excellent fit (all R² > 0.99), and the concentration of HQD-SAN, stirring speed, stirring time and some interaction terms had significant effects on the indicators (P < 0.05). The effect surface analysis showed that the drug loading of TBF decreased with the increase of HQD-SAN concentration and first increased and then decreased with the stirring speed/time. The encapsulation rate/drug loading of baicalin increases with the increased of HQD-SAN concentration and decreased with the extension of stirring speed/time. The optimal process for model selection was as follows: HQD-SAN concentration 5.6 mg/mL, TBF 5 mg, distilled water 4 mL, ultrasonic (50 W, 40 kHz) for 30 min, magnetic stirring at 760 r/min for 1.5 h, and filtration through 0.8 μm filter membrane. The measured values of each index in the verification experiment were close to the predicted values (RSD < 5%). The particle size of the NPs was (185.10 ± 1.73) nm, the polydispersity index (PDI) was 0.22 ± 0.01, and the ζ potential was (−15.17 ± 1.40) mV. The encapsulation efficiency and DL of TBF were (99.81 ± 0.33)% and (3.32 ± 0.09)%, respectively, while those of baicalin were (58.59 ± 1.42)% and (6.71 ± 0.15)%, respectively. The equilibrium solubility was (2.27 ± 0.09) μg/mL for TBF alone, (15.70 ± 1.66) μg/mL for the TBF-HQD-SAN physical mixture (PM), and (78.20 ± 2.22) μg/mL for the TBF-HQD-SAN NPs. The antifungal experiment showed that the antifungal activity of TBF-HQD-SAN NPs (with MIC values ranging from 0.15—0.31 µg/mL, equivalent to 4.98—10.13 ng/mL based on TBF content) was significantly superior to that of HQD-SAN (MIC value 1.56—3.13 mg/mL) and TBF alone (MIC value 0.06—0.50 µg/mL) (P < 0.05). Conclusion The BBD successfully optimized the formulation and preparation process of TBF-HQD-SAN NPs. The resulting NPs demonstrated uniform particle size, excellent drug-loading performance, and significantly enhanced antifungal efficacy, laying a foundation for further research.

Rehmannioside D is an indicator component of Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), a traditional Chinese medicine that shares the same origin in both medicine and food. Rehmannioside D, a natural iridoid glycoside, exhibits a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including nourishing yin and blood, cooling blood and stopping bleeding, providing analgesia, acting as an antidepressant, and preventing osteoporosis, thereby meriting intensified investigation. This paper systematically reviews the recent advances in rehmannioside D research, detailing the optimization of determination methods and the application of new technologies for rehmannioside D, as well as the content determination in different dosage forms. The principles of content variation in different producing areas, processing methods, and tissues of Rehmanniae Radix are summarized. Furthermore, it focuses on elucidating the pharmacological effects of rehmannioside D in the endocrine and cardiovascular systems, nervous system, and other aspects. In addition, this paper critically discusses the existing challenges in its research. The aim is to provide a scientific basis for the further development and clinical application of rehmannioside D, as well as the quality identification and comprehensive utilization of Rehmanniae Radix.

With the rapid development of the traditional Chinese medicine industry, a large amount of waste is produced during the processing of traditional Chinese medicine, especially Chinese herb residues, which lead to severe resource waste and environmental pressure. Meanwhile, due to its advantages of high customizability, design flexibility, and material efficiency, fused deposition modeling 3D printing technology is gaining widespread adoption across various fields. However, commonly used printing materials are often limited by high brittleness, susceptibility to cracking and denting, and lack of functionality. Containing approximately 40% cellulose, Chinese herb residues can serve as a natural reinforcing phase to enhance the mechanical propert ies of printing materials, thus enabling high-value utilization of resources. This article provides a comprehensive review of the classification and material composition of Chinese herbal residues, as well as the transformation of their disposal methods from traditional to green and environmentally friendly approaches, highlights the advantages of new Chinese herbal medicine residue composite materials, the key points for performance optimization, the preparation process, and their application potential in the development of 3D printed products. This article summarize the current challenges and future development directions in this interdisciplinary field, aiming to provide theoretical insights for advancing the high-value utilization of waste and the development of novel green printing materials.

The health status of soil environment directly determines the quality of medicinal plants. Soil physical, chemical, and biological properties are key indicators for evaluating soil health. Their individual or synergistic effects exert profound influences on the growth and development, nutrient absorption and metabolism, as well as bioactive component accumulation of medicinal plants. By clarifying the connotation of soil health, this paper focuses on the impacts of soil health indicators (soil physical, chemical, and biological properties) on the quality development of medicinal plants. It systematically reviews the response mechanisms of medicinal plants in terms of morphology, physiology, biochemistry, and bioactive component accumulation under different soil conditions, and expounds the comprehensive effects of the interactions among soil health indicators on the quality formation of medicinal plants. The purpose is to summarize the interaction mechanism between soil environment and medicinal plants for the growth and quality improvement of Chinese medicinal materials, so as to provide a solid theoretical basis for optimizing the cultivation environment of medicinal plants and promoting the technical application of increasing their yield and quality.

High-altitude sleep disturbance (HASD), a common physiological disorder caused by hypobaric hypoxia, clinically manifests as insomnia, sleep apnea, and sleep fragmentation. Its pathogenesis involves hypoxia-inducible factor activation, oxidative stress, and neuroendocrine dysregulation, with severe cases potentially leading to irreversible neurological damage. The gut-brain axis, a bidirectional communication network between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract, plays a key role in HASD progression. Gut microbiota, as a critical interface between intestinal and cerebral functions, may modulate sleep disorders through neurotransmitter regulation, short-chain fatty acid production, and hormonal pathway modulation. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and traditional Tibetan medicine (TTM) offer unique therapeutic advantages for HASD management. TCM theory suggests that “gastric imbalance disrupts sleep”, while TTM attributes insomnia to “tri-humoral dysregulation”. Both systems align with the modern gut-brain axis theory, emphasizing sleep quality improvement through spleen-stomach system regulation. This study examines the theoretical foundations of TCM and TTM for preventing and treating HASD, summarizing relevant classical prescriptions, monomeric drugs, active ingredients, and novel formulations. Additionally, it explores the pharmacological mechanisms by which TCM and TTM improve HASD by regulating the gut-brain axis, providing safe and effective strategies for individuals entering high-altitude regions.

Objective To establish HPLC fingerprint profiles of raw Dɑnggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, ASR) and ASR processed with wine, and to study the changes in chemical components before and after wine processing by combining multivariate statistical analysis and quantitative determination, providing a reference for the quality evaluation of ASR. Methods HPLC was used to establish the fingerprint profiles of raw ASR and ASR processed with wine, and the contents of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), chlorogenic acid, vanillin, ferulic acid, and ligustilide were determined. The similarity of the profiles was calculated using the Chinese herbal medicine chromatographic fingerprint similarity evaluation system. Common peaks were calibrated, identified, and assigned.. The peak areas of the common peaks before and after wine processing were used as indicators. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were employed to evaluate the intrinsic quality differences between raw and wine-processed ASR and identify the main differential components. Results HPLC fingerprint profiles of ten batches of raw ASR and ASR processed with wine were established. A total of 11 common peaks were identified in raw ASR and 12 common peaks were calibrated in ASR processed with wine. The similarity of the profiles was greater than 0.960. Chemical pattern recognition indicated that peaks 12 (ligustilide), 7, 11, and 6 (ferulic acid) might be the markers of the quality differences before and after wine processing. The content determination results showed that 5-HMF was newly generated after wine processing, while the contents of ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, and vanillin slightly decreased, and the content of ligustilide increased. Conclusion The established fingerprint profiles and multi-component quantitative determination methods for ASR before and after wine processing are stable and reliable, providing a reference for the quality control, comprehensive utilization, and clinical application of ASR and ASR processed with wine.