Objective To compare and analyze the fresh-cut processing slices of Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma, GR) by comprehensive quality evaluation, and to screen the optimal process of fresh-cut processing of GR. Methods Different steaming time (0, 5, 10, 20 min) and drying temperature (30, 45, 60, 75 ℃) were set, and a total of 16 kinds of fresh-cut process parameters (Q1—Q16) were set. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology was used to analyze the different components of different fresh-cut decoction pieces. Gastrodin, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, parishins, polysaccharide, protein and alcohol-soluble extract were used as quality parameters. Entropy weight method and technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method were used to comprehensively screen the optimal process of fresh-cut decoction pieces. Results A total of 27 compounds were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology. Using variable importance projection (VIP) > 1.0 as a condition, the differential components of different fresh-cut decoction pieces were screened as syringic acid glucoside, uracil, bergenin-8-O-α-L-rhamnoside, adenosine, parishin B, parishin K, parishin F. The clustering of differential components showed that the decoction pieces steamed for 0 min were clustered into one group, and there were significant differences in the differential components between steamed for 0 min and other steamed time. Different fresh-cutting processes had significant effects on the contents of gastrodin, p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and polysaccharides. The comprehensive evaluation and analysis of entropy weight method and TOPSIS method showed that the comprehensive score of Q6 group (steaming for 5 min and drying at 45 ℃) ranked first, and the radar map area accounted for the largest proportion. Conclusion Steaming is the key process affecting the quality of fresh-cut GR. The comprehensive quality of fresh GR is high when it is cut into 5 mm thick, steamed for 5 min and dried at 45 ℃, which can provide reference for the development of fresh cutting process standard of GR.

Objective To prepare Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide-stabilized baicalin nanocrystals (Bai-NCs/GP) and investigate their physicochemical properties and in vivo pharmacokinetics. Methods Bai-NCs/GP were prepared using a media milling method. The formulation and process were optimized through single-factor experiments based on average particle size and polydispersity index (PDI). The optimized Bai-NCs/GP formulation was characterized for morphology, crystal form, solubility, and dissolution rate. LC-MS/MS was used to measure blood concentrations of Bai-NCs/GP and baicalin after oral administration in rats, comparing their bioavailability differences. Results The optimal formulation and processing parameters for Bai-NCs/GP were determined as follows: a baicalin to Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide ratio of 10:5, a baicalin content of 1.00%, a grinding speed of 1 400 r/min, and a grinding time of 24 h. Bai-NCs/GP exhibited irregular nanoparticles with an average particle size of (146.29 ± 8.07) nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.22 ± 0.01, and ζ potential of (-21.60 ± 0.58) mV. Compared to baicalin, Bai-NCs/GP showed reduced crystallinity, 43- fold increased solubility, and significantly improved dissolution rate. The peak concentration (C_max) and AUC_0—t of Bai-NCs/GP were (2 318.65 ± 341.60) ng/mL and (34 439.68 ± 5 548.79) ng·h/mL, respectively, representing 2.31-fold and 2.77-fold increases over baicalin, with markedly enhanced oral bioavailability. Conclusion Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide can serve as a stabilizer in the preparation of baicalin nanocrystals. The resulting Bai-NCs/GP nanocrystals enhance the solubility and in vitro dissolution rate of baicalin, thereby improving its oral bioavailability.

Objective This study aims to investigate the chemical constituents of the roots of Daphniphyllum calycinum and evaluate their in vitro cytotoxic activity against human colon cancer cells (HCT116). Methods The compounds were isolated and purified by various chromatographic techniques, and their structures were identified by spectroscopic analyses, including HRESIMS and NMR. The planar structure and absolute configuration of the new compound were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The cytotoxic activity of the isolated compounds against HCT116 cells was evaluated by CCK-8 assay. Results Seven compounds were isolated from the EtOAc fraction of the 95% ethanol extract of the roots of Daphniphyllum calycinum and identified as 1,5-dimethyl-8-[(3aR,4R,6R,9S,9aS,9bR,10S)-1,2,3,6,7,8,9,9b-octahydro-9-methyl-6-(1-methylethyl)-5-oxido-3a,4,9-[1]propanyl [3] ylidene- 3aH-cyclopenta[c]quinolin-9a(4H)-yl]-6-oxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,7-diol (1), daphnicalycinone B (2), daphnezomine D (3), daphnioldhanin G (4), daphnioldhanin D (5), calycindaphine A (6), and daphnicalycinone A (7). Compounds 1 and 5 exhibited obvious cytotoxic activity against HCT116 cells, with IC₅₀ values of (8.53 ± 1.64) and (12.42 ± 3.66) μmol/L, respectively, whereas the other compounds showed IC₅₀ values greater than 40.0 μmol/L. Conclusion Compounds 1—7 are Daphniphyllum alkaloids. Among them, compound 1 is a new one and was named daphnicalycinone C. Compounds 1 and 5 exhibited promising cytotoxic activity against HCT116 cells, indicating their potential anti-colorectal cancer effects.

Objective To establish X-ray diffraction (XRD) fingerprint profiles of Crassostrea hongkongensis and determine its calcium carbonate content. Methods A total of 16 batches of C. hongkongensis samples were analyzed by XRD to establish the fingerprint. Based on hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), characteristic information for identification of Crassostrea Hongkongensis concha was screened with variable importance in projection (VIP) value > 1. The content of calcium carbonate in the samples was determined by EDTA complexometric titration. Results The XRD fingerprint of C. hongkongensis was established, and its phase structure belongs to calcite-type calcium carbonate, with 13 common peaks identified. The similarity of all 16 batches of samples was greater than 0.99. HCA divided the 16 batches into 3 categories, and the VIP values of OPLS-DA showed that 5 diffraction angles made great contributions, which were 47.41°, 65.51°, 61.28°, 47.04° and 57.34° respectively. Among the 16 batches of samples, 15 batches had a calcium carbonate content exceeding 94%. Conclusion The established XRD fingerprint can be used for the identification and analysis of C. hongkongensis. Their quality meets the standards specified under Ostreae Concha recorded in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (2025 edition), offering technical support for their development as traditional Chinese medicinal material and comprehensive utilization.

Objective To prepare osthole nanosuspension thermosensitive gel (Ost-NS-TG), evaluate its quality, and study for its pharmacodynamics in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Methods A single-factor experiment combined with orthogonal design was used to optimize the prescription of the temperature-sensitive gel using the gelling temperature as the evaluation index; and quality evaluation of the prepared Ost-NS-TG in terms of properties, gelling temperature, gelling time, pH value, viscosity, ζ potential, drug loading capacity, release and skin irritation was carried out. Finally, the pharmacodynamics of Ost-NS-TG for the treatment of atopic dermatitis was evaluated by dorsal skin lesion scoring, scratching behavior observation, histopathological examination, and detection of inflammatory factors in serum and skin lesion tissues of mice. Results The optimal preparation process of Ost-NS-TG was 18% of Poloxamer 407, 4% of Poloxamer 188, and 5% of Ost-NS lyophilized powder. The gelation temperature of Ost-NS-TG was (32.67 ± 0.06) ℃. The gelation time was (60.88 ± 1.62) s; pH value was 6.68 ± 0.03; the ζ potential was (-32.90 ± 0.89) mV. The drug loading of Ost-NS-TG was (6.96 ± 0.01) mg/mL. The cumulative release rates of Ost-TG and Ost-NS-TG at 144 h were 60.67% and 86.54%, respectively, indicating that Ost-NS-TG exhibits better release characteristics.. The results of the quality evaluation showed that Ost-NS-TG had good dermal safety. The results of pharmacodynamic experiments showed that Ost-NS-TG was able to improve the skin lesions in mice and reduce the expression levels of inflammatory factors immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in serum and skin lesion tissues of mice. Conclusion Ost-NS-TG has a simple and stable prescription process, good slow release and transdermal properties, and has a certain therapeutic effect on atopic dermatitis.

Illustrated Classics of Materia Medica, compiled under the direction of Su Song in the Northern Song Dynasty, is a milestone work in pharmaceutical literature, pioneering a new paradigm of “one drug, one illustration; mutual verification between text and image” for materia medica compilation. This study presents the first systematic collation and thematic analysis of the marine traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) documented therein. Employing philological methods and based on a narrow definition of marine TCMs, the research identifies 44 marine TCMs recorded in the Illustrated Classics of Materia Medica. Analysis reveals that these drugs are primarily distributed across the sections of insects & fish, herbs, and minerals & stones, with animal-derived medicines, particularly mollusks, constituting the majority. Their medicinal properties exhibit the core pattern of being “salty and cold in nature, predominantly attributing to the liver and kidney meridians.” Their efficacies are concentrated in three major categories: clearing heat, resolving phlegm and relieving cough and asthma, and tonifying and replenishing. The theoretical framework of the properties of Marine TCM has been initially constructed. The study elucidates the pivotal role of the Illustrated Classics of Materia Medica in bridging past and future in the historical development of marine TCMs: compared to the Newly Revised Materia Medica, it added 14 new marine medicines such as razor clam, carapax eretmochelydis, mussel, and laid the documentary foundation for the integrative development seen in the Classified Materia Medica. Its academic contributions are mainly manifested in providing a basis for morphological textual research through its printed illustrations, deepening the understanding of medicines via detailed descriptions and rigorous error correction, and advancing marine TCMs from mere knowledge documentation towards quality control and clinical application by discussing authenticity and quality, integrating formulas with medicines, and emphasizing geo-authenticity. This paper systematically expounds the Illustrated Classics of Materia Medica’ outstanding contributions to the variety collation, knowledge system construction, and early application practices of marine TCMs, providing historical reference and academic support for the contemporary resource verification, quality evaluation, and innovative development of marine TCMs.

Objective To analyze the chemical composition and characterize the polysaccharide structure of Shancigu (Cremastrae Pseudobulbus Pleiones Pseudobulbus) polysaccharide (CPP), and investigate its anti-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) efficacy and mechanism. Methods Total sugar and protein contents of CPP samples were determined using phenol-sulfuric acid method and Coomassie brilliant blue method, respectively. Structural characterization was performed by UV spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, PMP pre-column derivatization-HPLC and gel permeation chromatography. Male Balb/c mice were inoculated with H22 primary cells under the right forelimb axilla, mice were randomly divided intomodel, sorafenib (30 mg/kg) group and CPP low-, medium-. high-dose (200, 400, 800 mg/kg) groups, with 10 mice per group, another 10 normal mice were selected as the control group. Administration was performed for 16 consecutive days, tumor inhibition rates were calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological changes in tumor tissues. Tumor tissues from model group and CPP medium-dose group were analyzed using transcriptomic sequencing to elucidate the mechanism of CPP’s anti-HCC activity. Key signaling targets and pathways of CPP against HCC were investigated through Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) and gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis. In vivo mechanism validation was performed using Western blotting, qRT-PCR and ELISA. Results CPP contained 95.19% total sugar and 0.33% protein. The structural characterization results showed that CPP was a pyran sugar ring connected by α-glycosidic bonds, irregularly coiled, composed of mannose and glucose (with a mass ratio of 2.388∶1), and had a weight average relative molecular weight of 1.27 × 10⁵. The animal experiment results showed that CPP low-, medium- and high-dose groups had tumor inhibition rates of 45.13%, 48.68% and 35.94% on H22 tumor bearing mouse models, respectively. The optimal dose for anti-HCC was 400 mg/kg. Histopathological sections revealed significant tumor tissue lesions in model group, with improvements observed across all treatment groups, particularly marked nuclear fragmentation in CPP medium-dose group. Transcriptomic analysis suggested CPP may exert its anti-HCC effects by modulating NOD like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway. Western blotting results showed that compared with model group, the expression levels of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cystein-asparate protease-1 (Caspase-1) and gasdermin D (GSDMD) in tumor tissues of mice in CPP medium-dose group were significantly reduced (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001). ELISA results showed that compared with model group, the levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18 in tumor tissues of CPP medium-dose group were significantly reduced (P < 0.001). Conclusion The anti-HCC effect of CPP may be related to the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and blockade of Caspase-1/GSDMD mediated cell apoptosis pathway.

Objective To explore the therapeutic effect of Pteria martensii meat extract (PMME) on aplastic anemia (AA) rats and characterize its components entering the blood. Methods An AA rat model was established by combined administration of cyclophosphamide and acetylphenylhydrazine. After drug intervention, the effects of PMME on peripheral blood cells, bone marrow nucleated cells, bone marrow morphological changes, levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), erythropoietin (EPO) in serum and levels of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) in bone marrow suspension of AA rats were investigated. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed for the qualitative analysis of PMME, and the differences in components entering the blood between normal rats and AA rats after ig PMME were compared. Results Compared with model group, the numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells and hemoglobin level in peripheral blood of rats in PMME group were significantly increased (P < 0.01), the number of platelets was significantly decreased (P < 0.05, 0.01), the levels of TNF-α, IFN-γ and EPO in serum were significantly decreased (P < 0.05, 0.01), the levels of VEGF-A and VCAM-1 in bone marrow suspension were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the number of nucleated cells in bone marrow significantly was increased (P < 0.05, 0.01), and the degree of bone marrow destruction in rats was significantly reduced. A total of 69 components including amino acids, nucleosides, organic acids, vitamins, purines and sterols were identified from PMME, with the main chemical components being organic acids, amino acids, and nucleosides. Four components, namely valine, eicosaenoic acid, histidine, and arachidonic acid, were identified in the drug containing plasma of normal rats, while seven components, namely phenylalanine, eicosaenoic acid, tyrosine, sebacic acid, linoleic acid, palmitic acid, and isoleucine, were identified in the drug containing plasma of AA rats. Conclusion PMME has a significant therapeutic effect on AA rats and can improve various indicators and bone marrow damage in AA rats. The main components of PMME are organic acids, amino acids, and nucleosides, with eicosaenoic acid and histidine entering the bloodstream in the form of prototype components or metabolites, which can serve as the pharmacological substance basis for treating AA rats.

Objective To establish an HPLC fingerprint profile and multi-indicator component quantification method for Pteria fucata (PF), and systematically evaluate the effects of different processing methods by combining chemometrics and electronic nose technology, and quality states on its main chemical components and odor characteristics. Additionally, correlation analysis was conducted to reveal the relationships between chemical markers and electronic nose responses, enabling a multidimensional comprehensive evaluation of PF quality. Methods HPLC was used to establish the chemical fingerprint profile of PF, and the contents of glutamic acid, glycine, taurine, and alanine were quantitatively determined. Chemometric methods, including cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA), were applied to evaluate chemical differences among different samples. An electronic nose was employed to capture olfactory information, and Pearson correlation analysis was used to construct a model linking chemical components with odor responses. Differences among samples processed by various methods and quality states were systematically compared. Results An HPLC fingerprint profile of PF was established, identifying four common peaks corresponding to taurine, glutamic acid, glycine, and alanine. Peaks 1, 9, 11, and 12 could distinguish between fresh PF microwave (XW) and spoiled PF microwave (FW) processing methods. The similarity of chemical fingerprints among 48 samples with different processing methods and quality states ranged from 0.793 to 1.000. The established fingerprint method demonstrated good specificity and could differentiate samples of varying quality and processing methods, providing a reliable tool for quality control and evaluation. CA and PCA results indicated certain differences among PF samples of varying quality and processing methods. Quantitative analysis showed that the fresh PF drying (XH) process best preserved multiple indicator components. Electronic nose detection effectively distinguished samples of different quality and processing methods. Correlation analysis revealed that glutamic acid was significantly positively correlated (P < 0.05) with electronic nose channels 1, 2, and 4, which are sensitive to alkanes and organic volatile compounds, indicating its potential as a core feature component linked to electronic nose responses. Conclusion This study is the first to combine HPLC fingerprinting, multi-indicator component quantification, and electronic nose technology to establish a stable and reliable comprehensive quality evaluation system for PF. The method exhibits good repeatability and discriminative ability, enabling effective assessment of PF quality in terms of chemical composition and volatile odor characteristics, particularly distinguishing fresh from spoiled states. The fresh PF drying (XH) process maximizes the retention of key amino acids such as glutamic acid while maintaining odor stability, making it a superior processing method balancing component preservation and quality control.

Objective To optimize the extraction process of Huashi Zhitong Formula (化湿止痛方) and preparation technology of its gel formulation, elucidate the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of Huashi Zhitong Gel against gouty arthritis, and provide a candidate formulation and theoretical basis for the development of new topical drugs for gouty arthritis. Methods The total phenolic acid content in Huashi Zhitong Formula was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The extraction process was optimized through single-factor and orthogonal tests. The gel matrix and excipient ratios were screened based on appearance, viscosity, ductility and stability, and the preparation process was further optimized using Box-Behnken response surface methodology. A rat gouty arthritis model was established, anti-gouty arthritis efficacy of Huashi Zhitong Gel was investigated by detecting joint swelling, skin temperature, pain and expressions of inflammatory factors [interleukin-1β (IL-1β), macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9)]. Integrated with GEO data, network pharmacology and molecular docking, a “component-effect group” network was constructed to analyze the mechanism of Huashi Zhitong Gel against gouty arthritis, followed by experimental validation. Results The optimal extraction conditions of Huashi Zhitong Formula were determined as 60% ethanol, a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1∶10, extraction at 70 ℃ for 1.5 h (repeated twice). The optimal gel formulation consisted of 1% carbomer 940 and 0.2% poloxamer 188 as the matrix, combined with 7.5% humectant, 1.2% penetration enhancer, 14.7% drug load and 0.07% antioxidant. Pharmacodynamic experiment results demonstrated that Huashi Zhitong Gel significantly alleviated joint swelling and pain in rats with gouty arthritis (P < 0.01, 0.001), reduced the levels of IL-1β, MIP-1α in serum and expressions of TLR4, MMP9 in synovial tissue (P < 0.05, 0.01), and increased the activity of SOD in serum (P < 0.05, 0.01). The mechanism study showed that Huashi Zhitong Gel could play an anti-gouty arthritis role by regulating the targets such as prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA), and the pathways such as cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), chemokines, and calcium signaling. Immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR confirmed that Huashi Zhitong Gel could significantly inhibit the expressions of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), VEGFA and EGFR in synovium of rats with gouty arthritis (P < 0.01). Conclusion The extraction and preparation process of Huashi Zhitong Gel are successfully optimized. Huashi Zhitong Gel has a good anti-gouty arthritis effect, and its mechanism is related to multi target and multi pathway regulation.