Objective To investigate the chemical constituents and their antitumor activities isolated from Cyperus rotundus. Methods The isolates were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex gel, reversed-phase C₁₈ column chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The structures of the obtained compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Finally, all compounds were subjected to MTT assays to evaluate their anti-tumor activities. Results Two new diphenyl ethers were obtained from C. rotundus, specifically as 2,3′-dihydroxy-5,2′,5′-trimethoxy diphenyl ether (1) and 2,3′-dihydroxy-4,2′,5′-trimethoxy diphenyl ether (2). Both compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on human colon cancer cell line HCT116, with median inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) values of (24.20 ± 0.77) and (25.26 ± 0.65) μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion Compounds 1 and 2 are new compounds with anti-tumor potential, named cydipethers A (1) and B (2). Diphenyl ethers were identified from C. rotundus for the first time.

Spectrum-effect relationship research in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) serves as a crucial technical bridge between traditional therapeutic efficacy and modern scientific research. By elucidating the intrinsic correlations between the chemical spectra of TCM and their pharmacological activities, this approach enables accurate identification of pharmacodynamically active substances and elucidation of their mechanisms of action. It thereby provides an innovative foundation for scientific quality control of TCM. However, inherent characteristics of TCM and current research limitations present significant challenges in this field. Centered on framework of “spectrum-efficacy, spectrum-effect relationships and achievement transformation”, this review systematically summarizes the key challenges facing spectrum-effect research in TCM, analyzes their underlying causes, and offers recommendations for standardizing future studies and industrializing research outcomes. This work aims to advance spectrum-effect research toward greater scientific rigor, systematicity, and practical value.

Objective To study the chemical constituents and in vitro antioxidant activity of Euphorbia heterophylla. Methods Comprehensive separation and purification were performed using normal-phase silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 gel column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by comprehensive spectroscopic analyses (1D NMR, 2D NMR, HRMS) combined with single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The in vitro antioxidant activities of the isolated compounds were evaluated by DPPH and ABTS methods. Results A total of 18 compounds were isolated from the ethanol extract of E. heterophylla, their structures were elucidated as (3R,5R,8R,9R,13S,14R,17R,18R,21R)-3-hydroxy-21-isopropyl-4,4,9,13,14,17-hexamethyl-cyclopenta[a]chrysen-1(10)-en-2-one (1), β-amyrin ferulate (2), stigmasterol-4-en-3-one (3), isoquercitrin (4), quercetin 3-O-α-L-rhamnoside (5), kaempferol-3-O-α-arabifuranoside (6), kaempferol-3-O-α-L-rhamnoside (7), multiflorin A (8), 4,6-dimethoxyphthalide (9), vanillin (10), p-hydroxybenzaldehyde (11), protocatechuic acid (12), vanillic acid (13), 3-hydroxy-1-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl) propan-1-one (14), ferulic acid (15), diethylhexyl adipate (16), 13-propylheptacosane (17) and 1-n-decanoyl hydroxy-benzoic acid (18), respectively. Antioxidant activity evaluation revealed that compounds 5 and 15 exhibited potent DPPH radical scavenging activity, with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) values of (15.88 ± 0.84) μg/mL and (15.95 ± 0.75) μg/mL, respectively. Moreover, compound 15 also exhibited potent ABTS radical scavenging activity, with an IC₅₀ value of (2.54 ± 0.57) μg/mL, outperforming the positive control L-ascorbic acid [(IC₅₀ 12.25 ± 0.82) μg/mL]. Conclusion Compound 1 is a novel fernane-type triterpenoid and named as euheterophyllfernane A, compounds 2—3, 6—11, 14 and 16—18 are isolated from E. heterophylla for the first time.

Objective To investigate the pharmacodynamic effect and mechanism of casticin on improving colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). Methods A CAC mouse model was established using azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induction, followed by intervention with casticin. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of casticin were evaluated by comparing body weight changes, disease activity index, colonic tumor burden, tumor-bearing survival rates, organ indices, pathological alterations and serum liver function indicators. Intestinal microbiota structural alterations were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Differentially expressed proteins and key signaling pathways were screened through proteomic techniques. Western blotting was performed to validate key protein expressions. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis based on TCGA database was conducted to evaluate the prognostic value of target genes, and molecular docking was employed to predict the binding modes between casticin and target proteins. The interaction between gut microbiota and host targets was revealed through correlation analysis. Results Compared with model group, casticin significantly alleviated body weight loss in CAC mice, improved intestinal inflammatory responses, reduced colonic tumor volume and tumor burden (P < 0.05), and improved survival rates of tumor-bearing mice. Safety evaluation showed no significant abnormalities in serum liver indicators and histomorphology of major organs in all treatment groups. 16S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that casticin effectively reversed CAC-induced intestinal dysbiosis, significantly downregulated the relative abundance of pro-carcinogenic phyla Fusobacteriota and Patesbacteria, while enriched the anti-inflammatory genera Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and Prevotellaceae_UCG-001 that produce short-chain fatty acids. Proteomic analysis identified the complement and coagulation cascade pathway as the core responsive pathway, with dose-dependent restoration of microenvironment remodeling-related molecule serine protease inhibitor 1 (Serpine1) and immune recognition receptor integrin alpha M (Itgam) expression. Western blotting validation demonstrated that compared with model group, the protein expression levels of Itgam and Serpine1 in colonic tissues were significantly downregulated in casticin group (P < 0.01, 0.001), consistent with the proteomic trend analysis. Integrated analysis further revealed that the abundance of beneficial bacteria such as Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group was significantly negatively correlated with the expression of microenvironment remodeling molecule Serpine1, while the abundance of pro-carcinogenic bacteria such as Fusobacteriota was significantly positively correlated with the expression of immune recognition receptor Itgam. Conclusion Casticin can reshape the intestinal microbiota structure, regulate key molecular responses in the complement and coagulation cascade pathway, thereby synergistically blocking the inflammatory-carcinogenic transformation process of CAC.

The direct incorporation of crude drug powders into traditional Chinese medicine preparations represents a distinctive approach. While this method has unique advantages in preserving the full spectrum of herbal constituents and embodying the principle of “drug-excipient combination”, it also presents challenges such as microbial contamination, poor formulation formability, low dissolution rates of active ingredients, and difficulties in quality control. This paper statistically analyzes the distribution of crude drug powder formulations in the 2025 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, examines the application characteristics of crude drug powders in pharmaceuticals, and systematically reviews existing key issues. Furthermore, it explores solution strategies from dimensions including sterilization technology, powder properties modification, ultrafine grinding (particle design), and online detection. It also outlines future research directions, aiming to provide references for process optimization and quality enhancement of crude drug powder formulations.

Genuine medicinal materials (Dao-di medicines) are renowned for their superior quality and proven efficacy, and serve as a core marker for assessing and ensuring the quality of traditional Chinese medicine. However, due to the combined effects of the widespread adoption of modern cultivation techniques and market demand, the boundaries of traditional Dao-di producing regions are becoming increasingly blurred. Consequently, the accurate identification of Dao-di medicines is becoming ever more important. Significant progress has been made in the identification research of Dao-di medicines. Building upon traditional empirical identification methods, research in this field is now exhibiting a trend towards diversification. Through strategies such as assessment of characteristic morphological features, analysis of key constituents, molecular marker identification, multi-indicator combined analysis, and digital and intelligent recognition, Dao-di medicines have been comprehensively identified from various dimensions. In this article, we systematically reviewed various identification strategies and research progress regarding Dao-di medicines, including macroscopic morphological identification, microscopic identification, physicochemical identification, molecular identification, and digital and intelligent identification, thereby providing foundational reference materials for research into the identification of Dao-di medicines.

Objective To explore the effects of different processing methods on the expectorant and antitussive effects of Zhuli (Bambusae Succus, BS). Methods The chemical composition differences of BS prepared by different processing methods were analyzed by GC-MS technology, and a comprehensive evaluation was conducted using principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to screen for differential and specific components. The microscopic characteristics of bamboo before and after processing were further compared and analyzed. A chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mouse model was established to evaluate the expectorant and antitussive effects of BS prepared by different processing methods. Results This study determined the relative contents of guaiacol and syringol and the overall proportion of phenolic components in BS prepared by three processing methods through GC-MS analysis. In the fire treatment method, the proportions were 4.68%, 2.22%, and 14.93% respectively; in the dry distillation method, they were 5.98%, 6.96%, and 24.77% respectively; in the water boiling method, the overall proportion of phenolic components was 3.65%, and the relative contents of the two components were both below the detection limit. PCA and OPLS-DA indicated that the three processing methods had certain differences in chemical composition and screened out 13 characteristic differential components with distinguishing significance, including 2-methylpheno, creosol, eugenol, 2-methoxy-4-propyl-Phenol, (E)-isoeugenol, vanillin, 2-propenal, 2-methoxy-5-methylphenol, 4-ethylguaiacol, maltol, oleamide, 3, 5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde, pyrrole-2-carboxaldehyde. Cluster analysis showed that the components of the fire processing and dry distillation methods were relatively similar, while both were significantly different from the water boiling method. Microscopic structure observation revealed that the bamboo structure corresponding to the BS prepared by the water boiling method was similar to that of fresh bamboo, while the fire processing and dry distillation methods had more significant changes in bamboo structure. Pharmacological experiments showed that BS prepared by the three methods all exhibited varying degrees of cough-suppressing and expectorant effects, among which the dry distillation method significantly prolonged the cough latency period (P < 0.05) and increased phenol red excretion (P < 0.01). Conclusion Compared with the fire processing and water boiling methods, the dry distillation method can more effectively retain active and convert components such as guaiacol and syringol. Mechanism studies indicated that the water boiling method, due to insufficient heating temperature, was unable to thermally decompose lignin to generate phenolic acid components, resulting in significant differences in chemical composition compared to the traditional fire processing and dry distillation methods, leading to distinct quality characteristics among the three approaches. The efficacy experiments showed that all three methods exhibited expectorant and antitussive effects to varying degrees; among them, the dry distillation method had a more significant effect in prolonging the cough latency period and increasing the phenol red excretion volume. By studying the effects of different processing techniques on the quality of BS and its efficacy in relieving cough and expectorating phlegm, this research provides a theoretical basis for its clinical application, the development of new dosage forms, and the scientific connotation of dry distillation processing.

Objective To study the chemical constituents of the dried leaves of Callicarpa nudiflora and discover bioactive compounds with anti-methicillin-resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) effects. Methods A systematic separation of chemical constituents was conducted by comprehensive chromatographic methods, including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatography and other chromatographic techniques. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis including IR, HR-ESI-MS, ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR, HSQC, HMBC, COSY, etc. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the compounds against Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Escherichia coli, and multidrug-resistant E. coli were determined by the nutrient broth dilution method. Results One monoterpene, named (Z)-2-methyl-6-methyleneocta-2,7-dine-1-yl (E)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)acrylate (1), and four sesquiterpenoids, named monasuslunin (2), (1S,5R,9R)-10,10-dimethyl-2,6-dimethylenebicyclo [7.2.0] undecan-5-ol (3), 7-epi-eudesm-4(15)-ene-1β,6β-diol (4), sclareolide (5) were isolated and identified. Compound 1 exhibited strong inhibitory effects against S. aureus 29213 and MRSA T144, with MICs of 8 μg/mL for both. The MICs against E. coli 25922 and E. coli B2 were both greater than 8 μg/mL. Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound named Callinuene A and compounds 3-5 are first isolated within this species. Compound 1 exhibits significant anti-MRSA activity.

Objective To explore the mechanism by which Taohong Siwu Decoction (桃红四物汤, THSWD) alleviates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) through protecting the integrity and functionality of glycocalyx of brain microvascular endothelial cells. Methods A model of middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO/R) was established to simulate CIRI injury. SD rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, THSWD low-, medium-, high-dose (4.5, 9.0, 18.0 g/kg) groups and nimodipine (20 mg/kg) group, and drugs were given for intervention. After 7 d of modeling, Longa grading system was used for neurological function evaluation, 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining was used to assess cerebral infarction volume. The motion function was evaluated through corner experiments and balance beam experiments. Laser speckle and small animal super-resolution imaging were used to detect cerebral blood flow and cerebral vascular density, Evans blue leak assay combined with Western blotting were to evaluate blood-brain barrier integrity. Glycocalyx morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy. The expression of glycocalyx-related indicator such as syndecan-1 (SDC-1), hyaluronic acid (HA), heparan sulfate (HS), chondroitin sulfate (CS) and core metabolic enzymes of glycocalyx such as heparanase (HPSE), hyaluronidase 2 (Hyal2), neuraminidase 1 (Neu1), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were detected by immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and ELISA, and the effects of HPSE and MMP-9 were verified by enzyme inhibitors. Results Compared with model group, THSWD significantly reduced the cerebral infarction volume in MCAO/R rats (P < 0.05, 0.001), improved neurological function and limb coordination ability (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001), alleviated weight loss, improved cerebral blood flow and microvascular generation in the infarct area, reduced blood-brain barrier leakage (P < 0.01, 0.001), regulated vascular dilation and contraction function (P < 0.01, 0.001). Meanwhile, THSWD could significantly reduce the shedding of core components of glycocalyx (CS, HA, HS, SDC-1) into the serum (P < 0.01, 0.001), and maintain the integrity of glycocalyx by inhibiting the activities of HPSE and MMP-9. Conclusion THSWD reduces the shedding of glycocalyx by inhibiting the activity of HPSE and MMP-9, thereby maintaining the integrity of blood-brain barrier and minimizing stroke damage.

Objective To investigate the targets and mechanisms of Huachansu in alleviating oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity using bioinformatics and network pharmacology. Methods The targets of Huachansu were predicted via SwissTarget Prediction, PharmMapper, and SuperPred databases. Targets associated with oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity were retrieved from GeneCards, OMIM, and Harmonizome 3.0 databases. Combined with differential genes after oxaliplatin treatment from the GEO database, common targets were obtained through intersection analysis. The DAVID database was used for gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. Core targets were screened via the PPI network and machine learning. Single-cell analysis was performed to explore the specific expression landscape of the core targets. AutoDock and Gromacs were employed for molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation, with visualization assisted by PyMOL, QtGrace 2.6 and Python 3.7. Results A total of 37 active components of Huachansu were identified (e.g., telocinobufagin, hellebrigenol). Forty-five common targets were obtained. CCND1, PDGFRB, and other core targets were jointly determined by PPI network and machine learning. Molecular docking showed that telocinobufagin and other components exhibited binding energies of < -5 kcal/mol with Cyclin D1 (CCND1) and platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRB). Molecular dynamics simulation confirmed the stable binding between PDGFRB and telocinobufagin. Single-cell analysis suggested that Huachansu targets PDGFRB in stromal cells to reshape the neuro-supportive microenvironment. Conclusion Huachansu exerts neuroprotective effects at the acute OIPN stage by targeting PDGFRB⁺ neural stromal cells and activating the phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, providing a theoretical basis for the early prevention of chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity.