Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs

Evaluation of influence of different fresh processing methods on quality of Isatidis Radix processed based on HPLC fingerprint, chemometrics, and hierarchical analysis-entropy weighting model

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(10): 3974-3982.

Objective To establish fingerprint spectra for Bailangen (Isatidis Radix) slices and methods for determining representative component content. Developing a quality prediction system through mathematical modeling to investigate the patterns of quality changes in Isatidis Radix during different fresh processing methods. Method Collecting fresh Isatidis Radix and preparing 15 batches of Isatidis Radix slices by controlling drying methods, drying temperature, drying time, and water treatment duration. HPLC was used to establish the fingerprint and calibrate the total peaks. Combining hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) to evaluate the quality of 15 batches of Isatidis Radix, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-entropy weighting method was used to determine the weights of each indicator, and a comprehensive score was calculated. Results HPLC fingerprints were established for 15 batches of Isatidis Radix, with a similarity of 0.891 to 0.997 between each group. Eleven common peaks were calibrated, and four components were identified: uridine, guanosine, (R,S)-goitrin, and adenosine. HCA analysis divided the samples into two clusters based on differences in the drying process; PCA extracted three principal components, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 83.973%; OPLS-DA analysis showed that (R,S)-goitrin and guanosine may be important markers for distinguishing differences in the quality of Chinese herbal medicine slices; the comprehensive score of the entropy weight method showed that the 60 ℃ drying for 5 h process had the highest score. Conclusion Fingerprinting combined with chemical pattern recognition can distinguish Isatidis Radix slices prepared using different fresh processing methods, screen for key factors affecting the quality of Isatidis Radix slices, and provide a reference for quality control and evaluation of freshly processed fresh Isatidis Radix slices.

Application progress and challenges of metal-organic framework materials in field of traditional Chinese medicine

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(10): 3983-3994.

Metal-organic framework materials (MOFs) are porous crystalline materials formed by coordination bonds between metal ion centers and organic ligands, exhibiting superior properties such as high specific surface area, controllable pore size structure, and excellent biocompatibility. They provide an innovative technological approach to address critical challenges in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, including low solubility, poor stability, and suboptimal bioavailability of active components. Aligned with the historical context of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry being awarded to MOFs, this article systematically reviews the application advancements of five major MOF types—zeolitic imidazolate frameworks, university of oslos, materials of institute lavoisiers, porous coordination networks and isoreticular metal-organic frameworks—in TCM research. The discussion emphasizes the application priorities of different framework materials from the perspective of “structure-activity relationship”. Furthermore, the study delves into practical issues such as excessive focus on individual components, insufficiently established in vivo biosafety profiles, and high costs associated with large-scale production. Finally, it explores pathways for integrating the material properties of MOFs with the TCM “jun-chen-zuo-shi” (sovereign-minister-assistant-guide) compatibility theory, proposing a novel paradigm for biomimetic intelligent delivery systems to facilitate the modernization, internationalization, and clinical commercialization of TCM.

Research progress and prospects of dissolving microneedles for transdermal delivery of traditional Chinese medicine

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(10): 3995-4007.

Dissolving microneedles (DMNs), as an emerging transdermal drug delivery technology, can transiently penetrate the stratum corneum through micron-scale needle arrays to achieve efficient drug delivery, featuring minimal invasiveness, painless administration, good biocompatibility, and high patient compliance. With advances in materials science and pharmaceutical engineering, increasing attention has been paid to the application of DMNs in transdermal delivery of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), providing a novel strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional topical TCM formulations, such as low permeation efficiency and unstable therapeutic effects. This review systematically summarizes the evolution of carriers for transdermal TCM delivery and the developmental basis of dissolving microneedles, with emphasis on the structural types, drug delivery mechanisms, and commonly used fabrication methods of DMNs. In addition, recent research progress on the application of DMNs in the treatment of skin diseases, inflammatory disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia, cosmetic therapy, and pain management is reviewed. Finally, the current technical challenges associated with DMNs are discussed, and their future prospects in TCM modernization and precision delivery are highlighted. This review aims to provide references for the design optimization and further research of microneedle-based transdermal delivery systems for TCM.

Research progress on Tripterygium wilfordii and its active ingredients in treatment of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(10): 4008-4016.

Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) is an orbital inflammatory disease closely related to thyroid dysfunction and autoimmunity. The pathogenesis of TAO has not been fully elucidated yet. The conventional treatments have problems such as significant adverse reactions and high drug resistance rates. Through a systematic review of the research progress of Tripterygium wilfordii and its active components in the treatment of TAO from five aspects: theory, clinical practice, mechanism, clinical application safety, and nano-formulation, this paper explores the potential of Tripterygium wilfordii and its active components in treating TAO. The theoretical analysis shows that Tripterygium wilfordii’s functions of dispelling wind, removing dampness, relaxing muscles and tendons, and promoting blood circulation and relieving pain are in line with the pathogenesis of TAO, which involves liver depression, spleen deficiency, and blood stasis blocking the meridians. Clinical studies have confirmed that Tripterygium wilfordii alone or in combination with methimazole, prednisone, etc., can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of TAO patients. Mechanism research further reveals that the effects of Tripterygium wilfordii and its active components in treating TAO involve inhibiting inflammatory and immune responses, as well as anti-fibrotic effects, etc. In terms of clinical application safety, adverse reactions can be alleviated by adjusting dosage, formulation, processing methods, and compatibility. In terms of formulation improvement, the nano-delivery system, through targeted strategies, significantly enhances the targeted enrichment and therapeutic selectivity of active components of Tripterygium wilfordii in the lesion site, which is a key approach to achieving clinical enhancement of efficacy and reduction of toxicity. In summary, Tripterygium wilfordii and its active components show good potential in treating TAO in terms of theory, clinical practice, mechanism, and safety. Combined with modern nanotechnology and other formulation improvements, this may provide a promising new strategy for the traditional Chinese medicine prevention and treatment of TAO.

Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine regulating NLRP3 inflammasome to alleviate doxorubicin toxicity

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(10): 4017-4027.

Doxorubicin is an anthracycline antitumor drug widely used in clinical practice, but its therapeutic value is significantly limited due to adverse reactions such as dose-dependent cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, and there is an urgent need to find preventive and therapeutic drugs. Recent studies have found that abnormal activation of NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) is one of the important mechanisms underlying doxorubicin-induced toxicity in different target organs, whereas traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and its active components can effectively inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome and alleviate doxorubicin-induced toxicity. By systematically summarizing recent experimental research on how TCM and its active components ameliorate doxorubicin toxicity through regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome, it was found that they can alleviate doxorubicin toxicity in terms of cardiac and renal protection. These studies provide important theoretical evidence and potential therapeutic strategies for using TCM to intervene in the related adverse effects of doxorubicin.

Tibetan medicine for high altitude sleep disorders: Mechanisms and characteristics of ethnic medication

ZHENG Qin, XU Yuewen, XU Huanhua, KE Gang, GAO Yue, LI Mengyao, HU Guoting, HU Huixuan, HU Pengyi

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(10): 4028-4037.

High altitude sleep disturbance (HASD) is a common condition occurring in high-altitude regions due to low pressure and low oxygen levels. Its primary manifestations include insomnia, sleep apnea, and significantly reduced sleep quality. Severe cases may also trigger acute high-altitude illnesses such as high-altitude pulmonary edema and high-altitude cerebral edema. Following acute exposure to high altitudes, the incidence of HASD is notably high, posing a serious threat to physical health and quality of life. It has thus become a significant public health concern in plateau regions. Modern medical drug therapies for HASD demonstrate limited efficacy and are associated with side effects such as drowsiness and drug resistance. Therefore, in-depth exploration of its pathogenesis and the pursuit of safer, more effective treatment methods are of significant importance. Tibetan medicine, as a traditional medical system, emphasizes diagnosis and treatment based on the three factors theory (rlung, mkhris-pa, bad-kan). It offers holistic regulatory advantages through multi-dimensional, multi-component, and multi-pathway approaches. Safe and reliable, it regulates bodily functions through multi-target synergistic effects, presenting a potential key pathway for addressing HASD. HASD primarily affects sleep regulation centers across various brain regions. Tibetan medicine's holistic perspective views the human body as deeply interconnected with the natural environment. External changes like hypoxia or atmospheric pressure fluctuations disrupt the body’s “rlung” equilibrium, leading to neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain. This, in turn, triggers emotional disturbances and sleep disorders. This paper explores the application of Tibetan medicine tailored to local conditions for treating HASD based on existing research, summarizing advances in related mechanism studies. It aims to provide more substantial reference for innovative applications of Tibetan medicinal formulas and novel drug development targeting HASD.

Research progress on mechanism of natural terpenoids interfering with PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in treatment of lung cancer

ZHAO Rui, HAO Erwei, ZHANG Fan

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(10): 4038-4050.

At present, lung cancer is mainly treated by surgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapy, among which targeted therapy is expected to be the most effective method. With the increasing understanding of molecular changes and genomic biomarkers that promote the development of lung cancer, it has been found that the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway is an important part of the development of lung cancer. This pathway is an important signaling pathway that is widely present in cells. Activation can lead to a variety of characteristics of cancer, including acquired growth signal autonomy, apoptosis inhibition, continuous angiogenesis, increased tissue invasion and metastasis, and insensitivity to anti-growth signals, thereby regulating the process of cancer. Natural terpenoids can exert anti-lung cancer activity by inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway. However, the research on such compounds mostly stays at the level of in vitro and in vivo research, and there is a lack of systematic review and summary of these data. Based on these current situations, this review summarizes the current understanding of natural terpenoids in regulating lung cancer progression through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, aiming to explore new targeted drugs and provide relevant theoretical basis for clinical treatment of lung cancer.

Modern application status and industrial development considerations of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(10): 4051-4062.

As a traditional Chinese medicine herb, Kushen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix) possesses the functions of clearing heat and drying dampness, killing worms, and promoting urination, and has been widely used in clinical practice. With the rapid advancement of modern analytical technologies and increasing industrial demand, the development and utilization of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix have been continuously expanded across multiple sectors, including Chinese patent medicines, chemical drugs, veterinary medicines, pesticides, and cosmetics, resulting in the formation of a relatively complete industrial chain.This review systematically summarizes the resource distribution and trade status of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, as well as the impact of processing and preparation techniques on its quality and pharmacological efficacy. Particular emphasis is placed on its current applications and dosage-form characteristics in Chinese patent medicines, chemical drugs, veterinary medicines, green pesticides, and cosmetic products. In addition, based on national drug and veterinary drug registration data, pesticide registration information, and patent literature, the product structure and technological innovation trends related to Sophorae Flavescentis Radix are comprehensively analyzed. Finally, future research and industrial development directions of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix are discussed from the perspectives of resource security literature, chemical constituent and pharmacological basis studies, exploration of classical and empirical compound prescriptions, multi-sectoral collaborative applications, enhancement of safety evaluation and quality standards, and the establishment of international standards, with the aim of providing a scientific reference for the inheritance, innovation, and high-quality development of the Sophorae Flavescentis Radix industry.

Antitumor mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine regulating tumor-associated neutrophils based on “deficiency-stasis-toxin” pathogenesis

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(10): 4063-4079.

Tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) are immune cells with strong functional plasticity in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Their infiltration, activation, polarization balance, and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) profoundly affect tumor occurrence, development, and immune responses. Polarization imbalance of TANs and excessive formation of NETs are key mechanisms underlying tumor immune evasion. The core pathogenesis of “deficiency-stasis-toxin” in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is closely related to the abnormal function of TANs: deficiency of healthy qi is the fundamental prerequisite for the abnormal function of TANs; intertwining of phlegm and stasis provides a pathological basis for the pro-tumor microenvironment of TANs; and internal accumulation of heat-toxin drives abnormal activation of TANs and amplification of inflammation. With the advantages of multi-target and multi-pathway effects, TCM regulates signaling pathways such as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1)/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) through therapeutic methods including reinforcing healthy qi and eliminating pathogens; resolving phlegm and removing stasis; clearing heat and resolving toxin. These methods can inhibit the abnormal recruitment and activation of TANs, regulate the N1/N2 polarization balance, and reduce NETs production, thereby improving the immunosuppressive state of TME and blocking tumor progression. From the perspective of integrated TCM and Western medical theories, this article systematically explains the tumor regulatory mechanism of TANs and its intrinsic correlation with the core pathogenesis of “deficiency-stasis-toxin” in TCM. It also analyzes the functional mechanism of TCM in regulating TANs based on existing research, which not only lays a theoretical foundation for revealing the scientific connotation of TCM in anti-tumor therapy but also provides core theoretical support for constructing a new integrated TCM and Western medicine strategy for TANs-targeted antitumor therapy.

Research progress on enzymatically modified isoquercitrin

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(10): 4080-4088.

Enzymatically modified isoquercitrin (EMIQ) is a highly water-soluble flavonoid derivative produced through enzymatic glycosylation of isoquercitrin. Compared with quercetin and rutin, EMIQ exhibits markedly improved bioavailability. A growing body of research has demonstrated that EMIQ possesses a broad spectrum of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, cardiovascular-protective, and muscle-enhancing effects. In addition, EMIQ can precisely regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, primarily through activation of the AMPK signaling pathway. Both animal experiments and clinical studies have confirmed its safety and reliability, and EMIQ has been approved for use as a food additive in Japan and the United States. This article provides a comprehensive review of the structural features, physicochemical properties, preparation methods, pharmacological activities, and safety evaluations of EMIQ, with the aim of offering a solid theoretical foundation and practical guidance for future research and industrial development of this compound.