Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs

Best practice in reporting guidelines for Chinese herbal medicines research: A review

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3261-3273.

With the increased global demand for Chinese herbal medicines (CHM), the standardization and internationalization of CHM have been of interest to the scientific and research communities. However, there are some challenges in ensuring the quality of research and the acceptability globally since the complexity of the ingredients in CHM and their extracts. In this review, the international best practices in research reporting guidelines of CHM were summarized and discussed, including approaches to sourcing, cultivation and harvesting, extraction, preparation, bioactive constituents and quality control markers, as well as pesticide residues and safety, in vitro and in vivo studies, clinical trials, and the application of artificial intelligence. This review aims to enhance the reproducibility, and ensure precise interpretation of results, and hence, to improve research quality and transparent reporting, to facilitate the internationalization and standardization of CHM.

Chemical constituents of Tibetan medicine Ligularia virgaurea

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3274-3280.

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents of Tibetan medicine Ligularia virgaurea. Methods The compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, ODS reversed-phase column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC, and the structures were identified by spectral data (NMR and MS). Results A total of 19 compounds were isolated and identified as follows 1-[(1S,3aR,4R,7S,7aS)-4-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-7-propan-2-yl-1,2,3,3a,5,6,7,7a-octahydroinden-1-yl]ethanone (1), 10α-hydroxy-1-oxoeremophila-7(11),8(9)-dien-12,8-olide (2), 6α,10α-dihydroxy-1-oxoeremophila-7(11),8(9)-dien-12,8-olide (3), 3-hydroxycacalolide (4), 6β-acetoxy-9-oxo-10αH-furanoeremophilane (5), pinoresinol (6), medioresinol (7), syringaresinol (8), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (9), methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (10), syringic acid (11), 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid (12), dimethy phthalate (13), syringin (14)、lupeol (15), obtusifoliol (16), ethyl linoleate (17), 15-vaccenic acid (18), 10-eicosenoic acid (19). Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound, designated 14-hydroxy-oplopanone. Compounds 5—14, 16—19 are isolated from L. virgaurea for the first time.

A novel limonoid-type triterpene from Melia toosendan

DU Lin, WANG Qihui, FU Xiaohong, ZHANG Shuo, WANG Fang, YANG Min

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3281-3288.

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents of limonoid-type triterpenes from the 95% ethanol extract of Melia toosendan and their antitumor activity. Methods The compounds were isolated and purified using various chromatographic techniques, including normal-pressure column chromatography, high-pressure column chromatography, and gel column chromatography. The isolated compounds were structurally characterized by modern spectroscopic techniques. Their antitumor activity was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. Results Eight limonoid-type triterpenoids were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of M. toosendan. Structural elucidation by spectroscopic techniques identified them as 15-oxotrichilinin (1), 11,15-dioxotrichilinin (2), 12-O-ethyl nimbolinin B (3), mufolinoid U (4), trichilinin (5), trichilinin D (6), trichilinin E (7), and trichilinin G (8). Activity evaluation results showed that all compounds exhibited varying degrees of inhibitory effects on four tumor cell lines. Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound, named 15-oxotrichilinin. Antitumor activity results indicated that compounds 1—8 all possess antitumor activity to varying extents, with some compounds showing favorable activity against HepG2 cells.

Chemical comparison of different Dioscoreae Rhizoma germplasm resources based on metabolomics

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3300-3312.

Objective To compare different varieties of Dioscoreae Rhizoma and reveal their chemical differences, providing a basis for targeted breeding of Dioscoreae Rhizoma varieties. Methods Eight batches of Dioscoreae Rhizoma materials with different germplasms were collected, their agronomic traits were measured and compared. Subsequently, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS)-based untargeted metabolomic approach was employed to systematically analyze their chemical compositions. Multivariate statistical methods, including principal component analysis (PCA), cluster heatmap analysis and correlation plots, were used to dissect the metabolic product differences among varieties and their associations with agronomic traits. Results The eight batches of Dioscoreae Rhizoma showed significant differences in indicators such as yield and tuber morphology. Based on high-resolution mass spectrometry, 164 chemical components were identified across the eight batches of Dioscoreae Rhizoma, including peptides, amino acids, flavonoids, and saponins. PCA indicated significant differences among the eight batches of Dioscoreae Rhizoma germplasm resources. Saponin levels were relatively high in Jin Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Taigu Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Shuangbang Dioscoreae Rhizoma, and Ma Dioscoreae Rhizoma, while Taigu Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Jin Dioscoreae Rhizoma, and Ma Dioscoreae Rhizoma exhibited similar chemical characteristics in terms of flavonoids. Cluster heatmap analysis revealed potential chemical markers, providing a basis for rapid discrimination among different varieties. The chemical differences between medicinal-edible Dioscoreae Rhizoma varieties such as Tiegun Dioscoreae Rhizoma and Shandong Ximao and other varieties may be related with amino acids and peptides. The correlation network indicated that stem diameter was significantly positively correlated with saponins, while bulbils weight showed positive correlations with saponins and flavonoids but negative correlations with amino acids and peptides. Conclusion The eight different batches of Dioscoreae Rhizoma possess distinct chemical characteristics, which provide a scientific basis for the targeted breeding of medicinal and edible-specific Dioscoreae Rhizoma varieties.

Preparation and preliminary evaluation of anti-tumor activity of polyphyllin VI metal-organic framework nanoparticles

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3313-3328.

Objective A targeted nanoformulation (PEG-PTP/PPVI@IRMOF-1) was constructed by encapsulating the traditional Chinese medicine antitumor active component polyphyllin VI (PPVI) within isoreticular metal-organic framework-1 (IRMOF-1) and coating it with a cell-penetrating peptide. The study aims to characterize the nanoformulation and conduct a preliminary evaluation of its in vitro antitumor efficacy. Methods PEG-PTP/PPVI@IRMOF-1 was fabricated via the “triethylamine precipitation method” and “reaction coating method”; The physicochemical properties of the nanoformulation, including particle size, morphology, thermal stability, and specific surface area, were characterized by particle size and ζ-potential measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) gas adsorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Hemolysis assay was used to assess the biosafety of nanomaterials. CCK-8 assay was adopted to evaluate the material safety and detect the effect of nanoparticles on the proliferation of human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells. The effect of materials and nanoparticles on the nuclear morphology of PANC-1 cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy; The targeting capability of the nanoparticles ex vivo was assessed by laser scanning confocal microscopy; The effects of nanoparticles on cell proliferation and migration were examined using colony formation and scratch assays, respectively; Flow cytometry was employed to determine the impact of the nanoparticles on the cellular apoptosis rate and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels; The effect of nanoparticles on the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of cells was examined by laser confocal microscopy. Results The targeted nanoformulation PEG-PTP/PPVI@IRMOF-1 was successfully fabricated as a dry white powder. The nanoparticles exhibited a quasi-spherical morphology with an average particle size of about (177.47 ± 3.97) nm and a ζ potential of (−7.94 ± 0.14) mV; The drug loading capacity (DLC) of PPVI@IRMOF-1 was (43.02 ± 0.08)%; The nanomaterial showed excellent biocompatibility; Notably, targeted peptide modification can significantly enhance the drug uptake of tumor cells, significantly inhibit cell proliferation, promote the production of ROS and the decrease of MMP in cells, and induce apoptosis of tumor cells. Conclusion The prepared PEG-PTP/PPVI@IRMOF-1 nanoparticles possess uniform morphology, high drug loading capacity, and good biocompatibility. Moreover, the nanoformulation significantly enhances the in vitro antitumor efficacy of PPVI, providing a reference for the development of PPVI-based antitumor formulations.

Preparation of Astragalus membranaceus water extract-Blumea balsamifera oil Pickering emulsion stabilized by soybean protein isolate and its synergistic wound healing-promoting effect

WANG Li, WANG Zuhua, ZHOU Ying, ZHU Yue, CHEN Teng, CHEN Zhiyong, PANG Yuxin

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3329-3342.

Objective To construct a Blumea balsamifera oil (BBO) Pickering emulsion (AMWE-BBO@PE) stabilized by soybean protein isolate (SPI) and loaded with Astragalus membranaceus water extract (AMWE), and evaluate its physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, and effect on wound healing in mice. Methods AMWE-BBO@PE was prepared by ultrasonic emulsification method using SPI as the stabilizer and BBO as the oil phase. Key process partners including the concentration of AMWE, oil-water ratio, and ultrasonic power were optimized via single-factor experiments. The particle size, ζ potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and stability of the emulsion were characterized; its micromorphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and optical microscopy. Additionally, its transdermal penetration ability, antibacterial activity, and wound healing-promoting effect were evaluated. Results The optimal process partners were determined as follows: oil-water ratio of 4%, AMWE mass concentration of 0.020 g/mL, and ultrasonic power of 30 W. The prepared emulsion exhibited a regular elliptical shape with an average particle size of (422.2 ± 2.2) nm, PDI of 0.076 ± 0.019, and ζ potential of (−33.95 ± 0.54) mV, showing good stability. The cumulative transdermal amount within 48 h reached 4.857 mg, and the transdermal rate was approximately 6.3-fold higher than that of the BBO group. Furthermore, the emulsion displayed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, accelerated the deposition and remodeling of collagen fibers, and remarkably promoted the healing of skin wounds in mice. Conclusion The AMWE-BBO@PE Pickering emulsion possesses excellent antibacterial activity and wound healing-promoting capacity, providing a novel strategy for the development of efficient and stable transdermal delivery systems for aqueous extracts of traditional Chinese medicines.

Identification and transfer relationship of key attributes in preparation process of Crataegi Fructus formula granules based on QbD principle

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3343-3352.

Objective This study applied the quality by design (QbD) principle to identify key attributes and elucidate their transfer relationships along the “spray-dried powder-ribbon-granule” manufacturing chain of Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus) formula granules. Methods A fractional factorial design was implemented to investigate seven major factors affecting the properties of the spray-dried powder, ribbons, and granules. The relevant properties of these intermediates were measured. Modeling and attribute identification were performed using analysis of variance, multiple linear regression, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Results Excipient amount, inlet air temperature, and roller pressure were identified as critical process parameters. A key attribute transfer relationship was established, centered on glass transition temperature (T_g) and median particle size (D₅₀), and associated with supporting attributes including moisture content (H₁), bulk density (ρ_b1), tapped density (ρ_t1) of the spray-dried powder, ribbon yield, and granule yield. Among these, T_g served as a representative key indicator with both discriminative and transfer functions. Conclusion This research clarifies the identification and transfer relationships of key attributes in the dry granulation process of Crataegi Fructus formula granules, providing a basis for developing effective quality control strategies and supporting the high-quality development of the formula granules industry.

Comparative analysis of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos quality using smart sensory technology and multi-component content analysis across different drying methods

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3353-3364.

Objective To compare the levels of multiple components (phenolic acids and luteolin glycoside) in Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, LJF), along with changes in “colour, aroma and flavor”, under different drying methods to determine the optimal drying technique. Methods Quality control of phenolic acids and luteoloside in LJF was conducted using HPLC technology. Intelligent sensory technology was employed to study the color, aroma, and taste characteristics of LJF under different drying methods. The quality of LJF processed with various drying techniques was evaluated through correlation analysis of color-aroma-taste and multiple indicator components. Results Steam-blanched drying, freeze-vacuum drying, and microwave-blanched drying resulted in higher total phenolic acid content, while sun-drying, microwave-blanched drying, and steam-blanched drying yielded higher luteoloside levels. The differences in color-aroma-taste profiles of LJF under different drying methods were reflected in brightness (L^*), red-green chromaticity (a^*), and responses from W5S, W1W, W1S, W2S, W2W sensors, along with bitterness and astringency. Correlation analysis revealed that higher total phenolic acids correlated with darker green coloration, elevated W1W sensor responses, intensified astringency, and reduced bitterness. Conversely, increased luteoloside content was associated with higher brightness and diminished responses from W5S and W1W sensors. Freeze-vacuum drying produced optimal color, shade-drying achieved the most pronounced aroma, while steam-blanched and microwave-blanched drying generated distinctive bitter and astringent aftertastes. Conclusion From the perspectives of multi-component retention, chromatic characteristics, and taste profile, steam-blanched drying and microwave-blanched drying have been identified as the optimal drying processing methods for LJF. This study provides a novel methodology for optimizing drying techniques and enabling rapid quality assessment of LJF.

Optimisation of preparation process of asiaticoside mPEG-PLGA microspheres and its in vitro evaluation

CAI Jiajing, ZHANG Xueqiong, HU Chen, CHEN Hailin, DING Jie

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3365-3374.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the optimal preparation process for asiaticoside microspheres using polyethylene glycol-polylactic acid-glycolic acid copolymer (mPEG-PLGA) as the carrier. Methods Key process parameters affecting microsphere preparation were first screened from factors including curing temperature, emulsifier PVA concentration, stirring speed, water-to-oil ratio, and mPEG-PLGA concentration. Subsequently, a Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology (BBD-RSM) experiment was employed to further optimize the preparation conditions for the drug-loaded microspheres. Their morphology, particle size distribution, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release behavior, and biocompatibility were comprehensively evaluated. Results Curing temperature, stirring speed, emulsifier PVA and mPEG-PLGA concentrations, and water-to-oil ratio all influenced the encapsulation efficiency and morphology of the microspheres. Among them, curing temperature and mPEG-PLGA concentration had a greater impact: both excessively high and low curing temperatures reduced encapsulation efficiency; increasing mPEG-PLGA concentration improved encapsulation efficiency, but excessively high concentrations led to adhesion and increased particle size. The optimized conditions were 40 ℃, 1 800 r/min, with appropriate emulsifier PVA and mPEG-PLGA concentrations. Using mPEG-PLGA concentration, water-to-oil ratio, and emulsifier PVA concentration as investigation factors in a 3-factor, 3-level BBD experimental design, the optimal preparation process for asiaticoside mPEG-PLGA microspheres was determined as: mPEG-PLGA concentration 123.8 g/L, PVA mass concentration 9.8 g/L, and water-to-oil ratio 12.7∶1. The resulting microspheres had uniform particle size (58.97 ± 4.44) μm, a drug loading of (8.43 ± 0.16)%, and an encapsulation efficiency of (62.66 ± 0.84)%. They released approximately 80% of asiaticoside at a stable rate within 96 h, and maintained over 90% cell viability after 72 h of co-culture with L929 cells. Conclusion Asiaticoside-loaded mPEG-PLGA microspheres were successfully prepared. The obtained microspheres exhibit uniform particle size, relatively high encapsulation efficiency and drug loading, enable sustained drug release, and possess good biocompatibility. This system utilizes the hydrophilicity of mPEG-PLGA to improve drug stability and release behavior, providing a new strategy for the efficient delivery of asiaticoside.

Investigation on preparation process of benchmark sample of classical prescription Yinchenhao Decoction

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3375-3383.

Objective To investigate the preparation process of the benchmark sample of Yinchenhao Decoction (YD, 茵陈蒿汤). Methods An HPLC method was established to simultaneous determine the content of 11 components in YD, including chlorogenic acid, 1-caffeoylquinic acid (1-CQA), geniposide, shanzhiside, genipin gentiobioside (GG), crocin I, crocin II, jasminoside B, aloe emodin-8-O-glucopyranoside (AE8G), rhein-8-O-glucoside (R8G) and gallic acid. Using the extraction amount or transfer rate of these 11 components as indicators, single factor investigations were conducted on the preparation of benchmark sample of YD, including the decocting methods, quantity of water addition, decoction time, decoction times, and concentration temperature. Taking the quantity of water addition, decoction time, and concentration temperature as the evaluation factors, the two levels set for the single factor investigations mentioned above were optimized and combined by the orthogonal experimental method, and the optimized process was verified through amplification experiments. Results The single-factor investigation indicated that the extraction amounts of six, nine, and 10 components were higher under the conditions of co-decoction, decocting with 18-fold and 15-fold water for 30 min and 20 min, respectively, compared to the conditions of pre-decocting Yinchen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba) followed by decocting with 12-fold and 10-fold water for 60 min and 40 min (P < 0.05, 0.01). Compared with the total amount extracted three times, the extraction amount of each component in the first two decoctions were all close to or exceeded 70%. The transfer rates of two components were significantly higher under reduced-pressure concentration at 50  ℃ than at 80  ℃ (P < 0.01). The optimal preparation process using orthogonal experiment for the benchmark sample of YD was as follows: decocting the three herbs together twice, with 18-fold and 15-fold volume water, for 30 and 20 min, respectively, then concentrating at 50 ℃ under reduced pressure. The results of the validation experiment magnified by 10 was consistent with lab-scale results. Conclusion The optimized process is stable, simple, and repeatable, which can be used for the preparation of substance benchmark of classical prescription YD.