Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs

Dynamic study on accumulation of secondary metabolites in leaves of Acanthopanax senticosus during growth season

TONG Yaqian, GAO Xinglei, TANG Zhonghua, ZHOU Yaxin, CHENG Cheng, FAN Guizhi

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3538-3547.

Objective To clarify the dynamic accumulation pattern of secondary metabolites in the leaves of Acanthopanax senticosus during the growth season, providing theoretical support for precision-guided leaf harvesting tailored to different usage purposes. Methods Colorimetric method and untargeted metabolomics technology were used to analyze the dynamic accumulation characteristics of metabolites such as flavonoids, polyphenols and saponins in the leaves of A. senticosus. Results The growth season was divided into 13 stages (L1—L13) based on leaf morphodevelopmental traits. Total flavonoids, polyphenols, triterpenoids, and saponins exhibited bimodal accumulation peaks at L3 (the peak leaf expansion stage) and L11 (the end of July), with maximum contents at L11, reaching 8.02-, 1.68-, 1.61-, and 1.63-fold increases, respectively, compared to L1. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that, relative to L3, L11 showed specific upregulation of phenylpropanoid and flavonoid biosynthesis pathways, coupled with synergistic accumulation of light signaling molecules (FAD, lumiflavin) and defense-related compounds (sinapine, quercetin glycosides), while nucleotide synthesis precursors significantly decreased. Additionally, the pharmacopoeial quality control indicator syringin increased by 2.51-fold in L11 relative to L3. Conclusion The secondary metabolism of A. senticosus leaves exhibits significant developmental stage-dependence, among which the L11 stage is a high-enrichment period, this provides metabolomic evidence for the precise utilization of A. senticosus leaves.

Exploration of bitter bioactive components and quality control of Coptis chinensis from various origins

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3548-3561.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the correlation between bitterness and antioxidant activity in Coptis chinensis, systematically characterize its bitter-active compounds, and establish a corresponding quality control method, using an integration of electronic sensory techniques, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and molecular docking. Methods The bitterness intensity and antioxidant capacity of C. chinensis. from three geographical origins were quantified via an electronic tongue and in vitro antioxidant assays, and a subsequent correlation analysis was conducted to explore their relationship. Chemical constituents were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and differential components and potential bitter compounds were screened by integrating plant metabolomics and correlation analysis between chemical components and bitterness. Molecular docking was performed to further screen components with strong binding affinity to the bitter taste receptors TAS2R1, TAS2R7, TAS2R8, and TAS2R14, and their binding modes were summarized. By integrating these results, the bitter-active compounds responsible for both taste and antioxidant effects were identified. Subsequently, a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of seven key bitter-active compounds (groenlandicine, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, epiberberine, coptisine, palmatine, and berberine) for quality control. Results Correlation analysis confirmed a positive relationship between bitterness intensity and antioxidant capacity across the three origins. UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis led to the identification of 87 chemical constituents, from which origin-specific differential components and potential bitter-tasting substances were screened. Molecular docking identified 18 components with high binding affinity to the target bitter receptors, and their specific binding modes were elucidated. Integrated analysis pinpointed the bitter-active compounds in C. chinensis that contribute to both taste perception and antioxidant activity. A reliable HPLC method for the simultaneous quantification of the seven key bitter-active compounds was successfully established. Conclusion This study clarified the bitter-active compounds in C. chinensis and developed a quality control method based on these components. The findings provide a theoretical foundation and practical reference for elucidating the “bitter taste-efficacy” relationship and for optimizing the quality control system of C. chinensis.

Analysis and evaluation of different parts and quality of Taraxacum mongolicum based on HPLC fingerprint and multi-component quantitative analysis combined with chemical pattern recognition

LI Yunfa, SANG Hongyang, QIAO Junhao, XIE Caixia, SU Chengfu, WANG Ruisheng, YANG Chunjing, GONG Haiyan, LEI Jingwei

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3562-3571.

Objective To elucidate the chemical composition differences among various parts of Pugongying (Taraxacum mongolicum), this study compared cultivated and wild T. mongolicum samples, dividing them into three parts: whole plant, above-ground parts, and roots. Methods A Venusil C₁₈chromatographic column was used with acetonitrile-0.2% phosphoric acid as the mobile phase for gradient elution at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, column temperature of 30 °C, and detection wavelength of 330 nm. A fingerprint spectrum of T. mongolicum medicinal materials was established, and the contents of six components (monocaffeoyl tartaric acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, and chicoric acid) were determined in different parts. The collected fingerprint spectrum data were analyzed using similarity evaluation, cluster analysis (CA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Results The T. mongolicum fingerprint spectrum identified nine common peaks, with six major chemical components confirmed and five primary differential components screened. Quantitative analysis revealed significant differences in chemical composition content between T. mongolicum roots compared to whole plant and above-ground parts. Conclusion This method is simple, reliable, and highly reproducible. The comprehensive quality evaluation model provides objective analytical results suitable for holistic quality assessment of T. mongolicum medicinal materials. This study enriches research on quality analysis of T. mongolicum and offers evidence for future development, quality standardization, and clinical application.

Study on multi-wavelength fingerprints of Hemerocallis citrina leaves and five index components by QAMS

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3572-3578.

Objective Huanghuacai (Hemerocallis citrina) is a traditional vegetable with anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant effects. Its leaves are widely used in Taiwan and other regions to promote sleep, however, there are few reports on its chemical composition. This article aims to analyze the characteristic components of H. citrina leaves by fingerprint spectrum and to further determine the content of the index components, including chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercitrin, and quercetin, providing a basis for better utilization and quality evaluation of H. citrina leaves. Methods Firstly, the ethanol extraction method was used to prepare H. citrina leaves extract. Chromatographic separation was performed by DIKMA spursil C₁₈ column (250 mm × 4.6 mm, 5 mm) maintained at 30 ℃ and the mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.5% acetic acid water. The injection volume was 10 mL, the detection wavelength was 190—400 nm and the flow rate was 1 mL/min. Based on the principle of maximum absorption wavelength, the wavelengths of 258 nm was selected in two periods of 0—5.5 and 23—48 min, the wavelengths of 300 and 370 nm were selected in two periods of 5.5—23 and 48—80 min respectively, and a three-wavelength switching fingerprint was constructed. Secondly,a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) was used to determine the contents of chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin, and quercetin in ethanol extract of H. citrina leaves. Results The similarity of fingerprint spectrums of 10 batches of H. citrina leaves was above 0.90, and the three-wavelength switching fingerprint spectrums included 42 common peaks (accounting for more than 90% of the total peak area), of which 11, 25, and 26, 32 and 37 were identified as chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercitrin, and quercetin. With quercetin (S) as the internal reference, the relative correction factors of chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, and quercitrin were obtained by the QAMS as 1.402, 1.896, 1.268, 1.221. The average contents of the above five components in 10 batches of H. citrina leaves are 0.079, 0.086, 0.374, 0.325, 0.037 mg/g. There was no significant difference between the external standard method and QAMS. Conclusion The three-wavelength switching fingerprint spectrum constructed in this study has significantly increased the number of chromatographic peaks contained in any single wavelength fingerprint spectrum and can be used to characterize the chemical composition of H. citrina leaves. The QAMS further constructed can be used to determine the content of chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercitrin, and quercetin at one time. This study provides a methodological basis and reference for the comprehensive evaluation of H. citrina leaves quality.

Analysis of key elements in clinical trial design for innovative traditional Chinese medicine in treatment of insomnia and implementation paths

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3579-3587.

Insomnia is a highly prevalent sleep disorder in clinical practice that severely impairs patients' daytime function and quality of life, and there are still unmet medical needs in its clinical treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in the treatment of insomnia, such as holistic regulation, mild adverse reactions, and long-lasting efficacy.In February 2026, the Center for Drug Evaluation of the National Medical Products Administration issued the Guiding Principles for Clinical Trials of Therapeutic Drugs for Chronic Insomnia (for Trial Implementation). However, it lacks targeted and specific regulatory guidance for the clinical trial design of innovative traditional Chinese medicines. Traditional Chinese medicines exert therapeutic effects on insomnia through multiple targets and pathways, which is significantly different from the clinical trial design of chemical drugs. Based on the clinical advantages and characteristics of TCM in the treatment of insomnia, combined with Chinese and Western medicine guidelines for insomnia, technical requirements for TCM clinical trials, and relevant research progress, this paper systematically analyzes key elements including trial background, diagnostic criteria, inclusion and exclusion criteria, run-in period and treatment course design, background therapy and concomitant medication, efficacy and safety indicators, control group selection, statistical analysis, and benefit-risk, and clarifies the design principles, implementation points, and precautions for each key element in the clinical trials of innovative TCM for insomnia, proposes scientific and rational clinical trial design strategies for innovative TCM in the treatment of insomnia, provides a reference for the standardized conduct of such clinical trials, and supports the establishment of high-quality TCM evidence-based evidence and the research, development and promotion of innovative traditional Chinese medicines.

Synergistic mechanism of “cardio-pulmonary-muscular-skeletal” functional axis and clinical evidence for traditional Chinese medicine formulae in improving exercise capacity in patients with cardiovascular disease

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3588-3599.

Impaired exercise capacity is an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The vicious cycle triggered by CVD, centered on cardiac dysfunction, progressively compromises pulmonary ventilation/gas exchange, skeletal muscle metabolism, and skeletal function, collectively leading to exercise intolerance. The “cardio-pulmonary-muscular-skeletal” functional axis theory is proposed to elucidate this multisystem deterioration. Within the framework, this review systematically discusses the mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions synergistically reverse exercise intolerance. These mechanisms include improving cardiac and vascular function, enhancing pulmonary ventilation and oxygenation, increasing muscle mass and metabolic function, and maintaining bone quality and mechanical function, thereby leveraging the multi-targeted and holistic regulatory advantages of TCM. Although the overall quality of clinical evidence remains moderate, a multidimensional evidence system centered on exercise tolerance has been established. This evidence confirms the consistent benefits of TCM formulas on core indicators across the functional axis. The functional axis theory provides an innovative framework for understanding the multisystemic underlying mechanisms of exercise capacity decline in CVD patients and for guiding holistic TCM-based interventions, highlighting the unique value of TCM in cardiac rehabilitation.

Research strategies on relationship between depression and sex hormone imbalance caused by cholesterol metabolism disorder and Chinese herbal medicine intervention

XIE Jiamei, JIA Chongning, WANG Yujing, Li Kaiwen, ZHAO Yunhao, TIAN Junsheng

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3600-3608.

As the precursor of sex hormone synthesis, depression is profoundly influenced by metabolic pathways, which also affect how patients respond to antidepressants. In addition, when sex hormones are dysregulated, it significantly increases both the risk of developing depression and the likelihood of its worsening over time, and the disorder of cholesterol metabolism can lead to depression by disrupting the homeostasis of sex hormone microenvironment in the brain. Therefore, drugs can exert antidepressant effects by mediating cholesterol metabolism, regulating the levels of sex hormones and their receptors, and restoring the homeostasis of brain sex hormone microenvironment. This article aims to review the mechanism of the imbalance of brain sex hormone homeostasis caused by cholesterol mediated metabolic disorders of neurosteroid deficiency, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperactivation, and inflammatory pathway activation. Furthermore, stable isotope tracing, metabolomics, biological network regulation and other technologies were applied to reveal the internal mechanism of “cholesterol metabolism sex hormone homeostasis depression”, as well as the regulatory effect of drug intervention on depression. It provides novel research strategies for revealing the mechanism of depression and drug intervention from the perspective of homeostatic regulation of sex hormone microenvironment.

Current status and challenges of micelle self-assembly in traditional Chinese medicine pharmaceutical process

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3609-3621.

Micelles, formed through the self-assembly of amphiphilic molecules, hold significant promise as drug delivery systems for enhancing the solubility, stability, and targeting properties of active components in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Within the field of Chinese medicine formulation, numerous active constituents can spontaneously form micelles or be encapsulated within micellar carriers via specific preparation techniques, thereby effectively improving drug performance. This paper reviews the formation mechanisms, preparation techniques, and current applications of TCM micelles. In view of the hybrid nature of micelles within complex TCM systems, it combines structural characterisation techniques with key influencing factors in micelle formation. The study identifies existing issues such as disordered self-assembly and lack of controllability in current research, proposing corresponding suggestions and future directions. This aims to provide theoretical reference for modernisation of TCM and the development of innovative formulations.

Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine-regulated immune microenvironment for lung cancer intervention

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3622-3635.

Lung cancer is a malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality rates in the global. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas have achieved breakthrough progress in regulating the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) and serving as adjuvant therapy for lung cancer. However, due to the multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway synergistic effects of TCM formulas, elucidating their mechanisms of regulating TME remains a significant challenge. This review systematically summarizes TCM’s understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of lung cancer, as well as clinical treatment principles. It further explores the molecular mechanisms by which TCM regulates tumor immune microenvironments and provide insights into future research strategies for deciphering the mechanisms underlying the regulation of TME by TCM formulas. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis for understanding TCM-mediated TME regulation against lung cancer and promoting the precise application of TCM formulas in clinical lung cancer treatment.

Research progress on Nelumbinis Plumula treatment for insomnia based on gut microbiota

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(9): 3636-3645.

Insomnia, as a common sleep disorder, exhibits a rising incidence rate annually, with its pathogenesis closely linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. Currently, most of the clinical methods for the treatment of insomnia have limitations and adverse reactions. A review of recent domestic and international literature indicates that Lianzixin (Nelumbinis Plumula) possesses multi-component, multi-pathway, and multi-target characteristics. It exerts sedative and hypnotic effects by regulating the gut microbiota composition, influencing intestinal barrier function, microbial composition, and their metabolites, while also suppressing inflammatory responses and modulating immune homeostasis. However, its specific molecular mechanism network has not yet been fully elucidated. This review elaborates on mechanism of gut microbiota in occurrence and development of insomnia and the regulatory effects of Nelumbinis Plumula, establishes a systematic analysis of “Nelumbinis Plumula-gut microbiota-insomnia” axis, and provides theoretical support and reference for developing Nelumbinis Plumula-based insomnia treatments and microbiota-targeted drugs, advancing the collaborative prevention and treatment of insomnia through traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine from basic research to precision clinical therapy.