Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs

Research progress on effects and mechanisms of wind medicines in prevention and treatment of chikungunya fever based on “wind evil” theory

WANG Kexin, ZUO Yuping, ZHOU Yang, WANG Lu, HUANG Ziyan, LI Yuepeng, CHEN Xiaohong, XIONG Dajing, YANG Zifeng

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(8): 2954-2960.

Chikungunya fever (CHIK) is an acute infectious disease caused by chikungunya virus and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Its main clinical manifestations are fever, joint pain and rash, and some patients may develop into chronic arthritis. At present, there are no specific antiviral drugs. Based on the theory of “wind evil” in traditional Chinese medicine, this paper systematically summarizes the role and mechanism of wind medicine in preventing and treating this disease. CHIK belongs to the category of “damp-heat” and “epidemic disease”, and its core pathogenesis is that wind and evil are mixed with dampness, heat and toxin, which are confined to muscle surface meridians. Its characteristics of “good behavior and variable numbers” are highly consistent with the clinical manifestations of sudden high fever in acute stage and wandering joint pain in chronic stage. Wind drugs [such as Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix), etc.] have the functions of expelling wind, eliminating dampness and dredging collaterals, and run through all stages of treatment of CHIK. Representative prescriptions such as Xuanbi Decoction and Juanbi Decoction can significantly improve clinical symptoms. Modern research shows that its active components play a therapeutic role by directly inhibiting virus replication, regulating immune inflammatory response and other multi-target mechanisms. This study provides a theoretical basis for antivirus of traditional Chinese medicine, and highlights the unique value of wind medicine in preventing and treating new infectious diseases.

Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine against antiviral hepatitis

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(8): 2961-2970.

Viral hepatitis is a serious global epidemic. Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E can all cause liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer; each type of viral hepatitis may present with jaundice, and jaundice has long been treated with traditional Chinese medicine in clinical practice in China. Although modern antiviral drugs for hepatitis are diverse and effective, their use is limited by drug resistance, easy recurrence, and multiple adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine, due to its characteristics of multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, has unique advantages in the field of antiviral hepatitis. Current research has shown that Chinese medicine formulations, single herbs, and their active components can exert antiviral hepatitis effects by intervening in viral invasion, inhibiting viral replication, and regulating the liver microenvironment. Traditional Chinese medicine has broad application prospects in the field of antiviral hepatitis and is expected to provide important references for the development of new antiviral hepatitis treatment strategies.

Research progress on mechanism of flavonoid glycosides in treating upper respiratory tract infections

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(8): 2971-2980.

Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) are common acute infectious diseases, primarily affecting immunocompromised populations, mainly caused by viral or bacterial infections. Typical symptoms include nasal congestion and coughing, which can progress to lower respiratory tract complications such as asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, significantly impacting patients’ health and quality of life. Flavonoid glycosides, bioactive compounds widely found in traditional Chinese medicine, exhibit therapeutic effects against URTI through mechanisms including anti-inflammatory action, inhibition of oxidative stress, antiviral activity and immune regulation. This review summarizes recent research progress on the therapeutic mechanisms of flavonoid glycosides for upper respiratory infections, aiming to provide reference for clarifying the mechanism and clinical application of flavonoid glycosides in the treatment of URTI.

A new E-ring cleavage spirostan isolated from Hosta plantaginea flower

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(8): 2981-2988.

Objective To investigate the chemical components in the Hosta plantaginea flower and evaluate their anti-inflammatory activities. Method The extraction was carried out using 95% and 70% ethanol aqueous solutions through percolation, followed by liquid-liquid extraction with petroleum ether and ethyl acetate. The chemical components were separated and purified by column chromatography methods such as D101 macroporous adsorption resin, silica gel, and ODS, as well as preparative liquid chromatography. Structural identification was conducted using high-resolution mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectrum (ECD). Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activities of all compounds were evaluated. Results Ten compounds were obtained from the aqueous layer of the H. plantaginea flower ethanol extract after extraction with ethyl acetate, including three steroids (1–3), four flavonoids (4–7), two alkaloids (8, 9), and one fatty acid (10). They were identified as (8S,9R,10S, 12S,13R,14R,16R,17S,20R,22S,25R,26R)-12,16-hydroxy-22,26-epoxy-26-methoxy-5α-cholest-4-en-3-one (or hostaspirone A, 1), (2α,3β,5α,25R)-2-hydroxyspirostan-3-yl O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-galactopyranoside (2), (25R)-3-(β-D-Glucopyranosyl-(1→2)-[β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)]-β-D-glucopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-galactopyranosyl)-5-spirostan-2α-ol (3), rhamnocitrin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4), quercetin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside (5), isorhamnetin 3-O-glucoside (6), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (7), thymine (8), uracil (9), and myristic acid (10), respectively. Conclusion Compound 1 is the first steroid identified in this genus to exhibit an E-ring cleavage spirostan. Compounds 4, 6–8, and 10 were isolated for the first time from the family Asparagaceae, and compound 5 is reported here for the first time from the Hosta genus. In addition, compounds 1 and 4 have some anti-inflammatory effects. This study expands the chemical profile of H. plantaginea and provides a scientific foundation for its potential clinical applications.

Chemical constituents and anti-inflammatory activities of Triplostegia glandulifera

DENG Maoxin, ZHANG Hongchuan, MA Kaiyue, WANG Haiming, ZHANG Ying, SHI Qiongxian, LIU Jing, LI Weijiao, DONG Fawu

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(8): 2989-2999.

Objective To systematically investigate the chemical constituents and in vitro anti-inflammatory activities of the dried tuberous roots of Triplostegia glandulifera. Method Compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, ODS column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were identified by physicochemical properties and spectroscopic data. The cytotoxicity and inhibitory effects on nitric oxide (NO) production were evaluated by CCK-8 assay and Griess method, respectively. Results Twenty-four compounds were isolated and identified as 3,4-dimethoxybenzyl alcohol-O-[β-D-apiofuranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside] (1), sysamarin B (2), primulagenin A (3), oleanolic acid-3-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→3)-β-D-xylopyranosyl-(1→3)-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)-α-L-arabinopyranoside] (4), oleanolic acid-3-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside (5), caffeic acid (6), ethyl caffeate (7), (2'R,3'R)-2',3'-dihydroxy-4'-methoxy caffeoyl butyrate (8), 5-O-[(E)-caffeoyl]-quinic acid (9), methyl 4,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinate (10), eugenyl-O-β-D-gucopyranoside (11), rel-(2α,3β)-7-O-methylcedrusin (12), (7S,8R)-erythro-7,9,9'-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxy-8-O-4'-neolignan-4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (13), (＋)-pinoresinol (14), (-)-pinoresinol (15), (＋)-syringaresinol-O-β-D-diglucopyranoside (16), ethyl protocatechuate (17), tangeretin (18), hesperidin (19), (1S,3S)-1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline-3-carboxylic acid (20), nonialkaloid B (21), strych-novoline (22), 1-(β-D-ribofuranosyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazone (23), and inosine (24). Compounds 2, 4, 5 and 19 showed significant inhibitory activities against NO production. The IC₅₀ values of compounds 4 and 5 were (23.76 ± 1.22) and (23.87 ± 0.23) μmol/L, respectively, which were comparable to that of dexamethasone. Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound. Compounds 2-5 and 7-24 were isolated from the genus Triplostegia for the first time. Compounds 2, 4, 5 and 19 possess potent in vitro anti-inflammatory activities.

Study on phenylpropanoids in whole plant from Ferula bungeana

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(8): 3000-3005.

Objective To clarify the chemical constituents of the petroleum ether extract from the whole plant of Ferula bungeana. Methods The chemical constituents of petroleum ether extract from the whole plant of F. bungeana were studied using classical silica gel column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. The spectral data of the isolated compounds were analyzed to determine their structures. Meanwhile, by examining the effect of the isolated compounds on nitric oxide (NO) release in the culture medium of RAW264.7 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), their inhibitory effect on inflammatory responses was evaluated. Results From the petroleum ether extract of F. bungeana whole plant, eight compounds were isolated and identified as 1-isoprenyloxy-1-(3'-hydroxy-4',5'-methylenedioxy)phenyl-2-angeloyloxy-phenylpropane (1), myristicin (2), crocatone (3), diversivittatin (4), 2-epilaserine (5), 1-hydroxy-1-(3'-methoxy-4',5'-methylenedioxy)-phenylpropane (6), 1-hydroxy-1-(3',4'-methylenedioxy-2',5'-dimethoxy)-phenylpropane (7), 1-carbonyl-1-(3'-hydroxy-4',5'-methylenedioxy)-phenylpropane (8). The activity screening results showed that compounds 1, 4, and 5 exhibited good NO inhibitory activity at a concentration of 10 μmol/L, with inhibition rates of 78.5%, 85.9%, and 79.0%, respectively. Conclusions Compound 1 is a new compound, named ferubundiester; Compounds 2 and 5 were isolated from F. bungeana for the first time, and compounds 4—8 were obtained from plants of the Ferula genus for the first time. Compounds 1, 4, and 5 exhibit similar potent anti-inflammatory activity.

UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS combined with pharmacodynamic analysis for screening hepatoprotective active ingredients in classic formula Zhizi Dahuang Decoction

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(8): 3006-3018.

Objective Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) technology combined with pharmacological methods was developed to analyze the chemical components of Zhizi Dahuang Decoction in different proportions in ancient and modern optimized prescriptions. Subsequently, an alcoholic liver injury model was established to evaluate its hepatoprotective effects and screen potential active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine. Methods Gradient elution was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) column with 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution and acetonitrile. The mass spectrometry data were collected in positive and negative ion mode. Chemical constituents of Zhizi Dahuang Decoction were identified by comparing with literature and database records, considering retention time, accurate molecular mass, and MS/MS fragmentation patterns. Furthermore, an alcoholic liver injury mouse model was utilized to compare the efficacy of the two formulations, and to screen for active components related to hepatoprotective effects through a spectrum-activity relationship study. Results A total of 80 common chemical components were identified in Zhizi Dahuang Decoction, including 22 organic (phenolic) acids, 18 flavonoids, 11 iridoids, eight anthraquinones, six isoflavones, etc. Pharmacological results demonstrated that the classical formula group exhibited significantly lower serum levels of alanine amino-transferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), and triglyceride (TG) compared to the modern optimized group (P < 0.05). Screening potential pharmacological substances closely related to alcohol-induced liver injury, such as geniposide acid, protocatechuic acid, and cryptochlorogenic acid, through spectrum-effect relationship analysis. Conclusion This study demonstrated that the ancient formulation of Zhizi Dahuang Decoction has better hepatoprotective effects on alcoholic liver injury than the modern optimized formulation, and further characterized the potential bioactive components contributing to its anti-alcoholic liver injury efficacy.

Optimization of processing technology of vinegar-quenched Pelodisci Carapax based on AHP-CRITIC combined with BBD-response surface technology and correlation between color and components

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(8): 3019-3030.

Objective To optimize the processing technology of Cubiejiɑ (vinegar-quenched Pelodisci Carapax, vqPC) and to investigate the correlation between color and intrinsic component content during processing, thereby providing a basis for process standardization and quality evaluation. Methods Using Box-Behnken design combined with response surface methodology (BBD-RSM), sand-frying temperature, sand-frying time, and drying time after vinegar quenching were selected as independent variables, while appearance characteristics, moisture content, extract contents, and the contents of six amino acids served as response variables. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and criteria importance through intercriteria correlation (CRITIC) method were integrated to calculate overall desirability (OD) for process optimization. Color values (L^*, a^*, b^*) of the processed powder were measured using a colorimeter and their correlations with component contents were analyzed. Results The optimal processing parameters were determined as follows: sand-frying temperature 211 ℃, sand-frying time 7 min, and drying time after vinegar quenching 121 min. Correlation analysis indicated that the L^* value showed a highly significant positive correlation with proline content (P < 0.01) and positive correlation with the contents of glycine and valine (P < 0.05). The b^* value exhibited a highly significant negative correlation with the contents of hydroxyproline, glycine, arginine, proline and valine (P < 0.01). The a^* value showed a highly significant negative correlation with glycine content (P < 0.01) and a significant negative correlation with arginine and valine content (P < 0.05). The E^* value showed a significant positive correlation with proline content (P < 0.05). Regression analysis further confirmed quantitative relationships between color values and the contents of multiple components. Conclusion The combination of AHP-CRITIC and BBD-RSM provides a scientific approach for optimizing the processing technology of vqPC. The significant correlations between color parameters and chemical components offer a new method for establishing its quality evaluation system.

Study on a novel near-line detection method and quality control strategy for 5-HMF during honey-refining process

TIAN Jinru, LONG Jia, ZHAO Xiaojun, MA Shiwei, LI Mingshuang, HE Han, WANG Kaiyi, ZENG Jingqi, WANG Shuying, WANG Tian, YAO Lu, WU Zhisheng, LI Nan

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(8): 3031-3041.

Objective To develop an immunomagnetic separation-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IMS-ELISA) for the determination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and to evaluate its applicability for near-line monitoring and process optimization of the honey-refining process in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations. Methods Anti-5-HMF antibodies were immobilized on magnetic beads to enable selective capture and magnetic enrichment of 5-HMF. Biotinylated 5-HMF-BSA served as the competitive antigen, while horseradish peroxidase-streptavidin (HRP-SA) and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) were used for signal generation. Immunomagnetic separation was employed to reduce matrix interference and enhance analytical sensitivity. The method was systematically validated in terms of linearity, limit of detection (LOD), specificity, precision, and accuracy. Subsequently, the established IMS-ELISA was applied to near-line analysis by monitoring 5-HMF levels at key stages of the honey-processing workflow, including variations in temperature, pressure, processing time, storage duration, and reheating conditions. Results The IMS-ELISA exhibited good linearity over the concentration range of 0.4—160 ng/mL (R² = 0.997 3), with a detection limit of 0.4 ng/mL. No significant cross-reactivity was observed with structurally related compounds such as furfural or 5-methylfurfural. The intra-assay relative standard deviation was 4.29%, and the results obtained for real samples showed no significant difference from those measured by HPLC (P > 0.05). Near-line application demonstrated that honey-processing conditions of 75—85 ℃, 20.0 kPa, and 10—15 min were associated with relatively lower 5-HMF formation, whereas storage for ≥ 48 h and reheating at ≥ 80 ℃ markedly promoted 5-HMF accumulation. Conclusion The proposed IMS-ELISA method offers high sensitivity, good specificity, and low operational cost. It is suitable for near-line monitoring of 5-HMF during honey processing and pill manufacturing in TCM production, providing methodological support for process optimization and contributing to process visualization and intelligent manufacturing of TCM products.

Preparation of calycosin-loaded folate-modified Astragalus membranaceus exosome-like nanoparticles and in vitro evaluation of inhibitory effect on macrophage M1 polarization

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(8): 3042-3050.

Objective To prepare folic acid (FA)-modified Mojiahuangqi (Astragalus membranaceus, AM) exosome-like nanoparticles loaded with calycosin (Cal) (FA-Exos@Cal) and investigate their inhibitory effect on M1 polarization of macrophages in vitro. Methods AM exosome-like nanoparticles (Exos) were isolated by differential centrifugation combined with sucrose density gradient centrifugation. FA-Exos@Cal was prepared by the thin-film dispersion-incubation method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), dynamic light scattering, HPLC, and dialysis bag method were used to characterize the particle morphology, protein properties, particle size, ζ potential, drug-loading characteristics, and in vitro release behavior. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were employed to evaluate the targeting ability of FA-Exos@Cal to M1-type RAW264.7 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the effect of FA-Exos@Cal on macrophage proliferation. Flow cytometry was applied to investigate its influence on the expression level of M1 marker CD86. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and other methods were used to determine the expression levels of inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and nitric oxide (NO). Results FA-Exos@Cal was successfully prepared. TEM showed a typical vesicular structure. The protein concentration, particle size, ζ potential, drug loading capacity, and entrapment efficiency were (3.52 ± 0.26) mg/mL, (127.4 ± 2.6) nm, (-11.14 ± 0.30) mV, (12.14 ± 0.18)%, and (27.21±1.04)%, respectively. There was no significant difference in protein properties before and after modification, and the drug exhibited good sustained-release effect in vitro. FA modification significantly enhanced the cellular uptake efficiency of FA-Exos by M1-polarized macrophages while reducing the cytotoxicity of Cal toward macrophages. Moreover, FA-Exos@Cal could significantly reduce the CD86-positive rate of M1-type macrophages and down-regulate the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and NO. Comparative analysis with Exos, Cal, and the physical mixture of Exos and Cal revealed that the combined use of Exos and Cal exerted a synergistic effect. Conclusion FA-Exos@Cal, an engineered targeted biomimetic nano-delivery system, was successfully prepared. It was confirmed to have excellent targeting ability to M1-type macrophages, and could effectively inhibit M1 polarization and the release of inflammatory factors, which is expected to provide a new strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.