Objective To investigate the intervention effect of Jingfang Granules (荆防颗粒) on airway inflammation and airway remodeling in asthmatic mice based on lung-gut axis, and elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. Methods BALB/c mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, Jingfang Granules low-, medium-, high-dose (1, 2, 4 g/kg) groups and dexamethasone (1 mg/kg) group. A mouse asthma model was established by ip ovalbumin/aluminum hydroxide. After drug intervention, levels of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in serum and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 in lung tissue were detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), PAS and Masson staining were used to detect pathological changes in lung tissue of mice. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) protein expression in lung tissue. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad2/3 pathway, NOD nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in lung tissue and intestinal barrier related proteins. 16S rRNA sequencing, untargeted metabolomics and proteomics analyses were integrated to systematically explore the potential mechanism of Jingfang Granules in asthma intervention from a multi-omics perspective. Results Compared with model group, Jingfang Granules significantly reduced the levels of TNF-α in serum and IL-1β, IL-6 in lung tissue of asthma model mice (P < 0.01), increased the level of IFN-γ in serum (P < 0.01), significantly reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells in lung tissue, decreased the expression of MUC5AC in lung tissue, inhibited the activity of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating airway mucus secretion and airway remodeling. The results of multi-omics analysis further indicated that Jingfang Granules could upregulate the expressions of Occludin, Claudin1 and ZO-1, promote intestinal barrier repair, regulate gut microbiota imbalance and fecal metabolic disorders, and inhibit the abnormal activation of the NOD-NF-κB signaling pathway. Conclusion Jingfang Granules may ameliorate airway inflammation and airway remodeling in asthmatic mice by repairing intestinal barrier function, improving gut microbiota structure, correcting fecal metabolic disorders, and modulating NOD-NF-κB signaling pathway.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) oral liquid is an oral liquid preparation made from Chinese medicinal materials through processes such as extraction, concentration and purification, and it is one of the commonly used liquid preparations. It has the advantages of easy absorption, rapid action and convenient administration, and is widely used in clinical practice. However, TCM oral liquid has a complex composition. During production and storage, it is easily affected by factors such as temperature and light, and undergoes oxidation, degradation, complexation and other reactions, resulting in unstable phenomena such as sedimentation, turbidity, flocculation and stratification. These phenomena have adverse effects on product quality and medication safety. How to regulate the stability of TCM oral liquid through environmental control, clarification process optimization, additive addition and application of advanced formulation technologies is a key issue. Based on this, this paper aims to deeply analyze the factors affecting the stability of TCM oral liquid and the transformation mechanism of its active ingredients on the basis of the active ingredients of TCM oral liquid, and then summarize the control strategies, with the aim of providing theoretical references for research and development and production of TCM oral liquid.

Objective In order to study the relationship between the morphology of Angelica dahurica root system and the accumulation of coumarin-like components at different developmental stages under different light intensity treatments, to provide reference and basis for improving the quality of A. dahurica herbs and for efficient and reasonable cultivation and production. Methods The morphological indexes of A. dahurica root system were determined in 50% shade, natural light, and supplemental light treatment groups; High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and correlation analysis were used to determine and screen the coumarin-like components that were strongly associated with the morphology of A. dahurica root system; The morphology of the root system of A. dahurica was observed by the application of exogenous coumarin, and the expression level of coumarin biosynthesis-related genes in the root system was determined based on the RT-qPCR technique. Results Root morphology indexes of A. dahurica (dry weight of primary root, number of lateral roots, diameter of primary root, root-crown ratio) were positively correlated with light intensity; the overall change of the total coumarin content in the different light intensity treatment groups showed an “S” - shaped curve. Umbelliferolide was significantly negatively correlated with primary root length, number of lateral roots, and root-crown ratio, and significantly positively correlated with primary root diameter; exogenous application of umbelliferolide significantly promoted the increase of the morphological parameters of A. dahurica root system (total surface area of the root, the length of the total root, and the number of root branches), and the content of the four complex coumarins (oxypeucedanin, imperatorin, phellopterin, and isoimperatorin), and significantly up-regulated the expression of key genes of coumarin biosynthesis pathway, including phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cinnamate-4-hydroxylase (C4H), 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL) and other key genes expression. Conclusion A. dahurica root indexes and coumarin content varied in different light intensities and developmental periods. The exogenous application of umbelliferolide affected the establishment of dahurica root system and the accumulation of coumarin-like components in dahurica roots by regulating the expression of genes related to the coumarin synthesis pathway in dahurica roots.

Objective To select the optimal alcohol extraction process for the classic prescription Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction (XZD, 血府逐瘀汤), enabling the retention of small-molecule substances in traditional aqueous extracts, thereby providing experimental basis for the development of transdermal formulations. Methods The contents of 12 active components (adenosine, catalpol, amygdalin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, liquiritin, narirutin, naringin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, glycyrrhizic acid) in XZD, the extract yield, and the fingerprint similarity were used as critical quality attributes (CQAs). Ethanol concentration, extraction time, and solvent ratio were selected as critical process parameters (CPPs), and experiments were conducted using a Box-Behnken design-response surface methodology (BBD-RSM). The benchmark correlation degree of each experimental sample index was calculated, and the weights of each CQA were determined using the entropy weight method to compute a comprehensive score. The TOPSIS model was applied to calculate the relative closeness of each sample to the benchmark sample and rank them, with the optimal alcohol extraction process screened based on the comprehensive score. Additionally, ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was used to description the chemical components of the benchmark sample and the optimal alcohol extraction process sample, further verifying retention effect of small-molecule components.. Results Analysis using the entropy weight-TOPSIS model determined the optimal alcohol extraction process for XZD as follows: ten times the amount of 60% ethanol, with each extraction lastin 3 h. The average comprehensive score of three validation samples reached 0.501, with RSD of 0.75%, which met the requirements and confirmed that the process was stable and the method was applicable. Meanwhile, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis showed that the main chemical composition of the optimal process sample were similar to those of the benchmark sample. Conclusion The comprehensive screening strategy based on the benchmark correlation degree and entropy weight-TOPSIS model is feasible and effective. The obtained XZD alcohol extraction process parameters are robust and reliable, and the small molecule substances of the benchmark decoction can be effectively retained. The chemical substance basis is similar to that of the benchmark decoction. This study can provide a reference for the research and development of XZD transdermal formulations.

The gut-lung axis is an important pathway connecting the respiratory system and the digestive system, playing a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis, regulating inflammatory responses, and protecting the mucosal barrier. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory that “the lung and the large intestine are exterior-interior related” is highly consistent with the modern concept of gut-lung axis, providing a scientific basis for “lung and intestine co-treatment”. Studies have shown that the imbalance of the intestinal flora and the damage of the barrier function can affect the inflammatory immune response in lungs through inflammatory mediators and metabolites, aggravating the occurrence and development of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and pulmonary fibrosis. TCM can improve the stability of gut-lung axis as a whole by regulating the intestinal flora and metabolic products (such as short-chain fatty acids and tryptophan metabolites), and repairing the mucosal barrier, thereby reducing the inflammatory response and tissue damage in lungs. Therefore, based on gut-lung axis, this paper mainly expounds the research progress of the main therapeutic effect relief links of traditional Chinese medicine throug regulating intestinal flora, flora metabolites and mucosal immunity, protecting lung-intestine barrier and preventing and treating lung diseases, providing a new idea for in-depth explanation of mechanism of “regulating the lung through the intestine” and the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases by TCM.

Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), as a bulk genuine medicinal material from Gansu, its quality and safety directly affect clinical efficacy and public health. In recent years, pesticide use during cultivation has led to increasingly prominent residue issues, which have become key risk factors constraining the sustainable development of the industry. Although traditional chromatography-mass spectrometry techniques offer high accuracy, they are limited by heavy reliance on specialized instruments dependency and long analysis cycles, making it difficult to meet the demands for on-site rapid screening and high-throughput detection of large-scale samples. Therefore, the development of fast, sensitive, and convenient novel detection technologies has become a current research priority. This paper systematically reviews the main types of pesticide residues in Angelicae Sinensis Radix, as well as advancements in detection technologies. It focuses on evaluating the principles, characteristics, and application status of emerging technologies based on nanomaterials, biosensing, and molecular imprinting, and discusses the challenges of interference and adaptability in the complex matrix of Angelicae Sinensis Radix. Furthermore, this paper emphasizes that quality control of traditional Chinese medicine must balance “safety” and “effectiveness”, analyzes the synergistic relationship between pesticide residue detection and active component analysis, and puts forward technical pathways for their integrated detection. Finally, it outlines the development trends of Angelicae Sinensis Radix pesticide residue detection technologies toward integration, intelligentization, and whole-process traceability, aiming to provide a reference for constructing a fast, accurate, and high-throughput quality monitoring system suitable for the complex matrix of traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective To explore the effects of verbascoside combined with electroacupuncture on neuroinflammation and brain tissue damage in ischemic stroke (IS) rats based on Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1)/protein kinase B (Akt)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Methods A rat model of IS was constructed using middle cerebral artery occlusion. The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group, verbascoside (10 mg/kg) group, electroacupuncture group, averbascoside + electroacupuncture group, nifedipine (10 mg/kg) group, Rac1/Akt/NF-κB pathway activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA, 10 μg/kg) group and verbascoside + electroacupuncture + PMA group, with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 normal rats were selected as the control group. After 2 h of successful modeling, each treatment group began intervention and continued treatment for 14 d. The neurological deficit and cerebral infarction area of rats in each group were evaluated. The levels of interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) in brain tissue of rats were detected. The pathological damage and cell apoptosis in brain tissue of rats were detected. The expressions of S100β, arginase-1 (Arg-1) and Rac1/Akt/NF-κB pathway related proteins in brain tissue of rats were detected. Results Compared with control group, the neurological severity score (NSS) and cerebral infarction area ratio of rats in model group were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the levels of IL-17, IL-1β and MCP-1 in brain tissue were significantly increased (P < 0.05), the pathological damage in brain tissue was severe, the apoptosis rate was significantly increased (P < 0.05), the protein expression levels of S100β, Rac1, p-Akt/Akt, p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 in brain tissue were significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the expression of Arg-1 was significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Compared with model group, the above indicators were significantly improved in verbascoside group, electroacupuncture group, nifedipine group and verbascoside + electroacupuncture group (P < 0.05), among which the verbascoside + electroacupuncture group had a significantly better improvement effect than the verbascoside group and electroacupuncture group (P < 0.05). PMA could significantly reverse the improvement effect of verbascoside combined with electroacupuncture on IS rats (P < 0.05). Conclusion The combination of acteoside and electroacupuncture may alleviate neuroinflammation and brain tissue damage in IS rats by inhibiting Rac1/Akt/NF-κB pathway.

Objective To investigate the effects of different types of vinegar as processing excipients on the main components and antioxidant activity of Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride, CRPV), aiming to provide a basis for optimizing the vinegar stir-frying processing technology and establishing quality standards for vinegar used as a processing excipient in traditional Chinese medicine. Methods The influence of 20 batches of vinegar as processing excipients on the main components of CRPV was studied using HPLC combined with chemical pattern recognition. The antioxidant activity of CRPV processed with different vinegars was determined by DPPH and ABTS assays. A comprehensive score was calculated by weighting averaging of principal component scores based on their contribution rates. Orthogonal partial least squares-discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) was employed to identify differential markers for distinguishing different vinegar-processed products. Results A total of 15 common peaks were calibrated in the HPLC of vinegar-processed CRPV, and six flavonoids, including narirutin, hesperidin, didymin, hesperetin, sinensetin, and nobiletin, were identified. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that CRPV processed with mature vinegar achieved the highest comprehensive score, followed by those processed with white vinegar, rice vinegar, and balsamic vinegar, respectively. Hesperetin and hesperidin can serve as differential markers to distinguish the different vinegar-processed CRPV products. In vitro antioxidant assays showed that CRPV processed with white vinegar exhibited the strongest DPPH radical scavenging ability, while raw CRPV possessed the optimal ABTS radical scavenging capacity. The antioxidant potency composite (APC) index was highest for the white vinegar-processed product ranked the highest, followed by those processed with aromatic vinegar, rice vinegar, and aged vinegar. Conclusions The type of vinegar excert selective effects on the dissolution and transformation of flavonoid components in CRPV and modulate its antioxidant activity. Mature vinegar is more conducive to the retention of flavonoid components, while white vinegar can significantly enhance its antioxidant capacity. In practical applications, the selection should be tailored according to specific therapeutic objectives.

Objective To establish a fingerprinting method and multi-component quantification approach for Rehmannia glutinosa leaves from different geographical origins, and to evaluate the quality of these samples using chemometric analysis. Methods The HPLC fingerprint of R. glutinosa leaves was developed and analyzed for similarity using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Chromatographic Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System (Version 2012.130723). Chemical constituents were identified and quantified by comparison with reference standards. Hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were performed using Origin 2025, IBM SPSS Statistics 27.0, and SIMCA 14.1 software to evaluate the quality of R. glutinosa leaves samples and screen for differential markers. Results A characteristic HPLC fingerprint of R. glutinosa leaves from different origins was developed. In this fingerprint, 19 common peaks were calibrated, and 13 components were unequivocally identified using reference standards. The similarity evaluation of the 23 batches yielded results ranging from 0.879 to 0.997. The cluster heatmap analysis demonstrated a clear classification, dividing the samples into two groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) yielded five principal components with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 83.545%, and the score plot revealed that samples originating from Henan province clustered separately, suggesting their superior quality. Subsequently, OPLS-DA was employed, which successfully screened four compounds-catalpol, acteoside, luteolin, and apigenin-as critical markers for quality discrimination. The quantitative analysis showed that the contents of these markers were 25.474—61.784 mg/g, 11.633—47.462 mg/g, 0.096—0.848 mg/g, and 0.100—1.268 mg/g, respectively. Conclusion The developed method, integrating HPLC fingerprinting and multi-component assay, proved to be simple, accurate, and reproducible. It can systematically reflect the differences among samples of R. glutinosa leaves from different producing areas, thereby providing a reference for their quality control.

The treatment of wastewater from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) pharmaceutical production is crucial for the industry’s green transformation and ecological conservation. It reduces removes high-concentration pollutants, prevents soil and water contamination, safeguards ecological and human health, and supports sustainable industry development. However, due to the complex composition of TCM raw materials and diverse extraction processes, the resulting wastewater contains substantial amounts of organic matter, suspended solids, and refractory substances. It exhibits characteristics such as high organic pollutant concentration, significant water quality fluctuations, and strong toxicity and unpleasant odors. Traditional treatment processes consume high energy, exhibit low degradation efficiency, generate substantial carbon emissions, and impose greater environmental burdens, making treatment significantly more challenging than for conventional industrial wastewater. Guided by the “dual carbon” policy and focusing on the two core objectives of “reducing energy consumption and enhancing energy reuse,” this study reviews pharmaceutical wastewater treatment technologies. It summarizes low-carbon treatment strategies and techniques for TCM pharmaceutical wastewater, analyzes their technical pathways and application essentials, and explores future development trends. The aim is to provide practical insights for the green transformation and low-carbon development of the TCM pharmaceutical industry.