Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs

Research progress on ginsenosides and their biosynthesis-related transcription factors

ZHOU Congye, SUN Wensong, LIU Ying, SUN Lifu, ZHANG Yayu, LI Xu, LIU Ziyang

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(7): 2865-2876.

Ginsenosides, the primary bioactive constituents of Panax plants, exhibit a wide range of remarkable pharmacological activities, including antitumor, hypoglycemic, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective and anti-fatigue effects, underpinning their significant medicinal value. Based on a systematic review of the recent advances in the chemical structures, classification, biosynthetic pathways and medicinal functions of ginsenosides, this article focuses on the transcription factors involved in the regulation of ginsenosides biosynthesis. The pathways various transcription factor (TF) families, including NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2 (NAC), basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH), myeloblastosis (MYB), APETALA2/ethylene-responsive factor (AP2/ERF), WRKYGOK (WRKY), TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA and PCF (TCP) and [(Gibberellic Acid Insensitive, GRI), (Repressor of GAI-3 mutant, RGA), and (Scarecrow, SCR)](GRAS) precisely regulate the expression of key genes in the ginsenoside biosynthesis through responding to abiotic stresses such as cold, drought and salt, and phytohormone signals including methyl jasmonate (MeJA), ethylene and salicylic acid, leading to the ultimately determination of the accumulation and composition of ginsenosides. This paper raised the challenges in current studies concerning the molecular mechanisms of transcriptional regulation in ginsenoside biosynthesis, which could provide a theoretical reference for researchers in related fields to further improve quality of Panax ginseng through strategies such as synthetic biology and molecular breeding.

Chemical constituents isolated from Ganoderma cochlear and their biological activities

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(6): 2009-2015.

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents from the methanol extract of the polyporaceae fungus Ganoderma cochlear and preliminarily evaluate their anti-atherosclerotic activity in vitro. Methods The extract was systematically isolated and purified by D-101 macroporous adsorption resin, silica gel column chromatography, reversed-phase C₁₈ column chromatography, preparative thin layer chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by HR-ESI-MS, IR, and NMR. Meanwhile, the absolute configurations of the new compounds were determined by NMR and ECD calculation. The in vitro anti-atherosclerotic activities of the isolates were assessed using an oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL)-induced macrophage lipid deposition model. Results Two novel compounds were isolated and identified from G. cochlear, designated as 7,10-epoxy-3,4-seco-9 (10→19) abeo-25,26,27-trinorlanosta-4,11-dioxo-8-en-3,24-dimethyl ester (1) and 6-hydroxy-2-(4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one (2). In the ox-LDL-induced macrophage model, compounds 1 and 2 did not exhibit significant anti-lipid deposition activity at 40 μmol/L. Conclusion This study successfully isolated and identified two new compounds, and named as ganodeconoid J (1) and ganodeconoid K (2). Compound 1 represents the first Ganoderma triterpenoid possessing a 5β-H, enriching the chemical diversity of Ganoderma fungi. Compounds 1 and 2 did not show significant in vitro anti-atherosclerotic activity.

Biphenyl compounds isolated from Garcinia yunnanensis

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(6): 2016-2021.

Objective To investigate the biphenyl compounds in the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction of the twigs of Garcinia yunnanensis. Methods Based on the UV spectral characteristics absorption of biphenyl derivatives, targeted separation and purification were performed using various chromatography techniques, including silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 gel column and semi-preparative HPLC. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by means of physicochemical properties and spectral data of the monomer compounds, in combination with relevant literature. The anti-inflammatory activity of the new compound was evaluated by measuring its inhibition effect of nitric oxide (NO) production. Results Eight bipheny derivatives were obtained from the ethyl acetate fraction of G. yunnanensis, elucidated as (R)-5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-7-ol (1 ), garcibiphenyl C (2 ), cylindrobiphenyl B (3 ), multibiphenyl C (4 ), doitungbiphenyls B (5 ), multiflorabiphenyl B (6 ), honokiol (7 ), and magnolol (8 ). Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound named yunnabiphenyl A, while compounds 2 —8 were reported from this plant for the first time. Compound 1 showed moderate anti-inflammatory activity, with a median inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) value of 21.5 μmol/L.

A new norsesquiterpenoid from Stemona tuberosa in Hainan

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(6): 2022-2028.

Objective To investigate the chemical components and anti-inflammatory activities of the roots of Stemona tuberosa from Hainan province. Methods The chemical constituents of S. tuberosa were isolated and purified using chromatography techniques such as silica gel, gel column chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Subsequently, the structures of the purified compounds were identified by modern spectroscopic methods such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS). Finally, the anti-inflammatory activities of the compounds were evaluated using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine monocyte-macrophage RAW264.7 cell model. Results A total of seven compounds were isolated from S. tuberosa, and identified as (4R)-3,5,5-trimethyl-4-(3-methylbut-2-enoyl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one (1 ), oxystemofoline (2 ), methyl 4-hydroxycinnamate (3 ), (-)-stemoamide (4 ), tuberostemospiroline (5 ), stemanthrene C (6 ), stilbostemin F (7 ). Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited inhibitory activity against NO production in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells, with median inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) values of (42.99 ± 4.96) and (70.22 ± 0.81) μmol/L, respectively. Conclusion Compound 1 was identified as a new compound, named tuberostemoterpenone. Compound 2 was isolated from S. tuberosa for the first time. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited no significant cytotoxicity within the tested concentration range and demonstrated certain anti-inflammatory activity.

Component analysis and anti-inflammatory activity evaluation of Dendropanax dentiger from a She ethnic medicine based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS combined with characteristic molecular network technology

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(6): 2029-2043.

Objective To rapidly identify the chemical constituents of the ethanol extract of Dendropanax dentiger, a She ethnic medicine, using ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) and feature-based molecular networking(FBMN), and preliminarily evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity. Methods Chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC HSS T3 column (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) using a gradient elution with 0.1% formic acid in water (A) and acetonitrile (B) as the mobile phases. MS data were acquired in both positive and negative ion modes, and FBMN was constructed on the global natural products social molecular networking (GNPS) platform (http://gnps.ucsd.edu). Based on the matching results of the SIRIUS 6.2.2 software and the GNPS database, combined with the reference standards, retention time, feature fragments, literature, and information from the PubChem and MassBank databases, and in combination with the structural clustering characteristics of FBMN, the chemical composition of the alcohol extract of D. dentiger was rapidly identified and its lysis rules were summarized. In vitro anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophage inflammation model, with CCK-8, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence analyses. Results A total of 59 compounds were identified, including 18 phenolic acids, 11 lignans, eight flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides, six coumarins, four cyclic peptides, three phenylethanoid glycosides, four fatty acids and derivatives, two iridoids, two glycosides, and one alkaloid. Among them, 19 potentially unreported compounds were identified from D. dentiger for the first time. Three positional isomers—isochlorogenic acid A, B, and C were successfully identified via FBMN, and a methylated derivative was further proposed. The results of cell experiments demonstrated that the ethanol extract of D. dentiger significantly suppressed LPS-induced inflammatory responses in RAW264.7 cells by downregulating interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) expression, upregulating IL-10 secretion, and inhibiting nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa-B p65(NF-κB p65) . Conclusion FBMN effectively overcomes the limitations of traditional molecular networking in isomer identification. The integration of UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS with FBMN enables rapid and efficient identification of the complex components in D. dentiger, leading to the first identification of 19 potentially unreported compounds. The ethanol extract of D. dentiger exhibits promising anti-inflammatory activity, providing an experimental basis for further research and development application of its active substances.

Multidimensional holographic characterization of “appearance, nature, odor, and texture” in variation patterns during processing of Zhangbang honey bran-fried Aurantii Fructus

YU Hongmin, ZHU Jing, ZHONG Lingyun, YANG Ming, WAN Li, CHEN Qi, LU Tulin

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(6): 2044-2059.

Objective Through multidimensional dynamic correlation analysis of the “appearance, nature, odor, and texture” during the processing of Mifuzhiqiao (honey bran-fried Aurantii Fructus, hbAF), the multidimensional characterization variation patterns during the processing of hbAF were explored. Methods Headspace-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-GC-MS) and HPLC were employed to identify and analyze the volatile components, drying ingredients and effective ingredients of Chinese herbal decoction pieces. Intelligent sensory technologies such as colorimeters, high-resolution cameras, texture analyzers, and electronic noses were combined with methods including principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to evaluate indicators of the herbal decoction pieces, such as color, texture, and odor, and convert these indicators into objective and quantitative characterization information. Pearson correlation analysis combined with the Mantel test was used to analyze the relationships between key quality parameters of the “external characteristics-internal components” of the herbal decoction pieces. Results The study found that the color of the herbal decoction pieces at the optimal processing time (100—125 s) was consistent with the results of experience-based identification by traditional senior herbal processing technicians, with the color parameters showing a^* 5.05—5.50, b^* 38.01—39.25, and a moderate texture (65.15—69.06 N). During herbal processing, volatile components undergo phased evolution, with their characteristic odors gradually changing from fruity and baking aromas to a scorched aroma. Quantitative component analysis indicates that drying ingredients are significantly reduced after processing, while the components responsible for the “regulating vital energy and eliminating flatulence” effect have relatively higher contents at the properly processing stage, which corroborate the processing theory of “reducing dryness and enhancing efficacy”. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the external quality indicators of the samples, such as color and texture, were significantly correlated with the contents of components including 1,3,8-menthatriene, (+)-α-magnolene, γ-magnolene, and 3,5,6,7,8,3′,4′-heptemthoxyflavone. Conclusion Through the comprehensive analysis of objective characteristics such as the “appearance, nature, odor, and texture” of the samples, the law of quality changes of hbAF throughout the entire processing process can be preliminarily evaluated, which provides a reference for the rapid identification of the processing degree and quality control of hbAF.

Preparation and characterization of polyphyllin VII targeted nanoparticles based on metal-organic framework materials IRMOF-10 and preliminary evaluation of anti-triple negative breast cancer efficacy

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(6): 2060-2074.

Objective To prepare hyaluronic acid-modified polyphyllin VII-loaded metal-organic framework material IRMOF-10 targeted nanoparticles (HA@IRMOF-10@PPVII), systematically evaluate their physicochemical properties, safety and in vitro anti-triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) activity. Methods Metal-organic framework material IRMOF-10 was synthesized by triethylamine method. PPVII was encapsulated by the heterotopic encapsulation method, and the surface of the drug-loaded nanoparticles was modified with hyaluronic acid to construct the targeted nanoparticles HA@IRMOF-10@PPVII. The drug loading was determined by HPLC. The morphology, structure and thermal stability of nanoparticles were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and BET specific surface area method. Its blood safety was evaluated by hemolysis test, and its cell targeting was verified by laser confocal microscopy. CCK-8, DAPI staining, Annexin V/PI double staining, migration assay, clone formation assay, cell uptake, reactive oxygen species (ROS) detection, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) detection and other methods were used to verify its inhibitory effect on TNBC 4T1 cells. Results The drug loading capacity of HA@IRMOF-10@PPVII was (39.56% ± 1.78)% (n = 3). HA@IRMOF-10@PPVII had good biosafety, which could significantly reduce the hemolysis risk of PPVII. This nanoparticle can effectively improve the uptake of PPVII in 4T1 cells, and significantly inhibits cell migration and clone formation. Its anti-tumor mechanism is closely related to inducing an increase in intracellular ROS levels, a decrease in MMP triggering apoptosis, and inhibiting the migration and cloning of 4T1 cells. Conclusion The HA@IRMOF-10@PPVII nanoparticles were successfully prepared, which exhibit excellent targeting ability and anti-TNBC activity. They can significantly enhance the efficacy of PPVII, providing experimental evidence for the development of PPVII-based anti-tumor formulations.

Quality evaluation of Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Decoction benchmark samples based on multidimensional fusion of physical, chemical and taste information

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(6): 2075-2085.

Objective To establish the physical, chemical, and taste fingerprints of 15 batches of the classic traditional Chinese medicine formula Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Decoction (ZXGD, 枳实薤白桂枝汤) benchmark samples, as well as a method for determining the content of three index components. Methods Fifteen batches of ZXGD benchmark samples were prepared. A physical fingerprint was constructed using six physical parameters: solid content rate, conductivity, refractive index, surface tension, density, and pH value. Similarity evaluation, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis were employed for analytical evaluation of this physical fingerprint. HPLC was used to establish the chemical fingerprint of ZXGD, followed by similarity evaluation of the chemical fingerprint. Additionally, the contents of three index components (cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, and synephrine) were determined via HPLC. Electronic tongue technology was applied to analyze the taste of ZXGD, construct a taste radar chart, and generate a heatmap to analyze the correlation between taste, chemical component contents, and physical properties. Results The similarity between the physical fingerprint of each of the 15 batches of benchmark samples and the control fingerprint was greater than 0.9. Results of hierarchical cluster analysis showed that the 15 batches of samples were clustered into two groups: one group included samples S1, S6, S11, S12, and S15, while the remaining benchmark samples formed the other group. Cluster analysis based on the contents of the three index components showed results consistent with those of the physical fingerprint analysis. The heatmap revealed that cinnamaldehyde and synephrine were strongly correlated with bitterness, bitter aftertaste, saltiness, and alkaline bitter aftertaste (P < 0.05); pH value was significantly associated with sourness and richness; while synephrine exhibited correlation with electrical conductivity, refractive index, and pH value. Conclusion There is a correlation among the physical, chemical and taste attributes of ZXGD benchmark samples. The established “physical-chemical-sensory” multi-dimensional evaluation model can more comprehensively reflect the overall quality, providing a scientific basis for the quality control of ZXGD benchmark samples and the development of compound preparations.

Optimization of processing process of charred Hordei Fructus Germinatus and its effect on gastrointestinal motility in mice with functional dyspepsia based on AHP-CRITIC weight analysis and thermal analysis technology

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(6): 2086-2097.

Objective To optimize the processing technology of Jiaomaya (charred Hordei Fructus Germinatus, CHFG) and investigate its synergistic effects and mechanisms on intestinal motility in functional dyspepsia (FD) mice. Methods Thermal analysis techniques were employed to analyze the pyrolysis characteristics of maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus, HFG) and its active components, determining the appropriate temperature range for charring. Using 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) content, total flavonoids content, and appearance trait scores as evaluation indicators, the AHP-CRITIC weight analysis was applied to establish the weight of each indicator. Response surface methodology was utilized to optimize processing parameters such as temperature and duration. A multifactorial composite method was used to establish an FD mouse model. Intestinal propulsion rate, gastric emptying rate, and gastrointestinal hormone (motilin, gastrin) levels were measured to compare the pharmacological differences between optimized CHFG and raw HFG. Results Thermal analysis identified the optimal charring temperature window for HFG as 217.7—286.3 ℃. Response surface optimization yielded the best processing parameters: 270.00 ℃ for 20.00 min. Pharmacological experiments demonstrated that the high-dose CHFG group significantly improved intestinal propulsion rate (P < 0.05), gastric emptying rate (P < 0.05), and serum motilin (P < 0.05) and gastrin (P < 0.05) levels in FD mice. Conclusion The AHP-CRITIC weighting method combined with thermal analysis technology successfully optimized the processing of CHFG. The optimized CHFG significantly enhanced gastrointestinal motility in FD mice, providing methodological references for the quantification and standardization of fire control in traditional Chinese medicine processing.

Preparation, quality evaluation and pharmacodynamic study of naringenin micellar thermosensitive gel

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(6): 2098-2108.

Objective To prepare naringenin micelles-loaded thermosensitive gel (NMTG), evaluate its biological safety and anti-inflammatory activity, and investigate its therapeutic effects on dry eye disease (DED) induced by benzalkonium chloride (BAC) in rats. Methods Naringenin micelles (NM) were prepared by the thin-film dispersion method. Quality evaluations of the prepared NM included appearance, particle size, ζ potential, transmission electron microscopy, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading and stability. Concentrations of Poloxamer 188 (P188) and Poloxamer 407 (P407) were optimized based on the phase transition temperatures (T_gel and T_{atd gel}) of NMTG before and after dilution with tear fluid. Optimal concentrations of P188 and P407 were dissolved in NM to form NMTG. Biological safety, anti-inflammatory activity, and therapeutic effects on BAC-induced DED rats were investigated. Results Prepared NM was clear and transparent. Transmission electron microscopy showed near-spherical particles with an average particle size of (21.56 ± 0.16) nm, a polydispersity index (PDI) value of 0.053 ± 0.033, and a ζ potential of (-18.63 ± 1.94) mV. Encapsulation efficiency and drug loading were (73.96 ± 0.24)% and (7.34 ± 0.38)%, respectively, and the stability was good within 14 d. The optimal NMTG was achieved with concentrations of 5.29% P188 and 16.24% P407. NMTG demonstrated good biological safety and anti-inflammatory activity. Pharmacological experiments indicated that NMTG showed favorable therapeutic effects on DED rats. Conclusion The successful preparation of NMTG improve the solubility of naringenin, which endow it with good DED therapeutic effects. This will provide support for new indications of naringenin in ocular applications and offer candidate solutions for the development of new naringenin dosage forms.