Objective To optimize the best processing technology of Wumei (Mume Fructus, MF) flesh and determine the best processing parameters. Methods The contents of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), neochlorogenic acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid and caffeic acid were determined by HPLC. The content of polysaccharide in MF flesh was determined by ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometer. The content of each chemical component, the content of water-soluble extracts and the appearance traits were selected as the evaluation indexes, and the weight coefficient of each evaluation index was determined by analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-entropy weight method hybrid weighting method. The L₉(3⁴) orthogonal test was carried out with water addition, moistening time and steaming time as factors. Back propagation neural network (BPNN) was used to predict and verify the optimal processing parameters of MF flesh. Results The BPNN optimization process was superior to the orthogonal screening process, and the prediction results were stable and reliable. The composite score was the highest, which was 83.26. The best steaming process of MF flesh was 22.5 kg of water per 100 kg of MF flesh, moistening for 60 min, and steaming for 30 min. Conclusion The determined processing technology of MF flesh is scientific and feasible, which can provide scientific data support for the industrial production of decoction pieces, and also provide a theoretical basis for ensuring the quality and clinical application of MF flesh.

At present, lung cancer is mainly treated by surgery, chemotherapy and targeted therapy, among which targeted therapy is expected to be the most effective method. With the increasing understanding of molecular changes and genomic biomarkers that promote the development of lung cancer, it has been found that the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway is an important part of the development of lung cancer. This pathway is an important signaling pathway that is widely present in cells. Activation can lead to a variety of characteristics of cancer, including acquired growth signal autonomy, apoptosis inhibition, continuous angiogenesis, increased tissue invasion and metastasis, and insensitivity to anti-growth signals, thereby regulating the process of cancer. Natural terpenoids can exert anti-lung cancer activity by inhibiting PI3K/Akt pathway. However, the research on such compounds mostly stays at the level of in vitro and in vivo research, and there is a lack of systematic review and summary of these data. Based on these current situations, this review summarizes the current understanding of natural terpenoids in regulating lung cancer progression through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, aiming to explore new targeted drugs and provide relevant theoretical basis for clinical treatment of lung cancer.

As a traditional Chinese medicine herb, Kushen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix) possesses the functions of clearing heat and drying dampness, killing worms, and promoting urination, and has been widely used in clinical practice. With the rapid advancement of modern analytical technologies and increasing industrial demand, the development and utilization of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix have been continuously expanded across multiple sectors, including Chinese patent medicines, chemical drugs, veterinary medicines, pesticides, and cosmetics, resulting in the formation of a relatively complete industrial chain.This review systematically summarizes the resource distribution and trade status of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, as well as the impact of processing and preparation techniques on its quality and pharmacological efficacy. Particular emphasis is placed on its current applications and dosage-form characteristics in Chinese patent medicines, chemical drugs, veterinary medicines, green pesticides, and cosmetic products. In addition, based on national drug and veterinary drug registration data, pesticide registration information, and patent literature, the product structure and technological innovation trends related to Sophorae Flavescentis Radix are comprehensively analyzed. Finally, future research and industrial development directions of Sophorae Flavescentis Radix are discussed from the perspectives of resource security literature, chemical constituent and pharmacological basis studies, exploration of classical and empirical compound prescriptions, multi-sectoral collaborative applications, enhancement of safety evaluation and quality standards, and the establishment of international standards, with the aim of providing a scientific reference for the inheritance, innovation, and high-quality development of the Sophorae Flavescentis Radix industry.

Objective To establish fingerprint spectra for Bailangen (Isatidis Radix) slices and methods for determining representative component content. Developing a quality prediction system through mathematical modeling to investigate the patterns of quality changes in Isatidis Radix during different fresh processing methods. Method Collecting fresh Isatidis Radix and preparing 15 batches of Isatidis Radix slices by controlling drying methods, drying temperature, drying time, and water treatment duration. HPLC was used to establish the fingerprint and calibrate the total peaks. Combining hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA) to evaluate the quality of 15 batches of Isatidis Radix, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP)-entropy weighting method was used to determine the weights of each indicator, and a comprehensive score was calculated. Results HPLC fingerprints were established for 15 batches of Isatidis Radix, with a similarity of 0.891 to 0.997 between each group. Eleven common peaks were calibrated, and four components were identified: uridine, guanosine, (R,S)-goitrin, and adenosine. HCA analysis divided the samples into two clusters based on differences in the drying process; PCA extracted three principal components, with a cumulative variance contribution rate of 83.973%; OPLS-DA analysis showed that (R,S)-goitrin and guanosine may be important markers for distinguishing differences in the quality of Chinese herbal medicine slices; the comprehensive score of the entropy weight method showed that the 60 ℃ drying for 5 h process had the highest score. Conclusion Fingerprinting combined with chemical pattern recognition can distinguish Isatidis Radix slices prepared using different fresh processing methods, screen for key factors affecting the quality of Isatidis Radix slices, and provide a reference for quality control and evaluation of freshly processed fresh Isatidis Radix slices.

Objective To explore the mechanism by which muscone improves cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Methods C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) group, muscone low-, medium-, and high-dose (24, 36, 48 mg/kg) groups, a cisplatin-induced AKI mouse model was established. After drug intervention, renal tissue pathological changes were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expressions and distribution of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1) in kidney. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine (SCr) levels were detected. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression and distribution of cleaved cysteine aspartate protease-3 (cleaved Caspase-3) in renal tissue. An NRK-52E cell injury model induced by cisplatin was established, the effects of cisplatin, muscone and p53 inhibitor pifithrin-μ on cell viability were detected using MTT assay. The morphological change of cells was observed under an inverted microscope. Calcein AM/PI staining was used to observe cell death. Hoechest 33342 staining was used to observe the fragmentation of cell nuclei. Cell death types was observed using transmission electron microscopy. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression and distribution of p53. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-3 and p53. MitoSOX staining was used to detect the levels of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS). Immunoprecipitation was used to detect the level of p53 ubiquitination modification. Results Muscone significantly reduced the renal pathological damage caused by cisplatin, restored the morphology of renal tubules (P < 0.01), decreased the expressions and distribution of NGAL, Kim-1 and cleaved Caspase-3 in renal tissue (P < 0.01), reduced the levels of BUN and SCr (P < 0.01). Muscone and pifithrin-μ significantly inhibited cisplatin-induced apoptosis and mtROS level in NRK-52E cells (P < 0.01), upregulated Caspase-3 protein expression (P < 0.05, 0.01), downregulated cleaved Caspase-3 and p53 protein expressions (P < 0.05, 0.01), and promoted p53 ubiquitination modification (P < 0.05). Conclusion Muscone inhibits apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells by promoting p53 ubiquitination modification, thereby improving cisplatin-induced AKI.

Objective To prepare transdermal peptide-modified osthole liposomes (TD-Ost-Lips), and to explore the transdermal permeation performance and its therapeutic effects on atopic dermatitis (AD). Methods TD-Ost-Lips were prepared by film dispersion method. Phospholipid to osthole amount ratio, phospholipid to cholesterol amount ratio and phospholipid to DSPE-mPEG₂₀₀₀-TD amount ratio were selected as main influencing factors, overall desirability (OD) of entrapment efficiency, drug loading and particle size acted as response values, and the Box-Behnken design-response surface method (BBD-RSM) was used to optimize preparations of TD-Ost-Lips. Shape of TD-Ost-Lips was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TD-Ost-Lips gel was prepared using carbomer 940 as matrix, drug release behavior in vitro was studied by dialysis method and the mechanism of drug delivery was also studied. The rheology of TD-Ost-Lips gel was explored. The Franz diffusion cell method was used to study the transdermal permeation performance of TD-Ost-Lips gels. Atopic dermatitis (AD) model was stablished, the changes of skin lesions on the back of the mice were observed, and the inflammatory factors and pathological changes of skin lesions were detected. Results The optimal formulations of TD-Ost-Lips: phospholipid to osthole amount ratio was 8.81:1, phospholipid to cholesterol amount ratio was 6.27:1 and phospholipid to DSPE-mPEG2000-TD amount ratio was 6.27:1. The encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, particle size and ζ potential of TD-Ost-Lips were (86.77 ± 0.71)%, (6.65 ± 0.10)%, (220.25 ± 5.69) nm, and (−17.31 ± 0.85) mV, respectively. The shape of TD-Ost-Lips were vesicular. The cumulative release rate of TD-Ost-Lips gel in 24 h was 77.06%, and the drug behavior accorded with Weibull model. The rheological properties of TD-Ost-Lips gels showed solid elastic properties, and did not flow when inverted. TD-Ost-Lips gel increased the permeation rate, cumulative penetration and skin retention of osthole to 5.00, 5.04 and 2.84 times, respectively. TD-Ost-Lips gel significantly reduced the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI), effectively suppressed the elevation of inflammatory factors in skin tissue, and enhanced the treatment effect of osthole on AD. Conclusion TD-Ost-Lips gel greatly promoted the transdermal permeation of osthole, significantly enhanced its therapeutic effects on atopic dermatitis, and laid a foundation for further development and application.

Dissolving microneedles (DMNs), as an emerging transdermal drug delivery technology, can transiently penetrate the stratum corneum through micron-scale needle arrays to achieve efficient drug delivery, featuring minimal invasiveness, painless administration, good biocompatibility, and high patient compliance. With advances in materials science and pharmaceutical engineering, increasing attention has been paid to the application of DMNs in transdermal delivery of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), providing a novel strategy to overcome the limitations of conventional topical TCM formulations, such as low permeation efficiency and unstable therapeutic effects. This review systematically summarizes the evolution of carriers for transdermal TCM delivery and the developmental basis of dissolving microneedles, with emphasis on the structural types, drug delivery mechanisms, and commonly used fabrication methods of DMNs. In addition, recent research progress on the application of DMNs in the treatment of skin diseases, inflammatory disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia, cosmetic therapy, and pain management is reviewed. Finally, the current technical challenges associated with DMNs are discussed, and their future prospects in TCM modernization and precision delivery are highlighted. This review aims to provide references for the design optimization and further research of microneedle-based transdermal delivery systems for TCM.

Objective Based on transcriptome data from roots of Panax notoginseng under arsenic (As) stress, the tonoplast intrinsic protein gene PnTIP1;3 was cloned. Its functional characteristics in As transport were investigated through bioinformatic analysis and heterologous expression in yeast. Methods Bioinformatic tools were used to analyze the sequence features and promoter cis-acting elements of PnTIP1;3. A yeast heterologous expression system was constructed, and the role of PnTIP1;3 in cellular As transport was systematically evaluated through phenotypic assays, intracellular As content and subcellular distribution measurement by ICP-MS, and analysis of relevant antioxidant indicators. Results The tonoplast intrinsic protein gene PnTIP1;3 was cloned, with an open reading frame of 750 bp encoding 250 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that it belongs to the TIP1 subfamily. Promoter analysis revealed the presence of multiple cis-acting elements related to hormones, growth and development, and stress responses. As tolerance assays showed that the half-maximal effective concentration (EC₅₀) of yeast transformants heterologously expressing PnTIP1;3 (TPnTIP1;3) was 5.36 mmol/L, higher than that of the empty vector control (5.03 mmol/L). As treatment inhibited the growth of both strains, but the empty vector control was more severely affected. ICP-MS analysis indicated that total As accumulation was significantly higher in TPnTIP1;3 than in the control, and the subcellular distribution of As followed the pattern: cell wall > vacuole > cytoplasm. Under As stress, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.001) in TPnTIP1;3, while the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), as well as the contents of glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein (MT), were significantly increased (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis further demonstrated significant positive relationships between these antioxidant indicators and both total As content and cell wall As concentration. Conclusion The P. notoginseng tonoplast intrinsic protein gene PnTIP1;3, a member of the TIP1 subfamily, enhances yeast tolerance to As stress by promoting As accumulation and vacuolar sequestration, and through activation of the host antioxidant system.

Objective To study cycloartane triterpenoids from Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and their protective effects against cisplatin-induced renal injury. Methods The constituents were isolated from non-polysaccharide fractions of the aqueous extract of Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus by employing multiple chromatographic techniques including silica gel, Sephadex LH-20 and ODS. Their structures were identified based on the physicochemical properties as well as spectroscopic and spectrometric data. Their protective activities against renal injury were evaluated by detecting the cell viability of human renal proximal tubular epithelial (HK-2) cells injured by cisplatin. Results Four cycloartane triterpenoids were isolated from Astragalus membranaceus var. mongholicus and identified as 12-carboxy-20,24,25-trihydroxy-3-(β-D-xylopyranosyloxy)-6-(β-D-glucopyra- nosyloxy)-7(8)-ene-9,10-secocycloartane (1), astragaloside II (2), astragaloside Ⅳ (3) and astragaloside Ⅰ (4). Additionally, compounds 2 and 3 could significantly improve the decreased cell viability induced by cisplatin (P < 0.05). Conclusion Compound 1 is a novel homocycloartane triterpenoid named homoastragaloside A, and compounds 2 and 3 exhibit protective effects against renal injury.

Objective This study focuses on the Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, LJF) concentration process in the production of Reduning Injection (热毒宁注射液, RI), with the objective of developing and validating a data-driven technical framework. The framework is designed to enable objective evaluation, intelligent identification, and process optimization of “golden batches”, while fundamentally elucidating the key process mechanisms and quantitative control strategies influencing their formation. Ultimately, this approach aims to enhance the efficiency and stability of the production process. Methods This study collected production process data for 170 batches of LJF concentrate, and innovatively established “comprehensive concentration efficiency ratio” (E) as an evaluation index for process performance. A latent-space guided adaptive performance thresholding (LGAPT) strategy was employed to objectively classify the production batches into golden and non-golden categories. Subsequently, a classification prediction model based on extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) was constructed. By integrating model explanation techniques such as SHAP (Shapley additive explanations) and partial dependence plots (PDP), the key process features affecting batch quality and their optimal control ranges were systematically investigated. Finally, the model findings were statistically verified through non-parametric tests, effect size analysis, and kernel density estimation. Results The study established a threshold of E = 0.136 3 kg/(m³∙min), classifying the 170 batches into 61 golden and 109 non-golden batches. The XGBoost model demonstrated excellent performance in identifying golden batches, achieving an F1-score of 0.84 on the test set. Model interpretation identified features such as LT_std-2, LT_skew-1, and T3_abd-2 as core determinants for golden batch formation and defined their optimal ranges. The statistical validation results were highly consistent with the model interpretations, confirming the reliability of the findings. Conclusion This study established a comprehensive technical framework encompassing performance quantification, intelligent classification, and model-based optimization. By successfully identifying the key process features and their optimal control ranges, this work lays a methodological foundation for the standardization and intelligent control of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) manufacturing, driving a paradigm shift in process optimization from an empirical-based to a data-driven approach.