Objective This study investigated the effects of critical process parameters (CPPs, e.g., extraction temperature, time, and solid-liquid ratio) on the physical properties and the content of 12 effective components in both alcoholic and aqueous extracts of Guizhi Fuling Capsules (GFC, 桂枝茯苓胶囊). The correlations between physical properties and effective components were analyzed to provide a basis for process optimization and quality control. Methods A single-factor experimental design was adopted. Different process parameters such as extraction temperature (set control temperature of electric heating jacket), extraction time and solid-liquid ratio were set to prepare the corresponding alcohol extract and water extract, and the particle size, polydispersion index (PDI), ζ potential, conductivity, pH value, total solid content and refractive indexof each intermediate were determined. The contents of 12 effective components (gallic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, oxypaeoniflorin, ethyl gallate, benzoic acid, 1,2,3,4,6-O-pentagalloylglucose, cinnamaldehyde, amygdalin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, cinnamic acid, paeonol) were quantified by UPLC. Correlations among CPPs, physical parameters, and effective components were analyzed via the chemometric analysis, including orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), Pearson correlation, grey relational analysis, and linear regression model analysis. Results The CPPs exert certain influences on the physical parameters and effective components of GFC alcoholic extracts and aqueous extracts. Specifically, for the alcoholic extraction process, when the temperature of the electric heating mantle is controlled at ≤ 200 ℃, with an extraction duration of 1.5 h and a solid-liquid ratio ranging from 1:6 to 1:8; and for the aqueous extraction process, when the electric heating mantle temperature is maintained at 200—250 ℃, extraction time is set to 1.5—2.0 h and the solid-liquid ratio is 1:6—1:8, the contents of most bioactive substances are relatively high. Furthermore, the chemometric analysis results indicated that ζ potential, conductivity, and total solids correlated well with the content of amygdalin in alcoholic extracts under different solid-liquid ratios (well-fitted, R² > 0.7). And in aqueous extracts under different temperatures, particle size and conductivity showed some correlation with cinnamic acid content, but with poor fitting. Conclusion Critical process parameters significantly influence the correlation between physical properties and effective components by modulating the solution microenvironment and dissolution behavior. Conductivity, ζ potential and total solid content can serve as important bases for the study of the “quantity-quality” transfer law in the process of traditional Chinese medicine manufacturing.

Objective To elucidate how Tongmai Yangxin Pill (通脉养心丸, TMYX) confers cardioprotective effects during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (MI/RI) through the regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α (PGC-1α)-mediated mitochondrial function. Methods A hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) model in cardiomyocytes was established. After intervention with TMYX, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured using DCFH-DA and MitoSOX^TM red fluorescent probes. Cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content was quantified using an enhanced ATP assay kit. Changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were evaluated by JC-1 staining. Mitochondrial respiratory function was assessed using Seahorse XF cell mitochondrial stress test. Mitochondrial morphology and ultrastructural alterations were examined using MitoTracker staining and transmission electron microscopy. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to determine the expression levels of proteins and genes associated with mitochondrial fusion and fission [mitofusin 1 (Mfn1), mitofusin 2 (Mfn2), fission 1 (Fis1), dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)], biogenesis [nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1), mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number] and autophagy [Beclin1, PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1), Parkin, p62]. To further investigate the effects of TMYX on the above-mentioned functions of H9c2 cells after PGC-1α silencing expression through PGC-1α siRNA transfection experiment. Results Compared with model group, TMYX significantly enhanced mitochondrial ATP synthesis (P < 0.01), improved mitochondrial membrane potential (P < 0.01), reduced oxidative stress (P < 0.01), and promoted mitochondrial autophagy (P < 0.05, 0.01). After silencing PGC-1α, the protective effect of TMYX on mitochondrial function was significantly weakened (P < 0.05, 0.01). Conclusion TMYX could effectively improve mitochondrial dysfunction and morphological changes induced by MI/RI by regulating mitochondrial biosynthesis, dynamic balance and autophagy through PGC-1α. This study reveals PGC-1α as a core factor regulating mitochondrial function and its potential therapeutic value in MI/RI, providing new ideas for the treatment of MI/RI.

Objective To investigate the correlation between intrinsic components, visual color, and antioxidant activity during the “nine-steaming and nine-sun-drying” processing of Heshouwu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix, PMR), providing a reference for determining the processing degree and quality control. Methods A colorimeter was used to objectively quantify the color of samples at different steaming and sun-drying cycles. HPLC was used to establish fingerprints, HPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to analysis characteristic peaks. Alcohol-soluble extract content was determined according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2025 edition). Polysaccharide content was measured using the phenol-sulfuric acid method. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through DPPH radical scavenging capacity, ABTS radical scavenging assays, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) method to determine total antioxidant capacity. Pearson correlation and regression analyses were conducted between the components, color values, and antioxidant activity. Cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares regression (PLSR) were applied to determine the processing stages of “nine-steaming and nine-sun-drying” PMR, while entropy-weighted TOPSIS was used to identify its the optimal processing endpoint. Results During processing, the sample color gradually darkened, and chromaticity values decreased. Polysaccharide content increased progressively, while alcohol-soluble extract content first increased and then declined. A total of 26 chromatographic peaks were identified in the fingerprints, and the components of 25 of them were identified. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between intrinsic components, color values, and antioxidant activity. The processing stages were divided into initial, middle, and final phases, with the seven steaming and sun-drying cycle achieving the highest comprehensive score. Conclusion Significant changes in component content, color, and antioxidant activity occur during the processing of PMR, with notable correlations among them. The integrated “color-component-antioxidant activity” analysis enables objective discrimination of processing techniques and quality control in “nine-steaming and nine-sun-drying” PMR.

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents from the leaves of Musa × paradisiaca and their inhibitory activities on cell proliferation in vitro. Methods The compounds were isolated and purified using various chromatographic techniques, including silica gel, MCI gel CHP-20P, reversed-phase ODS, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatographies, and semi-preparative HPLC. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods such as NMR and MS. The inhibitory activities of all compounds on cell proliferation in vitro were evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. Results A total of 19 compounds were isolated from the leaves of Musa × paradisiaca and identified as di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (1), myristic acid (2), pentadecanoic acid (3), linoleic acid (4), dibutyl phthalate (5), ethyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoate (6), dihydroactinidolide (7), MF-EA-705β (8), butyl 2-ethylhexyl phthalate (9), n-tetratriacont-20,23-dienoic acid (10), 3-hydroxystigmasta-5,22-dien-7-one (11), 3-hydroxystigmast-5-en-7-one (12), luffarin X (13), 6-hydroxystigmasta-4,22-dien-3-one (14), 6-hydroxystigmast-4-en-3-one(15), (3S,5R,6S,7E)-5,6-epoxy-3-hydroxy-7-megastigmen-9-one (16), ethyl p-hydroxybenzoate (17), p-diethoxybenzene (18), and methyl (9Z,12Z,15Z)-octadeca-9,12,15-trienoate (19). Among them, compounds2 , 5 ,7 ,11 ,13 ,15 , and17 exhibited certain anti-proliferative activities against human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG₂, cervical cancer Hela, breast cancer MCF-7, and malignant melanoma A375 cell lines, with median inhibition concentration (IC₅₀) values ranging from 40.26 to 97.75 μmol/L. Specifically, compounds7 and11 showed selective inhibitory activity against A375 cells (IC₅₀ = 43.0 and 50.0 μmol/L, respectively), which was slightly weaker than that of the positive control cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 40.13 μmol/L). In contrast, compounds2 and15 demonstrated stronger inhibitory effects against MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 40.26 and 45.00 μmol/L, respectively) compared to cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 48.36 μmol/L). Conclusion Compounds1 and6 —19 were isolated from this genus for the first time, while compounds2 —5 were first identified from this specific plant. Furthermore, compounds2 ,7 ,11 , and15 exhibited selective inhibitory activities against specific tumor cell lines .

Objective Based on the supramolecular of traditional Chinese medicine (STCM) theory, this study systematically explored the material basis of Huangqi (Astragali Radix)-Ezhu (Curcumae Rhizoma) (AC) herb pair for synergistic anti-liver cancer, aiming to reveal the scientific connotation of its compatibility. Methods The STCM were separated by the centrifugation-dialysis method. The particle size and morphology were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) technology and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the formation mechanism was analyzed by spectroscopic technology. The chemical composition was further analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Its anti-liver cancer activity in vitro was evaluated. Results The results showed that STCM existed in both the AC co-decoction and the physically mixed solution, but the STCM in the co-decoction (AC-STCM) had smaller particle size, more uniform distribution, and higher stability; its self-assembly process may be jointly driven by components such as calycosin, formononetin, and demethoxycurcumin through hydrogen bonding and π-π stacking interactions. AC-STCM exhibited significant inhibitory effects on HepG2 cells (P < 0.01), with its in vitro antitumor activity notably superior to that of the co-decoction and the physically mixed STCM (Mix-STCM) (P < 0.01), while the co-decoction itself also showed better antitumor effects than the physical mixture (P < 0.01). Conclusion During the decoction process, AC herb pairs self-assemble through non-covalent bonds to form a stable STCM system, which constitutes an important material basis for their synergistic anti-liver cancer effects. This study is the first to explain the scientific connotation of AC for synergistic anti-liver cancer from the perspective of STCM, which provides a theoretical basis and experimental basis for the modernization of the theory of compound compatibility of traditional Chinese medicine.

Against the backdrop of global efforts to combat climate change and China’s implementation of the dual-carbon strategy (carbon peaking and carbon neutrality), advancing the green and low-carbon transition of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) industry represents a critical pathway toward achieving sustainable and high-quality development. Carbon footprint, as an important evaluation indicator, is crucial for the green manufacturing upgrade and international competitiveness enhancement of the TCM industry. This study systematically explores the connotation of green manufacturing of TCM and its intrinsic relationship with carbon footprint accounting. It also reviews current carbon footprint accounting policies, standards, and research advancements both domestically and internationally, particularly within the pharmaceutical sector. Based on life cycle assessment (LCA) theory and focusing on the unique characteristics of the TCM industry, this paper deeply reveals the key issues currently faced by carbon footprint accounting: weak data foundation and high uncertainty, ambiguous system boundaries and allocation rules, and the difficulty of general models in adapting to the spatio-temporal coupling characteristics of “energy-quality-efficiency” in TCM. Therefore, it is urgent to promote the localization and reconstruction of LCA theory, build a dynamic accounting model covering the entire chain from “medicinal materials-processing-preparation”, establish an industry-specific database, develop intelligent data collection technology, and promote the coordination of standard systems and policies. This research lays a theoretical foundation for constructing a novel evaluation paradigm for TCM green manufacturing-characterized by low carbon emissions, high product quality, and high operational efficiency and contributes to serving the dual-carbon strategy and the sustainable development of the TCM industry.

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents from Sanghuangporus vaninii and their activity against tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced human rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast synovial cells (MH7A). Methods Isolation and purification were carried out by using various separation techniques such as silica gel, ODS column chromatography, and semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography. The structures of isolated compounds were elucidated through comprehensive spectroscopic analyses, such as UV, IR, HRESIMS, NMR, carbon spectrum calculation and ECD. Meanwhile, the activity of sesquiterpene compounds in inhibiting the proliferation of MH7A cells induced by TNF-α was evaluated by the CCK-8 method and the levels of inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and IL-1β were detected by ELISA. Results A total of nine compounds were isolated from 95% ethanol extract of S. vaninii and were identified as (4S,5S,6R)-2-methyl-5,6-dihydroxy-[R-6-(4-hydroxymethyl)-3-cyclohexene]-furan-2(5H)-one (1), phellilane D (2), phellilane C (3), (＋)-γ-ionylideneacetic acid (4), elgonene A (5), (3E)-4-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-but-3-en-2-one (6), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (7), (E)-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-one (8), protocatechualdehyde (9), respectively. The bioactivity results showed that compounds1 ,3 and4 significantly inhibited the proliferation of TNF-α-induced MH7A cells within 20 μmol/L, and the inhibition rates were (38.9 ± 1.32)%、(46.21 ± 0.86)% and (36.59 ± 1.51)% at 20 μmol/L, respectively. Furthermore, the ELISA results showed they effectively reduced the production of IL-6 and IL-1β on TNF-α-induced MH7A cells. Conclusion Compounds1 —5 were identified as bisabolane type sesquiterpenoids and6 —9 were identified as phenols. Compound1 was a new sesquiterpenoid and named as phellilane Q, Compound7 was first isolated from S. vaninii. Compounds1 ,3 and4 significantly suppressed the proliferation of TNF-α-induced MH7A cells and demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects.

Objective This study aimed to explore the bioactive constituents of Rosa odorata Sweet var. gigantea (Coll. et Hemsl.) Rehd. et Wils. fruits that intervene in the gastritis-cancer transformation process. Methods The transformation of human gastric mucosal epithelial cells (GES-1 cells) was induced by N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) to obtain human gastric mucosal epithelial dermatitis-cancer transformation model cells (MC cells)., The activity screening was conducted on the different polar fractions from the 60% ethanol extract of R. odorata var. gigantea fruits. Active fractions were isolated and purified using multiple chromatographic techniques, including silica gel column chromatography, ODS column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography, and preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (preparative HPLC). The chemical structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated based on physico-chemical properties and spectroscopic data. The CCK-8 assay was utilized to evaluate the anti-proliferative activity of the isolated monomeric compounds against MC cells. Results A total of 18 compounds were isolated and identified from the active fractions of R. odorata var. gigantea fruits, namely: (2R,3R)-3-[(1'S,2'R,6'S)-2',6'-dihydroxy-1'-(galloyl)cyclohexyl]-2,3-dihydroxypropanoic acid (1), microphyllose A (2), caffeic acid (3), 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (4), 5-galloylquinic acid (5), ethyl vanillate (6), procyanidin B2 (7), 3-O-galloylquinic acid (8), gallocatechin gallate (9), 6-O-galloyl-β-D-glucose (10), methyl gallate (11), 3,4,5-tri-O-galloylquinic acid (12), ethyl gallate (13), 3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene (14), quercitrin (15), quercetin (16), luteolin (17), and betulinic acid (18). The results of the activity assay indicated that compounds1 , 9 ,14 —18 with an inhibition rate exceeding 50% exhibited the following IC₅₀ values: 93.47, 81.79, 37.44, 81.58, 86.01, 44.02, and 66.12 μmol/L. Conclusion Compound1 is a novel compound, designated as gugongguoic acid A. Compound2 was isolated from the genus Rosa for the first time. Compounds5 ,9 ,11 ,13 ,15 , and17 were isolated from this plant species for the first time. All 18 compounds exhibited inhibitory activity against MC cell proliferation. Among them, compounds1 , 9 ,14 —18 showed inhibition rates greater than 50%, which represent potential bioactive constituents for intervening in the gastritis–cancer transformation process.