Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs

Exploration of basic issues in application of microwave pocessing technology for traditional Chinese medicine

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(4): 1583-1591.

Microwave processing technology has been under investigation for nearly 40 years, with research conducted for over 30 types of herbs. This technology offers advantages such as concentrated energy, efficient heating, energy savings, and cleanliness, gradually emerging as a promising alternative to traditional fire-processing and combined water-fire processing methods. With the widespread adoption and intelligent development of industrial microwave equipment, the conditions for industrializing microwave processing technology in traditional Chinese medicine have become increasingly favorable. However, its large-scale application still faces several bottlenecks. This paper systematically elaborates on the basic principles of microwave processing, analyzes factors affecting heating uniformity, and examines key challenges in the industrialization process. Based on these, it proposes solutions including deepening research into the interaction mechanisms between microwaves and medicinal materials, developing specialized microwave processing equipment and intelligent control systems, establishing process scale-up methods based on multi-physical field simulations, and constructing quality evaluation systems tailored to the characteristics of microwave processing. Furthermore, from the perspective of regulatory science for Chinese medicinal decoction pieces and aligned with national policy directions, it offers regulatory recommendations to improve relevant standards and normative systems. The aim is to promote the scientific and standardized application of microwave processing technology in traditional Chinese medicine processing, thereby facilitating the inheritance, innovation, and industrial transformation of this field.

Discussion on registration (Filing) technical review requirements for Traditional Chinese Medicine preparations in medical institutions

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(4): 1592-1596.

At present, there are certain technical review standards and practical cases for the technical review of traditional Chinese medicine preparation registration in medical institutions in Jiangxi Province. However, with the continuous development of traditional Chinese medicine and the increasingly updated clinical needs, it is particularly important to conduct more in-depth discussion and improvement of technical review requirements. The purpose of this article is to deeply explore the relevant requirements for the technical review of the filing of traditional Chinese medicine preparations in medical institutions, with a view to providing a scientific and reasonable reference basis for effectively standardizing the technical review of the filing of traditional Chinese medicine preparations in medical institutions. Through the sorting and analysis of 127 registration and filing applications in the past five years, including the clinical needs of traditional Chinese medicine preparations prepared by traditional techniques, the challenges faced by medical institutions in the development of preparations, and the guiding role of technical review in the development of preparations, the focus is on the key points of technical review (i.e. prescription composition, preparation process, quality standards, etc.) were analyzed in depth, with a view to making the key points of drug technical review play a greater role in refining the content of application materials, standardizing the integrity of registration application materials, unifying review and approval standards, and improving registration (filing) technical review capabilities. Therefore, reasonable registration (filing) technical review points are crucial to improving the registration (filing) management of medical institutions’ preparations. They can guide medical institutions to improve the research and development level of traditional Chinese medicine preparations, standardize registration application requirements, ensure the safety and effectiveness of preparations, and promote the healthy development of traditional Chinese medicine preparations in medical institutions.

Key issues and countermeasures of carbon footprint accounting for green manufacturing of traditional Chinese Medicines

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(3): 789-798.

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.

Chemical constituents of Sanghuangporus vaninii

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(3): 799-805.

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.

Active components of Rosa odorata var. gigantea fruits in intervening gastritis-cancer transformation

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(3): 806-816.

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.

Chemical constituents from leaves of Musa × paradisiaca and their anti-proliferative activities

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(3): 817-824.

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 .

Rapid identification of chemical constituents and blood-absorbed components in classical chinese formula Yinchen Wuling San by UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS

CHEN Qun, LIN Qiaoxuan, GENG Qiudong, XU Jiaqi, OU Yuhang, ZENG Weiquan

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(3): 825-839.

Objective This study aimed to systematically analyze the chemical constituents of the classical Chinese herbal formula Yinchen Wuling San (YCWLS) and identify its prototype components absorbed into the bloodstream using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS). Methods The standard aqueous extract of YCWLS was prepared by decoction. UPLC-Orbitrap-MS/MS, combined with a self-built chemical database, was employed for qualitative analysis of the chemical constituents in the extract. A rat gavage administration experiment was conducted, and serum samples were collected. Prototype components absorbed into the bloodstream and metabolites were screened and identified by comparing the total ion chromatograms of blank serum and drug-containing serum. Results A total of 192 chemical constituents were identified in the aqueous extract of YCWLS, encompassing diverse structural types such as phenylpropanoids, flavonoids, coumarins, fatty acids, and nucleosides. Among these, 17 components were absorbed into the bloodstream in their prototype forms, including chlorogenic acid, 3-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, feruloyl putrescine, 2,5-dihydroxycinnamic acid, 2-methoxycinnamic acid, and 1-caffeoylquinic acid, etc. Conclusion This study comprehensively characterized the chemical composition group of the standard aqueous extract of YCWLS, elucidated its prototype components absorbed into the bloodstream and speculated its serum metabolites. The findings provide a crucial foundation for understanding the pharmacodynamic material basis and mechanism of action of this formula. Additionally, the methodology established herein offers a valuable reference for the modern research of other classical Chinese herbal prescription.

Optimization of processing technology and sensory quality evaluation of charred Crataegi Fructus based on quality marker-thermal analysis-electronic sensory technology

SUN Lin, WEI Bingbin, WANG Ying, MENG Xianglong, YAN Xiaoning, ZHANG Shuosheng

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(3): 840-858.

Objective To analyze the quality marker (Q-Marker) of charred Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus) before and after processing based on fingerprint and multivariate statistical analysis, and guided by the differential components, optimize the processing technology of charred Crataegi Fructus using thermal analysis technology combined with single factor-response surface methodology, while quantitatively analyzing the color, odor, and taste before and after processing. Methods The HPLC fingerprint of charred Crataegi Fructus was established and subjected to multivariate statistical analysis to identify differential components before and after processing. Network pharmacology was further applied to preliminarily predict the potential action mechanisms of these differential components. The pyrolysis characteristics of Crataegi Fructus powder were analyzed using thermal analysis, and the screened markers—chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and isoquercitrin—were selected as indicator compounds. The weights of these indicators were determined using the AHP-CRITIC comprehensive weighting method. The optimal processing temperature and time were then optimized through single-factor experiments and response surface methodology. Finally, electronic sensory technology was employed to quantitatively analyze differences in color, odor, and taste between raw and charred Crataegi Fructus. Results The fingerprint of charred Crataegi Fructus exhibited 10 common peaks, among which four major chemical components were identified. The similarity of all tested samples exceeded 0.9. Multivariate statistical analysis effectively distinguished raw Crataegi Fructus from charred Crataegi Fructus. Based on the “Five Principles” of traditional Chinese medicine Q-Marker and supported by network pharmacological analysis, chlorogenic acid, rutin, isoquercitrin, and hyperoside were screened as Q-Marker reflecting the quality changes before and after processing. Using chlorogenic acid, isoquercitrin, and hyperoside among these Q-Marker as indicator compounds, the optimal processing parameters for charred Crataegi Fructus were optimized to 238 ℃ for 5.89 min. Electronic sensory evaluation revealed significant differences in color, odor, and taste between raw and charred Crataegi Fructus. Multivariate analysis of electronic nose data identified 11 sensors responding to compounds that serve as key indicators for discriminating between raw and processed products. Conclusion This study screened out the different components in the processing of charred Crataegi Fructus, and used them as the key index to optimize the processing technology of charred Crataegi Fructus, and determined the best processing technology. At the same time, the differences in color, odor and taste of charred Crataegi Fructus before and after processing were accurately quantified, which provided a scientific basis for the quality evaluation of charred Crataegi Fructus.

A discussion on scientific connotation of synergistic effect of Astragali Radix and Curcumae Rhizoma in enhancing anti-liver cancer effect based on traditional Chinese medicine supramolecular

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(3): 859-870.

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.

Optimization of preparation process and pharmacodynamics research of Anshen Dingzhi Pills

ZHAN Ting, ZHANG Xiaoqian, XING Chengjie, GAO Yu, XIE Pengfei, ZHANG Jinxue, ZENG Hanrui, TENG Fan, ZHANG Caiyun

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(3): 871-884.

Objective To optimize the preparation process parameters of Anshen Dingzhi Pills (ADP, 安神定志丸) and explore its efficacy in alleviating cognitive impairment in sleep deprived model rats. Methods Single factor experiments were conducted on the ratio of powder to honey, drying time and drying temperature. The appearance characteristics, disintegration time limit and six index components (polygalaxanthone III, 3,6′-disinapoylsucrose, ginsenoside Rb₁, β-asarone, dehydrotumulosic acid and pachymic acid) were used as comprehensive evaluation indexes. The AHP-entropy weight method combined with the Box-Behnken design-response surface method (BBD-RSM) were used to optimize the best process parameters for the preparation of ADP. The improved multi-platform water environment method was used to induce a rat model of sleep deprivation. The efficacy of ADP on sleep deprivation rats with cognitive impairment was evaluated by motor function, learning and memory performance, hippocampal histopathological changes, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-6 and oxidative stress markers in brain tissue, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results The optimal preparation process parameters for ADP was determined as follows, the ratio of honey to medicinal powder of 0.316:1, drying time of 14.0 h and drying temperature of 50 ℃. Pharmacological evaluation demonstrated that the prepared ADP significantly reduced escape latency in sleep deprived rats, increased the number of platform crossings, time spent in the target quadrant, and novel object recognition index. Additionally, it markedly alleviated neuronal structural damage in the hippocampal CA1 region, decreased serum levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) and effectively regulated the expression levels of oxidative stress (SOD, GSH and MDA) in brain tissue. Conclusion The optimized ADP preparation process is stable and has consistent quality, which can significantly improve the cognitive function and hippocampal nerve cell morphology of sleep-deprived rats, reduce the levels of inflammatory factors, alleviate oxidative stress damage, and also provide a scientific reference basis for the development of ADP preparations and clinical applications.