Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs

Quality difference evaluation of Speranskia tuberculata from different producing area by multi-index quantification and chemometrics combined with CRITIC-TOPSIS method

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(2): 665-674.

ObjectiveTo establish the method of multi-index quantification and quality difference evaluation of Zhenzhutougucao (S. tuberculata) from different producing areas. Methods HPLC method was used to establish the content determination method of chlorogenic acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, amentoflavone, diosmetin, luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, lonicerin, rutoside, β-sitosterol and stigmasterol in S. tuberculata. The mobile phase was acetonitrile-0.4 % phosphoric acid, the flow rate was 1.0 mL/min , the detection wavelength was 320 nm and 210 nm, the injection volume was 10 μL, and the column temperature was 30 ℃, water-soluble extract, total ash and acid-insoluble ash were also examined. Principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were performed on 18 batches of S. tuberculata by SPSS 26.0 and SIMCA14.1 software, and the quality difference markers were determined by the values of variable importance for projection. The CRITIC-TOPSIS method was used to construct the comprehensive quality evaluation model of S. tuberculata. Results The methodological investigation showed that each component showed a good linear relationship and good accuracy.The results of quantitative analysis showed that the contents of 13 chemical components in S. herba from different habitats were (0.867 ± 0.198), (0.586 ± 0.187), (1.454 ± 0.324), (0.347 ± 0.070), (8.262 ± 1.486), (3.247 ± 0.547), (2.397 ± 0.545), (4.464 ± 0.744), (3.224 ± 0.979), (0.266 ± 0.101), (1.153 ± 0.216), (0.706 ± 0.164), (0.079 ± 0.011) mg /g, respectively. The contents of water-soluble extract, total ash and acid-insoluble ash were (25.2 ± 6.4) %, (12.0 ± 2.5) % and (2.2 ± 1.1) %, respectively. The results of multivariate statistical analysis showed that 18 batches of S. herba were obviously divided into three categories. Eight quality difference markers with great contribution were screened and mentioned. According to the contribution degree, they were amentoflavone, quercetin, kaempferol, ferulic acid, luteolin, diosmetin, chlorogenic acid and β-sitosterol. The results of CRITIC-TOPSIS analysis showed that the comprehensive quality of samples S6 (from Jiangsu), S5 (from Henan), S2 (from Shandong), S4 (from Henan), S3 (from Shandong), S1 (from Shandong) and S7 (from Jiangsu) was relatively good. Conclusion There are differences in the quality of S. herba from different producing areas. The established multi-index quantification, chemometrics and CRITIC-TOPSIS method provide experimental basis for improving the quality evaluation system of S. tuberculata.

Research progress on protoplasts in medicinal plants

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(2): 675-688.

In recent years, protoplast technology has widely applied in the fields of plant genetic transformation, breeding, and plant regeneration. Related research on model plants (such as tobacco and Arabidopsis thaliana) has been in-depth, and its application in crops like forage grass, rice, and tomatoes has also become more and more mature. With the development of the economy and the increase in health demands, the market demand for medicinal plants has been continuously growing. However, the research on their breeding and genetic transformation is still insufficient, and protoplast technology can just provide a new path for this. This paper focuses on the preparation and isolation techniques of protoplasts of medicinal plants and their application scenarios, reviews their research status and challenges, and provides a reference for in-depth research on protoplasts of medicinal plants in fields such as genetic transformation, variety improvement, and plant regeneration.

Development strategies for Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry

LIU Youping, WANG Fu, CHEN Lin, CHEN Hongping, HU Yuan, CHEN Xiping, DING Haiyan, ZOU Jialiang, XIAO Yang, CHEN Shilin

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(2): 689-710.

In recent years, significant changes have taken place in the variety type of Citrus cultivars in China, which has profoundly impacted the Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) medicinal materials. Except for Citrus reticulata ‘Chachi’, the cultivated varieties of the primary botanical source of traditional Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium have seen a severe decline in cultivation, leading to an insufficient supply of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium medicinal materials. Consequently, peels derived from Citrus aurantium, Citrus sinensis, and other related species, collectively referred to as “Za Chenpi”, have entered the market and become the predominant commodity. This shift has a serious impact on the safety of clinical medication and the healthy development of the Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry. Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium are widely distributed and serve both medicinal and culinary purposes. The development of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry plays an important role in driving and leading the development of China’s traditional Chinese medicine industry and rural revitalization. However, except for C. reticulata ‘Chachi’ which has successfully transformed from a single agricultural product into a billion-yuan industry, the broader Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry currently faces multiple challenges, including a broken chain in the cultivation sector, the use of “Za Chenpi” as a substitute in manufacturing, insufficient exploration of its health value as a food-medicine dual-purpose substance, a lack of innovation in product development, and inadequate expansion of the service sector. This article provides a systematic review of the historical origin and research progress of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium. In response to the challenges facing the industry, and using the development model of C. reticulata ‘Chachi’ as a benchmark, this study propose strategic recommendations for Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry from multiple perspectives, including base construction, quality assurance, technology empowerment, product innovation, brand building, and integrated whole-industry-chain development. The aim is to provide decision-making support for the high-quality development of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium industry.

Research progress on textual research of Bupleuri Radix in historical herbal literature and formation of its geo-authentic quality

GU Xupeng, LIU Tianliang, ZHANG Di, YANG Linin, DONG Chengming

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(2): 711-720.

Herbal textual research, through systematic collation and analysis of historical texts, clarifies the nomenclature and historical applications of medicinal materials, and serves as a key factor in ensuring their quality and clinical efficacy. This study primarily conducted a comprehensive textual investigation into the nomenclature, botanical origin, efficacy, harvesting and collection, processing and geo-authentic producing areas of Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) as recorded in historical herbal literature. Simultaneously, it systematically reviewed modern ecological research on the quality formation of geo-authentic Bupleuri Radix. The study identified three major shifts in the documented efficacy of Bupleuri Radix, ultimately establishing its current recognized functions of “dispelling pathogenic factors to relieve fever, soothing the liver to alleviate depression, and elevating yang qi” through three major revolutions. Furthermore, the geo-authentic producing areas of Bupleuri Radix have remained relatively stable historically, with their distribution centered on the adjoining region of Shaanxi and Henan provinces and gradually expanding outward along the watersheds of the Yellow River and the Wei River. Concurrently, modern research, from the perspective of interactions between ecological factors and microorganisms, elucidates the “stress effect” and the multidimensional regulatory network underlying the quality formation of Bupleuri Radix, thereby providing a theoretical basis for understanding the causes of its geo-authenticity. This study interprets the scientific connotation of dao-di herbs through the cross-verification of “traditional textual research” and “scientific inquiry”. It identifies ecological factors—ranging from water, heat, and light to microorganisms—as the core elements driving the formation ofthe geo-authentic quality of Bupleuri Radix. This provides a theoretical foundation for enhancing the quality of Bupleuri Radix, promoting in-depth resource development, and guiding rational clinical application.

Research progress on mechanism and formulation of Astragalus polysaccharides in treatment of diabetic nephropathy based on its multi-dimensional pharmacological effects

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(2): 721-728.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the most common complications of diabetes, which may eventually lead to end-stage renal disease. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS) are the main active components of Huangqi (Astragali Radix) and have been proven to possess multiple functions such as antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation and immunomodulation in recent years. Based on the multi-dimensional pharmacological effects of scavenging reactive oxygen species and regulating adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase signaling pathway, inhibiting the release of inflammatory factors, and regulating immune responses, APS can reduce the renal injury caused by oxidative stress in patients with DN, reduce the inflammatory response of the kidneys, improve the immune microcirculation, exhibit renal protective effects, and ultimately delay the progression of DN. However, APS are macromolecular mixtures by acidic heteropolysaccharides and dextran, with poor membrane permeability and low oral bioavailability, which limit their clinical application. This article reviews the mechanism of action of APS in treatment of DN based on their multi-dimensional pharmacological effects and summarizes the research on the formulations of APS, which provide reference and guidance for the application of APS in DN.

Novel composite materials for Chinese herb residues based on 3D printing: A path towards green manufacturing and high-value utilization

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(2): 729-736.

With the rapid development of the traditional Chinese medicine industry, a large amount of waste is produced during the processing of traditional Chinese medicine, especially Chinese herb residues, which lead to severe resource waste and environmental pressure. Meanwhile, due to its advantages of high customizability, design flexibility, and material efficiency, fused deposition modeling 3D printing technology is gaining widespread adoption across various fields. However, commonly used printing materials are often limited by high brittleness, susceptibility to cracking and denting, and lack of functionality. Containing approximately 40% cellulose, Chinese herb residues can serve as a natural reinforcing phase to enhance the mechanical propert ies of printing materials, thus enabling high-value utilization of resources. This article provides a comprehensive review of the classification and material composition of Chinese herbal residues, as well as the transformation of their disposal methods from traditional to green and environmentally friendly approaches, highlights the advantages of new Chinese herbal medicine residue composite materials, the key points for performance optimization, the preparation process, and their application potential in the development of 3D printed products. This article summarize the current challenges and future development directions in this interdisciplinary field, aiming to provide theoretical insights for advancing the high-value utilization of waste and the development of novel green printing materials.

Modern research progress on pharmacological effects and clinical applications of Zhizichi Decoction

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(2): 737-748.

Zhizichi Decoction (栀子豉汤) firstly recorded in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases written by Zhang Zhongjing, was included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Prescriptions (second batch) published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which is a classic prescription for treating “restlessness due to deficiency” and “inner distress”. The formula of ZhiziChi Decoction is simple. Modern pharmacological studies have found that the active components of Zhizichi Decoction have the effects such as sedation and sleep induction, hypoglycemic action, regulation of lung tissue damage, protection of liver and myocardial cells. This classic formula is used to treat agrypnia and annoyance with heat, clinically, it has been used for treatment of neurological disorders and gastrointestinal diseases. This paper systematically summarizes and sorts out the pharmacological effects, modern clinical applications and modern research of Zhizichi Decoction, which can provide a theoretical basis for the future research and development of ZhiziChi Decoction.

Research progress on establishment of zebrafish liver injury-fibrosis-hepatocellular carcinoma model and intervention effects of traditional Chinese medicine

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(2): 749-766.

Zebrafish are a critical model organism for investigating liver disease mechanisms and drug discovery because of their embryonic transparency and genetic manipulability, as well as their possession of a structurally and functionally conserved liver highly homologous to mammals. This review systematically summarizes methodologies for establishing zebrafish models of liver injury, hepatic fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and focuses on exploring the therapeutic effects of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) components in ameliorating liver injury, counteracting fibrogenesis, and inhibiting tumorigenesis,with the aims of providing novel perspectives and methodologies for advancing the application of zebrafish models in hepatopathology research and promoting TCM-based interventions for liver diseases.

Key issues and application progress in scaling up traditional Chinese medicine extraction processes based on process analytical technology

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(2): 767-777.

The scale-up of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) extraction processes is a crucial step in transitioning from laboratory research to industrial production. With the rapid development of the TCM industry, the scale-up of TCM extraction processes faces numerous key challenges, such as parameter fluctuations caused by multi-factor coupling, instability in cross-scale amplification due to unclear kinetic mechanisms, and quality variations resulting from the failure of traditional scaling-up theories. In recent years, with the rapid advancement of process analytical technology (PAT), its application in the scale-up of TCM extraction processes has garnered increasing attention. PAT enhances the efficiency and stability of TCM extraction process scale-up by real-time monitoring and analyzing key parameters during the extraction process, optimizing extraction techniques, establishing precise models, and implementing dynamic regulation and feedback control. This provides robust data support for process scale-up. This review summarizes the application of PAT in extraction process scale-up, systematically elaborates on the current research status of data acquisition, process modeling, and dynamic feedback techniques, and analyzes the current problems and challenges faced by extraction process scale-up. It aims to provide insights for promoting the application of PAT in the TCM manufacturing industry, therebyfacilitating the intelligent transformation, upgrading, and high-quality development of the TCM industry.

Research progress on resources status and artificial cultivation in medicinal ferns

Chinese Traditional and Herbal Drugs. 2026, 57(2): 778-788.

Ferns exhibit a wide variety of species in our country, with some possessing significant medicinal value. However, the overall development of medicinal fern research is insufficient, and the status of resources remains unclear. This article summarizes the current state of medicinal ferns in our country, as well as the research progress on artificial cultivation and propagation techniques, thoroughly analyzes the impacts of soil substrates, light, temperature, diseases and insects pests on the growth of medicinal ferns and the accumulation of their medicinal components, and systematically reviews the current status of processing methods and product research and development of ferns. The standardized cultivation and in-depth utilization of medicinal ferns warrant further attention, as they offer new prospects for the development and utilization of traditional Chinese medicine resources.