Objective To construct a Blumea balsamifera oil (BBO) Pickering emulsion (AMWE-BBO@PE) stabilized by soybean protein isolate (SPI) and loaded with Astragalus membranaceus water extract (AMWE), and evaluate its physicochemical properties, antibacterial activity, and effect on wound healing in mice. Methods AMWE-BBO@PE was prepared by ultrasonic emulsification method using SPI as the stabilizer and BBO as the oil phase. Key process partners including the concentration of AMWE, oil-water ratio, and ultrasonic power were optimized via single-factor experiments. The particle size, ζ potential, polydispersity index (PDI), and stability of the emulsion were characterized; its micromorphology was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and optical microscopy. Additionally, its transdermal penetration ability, antibacterial activity, and wound healing-promoting effect were evaluated. Results The optimal process partners were determined as follows: oil-water ratio of 4%, AMWE mass concentration of 0.020 g/mL, and ultrasonic power of 30 W. The prepared emulsion exhibited a regular elliptical shape with an average particle size of (422.2 ± 2.2) nm, PDI of 0.076 ± 0.019, and ζ potential of (−33.95 ± 0.54) mV, showing good stability. The cumulative transdermal amount within 48 h reached 4.857 mg, and the transdermal rate was approximately 6.3-fold higher than that of the BBO group. Furthermore, the emulsion displayed significant antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, accelerated the deposition and remodeling of collagen fibers, and remarkably promoted the healing of skin wounds in mice. Conclusion The AMWE-BBO@PE Pickering emulsion possesses excellent antibacterial activity and wound healing-promoting capacity, providing a novel strategy for the development of efficient and stable transdermal delivery systems for aqueous extracts of traditional Chinese medicines.

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents of Tibetan medicine Ligularia virgaurea. Methods The compounds were isolated and purified by silica gel column chromatography, Sephadex LH-20, ODS reversed-phase column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC, and the structures were identified by spectral data (NMR and MS). Results A total of 19 compounds were isolated and identified as follows 1-[(1S,3aR,4R,7S,7aS)-4-hydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl-7-propan-2-yl-1,2,3,3a,5,6,7,7a-octahydroinden-1-yl]ethanone (1), 10α-hydroxy-1-oxoeremophila-7(11),8(9)-dien-12,8-olide (2), 6α,10α-dihydroxy-1-oxoeremophila-7(11),8(9)-dien-12,8-olide (3), 3-hydroxycacalolide (4), 6β-acetoxy-9-oxo-10αH-furanoeremophilane (5), pinoresinol (6), medioresinol (7), syringaresinol (8), p-hydroxybenzoic acid (9), methyl 3,4-dihydroxybenzoate (10), syringic acid (11), 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid (12), dimethy phthalate (13), syringin (14)、lupeol (15), obtusifoliol (16), ethyl linoleate (17), 15-vaccenic acid (18), 10-eicosenoic acid (19). Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound, designated 14-hydroxy-oplopanone. Compounds 5—14, 16—19 are isolated from L. virgaurea for the first time.

Objective To compare different varieties of Dioscoreae Rhizoma and reveal their chemical differences, providing a basis for targeted breeding of Dioscoreae Rhizoma varieties. Methods Eight batches of Dioscoreae Rhizoma materials with different germplasms were collected, their agronomic traits were measured and compared. Subsequently, ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS)-based untargeted metabolomic approach was employed to systematically analyze their chemical compositions. Multivariate statistical methods, including principal component analysis (PCA), cluster heatmap analysis and correlation plots, were used to dissect the metabolic product differences among varieties and their associations with agronomic traits. Results The eight batches of Dioscoreae Rhizoma showed significant differences in indicators such as yield and tuber morphology. Based on high-resolution mass spectrometry, 164 chemical components were identified across the eight batches of Dioscoreae Rhizoma, including peptides, amino acids, flavonoids, and saponins. PCA indicated significant differences among the eight batches of Dioscoreae Rhizoma germplasm resources. Saponin levels were relatively high in Jin Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Taigu Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Shuangbang Dioscoreae Rhizoma, and Ma Dioscoreae Rhizoma, while Taigu Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Jin Dioscoreae Rhizoma, and Ma Dioscoreae Rhizoma exhibited similar chemical characteristics in terms of flavonoids. Cluster heatmap analysis revealed potential chemical markers, providing a basis for rapid discrimination among different varieties. The chemical differences between medicinal-edible Dioscoreae Rhizoma varieties such as Tiegun Dioscoreae Rhizoma and Shandong Ximao and other varieties may be related with amino acids and peptides. The correlation network indicated that stem diameter was significantly positively correlated with saponins, while bulbils weight showed positive correlations with saponins and flavonoids but negative correlations with amino acids and peptides. Conclusion The eight different batches of Dioscoreae Rhizoma possess distinct chemical characteristics, which provide a scientific basis for the targeted breeding of medicinal and edible-specific Dioscoreae Rhizoma varieties.

Objective To investigate the chemical constituents of limonoid-type triterpenes from the 95% ethanol extract of Melia toosendan and their antitumor activity. Methods The compounds were isolated and purified using various chromatographic techniques, including normal-pressure column chromatography, high-pressure column chromatography, and gel column chromatography. The isolated compounds were structurally characterized by modern spectroscopic techniques. Their antitumor activity was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. Results Eight limonoid-type triterpenoids were isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of M. toosendan. Structural elucidation by spectroscopic techniques identified them as 15-oxotrichilinin (1), 11,15-dioxotrichilinin (2), 12-O-ethyl nimbolinin B (3), mufolinoid U (4), trichilinin (5), trichilinin D (6), trichilinin E (7), and trichilinin G (8). Activity evaluation results showed that all compounds exhibited varying degrees of inhibitory effects on four tumor cell lines. Conclusion Compound 1 is a new compound, named 15-oxotrichilinin. Antitumor activity results indicated that compounds 1—8 all possess antitumor activity to varying extents, with some compounds showing favorable activity against HepG2 cells.

Objective This study applied the quality by design (QbD) principle to identify key attributes and elucidate their transfer relationships along the “spray-dried powder-ribbon-granule” manufacturing chain of Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus) formula granules. Methods A fractional factorial design was implemented to investigate seven major factors affecting the properties of the spray-dried powder, ribbons, and granules. The relevant properties of these intermediates were measured. Modeling and attribute identification were performed using analysis of variance, multiple linear regression, and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Results Excipient amount, inlet air temperature, and roller pressure were identified as critical process parameters. A key attribute transfer relationship was established, centered on glass transition temperature (T_g) and median particle size (D₅₀), and associated with supporting attributes including moisture content (H₁), bulk density (ρ_b1), tapped density (ρ_t1) of the spray-dried powder, ribbon yield, and granule yield. Among these, T_g served as a representative key indicator with both discriminative and transfer functions. Conclusion This research clarifies the identification and transfer relationships of key attributes in the dry granulation process of Crataegi Fructus formula granules, providing a basis for developing effective quality control strategies and supporting the high-quality development of the formula granules industry.

Objective A targeted nanoformulation (PEG-PTP/PPVI@IRMOF-1) was constructed by encapsulating the traditional Chinese medicine antitumor active component polyphyllin VI (PPVI) within isoreticular metal-organic framework-1 (IRMOF-1) and coating it with a cell-penetrating peptide. The study aims to characterize the nanoformulation and conduct a preliminary evaluation of its in vitro antitumor efficacy. Methods PEG-PTP/PPVI@IRMOF-1 was fabricated via the “triethylamine precipitation method” and “reaction coating method”; The physicochemical properties of the nanoformulation, including particle size, morphology, thermal stability, and specific surface area, were characterized by particle size and ζ-potential measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) gas adsorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Hemolysis assay was used to assess the biosafety of nanomaterials. CCK-8 assay was adopted to evaluate the material safety and detect the effect of nanoparticles on the proliferation of human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells. The effect of materials and nanoparticles on the nuclear morphology of PANC-1 cells was observed by fluorescence microscopy; The targeting capability of the nanoparticles ex vivo was assessed by laser scanning confocal microscopy; The effects of nanoparticles on cell proliferation and migration were examined using colony formation and scratch assays, respectively; Flow cytometry was employed to determine the impact of the nanoparticles on the cellular apoptosis rate and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels; The effect of nanoparticles on the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of cells was examined by laser confocal microscopy. Results The targeted nanoformulation PEG-PTP/PPVI@IRMOF-1 was successfully fabricated as a dry white powder. The nanoparticles exhibited a quasi-spherical morphology with an average particle size of about (177.47 ± 3.97) nm and a ζ potential of (−7.94 ± 0.14) mV; The drug loading capacity (DLC) of PPVI@IRMOF-1 was (43.02 ± 0.08)%; The nanomaterial showed excellent biocompatibility; Notably, targeted peptide modification can significantly enhance the drug uptake of tumor cells, significantly inhibit cell proliferation, promote the production of ROS and the decrease of MMP in cells, and induce apoptosis of tumor cells. Conclusion The prepared PEG-PTP/PPVI@IRMOF-1 nanoparticles possess uniform morphology, high drug loading capacity, and good biocompatibility. Moreover, the nanoformulation significantly enhances the in vitro antitumor efficacy of PPVI, providing a reference for the development of PPVI-based antitumor formulations.

With the increased global demand for Chinese herbal medicines (CHM), the standardization and internationalization of CHM have been of interest to the scientific and research communities. However, there are some challenges in ensuring the quality of research and the acceptability globally since the complexity of the ingredients in CHM and their extracts. In this review, the international best practices in research reporting guidelines of CHM were summarized and discussed, including approaches to sourcing, cultivation and harvesting, extraction, preparation, bioactive constituents and quality control markers, as well as pesticide residues and safety, in vitro and in vivo studies, clinical trials, and the application of artificial intelligence. This review aims to enhance the reproducibility, and ensure precise interpretation of results, and hence, to improve research quality and transparent reporting, to facilitate the internationalization and standardization of CHM.

Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, the dried mature fruit of Ligustrum lucidum Ait., has the effects of nourishing the liver and kidney and improving eyesight and blackening hair. It can be used to treat dizziness, tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, and premature graying of hair and beard. Studies have shown that Ligustri Lucidi Fructus contains a variety of active components such as triterpenoids, phenolic glycosides, sesquiterpenoids and flavonoids, and has multiple pharmacological effects including antioxidation, anti-aging, immune regulation, liver protection and lipid reduction, anti-inflammation and anti-tumor. The processing of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus has a long history and diverse methods, such as wine-making, salt-making and vineging-making, etc. Different processing methods may alter the nature, taste, meridian tropism and active ingredients of drugs, directly affecting their clinical efficacy and indications. Ligustri Lucidi Fructus, as a resource that can be used both as medicine and food, has relatively high safety. It can be used to treat various diseases such as hair loss, menstrual disorders, chronic hepatitis, diabetic nephropathy and cancer. This article systematically reviews for the first time the research progress made in the pharmacological components and extraction, pharmacological effects and mechanisms, processing methods and efficacy, formula compatibility and application of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus. It innovatively proposes the future research directions and challenges, to provide reference and inspiration for Ligustri Lucidi Fructus research.

Gouty arthritis (GA) is an inflammatory disease arising from autoimmune responses, with a complex pathogenesis. Research indicates that monosodium urate (MSU) crystals, formed by prolonged elevated uric acid levels, play a crucial role in the development of GA. MSU crystals can induce immune responses that promote inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), neutrophil extracellular traps, apoptosis, and macrophage polarization within joint tissues. These immune responses cause severe damage to joint cells and tissues, further inducing the onset of GA. Existing research indicates that the “autophagy-gout” intervention mechanism aligns closely with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of “struggle between healthy qi and pathogenic qi”. Activating autophagy stimulates the body's righteous energy by degrading damaged cells and proteins, maintaining cellular homeostasis, and promoting adenosine triphosphate production for energy supply. This enables the righteous energy to self-regulate, self-repair, and resist pathogenic factors, thereby improving gout conditions. Extensive TCM research demonstrates that active herbal extracts such as dihydrodanshikeniol I and diosgenin total saponins, along with TCM formulas like Duhuo Jisheng Decoction and Danggui Sini Decoction, can effectively inhibit the aforementioned immune responses, significantly alleviate inflammation and OS in GA joint tissues, and reduce joint pain and swelling. This suggests that TCM intervention targeting autophagy may represent a promising therapeutic avenue for GA. Based on this, this paper details the mechanisms of autophagy in GA and potential intervention targets, aiming to provide new effective approaches for developing GA treatment strategies.

Objective Toestablish a scientific and reasonable quality evaluation and grading standard for Armeniacae Semen Amarum (ASA). Methods Taking 32 batches of dried mature seeds of Prunus armeniaca as the research objects, Their morphological parameters (longitudinal diameter, transverse diameter, thickness diameter, kernel shape index), kernel dry weight, hardness, color values (L^*、a^*、b^*、E^*_ab), odor response values, and amygdalin content were determined. Grade classification was performed using the quality constant method,and the correlations between various indicators and quality grades were investigated through correlation analysis, partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), and regression analysis. Results The quality constant A of the 32 batches of ASA kernels ranged from 1.04 to 3.15, Based on the A value, they could be classified into selected grade (six batches) and mixed grade (26 batches). Amygdalin content was significantly positively correlated with hardness and b^* value (P < 0.05), and the quality constant A was extremely significantly positively correlated with dry kernel weight, transverse diameter, hardness, and amygdalin content (P < 0.01). The PLS-DA model could effectively distinguish ASA of different grades, and amygdalin content and quality constant A were identified as the key variables for grading. Regression analysis showed that hardness could explain 20.0% of the variation in amygdalin content, while hardness and transverse diameter together explained 60.10% of the variation in the quality constant. Conclusion The evaluation system constructed in this study based on appearance characteristics, intrinsic components, and quality constant, which helps standardize the market order of ASA, ensure the safety and efficacy of clinical medication. It is of great significance for promoting the standardized development of ASA industry and can provide a scientific basis for the quality evaluation and market grading of ASA.