Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive tract worldwide, with its morbidity and mortality consistently ranking among the highest of all cancers. The development and progression of CRC involve complex pathological mechanisms mediated by multiple genes and pathways. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its characteristics of multi-component, multi-target, and low toxicity, has demonstrated unique advantages in intervening in CRC. Through holistic regulation across multiple pathways and levels, TCM shows significant potential in inhibiting tumor growth, inducing apoptosis, suppressing angiogenesis, reversing multi-drug resistance, and modulating the tumor microenvironment. CiteSpace was used to conduct a visual analysis of Chinese and English literature on TCM for CRC treatment, focusing on keyword co-occurrence networks, keyword clustering maps, and burst word detection, aiming to intuitively present research hotspots in this field. Furthermore, the latest advances in the mechanisms of action and molecular targets of Chinese herbal compound formulas, herb pairs, and single herb along with its active constituents against CRC were systematically reviewed. This provides a theoretical foundation for the clinical application and drug development of TCM in the field of CRC.

Obesity, a chronic metabolic disease prevalent worldwide, is closely associated with complications such as type 2 diabetes, metabolism-related fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. The phosphatidylinositol-3-hydroxykinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway is a core hub for regulating cell growth, metabolism, and insulin signal transduction, and its dysfunction is a key molecular mechanism driving the occurrence and development of obesity and its complications. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its multi-component, multi-target, and holistic regulatory features, has demonstrated unique potential in the prevention and treatment of obesity. This review systematically explains the molecular composition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and its core regulatory role in the energy metabolism of multiple tissues, including adipose, liver, muscle, cardiovascular, pancreatic, and brain. It also deeply analyzes the pathological connection between this pathway and chronic inflammation, lipid metabolism imbalance, and abnormal cell proliferation in obesity. It also focuses on summarizing the active ingredients of TCM, such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, as well as the pharmacological mechanisms of classic compound prescriptions in improving obesity through precise regulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Existing evidence shows that TCM can effectively regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, alleviate insulin resistance, and inhibit inflammation and oxidative stress by activating or inhibiting PI3K/Akt signaling, thereby intervening in obesity and its complications through multiple pathways. This provides an important theoretical basis and research direction for explaining the modern scientific connotation of metabolic regulation in TCM and promoting the development of targeted treatment strategies.

Objective To develop an immunomagnetic separation-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IMS-ELISA) for the determination of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) and to evaluate its applicability for near-line monitoring and process optimization of the honey-refining process in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations. Methods Anti-5-HMF antibodies were immobilized on magnetic beads to enable selective capture and magnetic enrichment of 5-HMF. Biotinylated 5-HMF-BSA served as the competitive antigen, while horseradish peroxidase-streptavidin (HRP-SA) and 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) were used for signal generation. Immunomagnetic separation was employed to reduce matrix interference and enhance analytical sensitivity. The method was systematically validated in terms of linearity, limit of detection (LOD), specificity, precision, and accuracy. Subsequently, the established IMS-ELISA was applied to near-line analysis by monitoring 5-HMF levels at key stages of the honey-processing workflow, including variations in temperature, pressure, processing time, storage duration, and reheating conditions. Results The IMS-ELISA exhibited good linearity over the concentration range of 0.4—160 ng/mL (R² = 0.997 3), with a detection limit of 0.4 ng/mL. No significant cross-reactivity was observed with structurally related compounds such as furfural or 5-methylfurfural. The intra-assay relative standard deviation was 4.29%, and the results obtained for real samples showed no significant difference from those measured by HPLC (P > 0.05). Near-line application demonstrated that honey-processing conditions of 75—85 ℃, 20.0 kPa, and 10—15 min were associated with relatively lower 5-HMF formation, whereas storage for ≥ 48 h and reheating at ≥ 80 ℃ markedly promoted 5-HMF accumulation. Conclusion The proposed IMS-ELISA method offers high sensitivity, good specificity, and low operational cost. It is suitable for near-line monitoring of 5-HMF during honey processing and pill manufacturing in TCM production, providing methodological support for process optimization and contributing to process visualization and intelligent manufacturing of TCM products.

Objective To study the inhibitory effect and its potential molecular mechanism of coptisine hydrochloride on influenza A virus (IAV). Methods CCK-8 method was used to detect the effect of coptisine hydrochloride on viability of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) and human embryonic kidney 293T cells (293T). By using an in vitro viral infection model, the regulatory effect of coptisine hydrochloride on IAV replication and viral nucleoprotein (NP) expression was detected, and its half effective concentration (EC₅₀) and half cytotoxic concentration (CC₅₀) were calculated. A mouse model infected with H1N1-UI182 was constructed, coptisine hydrochloride was given for intervention, changes in survival rate, body weight, lung index, lung tissue virus titer and viral load were detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological damage of lung tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of NP protein in lung tissue. Western blotting and qRT-PCR were used to detect the regulatory effect of coptisine hydrochloride on transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, as well as its effect on the expressions of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β and interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Results At the cellular level, compared with model group, coptisine hydrochloride significantly inhibited IAV replication and reduced NP protein expression level (P < 0.05, 0.001). Coptisine hydrochloride had an EC₅₀ of 15.93 μg/mL and a CC₅₀ of 83.42 μg/mL in MDCK cells, and an EC₅₀ of 18.44 μg/mL and a CC₅₀ of 69.90 μg/mL in 293T cells. In the H1N1-UI182 infected mouse model, compared with model group, coptisine hydrochloride significantly improved the decline in body weight of mice, increased survival rate, and significantly reduced lung index, lung tissue virus titer and viral load (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001). The histopathological results showed that coptisine hydrochloride significantly reduced the inflammatory infiltration and alveolar structural damage caused by viral infection in lungs. The immunohistochemical results showed that coptisine hydrochloride significantly reduced the expression of NP protein in lung tissue. Western blotting and qRT-PCR results showed that compared with model group, coptisine hydrochloride could regulate TRPV4/NF-κB signaling pathway, significantly inhibit TRPV4 overactivation (P < 0.001), block NF-κB nuclear translocation (P < 0.001), and subsequently downregulate the expressions of pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β (P < 0.05, 0.01, 0.001). Conclusion Coptisine hydrochloride could directly inhibit IAV replication and regulate TRPV4/NF-κB signaling pathway to improve virus induced inflammatory response, exerting anti-IAV effects.

Objective To identify key bacterial taxa associated with saikosaponins content. Methods Rhizosphere soil, root surface soil, and root samples of Bupleurum chinense, B. falcatum, and B. scorzonerifolium were collected. Total DNA was extracted for metagenomic analysis, and UPLC-MS was used to determine the contents of saikosaponin A (SSA), saikosaponin B₂(SSB₂), saikosaponin B₄ (SSB₄), saikosaponin C (SSC), saikosaponin D (SSD), saikosaponin E (SSE), and saikosaponin F (SSF) in the roots. Pearson correlation analysis was then employed to identify significant relationships between these medicinal components and the dominant bacterial species. Results SSD exhibited the highest content among the seven saikosaponins analyzed, with average concentrations of 217.5 μg/g in B. chinense, 116.75 μg/g in B. falcatum, and 139.7 μg/g in B. scorzonerifolium. B. falcatum had the lowest content of SSE and SSF. Metagenomic sequencing identified a total of 5 440 bacterial OTUs. The numbers of unique OTUs in the root surface, rhizosphere, and endophytic compartments were 127, 126, and 110 for B. chinense; 91, 74, and 69 for B. falcatum; and 43, 137, and 126 for B. scorzonerifolium, respectively. Azotobacter chroococcum was dominant in the rhizosphere of B. chinense and B. scorzonerifolium, whereas Streptomyces was the core taxon in the rhizosphere of B. falcatum. Klebsiella sp. and Pseudomonas were significantly enriched in the root surface and endophytic niches of B. chinense and B. falcatum, respectively. The Klebsiella sp., Cellulomonas sp., and Azotobacter chroococcum were also a highly significant positive correlated with the contents of SSA, SSB₂, SSB₄, and SSD, among the correlation network analysis. Conclusion This study revealed that Bupleurum genotype might drive saikosaponins accumulation by niche construction of specific microbial communities.

“Chuzhuo Peiben” theory, proposed by nationally renowned Chinese medicine expert Professor Jia Yingjie, plays an important role in guiding the treatment of prostate cancer with traditional Chinese medicine. This article reviews the theory from the perspectives of theoretical interpretation, evidence integration, and paradigm construction. It systematically elucidates the dynamic pathogenesis model of “deficiency of the primordial foundation-coagulation of cancerous turbidity” and demonstrates the core logic of the strategy “tonifying the spleen surpasses tonifying the kidney” in circumventing androgen-related risks and remodeling the tumor microenvironment. In terms of clinical practice, it analyzes the staging-based dynamic treatment system centered around the “Jianpi Lishi Huayu Formula” and evaluates its synergistic value in combined therapy for “enhancing efficacy and reducing toxicity” and “delaying drug resistance.” At the mechanistic level, it integrates multidisciplinary evidence to construct a stereoscopic action network that spans from “multi-target synergistic prediction” to “core pathway experimental validation” and further to “tumor immune microenvironment remodeling,” thereby clarifying the biological basis of integrative intervention. The review also summarizes three core paradigmatic values of TCM intervention. In response to current research challenges, it proposes strategies such as designing prospective platform trials, applying multi-omics technologies, and constructing TCM-specific core outcome sets to promote the development of this field toward evidence-based and precision medicine paradigms.

Objective To develop formulation-optimized ganoderic acid A liposomes (GA-Lips) with improved stability and high encapsulation efficiency, and to evaluate their cellular uptake efficiency and in vitro antitumor activity. Methods GA-Lips were prepared using the thin-film hydration method, and formulation parameters were optimized by varying the ratios of GAA, phospholipids, and cholesterol. Particle size, ζ potential, and morphology were characterized. In vitro drug release and formulation stability were evaluated under different media, dilution, and storage conditions. Hemocompatibility was assessed by hemolysis assays. Cellular uptake efficiency was examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy and flow cytometry. Antiproliferative effects and apoptosis induction in HepG2 cells were analyzed using CCK-8 and Annexin V-FITC/PI assays, respectively. Results The optimized GA-Lips exhibited a uniform spherical morphology with a mean particle size of (74.52 ± 1.00) nm, a PDI of 0.26 ± 0.01, and a ζ potential of (-46.75 ± 1.61) mV. The formulation showed sustained drug release, excellent stability under various test conditions, and negligible hemolytic activity. GA-Lips significantly enhanced cellular uptake efficiency in HepG2 cells compared with free GAA. Moreover, GA-Lips exhibited pronounced cytotoxic effects and markedly increased apoptosis induction. Conclusion The optimized GA-Lips demonstrated favorable stability and hemocompatibility, effectively enhancing the cellular uptake efficiency and in vitro antitumor efficacy of GAA. These results support the potential of GA-Lips as a promising nanocarrier system for ganoderic acid A and provide a foundation for further in vivo and mechanistic studies.

Objective This study aimed to comprehensively identify the key genes involved in the biosynthesis of spinosin and jujuboside A. Methods Ziziphi Spinosae Semen samples at green fruit and mature stages were selected as experimental materials to construct transcriptomic and metabolomic datasets. Key candidate genes associated with the spinosin and jujuboside A biosynthesis pathways were systematically analyzed through functional annotation and differential expression gene analysis. Results Metabolomic profiling detected 1 646 metabolites, while transcriptomic sequencing and functional annotation identified 7 316 differentially expressed genes. Results revealed that spinosin was relatively enriched during the green fruit stage of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen, whereas jujuboside A accumulated predominantly at the mature stage. Through phylogenetic and heatmap analyses, 50 key candidate genes were screened, including 33 UGTs, 12 OMTs, two OSCs, and three CYP450s, which are hypothesized to participate in the downstream biosynthesis of spinosin and jujuboside A. Conclusion This work systematically deciphers and proposes biosynthetic pathways for these components, laying a foundation for subsequent functional gene validation. It advances molecular biology research on Ziziphi Spinosae Semen bioactive compounds and provides novel insights for the development and utilization of traditional Chinese medicine resources.

Objective To systematically analyze the composition, structural characteristics of the UDP-glucosyltransferase (UGT) gene family in Polygonum cuspidatum, investigate its expression patterns across different root tissues, as well as its potential roles in the glycosylation of resveratrol and emodin, so as to provides a theoretical foundation for elucidating the biosynthetic mechanisms of active metabolites. Methods The UGT gene family of P. cuspidatum was identified at the genome-wide level based on transcriptome and genomic datasets. Analyses of physicochemical properties, chromosomal localization, gene structure, conserved motifs and cis-regulatory elements were then performed. The evolutionary characteristics were analyzed through phylogenetic reconstruction, gene duplication analysis and protein interaction network prediction. Correlation analysis integrating transcriptomic and metabolomic data was conducted, and six representative genes potentially involved in the glycosylation of resveratrol and emodin were selected for validation using qRT-PCR. Results A total of 178 UGT genes were identified and grouped into 14 subfamilies, exhibiting substantial structural and functional diversity. The gene family members were unevenly distributed in chromosomes, and several genes were likely generated through tandem or segmental duplication events. Promoter analysis revealed that cis-acting elements were predominantly associated with stress and hormone responses, as well as developmental regulation. Expression correlation heatmaps indicated that genes such as PcUGT065 and PcUGT130 showed strong correlation with resveratrol, emodin, and their glycosylated derivatives. The qRT-PCR results further confirmed the reliability of transcriptome-based expression patterns. Conclusion The UGT gene family in P. cuspidatum exhibits clear structural conservation along with distinct expression divergence. Several members may participate in the modification of resveratrol and emodin. This study provides a theoretical basis for future investigations into the biosynthetic mechanisms of active metabolites in P. cuspidatum and offers insights for its molecular breeding.

Objective To explore the efficacy and mechanism of Daqinglong Decoction (大青龙汤) in inhibiting viral pneumonia in mice caused by influenza A virus (H1N1/PR8). Methods The main chemical components in Daqinglong Decoction were detected by UPLC-QE-HF-MS/MS. Mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, oseltamivir (27.5 mg/kg) group, Daqinglong Decoction high-, medium-, and low-dose (23.10, 11.55, 5.78 g/kg) groups. The model of pneumonia in mice caused by influenza A virus (H1N1/PR8) infection was established, after continuously administration for 4 d, the therapeutic effect of Daqinglong Decoction on viral pneumonia was evaluated by detecting the viral load of lungs, the levels of inflammatory factors in lung tissues, the percentage of peripheral blood lymphocytes, and the pathological structure and imaging of lungs. The mechanism was studied through proteomics and Western blotting. Results A total of 77 major chemical constituents in Daqinglong Decoction were identified. Compared with model group, Daqinglong Decoction significantly reduced the viral load of lung tissues (P < 0.01), decreased the level of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in lung tissues (P < 0.05, 0.01), increased the percentage of CD4⁺ T cells in the peripheral blood (P < 0.05), markedly improved lung lesions, and significantly up-regulated the expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5) and down-regulated the expression of tyrosine-protein kinase ZAP-70 (ZAP70) in lung tissues of infected mice (P < 0.05). Conclusion Daqinglong Decoction inhibited viral proliferation in lung tissues, decreased TNF-α expression, increased CD4⁺ T lymphocyte level and ameliorated lung lesions, and its mechanism of treating viral pneumonia was related to the modulation of NFAT5 and ZAP70 mediated T cell immunity.