Objective To elucidate the formulation patterns and health functions of health products containing Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) and explore the underlying mechanisms via data mining, network pharmacology, and molecular docking technologies. Methods Health products containing Dioscoreae Rhizoma were retrieved from the State Administration for Market Regulation and Yaozhi websites. Frequency analysis and Apriori algorithm-based association rule mining were implemented in R language. The TCMSP, HERB, HIT 2.0, ETCM 2.0, and TCMID databases were used to search for the active components of Dioscoreae Rhizoma, and the PubChem and SwissTargetPrediction databases were utilized to predict the targets. Then, potential targets associated with high-frequency health functions were obtained from GeneCards, TTD, DrugBank, OMIM, and PathCards databases. Functional enrichment analysis was subsequently performed using the DAVID database. Finally, molecular docking of representative Dioscoreae Rhizoma constituents with core targets was conducted using AutoDock Vina, followed by diagnostic evaluation via receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis based on GEO chip data. Results A total of 471 Dioscoreae Rhizoma-containing health products were included, dominated by capsules in formulation and targeting immune enhancement as the main health function. The formulas involved 216 types of Chinese medicinal materials, predominantly tonifying, warm in nature, sweet in taste, and attributed to the liver meridian. Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus)-Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Fuling (Poria)-Dioscoreae Rhizoma as the core medicinal ingredients. Network pharmacology analysis identified 294 active components and 892 related target genes from Dioscoreae Rhizoma, alongside 2 360 potential targets associated with the high-frequency health function of immune enhancement. Then, PPI topological analysis identified five core targets [signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), protein kinase B1 (AKT1), interleukin 6 (IL6), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)]. Enrichment analysis suggested that cancer pathway, cell apoptosis, TNF signaling pathway and chemokine signaling pathway were the key pathways for Dioscoreae Rhizoma and its compatibility to enhance immunity. Molecular docking revealed good binding affinity of core targets with characteristic components of Dioscoreae Rhizoma, notably, allantoin, dioscin, and diosgenin, with ROC analysis further confirming the diagnostic potency of EGFR. Conclusion This study identified “Dioscoreae Rhizoma-Lycii Fructus” as the core herb pair with the highest support degree in the formulation patterns of Dioscoreae Rhizoma-containing health products. The combination of Dioscoreae Rhizoma, Lycii Fructus, and Poria may take EGFR and AKT1 as core targets and exert an immune-enhancing effect by regulating the apoptosis process and inflammatory response in people with low immunity.

Malignant tumors remain the leading cause of death in China. Their pathogenesis and progression involve multifaceted mechanisms, including genetic mutations, aberrant activation of signaling pathways, and dysregulation of the tumor microenvironment. Current clinical management continues to face significant challenges, such as chemotherapy resistance and the limited efficacy of targeted therapies. Aloe-emodin (AE), a primary anthraquinone active constituent found in the traditional medicinal plant Aloe, demonstrates a promising multi-targeted and multi-mechanistic profile as an anti-tumor agent. This review systematically elucidates the antitumor mechanisms and related research progress of AE, specifically highlighting the induction of autophagy via inhibition of the protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis, the promotion of apoptosis through activation of mitochondrial pathways, the suppression of invasion and metastasis by downregulating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and the enhancement of antitumor activity via modulation of the tumor immune microenvironment. Additionally, AE enhances antitumor activity by modulating the immune microenvironment. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of AE is validated through structural optimization and drug combination strategies. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms of AE and anticipates its clinical translation, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for cancer therapy and inform the development of novel treatment modalities.

Objective To prepare folic acid (FA)-modified Mojiahuangqi (Astragalus membranaceus, AM) exosome-like nanoparticles loaded with calycosin (Cal) (FA-Exos@Cal) and investigate their inhibitory effect on M1 polarization of macrophages in vitro. Methods AM exosome-like nanoparticles (Exos) were isolated by differential centrifugation combined with sucrose density gradient centrifugation. FA-Exos@Cal was prepared by the thin-film dispersion-incubation method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay, sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), dynamic light scattering, HPLC, and dialysis bag method were used to characterize the particle morphology, protein properties, particle size, ζ potential, drug-loading characteristics, and in vitro release behavior. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were employed to evaluate the targeting ability of FA-Exos@Cal to M1-type RAW264.7 cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the effect of FA-Exos@Cal on macrophage proliferation. Flow cytometry was applied to investigate its influence on the expression level of M1 marker CD86. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and other methods were used to determine the expression levels of inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6, and nitric oxide (NO). Results FA-Exos@Cal was successfully prepared. TEM showed a typical vesicular structure. The protein concentration, particle size, ζ potential, drug loading capacity, and entrapment efficiency were (3.52 ± 0.26) mg/mL, (127.4 ± 2.6) nm, (-11.14 ± 0.30) mV, (12.14 ± 0.18)%, and (27.21±1.04)%, respectively. There was no significant difference in protein properties before and after modification, and the drug exhibited good sustained-release effect in vitro. FA modification significantly enhanced the cellular uptake efficiency of FA-Exos by M1-polarized macrophages while reducing the cytotoxicity of Cal toward macrophages. Moreover, FA-Exos@Cal could significantly reduce the CD86-positive rate of M1-type macrophages and down-regulate the expression levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and NO. Comparative analysis with Exos, Cal, and the physical mixture of Exos and Cal revealed that the combined use of Exos and Cal exerted a synergistic effect. Conclusion FA-Exos@Cal, an engineered targeted biomimetic nano-delivery system, was successfully prepared. It was confirmed to have excellent targeting ability to M1-type macrophages, and could effectively inhibit M1 polarization and the release of inflammatory factors, which is expected to provide a new strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Evaluation models for the development value of traditional natural product-based drugs often take the direct construction of disease or pathological models as a precursor. By observing the strength of drug efficacy, further evaluation of in-depth drugability is carried out. However, this traditional approach shows significant randomness and blindness, inevitably leading to a substantial increase in development difficulty and a sharp rise in research and development (R&D) costs. In contrast, the reverse development model based on “physiology-mechanism-pathology” innovatively starts with normal animal models. First, it comprehensively and meticulously observes the physiological effects and toxic effects caused by natural products, and then delves into their underlying mechanisms of action. Based on this, it infers the potential pharmacological activities in a reverse manner. Finally, it specifically designs and constructs corresponding disease or pathological models for rigorous verification. This strategy, through the accurate analysis of the interaction rules between natural products and the body and the effective integration of clues provided by pharmacological effects, achieves precise model construction and scientific evaluation of effectiveness, significantly improving the success rate and efficiency of R&D to a certain extent. In this study, the whole process of the model was practiced with ginkgo terpenoid lactones as the research object, and its new pharmacological activity of reducing bilirubin and anti-jaundice was successfully discovered, which verified the feasibility and practicability of the model. This paper systematically reviews and deeply analyzes the background, basic principles, and technical processes of this innovative approach. At the same time, it predicts and prospects its diverse application prospects in the field of natural medicine R&D. The aim is to provide a solid theoretical basis and forward-looking direction for promoting the strategic innovation and practical application of natural medicine R&D.

Objective To investigate the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics of kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside and ellagic acid, the medicinal marker components of Rubus chingii, and optimize the processing technology to improve their contents based on the findings. Methods Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF IMS) was used for imaging analysis of R. chingii fruits, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed for quantitative determination of the marker components in fresh fruits and medicinal materials processed by different technologies. Results Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside was mainly distributed in the outer layer of the fruit, while ellagic acid and its precursors were enriched in the receptacle. Both components exhibited the highest content in green fruits and gradually decreased with fruit ripening. Compared with oven-drying, the sun-drying process significantly increased ellagic acid content by 68.71% but reduced kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside content by 41.30%. Drying after steam moistening at 120 ℃ for 30 min followed by drying effectively improved ellagic acid content without significant negative impacts on kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside content or the appearance of medicinal materials. Conclusion The tissue-specific distribution of the marker components in R. chingii is a key factor affecting their content changes during processing. Timely harvesting of green fruits and optimization of processing technology (short-time steam moistening) can synergistically improve the quality of medicinal materials.

Objective To clarify the chemical constituents of the petroleum ether extract from the whole plant of Ferula bungeana. Methods The chemical constituents of petroleum ether extract from the whole plant of F. bungeana were studied using classical silica gel column chromatography and thin-layer chromatography. The spectral data of the isolated compounds were analyzed to determine their structures. Meanwhile, by examining the effect of the isolated compounds on nitric oxide (NO) release in the culture medium of RAW264.7 macrophages induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), their inhibitory effect on inflammatory responses was evaluated. Results From the petroleum ether extract of F. bungeana whole plant, eight compounds were isolated and identified as 1-isoprenyloxy-1-(3'-hydroxy-4',5'-methylenedioxy)phenyl-2-angeloyloxy-phenylpropane (1), myristicin (2), crocatone (3), diversivittatin (4), 2-epilaserine (5), 1-hydroxy-1-(3'-methoxy-4',5'-methylenedioxy)-phenylpropane (6), 1-hydroxy-1-(3',4'-methylenedioxy-2',5'-dimethoxy)-phenylpropane (7), 1-carbonyl-1-(3'-hydroxy-4',5'-methylenedioxy)-phenylpropane (8). The activity screening results showed that compounds 1, 4, and 5 exhibited good NO inhibitory activity at a concentration of 10 μmol/L, with inhibition rates of 78.5%, 85.9%, and 79.0%, respectively. Conclusions Compound 1 is a new compound, named ferubundiester; Compounds 2 and 5 were isolated from F. bungeana for the first time, and compounds 4—8 were obtained from plants of the Ferula genus for the first time. Compounds 1, 4, and 5 exhibit similar potent anti-inflammatory activity.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of Ampelopsis grossedentata extract in treating post-infection cough (PIC) through network pharmacology combined with in vivo experiments. Methods Active components from A. grossedentata were screened through HERB database, PIC related targets were obtained from GeneCards platform, intersecting targets were obtained, “drug-active ingredient-target” network and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were constructed. Gene ontology (GO) function and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed, and molecular docking validation was performed between core components and core targets. PIC guinea pig model was constructed, control group, model group, A. grossedentata extract low-, medium-, high-dose (64, 128, 256 mg/kg) groups and Suhuang Zhike Capsule (苏黄止咳胶囊, 314 mg/kg) group were set up. After administration, cough sensitivity, inflammatory cell numbers and levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), substance P (SP), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe pathological changes in tracheal, bronchial and lung tissues. Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of core target proteins in lung tissue. Results The core active ingredients of A. grossedentata screened by network pharmacology included physcion, emodin, quercetin, etc. The core targets included B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), sarcoma proto oncogene kinase (SRC), etc. The enrichment involved EGFR, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) and other signaling pathways. Molecular docking showed that the binding energy between core components and core targets was low, with good affinity. The animal experiment results showed that compared with model group, A. grossedentata extract could significantly prolong the cough latency and reduce the number of coughs in guinea pigs (P < 0.05, 0.01), reduce the number of inflammatory cells and levels of SP, IL-4, TNF-α, INF-γ in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P < 0.05, 0.01), improve the pathological damage of trachea, bronchus and lung tissue, up-regulate the expression of Bcl-2 protein in lung tissue (P < 0.01), down-regulate the expressions of EGFR and p-STAT3 protein (P < 0.01). Conclusion A. grossedentata extract has significant therapeutic effects on PIC, and its mechanism may be through the action of core components such as physcion, emodin and quercetin on targets such as Bcl-2, EGFR, STAT3, regulating related signaling pathways, reducing airway mucosal damage and inflammatory reactions, and thus exerting therapeutic effects.

Objective To apply multiple techniques for the combined characterization of commercially available calcined Magnetitum decoction slices and to explore the quality evaluation methods for calcined Magnetitum decoction slices. Methods Eleven batches of commercially available calcined Magnetitum decoction slices were collected. Quality inspections were carried out in accordance with the 2025 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (volume I). Thermal analysis (TA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were utilized to characterize the thermal stability, phase composition, elemental composition, and infrared structure of the samples. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the contents of heavy metals and harmful elements in the samples. The theoretical maximum residue limit value L and the target hazard quotient (THQ) were calculated to evaluate the health risks. Results The content determination results of 11 batches of commercially available calcined Magnetitum decoction slices were qualified, but the appearance of 4 batches of slices had a quality issue of being too red, which did not meet the requirements of the 2025 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (volume I). TA results indicated significant differences in the thermal stability of the 11 batches of commercially available calcined Magnetitum decoction slices. Five batches showed a slow weight loss trend; four batches presented weight loss steps in the temperature range of 420—580 ℃; two batches first showed weight gain and then weight loss steps in the 420—580 ℃ range. XRD results showed that the commercially available calcined Magnetitum decoction slices mainly consisted of three phases: Fe₃O₄, SiO₂, and Fe₂O₃, with significant differences in the relative diffraction intensity of Fe₂O₃. XRF results demonstrated that the commercially available calcined Magnetitum decoction slices were mainly composed of elements such as Fe, Si, Al, Mg, P, K, and Ca, and the relative contents of Fe and Si reached 90%. FTIR results showed that the commercially available calcined Magnetitum decoction slices exhibited characteristic absorption peaks of Si-O asymmetric stretching vibration, Si-O-Si symmetric stretching vibration, and Si-O bending vibration in the three wavelength bands of 1 250—1 100, 800—600, and 600—300 cm^-1, respectively, and an absorption peak of Fe-O stretching vibration appeared in the 540—570 cm^-1 band. ICP-MS results indicated that among 11 batches of commercially available calcined Magnetitum decoction slices, three batches exhibited mercury (Hg) content exceeding the limit L with a THQ greater than 1; One batch showed lead (Pb) content exceeding the limit L with THQ > 1. Conclusion The quality of calcined Magnetitum decoction slices was evaluated based on the 2025 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and multiple techniques, with the aim of providing a reference for improving the quality control of calcined Magnetitum decoction slices.

Viral hepatitis is a serious global epidemic. Hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E can all cause liver damage, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer; each type of viral hepatitis may present with jaundice, and jaundice has long been treated with traditional Chinese medicine in clinical practice in China. Although modern antiviral drugs for hepatitis are diverse and effective, their use is limited by drug resistance, easy recurrence, and multiple adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine, due to its characteristics of multiple components, multiple targets, and multiple pathways, has unique advantages in the field of antiviral hepatitis. Current research has shown that Chinese medicine formulations, single herbs, and their active components can exert antiviral hepatitis effects by intervening in viral invasion, inhibiting viral replication, and regulating the liver microenvironment. Traditional Chinese medicine has broad application prospects in the field of antiviral hepatitis and is expected to provide important references for the development of new antiviral hepatitis treatment strategies.

Objective To address the issues of reliance on exhaustive “blind” trial-and-error and the lack of theoretical guidance in the modeling process of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), this study used the solid content prediction model of Jinzhen Oral Liquid (JOL, 金振口服液) as a case study. It aimed to reveal the direction for optimizing the best model from the perspective of spectral information quality and verify its application value in model maintenance. Methods The NIRS and solid content data of 380 samples were collected. After being processed by nine preprocessing methods, prediction models for solid content were established using partial least squares (PLS) and support vector regression (SVR), respectively. An evaluation framework was innovatively constructed by introducing Shannon entropy, principal component analysis (PCA), and autoencoders to quantify spectral information quality from three dimensions: information richness, linear structure concentration, and non-linear structure capturability. Finally, by systematically analyzing the correlation between spectral information characteristics and model performance, the direction for the optimal preprocessing method was revealed. This correlation rule was then applied to model maintenance involving 294 newly added samples to screen for the optimal spectral dataset. Results It was found that for NIRS characterized by broad and overlapping peaks, both information density and information retention rate were negatively correlated with PLS model performance. Based on this correlation rule, the optimal dataset for model maintenance was successfully predicted, achieving a modeling performance (R_p² = 0.990 9) significantly superior to that of other datasets. Conclusion The correlation rules identified in this study effectively explain the impact of preprocessing on model performance. They provide a theoretical basis and guiding tools for the optimization and maintenance of spectral models, facilitating a shift from “blind trial-and-error” to “active improvement”. This offers new insights for establishing a standardized and intelligent workflow for NIRS model construction and maintenance.