ArchiveTo investigate the mechanism of Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) in reducing Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix)-induced neurotoxicity based on network pharmacology and animal experiments.
The toxic components of Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix) and active constituents of Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) were screened through literature retrieval and database searches. Potential targets of toxic components were predicted using Swiss Target Prediction and PharmMapper databases, followed by construction of a comprehensive target library. A disease target library was established by retrieving “nerve toxicity” and “toxic encephalopathy”-related genes from biomedical databases. The intersection targets between component-related and disease-related targets were subsequently subjected to protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment. Comparative analysis of the identified detoxification pathways [from Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus)] and neurotoxicity pathways [from Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix)] was performed to predict the underlying detoxification mechanisms. Using SD rats as the animal model, a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to investigate the effects of Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix) and Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) combination therapy on mRNA expression levels of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (AKT) and hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α) in the brain tissues of the rats.
Through network pharmacology analysis, it identified 21 potential toxic components and 1169 potential toxic targets in Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix), including 570 neurotoxic targets. There were 29 active components in Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) with 680 corresponding targets. Venn analysis identified 76 overlapping targets as the potential detoxification targets through which Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) counteracted Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix)-induced neurotoxicity. PPI network pharmacology identified quercetin, saponins and specific alkaloids as the primary mediators of Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) detoxification effects against Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix) neurotoxicity. The KEGG pathway analysis identified enrichment in 171 pathways, primarily involving signaling pathways such as the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and HIF-1 signaling pathway. In vivo studies revealed that Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix) disrupted redox homeostasis in the rat brain, promoting oxidative stress, whereas co-administration with Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) effectively counteracted these pro-oxidative effects, q RT-PCR experiment results demonstrated that, compared with those of the control group, the mRNA levels of PI3K, AKT and HIF-1α in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal tissues of the rats in the Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix) group were significantly increased. Compared with those in the Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix) group, the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, AKT and HIF-1α in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats in the Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix)-Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) combination group were significantly decreased.
The neuroprotective effect of Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) against Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix)-induced neurotoxicity is mediated through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/HIF-1 signaling pathway, thereby alleviating Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix)-triggered oxidative stress damage in rat brain tissues. These findings provide a novel perspective for network pharmacology research on toxic traditional Chinese herbs and offer new insights into the mechanism of toxicity reduction through herbal compatibility.
To investigate and analyze the protective effect of triptolide (TPL) on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice induced by integrin-mediated extracellular matrix remodeling.
Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, model group, dexamethasone group (DXM group), TPL low and high dose groups, with 12 mice in each group. Blood gas analysis was performed in whole blood of abdominal aorta, oxygen partial pressure (PO2) and blood oxygen saturation (SO2) were recorded, the pulmonary histology was observed by HE staining, and the contents of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in mice sample in each group were detected. The interaction between triptolide and integrin β1 (ITG-β1) was confirmed by cell thermal migration assay (CESTA) and surface plasmonresonance assay (SPR), and the relative expression levels of ITG-β1, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Smad3 were detected by Western blot.
The lung tissue integrity of mice in TPL low and high dose groups and DXM group was better, and the interstitial expansion of the lungs was reduced in these groups. At the same time, it was observed that the loss and fusion between the alveoli of the mice in TPL groups and DXM group were repaired, and the samples did not show significant interstitial inflammatory infiltration, effectively alleviating fibrosis. Compared with those in the control group, the levels of PO2, SO2, SOD and GSH-Px in the model group were significantly decreased, and MDA content was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with those in the model group, the levels of PO2, SO2, SOD and GSH-Px in the DXM group, TPL low and high dose groups were significantly increased, while the content of MDA was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the TPL low dose group, the effect of TPL high dose group was more obvious, and the levels of PO2, SOD and GSH-Px were increased more significantly (P<0.05). The results of CESTA and SPR experiments indicated that triptolide interacted with ITG-β1 and was a possible anti-pulmonary fibrosis target. Compared with those of the control group, the protein expression levels of ITG-β1, TGF-β1 and Smad3 in lung tissue of the model group were increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of ITG-β1, TGF-β1 and Smad3 in lung tissue of mice in the DXM group, TPL low and high dose groups were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05), and compared with those in the DXM group and TPL low dose group, the protein expression levels of ITG-β1, TGF-β1 and Smad3 in lung tissue of mice in the TPL high dose group were decreased (P<0.05).
TPL can protect pulmonary fibrosis induced by bleomycin through extracellular matrix remodeling mediated by integrin, and the fibrosis-related change protein induced by integrin can be used as the target of TPL in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
Yigong San (异功散) is from Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue and is used in treating children with deficiency of Qi in the spleen and stomach, or complicated with Qi stagnation. Modern research has shown that Yigong San has the pharmacological effects of regulating gastrointestinal motility, enhancing immune function, anti-tumor, anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation and regulating intestinal flora. Its clinical applications include pediatric dyspepsia, pediatric diarrhea, bronchial asthma and chronic anemia. This paper systematically summarized the chemical composition, pharmacological effects and clinical application of Yigong San, and predicted its quality markers (Q-Markers) based on the “five principles” of traditional Chinese medicines, among which ginsenosides Rg1, Re, Rb1, atractylenolide Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, pachymic acid, polyporenic acid C, dehydrotumulosic acid, hesperidin, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquirtin, 6-gingerol, betulinic acid and other components can be used as the Q-Markers for Yigong San, aiming to provide a good solution for Yigong San.
With the deepening integration of mobile information technology and the healthcare industry, mobile health (mHealth) has emerged as a burgeoning research frontier attracting extensive academic attention. This study investigated research hotspots and evolutionary trends in China's mHealth domain by analyzing literature from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database (2013—2024). Utilizing CiteSpace software, it constructed a knowledge graph and performed visual analytics through co-word analysis, cluster analysis and keyword burst detection. The results reveal that current research focuses on mobile health applications, telemedicine, continuing care and health management, with future trends oriented toward personalization and intelligence. By delineating the technological empowerment pathways of mHealth via visualized knowledge mapping, this study provided theoretical foundations and practical insights for synergistic innovation between traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and modern medical systems. The findings offer strategic guidance for advancing the modernization, inheritance and innovation of TCM in the era of intelligent healthcare.
Chronic cough is the most common complaint in respiratory clinics and community outpatient departments. Chronic refractory cough is often treated repeatedly due to the persistence and recurrence of cough symptoms, which has become a difficult problem to be solved urgently in clinical practice. This article explored the pathogenesis evolution and therapeutic approaches of chronic refractory cough based on the theory of “Qi deficiency inducing retention and stagnation”. It holds that “Qi deficiency” is the internal basis for the onset of chronic refractory cough. According to the characteristics of the development of the pathogenesis stage, it can be divided into the beginning of the disease-deficiency of primary Qi and lung Yin, the gradual progression of the disease-deficiency of spleen Yang and failure of regulation, and the severe stage of the disease-deficiency of kidney essence and damage to the lung and spleen. The “retention and stagnation” of pathogenic factors such as phlegm-dampness, blood stasis and latent wind is the key pathological factor in the onset of chronic refractory cough. The retention of various pathogenic factors, ascending to the lung, causes upward rebellion of lung Qi, aggravating cough and leading to prolonged illness. The therapeutic approach should be based on the fundamental principles of tonifying deficiency and dredging stagnation, and commonly used treatment methods include nourishing lung Yin, warming spleen Yang, tonifying kidney essence, expelling latent wind, eliminating coagulation stasis, and resolving phlegm and dampness, with the aim of providing a reference for precise treatment of chronic refractory cough in clinical practice.
Shanzhuyu (Cornus Fructus) is the dried mature fruit of the plant Shanzhuyu (Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc.). It contains various active ingredients, including iridoid glycosides, triterpenoids, organic acids, flavonoids, tannins and polysaccharides. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Shanzhuyu (Cornus Fructus) has a variety of pharmacological effects, including hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, cardiotonic, antioxidant, neuroprotective and anticancer activities, with significant potential for development and application. Based on an overview of the current status of quality control for Shanzhuyu (Cornus Fructus) and an understanding of the concept of quality markers (Q-Marker), this paper predicted and analyzed the quality markers of Shanzhuyu (Cornus Fructus) from various aspects, including traditional pharmacological effects, traditional medicinal properties, chemical component measurability, different combinations, harvest time and origins, processing methods and new therapeutic effects, in order to provide references for the quality control research and the establishment of quality standards for Shanzhuyu (Cornus Fructus).
It aimed to investigate the potential causal relationship between eye-image features and CHD, as examined by coronary angiography (CAG).
The study selected the patients hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology from November 15, 2021 to February 27, 2022. The selected patients were divided into two groups based on their CAG findings: the CHD group (at least one coronary lesion stenosis≥50%) and the control group (lesion stenosis<50%).
The final analysis included 342 patients out of a total of 426 participants, and 165 (48.2%) were diagnosed with CHD among these participants. The study found that certain characteristics in the left region 5 (L5) and right region (R5) were associated with CHD, including L5 pink dark speckle (OR: 4.143, 95%CI[1.135, 15.124], P=0.031), L5 vascular tortuosity (OR: 0.234, 95%CI[0.077, 0.71], P=0.010), R5 dark red blood vessels (known as blood meridian in TCM)(OR: 1.683, 95%CI[1.035, 2.738], P=0.036) and R5 yellowish mounds (OR: 2.083, 95%CI[1.221, 3.554], P=0.007). Multivariate regression analyses showed that L5 vascular tortuosity had a negative correlation with CHD.
The study revealed that four types of eye-image features, namely pink dark speckle, vascular tortuosity, dark red blood vessels and yellowish mounds, were associated with CHD. A-mong these features, vascular tortuosity showed a negative correlation with CHD, which could potentially aid in the diagnosis of the disease.
Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine widely used in clinical application in China. Its pharmacological effects are mainly reflected in the aspects of tonifying blood and activating blood, regulating menstruation and relieving pain, and moistening intestines and relaxing bowels. Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) has a long history of processing. As early as in the Southern Qi Dynasty, there were records of stir-frying. Subsequently, there were various processing methods such as wine stir-frying, soil stir-frying and stir-frying carbon. Wine stir-frying Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) is made from Danggui (Angelica sinensis) by yellow wine moistening and stir-frying. It is a processed product of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 Edition). After the processing, the taste, chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) have changed to some extent. In this paper, the historical evolution, chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) were discussed in depth by consulting the ancient herbal medicine, medical classics and related literature, in order to provide valuable reference information for the study of Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix).
To observe the effects of Kangxian Yixin Decoction (抗纤益心方, KYD) on cardiomyocyte apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress-related factors glucose regulated protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in mice with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), and to explore the mechanism of KYD regulating GRP78/ATF6 signaling pathway to improve the apoptosis of DCM cardiomyocytes.
According to the random number table method, 40 cTnTR141W transgenic DCM mice were divided into model group, KYD high and low dose (5.4 g/kg, 2.7 g/kg) groups and captopril (0.01 g/kg) group, with 10 mice in each group. Another C57BL/6J mice were set up as the normal group. Left ventricular end-systolic diameter (LVESD), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD), ejection fraction (EF) and reduction rate (FS) were detected by ultrasonography in small animals. Myocardial pathological morphology was observed by HE staining, endoplasmic reticulum ultrastructure was observed by electron microscopy, and myocardial apoptosis was detected by TUNEL method. The expression levels of GRP78 and ATF6 in myocardial tissue of mice were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) method. The mRNA and protein expressions of GRP78, ATF6, CHOP, Bax and Bcl-2 were detected by Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively.
Compared with those in the normal group, the levels of LVESD and LVEDD were increased in the model group, the levels of FS and EF were decreased (P<0.05), myocardial pathological injury and apoptosis number increased (P<0.01), endoplasmic reticulum structure was damaged and enlarged. The expressions of GRP78 and ATF6 were increased by IHC (P<0.05). The mRNA expressions of GRP78, ATF6 and CHOP were increased (P<0.05). The expressions of GRP78, ATF6, CHOP and Bax were increased, while the expression of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 was decreased (P<0.05). Compared with those in the model group, the levels of LVESD and LVEDD were decreased, the levels of FS and EF were increased (P<0.05), myocardial injury was alleviated, the apoptosis was decreased, the endoplasmic reticulum was damaged and enlarged, and IHC results showed that the expressions of GRP78 and ATF6 were decreased (P<0.05、P<0.01) in the KYD groups. The mRNA expressions of GRP78, ATF6 and CHOP were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expressions of GRP78, ATF6, CHOP and Bax were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the expressions of anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2 were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01).
KYD can inhibit DCM cardiomyocyte apoptosis and improve the cardiac function in mice, and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and down-regulating ATF6/GRP78 signaling pathway.
Evidence-based medicine (EBM) takes evidences as the core and integrates interdisciplinary advantages. Evidence-based traditional Chinese medicine is an idea method with the help of EBM, and develops its own ideas and methods based on the characteristics of TCM. The research on evidence-based traditional Chinese patent medicines provides strong technical support for becoming a protected variety of TCM and entering the base drug directory. However, some traditional Chinese patent medicines lack clinical evidences or high quality clinical evidences, and are badly in need of high quality EBM system. Based on opportunities and challenges of the development of TCM, this article proposed that high quality EBM included clinical researches, the researches on clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs, building high-quality evidence-based evidences and special researches. The construction process is as follows: five dimensional positioning, planning scheme, implementation and outputs. High quality EBM system can play a role in large variety cultivation of traditional Chinese patent medicines, clinical comprehensive evaluation of traditional Chinese patent medicines and so on.
This research is dedicated to constructing a quality assessment model for Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus) by employing the entropy-weight method in conjunction with the grey-relational-analysis-TOPSIS approach. The objectives are to assess the quality disparities among Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus) and its processed derivatives (stir-fried and scorched products) sourced from diverse regions and to furnish a scientific foundation for the quality control of hawthorn.
Water content, extract content, organic acid content, polysaccharide yield, total polysaccharide content and active components (chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and isoquercetin) were selected as detection indices. The entropy-weight method was utilized to determine the weight of each index, and the grey-relational-analysis-TOPSIS method was applied to analyze the quality of Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus) and its processed products from six regions, namely Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Hebei and Shandong.
The study revealed that the processing procedures significantly decreased the water content, organic acid content, polysaccharide content and active component contents in Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus). The water content of raw materials ranged from 8% to 12% and dropped to 5%-11% after processing. The organic acid content decreased from 6%-10.5% in raw products to 4%-7.7% in scorched products. The polysaccharide yield decreased from 7%-8.3% in raw materials to 4.6%-5.2% in scorched products. The total active component contents decreased from 0.082 7%-0.139 4% in raw products to 0.024 8%-0.069 5% in scorched products. Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus) from Hebei and Shandong demonstrated superior performance in multiple indices. The extract content (39%-41% in raw products), organic acid content (9%-10.5% in raw products) and total active component content (0.13%-0.14% in raw products) were markedly higher than those in other regions.
The quality evaluation model grounded in the entropy-weight method and the grey-relational-analysis-TOPSIS method offers a standardized and quantitative instrument for evaluating the quality of Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus) and its processed products. It contributes to standardizing the quality control of Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus) within the Chinese medicine industry and promotes the upgrading of Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus) planting industries in various regions and the enhancement of the Chinese medicine industry chain.
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, recurrent immunoinflammatory disease in dermatology characterized by eczematous rash and intense itching. The theory of the “gut-skin axis” suggests a close physiological and pathological relationship between the skin and the gut microbiome. The disorder of the gut bacterial and its metabolic products have been directly and indirectly linked to AD, making the regulation of the gut microbiome a new means of clinical intervention for AD. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of “a skin disease indicating an intestinal disease” has already demonstrated the physiological and pathological connection between the intestines and the skin. Subsequently, some scholars have proposed that “skin and intestine affect each other”, advocating the treatment of skin diseases from the perspective of the intestine, namely the AD treatment approach of “treating skin from intestine”. Gegen Qinlian Decoction (葛根芩连汤), a classic formula from the Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases, has proven effect in the clinical treatment of AD and a clear modern pharmacological regulatory effect on the gut microbiome. The treatment of AD with Gegen Qinlian Decoction not only follows the principles of TCM classic formulas, but also expands its application based on objective evidence from modern medicine. This article mainly discussed the feasibility of treating AD with Gegen Qinlian Decoction by regulating the gut microbiome, focusing on the principle of “treating skin from intestine”.
To explore the inhibitory activity of psoralen against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) and RNA polymerase (RdRp).
Crystal structures of Mpro and RdRp were obtained. Molecular docking technology was employed to study the interaction mode of psoralen with the active sites of both enzymes. The inhibitory activity of psoralen against Mpro was tested using an in vitro fluorescence polarization model, while the inhibitory activity against RdRp was tested using a cell-level SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase catalytic reaction system.
Psoralen could enter the active sites of Mpro and RdRp and interact with surrounding amino acids, with the binding process releasing free energy of-5.8 kcal/mol and-7.8 kcal/mol, respectively. In the Mpro fluorescence polarization model test, psoralen showed no inhibitory activity against the target enzyme at concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 μmol/L. In the RdRp inhibition test, psoralen showed inhibition rates of 7.36%±4.26%, 16.82%±6.04% and 46.07%±9.01% at concentrations of 10, 25 and 50 μmol/L, respectively.
The small molecule psoralen has no inhibitory activity against Mpro, but has certain inhibitory activity against RdRp.
To analyze the effect of Modified Simiao Yong'an Decoction (加味四妙勇安汤) combined with acupuncture at sensitized acupoints on platelet function parameters and serum apoptosis factor levels after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome.
A total of 226 patients with acute coronary syndrome who underwent PCI and were admitted to the hospital from January 2022 to December 2024 were included in the study. They were divided into two groups by the random number table method. The patients (113 cases) in the control group were treated with conventional Western medicine after surgery, and those (113 cases) in the observation group were treated with Modified Simiao Yong'an Decoction combined with acupuncture at sensitized acupoints on this basis. The treatment effects, syndrome scores, platelet function parameters, serum apoptosis factor levels and changes in vascular endothelial function were compared between the two groups.
The total effective rate in the observation group was 93.81%(106/113), which was significantly higher than that (77.88%, 88/113) in the control group, and the difference between the two groups was significant (P<0.05). After treatment, the syndrome scores of both groups decreased (P<0.05), and the decrease in the observation group was more significant compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). The levels of platelet aggregation test (PagT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) in both groups decreased, and the platelet count (PLT) increased. The improvement in the observation group was more significant compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-3 (Caspase-3) and Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) in both groups decreased, and the level of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) increased. The improvement in the observation group was more significant compared with that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the ET-1 level in both groups decreased compared with that before treatment, and the nitric oxide (NO) level increased. The improvement in the observation group was more significant compared with that in the control group (P<0.05).
The application of Modified Simiao Yong'an Decoction combined with acupuncture at sensitized acupoints in the patients with acute coronary syndrome after PCI can effectively improve the related symptoms such as chest tightness and shortness of breath, inhibit the thrombosis, improve the platelet function, reduce the vascular endothelial damage and at the same time inhibit the abnormal expressions of myocardial apoptosis factors, playing a role in improving the prognosis.
As a traditional Chinese medicine, Qingfengteng (Sinomenii Caulis) has anti-inflammatory, ease pain, antitumor and other pharmacological effects. It has a long medicinal history and is often used with Baishɑo (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Haifengteng (Piperis Kadsurae Caulis) and Fuzi (Aconiti Radix Lateralis Praeparata) in the form of drug pairs in clinic. This paper focused on the chemical compositions, pharmacological effects of Qingfengteng (Sinomenii Caulis) and the clinical application and pharmacological effects of its drug pairs, and discussed the mechanism of action. It summarized the usage rules and compatibility theory of Qingfengteng (Sinomenii Caulis), providing reference for better development and utilization.
In recent years, Bajiaolian (Dysosma versipellis), a traditional Chinese medicine, has emerged as a significant focus in anti-tumor research due to its distinctive toxicological and pharmacological properties. Evidence from various studies indicates that Bajiaolian (Dysosma versipellis) and its active constituents possess the ability to inhibit the development of multiple cancer types, including breast, lung, colorectal, liver and gastric cancers. The proposed mechanisms of action primarily involve the suppression of tumor cell proliferation, invasion and migration, the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, and the disruption of the tumor cell cycle. These attributes suggest that Bajiaolian (Dysosma versipellis) holds considerable promise for application in anti-tumor therapy. This review aimed to elucidate the anti-tumor effects and underlying mechanisms of Bajiaolian (Dysosma versipellis) and its active components, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for the future medicinal development of Bajiaolian (Dysosma versipellis) and contributing novel insights and directions for the research and innovation of anti-tumor agents.
Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction (瓜蒌薤白半夏汤, GXBD), derived from Jingui Yaolue, consists of Gualou (Trichosanthis Fructus), Xiebai (Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus) and Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), supplemented with wine, and is a representative formula for the treatment of thoracic paralysis with Bi sydnrome of phlegm-turbid obstruction syndrome. In recent years, it has been widely used in clinical practice, and the related research is summarized. In terms of preparation process, modern technology has improved the extraction efficiency and quality control level of components. Compared with water decoction, wine decoction is more conducive to the dissolution of active components and reduces the potential toxic components. The study of material basis showed that this prescription contained 8 key components such as ryegrass lactone, chrysoeriol, rutin and 95 specific components of wine decoction, and the synergistic effect of wine decoction was significant. This prescription is based on “key components-potential targets” for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Its mechanisms include balancing the expression of key proteins in reverse cholesterol transport to regulate lipid metabolism, improving vascular endothelial function and nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling cascade, regulating macrophage polarization phenotype to exert anti-inflammatory effects, anti-myocardial fibrosis by intervening fibroblast transdifferentiation, and regulating energy metabolism by improving mitochondrial function. This paper systematically reviewed the research progress of this prescription in the fields of preparation technology, material basis and pharmacological action, in order to provide directional reference for follow-up research, and also provide reference for the establishment and development of preparation standards.
To compare the differences of appearance and the physical and chemical properties in Chazhigan (Citrus reticulata 'Chachiensis'), Penggan (Citrus reticulata 'Ponkan'), Wenzhou Migan (Citrus reticulata 'Unshiu') and Quju.
The ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry was used to detect flavonoids contents in 4 kinds of Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, CRP). High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was used to test the contents of hesperidin, nobiletin and tangeretin. The volatile oil meter was used to determine the volatile oil content. The hot dip method was used to detect the contents of the alcohol soluble extracts of the samples. The amino acid analyzer was used to analyze the different amino acid contents in the samples. The antioxidant activity was analyzed by DPPH and ABTS+ test, the final combination clustering analysis with TOPSIS test.
For the 4 kinds of CRP, Quzhou advantage varieties Penggan (Citrus reticulata 'Ponkan') and Quju have more flavonoids, nobiletin, tangeretin volatile oil and alcohol soluble extracts than the others. Penggan (Citrus reticulata 'Ponkan') has a higher ABTS+scavenging ability, while Quju has a stronger ability to scavenge DPPH free radicals. Compared with Chazhigan (Citrus reticulata 'Chachiensis'), Penggan (Citrus reticulata 'Ponkan') has higher contents of hesperidin, naringin and hesperidin. The amino acid content of Chazhigan (Citrus reticulata 'Chachiensis') is relatively high. The comprehensive evaluation results show that the overall quality of Penggan (Citrus reticulata 'Ponkan') and Quju is relatively better than that of Penggan (Citrus reticulata 'Ponkan') and Wenzhou Migan (Citrus reticulata 'Unshiu').
The appearance physical and chemical properties of CRP from different cultivars are different. The research results can provide the reference for quality standards enactment, food and medicine value.
Depression is a serious emotional mental disorder that poses a major threat to human health. This study elucidated the pathogenesis of depression from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, explored the rationale for the prescription of Xiaoyao Powder (逍遥散) and its pharmacodynamic foundation in treating depression, and examined the therapeutic mechanisms of Xiaoyao Powder through five dimensions: modulation of neurotransmitters, regulating cytokines and inflammatory reactions, regulating signaling pathways, regulating hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and reducing hippocampal neuron damage. This manuscript aimed to offer valuable theoretical insights for the clinical utilization and further investigation of Xiaoyao Powder.
Mental illnesses are diseases that seriously affect the physical and mental health of human beings and their social functions. Traditional Chinese medicine has important advantages in preventing and treating mental illness. It can “prevent illness before it occurs”, effectively relieve many “indescribable” symptoms, and alleviate various side effects caused by Western medicine. Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) is a common traditional Chinese medicine, which is widely used in the treatment of mental diseases, such as schizophrenia, depression, insomnia, etc. Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma)-related formulas, such as Chengqi Tang (承气汤), Dachaihu Tang (大柴胡汤) and Chaihu Jia Longgumuli Tang (柴胡加龙骨牡蛎汤), are commonly used by ancient physicians in the treatment of mental diseases. Modern pharmacological mechanisms show that the anthraquinone components in Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) are the core components of its function. It has been shown that Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) components help to improve inflammatory damage, neurodevelopmental damage, neurotransmitter disorders, intestinal flora disorders and sexual hormone disturbance in psychiatric disorders, and that Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) monomers such as rheum emodin have exerted a stable effect on improving the pathological damage of psychiatric disorders, and that research on Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) components and dosage forms is becoming more and more in-depth, which is expected to be more widely used in the treatment of mental illness in the future. The active ingredients, clinical studies and pharmacological mechanisms of Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) in the treatment of psychiatric disorders were systematically discussed with a view to providing references for the treatment and research of psychiatric disorders.
The meridian sinews are the important part of the meridian system. Qi and blood are subtle substances that have the functions of moistening and nourishing and lubricating joints. The physiological and pathological processes of the meridian sinews are always accompanied by the deficiency-excess changes of Qi and blood. The Qi and blood circulation of the sinew-meridian complex affects many microcirculation patterns. This paper analyzed the relationship between meridian sinews and Qi and blood circulation from the physiological and pathological perspectives of meridian sinew system, and explained the application ideas of meridian sinew Qi-blood syndrome differentiation from three aspects of meridian sinew nature, disease location and functions. On this basis, the clinical practice of resolving the knot of meridian sinew method is enriched, the application connotation of “the needling times and intense based on the effect, taking the pain point as the acupoints” is improved, and the treatment thinking of sinew Zang-Fu diseases is expanded from the perspective of “meridian sinew-Qi and blood-Zang-Fu organs”, so as to provide new ideas for the clinical research of meridian tendon theory.
To explore the mechanism by which Tusizi (Cuscuta chinensis) flavonoids (CCF) improves the reproductive toxicity of Leigongtong (Tripterygium wilfordii) glycosides (GTW) in the male rats using Tandem Mass Tags (TMT) quantitative proteomics and bioinformatics methods.
Twenty-one male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group, a GTW model group and a CCF treatment group, and were orally administered with the corresponding drugs for 12 consecutive weeks. After the experiment, hematoxylin eosin staining was performed to evaluate the improvement effect of CCF on GTW-induced reproductive toxicity. TMT quantitative proteomics technology was used to evaluate proteins extracted from testicular tissue, analyzing differentially expressed proteins through bioinformatics methods and verifying key differentially expressed proteins screened by proteomics through western blot.
CCF can significantly improving the pathological damage of the testicular tissues of the rats. After intervention, a total of 29 differentially expressed proteins were detected, including 6 up-regulated proteins and 23 down-regulated proteins. KEGG pathway analysis showed that African trypanosomiasis, complement coagulation cascade system, biosynthesis of amphotericin, histidine metabolism and vitamin digestion and absorption were the main pathways by which CCF improved the reproductive toxicity of GTW. GO analysis showed that the differentially expressed proteins in CCF improving GTW reproductive toxicity were mainly related to collagen, plasma lipoprotein, protein oxidation, intrinsic coagulation pathways and heparin binding. COG annotation analysis showed that defense mechanisms, extracellular structures and the mechanisms by which CCF improved GTW reproductive toxicity were closely related. Dodder seed flavonoids can up-regulate the expressions of Apoa1and Tktl2, and down-regulate the expressions of Hba1, Aldh3a1, Pzp and Serpind1.
CCF can alleviate the testicular toxicity of GTW by regulating collagen synthesis, lipid metabolism, cell apoptosis and oxidative stress mediated by African trypanosomiasis, complement and coagulation cascade system, biosynthesis of ansamycins, histidine metabolism, vitamin digestion and absorption pathway.
Based on Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and gut microbiota, the mechanism of different doses of Xianglian Pills (香连丸) on Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis (HPAG) rats with damp-heat in spleen-stomach syndrome was explored.
Sixty SPF healthy male Wistar rats were fed adaptively for one week and divided into blank group (10 rats) and intervention group (50 rats) by random number table method. The intervention group utilized a multi-factor modeling approach to construct a rat model of HPAG with damp-heat in spleen-stomach syndrome. After successful modeling, the intervention group was further divided into model group, Xianglian Pills low-dose group (0.54 g·kg-1), Xianglian Pills medium-dose group (1.08 g·kg-1), Xianglian Pills high-dose group (2.16 g·kg-1) and western medicine group, with 10 rats in each group. Blank group and model group were given the equal volume of distilled water for 21 consecutive days. During the observation period, the body weight of the rats was measured weekly. After the administration, the fresh feces of the rats were collected and 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used to investigate the differences and changes in gut microbiota among the groups. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was employed to examine the histopathological changes of gastric mucosa in the rats. Giemsa staining was used to detect Helicobacter pylori in gastric mucosa of the rats. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Western blot was performed to determine the protein levels of TLR5, TNF receptor-related factor 6 (TRAF6), transforming growth factor β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), nuclear factor κB inhibitor kinase α(IKKα), NF-κB, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88), NF-κB p50 protein and NF-κB p65 protein in the rats.
Compared with those in the blank group, the average body weight of the rats in the model group decreased significantly (P<0.01), and the symptoms of damp-heat in spleen-stomach syndrome were obvious (P<0.01). The gastric mucosal epithelial cells exhibited disordered arrangement, with partial gastric glands showing atrophy or atypia. A large number of inflammatory cells were infiltrated the submucosa. Additionally, a significant number of curved or short rod-shaped, purple-blue clusters of Helicobacter pylori were visible. The serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of TLR5, TRAF6, TAK1, IKKα, NF-κB, MyD88, NF-κB p50 protein and NF-κB p65 protein were elevated (P<0.05). Furthermore, the gut microbiota dysbiosis was observed (P<0.05). Compared with those of the model group, the average body weight and damp-heat syndrome of the low, medium and high groups of Xianglian Pills were improved (P<0.05). The gastric mucosal epithelial cells were arranged in a relatively orderly way, with reduced glandular atrophy and atypia, as well as a significant decrease in inflammatory cell infiltration in the submucosa. The serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 were significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of TLR5, TRAF6, TAK1, IKKα, NF-κB, MyD88, NF-κB p50 protein and NF-κB p65 protein were reduced (P<0.05). Additionally, the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria increased (P<0.05).
-Xianglian Pills can significantly improve gastric mucosal injury in HPAG rats with damp-heat in spleen-stomach syndrome, and its specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of TLR5/NF-κB signaling pathway and gut microbiota.
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), and also one of the main causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine has played an important role in the treatment and prevention of DKD. Based on the theory of “treating Qi first for treating water”, the author explored the main mechanism of the holy medicine Huangqi (Astragali Radix) and its active ingre-dients in the treatment of DKD. Studies have shown that Huangqi (Astragali Radix) and its active ingredients, such as total Astragalus flavones (TFA), calycosin, Astragaloside Ⅳ (AS-Ⅳ) and Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), can be prevented by improving insulin resistance, inhibiting oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, delaying renal fibrosis, anti-apoptosis, inhibiting iron death, regulating autophagy, regulating intestinal flora and so on to treat DKD, in order to provide new drug ideas and methods for TCM treatment of DKD.
Fuling (Poria) is a commonly used urination-promoting and dampness-eliminating drug in clinical practice. The compatibility and use of Fuling (Poria) and its drug pairs in clinical practice have a profound historical origin. This article focused on the pharmacological effects of Fuling (Poria) and the network pharmacology of drug pairs such as Fuling (Poria) and Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix), Fuling (Poria) and Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Fuling (Poria) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Fuling (Poria) and Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Fuling (Poria) and Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus). It also reviewed the clinical applications and modern experimental studies of commonly used drug pairs such as Fuling (Poria) and Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix), Fuling (Poria) and Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) and Fuling (Poria) and Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) in CNKI. It systematically summarized and expounded the connotations of Fuling (Poria) and its drug pairs. At the same time, it provided a scientific reference basis for the compatibility application related to Fuling (Poria). By systematically summarizing the modern research status and progress of the compatibility of Fuling (Poria), it provided an important basis and method for the research of its compatibility theory as well as new references and ideas for clinical applications and drug research and development.
Huanglian Wendan Decoction (黄连温胆汤) is derived from LU Tingzhen's Six Causes of Differentiation. It has the effect of clearing heat and drying dampness, regulating Qi and eliminating phlegm, and is often used in the treatment of phlegm heat syndrome. Huanglian Wendan Decoction is widely used in clinical practice, and can be used in diseases of nervous system, digestive system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system, endocrine system, urinary system and pediatrics. In terms of basic research, its mechanism of action is related to inhibiting inflammation, regulating glucose and lipid metabolism, improving insulin resistance, regulating neurotransmitters, regulating intestinal flora, anti-oxidative stress, protecting vascular endothelial cells and growth factors, anti-atherosclerosis, protecting liver and kidney tissue, inhibiting apoptosis, etc. By summarizing relevant literatures in recent years, this paper summarized the clinical application and mechanism of Huanglian Wendan Decoction, in order to provide a basis for the further application of Huanglian Wendan Decoction and promote the in-depth exploration and discussion of Huanglian Wendan Decoction.
Kaixin Powder (开心散) is simple in composition and has great efficacy, which is mainly used to treat emotional and cognitive disorders. Thoroughly analyzing the essence of the composition of Kaixin Powder is beneficial for the “inheritance” and “innovation” of classic traditional Chinese medicine formulas. In addition to being commonly used to treat Alzheimer's disease and depression, Kaixin Powder is also used to treat disorders of glucose and lipid metabolism, including coronary heart disease and angina pectoris. Kaixin Powder revolves around the basic pathogenesis of “spleen dampness and kidney dryness”, using a combination of sweet, bitter and spicy ingredients, which is in line with the basic theory of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the core pathogenesis of disorders in glucose and lipid metabolism and related diseases such as “spleen dysfunction, kidney Qi deficiency, and phlegm dampness”. The research on the intervention of Kaixin Powder and its components in glucose and lipid metabolism disorders mainly focuses on intervening in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, regulating gut microbiota, anti chronic inflammation and antioxidant stress. This article can provide reference and inspiration for Kaixin Powder and its components to intervene in glucose and lipid metabolism disorders and expand their clinical applications.
Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), a traditional Chinese medicine for warming and resolving cold phlegm, it and its drug pairs can be used in the treatment of various clinical diseases. This article focuses on summarizing the pharmacological effects of Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and the network pharmacology of its drug pairs, including Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and the exteri-or-releasing drugs-[Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix)], Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and dampness-removing drugs [Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), Huoxiang (Pogostemonis Herba), Fuling (Poria)], Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and phlegm-resolving drugs [Tiannanxing (Arisaematis Rhizoma), Juhong (Citri Exocarpium Rubrum), Kunbu (Laminariae Thallus Eckloniae Thallus)], Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and heat-clearing drugs [Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Xiakucao (Prunellae Spica)], and Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Qi-moving and blood-activating drugs [Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma)] as well as the modern experimental research on commonly used drug pairs such as Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) and Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma). Through a review of the research progress on the pharmacological effects of Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), the network pharmacology of its drug pairs, and their clinical applications, this article deeply explores the rationality of the combination of Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) drug pairs, aiming to lay a theoretical foundation for the mechanism of action of Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and its drug pairs, and provide references and thoughts for further research on the combination rules of Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) drug pairs, clinical application of Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and new drug development.
Wuwei Xiaodu Drink (五味消毒饮) is a heat-clearing agent that has the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying and dissipating sores. It is commonly used in clinical practice to treat various diseases such as acne, acute mastitis, cellulitis, acute urinary tract infections, cholecystitis, pneumonia and so on. Based on the summary of the research progress on the chemical composition, pharmacological effects and clinical applications of Wuwei Xiaodu Drink, the quality markers (Q-Markers) of Wuwei Xiaodu Drink was predicted and analyzed according to the “five principles” of traditional Chinese medicine Q-Markers. The results showed that chlorogenic acid, esculetin, chicoric acid, caffeic acid, linarin, quercetin, 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin, kaempferide, griffonilide, lithospermoside and berberine hydrochloride were used to predict and analyze its Q-Markers, providing reference for the research on the quality control of Wuwei Xiaodu Drink and related preparations.
As a common kidney-tonifying Chinese medicine, Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen) is widely used in clinic, with reproductive protection, anti-oxidation, anti-tumor and other pharmacological effects, and Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen) is often combined with Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Roucongrong (Cistanches Herba) and other drugs, in the form of drug pairs of prescription compatibility, synergistically playing a stronger clinical effect. This paper focused on the pharmacological action of Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen) and the clinical application and pharmacological action of Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen) commonly used drug pairs. Combined with modern network pharmacology research, the mechanism of action was discussed and summarized, and the clinical compatibility and mechanism of action of Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen) and its drug pairs were deeply discussed, so as to provide reference for further development and utilization of Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen) and its medicine pairs.
To determine the optimal harvest time of cultivated Baiqian (Cynanchum stauntonii) based on the correlation of trait information and chemical composition so as to provide a reference for the rational harvest and quality control of Baiqian (Cynanchum stauntonii).
The appearance traits such as the diameter, the area ratio of each part of the transverse section, and the powder color of wheat were quantified. The contents of water-soluble extract, alcohol-soluble extract, total saponins and six index components (p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic acid, syringic acid, 4-hydroxyacetophenone, 2,4-dihydroxyacetophenone, Anhydrohirundigenin 3-O-α-L-diginopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-cymaropyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-digitoxopyranosyl-(1→4)-β-D-thevetopyranoside) were determined. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between appearance traits and internal component content of Baiqian (Cynanchum stauntonii). The comprehensive score of the sample was calculated by the entropy weight method.
There were significant differences in appearance traits and internal components of Baiqian (Cynanchum stauntonii) with different cultivation years. The results of correlation analysis showed that the appearance traits were significantly correlated with the contents of internal components (alcohol-soluble extract, total saponins, p-hydroxybenzoic, vanillic acid and syringic acid) of Baiqian (Cynanchum stauntonii) with different cultivation years. The results of entropy weight method showed that the comprehensive scores of biennial and triennial Baiqian (Cynanchum stauntonii) were generally higher than those of annual Baiqian (Cynanchum stauntonii).
The appearance traits of Baiqian (Cynanchum stauntonii) can reflect the contents of internal components to a certain extent. Through the analysis of entropy weight method, considering the factors such as production cost and land turnover time, it is concluded that the harvest of Baiqian (Cynanchum stauntonii) in the second year is more reasonable, which can provide reference for the quality control and scientific harvest of Baiqian (Cynanchum stauntonii).
Daxueteng (Sargentodoxae Caulis) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has been used for thousands of years in China, and it contains a variety of chemical components, including phenylethanol, phenols, benzoic acid, phenylpropanoid, flavonoids, anthraquinones, terpenoids and other chemical components. Modern studies have shown that Daxueteng (Sargentodoxae Caulis) has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-tumour and other pharmacological effects. In this paper, it summarized the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Daxueteng (Sargentodoxae Caulis), and analyzed the quality markers (Q-Markers) of Daxueteng (Sargentodoxae Caulis) in terms of plant affinities, traditional medicinal properties and efficacy, traceability of chemical components, different origins and harvesting periods, compounding and compounding, and the measurability of chemical components, based on the concept of Q-Marker of traditional Chinese medicines, in order to establish a comprehensive and scientific method for the analysis and prediction of Daxueteng (Sargentodoxae Caulis). The quality Markers were analyzed in terms of different origins and harvesting periods, compounding and compounding, as well as the predictability of chemical compositions, in order to provide a basis for the establishment of a comprehensive and scientific quality control system for Daxueteng (Sargentodoxae Caulis).
Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) is known as the “king of the grass family”. It contains a variety of chemical components such as fatty acids and esters, sugars, flavonoids, triterpens and alkaloids. It is a common medicinal and food homogeneous traditional Chinese medicine. It has traditional effects such as promoting urination and draining dampness, strengthening spleen and relieving diarrhoea, removing Bi syndrome, draining pus, detoxifying and dispersing mass and has a good application prospect. It has a good application prospect. This paper summarizes the current situation of the quality control of Yiyiren (Coicis Semen), and according to the concept of quality markers, the quality marks of Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) were predicted from six aspects such as plant affinity and chemical composition uniqueness, different matching environments, chemical composition and effectiveness, different places of origin, different processing methods, and the measurability of chemical components. For prediction, it is preliminarily recommended to use triglyceride, palmic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, β-glutamaterol, barley, couric acid, quercetin, rutin, chalcone, orange peel, grape glycoside, Sichuan chenpicin and other substances as its quality markers in order to provide a scientific basis for the quality evaluation and research of Yiyiren (Coicis Semen).
Baitouweng Decoction (白头翁汤) is extracted from Treatise on Febrile Diseases, with the effect of clearing heat and removing toxin, cooling blood and stopping dysentery, which is specific for Jueyin heat dysentery. Modern studies showed that PD has the pharmacological action of anti-inflammation, anti-bacteria and anti-cancer, and is widely used in digestive system diseases such as ulcerative colitis, radiation enteritis and colorectal cancer. This study adopted the bibliometric method. Based on ancient book databases such as the Chinese Medical Canon and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database, relevant literatures of PD were retrieved. The key information such as the historical evolution, prescription meaning and composition, prescription dosage, decoction and preparation methods, drug origin and modern clinical application of this prescription were investigated and verified. Referring to the “five principles” of quality markers (Q-Markers), the quality markers of PD were predicted. The results indicated that PD had a constant inheritance throughout the ages, clear drug origin and definite efficacy and indications. The dosage conversion should be carried out according to the weights and measures of the Han Dynasty. It is found that the active ingredients such as anemoside B4, berberine and epiberberine could be used as the potential quality markers of PD, providing a basis for expanding the clinical application of this formula and the development and application of compound preparations.
In order to improve the physicochemical properties of isoliquiritigenin (ISO) and its anti-inflammatory activity, ISO-loaded γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic framework complex (γ-CD-MOF/ISO) was prepared.
①γ-CD-MOF was synthesized by hydrothermal synthesis method, and ISO was loaded to form γ-CD-MOF/ISO by agitating heater.γ-CD-MOF/ISO was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FR-IR). The drug loading of γ-CD-MOF/ISO was evaluated.②The anti-inflammatory activity of γ-CD-MOF/ISO was investigated in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cell model in vitro. The effect of γ-CD-MOF/ISO on cell viability was detected by CCK-8 assay. NO content in the supernatant was detected by Griess assay and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α were measured by ELISA kit. The expressions of COX-2 and iNOS in protein level were detected by Western blot (WB).
The morphology of γ-CD-MOF/ISO was cubic crystals with uniform size. Drug loading efficiency ofγ-CD-MOF/ISO was 5.01%±0.21%.γ-CD-MOF/ISO at 2.5 μg/mL had no toxin in RAW 264.7 cells.γ-CD-MOF/ISO (0.1, 0.5, 2.5 μg/mL) concentration-dependently inhibited the NO production, the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α, and COX-2 and iNOS in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells.
γ-CD-MOF/ISO exhibits high biocompability and improves the anti-inflammatory activity, which provides a new formulation in the treatment of acute lung injury.
To observe the effect of warm acupuncture at Du meridian on promoting rehabilitation of patients with cognitive impairment after cerebral infarction and explore the effective methods to promote rehabilitation of the patients.
A total of 62 patients with cognitive impairment after cerebral infarction were included admitted from April 2022 to June 2024 and were divided into two groups by random number table method, namely the conventional treatment group and the warm acupuncture at Du meridian group, with 31 cases in each group. The patients in the conventional treatment group received routine drug treatment and rehabilitation training. Those in the warm acupuncture at Du meridian group were combined with warm acupuncture at Du meridian on the basis of the conventional treatment group, and the data of the patients in the two groups was observed: the clinical efficacy and the adverse reactions, the changes in TCM symptom scores before and after treatment such as severe headache, mental dullness, speech disarrangement, slurred speech, restlessness and a dull expression and the levels of hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), malondialdehyde (MDA) and homocysteine (Hcy), the changes in Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA) and Brief Mental State Examination Scale (MMSE) scores, the changes in cerebral hemodynamic indicators such as peripheral vascular resistance, mean blood velocity and mean blood flow, Functional Independence Rating Scale (FIM) and National Institutes of Health stroke volume Table (NIHSS) score changes.
The total effective rate of the warm acupuncture at Du meridian group was higher than that of the conventional treatment group (P<0.05). The adverse reaction rate of the patients in conventional treatment group and warm acupuncture at Du meridian group was lower (P>0.05). Before treatment, the patients in each group had decreased scores of severe headache, mental dullness, speech disarrangement, slurred speech, restlessness and a dull expression and other TCM syndromes, serological indexes (hs-CRP and IL-6, MDA and Hcy), MoCA and MMSE scores, cerebral hemodynamic indexes (peripheral vascular resistance, average blood flow velocity and average blood flow), FIM and NIHSS scores were not significant (P>0.05). After treatment, these indexes were all improved, and all indexes in the warm acupuncture at Du meridian group were better than those in the conventional treatment group (P<0.05).
Warm acupuncture can promote the rehabilitation of the patients with cognitive impairment after cerebral infarction, and the therapeutic effect is good. It is helpful to improve the symptoms of the patients, and the treatment is safe and reliable.
To analyze the effect of Modified Guizhi Fuling Decoction (桂枝茯苓汤加味) on the synergistic effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy after cervical cancer surgery and the level of T lymphocyte subsets.
The data of 106 patients with cervical cancer admitted to the hospital from January 2017 to May 2020 was retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent radical cervical cancer resection and were divided into the study group (54 cases) and the control group (52 cases) according to the postoperative treatment method. Both groups were followed up for 3 years. TCM syndrome scores, tumor markers, T lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulin (Ig), complement, adverse reactions and anti-tumor effect were compared between the two groups.
The TCM syndrome scores of the primary and secondary diseases were lower in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the scores in the study group were lower in the study group than those of the control group after treatment (P<0.05). The levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125) and squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) in both groups were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and those in the study group were lower after treatment (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in Th1/Th2, Th17/Treg or CD4+/CD8+ before and after treatment in the study group (P>0.05). After treatment, the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg in control group were higher than those before treatment, and CD4+/CD8+ in control group was lower than that before treatment (P<0.05). After treatment, the ratios of Th1/Th2 and Th17/Treg in the study group were lower than those in the control group, and CD4+/CD8+ in the study group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the comparison of IgG, IgM, C3 or C4 before and after treatment in the study group (P>0.05), the levels of IgG, IgM, C3 and C4 after treatment in the control group were lower than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of IgG, IgM, C3 and C4 after treatment in the study group were higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of skin reaction and radiation cystitis in the study group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The 3-year disease-free survival curve of the study group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05).
Modified Guizhi Fuling Decoction can enhance the anti-tumor effect, reduce the levels of tumor markers, maintain the stability of machine immune function and alleviate the toxic side effects in the patients with cervical cancer after radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
To investigate the effects of lecithin tablets combined with Shexiang Baoxin Pills (麝香保心丸) on lipid metabolism, carotid imaging and liver function in the patients with hyperlipemia complicated with carotid atherosclerosis.
A total of 108 patients with hyperlipidemia combined with carotid atherosclerosis admitted to the hospital from January 2023 to December 2023 were selected and divided into two groups according to random number table method. The control group was treated with pravastatin, and the observation group was treated with lecithin tablets and Shexiang Baoxin Pills. The changes of blood lipid levels, liver function and carotid artery imaging were compared between the two groups.
The blood lipid levels of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group with significant differences (P<0.05). After the intervention, the total number of plaques and soft plaques in the observation group was lower than that in the control group, and the difference was significant (P<0.05). After the intervention, the liver function indicators of the observation group were better than those of the control group with a significant difference (P<0.05).
Lecithin tablets combined with Shexiang Baoxin Pills can significantly improve the blood lipid levels, carotid artery disease and liver function in the patients with hyperlipidemia complicated with carotid atherosclerosis with fewer adverse drug reactions, which is worthy of popularizing.
To study the clinical efficacy of “dredging Du meridian to benefit brain and tranquilize the mind” method of the combination of acupuncture and medicine in the treatment of the patients with post-stroke insomnia syndrome of Qi stagnation and blood stasis.
A total of 195 patients with post-stroke insomnia admitted to Shunyi Hospital of Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2018 to March 2022 were included and randomly divided into an acupuncture group, a traditional Chinese medicine group and a combination of acupuncture and medicine group, with 65 patients in each. The three groups were all given the conventional basic treatment. The traditional Chinese medicine group received “dredging Du meridian to benefit brain and tranquilize the mind” treatment, the acupuncture group received acupuncture at Jiaji points on the neck and occipital three needles, and the acupuncture and drug combination group received a combination of the two. The clinical efficacy of the three groups after treatment, the Pittsburgh Sleep Index (PSQI), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and Stroke-specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL) scores at different time points and adverse reactions were compared.
The clinical effective rate of the acupuncture and drug combination group was 91.53%(54/59) which was higher than that of the traditional Chinese medicine group (74.58%, 44/59) and the acupuncture group (69.09%, 38/55)(P<0.05). After 28 days of treatment and 7 days of follow-up, the PSQI scores of the three groups decreased, and score of the acupuncture and drug combination group was the lowest (P<0.01). After 28 days of treatment and 7 days of follow-up, the scores of HAMA and HAMD of the three groups were lower than those before treatment, the SS-QOL score was higher than that before treatment (P<0.05), there was no significant difference among the three groups (P>0.05). Two patients had mild diarrhea, which were resolved spontaneously after stopping the treatment, and there were no other adverse reactions.
“Dredging Du meridian to benefit brain and tranquilize the mind” method of acupuncture and medicine has a high efficacy in treating the patients with post-stroke insomnia. It can improve the patients' sleep quality, reduce the PSQI scores, relieve the anxiety and depression, and improve the quality of life while ensuring safety.
To observe the clinical effect of Changge Buyang Huanwu Decoction (菖葛补阳还五汤) combined with edaravone dexcamphorol in the treatment of acute cerebral infarction.
A total of 102 cases of acute cerebral infarction admitted from February 2022 to June 2024 were divided into western medicine group and combined decoction group by random number table method, with 51 cases in each group. The patients in the western medicine group were treated with edaravone dexcamphorol, while those in the combined decoction group were treated with Changge Buyang Huanwu Decoction combined with edaravone dexcamphorol, and the therapeutic effect of the two groups was evaluated. The self-care function of the patients was evaluated by Barthel index and the total score of TCM symptoms, the levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-10 (interleukin-10), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and other serum inflammatory factors, the changes of oxidative stress indexes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA), the resistance index (RI), the changes in cerebral blood flow indexes such as cerebral blood volume (CBV), time to peak blood flow (TTP), homocystine (Hcy) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) of the patients in both groups before and after treatment and the adverse reactions were compared.
Compared with that of the western medicine group (80.39%, 41/51), the index of the combined decoction group (96.08%, 49/51) was higher (P<0.05). Barthel index, total TCM symptom scores, the levels of IL-8, IL-10, hs-CRP, SOD and MDA, the values of RI, CBV, TTP, Hcy, NSE and other indexes were not significant between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, the levels of these indexes were improved in both groups and the results in the combined decoction group were all better than those in the western medicine group (P<0.05). There were fewer adverse reactions in the western medicine group and combined decoction group (P>0.05).
The combination of Changge Buyang Huanwu Decoction and edaravone dextrocamphorol exhibits the favorable clinical outcomes in the management of acute cerebral infarction. It effectively facilitates the rehabilitation, demonstrating safety and reliability, and thus merits the consideration for application.
To investigate the clinical efficacy of Ningshen Wendan Decoction (宁神温胆汤) on auditory hallucination symptoms and cognitive function in schizophrenia patients with psychiatric disabilities.
A total of 98 schizophrenia patients with psychiatric disabilities treated at the hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected and randomly assigned to the reference group (49 cases, receiving risperidone treatment) and the herbal medicine group (49 cases, receiving Ningshen Wendan Decoction in addition to risperidone). The treatment period was 4 weeks. The clinical efficacy, clinical symptoms [Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Auditory Hallucination Rating Scale (AHRS), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90)], cognitive function [Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)], neurobiochemical indicators and adverse events were compared between the two groups.
After 4 weeks of treatment, the total efficacy rate in the herbal medicine group was higher than that in the reference group (P<0.05). After treatment, PANSS and AHRS scores in the herbal medicine group were lower than those in the reference group, while MMSE and MoCA scores were higher (P<0.05). Additionally, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were higher, while the levels of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (ACh) were lower in the herbal medicine group than those in the reference group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse events was not statistically different between the two groups (P>0.05).
Ningshen Wendan Decoction combined with conventional antipsychotic medication significantly alleviates the auditory hallucination symptoms and improves the cognitive function in schizophrenia patients with psychiatric disabilities, demonstrating good safety and clinical applicability.
To explore the effect of acupuncture and moxibustion on the recovery of gastrointestinal function in the patients with laparoscopic hysterectomy under general anesthesia combined with abdominal transverse plane block.
Seventy-eight patients who underwent laparoscopic hysterectomy in the hospital from January 2023 to December 2023 were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table method, 39 patients in each group. The control group was operated under general anesthesia combined with abdominal transverse plane block. The acupuncture and moxibustion intervention group added postoperative acupuncture and moxibustion intervention on the basis of the control group. The postoperative pain, gastrointestinal function recovery time, gastrointestinal symptom scores (GIS), inflammatory factor levels and postoperative complication rates of the patients in the two groups were compared.
There was no significant difference in visual analog scale (VAS) scores between the acupuncture and moxibustion intervention group and the control group 24 and 48 hours after operation (P>0.05). The VAS score of the acupuncture and moxibustion intervention group [(4.16±1.07) points] was significantly lower than that of the control group [(4.89±1.18) points]72 hours after operation, with a statistical difference (P<0.05). The disappearance time of abdominal distension [(31.42±4.51) h], the time of first exhaust [(36.94±5.30) h] and the time of first defecation [(51.79±7.15) h] in the acupuncture and moxibustion intervention group were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(33.62±3.94) h, (41.22±5.08) h, (56.30±8.16) h]. There was a statistical difference between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in GIS scores between the acupuncture and moxibustion intervention group and the control group 24 hours after operation (P>0.05). The GIS score of the acupuncture and moxibustion intervention group [(18.62±1.72) points] was significantly lower than that of the control group [(21.38±1.94) points]48 and 72 hours after operation, with a statistical difference between the two groups (P<0.05). On postoperative day 1, there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) or soluble interleukin-2 (sIL-2) between the two groups (P>0.05). At the time of discharge, the above indexes of the two groups were reduced, and the levels of serum TNF-α, IL-6 and sIL-2 in the acupuncture and moxibustion intervention group were (18.70±2.11) pg/mL, (17.25±2.51) pg/mL and (60.82±6.08) pg/mL, respectively, lower than those in the control group [(21.49±1.97) pg/mL, (19.32±2.60) pg/mL and (64.26±5.76) pg/mL], with a statistical difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the acupuncture and moxibustion intervention group was 7.69%, lower than that in the control group (12.82%), but there was no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05).
The application of acupuncture and moxibustion in the patients with laparoscopic hysterectomy under general anesthesia combined with abdominal transverse plane block has a satisfactory effect. It can alleviate the postoperative pain, promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function and also reduce inflammatory reaction, which is conducive to postoperative rehabilitation of the patients. It is worthy of applying.
To observe the efficacy of Modified Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤化裁方) combined with budesonide in the treatment of children with phlegm and stasis accumulating in lung type of occlusive fine bronchitis.
One hundred and sixteen children with occlusive fine bronchiolitis identified by traditional Chinese medicine as phlegm and stasis accumulating in lung type admitted from April 2021 to April 2024 were selected and randomly divided into two groups by using the envelope method. The control group was given budesonide treatment and the observation group was given Modified Sijunzi Decoction on its basis. The differences in TCM symptom scores between the two groups were assessed, the time of improvement of symptoms and signs as well as the time of oxygen intake, hospitalization and adverse reactions were recorded and the immune function, inflammatory factors [interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-12 (IL-12), interleukin-17 (IL-17), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interferon-γ(IFN-γ)] and lung function [percentage of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%), maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF), tidal volume (VT), inspiratory time/expiratory time (Ti/Te)] were compared.
Comparing with those before treatment, there was no difference in TCM symptom scores or immune function between the two groups (P>0.05). Comparing with those before and after treatment, the TCM symptom scores and the CD8+ level of the two groups were lower, and the results of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The levels of CD4+ and CD3+ of the two groups of the observation group were higher, and the results of the observation group were higher than those of the control group (P<0.05). The time for fever reduction and cough suppression, oxygen intake time, shortness of breath and disappearance of pulmonary rales and hospitalisation time of the observation group were shorter than those of the control group with differences (P<0.05). Comparing with those before treatment, there was no difference in inflammatory factors or lung function between the two groups (P>0.05). Comparing with those before, after treatment, the levels of IL-4, IL-12, IL-17 and TNF-α were lower in both groups, and the levels were lower in the observation group than those in the control group (P<0.05). The IFN-γ level and lung function indexes were higher in both groups, and the results were higher in the observation group than those in the control group (P<0.05).
Modified Sijunzi Decoction combined with budesonide in the treatment of children with phlegm and stasis accumulating in lung type of occlusive fine bronchitis improves the lung function, regulates the inflammatory factors and shortens the course of the disease.
To observe the clinical efficacy of Modified Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang (桂枝加葛根汤) Combined with Fuzi Tang (附子汤) in the treatment of cervical spondylosis of neck of wind-cold-dampness type.
Sixty patients with cervical spondylosis of neck of wind-cold-dampness type who visited the outpatient department of the Rehabilitation Medicine Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from June 2022 to March 2023 were divided into two groups by the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. The patients in the control group were treated with celecoxib capsules according to the conventional Western medicine treatment plan, while those in the observation group were treated with the Modified Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang combined with Fuzi Tang by oral administration. Both groups were treated once a day, and 5 treatments constituted one course of treatment, with a total of two courses of treatment. Then, follow-up visits were carried out before treatment, after one and two courses of treatment, and one month later. Scale scores were conducted at these four time points to judge the improvement degree of the patients' symptoms and signs and the excellent and good rate of the clinical efficacy, etc.
After one and two courses of treatment, the range of motion (ROM) of cervical joints, short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) scores, neck disability index (NDI), and cervical spondylosis clinical assessment scale (CASCS) scores of the patients in both groups were lower than those before treatment. Compared with those in the control group, the scores in the observation group decreased significantly, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The average scores of the Tanaka-Yoshihisa Cervical Spondylosis Symptom Scale of the patients in both groups were higher than those before treatment, and the increase in the observation group was more significant than that in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). After two courses of treatment, the total clinical effective rate of the observation group was 100%, which was better than 90.00% of the control group. Moreover, it was found after follow-up that there were no significant changes in the results of the McGill pain scale, the 20-point method of the Tanaka-Yoshihisa Cervical Spondylosis Symptom Scale, NDI and CASCS scores of the observation group compared with those after the second course of treatment, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).
Modified Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang combined with Fuzi Tang and the Western medicine celecoxib capsules can effectively relieve the symptoms and signs of cervical spondylosis of neck. Modified Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang combined with Fuzi Tang has a more significant treatment effect and advantages in relieving pain and improving dysfunction, and has a long-lasting curative effect.
Intrahepatic cholestasis is a common pathological condition of several types of liver disorders. In this study, it aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of emodin against cholestasis liver injury induced by α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) in rats.
Forty SD rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, emodin group with ANIT treatment and emodin group without ANIT treatment. Emodin group with and without ANIT treatment groups were intragastrically administrated emodin (40 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 7 days, and the control group and the model group were fed by sodium carboxymethylcellulose. On the 5th day after administration and fasting 4 h, the model group and the emodin group with ANIT treatment were given ANIT (50 mg·kg-1·d-1) to establish the intrahepatic cholestasis model, and the other two groups were fed by olive oil. At 48 h after the model establishment, the specimens were collected. The liver histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE). The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBiL), direct bilirubin (DBiL) and total bile acid (TBA) in serum were determined by colorimetric quantitative method. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1β(IL-1β) of liver tissue were measured by ELISA. Quantitative fluorescent PCR was used to detect the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) mRNA. Western blot was used to evaluate the changes in the protein levels of TIPE2, TLR4 and NF-κB.
Compared with those in the control group, the concentrations of ALT, AST, GGT, TBiL, DBiL and TBA, the contents of MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of TIPE2 were down-regulated (P<0.01), while the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB were increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, emodin treatment could reduce the levels of ALT, AST, GGT, TBiL, DBiL and TBA (P<0.01), decrease the concentrations of MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β(P<0.01), increase the expression of TIPE2 (P<0.01), meanwhile significantly inhibit the expressions of TLR4 and NF-κB (P<0.05, P<0.01).
Emodin has a protective effect against intrahepatic cholestasis in the rats through up-regulating the expression of TIPE2 and inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.
Baoji Oral Liquid (保济口服液) has the effects of relieving the exterior symptoms, eliminating dampness and regulating the middle. It is clinically used to treat abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, acid regurgitation, nausea, gastrointestinal discomfort, indigestion, motion sickness, seasonal influenza, fever, headache and other conditions. Based on a questionnaire survey of clinicians and a systematic literature review, this consensus was developed by 32 domestic experts in clinical traditional Chinese and Western medicine, methodology and pharmacy. The qualities of evidence, effectiveness and safety were analyzed. The GRADE classification system was recommended, and the nominal group technique was adopted to formulate consensus recommendations. The consensus provides recommendations or suggestions on the efficacy, usage, dosage, combination therapy, treatment duration and safety of Baoji Oral Liquid. Additionally, expert meetings were held for in-depth discussions, and a peer review process was conducted nationwide to gather broad feedback, providing a scientific basis for rational clinical use.
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