Latest ArticlesTo 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.
When stimulating human acupoints with methods such as acupuncture or electrical pulses, the subjects experience a special sensation of sourness, fullness and numbness, which starts from the stimulated acupoints and can be transmitted along the classical meridian pathways, which is called propagated sensation along the meridian (PSM). From a physiological point of view, its formation must include the whole process of activities from peripheral receptors, afferent nerves and various links of the central nervous system. However, as the PSM is a subjective sensation phenomenon, although a very important means of acupuncture treatment is how to get the goal of “Qi arrival at affected area”, whether PSMcan be stimulated is the key to “Qi arrival at affected area” and it is also the main manifestation of “Qi arrival at affected area” in traditional Chinese acupuncture and moxibustion. At present, it is currently difficult to show it with objective representation. Thus, it affects the clinical application and promotion. With the rapid development of science and technology in China, artificial intelligence (AI) image recognition technology and data analysis provide excellent conditions for the study of meridians in traditional Chinese medicine. This article took this as a starting point, applying AI infrared image recognition technology and data analysis to clarify the objective manifestations of PSM, providing a scientific basis for improving the clinical efficacy and mechanism of action of acupuncture.
The classical formula Qingning Powder (清宁散) was originally documented in Youyou Jicheng by CHEN Fuzheng during the Qing Dynasty. It possesses the effects of clearing lung heat, calming the heart, purging lung fire and relieving cough. Modern research indicates that Qingning Powder exhibits anti-inflammatory and antitussive activities, and it is clinically applicable for treating pediatric lung-heat-induced cough and lung disorders caused by phlegm-heat accumulation and failure of purification and descent of lung. This paper provided a comprehensive review based on medical classics, modern literature and clinical research, covering the formula composition, chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of individual herbs, compound compatibility principles and modern clinical applications. Following the “Five Principles” of quality markers (Q-Markers) in traditional Chinese medicine, the potential Q-Markers for Qingning Powder were predicted and analyzed. The results suggest that geniposidic acid, verbascoside, 6-gingerol, betulinic acid, oleanolic acid, sanggenon B, mulberroside G, poricoic acid A, dehydrotumulosic acid, quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucosyl-7-O-β-D-gentianbioside, sinapic acid glucoside, morusin A and liquiritin may serve as the Q-Markers for Qingning Powder. This study offered a reference for the clinical application, pharmaceutical development and quality standard establishment of the classical formula Qingning Powder.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) eye diagnosis, as one of the quintessences of TCM inspection, holds a significant role in clinical diagnosis. It also enjoys a solid theoretical foundation and a long history of development. The five-wheel and eight-region theories are the most important theories in TCM eye diagnosis. With the trend of TCM diagnosis objectivity, the modernization of TCM eye diagnosis has a strong development momentum. The author traced the evolution of TCM eye diagnosis theory, introduced the current technologies of eye diagnosis, and presented the team's latest research—TCM eye image recognition system. This system integrates TCM foundational eye diagnostic theory of “eight zones and eight acupoints” with detailed indicators from “four forms” and “eight colors” to establish a modern, precise framework for white eye image acquisition, processing and analysis by leveraging modern artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The paper outlined the construction of the eye diagnosis image recognition model, delved into the key technologies of system development, and proposed targeted solutions to existing challenges to promote the objectivity and precision of TCM diagnosis.
Gusuibu (Drynaria fortunei Rhizoma) contains flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, triterpenoids, phenolic acids and glycosides and other chemical components. Studies have shown that Gusuibu (Drynaria fortunei Rhizoma) has various pharmacological benefits, including anti-osteoporosis, accelerating the recovery of bone injury, reducing inflammation, promoting tooth growth, regulating blood lipid levels, preventing toxic ear injury, maintaining renal function, protecting nervous system health and improving cognitive functions. It has great potential and good development prospects. In this paper, the current situation of its quality control was briefly summarized. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia uses naringin as the quality index component. At present, the quality control of Gusuibu (Drynaria fortunei Rhizoma) is single and the specificity is poor. Based on the concept of quality marker (Q-Marker) of traditional Chinese medicine, the potential quality markers of Gusuibu (Drynaria fortunei Rhizoma) were predicted and analyzed from eight aspects, including traditional medicinal properties, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, network pharmacology, different producing areas and processing methods, compound compatibility and new pharmacodynamic uses. It is preliminarily speculated that naringin, neoeriocitrin, luteolin, kaempferol, eriodictyol, naringenin, protocatechuic acid, 5-hydroxymethylfurfural and caffeic acid 4-O-β-D-glucopyranoside are the main Q-Markers of Gusuibu (Drynaria fortunei Rhizoma), which provides a scientific and reasonable reference for the construction of quality standard evaluation system of Gusuibu (Drynaria fortunei Rhizoma).
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