Latest ArticlesHuangjing (Rhizoma Polygonati) contains polysaccharides, saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids and other active ingredients, which have the pharmacological effects of hypoglycemic and lipid-lowering, antioxidant, immunomodulating, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial functions, and have a good clinical application prospect. This paper summarized the current status of quality control of Huangjing (Rhizoma Polygonati), and predicted the quality markers of Huangjing (Rhizoma Polygonati) from different aspects such as chemical component detectability, component efficacy, processing methods, network pharmacology and new pharmacological uses. In order to provide a scientific basis for the quality control of Huangjing (Rhizoma Polygonati), polygonatum polysaccharides, fructose, DFV, baicalein, dioscin, isorhamnetin, β-sitosterol, kaempferol, rutin, quercetin, liquiritigenin and other components can be considered as the reference for the quality markers of Huangjing (Rhizoma Polygonati).
To investigate the intervention effects of Astragalus polysaccharide on peritoneal fibrosis related to peritoneal dialysis in mice and its possible mechanisms.
Male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a blank control group (Control), a model group (Model), a low-dose group of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS 100 mg/kg) and a high-dose group of Astragalus Polysaccharide (APS 200 mg/kg), with 10 mice in each group. A mouse model of peritoneal fibrosis was established using high-glucose peritoneal dialysis fluid, and the treatment was administered daily for 28 days. After the final treatment, peritoneal function (glucose transport and urea nitrogen levels) was assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and Masson staining were performed to observe the pathological changes, fibrosis and peritoneal thickness. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related proteins in peritoneal tissue. The immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry methods were used to assess the expressions of macrophage polarization-related proteins in peritoneal tissue.
Compared to the Control group, the Model group showed significant increases in peritoneal thickness and collagen fiber deposition, elevated glucose transport and higher urea nitrogen levels. The expressions of EMT-related proteins[α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen Ⅲ, fibronectin)]significantly increased, while E-cadherin protein expression significantly decreased, and M2 macrophage markers[Arginase-1 (Arg-1), CD163]were significantly elevated. In comparison to the Model group, the treatment with Astragalus polysaccharide led to significant improvements in the above indicators, with the high-dose group showing better effects than the low-dose group. After the clearance of macrophages, the inhibitory effect of Astragalus polysaccharide on the peritoneal fibrosis was weakened.
Astragalus polysaccharide inhibits the peritoneal fibrosis in mice by suppressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition and regulating M2 macrophage polarization.
To observe the regulatory mechanism of Yupingfeng Powder (玉屏风散) on “activation of Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway inhibiting fibroblast autophagy in pulmonary fibrosis”, and to explore the mechanism of Yupingfeng Powder in improving idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
Forty-eight Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 8 groups with 6 rats in each, including blank group, sham-operated group, model group, positive control (prednisone) group, STAT3 inhibitor (sorafenib) group and Yupingfeng Powder high, middle and low dose groups. The rats in the model group and in each administration group were injected with bleomycin (BLM) intratracheally to establish the lung fibrosis model. Gastric administration was started after the 14th day of modeling, and prednisone [6 mg/ (kg·d)]was given to the positive control group, sorafenib[30 mg/ (kg·d)]was given to the STAT3 inhibitor group, and Yupingfeng Powder solution was given to the high dose group[6 g/ (kg·d)], the middle dose group[3 g/ (kg·d)]and the low dose group[1.5 g/ (kg·d)], respectively. The equal volume of saline was given to the blank group and the model group. The drug was continuously administered until the 30th day. The symptoms and signs, the changes in lung tissue morphology, the α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) protein expression, the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and respective phagocytosis index in lung tissues were observed before and after treatment.
Compared with the blank and sham-operated groups, the model group showed severe symptoms, signs and lung tissue injury status, significantly higher levels of IL-6 andTGF-β1 (P<0.01), significantly higher expressions of α-SMA, JAK2, phosphorylated Janus kinase 2 (p-JAK2), STAT3, phosphorylation signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) proteins (P<0.01) and myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl-1) protein and mRNA (P<0.01). The protein and mRNA expressions of Beclin1, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase catalytic subunit type 3 (PIK3C3) and Atg14 were significantly reduced (P<0.01), the binding between Beclin1 and Mcl-1 was significantly enhanced, and fibroblast autophagy was significantly reduced. After treatment, compared with those in the model group, all the indexes of the rats in the high and middle dose groups of Yupingfeng Powder, prednisone group and sorafenib group were significantly improved (P<0.01 or P<0.05), the binding between Beclin1 and Mcl-1 was significantly weakened, and the autophagy of fibroblasts was significantly increased, while the indicators of the low dose group basically showed no significant changes. Overall, the efficacy of the high dose group of Yupingfeng Powder was better than that of the middle and low dose groups, and equal to that of the prednisone group and close to that of the sorafenib group.
Yupingfeng Powder is able to reduce collagen fiber deposition by increasing fibroblast autophagy to inhibit pulmonary fibrosis, and this process may be related to the inhibition of the phosphorylation and activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway by decreasing the levels of IL-6 and TGF-β1, thus blocking the binding of Mcl-1 to Beclin1, further increasing the formation of type Ⅲ PI3K complex, and enhancing the ability of Beclinl to activate autophagy.
Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) is a traditional Chinese medicine in China, which was first published in Shennong Bencao Jing. Its chemical composition is diverse, containing steroidal saponins, high isoflavones, polysaccharides, amino acids, volatile oils and other chemical components. Modern studies have shown that Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) has pharmacological effects such as protecting cardiovascular system, nervous system, digestive system, relieve liver and lung injury, anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, anti-aging and so on. In this paper, it summarized the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), and predicted and analyzed the quality markers of Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) based on the concept of quality marker (Q-Marker) of traditional Chinese medicine, from the aspects of plant affinity, traditional medicinal properties and efficacy, traceability of chemical components, different origins and harvesting periods, compounding and compounding, and the measurability of chemical compositions, with the aim of establishing a comprehensive and scientific quality control system of Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix). This study is intended to provide a basis for the establishment of a comprehensive and scientific quality control system for Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix).
In traditional Chinese medicine, the relationship between the liver and the eyes in the theory of visceral manifestations is one of the important cornerstones of the theory of visceral manifestations, which profoundly reveals the physiological and pathological associations between the liver and the eyes. This paper systematically reviewed the theoretical origin, modern research and clinical application value of this theory. The statement that “the liver governs the eyes” was first recorded in Plain Questions·Treatise on Correspondence Between Yin-Yang and Manifestations ofthe Cosmos. Its physiological basis lies in “the liver opening into the eyes”, “the liver meridian connected to the eye system”, “the liver storing blood to nourish the eyes”, “the smooth flow of liver Qi reaching the eyes” and “the liver being Yin and soft to moisten the eyes”. Modern research has confirmed and expanded its connotation from multiple perspectives: with the “liver-eye biological axis” as the core framework, the liver maintaining the structural and functional homeostasis of the eyeball by regulating the metabolism of key substances such as vitamin A, lipids and sugars, affecting the intraocular pressure, tear secretion, etc. through the neuro-endocrine pathway. In terms of clinical application, the prescriptions based on the principles of soothing liver and strengthening spleen and clearing liver fire have shown significant efficacy in treating eye diseases such as optic atrophy, dry eye syndrome and keratitis. In addition, the external therapies for the eyes, such as acupuncture at the liver meridian acupoints Xingjian (LR2) and Taichong (LR3), have also achieved good results. There are still limitations in current research. For example, the specific neural pathway of the liver meridian-eye system has not been clarified, and the specific molecular pathway by which the abnormal dispersion of liver Qi affects the normal physiological functions of the eyes still needs to be explored. Future research needs to comprehensively and deeply explore the biological mechanism of “the liver governing the eyes” and construct a scientific knowledge system that combines traditional Chinese medicine theory with modern medicine to promote the modern transformation of this classic theory.
Danggui (Angelica sinensis), which belongs to the family Fimbria, has been a herbaceous plant for many years and is a traditional Chinese medicine. The anti-fatigue effect of Danggui (Angelica sinensis) has been widely studied at home and abroad, and the research on its mechanism has been gradually deepened to the molecular level. In order to determine the research progress of the anti-fatigue mechanism of Danggui (Angelica sinensis), this paper analyzed the existing research reports on the anti-fatigue effect of Danggui (Angelica sinensis) at home and abroad, and summarized the active ingredients of Danggui (Angelica sinensis) with anti-fatigue effect. The effects of Danggui (Angelica sinensis) decoction or extract on exercise by-products, metabolic substrates, inflammatory factors, neurotransmitters and other factors on body fatigue and its mechanism were recorded. In order to provide reference for further research, the prescriptions and medicinal diets containing Danggui (Angelica sinensis) with anti-fatigue effect in ancient and modern times were listed and the corresponding research progress was recorded.
Yinchen Wuling Powder (茵陈五苓散, YWP) has the efficacy of clearing heat, detoxicating and inducing dampness, strengthening spleen and stomach, and resolving turbidity. Modern studies have shown that this formula has the hepatoprotective, choleretic, cardiovascular protection and anti-inflammatory effects. It is commonly used in the treatment of jaundice, metabolic diseases and cardiovascular diseases in clinical practice. In this paper, it systematically summarized and sorted out the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of YWP, and carried out the prediction analysis of its quality markers (Q-Markers) according to the concept of Q-Markers based on the five principles, and the results showed that chlorogenic acid, artemisinin lactone, chromogenic ketone, swertiamarin bitter glycoside, 3, 5-O-dicaffeoylquinic acid, 4, 5-O-di caffeoylquinic acid, atractylenolide Ⅰ, atractylenolide Ⅱ, atractylenolide Ⅲ, atractylenolide, craniospermone, cinnamic acid, cinnamaldehyde, porinic acid, tuliptic acid, dehydrotuliptic acid, 2, 3-acetylzelenol B, 2, 3-acetylzelenol C, zeylenol B and ergosterol could be used as the Q-Markers of YWP, which would be used as a reference for the subsequent studies of the quality control of YWP and its related formulations.
Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease characterized by reduced bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue microstructure. With the global aging population, the incidence of OP is progressively increasing. Current Western medical treatments primarily rely on bone-forming agents and bone resorption inhibitors, which often exhibit significant side effects and are unsuitable for long-term use. OP is a condition where traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) demonstrates therapeutic advantages, and Duzhong (Cortex Eucommiae) is a commonly used traditional Chinese herb for treating OP. This article reviewed Duzhong (Cortex Eucommiae) and its primary active components, such as pinoresinol diglucoside, aucubin and geniposidic acid, focusing on their multi-pathway regulatory mechanisms against OP. Duzhong (Cortex Eucommiae) and its components promote bone formation by modulating the Wnt/β-catenin and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) /Smad signaling pathways, while inhibiting bone resorption through the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) /receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) /nuclear factor-κB receptor activating factor receptor (RANK) signaling pathways. Additionally, they regulate the coupling of bone formation and resorption by influencing the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) /protein kinase B (AKT) and estrogen signaling pathways. Furthermore, Duzhong (Cortex Eucommiae) and its components can regulate bone angiogenesis by stimulating the expression of vascular factors in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells via the BMP/Smad pathway or by modulating the secretion of platelet-derived growth factor in osteoclast precursor cells through the mitogenactivated protein kinase (MAPK) /nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway. Moreover, Duzhong (Cortex Eucommiae) and its components can modulate the polarization state of macrophages, alter the expression of inflammatory factors and improve the bone immune-inflammatory microenvironment, thereby maintaining bone homeostasis. In summary, Duzhong (Cortex Eucommiae) exerts anti-OP effects through multiple mechanisms and pathways, providing valuable insights and references for its clinical application and development.
To study the clinical observation of the effect of Modified Yangyin Qingfei Decoction (养阴清肺汤加减) combined with voice training on postoperative benign lesions of vocal cords.
A total of 200 patients with benign vocal cord lesions treated in the hospital from From January 2022 to June 2024 were selected as the study objects, and the patients were divided into two groups by random number table method, 100 cases in each group. The patients receiving voice training were established as the control group, and those receiving voice training combined with Modified Yangyin Qingfei Decoction were established as the observation group. After treatment, the clinical effect, clinical symptom score, voice acoustic index and voice disorder index scale score (VHI-10) of the two groups were observed and compared.
The total effective rate of the observation group was 98.00%, higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the clinical symptom score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the clinical signs in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the VHI-10 score of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). Compared with those in the control group, the Jitter and Shimmer were lower and the maximum phonation time (MPT) was higher in the observation group (P<0.05).
Voice training combined with Modified Yangyin Qingfei Decoction can effectively improve the clinical effect, reduce the clinical symptoms and signs, improve the voice disorder and promote the recovery of the patients, and has high clinical application value.
To analyze the effect of Modified Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction (黄芪建中汤加减) combined with quadruple therapy on gastric motility and ulcer healing in patients with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) positive gastric ulcer of deficiency-cold in spleen-stomach type.
Two hundred patients with Hp-positive gastric ulcer of deficiency-cold in spleen-stomach type admitted to Henan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from July 2020 to June 2023 were divided into combined group (100 cases) and control group (100 cases) by simple random sampling. Both groups were treated with quadruple therapy, and the combined group was treated with Modified Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction for 2 months. The changes of gastric motility function, ulcer healing and TCM syndrome integral between the two groups before and after treatment were compared, and the Hp clearance rate, recurrence rate and clinical efficacy of the two groups were compared.
After treatment, the gastric emptying time, gastric antrum contraction frequency and gastric antrum-duodenum coordination in the two groups decreased, and the gastric antrum contraction amplitude increased. After treatment, the gastric emptying time, antrum contraction frequency and antrum-duodenum coordination in the combined group were lower than those in the control group, and the antrum contraction amplitude was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the area of thick moss at the bottom of ulcer, the area of congestion of surrounding mucosa and the area of regenerative epithelium in the two groups decreased compared with those before treatment. And these indexes in the combined group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the main symptom score, secondary symptom score and total score of TCM syndromes in the two groups decreased compared with those before treatment and these indexes in the combined group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The clearance rate and recurrence rate of Hp in the combined group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After 2 months of treatment, the total effective rate of the combined group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05).
On the basis of quadruple therapy, Modified Huangqi Jianzhong Decoction can not only promote the improvement of gastric motility and ulcer healing, but also be beneficial to reduce TCM syndrome scores, improve the Hp clearance rate, prevent the recurrence of Hp infection and improve the clinical efficacy.
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