Latest ArticlesQuercetin, as an active ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, shows remarkable potential in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia（AML）. Quercetin inhibits AML cell proliferation by regulating cell cycle proteins and indirectly regulates the cell cycle through heat shock proteins（HSP）and others. Quercetin induces apoptosis in AML cells by various mechanisms, such as regulating apoptotic protein expression, affecting mitochondrial function, inhibiting the phosphatidylin-ositol-3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（AKT）pathway and modulating the ERK and AMPK signaling pathways. Quercetin can affect AML through vascular endothelial growth factor（VEGF）expression.in AML cells, quercetin promotes cellular autophagy and affects autophagy key junctions and signaling pathways such as PI3K, hypoxia inducible factor-1 α（HIF-1 α）and mammalian target of rapamycin（mTOR）, but exhibits a protective effect in MV4-11. Quercetin exerts antioxidant damage and affects oxidative stress in AML by regulating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2（Nrf2）, nuclear factor kappa-B（NF-κB）and PI3K/AKT pathways. In addition, quercetin has epigenetic regulatory effects, inducing DNA demethylation, inhibiting HDAC activity and promoting histone H3 and H4 acetylation, thus inhibiting AML. This paper reviewed the therapeutic effects of quercetin on AML through multiple mechanisms, providing new strategies and directions for traditional Chinese medicine in the field of AML treatment.
Gualou（Fructus Trichosanthis）has the effects of clearing heat, resolving phlegm, widening the chest and dispersing nodules. Modern pharmacology shows that Gualou（Fructus Trichosanthis）has antioxidant stress, regulates glucose and lipid metabolism, inhibits platelet aggregation and achieves systemic protection of blood glucose regulation and cardiovascular system. It has a good therapeutic effect on cardiovascular disease of diabetes when used alone. It can be used in combination with Xiebai（Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus）, Huanglian（Coptidis Rhizoma）, Banxia（Pinelliae Rhizoma）and Guizhi（Cinnamomi Ramulus）, showing a variety of therapeutic effects. Its related formulae like Xiaoxianxiong Decoction（小陷胸汤）, Gualou Xiebai Banxia Decoction（瓜蒌薤白半夏汤）and Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Decoction（枳实薤白桂枝汤）can regulate blood lipid metabolism, inhibit inflammatory reactions, improve vascular endothelial function and lower blood sugar levels. This article aimed to systematically review and analyze classical Chinese medicine literature, modern clinical research results and experimental data to provide a detailed overview of the latest research progress on compatibility applications and the related formulae of Gualou（Fructus Trichosanthis）, so as to provide new theoretical support and practical reference for TCMsyndrome differentiation treatment strategy of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and further excavate and play the unique advantages and value of tri-chosanthes and its compatibility in clinical treatment.
By analyzing the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy（FT-IR）spectrum of Xiangfu（Cyperi Rhizoma） from different origins, the main contribution band of the differences among the samples from different regions can be founded, so as to trace the origin of Xiangfu（Cyperi Rhizoma）.
Using FT-IR and combining a variety of chemometric methods, 30 batches of samples from 3 producing areas were analyzed. Then the characteristic band peaks were screened according to the main active components, getting the main difference bands of the samples.
Selecting 991, 1018, 526, 1081, 2930, 932, 1514, 708, 579, 1159, 763, 1461 cm-1 as the main difference contribution bands, and the results of Hierarchical Cluster Analysis（HCA）, Principal Component Analysis（PCA）and Orthogonal Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis（OPLS-DA）could be clustered into three categories.
According to the selected characteristic bands, Xiangfu（Cyperi Rhizoma） from different producing areas can be effectively distinguished. The experimental results also show that the differences of saccharides and acids in Xiangfu（Cyperi Rhizoma）from different producing areas can be focused on.
Rheumatoid arthritis（RA）is a systemic chronic autoimmune disease with a complex pathogenesis that has not been fully elucidated to date, hindering the development of new anti-RA drugs and imposing a heavy burden on human health and socioeconomics. It is currently believed that the occurrence of RA is mainly related to environmental factors, genetic factors, immune disorders and so on. Currently, the main drugs used in the treatment of RA are disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs（DMARDs）, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticosteroids and biologics, which have certain efficacy, but suffer from the disadvantages of expensive treatment costs and more adverse reactions. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicinal herbs of the aconite group, which have the efficacy of dispelling wind and removing dampness, warming meridians and relieving pain, are often used in clinical compounding for the treatment of RA, and have demonstrated significant advantages in the treatment of RA. Therefore, this paper systematically investigated the progress of the anti-RA mechanism of aconite herbs from aconite herbs, the active ingredients, medicinal pairs and compound formulas, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and modernization of aconite herbs in the treatment of RA.
To explore the volatile oil components and quality differences in color and parts of Tangzhizi（Gardeniae Fructus）. This research provided a reference for evaluating the quality and utilizing of Tangzhizi（Gardeniae Fructus）.
GC-MS combined with retention index（RI）was used to analyze volatile oil components of Tangzhizi（Gardeniae Fructus）. HPLC method detected the contents of Crocetin-Ⅰ, Crocetin-Ⅱ, Crocetin-Ⅳ, Crocetin, Crocetin-Ⅲ（at 440 nm）, Geniposidic Acid, Gardenoside, Genipin-1-b-D-gentiobioside and Geniposide（at 240 nm）. Agilent Extend-C18 column was used as the chromatographic column, with acetonitrile -0.1% formic acid aqueous solution as the mobile phase for gradient elution. Electronic eye technology quantified pericarp and kernel of Tangzhizi（Gardeniae Fructus）based on chromaticity value（L*, a*, b*）. Cluster analysis, Pearson correlation analysis and regression equations were used to analyze the relationship between active ingredients and appearance color of pericarp and kernel of Tangzhizi（Gardeniae Fructus）. OPLS-DA method was used to compare quality differences between peel and kernel to identify quality markers.
A total of 78 chemical constituents were identified in the volatile oil of Gardenia jasminoides, with aldehydes comprising the largest proportion, followed by lipids, and phenols in the lowest amount. The total content of9 chemical constituents in the pericarp and kernel varied significantly, with mass fractions of 10.781% and 20.276% respectively. The total sum of the 9 chemical compositions in the kernel was approximately double that of the pericarp, and the gardenia glycoside content in the kernel was about 9 times higher than that in the pericarp. The correlation and regression analysis results indicated that in the pericarp, in addition to Geniposidic Acid, eight other chemical constituents were positively correlated with a* and negatively correlated with b*. Among these, saffron Crocetin-Ⅰ, Crocetin, Gardenoside, Genipin-1-b-D-gentiobioside and Geniposide were positively correlated with L*. However, the kernel of nine chemical constituents showed a non-significant correlation with L*. Additionally, a* was positively correlated with a* and negatively correlated with b*, showing a significant regression relationship. OPLS-DA categorized the pericarp and kernel and identified L*, Geniposide, Gardenoside, Genipin-1-b-D-gentiobioside and Geniposidic Acid as the markers influencing herb quality.
To fully utilize Tangzhizi（Gardeniae Fructus）resources, the research is essential for quality evaluation and development, providing a scientific basis for Tangzhizi（Gardeniae Fructus）.
Maxing Shigan Decoction（麻杏石甘汤）is a classic prescription created by ZHANG Zhongjing, a famous medical practitioner in the Eastern Han Dynasty. It has multiple pharmacological effects such as antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antispasmodic, asthmatic properties and immune-regulating properties, thus it can be used to treat respiratory related disorders such as influenza, pneumonia, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease（COPD）. This paper discussed the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, and research progress on the treatment of respiratory diseases by Mahuang Xingren Shigan Decoction. And based on the five principles of Quality Marker（Q-Marker）, it is revealed that ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, methylephedrine, amygdalin, wild black cherry glycoside, glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizic acid, quercetin, kaempferol, （+）-catechin and sitosterol could be used as the Q-Marker of Maxing Shigan Decoction. However, the experiments are needed to verify its authenticity and provide a scientific basis for future quality assessment and product development of Maxing Shigan Decoction.
The incidence and mortality of gastrointestinal tumors are among the highest in China, posing a significant medical burden on society. In search of better therapeutic effects, the treatment of tumors has become increasingly diversified. In recent years, the role of traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）in cancer treatment has been explored and developed. Under the guidance of TCMtheory, herbal medicines can enhance the body＇s resistance and remove malign influences to combat tumors. Flavonoids, as one of the main effective components in many herbal medicines, have multiple advantages including multi-target effects, multi-pathway interactions and low toxicity. They can also promote gastrointestinal health and prevent gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, flavonoids have certain advantages in treating gastrointestinal tumors. Modern research has shown that flavonoids such as baicalin, quercetin, luteolin, isoliquiritigenin and hesperidin can exert anti-tumor effects through various mechanisms including regulating autophagy, pyroptosis, mitochondrial apoptosis, ferroptosis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition（EMT）, tumor-associated macrophages（TAMs）, microRNA（miRNA）, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming and methylation. This paper reviewed recent domestic and international research on flavonoids in the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors, summarized the mechanisms of flavonoids against gastrointestinal tumors, and supported further discussion on the use of flavonoids in gastrointestinal tumor treatment, promoting in-depth research and clinical development of flavonoids.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease（NAFLD）is a common digestive disease, its pathogenesis is not completely clear, clinical symptoms are often not obvious, and the incidence rate is increasing year by year, so it has become one of the digestive diseases that the world＇s health care system focuses on. In terms of mechanism, the “two strikes”theory of NAFLD is widely accepted, with the first strike being insulin resistance and the second strike being lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. Western medical treatment is mainly through the regulation of insulin sensitivity, the use of antioxidants and other improvements, and advocates the changes in lifestyle habits and ways of prevention. Although Western medical treatment means are effective, there are still problems such as the development of drug resistance and serious side effects. Traditional Chinese medicine（TCM）is nowadays one of the optimal solutions for the treatment of NAFLD due to a series of advantages such as its holistic nature, versatility, less side effects and equally significant therapeutic effects. This paper reviewed the pharmacological effects and theoretical mechanisms of Linggui Zhugan Decoction in the treatment of NAFLD, aiming to provide a reference for future related studies.
The study aimed to observe the cardioprotective effects of Yiqi Wenyang Huoxue Lishui Recipe（益气温阳活血利水方, YWHLR）by regulating the mixed lineage kinase 3（MLK3）mediated mitochondrial unfolded protein response（UPRmt）and to explore the mechanism of YWHLR in preventing and treating heart failure.
The mouse HL-1 cardiomyocyte model was prepared using angiotensin Ⅱ（AngⅡ）, followed by interventions with URMC-099, Oligomycin A and YWHLR medicated serum. The mice were divided into control, AngⅡ, AngⅡ + URMC-099, AngⅡ + Oligomycin and AngⅡ + YWHLR groups. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using the CCK-8 assay. RT-PCR measured the levels of MLK3 and UPRmt mRNA（MLK3, CHOP, LONP1, HSP60, HSP70）, and Western blot analyzed the protein levels related to MLK3 and UPRmt（MLK3, CHOP, LONP1, HSP60, HSP70）. Immunofluorescence double staining was employed to detect the expressions of HSP70 and MLK3 proteins.
Compared to the control group, the AngⅡ group showed a significant increase in MLK3 expression（P<0.01）and a significant decrease in the levels of CHOP, LONP1, HSP60 and HSP70（P<0.01）. The AngⅡ + URMC-099 group exhibited a significant decrease in MLK3 expression（P<0.01）and a significant increase in the levels of CHOP, LONP1, HSP60 and HSP70（P<0.01）compared to the AngⅡ group. The AngⅡ + Oligomycin group showed no significant difference in MLK3 expression（P>0.05）but a significant increase in the levels of CHOP, LONP1, HSP60 and HSP70（P<0.01）. The AngⅡ + YWHLR group demonstrated a significant decrease in MLK3 expression（P<0.01）and a significant increase in the levels of CHOP, LONP1, HSP60 and HSP70（P<0.01）compared to the AngⅡ group.
YWHLR medicated serum may exert its therapeutic effects by modulating the MLK3-mediated mitochondrial unfolded protein response.
To analyze the quality of different forms of Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）（juice decoction, fresh dried decoction, decoction）, to determine the contents of ingredients and establish the fingerprint map of different forms of Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）, so as to provide a basis for the clinical application of different forms.
High Performance Liquid Chromatography（HPLC）measured the contents of three glycosides and five glycosides of Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）and established the HPLC fingerprint of different treatment forms.
The content order of three kinds of cyclic terpenoid components was fresh dried Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）decoction > Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea） juice decoction > Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）decoction；the content order of 5 kinds of sugar was Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）juice decoction > fresh dried Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）decoction > Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）decoction. Twelve common peaks were calibrated in the fingerprint spectrum of different processing forms of Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）. Through the control comparison, six total peaks were identified, which were peach leaf coridin, reflavin D, reflavin A, motherthidin and hair flower glycoside. The similarity results showed that the similarity of different treatment forms of 30 batches ranged from 0.835 to 0.994, indicating a good similarity of the established fingerprint. Principal component analysis（PCA）and orthogonal least squares discriminant analysis（OPLS-DA）analysis showed differences in the quality of different treatment forms, and the main landmark components that differentiated different treatment forms were peaks 1, 2, 11, 12, 3（catalpol）, 10 and 5.
In this study, the contents of different forms of Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）（decoction, fresh dried decoction and decoction）were determined, and the fingerprint of different forms of Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）was established, which provided the research basis and theoretical basis for the primary processing of fresh Dihuang（Radix et Rhizoma Dioscorea）and the clinical use of the juice.
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