Latest ArticlesNeurodegenerative diseases(NDDs)are a complex group of conditions caused by progressive degeneration and dysfunction of cells and tissues in the central nervous system.The pathogenesis is intricate,and they are often chronic and difficult to cure,with no effective treatments currently available.Recent studies have shown that Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma),a traditional Chinese medicinal herb,exhibits a wide array of pharmacological effects.The main components of Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma)possess advantages in treating NDDs throughmulti-targetandmulti-pathwaymechanisms.This article reviewed the latest research advancements in the field of Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma)application to NDDs,primarily Parkinson's disease(PD),Alzheimer's disease(AD)and epilepsy.It summarized the use of Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma)and its compound formulations in the treatment of NDDs over recent years.The article particularly delved into the pharmacological effects of its active ingredients,including ferulic acid,tetramethylpyrazine(TMP),vanillic acid and ligustilide,in terms of their anti-inflammatory,antioxidant,anti-apoptotic,neurotoxicity-reducing,immunomodulatory and mitochondrial function-improving properties.This review served as a theoretical foundation for the future development of natural drugs derived from Chuanxiong(Chuanxiong Rhizoma)for the prevention and treatment of NDDs.
Maidong(Ophiopogonis Radix),as a good Yin tonic in traditional Chinese medicine system,has the effect of nourishing Yin and moistening lung,invigorating stomach and promoting fluid,clearing heart and eliminating irritability.In modern pharmacological research,it plays an important role in improving cardiac function,regulating blood glucose and lipid levels,antitumor and anti-oxidation.In clinical practice,Maidong(Ophiopogonis Radix)is often used in combination with Renshen(Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma),Shashen(Glehniae Radix),Wuweizi(Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus),Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma),Banxia(Pinelliae Rhizoma)and other traditional Chinese medicines,so as to enhance the curative effect and expand the therapeutic range.The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the pharmacological action of Maidong(Ophiopogonis Radix)and the clinical application of its common drug pairs,and further explore the rules and theories of its compatible use,in order to provide reference and guidance for the further development and application of Maidong(Ophiopogonis Radix)and its drug pairs.
To explore the clinical efficacy of Jianpi Lishi Jiedu Decoction(健脾利湿解毒汤)combined with pidotimod in the treatment of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions(LSIL)of the cervix combined with high-risk human papillomavirus(HPV)infection.
A totalof130 cases of LSIL complicated with high-risk HPV infection admitted to the hospital from January 2022 to September 2023 were included and divided into two groups using the computer random number table method,with 65 cases in each group.The control group was treated with pidotimod,while the observation group was treated with Jianpi Lishi Jiedu Decoction on the basis of the control group.The treatment lasted for 3 months.The clinical efficacy of two groups,the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score and serum inflammatory factor levels[high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),interleukin-12(IL-12)and tumor necrosis factorα(TNF)-α)]and changes in viral load were compared.
①The total effective rate of the observation group was 93.85%,which was higher than that(81.54%)of the control group(χ2=4.561,P=0.033).②The difference in traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores for vaginal discharge,itching,fatigue,edema and loose stools in the observation group was lower than that in the control group[(1.13±0.13)points vs.(2.05±0.16)points,(1.09±0.11)points vs.(1.65±0.15)points,(1.01±0.19)points vs.(1.66±0.22)points,(0.68±0.17)points vs.(1.13±0.19)points,(0.89±0.18)points vs.(1.38±0.14)points](t=35.979~17.324,all P<0.01).③The serum levels of TNF-α and hs-CRP of the observation group were all lower than those of the control group[(1.13±0.36)pg/mL vs.(1.72±0.41)pg/mL,(2.19±0.45)mg/L vs.(4.24±0.87)mg/L](t=8.718-16.874,all P<0.01),and the serum IL-12 levels were higher than the control group[(16.52±5.03)pg/mL vs.(14.25±5.16)pg/mL](t=-2.540,P=0.006).④The recurrence rate[4.61%(3/65)]in the observation group was significantly lower than that[16.92%(11/65)]in the control group(χ2=5.123,P=0.024).The HPV viral load in the observation group was lower than that in the control group[(1.85±0.59)Igcopies/mL vs.(2.73±0.65)Igcopies/mL](t=-8.082,P<0.01),and the seroconversion rate was higher than that in the control group(69.23% vs.43.08%)(χ2 =9.029,P=0.003).
The combination of Jianpi Lishi Jiedu Decoction and pidotimod in the treatment of LSIL complicated with high-risk HPV infection has a definite therapeutic effect.It can restore the patient's immune inflammatory balance and reduce the HPV viral load.
Gastric ulcer is a common clinical gastrointestinal disease,which is characterized by its susceptibility,recurrence and high medical cost.Nowadays,due to the extensive use of proton pump inhibitors,H2 receptor antagonists and antimicrobial drugs,the incidence of gastric ulcers has decreased,but the recurrence rate of gastric ulcers and the incidence of complications are still not effectively controlled.The Chinese herb Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma)has the effects of clearing heat and drying dampness,purging fire and removing toxin,which plays a significant role in the treatment of sores,carbuncles and ulcers,and it can enter the stomach meridian,which iswidely used in the treatment of gastric ulcers,and it can effectively reduce the index of ulcers and accelerate the healing of ulcers.Through searching CNKI,Pubmed and other databases,the article comprehensively discussed the mechanism of Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma)and its active ingredients in the treatment of gastric ulcers,in order to provide a basis for the clinical application of Huanglian(Coptidis Rhizoma)in ulcer diseases as well as further scientific research.
As an important part of traditional Chinese medicine,pediatric Tuina plays a unique role in the prevention and treatment of children's diseases.However,the terminology for acupoints and techniques are diverse,and the national standards for the above terms need to be improved,which affects the overall development of the discipline of pediatric Tuina.Therefore,it is urgent to carry out the standardization of pediatric Tuina terminology.This article discussed the current situation of pediatric Tuina terminology standardization,the importance of terminology standardization and suggestions,in order to promote the standardized,scientific and international development of pediatric Tuina.
To investigate the efficacy and safety of Sanhuangtangshenkang(三黄糖肾康)combined with Dapagliflozin in the treatment of Qi deficiency and blood stasis type of early diabetic nephropathy(DN).
A randomized,double-blind and placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted involving 120 patients from the Endocrinology and Nephrology Departments at Taizhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from June 2021 to June 2023.The participants were allocated into two groups.The experimental group(60 patients)received standard care augmented with Sanhuangtangshenkang and Dapagliflozin,while the control group(60 patients)was treated with standard care plus placebo granules and Dapagliflozin.The duration of treatmentwas 12 weeks.The primary endpoints included the efficacy of treatment,the renal function,the inflammatory markers,the enhancement of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndromes,and the frequency of adverse events.
A total of 117 patients were successfully enrolled,59 in the experimental group and 58 in the control group.The experimental group showed a significantly higher overall effective rate compared to the control group(98.30% versus70.68%,P<0.05).Biochemical indicators such as the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio(UACR),24-hour urinary microalbumin(UMA)and 24-hour urinary protein were significantly improved in the experimental group compared to those in the control group after 12 weeks of treatment(P<0.05).Inflammatory markers including serum amyloid A(SAA),interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP)and homocysteine(Hcy)also showed more significant reductions in the experimental group,especially after 12 weeks of treatment(P<0.05).The improvements in renal function and other biochemical indicators,such as glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c),estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)and total cholesterol(TC),were also notably better in the experimental group(P<0.05).TCM symptom scores further confirmed the improvement in various indicators in the experimental group after treatment(P<0.05).Although there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).The experimental group exhibited a lower rate of adverse reactions(3.38%)compared to the control group(8.62%).
The combination of Sanhuangtangshenkang with Dapagliflozin is highly effective and safe for improving renal function,glycemic control and TCM syndromes in patients with early-stage DN characterized by Qi deficiency and blood stasis,demonstrating both enhanced safety and superior efficacy.
To explore the effect of Qili Qiangxin Capsule(芪苈强心胶囊)on chronic heart failure and its influence on the levels of troponin(cTNI),homocysteine(Hcy),N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)and highsensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP)in patients.
Ninety-two patients with chronic heart failure were selected and divided into control group and comprehensive group,46 cases in each group.The conventional comprehensive treatment was given,and the comprehensive group was treated with Qili Qiangxin Capsule for 3 months.The therapeutic effect,TCM syndrome scores,cardiac function and the changes of serum levels of cTNI,Hcy,NT-proBNP and hs-CRPwere observed.
There was no significant difference between the two groups in TCM syndrome scores before treatment(P>0.05),but the score decreased after treatment(P<0.05),and the score of the comprehensive group was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference of stroke volume(SV),left ventricular end diastolic diameter(LVEDD),left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)or 6-minute walking test distance(6MWT)between the two groups before treatment(P>0.05),but the values of SV,LVEF and 6MWT increased after treatment(P<0.05),and these indexes of the comprehensive group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).The levels of serum cTNI,Hcy,NT-proBNP and hs-CRP in the two groups were not statistically different before treatment(P>0.05),but decreased after treatment(P<0.05),and the levels of the comprehensive group were lower than those of the control group(P<0.05).The overall curative effect of the comprehensive group was better than that of the control group(P<0.05).
The treatment of chronic heart failure with QiliQiangxin Capsule is helpful to reduce the serum levels of cTNI,Hcy,NT-proBNP and hs-CRP,improve the symptoms and cardiac function of patients,and then improve the therapeutic effect.
To investigate the ethanol fractional precipitation of vinegar-baked Chaihu(Radix Bupleuri)polysaccharides(VBCP)and their effects on pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of lamivudine.
The ethanol fractional precipitation was used to separate vinegar-baked Chaihu(Radix Bupleuri)polysaccharides.The phenol sulfuric acid method was used to determine the molecular weight,and the bicinchoninic acid(BCA)method was used to determine the protein content.The high performance gel permeation chromatography was used to determine the molecular weight,the high performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the monosaccharide composition,and the infrared spectrum was used to identify the characteristic groups of polysaccharide.Then,high-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine the concentration of lamivudine in plasma and tissue at different time points after oral administration of lamivudine and lamivudine+VBCPs.The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using DAS2.0 software,and the differences in pharmacokinetic parameters and tissue concentrations were compared using SPSS 20.0.
The sugar contents of VBCP-40,VBCP-60,and VBCP-80 were 65.53%,66.42%and 54.86%,respectively.The protein contents were 9.836%,6.214% and 8.744%,respectively.The molecular weight of three polysaccharides decreased with increasing alcohol concentration,and they were all composed of mannose,rhamnose,glucuronic acid,galacturonic acid,glucose,galactose and arabinose,but the proportions varied greatly.The infrared spectrum shows that all of them had typical polysaccharide characteristic peaks.The results of pharmacokinetic study showed that compared with the lamivudine group,the combination group of VBCP-60 and lamivudine significantly increased area under the concentration time curve(AUC0-9,AUC0-∞)and Cmax,while decreased plasma clearance(CLz/F).The results of tissue distribution study showed that VBCP-60 and VBCP-80 could increase the concentration of lamivudine in the liver;meanwhile,VBCP-80 could reduce its concentration in the kidneys.
Ethanol fractional precipitation can achieve the preliminary separation and purification of VBCP.VBCP-60 and VBCP-80 can increase the distribution of lamivudine in the liver,the anti-HBV effector organ of lamivudine,so they may be the active fractions for enhancing the efficacy of lamivudine.
To establish the infrared fingerprint spectra of standard decoctions of Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma)and its processed products,and quickly identify the standard decoctions of Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma)and its processed products.
Infrared fingerprint spectra were established for the decoctions of Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma),wine-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma),vinegar-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma)and four-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma).The differences among the average infrared spectra of the decoctions of Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma),wine-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma),vinegar-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma)and four-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma)were analyzed using OMNIC 9.2 software.The common peaks of Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma)and its processed product decoctions were identified using Spectrum forWindow 3.02 software and the relative peak heights were calculated.The differences among the processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma)decoctions were compared using principal component analysis,orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis and clustering analysis.
A total of 12 common peaks were identified and standardized for the decoctions of Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma),vinegar-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma),wine-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma)and four-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma)using baseline correction and normalization.The differences were obvious in the 1700-1000 cm-1 waveband,and fourmain contribution wavebands were selected,including2929 cm-1,1053 cm-1,997 cm-1 and 1639 cm-1.The processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma)decoctionswere all clustered into four categories through analysis.
There are obvious differences among the decoctions of Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma),vinegar-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma),wine-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma)and four-processed Xiangfu(Cyperi Rhizoma),and they can be quickly identified using infrared spectroscopy.The method is fast,effective and accurate.
Baizhu Powder(白术散)is a classic prescription for invigorating spleen and nourishing stomach from Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue.Modern studies show that ithas the functions of regulating intestinal microecology,reducing inflammation,antiviral effect,regulating blood sugar,improving insulin resistance,protecting liver,etc.It is commonly used clinically to treat diarrhea of children,anorexia,auxiliary treatment of diabetes,hyperlipidemia,etc.On the basis of summarizing the research progress of chemical composition,pharmacological action and clinical application of Baizhu Powder,the prediction analysis was carried out according to the“five principles”of quality marker(Q-Marker).The results showed that ginsenosides Rg1,Rb1,Re,atractylenolideⅠ,Ⅱ,Ⅲ,puerarin,daidzin,daidzein,patchouli alcohol,dehydrocostus lactone,costunolide,liquiritin(SH),glycyrrhizic acid,dehydrotumulosic acid and polyporenic acid C,can be considered as Q-Markers for Baizhu Powder,and this study can provide reference for the quality control of Baizhu Powder.