Latest ArticlesBaishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine. It mainly contains volatile oil, monoterpenes, triterpenes, flavonoids and other components. It has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidepressant, anti-liver injury and other pharmacological effects. In this paper, its modern processing methods, chemical constituents and pharmacological effects were reviewed. At the same time, according to the research results of Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), the network pharmacology method was used to predict the effective components and construct the “disease-component-target” network diagram of Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba). Based on the theory of quality marker (Q-Marker), combined with the specificity, measurability, medicinal properties and efficacy of chemical components, the Q-Marker of Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) was predicted. The results showed that paeoniflorin, albiflorin, oxypaeoniflorin, gallic acid and catechin could be used as the main Q-Marker of Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), hoping to provide data support for further study of Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba).
To observe the differences in antidepressant effects and mechanisms between the crude and wine products of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), evaluating the assistance of tonifying kidney efficacy in potentiating the antidepressant effect of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) after processing.
The commonly used classic chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) mouse depression model was used to evaluate the antidepressant effect of water extract of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) through routine behavioral testing indicators such as sugar water preference and immobility time. Further, under the guidance of the traditional Chinese medicine theory of “kidney connected to brain”, the antidepressant mechanism was explored by detecting and analyzing oxidative/antioxidant related indicators in mice.
The water extract of crude and wine products of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) (150 mg/kg) administered orally for 35 days, significantly improved depression-like behaviors induced by CUMS in mice, such as reduced sugar water preference and prolonged forced swimming and tail suspension time (P<0.01), and the effect of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) wine products was significantly better than that of crude products (P<0.01). Crude and wine products of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) significantly improved the increase of CUMS-induced lipid peroxidation malondialdehyde and ferrous ions, as well as the decrease of total superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels (P<0.01) in hippocampus and kidney, while crude products of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) were far inferior to its wine products in this regard (P<0.01).
The tonifying kidney efficacy enhances the antidepressant effect of wine products of Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus) compared to its crude products, and the mechanism may involved enhancing the antioxidant defense ability and inhibiting lipid peroxidation damage in the kidneys and brain to improve the theory of “kidney connected to brain”.
To explore the effects of Aescuven forte in the treatment of acute traumatic knee synovitis and influence on serum levels of osteoprotegerin (OPG), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and interleukin 6 (IL-6).
A total of 100 patients with acute traumatic knee synovitis induced were selected and divided into the control group (50 cases) and the observation group (50 cases) by random number table method. The control group received routine treatment, and the observation group received oral treatment with Aescuven forte on the basis of the control group, the course of treatment was 14 days. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) score, knee Lysholm score, synovial thickness, effusion depth, depth of fluid accumulation and difference of knee diameter, and the levels of serum OPG, TGF-β1 and IL-6 were compared.
There was no significant difference in VAS score, WOMAC score, Lysholm score, synovial thickness, effusion depth or peri-diameter difference of knee joint between the observation group and the control group (P>0.05). After treatment, VAS scores, WOMAC scores, synovial thickness, effusion depth and peri-diameter difference of knee joint decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The results of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The Lysholm scores in two groups were higher than those before treatment (P<0.05), and the score of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of serum OPG, TGF-β1 or IL-6 between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). The levels of serum OPG and TGF-β1 elevated after treatment compared with those before treatment (P<0.05). The serum IL-6 levels decreased after treatment compared with those before treatment (P<0.05) and the level of the observation group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of the observation group was better than that of the control group (P<0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the control group and the observation group was 14.00% and 18.00%, respectively, with no statistical significance (P>0.05).
Aescuven forte in the treatment of acute traumatic knee synovitis can improve the therapeutic effect, the levels of OPG, TGF-β1 and IL-6. Its effect may be related to improving knee bone metabolism, promoting wound repair and alleviating inflammatory response.
Huaihua (Sophorae Flos) and Huaimi (Sophorae Immaturus Flos), which can be used as food and medicine, are widely used in clinic with the effect of cooling the blood, stopping bleeding, clearing liver and purging fire. In this paper, the inclusion of Huaihua (Sophorae Flos), Huaimi (Sophorae Immaturus Flos) and their processed products in the standards of successive editions of Pharmacopoeia, and the national and local concoction specifications were sorted out, and the modern studies on the chemical composition, pharmacological effects, processed products, the effect of processing on the chemical composition and pharmacological action of Huaihua (Sophorae Flos) and Huaimi (Sophorae Immaturus Flos) were summarized, which aimed to provide reference and basis for the innovation of processing methods, quality standard research and further clinical application of Huaihua (Sophorae Flos) and Huaimi (Sophorae Immaturus Flos).
Danggui Shaoyao Powder (当归芍药散), originating from ZHANG Zhongjing's Jingui Yaolue in the Eastern Han Dynasty, is renowned for its efficacy in nourishing blood, regulating menstruation and promoting blood circulation to remove stasis. The formula comprises complex chemical components, primarily including phenolic acids, glycosides, polysaccharides and volatile oils. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Danggui Shaoyao Powder exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, microcirculation-improving and endocrine-regulating effects. It is widely used in clinical practice for gynecological disorders such as menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, postpartum abdominal pain, chronic pelvic inflammatory disease and endometriosis. Based on the “five principles” of quality markers, the potential quality markers for Danggui Shaoyao Powder may include paeoniflorin, ferulic acid, 23-acetylalisol B, 23-acetylalisol C, atractylenolide Ⅲ, atractylenolide Ⅰ, pachymic acid, kaempferol and β-sitosterol. Future research should further focus on its active components and mechanisms of action, providing a scientific basis for the modern development and quality evaluation system of Danggui Shaoyao Powder.
To study the inhibitory effect of emodin on SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase (RdRp) and main protease (Mpro) and predict the anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity of anthraquinone compounds.
A cell-level SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase catalytic reaction system was used to detect the inhibitory activity of emodin against RdRp. An in vitro fluorescence polarization model was used to test the inhibitory activity of emodin against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Molecular docking technology was used to study the binding mode of anthraquinone compounds at the active site of RdRp.
The experiment showed that emodin inhibited RdRp with inhibition rates of 42.01%±3.43%, 47.28%±11.20% and 84.28%±4.34% at concentrations of 10, 25, 50 μmol/L, respectively. It did not show significant inhibitory activity against Mpro at drug concentrations of 25, 50, 100 μmol/L. Anthraquinone compounds can occupy the NTPs channel of the target enzyme, thereby hindering the entry of substrate molecules.
This experiment confirmed that emodin has a significant inhibitory effect on SARS-CoV-2 RNA polymerase. The small molecule anthraquinone compounds in this paper should have strong anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Compound Jinqiancao Granules (复方金钱草颗粒) in the treatment of ureteral calculi.
A total of 200 patients with ureteral calculi treated at the hospital from May 2023 to May 2025 were randomly divided into two groups using a random number table. The control group (100 cases) received standard basic therapy, while the observation group (100 cases) was additionally treated with Compound Jinqiancao Granules. The treatment efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, stone expulsion rate, expulsion time, pain level and adverse events were compared between the two groups.
The overall effective rate in the observation group was 95.0% (95/100), significantly higher than that (85.0%, 85/100) in the control group (P<0.05). Post-treatment, TCM symptom scores, stone expulsion time and pain scores were significantly lower in the observation group (P<0.05). The stone expulsion rate was 85.0% (85/100) in the observation group and 69.0% (69/100) in the control group (P<0.05). After 3 months, the recurrence rate was 2.0% (2/100) in the observation group, lower than that (11.0%, 11/100) in the control group (P<0.05).
Compound Jinqiancao Granules can effectively shorten the time to stone expulsion, improve the expulsion rate, alleviate the symptoms and pain and demonstrate good safety, indicating high clinical value in the treatment of ureteral calculi.
Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, possesses effects such as inducing sweating to releasing the exterior, ventilating lung and relieving dyspnea and promoting urination and reducing edema. Modern research confirms that Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) has pharmacological actions including relieving fever, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anticancer and analgesic properties. In clinical practice, Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) is often used in combination with Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Shigao (GYPSUM FIBROSUM) and other herbs to form drug pairs, which can enhance or expand its therapeutic effects. This article focused on a review of the pharmacological effects and clinical applications of Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) and its drug pairs in recent years, aiming to provide a reference for further application and research of Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) and its drug pairs.
The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of Lingnan scalp acupuncture on serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), creatine kinase-BB (CK-BB) and motor function in paediatric cerebral palsy patients.
A total of 120 paediatric patients with cerebral palsy were randomly assigned to either the Lingnan scalp acupuncture group or the conventional acupuncture group. The researchers compared the levels of VEGF and CK-BB in two groups before and after treatment. Furthermore, the changes in the wee-functional independence measure scale (Wee-FIM) and the gross motor function measure-88 scale (GMFM-88) were observed in both groups prior to and following the administration of the respective treatments. Finally, they compared the clinical effectiveness of the two treatments.
(1) Following treatment, the levels of VEGF and CK-BB were significantly lower in the Lingnan scalp acupuncture group compared to the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). (2) Following treatment, the GMFM-88 score for the Lingnan scalp acupuncture group were all higher than those for the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). Additionally, the self-care ability score, transfer score, walking score and total score of wee-functional independence measure scale (Wee-FIM) for the Lingnan scalp acupuncture group were all higher than those for the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05). (3) The overall efficacy of the Lingnan scalp acupuncture group was 88.14%, which was superior to that of the conventional acupuncture group (P<0.05).
The results of this study demonstrate that Lingnan scalp acupuncture is an effective treatment for paediatric cerebral palsy. This approach has the potential to reduce the serum levels of VEGF and CK-BB and significantly improve the motor function and quality of life of children with cerebral palsy. These findings have important clinical and social implications.
To investigate the effect of Kangxian Decoction (抗纤汤) combined with anti-infective therapy on clinical symptoms and pulmonary fibrosis in the patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) and infection.
A total of 117 IPF patients with infection who admitted to the hospital between January 2022 and January 2024 and met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled, and assigned into two groups using the random number table method. The control group (58 cases) was given conventional anti-infection treatment, and the observation group (59 cases) was given Kangxian Decoction combined with anti-infective therapy. Then the comparison was conducted between two groups in clinical efficacy, TCM syndrome scores, pulmonary fibrosis indexes [laminin (LN), hyaluronidase (HA), type IV collagen (CIV), type Ⅲ procollagen (PC-Ⅲ)], pulmonary function indices [forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC], inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)] and adverse reactions.
The observation group reported a higher clinical efficacy rate compared to the control group [94.92% (56/59) vs 82.76% (48/58), P<0.05]. After treatment, the observation group scored lower on TCM syndromes including chest tightness, shortness of breath, cough, mental weariness, yellowish purulent sputum, spontaneous perspiration and aversion to cold compared to the control group (P<0.05). The levels of LN, HA, Ⅳ-C and PC-Ⅲ were notably decreased in the observation group compared to those in the control group after treatment (P<0.05). The levels of FEV1, PEF, FVC and FEV1/FVC were remarkably increase in the observation group compared to those of the control group after treatment (P<0.05). The observation group detected a lower levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α than the control group (P<0.05). No significant adverse effects occurred in either group.
Kangxian Decoction combined with anti-infective therapy for IPF patients with infection can effectively ameliorate the clinical symptoms, inhibit pulmonary fibrosis, improve lung function and alleviate inflammation, which has a good safety profile and is worthy of promoting.
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