Latest ArticlesPharmacotoxicological and pharmacodynamic studies on Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) and its different concoctions.
The acute toxicity test was conducted in C57BL/J mice to determine the LD50of Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) and different concoctions to determine the safe dose range, and at the same time, the toxicity effects were evaluated from various perspectives, such as general physiological state, blood biochemical indexes and histomorphological changes of important organs. The rat model of foot and metatarsal inflammation induced by the injection of carrageenan gum was prepared, and its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were compared with those of Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) and different concoctions. It measured the mechanical pain threshold, plantar swelling and the serum levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) to compare the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.
The LD50value of Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) was increased after concoction, and the safety window became larger. The results of blood biochemical indices showed that after the administration of different concoctions of Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix), the liver enzyme indices [the levels of alanine ami notransferase (ALT), glutathione aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase isoenzymes (CKMB) and total protein (TP)] in the blood of mice were elevated. Compared with that of the raw Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) group, the toxicity was reduced in the low dose Hezi (Chebulae Fructus)-processed Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) group and processed Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) according to Chinese Pharmacopoeia group, but the toxicity was still present in the high dose group. The toxic effects of different concoctions of Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) on the lungs, kidneys, heart, testes and ovaries were obvious. Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) and its concoctions significantly increased the mechanical pain threshold and decreased the degree of foot swelling induced by carrageenan as well as the levels of the inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α when compared with the carrageenan model group.
The processed Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) was verified through acute toxicity and anti-inflammatory analgesic efficacy experiments, confirming the theory that processing reduces the toxicity while preserving the efficacy. The results effectively mitigated the toxicity of Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) and significantly improved the carrageenan-induced rat paw swelling inflammation model. The processed Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) achieved the desired effect of reducing the toxicity while preserving the efficacy.
Rougui (Cinnamomum cassia Presl), belonging to the genus Cinnamomum of the Lauraceae family, is an evergreen tree. And its bark, branches, leaves and seeds contain abundant volatile oil components, which are the main bioactive substances of Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) and have been widely used in medicine. However, the composition of volatile oils is complex, and the quality of Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) is influenced by various factors such as species, environment, growth years, processing technology and storage methods, which poses a huge challenge to the quality control of Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex). The quality fluctuation of the medicinal material directly affects the safety and efficacy of clinical medication. Therefore, establishing a quality control system that can comprehensively reflect the dynamic changes of the components of Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) is a necessary means to ensure the clinical application of Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex). This paper reviewed the recent quality control methods for Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), including gas chromatography (GC), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), direct analysis in real time (DART), DNA molecular identification and other detection technologies. These methods can provide references and basis for the quality control and evaluation of Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex), contributing to its stable, safe and effective development.
As one of the local medicinal herbs in Henan Province, the fresh product of Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) has the function of clearing heat and generating fluids, cooling blood and stopping bleeding. The raw product has the effect of clearing heat and cooling blood, nourishing Yin and generating fluids and the processed product has the function of replenishing blood and nourishing Yin and benefiting the essence and filling in the marrow. Currently, there is a single method for quality evaluation of Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), therefore, based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory that “the raw product is especially good”, “combination of raw and processed products”, the studies on the chemical composition and pharmacological effects of Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) before and after processing were summarized. Combined with the quality marker (Q-Marker) prediction analysis from the aspects of plant affinity and chemical constituents, traditional efficacy and clinical compatibility, traditional medicinal properties and material basis, concoction method and auxiliary material differences, blood components and pharmacokinetics, dihuangoside A, mauritiana glycoside, catalpol, stachyose, quercetin, baicalein, sanguinarol, polysaccharide, hesperidin, digitonin and dihuangoside D can be regarded as the most important chemical constituents in the traditional Chinese medicine, which can be used for the quality evaluation of Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), with the aim of providing a reference for the quality control study of Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), the guidance of clinical use and the development of new drugs.
Ulcerative colitis is a chronic non-specific inflammatory disease of the intestinal tract with abdominal pain, mucopurulent bloody stools, acute and severe symptoms as the main clinical manifestations. The pathogenesis of the disease is complex and has not been clarified. Western medicine treatment mainly controls the symptoms and lacks specific drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine has unique advantages in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. Huangqin (Scutellaria Radix) is one of the commonly used traditional Chinese medicines for the treatment of ulcerative colitis, which has the effects of clearing heat and drying dampness, purging fire and detoxifying, stopping bleeding and tranquilizing the fetus. Current research has found that Huangqin (Scutellaria Radix) with classical Chinese medicine formulas have significant therapeutic effects. Therefore, this article described the mechanisms of Huangqin (Scutellaria Radix)-related traditional Chinese medicinal formulas by regulating intestinal flora, repairing intestinal mucosa, regulating immunity and anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, in the hope of providing ideas and references for the use of medication in ulcerative colitis and subsequent research.
Xiakucao (Prunellae Spica) is the dry ear of Xiakucao (Prunella vulgaris L.), and has the effect of clearing liver and reducing fire, brightening eyes, dispersing knot and reliving swelling. Modern pharmacological studies show that the active ingredients in Xiakucao (Prunellae Spica) can effectively inhibit tumor cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis, induce apoptosis and autophagy, block cell cycle and signaling, but also can improve the body immunity. For different types of tumors, it shows significant antagonistic effect, and has multiple components, multiple target and multi-pathway treatment advantages. This paper systematically reviewed the anti-tumor active components and their mechanism of action, and aimed to provide a powerful reference basis for further research and new drug development in the field of anti-tumor.
Herpes zoster (HZ) is an acute infectious disease caused by the neurotropic varicella-zoster virus (VZV), characterized primarily by acute-phase pruritus and postherpetic neuralgia. Upon infecting the human body, VZV initially triggers an inflammatory response, making therapeutic strategies targeting inflammatory cytokines an important option in clinical treatment. Current clinical treatments for herpes zoster mainly include immunomodulation, antiviral therapy and analgesic management. However, these approaches often face challenges such as poor patient tolerance, numerous contraindications and severe side effects. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant efficacy in treating herpes zoster, with mild residual symptoms and fewer side effects. This review systematically summarized the mechanisms of inflammatory cytokines in herpes zoster and the current status of TCM research, aiming to provide a theoretical basis and research direction for TCM-based treatments targeting inflammatory cytokines in herpes zoster.
To observe the clinical efficacy of Xiaomudan Granules (消木丹颗粒) combined with polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its effect on intestinal bacterial colony count.
A total of 106 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (March 2016 to February 2017) were selected from the hospital and randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group, with 53 patients in each group. The control group took polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules orally, while the treatment group received Xiaomudan Granules in addition to polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks. The changes in clinical symptoms, liver function, blood lipids and gut bacterial colony count were compared between two groups.
The total effective rate of the clinical symptoms in the treatment group was 88.68% (47/53), which was higher than that in the control group [73.58% (39/53), P<0.05]. After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores of both groups decreased compared to those before treatment, and the scores of the treatment group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the liver function levels of both groups decreased compared to those before treatment, and the indicator levels of the treatment group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of TC, TG, and LDL-C in both groups decreased compared to those before treatment, while the HDL-C level increased. The improvement in the treatment group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05). The improvement of gut microbiota in the treatment group was better than that in the control group (P<0.05).
The combination of Xiaomudan Granules and polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules has significant therapeutic effects in improving clinical symptoms, liver function and blood lipids, and regulating intestinal bacterial colony count in the patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
To observe the effect of liver-soothing and spirit-regulating acupuncture combined with acupuncture bloodletting in the treatment of migraines with liver-Yang hyperactivity in order to seek the effective treatment for the patients.
A total of 156 migraine patients with liver-Yang hyperactivity syndrome (admitted from June 2021 to June 2023) were divided into two groups by random number table method, which were divided into Western medicine group and acupuncture group, with 78 cases in each group. All patients in the Western group were treated with Western medicine (Rizatriptan Benzoate Tablet). All patients in the acupuncture group were treated with liver-soothing and spirit-regulating acupuncture combined with acupuncture bloodletting. The data of each group was compared, including the clinical efficacy, the adverse reactions, the changes in scores of TCM symptoms (headache and distension, flushed face, restless sleep, irritability, etc.) before and after treatment, the frequency of headache attacks and duration of each headache in the patients 1 week before and 1 week after treatment, the changes in average blood flow velocity of patients' anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries before and after treatment, the migraine-specific quality of life questionnaire [(Medical Research Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ)] and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and the recurrence rate at 6 months after treatment.
The total effective rate of the acupuncture group was higher than that of the Western medicine group (P<0.05). The disease recurrence rate in the acupuncture group was lower than that in the western medicine group 6 months after treatment (P<0.05). The adverse reaction rate of the acupuncture group was lower than that of the Western medicine group (P<0.05). The frequency of headache attack, the duration of each headache, the symptoms of traditional Chinese medicine before treatment (swollen headache, red face, restless sleep, irritability, etc.), the average blood flow velocity of anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries, MSQ and PSQI scores were not significant (P>0.05). One week after treatment, the frequency of headache attack and the duration of each headache decreased in both groups, and the frequency of headache attack and the duration of each headache in acupuncture group were lower than those in western medicine group (P<0.05). After treatment, TCM symptoms (headache and distension, flushed face, restless sleep, irritability, etc.), average blood flow velocity of anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries, MSQ and PSQI scores were improved in both groups. After treatment, TCM symptoms (headache and distension, flushed face, restless sleep, irritability, etc.), average blood flow velocity of anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries, MSQ and PSQI scores in the acupuncture group were all better than those in the western medicine group (P<0.05).
The clinical effect of liver-soothing and spirit-regulating acupuncture combined with acupuncture bloodletting in the treatment of migraines with liver-Yang hyperactivity is remarkable. The headache of the patients is significantly improved, the quality of life is improved, the adverse reaction rate and recurrence rate are low, and the treatment is safe and reliable.
To explore the effects of Modified Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤加减) on 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) receptor, serum inflammation and brain-gut peptide in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
A total of 122 IBS patients were randomly divided into Sijunzi Decoction group and control group (61 cases in each group). Both groups were treated with western medicine, and the Sijunzi Decoction group was treated with Modified Sijunzi Decoction on the basis of western medicine and the treatment time was 28 d. The changes of TCM syndrome integral, 5-HT receptor mRNA of intestinal mucosa, serum inflammation and brain-gut peptide were observed.
There was no statistically significant difference in traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, both groups had a decrease in scores (P<0.05), and the score of the Sijunzi Decoction group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the expression levels of 5-HT receptors between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After a period of treatment, both groups showed a decrease (P<0.05), and level of the Sijunzi Decoction group was lower than that of the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in serum inflammatory cytokine levels between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-8, IL-10, IL-12 and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) all decreased after treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of the Sijunzi Decoction group were lower than those of the control group (P<0.05), while IL-10 was higher than before treatment (P<0.05), and the level of the Sijunzi Decoction group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in brain gut peptide levels between the two groups before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, the levels of vasoactine intrestinal peptide (VIP), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and 5-HT in both groups decreased compared to those before treatment (P<0.05), and the levels of the Sijunzi Decoction group was lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). Neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels all increased (P<0.05), and the level of the Sijunzi Decoction group was higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rates of the Sijunzi Decoction group and the control group were 91.80% (56/61) and 75.41% (46/61), respectively, with statistical differences (P<0.05) between the two groups.
Sijunzi Decoction can significantly improve the clinical symptoms and improve the efficacy of IBS. The mechanism may be related to regulating the expression of 5-HT receptor in intestinal mucosa, improving the level of brain-intestinal peptide, and inhibiting inflammatory response.
To study the effect of Modified Shoutai Pill (寿胎丸加味) in adjuvant treatment of the patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion and its effect on serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFLT-1) and interleukin-17 (IL-17).
Ninety-six patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion treated in the hospital from January 2023 to March 2024 were selected and divided into two groups according to the random number table method, 48 patients in each group. The control group was treated with conventional western medicine, and the observation group was treated with Modified Shoutai Pill on the basis of the control group until 12 weeks of pregnancy. The efficacy, changes of TCM syndrome scores, serum levels of VEGF, sFLT-1 and IL-17, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.
The cure rate of the observation group was 87.50% (42/48), was higher than that of the control group 70.83% (34/48) (P<0.05). After treatment, the scores of mental fatigue and limb soft, cold limbs, dizziness, tinnitus and frequent nocturia in the two groups were significantly decreased, and the scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of serum VEGF in the two groups were significantly increased, and the levels of sFLT-1 and IL-17 were significantly decreased. The level of serum VEGF in the observation group was higher than that in the control group, and the levels of sFLT-1 and IL-17 were lower than those in the control group. The differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). No serious adverse reactions occurred in both groups.
The effect of Modified Shoutai Pill in adjuvant treatment of the patients with recurrent spontaneous abortion is satisfactory. It can effectively regulate the serum inflammatory factors and the vascular endothelial related factors, promote the relief of the symptoms, and ensure the safety of pregnancy.
No. 86 Xueyuan South Road, Haidian District, Beijing
010-62662699(Operation and Technical Support)
qkjq@cast.org.cn
Copyright © 2025 China Association for Science and Technology. All rights reserved. For all open access content, the relevant licensing terms apply.
Sponsored by the Office of the Leading Group for Cybersecurity and Informatization of CAST, and supported by Science and Technology Review Publishing House
