Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology

Effect of Yangyin Runfei Qingzao Decoction Combined with Pirfenidone on Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Xiaojuan YOU, Ningning XU, Lei PAN

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(4): 106-111.

Objective:

To observe the effect of Yangyin Runfei Qingzao Decoction combined with pirfenidone on patients with idiopathic pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.

Methods:

A total of 100 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis were selected from Cangzhou Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Hebei Province. They were enrolled from September 2020 to September 2023. They were grouped by random number table method. 50 patients in pirfenidone group (1 case dropped, 49 cases eventually included) were given pirfenidone capsule treatment, and 50 patients in the combined Chinese medicine group (1 case dropped, 1 case excluded, 48 cases eventually included) were given pirfenidone capsule treatment. The pirfenidone group was treated with Yangyin Runfei Qingzao Decoction at the same time. After treatment, the clinical efficacy of the two groups was compared, the 6 min walking distance (6MWT) was measured before and after treatment, and the patients were evaluated with St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis Patient Quality of Life Scale (ATAQ-IPF). The levels of total lung volume (TLC), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂), maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMF), and pulmonary carbon monoxide dispersion (DLco) were measured. Serum levels of IGFBP-5, CYFRA21-1, osteopontin, fibroblast growth factor (FGF -21), chemokine ligand 14 (CXCL14), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), CD4⁺and CD8⁺ were detected.

Results:

The total effective rate of Chinese medicine combined group was higher than that of pirfenidone group (P <0.05). The expression levels of 6MWT, SGRQ score, TLC, SaO₂, FGF -21, MMF, GSH-Px, DLCO and CD4⁺ in Chinese medicine combined group were higher than those in pirfenidone group (P < 0.05). ATAQ-IPF score, CD8⁺, CXCL14, MDA, IGFBP-5, Cyfra21-1 and osteopontin expression in the Chinese medicine group were lower than those in pirfenidone group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

The combination therapy of Yangyin Runfei Qingzao Decoction and pirfenidone in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis can reduce inflammation and oxidative injury, improve immune function, alleviate pulmonary fibrosis, and enhance patients' quality of life, exercise tolerance, and clinical efficacy.

Study on the Effects of Modified Dingchuan Decoction on Efficacy, EOS, and SAA Levels in Children with Cough Variant Asthma Phlegm-Heat Accumulation in the Lung Syndrome

Yan ZHU, Ling HU, Nan SUN

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(4): 101-105.

Objective:

To investigate the efficacy of modified Dingchuan Decoction in treating children with cough variant asthma (CVA) of phlegm-heat accumulation in the lung syndrome and its effects on eosinophil (EOS) and serum amyloid A (SAA) levels.

Methods:

From June 2021 to June 2024, a total of 104 children diagnosed with CVA (Phlegm-Heat Accumulation in the Lung Syndrome) who received treatment at Huai'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital were randomly assigned into two groups: an observation group comprising 52 cases and a control group also consisting of 52 cases, with the assignment process conducted using a random number table method. The control group received a therapeutic regimen consisting of budesonide suspension administered via inhalation, complemented by montelukast sodium chewable tablets taken orally, while the observation group was treated with modified Dingchuan Decoction. After 1 week of treatment, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, inflammatory factors (EOS and SAA), immune indicators (CD3⁺, CD4⁺, and CD8⁺), pulmonary function indices (FEV1 and FVC), clinical efficacy, and adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.

Results:

After treatment, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, EOS, SAA, and CD8⁺ levels in the observation group and the control group decreased, with the observation group showing lower levels than the control group (P < 0.05). The CD3⁺, CD4⁺, FEV1, and FVC levels in both groups increased compared to before treatment (P <0.05). The observation group had higher levels than the control group (P <0.05). The treatment efficacy rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P <0.05). During the treatment, no severe adverse reactions were observed in either group.

Conclusion:

The modified Dingchuan Decoction is effective in treating children with CVA, which helps to suppress airway inflammation and improve the anti asthmatic effect of children, with good safety.

Efficacy Observation of Sequential Treatment with Modified Sanwubai Powder Followed by Xiaoxianxiong Decoction for Schizophrenia with Phlegm - Fire Disturbing the Heart Syndrome

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(3): 74-78.

Objective: To explore the effect of sequential treatment with modified Sanwubai Powder and Xiaoxianxiong Decoction on schizophrenia with phlegm - fire disturbing heart syndrome.Methods: Using the random number table method, 88 patients with schizophrenia and phlegm - fire disturbing heart syndrome who were admitted to the Xianyue Hospital from December 2022 to October 2023 were allocated to the observation group and the control group, with 44 cases in each group. The control group received conventional Western medicine treatment, while the observation group received sequential treatment with modified Sanwubai Powder and Xiaoxianxiong Decoction on the basis of conventional Western medicine (the patients were treated with modified Sanwubai Powder from the 1st to the 2nd week and treated with Xiaoxianxiong Decoction from the 3rd to the 12th week, 12 weeks in total). Comparisons were made between the two groups on traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, clinical symptoms, cognitive function, behavioral ability, neurotransmitter levels, and adverse reactions.Results: After treatment, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) scores of the observation group were lower than those of the control group (P < 0.05). The Mini - Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Scale of Social Function in Psychosis Inpatients (SSPI) scores, gamma - aminobutyric acid (γ - GABA), 5 - hydroxytryptamine (5 - HT) and brain- derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were higher than those of the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion: The sequential treatment with modified Sanwubai Powder and Xiaoxianxiong Decoction is markedly effective for schizophrenia with phlegm - fire disturbing heart syndrome. It can significantly improve patients' clinical symptoms, enhance their cognitive function and behavioral abilities, and increase neurotransmitter levels. However, its impact on adverse reactions needs further study.

Exploration of the Application of the Wind Medicine in Renal Hematuria Based on the Theory of "Stagnant Heat and Binding"

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(3): 39-43.

Renal hematuria (RH) originates from the glomerulus and is caused by glomerular injury. It is mainly manifested as gross or microscopic hematuria, and its pathogenesis can be divided into two aspects: deficiency and excess. Based on Liu Wansu's theory of "stagnant heat and binding", this article analyzes the functions of wind medicine in "dispelling wind" and "mimicking nature", summarizes the practices of famous doctors and experts, and attempts to explore the clinical application of wind medicine in RH. It is believed that the excess syndrome of RH is mainly manifested as the accumulation of wind - dampness, damp - heat, turbid stasis, etc. The stagnant heat and binding leads to the dysfunction of the opening and closing of the Xuanfu, resulting in blockage. The deficiency syndrome is mainly manifested as the loosening of the Xuanfu, the obstruction of pathogenic factors, and the imbalance of the function of qi - ye in nourishing the body. Both aspects can cause restlessness of the kidney collaterals, and blood flowing out of the vessels instead of following the normal meridians, thus forming RH. The adminstration of wind medicine can reach both inside and outside. Appropriate compatibility of wind medicine can not only eliminate tangible pathogenic factors such as damp - heat, blood stasis, and turbid toxins but also invigorate qi transformation and guide tonic substances. The clinical compatibility of wind medicine has a good curative effect on both the deficiency and excess aspects of RH, providing new ideas and methods for the treatment of RH.

Exploration on the Therapeutic Mechanism of Yishen Qiangjing Decoction in Treating Yang Deficiency Type Male Infertility Based on the Theory of "Kidney Governing Reproduction"

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(3): 63-67.

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Yishen Qiangjing Decoction in treating male infertility associated with Yang deficiency, based on the ""kidney - governing reproduction"" theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and to further validate and refine the application of this theory in addressing male infertility, thereby providing substantial support for the inheritance and development of TCM theory.Methods: A total of 78 male infertility patients who were treated at our hospital between March 2021 and March 2023 were recruited and randomly assigned to either a control group or an experimental group using the random number table method, with 39 participants in each group. The control group received conventional treatment, while the experimental group was administered Yishen Qiangjing Decoction based on the theoretical framework of ""kidney governing reproduction"" in addition to the conventional treatment. Compare the clinical therapeutic efficacy (including TCM syndrome scores), sperm quality, and sex hormone levels between the two groups. Conduct a 24 - month follow - up to document fertility outcomes and analyze overall effectiveness.Results: The total clinical efficacy rate in the experimental group was 92.31%, which was significantly higher than the 74.36% observed in the control group (P <0.05). Following treatment, significant improvements were noted in sperm liquefaction time, normal sperm morphology rate, semen volume, sperm concentration, and progressive motility plus non - progressive motility (PR + NP) compared to pre - treatment values in both groups, with greater improvement in the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Post - treatment serum levels of follicle - stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were markedly reduced in both groups compared to baseline, with a more pronounced decrease in the experimental group relative to the control group (P < 0.05). Conversely, serum testosterone (T) and free testosterone (FT) levels increased significantly post - treatment in both groups compared to baseline, with higher levels achieved in the experimental group compared to the control group (P <0.05). The cumulative pregnancy rate at 24 months was significantly higher in spouses of the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The median time - to - pregnancy was significantly shorter among spouses of the experimental group compared to the control group (P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed between groups regarding live birth rates or spontaneous abortion rates among patients' spouses (P >0.05).Conclusion: Yishen Qiangjing Decoction, grounded in the theoretical framework of ""kidney - governing reproduction,"" significantly enhances the semen quality and reproductive endocrine function in male infertility patients with Yang deficiency. Through its integrated effects of ""regulating kidney - yang, promoting spermatogenesis, and assisting pregnancy,"" it also increases the natural pregnancy rate of their partners, demonstrating substantial clinical application value.

The Effect of Internal Heat Needle Therapy Combined with Isokinetic Centrifugation Training on Joint Function and Muscle Strength in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(3): 48-53.

Objective: To investigate the effects of internal heat needle therapy combined with isokinetic centrifugal training on knee joint function and lower limb muscle strength in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Method: The selected study cases were 80 KOA patients who received outpatient and inpatient treatment in the hospital in the past year and a half (January 2023 to July 2024). They were randomly divided into groups (40 cases in each group)according to the random envelope method. The control group was only treated with isokinetic centrifugation training, while the study group was treated with isokinetic centrifugation training + internal heat injection therapy. The efficacy and related clinical indicators were evaluated after 4 weeks.Results: After treatment intervention, the muscle strength, joint mobility, and gait function of the study group patients were significantly stronger than those of the control group(P < 0.05) ; Knee joint pain, functional impairment, traditional Chinese medicine symptoms, inflammatory indicators, and joint fluid protein levels were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05) ; According to the statistical efficacy, the total clinical effective rate of 92.50% in the study group was significantly higher than that of 72.50% in the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusion: The combination of internal heat needle therapy and isokinetic centrifugal training can synergistically regulate inflammation,repair knee joint biomechanics, significantly improve knee joint function in KOA patients, promote the recovery of lower limb muscle strength, and have high clinical application value.

Comparison of Anti - inflammatory Effects of Perilla Folium with Different Leaf Colors and Its Correlation Analysis with Leaf Color Values and Chemical Compositions

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(3): 34-38.

Objective: To study the anti - inflammatory effect of Perilla Folium with both surfaces purple (PP), Perilla Folium with upper surface green and the lower surface purple (GP), Perilla Folium with both surfaces green (GG) and to analyze the relationship between the anti - inflammatory effect, leaf color chromatic values (L, a*, b*, E* ab, R - value, G - value, and B - value), and the contents of perilla aldehydes, rosmarinic acid, and anthocyanins.Methods: The CCK - 8 method was used to determine the effects of three types of Perilla Folium on RAW 264.7 monocyte - macrophage survival rates, and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS - DA) was used to explore the differences between perilla leaves with different leaf colors. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to systematically analyze the correlation between the seven leaf color values, including Red image component mean value(R - value), Green image component mean value (G - value), Blue image component mean value (B - value), Red green value (a*), Yellow blue value (b*), Brightness value (L*), and Total color value (E* ab), as well as the contents of perilla aldehyde, anthocyanin, and rosmarinic acid, and the anti - inflammatory effect in order to reveal the intrinsic links between anti - inflammatory effects and colorimetric characteristics and chemical composition.Results: PP, GP, and GG all showed certain anti - inflammatory effects. At a concentration of 25 mg/mL, the survival rates of PP, GP, and GG ranged from 56% to 94%, 49% to 123%, and 64% to 110%, respectively. One - way ANOVA showed that there was no significant difference among the three. The results of PLS - DA showed that Perilla Folium with different leaf colors were each grouped into one category, and seven key differential indexes, including perilla aldehyde, anthocyanins, R value, b*, E* ab, rosemarinic acid and L*, were screened out. Correlation analysis showed that cell survival rates were positively correlated with b* - value.Conclusion: The anti - inflammatory effects of Perilla Folium did not significantly differ among the three leaf colors, and higher b* - value was associated with stronger anti - inflammatory effects.

Analysis of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment Approach for Gliomas Based on the Theory of Collateral Diseases

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(3): 1-5.

Glioma, as a common malignant tumor of the nervous system and one of the malignant tumors with the highest mortality rates globally, still faces the persistent clinical dilemma of low cure rate, high recurrence rate, and extremely poor prognosis to this day. Based on the theory of collateral diseases and the guiding ideology of "smoothly regulating the brain collaterals", this paper conducts in - depth research on the etiology and pathogenesis of glioma, and summarizes that the essence of its etiology and pathogenesis lies in marrow deficiency and collateral asthenia, while its manifestation is the damage to the brain collaterals by toxins. According to the theory that "the collaterals should be kept unobstructed for their normal function", the basic treatment principles are proposed as follows: tonifying the deficiency of the collaterals and replenishing essence and marrow; dispersing with acrid herbs to smooth the collaterals, resolving phlegm and removing blood stasis; freeing the collaterals to dissipate masses, expelling wind and detoxifying.

Effects of Dihuang Yinzi on Improving the Cognitive Function of APP/PSI Double Transgenic Mice by Regulating Synaptic Plasticity via NDRG2

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(3): 15-23.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Dihuang Yinzi on cognitive function of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice and explore its underlying mechanisms.Methods: Forty - five male APP/PS1 double transgenic mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (9 mice per group) : namely the model group (normal saline), the donepezil hydrochloride group(0.84 mg/kg/d), and the low - dose, medium - dose, and high - dose Dihuang Yinzi groups (1.25, 2.5, and 5 g/kg/d, respectively). Additionally, 9 male C57BL/6J mice were used as the blank group (normal saline). All groups were treated continuously for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, the Morris water maze test was used to evaluate spatial learning and memory abilities in each group. Nissl staining was performed to observe neuronal cells and Nissl bodies in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was used to observe NDRG2 and GFAP in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Golgi staining was used to examine the morphology of dendritic spines in pyramidal neurons in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the expression of postsynaptic density protein - 95 (PSD95) and synaptophysin (SYN) in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Western blot was used to measure the expression of NDRG2 and EAAT1 in the hippocampus.Results: Compared with the model group, the escape latency of the Morris water maze in each dose group of Dihuang Yinzi was reduced, and the residence time in the target quadrant and the number of crossings in the target quadrant were increased (P <0.01 or P < 0.05). The number of neurons, the number of dendritic branches, and dendritic spines were increased. PSD95 and SYN were up - regulated (P <0.05), while GFAP, NDGR2, and EAAT1 were decreased (P <0.01 or P <0.05).Conclusion: Dihuang Yinzi can improve the cognitive function of APP/PS1 double transgenic mice. Its mechanism of action may be related to down - regulating the expression of NDRG2, regulating astrocytes, subsequently down - regulating EAAT1, reducing the concentration of glutamate in the synaptic cleft, improving synaptic plasticity, and alleviating hippocampal neuronal damage.

Exploation on the Treatment of Melasma with Insomnia by Fujian Physician Xiao's Tiaoshen Quban Decoction Based on the "Spirit Mechanism and Qi Activity" Theory

ZHOU Yingjie, HU Weisheng, LI Yiqi, HONG Zixi, HUANG Ning, XIAO Dingyuan

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(3): 44-47.

Melasma is a common destructive skin disease, and insomnia is the main cause of its induction and aggravation. Melasma accompanied by insomnia causes obvious troubles to patients' lives, and there is not any well therapeutic regimenat present. Xiao's school of Dermatology of traditional Chinese medicine in Fujian Medical School argues that the main pathogenesis of melasma accompanied by insomnia is the loss of spirit mechanism and the weakness of Qi activity. Its prescription to regulate the spirit of strengthening Qi, promoting blood and removing melasma as the theme, has accumulated certain experience in clinical. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to elucidate Xiao's method of regulating the spirit and removing melasma, explore its legislative ideas, and study its essence of composition, in order to provide new ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.