Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology

Observation on the Efficacy of Acupuncture with Tiaogan Xifeng Therapy Combined with Conventional Western Medicine in Children with Tourette Syndrome (Spleen Deficiency and Liver Hyperactivity Pattern)

Haihong YUAN, Qianyi ZHAO, Tiantian WANG, Zihua GUO, Ruixing LI

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(9): 111-115.

Objective:

To explore the clinical efficacy of Tiaogan Xifeng (Liver-Regulating and Wind-Extinguishing) Acupuncture Therapy combined with conventional western medicine to treat children with tourette's syndrome (spleen deficiency and liver hyperactivity syndrome).

Methods:

88 children with tourette's syndrome (spleen deficiency and liver hyperactivity syndrome) who were treated in Kaifeng Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from September 2022 to January 2025 were selected for the study, and they were randomly divided into two groups, and the each group had 44 cases. The western medicine group received conventional western medicine therapy treatment, while the combination group received Tiaogan Xifeng Acupuncture Therapy on the basis of western medicine group. The traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores, severity of symptoms [Yale global tic severity scale (YGTSS)], and neurotransmitter levels [Norepinephrine (NE), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA)] of children before and after treatment were compared in two groups, and the clinical efficacy and adverse drug reactions in two groups of children were compared.

Results:

After treatment, the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, YGTSS score and the levels of NE and DA in two groups decreased (P < 0. 05), and those in the combination group were lower (P < 0.05). After treatment, the level of GABA in two groups increased (P <0.05), and that in combination group was higher (P < 0.05). The total effective rate of treatment in the combination group was higher than that in the western medicine group (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions among in two groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The Tiaogan Xifeng Acupuncture Therapy combined with conventional western medicine to treat children with tourette's syndrome (spleen deficiency and liver hyperactivity syndrome) has good clinical efficacy, and the patient's condition and neurotransmitter levels have significantly improved, and the risk of adverse reactions in children is low.

Effects of Banxia Xiexin Decoction on Immune and Nutritional Status in Patients with Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer Receiving Postoperative SOX Regimen Chemotherapy

Jian HU, Hangjun GONG, Gang HAN, Yu CAO, Yun ZHANG, Yanyan ZHANG, Xu ZHANG

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(9): 116-120.

Objective:

To explore and analyze the application effect of Banxia Xiexin Decoction on patients with locally advanced gastric cancer during postoperative SOX regimen chemotherapy, and to analyze its influence on immunity and nutritional status of patients.

Methods:

A total of 118 patients with locally advanced gastric cancer who visited department of gastrointestinal surgery of Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from May 2021 to May 2024 were included. They were randomly divided into the conventional group and the combined group using a random number table (simple random grouping method), with 59 cases in each group. The patients in the conventional group received SOX regimen chemotherapy after surgery, whereas the patients in the combined group were added with Banxia Xiexin Decoction. The changes of tumor factors, immune factors, gastrointestinal function and nutritional indicators were observed in the two groups after treatment.

Results:

After treatment, the levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and other tumor factors in the combined group were lower than those in the conventional group (P < 0.05). The levels of diamine oxidase and fecal calprotectin in the combined group were lower while the level of motilin was higher compared to the conventional group (P <0.05). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and interleukin-6 in the combined group were lower compared with those in the conventional group while the proportion of CD8 + T was higher (P <0.05). The levels of albumin, prealbumin and transferrin and body mass in the combined group were higher than those in the conventional group (P <0.05). In terms of treatment safety, the incidence rates of adverse chemotherapy reactions were lower in the combined group compared to the conventional group (P <0.05).

Conclusion:

Banxia Xiexin Decoction can reduce the levels of tumor factors, promote the improvements of gastrointestinal function, immunity and nutritional status, and play a role in reducing toxicity and increasing efficiency in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer receiving SOX regimen chemotherapy after surgery.

Clinical Study on Banxia Xiexin Decoction for the Treatment of Functional Dyspepsia

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(2): 103-107.

Objective: To analyze the effect of modified Banxia Xiexin Decoction in treating functional dyspepsia (FD).Methods: A total of 100 FD patients treated in the outpatient department of Jiangyin Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2024 to December 2024 were retrospectively included as study subjects. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 50 cases in each group. Case data were sourced from the hospital's electronic medical record system. The control group received conventional Western medicine treatment, while the observation group received conventional Western medicine combined with modified Banxia Xiexin Decoction. After 4 weeks of treatment, the efficacy of the two groups was compared. Before treatment, at week 1, and at week 4 of treatment, Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome scores (epigastric fullness, reduced appetite, fatigue), gastric antrum contraction frequency, gastric antrum contraction amplitude, gastric half - emptying time, motilin, gastrin, and somatostatin (SS) were compared between the two groups. Adverse reactions in both groups were also recorded.Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05) ; before treatment, at 1 week, and at 4 weeks of treatment, scores of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes such as epigastric and abdominal fullness, reduced appetite, and fatigue, as well as antral contraction amplitude, gastric half - emptying time, and SS showed a gradual decreasing trend (P < 0.05), with the observation group lower than the control group (P <0.05). Antral contraction frequency, motilin, and gastrin showed a gradual increasing trend (P < 0.05), with the observation group higher than the control group. The main effects between groups were significant (P <0.05).Conclusion: modified Banxia Xiexin Decoction with significantly effective in treating functional dyspepsia (FD) can effectively improve patients' gastrointestinal motility and gastrointestinal hormone levels, and relieve clinical symptoms.

Study on the Effect of Phlegm Elimination and Blood Circulation Promotion Method Combined with Western Medicine in Treating Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy of Phlegm - Dampness Obstructing Collateral Type

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(2): 93-97.

Objective: To investigate the effect of eliminating phlegm and promoting blood circulation method combined with Western medicine in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) with the pattern of phlegm - dampness obstructing collaterals.Methods: A total of 92 DPN patients with the pattern of phlegm - dampness obstructing collaterals admitted to Xuchang People's Hospital from January 2021 to November 2023 were selected as study subjects and divided into a combination group and a control group according to a random number table, with 46 cases in each group. In this study, 3 cases in the combination group dropped out/were excluded (2 withdrew voluntarily, 1 did not take medication as required by the study), and 4 cases in the control group dropped out/were excluded (1 withdrew voluntarily, 2 did not take medication as required by the study, 1 had worsened condition requiring other treatment plans). Finally, 43 patients were included in the combination group and 42 in the control group. The control group was treated with Western medicine, while the combination group was additionally treated with the method of eliminating phlegm and promoting blood circulation. Neurological function, nerve conduction velocity, traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) symptom scores, and oxidative stress indicators were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Clinical efficacy and medication safety were also compared between the two groups.Results: After treatment, malondialdehyde (MDA), Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS) scores, and TCM symptom scores decreased in both groups (P <0.05, P < 0.01), and the combination group was lower (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Superoxide dismutase(SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH), and nerve conduction velocity increased in both groups after treatment (P <0.05), and the combination group was higher (P <0.05). The total effective rate in the combination group was higher than that in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P > 0.05).Conclusion: The method of eliminating phlegm and promoting blood circulation combined with Western medicine can effectively improve TCM symptoms, enhance neurological function, reduce oxidative stress, and demonstrate significant clinical efficacy with a low risk of adverse reactions in treating DPN with the pattern of phlegm - dampness obstructing collaterals.

Clinical Value of Yiqi Quxie Cangerzi Decoction Combined with Acupoint Catgut Embedding in the Prophylactic Treatment of Patients with Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis of lung Qi Deficiency and Cold Type

JI Yanyin, LI Yu, ZHANG Yanjuan, DAI Weili, WANG Jiao, DING Changqing, HAN Shuli, XIE Jiahong, YIN Shuxia, CHEN Yuhang

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(2): 78-82.

Objective: To explore the clinical value of Yiqi Quxie Cangerzi Decoction combined with acupoint catgut embedding in the prophylactic treatment of patients with lung qi deficiency and cold type of seasonal allergic rhinitis.Methods: 168 patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis of lung qi deficiency and cold type in Zhangjiakou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine were selected from May 2022 to October 2023, and were randomized into combined group, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) group, catgut embedding group and control group by convenient sampling method, with 42 cases in each group. All four groups received prophylactic treatment 2 weeks before disease onset in each previous year, and the control group was treated with mometasone furoate nasal spray, and the TCM group was given oral administration of modified Yiqi Quxie Cangerzi Decoction, the catgut embedding group received acupoint catgut embedding, and the combined group adopted modified Yiqi Quxie Cangerzi Decoction combined with acupoint catgut embedding. The clinical efficacy was compared among the four groups of patients. The nasal symptoms and signs [total nasal symptom score (TNSS)], rhinitis accompanying symptoms [total non - nasal symptom score (TNNSS)] and quality of life [rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ)] after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment were evaluated. The adverse reactions and recurrence were observed in the four groups.Results: The effective rate in TCM group, catgut embedding group and combined group was obviously higher compared to control group (P <0.01). After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, the scores of TNSS, TNNSS and RQLQ in TCM group, catgut embedding group and combined group were significantly lower than those in control group (P < 0.05). The recurrence rate was significantly lower in TCM group, catgut embedding group and combined group than that in control group (P <0.01). Only 2 cases of nasal bleeding occurred in control group, and no other obvious adverse reactions were found.Conclusion: Yiqi Quxie Cangerzi Decoction combined with acupoint catgut embedding therapy has a significant prophylactic treatment effect on seasonal allergic rhinitis of lung qi deficiency and cold type. Meanwhile, it can effectively improve the quality of life of patients, and it has low recurrence rate and low risk of adverse reactions.

Research Progress on Chemical Structure and Pharmacological Effects of Ganoderma Polysaccharides

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(2): 120-128.

Ganoderma is a valuable medicinal fungus with significant importance in both traditional Chinese medicine and modern medical practices. Historically, it has been esteemed for its abilities to replenish Qi (vital energy), calm the mind, and alleviate cough and asthma. In recent years, polysaccharides extracted from Ganoderma have garnered considerable attention as one of its primary active constituents, owing to their diverse pharmacological activities, including anti - tumor, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti - aging effects. This review summarizes the current research on the chemical structures and pharmacological effects of Ganoderma polysaccharides, aiming to provide a reference for their further development and application.

Effects of Shuhua Guwei Decoction Combined with Bacterial Lysates on Pulmonary and Immune Function in Children with Recurrent Respiratory Tract Infections and Lung - Spleen Qi Deficiency Pattern

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(2): 98-102.

Objective: To investigate the effects of Shuhua Guwei Decoction combined with bacterial lysates on pulmonary function and immune function in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections (RRTI) and lung - spleen qi deficiency pattern.Methods: A total of 118 children with RRTI and lung - spleen qi deficiency pattern admitted to Qinhuangdao Hospital of Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, from March 2022 to March 2024 were selected and divided into a control group (treated with bacterial lysates) and an observation group (treated with Shuhua Guwei Decoction in addition to the control group treatment) according to a random number table method. The clinical efficacy, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, pulmonary function indicators, immune function indicators, inflammatory indicators, and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, the total effective rate in the observation group was 91.53% (54/59), which was higher than that in the control group (72.88%, 43/59), and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). After treatment, the TCM syndrome scores in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P <0.01). After treatment, the MMEF, FEF50, and FEF75 in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (P <0.05), while the levels of IL - 4, IL - 6, TNF - α, and CRP were lower than those in the control group(P < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the observation group and the control group (P > 0.05).Conclusion: Shuhua Guwei Decoction combined with bacterial lysates in the treatment of children with RRTI and lung - spleen qi deficiency pattern can significantly improve clinical efficacy, TCM syndromes, pulmonary function, and immune function, while effectively reducing inflammatory levels, providing a new strategy for clinical treatment.

Research Progress on Etiology and Pathogenesis of Postherpetic Neuralgia and the Therapeutic Effects of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction

ZHAO Xueying, LI Tong, HE Shiyu, ZHENG Xiaoming, LI Zhihong

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(2): 115-119.

Pain, as the main symptom of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), is considered in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) to be related to the generation and circulation of qi and blood. Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction is a modified formula derived from the combination of Sini Powder and Taohong Siwu Decoction. It specializes in promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, moving qi, and relieving pain, and is mainly used to treat chest pain, headache, and other symptoms caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis. Clinically, this formula is often applied to treat cardiovascular diseases such as angina pectoris and coronary heart disease, but it can also be used for PHN of the qi stagnation and blood stasis type. Therefore, this article reviews the etiology and pathogenesis of PHN, as well as the research progress on Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction and its treatment of PHN, analyzing the formulation principles and compatibility characteristics of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction in treating PHN, with the aim of providing references for the expanded application of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction and the treatment of PHN.

Research Progress on Chemical Structures and Pharmacological Activities of Ellagitannins Derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(2): 108-114.

Ellagitannins are a class of structurally complex polyphenolic compounds and are common bioactive constituents in many traditional Chinese medicines and natural medicines. They possess significant application value in pharmaceuticals, food, and nutraceuticals. This article primarily reviews the pharmacological effects of ellagitannins derived from TCMs in disease treatment, summarizing their bioactivities in conjunction with their chemical structures, metabolism, and transformation characteristics. The aim is to provide a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of TCM resources rich in ellagitannins.

Exploration of the Treatment Approach for Femoral Head Bone Marrow Edema Syndrome Based on the Theory of Simultaneous Treatment of Phlegm and Blood Stasis

WANG Junyu, HE Haijun

Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology. 2026, 54(2): 43-47.

Based on the discussion of the theory of phlegm and blood stasis in ancient literature, combined with modern medical research on femoral head bone marrow edema syndrome, the pathogenesis of phlegm and blood stasis in the same disease is explored. It is recognized that the occurrence and development of femoral head bone marrow edema syndrome are closely related to phlegm and blood stasis, and both phlegm and blood stasis are pathological factors that run through the entire course of the disease. It has been elucidated that the occurrence of femoral head bone marrow edema syndrome is closely related to the dysfunction of organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Its pathological mechanism is often based on deficiency of the root and excess of the target, with insufficient spleen and stomach circulation, liver and kidney dysfunction, and loss of muscle and bone nourishment as its root causes, and phlegm and blood stasis as its targets. Therefore, the treatment of this disease should be based on regulating qi and strengthening the spleen, nourishing liver, kidney, qi and blood, and promoting the circulation of qi and blood, in order to achieve the goal of "When blood circulation is activated, phlegm is resolved; when phlegm is eliminated, blood stasis is then dispersed."