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Online FirstList of IssuesDocument Types
A Paradigm Shift in Evaluation of Dao-di Herbs： From Geographical Indication to Characteristic Consistency AI Introduction
Abstract：The evaluation of Dao-di herbs has long relied on an origin-centric model defined by three generations of herbal classics and a century of historical use. However， under the background of modern industrialization， expanded cultivation regions， and diversified production modes in the Chinese medicinal material industry， this model has shown increasing limitations. This article systematically elaborates on the urgent need and core pathways for a paradigm shift in evaluating Dao-di herbs. Three key transformations are proposed： ① The evaluation benchmark should shift from determining quality by origin to defining genuineness by characteristics， focusing on stable and reproducible clusters of traits reflecting excellence morphology and high quality rather than single geographical labels. ② Quality control methods need to advance from empirical and descriptive identification to modern standardized parameters， addressing the challenges of subjectivity， insufficient quantification， and difficulties in implementation and regulation inherent to conventional descriptive approaches. ③ The grading system should evolve from experience-based selection of superior goods to scientific quantitative grading standards grounded in models linking excellence morphology and high quality （superior efficacy）. Furthermore， this article proposes a novel evaluation model centered on quality consistency as the quantitative core. By digitizing characteristics， establishing correlation models， and introducing statistical indicators such as the proportion rate of excellent shape， high quality， and superior effect （P） and the standard deviation of characteristic expression （S）， a quality stability index （QSI） is constructed. This framework aims to establish an objective， verifiable， and universally applicable grading and evaluation system for Dao-di herbs. This transformative research provides a theoretical foundation for integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific methods and building a new paradigm for quality management of Chinese medicinal materials that incorporates both Chinese characteristics and international recognition.Keywords：Dao-di herb;excellence morphology and high quality;quality stability index;grading and evaluation system266|58|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18- Abstract：ObjectiveTo construct a new quality classification method for Ophiopogonis Radix by systematically quantifying and integrating its appearance traits and bioactive components as objective indicators according to the theory of excellent shape， high quality， and superior effect of authentic medicinal materials.MethodsWith Ophiopogonis Radix from Zhejiang （a traditionally recognized authentic variety） as the research model， extensive samples were collected. Through textual research on classical herbal literature and modern references， root tuber length and hardness were selected as representative indicators of traditional appearance traits. These indicators were accurately measured by a digital vernier caliper and a universal testing machine for objective quantification. According to prescription data and literature review results， total saponins， total polysaccharides， and total flavonoids were chosen as key component indicators， and their content was determined. Descriptive statistics， cluster analysis， and other methods were comprehensively employed to identify the core objective indicators and their threshold ranges defining the excellent shape and high quality. The constructed evaluation system was subsequently applied to Ophiopogonis Radix from Zhejiang and Sichuan to verify its applicability.ResultsThe core quantitative indicators for the excellent shape and high quality of Ophiopogonis Radix were determined as follows： Length≥2.09 cm， hardness≤7.0 N， and content of total saponins， total polysaccharides， and total flavonoids not lower than 0.12%， 1.69%， and 0.13%， respectively. Verification results showed that this evaluation system could effectively identify Ophiopogonis Radix samples from Zhejiang， with the results consistent with traditional high-quality recognition. Its successful application to the samples from Sichuan further confirmed its cross-region universality.ConclusionThis study established an objective indicator-based evaluation system for the excellent shape and high quality of Ophiopogonis Radix， which breaks through the reliance on production regions. This system provides theoretical and methodological bases for precise quality control， scientific grading， and quality-based pricing of Ophiopogonis Radix， offering an innovative paradigm for the objective evaluation of authentic medicinal materials.Keywords：Ophiopogonis Radix;authenticity;excellent shape and high quality;objective indicators;quality evaluation142|46|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18
Establishment of Objective Indicators and Evaluation System for Excellent Shape and High Quality of Fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveThe quality of fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma directly determines the efficacy of its terminal products. According to the theory of excellent shape， high quality， and superior effect of authentic medicinal materials， this study aimed to develop a novel quality evaluation system for fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma by systematically quantifying and integrating appearance traits with bioactive components.MethodsFresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma samples were collected from four major producing regions. After herbal textural research and a literature review， tuber weight， width， length， and aspect ratio were selected as quantitative indicators of appearance， and they were measured by an electronic balance and a digital vernier caliper. Key active components， including gastrodin， p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol， parishins， and total polysaccharides， were quantified via ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS） and the phenol-sulfuric acid method. Descriptive statistics and K-means clustering analysis were employed to establish the threshold ranges for the excellent shape and high quality indicators.ResultsTwo specific quantitative evaluation systems for characterizing the excellent shape and high quality of fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma were established. System 1： tuber weight > 83.90 g， tuber width > 3.50 cm， total gastrodin and p-hydroxybenzyl alcohol content > 0.277%， and total parishin content > 0.561%. System 2： tuber length < 9.89 cm， aspect ratio < 3.41， and total polysaccharide content > 195.274 mg·g-1. The verification results showed that the systems effectively identified fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma samples with both excellent appearance features and stable bioactive components.ConclusionThis study establishes a multi-dimensional evaluation and grading system for fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma based on the correlation between shape and quality. This framework provides a scientific basis for the quality control and resource grading of fresh Gastrodiae Rhizoma and lays a methodological foundation for the efficient utilization of both the medicinal and edible value of this herbal medicine.Keywords：Gastrodiae Rhizoma;authenticity;excellent shape and high quality;quantitative indicator;separated development of medicinal and edible value103|48|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Objective Indicators and Evaluation System for Excellent Shape and High Quality of Gardeniae Fructus AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo establish an objective evaluation system based on the quality characteristics of Gardeniae Fructus without relying on the origin label according to the theory of excellent shape， high quality， and superior effect of authentic medicinal materials， thus providing a scientific basis for the standardization of Gardeniae Fructus.MethodsDifferent batches of Gardeniae Fructus samples were collected from different producing areas. Through herbal textual research and a review of modern literature， fruit length， maximum fruit diameter， and chroma were selected as quantitative indicators to characterize the traditional appearance traits of Gardeniae Fructus. The above indicators were measured by a vernier caliper and a spectrophotometer. Through classical famous prescription data and literature analysis， total iridoid glycosides， total crocus glycosides， and total flavonoids were selected as the core component indicators related to efficacy， and their content was determined. Finally， through cluster analysis， the threshold ranges of the quantitative indicators of excellent shape and high quality were determined， and the applicability of the established evaluation system was verified by the determination of the indicators for each batch of medicinal materials.ResultsThe excellent shape indicators of Gardeniae Fructus were the fruit length-to-maximum fruit diameter ratio ≤1.86， 0°≤h≤45°， and L*≥ 37.32. The content of total iridoid glycosides， total crocus glycosides， and total flavonoids should be no less than 2.2%， 0.44%， and 0.028%， respectively. The measurement results of different batches of Gardeniae Fructus showed that the evaluation system could effectively distinguish the Gardeniae Fructus samples in line with the traditional cognition of excellent shape and high quality.ConclusionThis study preliminarily constructs an excellent shape and high quality-based quality evaluation system for Gardeniae Fructus， which links appearance traits with chemical indicators and provides a methodological basis for the quality control and scientific grading of this herbal medicine.Keywords：Gardeniae Fructus;excellent shape and high quality;objective indicator;quality evaluation33|12|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Quantification of Excellent Shape and High Quality Indicators of Sarcandrae Herba and Development of Evaluation System AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo identify and quantify the excellent shape and high quality indicators of Sarcandrae Herba and establish an evaluation method for Sarcandrae Herba based on appearance traits and active components according to the theory of excellent shape， high quality， and superior effect of authentic medicinal materials.MethodsSarcandrae Herba samples from various producing areas were systematically collected. Through classical herbal textual research and modern literature analysis， colorimetric values of leaves and stems were selected as shape indicators. According to compound preparation data and literature reports， total flavonoids， total phenolic acids， and coumarins were selected as component indicators. Cluster analysis and correlation analysis were performed to identify core objective indicators and their threshold ranges for the excellent shape and high quality of Sarcandrae Herba.ResultsGreener Sarcandrae Herba exhibited higher levels of phenolic acids， total flavonoids， and coumarins. Core quantitative indicators characterizing the excellent shape and high quality of Sarcandrae Herba were Leaf a* value<0.99， stem a* value<4， phenolic acid content≥2.49%， total flavonoid content≥5.32%， and coumarin content≥1.98%. By calculating the compliance rate of each batch against this indicator system， the quality stability of different batches can be quantitatively evaluated.ConclusionThis study validates the traditional empirical principle that greener stems and leaves indicate high quality. It establishes a quality evaluation method for Sarcandrae Herba based on the correlation between color and bioactive components， providing a scientific basis for the quality control and grading of this herbal medicine.Keywords：Sarcandrae Herba;excellent shape and high quality;quality evaluation;quality criterion51|19|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Danggui Shaoyaosan Alleviates Cognitive Impairment by Regulating Ketone Body Metabolism and Glutamate/AMPAR Pathway AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo investigate whether the effect of Danggui Shaoyaosan （DSS） on cognitive impairment is related to its promotion of ketone body metabolism in the brain and regulation of glutamate/α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isox-azolepropionic acid receptor （AMPAR） pathway.MethodsMale APP/PS1 mice were randomized into model， low-dose （3.2 g·kg-1） DSS， medium-dose （6.4 g·kg-1） DSS， high-dose （12.8 g·kg-1） DSS， ketogenic diet， and inhibitor （talampanel， 5 mg·kg-1） groups. C57BL/6J wild-type mice were selected as the normal group. The talampanel group was intragastrically administered for 2 consecutive weeks from the 6th week， and the other groups were continuously treated for 8 weeks before behavioral testing. The ultrastructure of synapses in hippocampal CA1 region was observed by transmission electron microscopy， and calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase Ⅱ （CaMKⅡ） expression was detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. The levels of β-hydroxybutyrate （BHB） and lactic acid （LAC） were measured by biochemical kits， and those of glutamate （Glu）， glutamine （Gln）， γ-aminobutyric acid （GABA）， and synaptophysin （SYP） by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The mRNA levels of glutamine synthetase （GS）， glutaminase （GLS）， glutamate decarboxylase （GAD）， CaMKⅡ， and AMPAR subunits GluA1 and GluA2 were quantified by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and the protein levels of GS， GLS， GAD， GluA1， and GluA2 by Western blot.ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited decreased recognition index， spontaneous alternation rate， and residence time in the target quadrant （P<0.01）， increased escape latency and ratio of the time in the opposite side of the target quadrant to the time in the target quadrant （P<0.05， P<0.01）， damaged synaptic ultrastructure of hippocampal CA1 region， increased positive expression of CaMKⅡ， no significant difference in BHB level， elevated LAC and Glu levels （P<0.01）， declined SYP， Gln， and GABA levels （P<0.01）， downregulated mRNA and protein levels of GS， GAD， and GluA2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and upregulated mRNA and protein levels of GLS and GluA1 （P<0.05， P<0.01） and mRNA level of CaMKⅡ （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， DSS intervention improved the behavioral indexes of mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）， enhanced the synaptic ultrastructure plasticity in hippocampal CA1 region， decreased the positive expression of CaMKⅡ， raised the BHB level （P<0.01）， reduced the LAC and Glu levels （P<0.01）， elevated the SYP， Gln， and GABA levels （P<0.01）， upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of GS， GAD， and GluA2， and downregulated the mRNA and protein levels of GLS and GluA1 （P<0.05， P<0.01） and the mRNA level of CaMKⅡ （P<0.01）.ConclusionDSS can improve the learning and memory and enhance the synaptic plasticity of APP/PS1 mice. Its neuroprotective effect is coupled with the promotion of ketone body formation and remodeling of brain energy metabolism， and is related to the regulation of glutamate/AMPAR pathway.Keywords：Danggui Shaoyaosan;Alzheimer's disease;ketone body;energy metabolism;glutamate/α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isox-azolepropionic acid receptor （AMPAR） pathway;cognitive impairment117|42|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Shaoyao Gancaotang Alleviates High-fat Diet-aggravated Colitis in Mice by Suppressing Ferroptosis Through SLC7A11/GPX4 Signaling Pathway Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of Shaoyao Gancaotang （SYGCT） on high-fat diet （HFD）-aggravated colitis induced by dextran sulfate sodium （DSS） in mice and decipher the potential mechanism.MethodsForty male C57BL/6J mice were fed an HFD for 14 days， followed by gavage of 2%DSS for 7 days for the modeling of HFD-aggravated colitis. The mice were randomly allocated into control， model （HFD-aggravated colitis）， low-dose （5.2 g·kg-1） SYGCT， high-dose （10.4 g·kg-1） SYGCT， and 5-aminosalicylic acid （5-ASA， positive control， 50 mg·kg-1） groups. Body mass changes and disease activity index （DAI） scores were recorded. The colon length was measured. Pathological changes in the colon tissue were observed through hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify differentially expressed genes. Western blot was employed to quantify the protein levels of Occludin， Claudin3， solute carrier family 7 member 11 （SLC7A11）， glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4）， and ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）.ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group exhibited diarrhea， bloody stools， increased DAI scores （P<0.01）， colon shortening （P<0.01）， severe colonic pathological damage， and reduced expression of tight junction proteins Occludin and Claudin3 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that the differentially expressed genes between the high-dose SYGCT group and the model group were significantly enriched in the ferroptosis signaling pathway. Compared with the model group， SYGCT treatment alleviated diarrhea and bloody stools， reduced DAI scores （P<0.01）， increased the colon length （P<0.01）， mitigated colonic pathological damage， and upregulated the expression of Occludin and Claudin3 （P<0.01）， as well as proteins （SLC7A11， GPX4， and FTH1） associated with the inhibition of ferroptosis （P<0.05）.ConclusionSYGCT significantly ameliorates HFD-aggravated DSS-induced colitis by suppressing ferroptosis via activation of the SLC7A11/GPX4 pathway.Keywords：colitis;Shaoyao Gancaotang;high-fat diet;ferroptosis;transcriptomics129|45|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Dabupi Tang Ameliorates Radiation-induced Lung Injury by Regulating Inflammation via JAK1/STAT6 Signaling Pathway AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of Dabupi Tang （DBPT） against radiation-induced lung injury （RILI） and to elucidate whether its mechanism involves modulating the inflammatory response mediated by the Janus kinase 1 （JAK1）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 （STAT6） signaling pathway.MethodsForty-eight SPF-grade male SD rats were randomized into 6 groups （n=8）： blank control， model， high-dose （24.28 g·kg-1） DBPT， medium-dose （12.14 g·kg-1） DBPT， low-dose （6.07 g·kg-1） DBPT， and high-dose DBPT + AG490 （a JAK1/STAT6 inhibitor， 5 mg·kg-1）. After two consecutive weeks of gavage， other groups except the blank control group received single-dose irradiation with 8 Gy X-ray to the right lung for the modeling of RILI. Samples were collected 24 h post-irradiation. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe lung histopathology. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-8 （IL-8）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and transforming growth factor-β （TGF-β） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The expression of JAK1， STAT6， phosphorylated JAK1 （p-JAK1）， and phosphorylated STAT6 （p-STAT6） in the right lung tissue were determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was employed to analyze the transcription levels of JAK1， STAT6 mRNA.ResultsCompared with the blank control group， the model group showed typical pathological features （alveolar structure destruction， interstitial hyperemia， and lymphocyte infiltration） of RILI. Compared with the model group， the DBPT groups （especially the high- and medium-dose groups） exhibited significantly alleviated lung tissue damage. Compared with the blank control group， the model group exhibited elevated serum levels of TNF-α， IL-8， IL-6， and TGF-β （P<0.01）， which were reduced by DBPT in a dose-dependent manner （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the blank control group， the model group showed decreased p-JAK1/JAK1 and p-STAT6/STAT6 ratios in the lung tissue （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， DBPT intervention （especially the high dose） increased the p-JAK1/JAK1 and p-STAT6/STAT6 ratios （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the high-dose DBPT group， high-dose DBPT + AG490 reversed the protective effect of DBPT， leading to aggravated lung injury and increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels （P<0.05）， confirming the critical role of this pathway.ConclusionDBPT exerts a significant protective effect against RILI. It may activate the JAK1/STAT6 signaling pathway to reduce the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines， thus alleviating RILI. This study suggests that the JAK1/STAT6 pathway is a potential therapeutic target for DBPT in the prevention and treatment of RILI.Keywords：Dabupi Tang;radiation-induced lung injury;Janus kinase 1 （JAK1）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 （STAT6） signaling pathway;inflammatory response106|38|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Xiao Chaihutang Combined with Erchen Tang Ameliorates Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease in Mice by Regulating SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARα Signaling Pathway Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorating effect of Xiao Chaihutang combined with Erchen Tang （XAE） on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD） in mice and the influence of this therapy on the silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α （PPARα） signaling pathway.MethodsForty-eight C57BL/6 mice were randomized into six groups： normal （CHOW）， atorvastatin （ATO， 0.05 g·kg-1）， high-fat diet （HFD）， low-dose XAE （XAE-L， 10 g·kg-1）， medium-dose XAE （XAE-M， 20 g·kg-1）， and high-dose XAE （XAE-H， 40 g·kg-1）. Each group contained 8 mice. Except the CHOW group， the other groups of mice were fed a HFD for the modeling of MAFLD. The experiment lasted for 20 weeks. Starting from the 13th week， mice were administered corresponding agents daily by gavage， and the mice in both the CHOW and HFD groups received equal volumes of purified water. At the end of the experiment， cardiac blood， liver， and adipose tissue samples were collected. Pathological staining was performed on the liver and adipose tissue separately. The levels of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， low-density lipoprotein cholesterol （LDL-C）， triglycerides （TG）， and total cholesterol （TC） in the serum， as well as TG and TC in the liver， were determined. Additionally， the mRNA levels of fatty acid synthetase （FASN）， stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 （SCD1）， sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c （SREBP-1c）， SIRT1， PPARα， PGC-1α， interleukin 6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in the liver were measured by real-time PCR. The protein levels of SIRT1， PGC-1α， PPARα， and CPT1α in the mouse liver tissue were determined by Western blot.ResultsCompared with the CHOW group， the HFD group exhibited increased body weight， liver weight， and white adipose tissue weight （P<0.01）. After XAE intervention， these parameters were reduced compared with those in the HFD group （P<0.01）. Pathological section results showed that the morphology of hepatocytes and epididymal white adipocytes in the model mice was significantly improved after XAE intervention， with decreases in both the number and volume of lipid droplets. Furthermore， the XAE groups had lower levels of AST， ALT， HDL-C， LDL-C， TG， and TC in the serum and TG and TC in the liver than the HFD group （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Moreover， XAE administration downregulated the mRNA levels of lipid synthesis-related genes （FASN and SCD1） （P<0.05） and upregulated the mRNA levels of lipid oxidation-related genes （SIRT1， PPARα， and PGC-1α） （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Additionally， the protein levels of SIRT1， PGC-1α， PPARα， and CPT1α in the liver were upregulated after XAE treatment compared with those in the HFD group （P<0.05，P<0.01）.ConclusionXAE exerts a therapeutic effect on MAFLD by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α/PPARα signaling pathway.Keywords：metabolic-associated fatty liver disease;Xiao Chaihutang combined with Erchen Tang;high-fat diet;silent information regulator 1 （SIRT1）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α （PGC-1α）/peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α （PPARα） pathway110|36|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Exploring Mechanism of Yijing Decoction in Treating Decreased Ovarian Reserve Based on Oxidative Stress Mediated by Chronic Iron Overload Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Yijing decoction to inhibit oxidative stress induced by chronic iron overload and improve ovarian reserve hypofunction in mice.MethodsSeventy-two female C57BL/6J mice with normal estrous cycles were randomly divided into six groups （n=12 per group）：blank group，model group，Yijing decoction（YJD） low-dose group，medium-dose group，high-dose group，and dehydroepiandrosterone （DHEA） group. Mice in the blank group received intraperitoneal injections of normal saline，while those in all other groups were administered iron dextran （Sigma-Aldrich） at a dose of 0.5 g·kg-1 once weekly for 8 weeks to establish a chronic iron overload model. Following the final injection，interventions were initiated and continued for 4 weeks. The low，medium，and high dose groups of YJD received oral gavage of Yijing decoction aqueous solution at doses of 18.165， 36.33，and 72.66 g·kg-1·d-1，respectively. The DHEA group received DHEA aqueous solution at 10.812 5 mg·kg-1·d-1. The blank and model groups received an equivalent volume of distilled water by gavage once daily. Body weight was recorded weekly，and food intake was monitored throughout the treatment period. Vaginal smears were collected daily and stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE） to assess estrous cycle regularity. At the end of the experiment，mice were euthanized，and bilateral ovaries and uteri were rapidly excised and weighed to calculate ovarian and uterine indices （mg·g-1）. Ovarian tissues were fixed，embedded，and sectioned for hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining to evaluate histopathological changes. Iron deposition in ovarian tissue was visualized using Prussian blue staining. Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH），luteinizing hormone （LH），estradiol （E2），and anti-Müllerian hormone （AMH） were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Malondialdehyde （MDA） content and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity in ovarian homogenates were determined using commercial biochemical assay kits. Reactive oxygen species （ROS） levels in ovarian tissue were assessed by ROS fluorescence staining on frozen sections. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in ovarian tissue was examined by transmission electron microscopy （TEM）. Total RNA was extracted from ovarian tissue for real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） to quantify mRNA expression of ferritin heavy chain 1 （Fth1），ferritin light chain （Ftl），transferrin （Tf），transferrin receptor 1 （Tfr1），catalase （Cat），and glutathione peroxidase 1 （GPX1）. Protein expression levels of Fth1，Ftl，Tf，Tfr1，and glutathione peroxidase 4 （GPX4） were analyzed by Western blot.ResultsCompared with the blank group，mice in the model group exhibited significantly reduced body weight and severe estrous cycle disruption （P<0.01），a markedly increased uterine index （P<0.01），and a significantly decreased ovarian index （P<0.01）. The number of antral follicles was significantly reduced，while atretic follicles were markedly increased，accompanied by pronounced iron deposition in the ovarian stroma. Serum levels of AMH and E2，as well as ovarian SOD activity，protein and mRNA expression of Tf and Tfr1，and mRNA levels of GPX1 and Cat were all significantly downregulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Conversely，serum FSH and LH levels，MDA content，protein and mRNA expression of Fth1 and Ftl，and ROS fluorescence intensity were significantly elevated （P<0.05，P<0.01），along with a marked decrease in GPX4 protein expression （P<0.01）. TEM revealed an increased number of damaged mitochondria in ovarian tissue，characterized by loss or disappearance of mitochondrial cristae. Compared with the model group，treatment with low，medium，and high doses of YJD and DHEA significantly improved body weight and ameliorated estrous cycle irregularities （P<0.05，P<0.01），decreased the uterine index （P<0.05），and increased the ovarian index （P<0.05，P<0.01）. These groups also showed increased numbers of antral follicles，reduced atretic follicles，and significantly diminished iron deposition in the ovarian stroma. Serum AMH and E2 levels，ovarian SOD activity，protein and mRNA expression of Tf and Tfr1，and mRNA levels of GPX1 and Cat were all significantly upregulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. In contrast，serum FSH and LH levels，MDA content，protein and mRNA expression of Fth1 and Ftl，and ROS fluorescence intensity were significantly reduced （P<0.05，P<0.01），while GPX4 protein expression was markedly increased （P<0.01）. Moreover，mitochondrial damage was alleviated，and mitochondrial ultrastructure was notably restored in ovarian tissue.ConclusionYijing decoction ameliorates ovarian reserve function in mice with chronic iron overload by upregulating the expression of Tf，Tfr1，and GPX4，downregulating the expression of Ft，Fth1，and Ftl，thereby alleviating systemic iron metabolism disorders，reducing oxidative stress in ovarian tissue，and restoring mitochondrial morphology and structure.Keywords：Yijing decoction;chronic iron overload;iron metabolism;oxidative stress;decreased ovarian reserve102|50|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Material Basis of Entada phaseoloides Against Neuropathic Pain Based on in vitro Chemical Profiling and in vivo Absorbed Constituents Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo systematically characterize the in vitro chemical constituents of Entada phaseoloides and its absorbed prototype compounds and metabolites in a neuropathic pain （NP） model， thereby elucidating the potential pharmacological material basis underlying its analgesic activity.MethodsUltra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry （UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS） was used to analyze the constituents of the 80% methanol extract of E. phaseoloides. Thirty-six mice were divided into a blank group， low-， medium-， and high-dose E. phaseoloides extract groups （25， 50， and 100 mg·kg-1， respectively）， an aspirin group （400 mg·kg-1）， and a morphine group （10 mg·kg-1）， with six mice in each group. The tail-flick threshold was measured. Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into a blank group and low-， medium-， and high-dose E. phaseoloides extract groups （25， 50， and 100 mg·kg-1， respectively）， with six mice in each group， and motor coordination was evaluated. A spinal nerve ligation （SNL） model was established in mice. Twenty-four mice were randomly divided into a sham-operated （Sham） group， an SNL group， an SNL + E. phaseoloides extract group （750 mg·kg-1）， and an SNL + pregabalin group （20 mg·kg-1）， with 6 mice in each group. Mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were evaluated. Behavioral assessments were combined to determine the optimal onset time of the analgesic effect， and plasma samples were collected at this time point. Absorbed components and metabolites were systematically identified based on accurate mass， MS/MS fragmentation patterns， retention time， and comparisons with literature data and reference standards. Meanwhile， network pharmacology， target similarity analysis， and molecular docking validation were integrated to evaluate the potential effects of absorbed components on disease intervention.ResultsCompared with the blank group， the high-dose E. phaseoloides extract group and morphine group showed significantly increased pain response thresholds （P<0.01）， without affecting motor coordination in normal mice. Compared with the Sham group， the SNL group exhibited significantly decreased thresholds for mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia （P<0.01）. Compared with the SNL group， the SNL + E. phaseoloides extract group and SNL + pregabalin group showed significantly increased thresholds for mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia （P<0.01）. The analgesic effect of E. phaseoloides was most significant at 2 h after administration. A total of 70 constituents were identified in vitro， and 22 prototype compounds and 29 metabolites were detected in plasma. The targets of the absorbed components were mainly enriched in biological processes associated with pain signal perception and transmission and showed a high degree of overlap with disease genes related to neuropathic pain. In addition， multiple components exhibited strong binding energies with core pain-related targets. Based on integrated analysis of in vitro content， plasma exposure levels， and target associations， ketanthamide A-β-D-pyranoside and ketengzide were identified as the most representative pharmacologically active substances responsible for the analgesic effect.ConclusionThis study systematically elucidates the material basis of E. phaseoloides intervention in neuropathic pain from three aspects， including chemical constituent characteristics， in vivo behavioral characteristics， and potential targets， providing important theoretical foundations and experimental support for further studies on its pharmacological mechanism and analgesic drug development.Keywords：Entada phaseoloides;neuropathic pain;ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry （UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS）;component identification;network pharmacology124|58|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Mechanism of Qinggan Jianpi Huoxue Prescription Against Hepatic Fibrosis via FoxO1 Mediated Regulation of Glycolytic Metabolic Reprogramming of Hepatic Stellate Cells Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of Qinggan Jianpi Houxue prescription against hepatic fibrosis in mice using metabolomics.MethodsA hepatic fibrosis mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 20% carbon tetrachloride （CCl4， diluted with olive oil at a ratio of 4∶1） at a dose of 2.5 mL·kg-1 for 4 weeks. A total of 54 C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the blank control group， model group， Qinggan Jianpi Houxue prescription high-dose group （47.32 g·kg-1）， medium-dose group （23.66 g·kg-1）， low-dose group （11.83 g·kg-1）， and Biejiajian pill group （1.365 g·kg-1）， with 9 mice in each group. Concurrently with modeling， each administration group received the corresponding dose continuously for 4 weeks， once daily. After 4 weeks， liver tissues and blood samples were collected for liver function and hepatic pathological examinations. Non-targeted metabolomics was employed to detect hepatic metabolites. Principal component analysis （PCA）， partial least squares discriminant analysis （PLS-DA） and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA） were performed to explore the metabolites and their involved metabolic pathways in the liver tissues of mice in the blank control group， model group and Qinggan Jianpi Houxue prescription high-dose group. Western blot validation was conducted at both the cellular and animal levels.ResultsCompared with the blank control group， the model group showed significantly increased levels of alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） （P<0.01）， along with increased inflammatory cell infiltration， and formation of fibrous septa. The predominantly enriched pathway was the forkhead box O （FoxO） signaling pathway. Compared with the model group， the Qinggan Jianpi Huoxue prescription high-dose group exhibited significantly decreased ALT and AST levels （P<0.01）. In all administration groups of Qinggan Jianpi Huoxue prescription， inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced， fibrous septa were narrowed and diminished， collagen fibers were reduced， and the collagen area was significantly decreased. Non-targeted metabolomics identified 79 differential metabolites， among which 49 were up-regulated and 30 down-regulated， primarily enriched in the tricarboxylic acid （TCA） cycle and pyruvate metabolism pathways. Western blot results demonstrated that， compared with the blank control group， the model group exhibited significantly upregulated protein expressions of α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）， lactate dehydrogenase A （LDHA）， FoxO1， pyruvate kinase M2 （PKM2）， hexokinase 2 （HK2）， and phosphofructokinase 1 （PFK1） in liver tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In hepatic stellate cells， the glucose concentration increased， and the protein expression of α-SMA， LDHA， FoxO1， PKM2， glucose transporter 1 （GLUT1）， and PFK1 were significantly up-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Conversely， compared with the model group， the Qinggan Jianpi Huoxue prescription high-dose group showed significantly downregulated protein expression of α-SMA， LDHA， FoxO1， PKM2， HK2， and PFK1 in liver tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In hepatic stellate cells， the glucose concentration decreased， and the protein expression of α-SMA， LDHA， FoxO1， PKM2， GLUT1， and PFK1 were significantly down-regulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）.ConclusionQinggan Jianpi Huoxue prescription can alleviate the pathological progression of hepatic fibrosis in mice， potentially by regulating the TCA cycle and pyruvate metabolism through FoxO1， and by modulating glycolytic metabolic reprogramming in hepatic stellate cells， thereby promoting liver tissue repair.Keywords：Qinggan Jianpi Huoxue prescription;hepatic fibrosis;metabolomics;hepatic stellate cells;glycolysis137|46|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18- Abstract：ObjectiveTo determine whether Jinshui Huanxian component formula Ⅱ （ECC-JHF Ⅱ） and matrix hardness interfere with the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） during pulmonary fibrosis by regulating integrin β1 （ITG β1）， and to elucidate the underlying mechanism.MethodsA pulmonary fibrosis mouse model was established by a single intratracheal instillation of bleomycin （BLM）. To observe the disease progression at various time points， the mice were sacrificed before modeling and on days 7， 14， 21， 28 and 42 after modeling for assessment of relevant indicators. To evaluate the therapeutic effect of drug intervention， the mice were given ECC-JHF Ⅱ and pirfenidone （PFD） by gavage starting on day 29 after modeling for 14 days of treatment， after which the mice were sacrificed. Pulmonary function， pathological changes， collagen deposition， lung tissue hardness and EMT markers were detected. Polyethylene glycol （PEG） composite hydrogels with different hardness were prepared in vitro using biomaterials such as eight-arm polyethylene glycol thiol （PEG-SH） and eight-arm polyethylene glycol maleimide （PEG-MAL）. Human type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells cultured in hard matrix culture dishes were treated with low， medium， and high doses of ECC-JHF Ⅱ （15.31， 30.63， 61.25 mg·L-1） to observe the intervention effect of ECC-JHF Ⅱ on EMT induced by transforming growth factor beta 1 （TGF-β1）. Human type Ⅱ alveolar epithelial cells cultured on soft （3.8 kPa） and hard （culture dishes， ~ GPa） matrices were treated with ECC-JHF Ⅱ， respectively. The mRNA and fluorescence expression levels of the epithelial marker E-cadherin （CDH1）， the mesenchymal marker N-cadherin （CDH2） and vimentin （VIM）， as well as ITG β1， were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and immunofluorescence. Western blot was used to detect the protein expression of CDH1， CDH2 and ITG β1， and the biomechanical mechanism of ECC-JHF Ⅱ on EMT and pulmonary fibrosis was further verified by knocking down and specific activation of ITG β1.ResultsECC-JHF Ⅱ treatment improved BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice， as evidenced by significantly increased minute ventilation （MV） and 50% expiratory flow at tidal volume （EF50） （P<0.05）， and significantly increased tidal volume （TV） after treatment （P<0.01） compared with the model group. Immunohistopathological analysis revealed attenuated inflammation and alveolar injury， reduced deposition of type Ⅰ collagen （Col-Ⅰ）， and significantly decreased lung tissue stiffness （P<0.01）， thereby alleviating disease progression. The real-time PCR results showed that， compared with the model group， the ECC-JHF Ⅱ group showed increased CDH1 expression and decreased CDH2 and VIM expression in mouse lung tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）， indicating that ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibited the EMT process to ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis. In vitro experimental results showed that both ECC-JHF Ⅱ and matrix softening reversed the EMT phenotype switch. Specifically， compared with the hard matrix group， the cells cultured on the soft matrix exhibited significantly upregulated expression of the epithelial marker CDH1 （P<0.01） and significantly downregulated expression of the mesenchymal markers CDH2 and VIM （P<0.05）. Furthermore， ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibited the expression of ITG β1 both in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown and specific activation of ITG β1 further confirmed that ITG β1 is involved in the regulatory process by which ECC-JHF Ⅱ inhibits EMT and ameliorates pulmonary fibrosis.ConclusionECC-JHF Ⅱ and matrix softening can block the EMT process and ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis， and the underlying mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of ITG β1-mediated mechanotransduction. This study reveals a novel mechanism of ECC-JHF Ⅱ intervention in pulmonary fibrosis from a biomechanical perspective.Keywords：Jinshui Huanxian prescription;component formula;pulmonary fibrosis;matrix hardness;integrin β1;epithelial-mesenchymal transition104|56|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18
Modified Guizhi Fulingwan Regulates miR-34a-5p/DLL1/Notch Signaling Pathway to Promote Apoptosis and Inhibit Prostate Cancer AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo explore the molecular mechanism through which modified Guizhi Fulingwan （MGZFLW） promotes apoptosis and inhibits prostate cancer through the miR-34a-5p/δ-like protein 1 （DLL1）/Notch signaling pathway based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory of Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form.MethodsThe optimal intervention conditions of MGZFLW-containing serum and docetaxel （DXT） were screened by the cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） method. Human prostate cancer cells （PC-3） were allocated into blank， MGZFLW （10%）， and DXT （30 nmol·L-1） groups. The effects of MGZFLW-containing serum on the migration and proliferation of PC-3 cells were evaluated by cell scratch and colony formation assays， and the apoptosis of PC-3 cells was detected by terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling （TUNEL） assay. The cells were transfected with miR-34a-5p mimics and miR-34a-5p inhibitor. The mRNA levels of miR-34a-5p， DLL1， Notch1 and its downstream effector factors Notch1 intracellular domain （NICD1）， Hes family basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor 1 （Hes1）， and hairy/enhancer-of-split related with YRPW motif 1 （Hey1） were determined by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of DLL1， Notch1， NICD1， Hes1， and Hey1 were determined by a WES fully automatic protein system. The effect of miR-34a-5p on the DLL1-mediated Notch pathway was evaluated based on the results. Further， after MGZFLW-containing serum intervention， the expression of DLL1 and Notch1 was detected by the immunofluorescence （IF） assay， and the mRNA and protein levels of miR-34a-5p/DLL1/Notch pathway-related molecules were quantified by Real-time PCR and the WES fully automatic protein system， respectively， to explore the regulatory effect of MGZFLW-containing serum on the miR-34a-5p/DLL1/Notch pathway.ResultsMGZFLW-containing serum inhibited the viability， migration， and proliferation and promote the apoptosis of PC-3 cells （P<0.01）. The overexpression of miR-34a-5p down-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of key molecules in the DLL1/Notch signaling pathway and promoted cell apoptosis （P<0.01）， while inhibition of miR-34a-5p had the opposite effects. MGZFLW-containing serum reversed the activation of the DLL1/Notch pathway and the inhibition of apoptosis caused by miR-34a-5p inhibition， up-regulated the expression of miR-34a-5p， and down-regulated the expression of related molecules in this pathway （P<0.01）.ConclusionMGZFLW can up-regulate the expression of miR-34a-5p to inhibit the DLL1/Notch signaling pathway and promote the apoptosis of prostate cancer cells， thereby inhibiting prostate cancer. This study provides experimental evidence for clarifying the molecular mechanism of the anti-prostate cancer effect of this formula.Keywords：modified Guizhi Fulingwan;prostate cancer;miR-34a-5p;miR-34a-5p/δ-like protein 1 （DLL1）/Notch signaling pathway;apoptosis76|27|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Mechanisms of Modified Xiexintang Ointment in Promoting Healing of Deep Second-degree Scald Wounds in Mice AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo investigate the pharmacological effects of modified Xiexintang ointment on anti-infection and promotion of wound healing in mice with deep second-degree scalds， as well as its underlying mechanisms.MethodsA mouse model of deep second-degree scald was established and mice were randomly divided into six groups： blank group， model group， positive control group （Jingwanhong ointment， 0.1 g·cm-2）， low-， medium-， and high-dose modified Xiexintang ointment group （0.05， 0.1， and 0.2 g·cm-2）， with 10 mice in each group. Treatment was administered for 16 days. Wound recovery was recorded by photography， and the wound healing rate was calculated. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe histopathological changes in the scalded skin tissues. The levels of inflammatory cytokines， including interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF） and cluster of differentiation 31 （CD31） in wound tissues. Western blot analysis was performed to determine the protein expression levels of nerve growth factor （NGF）， its high-affinity receptor tropomyosin receptor kinase A （TrkA）， and its low-affinity receptor nerve growth factor receptor （NGFR）.ResultsCompared with the blank group， the burn site in the model group showed swelling and whitening on the day of modeling， followed by hardening and scab formation on the next day. HE staining on day 2 revealed dermal tissue damage， swelling and degeneration of collagen fibers with homogeneous eosinophilic staining， partial destruction of hair follicles and sebaceous glands， and inflammatory cell infiltration in the dermis， indicating successful model establishment. Compared with the model group， from day 8 of treatment， the low-， medium-， and high-dose groups of modified Xiexintang ointment significantly increased the wound healing rate （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， all dose groups significantly promoted thickening of the newly formed epidermis， reduced hemorrhage， decreased inflammatory cell infiltration， and increased neovascularization. Compared with the model group， all dose groups significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α in wound tissues （P<0.01）. Meanwhile， the expression levels of angiogenesis-related proteins VEGF and CD31 in wound tissues were significantly increased in all dose groups （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the protein expression levels of NGF， NGFR， and TrkA were increased in the medium-dose group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. With increasing dosage， the high-dose group showed a more pronounced increase in NGF， NGFR， and TrkA expression compared with the model group （P<0.01）.ConclusionModified Xiexintang ointment exerts anti-infective and wound-healing effects on skin wounds in mice with deep second-degree scalds. The underlying mechanisms may be related to the regulation of VEGF， CD31， NGF， TrkA， and NGFR protein expression， thereby reducing inflammation and promoting angiogenesis and nerve regeneration at the wound site.Keywords：modified Xiexintang ointment;deep second-degree scald;wound healing;inflammatory factors;nerve growth factor（NGF）40|41|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18- Abstract：ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Tianxiang pills （TXP） alleviates myocardial cell pyroptosis in the rat model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion （I/R） injury through modulating the reactive oxygen species （ROS）/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1）/gasdermin D （GSDMD） signaling pathway.MethodsA total of 54 SPF-grade adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into six groups （n=9）： sham （thoracotomy only without ligation）， I/R （left anterior descending coronary artery ligation for 30 min followed by reperfusion）， NAC （positive control， N-acetylcysteine， 150 mg·kg-1， by gavage）， low-dose Tianxiang pills （TXP-L， 2.5 g·kg-1， by gavage）］， medium-dose Tianxiang pills （TXP-M， 5 g·kg-1， by gavage）， and high-dose Tianxiang pills （TXP-H， 10 g·kg-1， by gavage）. The fluorescent probe method was employed to measure the ROS level. Biochemical assay kits were employed to determine the Caspase-1 activity， superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity， malondialdehyde （MDA） content， and glutathione peroxidase （GSH-Px） activity. Myocardial infarct size was assessed by 2，3，5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride （TTC） staining. Western blot analysis was performed to evaluate the expression levels of proteins in the ROS/Caspase-1/GSDMD pathway， including GSDMD， cleaved Caspase-1/Caspase-1 ratio， the N-terminal domain of GSDMD （GSDMD-N）， and the p22-phox subunit of the reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate （NADPH） oxidase complex. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was utilized to determine the concentration of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）. Transmission electron microscopy （TEM） was employed to observe mitochondrial structure and to score the degree of mitochondrial swelling.ResultsCompared with the Sham group， the I/R group exhibited elevated the levels of ROS， Caspase-1 activity， GSDMD expression， IL-1β concentration， MDA content， infarct area， mitochondrial swelling score， cleaved Caspase-1/Caspase-1， GSDMD-N， and p22phox and decreased activities of SOD and GSH-Px （P<0.05）. Compared with the I/R group， NAC and different doses of TXP significantly reduced the ROS level， Caspase-1 activity， GSDMD expression， IL-1β concentration， MDA content， infarct area， and mitochondrial swelling score. Moreover， they downregulated the expression of cleaved Caspase-1/Caspase-1， GSDMD-N， and p22phox and increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px （P<0.05）. Furthermore， TXP exerted effects on ROS， MDA， SOD， GSH-Px， Caspase-1 activity， GSDMD expression， IL-1β concentration， cleaved Caspase-1/Caspase-1， GSDMD-N， p22phox， infarct area， and mitochondrial swelling score in a dose-dependent manner （P<0.05）.ConclusionTianxiang pills alleviates myocardial I/R injury by mitigating oxidative stress and cell pyroptosis through the inhibition of the ROS/Caspase-1/GSDMD signaling pathway.Keywords：Tianxiang pills;reactive oxygen species/cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-1 （Caspase-1）/gasdermin D signaling pathway;myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury;rat;pyroptosis59|44|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18
- Abstract：ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Simiao Wan improve intestinal uric acid excretion in hyperuricemic （HUA） rats by inhibiting ferroptosis via the solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4 （SLC7A11/GPX4） signaling pathway.MethodsForty-eight male SD rats were randomly assigned to a normal group， a model group， a low-dose Simiao Wan group （282.6 mg·kg-1）， a high-dose Simiao Wan group （565.2 mg·kg-1）， an etoricoxib group （5.4 mg·kg-1）， and a ferroptosis inhibitor （Fer-1） group （2 mg·kg-1）. Except for the normal group， rats in all other groups were intraperitoneally injected with potassium oxonate （100 mg·kg-1） combined with intragastric administration of hypoxanthine （500 mg·kg-1） to establish the HUA rat model. After 21 days， rats in each administration group received the corresponding dose of drug by gavage， rats in the Fer-1 group received intraperitoneal injection of Fer-1， and rats in the normal and model groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by gavage. After sampling， serum levels of uric acid （SUA）， creatinine （Cr）， and blood urea nitrogen （BUN） were measured using biochemical assays. The content of ferrous ion （Fe2+）， reduced glutathione （GSH）， and malondialdehyde （MDA）， as well as superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity in ileal tissues were determined. Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe the histopathological changes in the ileum， and transmission electron microscopy was used to observe mitochondrial alterations in the ileal tissue. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression levels of GPX4， ferritin heavy chain 1 （FTH1）， acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 （ACSL4）， SLC7A11， and ATP-binding cassette transporter G2 （ABCG2） in ileal tissue. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to determine the mRNA expression of GPX4， FTH1， ACSL4， SLC7A11， and ABCG2 in the ileal tissue.ResultsCompared with the normal group， the model group exhibited significantly elevated serum UA， Cr， and BUN levels （P<0.01）， significantly increased content of MDA and Fe2+ in ileal tissue， and significantly decreased GSH content and SOD activity （P<0.01）. HE staining showed extensive shedding of the ileal villous epithelium， disrupted and disorganized villous structure， and incomplete local tissue architecture. Transmission electron microscopy revealed reduced mitochondrial volume， decreased or even vanished cristae， indicating ultrastructural features characteristic of ferroptosis. Molecular and immunohistochemical results demonstrated that the protein and mRNA expression levels of GPX4， FTH1， SLC7A11， and ABCG2 were significantly downregulated， whereas those of ACSL4 were significantly upregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， after intervention with Simiao Wan， the serum UA， Cr， and BUN levels significantly decreased in all dose groups （P<0.05，P<0.01）， the MDA and Fe2+ content in ileal tissues were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， and the GSH content and SOD activity significantly increased （P<0.01）. HE staining showed that the shedding of ileal villous epithelium was markedly alleviated， the villous structure became relatively intact and regularly arranged， and local tissue damage was obviously improved. Transmission electron microscopy showed attenuated mitochondrial damage， improvement in mitochondrial shrinkage， and partial restoration of mitochondrial cristae. Molecular and immunohistochemical results showed that Simiao Wan upregulated GPX4， FTH1， SLC7A11， and ABCG2， and downregulated ACSL4 in a dose-dependent manner. In the high‑dose group， all indices improved significantly （P<0.05，P<0.01）， whereas in the low‑dose group， only improving trends were observed for FTH1， SLC7A11 mRNA， and ABCG2 protein.ConclusionSimiao Wan may inhibit ferroptosis of ileal epithelial cells by regulating the SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway， and upregulate the expression of the uric acid transporter ABCG2， thereby promoting intestinal uric acid excretion and improving HUA.Keywords：Simiao Wan;hyperuricemia;intestinal uric acid excretion;solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4 （SLC7A11/GPX4） signaling pathway;ferroptosis;adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter G2 （ABCG2）122|45|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18
- Abstract：ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the Qishen Liuwei presoription for senile hypertension complicated with frailty （of Qi deficiency and blood stasis pattern， or deficiency of both spleen and kidney pattern）.MethodsA single-center， randomized controlled clinical trial design was employed in this study. Sixty-four eligible patients， treated at the Cardiology Outpatient Clinic of Dongfang Hospital， Beijing University of Chinese Medicine between June 2024 and February 2025， were randomly allocated into an observation group or a control group， with 32 patients in each group. Both groups received standard conventional antihypertensive therapy， while the observation group additionally received the Qishen Liuwei Formula （one dose per day， in separate servings in the morning and evening）. For both groups， a treatment course consisted of 4 weeks， followed by a 2-month follow-up period. Then， the primary indicator （Fried frailty phenotype scores）， along with secondary indicators including traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores and changes in blood pressure were observed before and after treatment.ResultsRegarding Fried frailty phenotype scores， the observation group exhibited significantly improved grip strength， 4.57 m walk time， the duration of weekly walks， ''effort required for any activity''， and ''inability to walk forward'' after treatment， while only the latter two indicators were significantly improved in the control group （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group， the observation group demonstrated significantly superior improvement in the duration of weekly walks， ''effort required for any activity''， and frailty （P<0.05）. For total TCM syndrome scores， both groups displayed significantly decreased total TCM syndrome scores （P<0.05） after treatment， and the decrease was more significant in the observation group （P<0.05）. Regarding office blood pressure， both groups showed significantly decreased diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure after treatment， while the observation group also showed significantly decreased systolic blood pressure （P<0.05）. During treatment， one case of facial rash occurred in the observation group， representing an adverse reaction rate of 3.13% （1/32）. The rash resolved one week after discontinuation of medication. No adverse reactions occurred in the control group during treatment. No statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups.ConclusionFor senile hypertension complicated with frailty， the Qishen Liuwei presoription effectively improves physical activity， muscle strength， frailty-related symptoms， and TCM syndrome remission. When combined with Western medicine， the Formula contributes to stable blood pressure control and demonstrates a favorable clinical safety profile， indicating its clinical application potential.Keywords：Qishen Liuwei presoription;senile hypertension complicated with frailty;Fried frailty phenotype;traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome;randomized controlled trial （RCT）47|26|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18
- Abstract：ObjectiveBased on the theory of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form"， this study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Juanyin Xiefei prescription combined with noninvasive ventilation in patients with moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome （OSAHS） with the phlegm-dampness obstruction pattern.MethodsA total of 84 patients with moderate-to-severe OSAHS with the phlegm-dampness obstruction pattern were enrolled and randomly assigned to a treatment group （42 cases） and a control group （42 cases）. The control group received noninvasive ventilation combined with lifestyle intervention， while the treatment group received Juanyin Xiefei prescription in addition to the same regimen. The treatment course lasted 8 weeks. The apnea-hypopnea index （AHI）， lowest oxygen saturation （LSpO2）， Epworth Sleepiness Scale （ESS） score， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores， and serum levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and testosterone were measured before and after treatment and statistically analyzed.ResultsTwo cases were lost to follow-up in each group. Thus， 40 patients in the treatment group and 40 in the control group were included in the final analysis. There were no significant differences between the two groups in sex， age， disease duration， or comorbidities at baseline， indicating comparability. Compared with pre-treatment levels， AHI， ESS scores， IL-6， and TNF-α were significantly reduced in both groups， while LSpO2， SOD activity， and serum testosterone levels were significantly increased （P<0.01）. In the control group， TCM primary syndrome scores， partial secondary syndrome scores， and total TCM syndrome scores were significantly reduced （P<0.05）， whereas the improvement in the secondary symptom of "dry mouth without desire to drink" was not statistically significant. In the treatment group， all TCM syndrome scores were significantly reduced （P<0.05）. After treatment， compared with the control group， the treatment group showed more significant improvements in AHI， LSpO2， ESS scores， and SOD activity （P<0.01）， whereas there were no significant differences between groups in IL-6， TNF-α， or serum testosterone. The improvements in all TCM syndrome scores were more pronounced in the treatment group （P<0.05）. In the control group， there were 1 case of clinical control， 13 markedly effective， 15 effective， and 11 ineffective cases， with a total effective rate of 72.5%. In the treatment group， there were 3 cases of clinical control， 24 markedly effective， 8 effective， and 5 ineffective cases， with a total effective rate of 87.5%. The difference in overall efficacy between the two groups was statistically significant （χ2=8.651，P<0.05）. No serious adverse events were observed in either group during treatment.ConclusionGuided by the theory of "Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form"， the application of Juanyin Xiefei prescription combined with noninvasive ventilation in patients with moderate-to-severe OSAHS with the phlegm-dampness obstruction pattern can significantly reduce AHI and improve airway obstruction and nocturnal hypoxia， while alleviating TCM symptoms such as snoring， apnea， and nocturnal suffocation caused by phlegm-dampness obstruction. The therapeutic mechanism may be related to regulating Yin-Yang dynamics to resolve phlegm and remove stasis， as well as modulating oxidative stress to attenuate pathological injury.Keywords：obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome;Juanyin Xiefei prescription;phlegm-dampness obstruction syndrome;"Yang transforming Qi while Yin constituting form";Fanji Nicong method49|14|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18
Clinical Characteristics of Rheumatoid Arthritis Complicated with Fatigue Based on Real-world Evidence Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Objective To evaluate the clinical characteristics and influencing factors of fatigue in patients with rheumatoid arthritis （RA）， with the aim of providing guidance for clinical treatment.Methods Based on the multicenter real-world cohort of the China Registry of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Rheumatism （CERTAIN） platform， patients with RA enrolled from 2019 to 2025 were included. Demographic data， disease assessment indicators， laboratory indices， and traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome patterns were collected to analyze the TCM syndromes and clinical characteristics of RA patients with fatigue. Spearman correlation analysis and logistic regression analysis were used to identify factors associated with fatigue in RA.Results A total of 3 021 patients with RA were included， among whom 2 007 （66.43%） had fatigue. Compared with the non-fatigue group， the fatigue group was older and had a longer disease duration， with significantly higher scores for the 28-joint Disease Activity Score （DAS28）， swollen joint count （SJC）， tender joint count （TJC）， Health Assessment Questionnaire （HAQ）， pain visual analog scale （VAS）， and patient global assessment （PGA） （P<0.01）. Among TCM syndromes， fatigue was more common in patients with dampness-heat obstruction， cold-dampness obstruction， and liver-kidney deficiency syndromes （P<0.05）. Multivariate analysis revealed that morning stiffness duration exhibited a stepwise association with fatigue， while poor appetite， insomnia with frequent dreaming， restlessness， high HAQ scores， and high pain VAS scores were identified as risk factors.ConclusionFatigue is a prominent symptom in patients with RA and is more common among those with dampness-heat obstruction， cold-dampness obstruction， and liver-kidney deficiency syndromes. It is closely associated with disease activity， pain， functional limitation， sleep， and emotional status.Keywords：rheumatoid arthritis;fatigue;risk factors;traditional Chinese medicine syndrome;real-world study108|41|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18- Abstract：ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Anzi Tiaochong decoction combined with aspirin and the effects of this therapy on the peripheral blood phospholipid antibody titers， coagulation function， and CD19+CD24hiCD27+regulatory B （Breg） cells in patients with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome （OAPS） （pattern of kidney deficiency and blood stasis）.MethodsPatients who meet the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated into an observation group （50 patients， with 4 patients dropped out and 46 patients completed） and a control group （50 patients， with 2 patients dropped out， 1 patient excluded， and 47 patients completed） through a random number table method. The control group was treated with aspirin enteric-coated tablets， 75 mg/time， once a day， and the observation group with Anzi Tiaochong decoction， 1 bag/day on the basis of the therapy in the control group. The treatment course for both groups was 8 weeks， and the patients were followed up for 4 weeks. The traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） symptom scores， titers of peripheral blood phospholipid antibodies ［anti-cardiolipin antibody IgM （ACA IgM）， anti-cardiolipin antibody IgG （ACA IgG）， anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody IgM （β2GP1-IgM）， and anti-β2-glycoprotein 1 antibody IgG （β2GP1-IgG）］， D-dimer （D-D）， thromboelastography parameters ［clotting factor activity （R）， platelet function maximum amplitude （MA）， coagulation composite index （CI）， and clot strength （G）］， CD19+CD24hiCD27+ Breg expression rate， and adverse drug reactions were recorded for the two groups before and after treatment.ResultsAfter treatment， both groups showed decreased ACA IgM， ACA IgG， β2GP1-IgM， β2GP1-IgG， D-D， MA， and G （P<0.05） and increased R （P<0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in CI. Compared with the control group， the observation group showed more significant decreases in TCM symptom scores and phospholipid antibody titers （P<0.05）. After treatment， the expression rate of Breg in the observation group was higher than that before treatment （P<0.05）.There was no significant difference in Breg expression rate before and after treatment in the control group. Neither group experienced significant adverse reactions.ConclusionAnzi Tiaochong decoction combined with aspirin can alleviate the symptoms， reduce the phospholipid antibody titers， and restore the coagulation status of patients with obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome （pattern kidney deficiency and blood stasis）. It may exert the therapeutic effects by regulating Breg to maintain the patient's immune balance.Keywords：obstetric antiphospholipid syndrome;Anzi Tiaochong decoction;pattern of kidney deficiency and blood stasis;regulatory B cells125|35|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18
Predicting Hepatic Fibrosis Risk in Wilson's Disease： Development and Validation of Prognostic Model Integrating TCM Syndromes and Modern Biomarkers Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：ObjectiveTo analyze the influencing factors of hepatic fibrosis in patients with Wilson's disease （WD） and to develop and validate a predictive model for hepatic fibrosis in WD that integrates traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes and modern biomarkers， thus providing a basis for early identification of high-risk populations and medical intervention.MethodsThe clinical data of 220 WD patients diagnosed in the Department of Encephalopathy， The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine between January 2010 and December 2024 were retrospectively collected. Through a random number table， patients were assigned into a training set （154 patients） and a validation set （66 patients） in a 7∶3 ratio. Univariate COX regression， LASSO regression analysis， and multivariate COX regression analysis were performed to identify independent influencing factors for hepatic fibrosis in WD patients， and a clinical prediction model was established based on these factors. The discrimination， calibration， and clinical utility of the model were evaluated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve （AUC）， calibration curves， and decision curve analysis （DCA）， respectively.ResultsA total of 220 patients were included. The syndrome of combined phlegm and stasis， triglycerides （TG）， laminin （LN）， and male gender were identified as independent risk factors for hepatic fibrosis in WD patients， while TCM intervention and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C） were protective factors. The C-index indicated excellent discriminative ability （training set： 3-year AUC=0.908， 5-year AUC=0.869， 7-year AUC=0.829； validation set： 3-year AUC= 0.898， 5-year AUC=0.780， 7-year AUC=0.743）. Calibration curves showed good consistency. DCA demonstrated the clinical net benefit probabilities across different risk thresholds at various time points.ConclusionThe predictive model established in this study has high accuracy and can be conveniently used for the early identification and risk prediction of hepatic fibrosis in patients with WD.Keywords：Wilson's disease;hepatic fibrosis;traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome;TCM intervention;predictive model48|27|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18- Abstract：Tuberculosis （TB） is a major infectious disease that seriously endangers public health. In traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， TB is considered to be caused by "exogenous latent tuberculosis pathogens"， and whether the disease occurs depends on the strength of healthy Qi. The disease course is characterized by five features： Hidden latency， pathological accumulation， triggering due to deficiency of healthy Qi， depletion of healthy Qi， and prolonged progression with difficulty in recovery. The latent stage is based on the fundamental pathogenesis of "specific latent pathogens concealed in the lung collaterals and waiting for the appropriate time to manifest"， which exhibits the temporal and spatial characteristics of latent pathogens. During this stage， Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains in a dormant state and maintains a dynamic balance with the host immune system. The triggering and progression stages are characterized by the core pathogenesis of "deficiency of healthy Qi initiating pathogenic factors and excessive pathogenic factors triggering disease". Immune dysfunction may lead to severe pathological damage to the structure of the lung collaterals. The key pathogenesis of the latent-retention stage is "persistent latent pathogens consuming healthy Qi"， which is also the core reason for the difficulty in treating initial TB onset， prolonged disease progression， and recurrent attacks. Based on the theory of latent pathogens， this study establishes a four-stage prevention and treatment system "with pathogenesis as the guiding principle and disease stages as the criteria". The corresponding therapeutic principles include tonifying Qi and nourishing Yin， clearing and transforming latent phlegm， regulating and tonifying the spleen and kidney， strengthening healthy Qi and replenishing the primordial Qi， nourishing Yin and reducing fire， suppressing and eliminating tuberculosis pathogens， tonifying deficiency， restoring primordial Qi， clearing residual pathogens， and eliminating pathogenic factors. Guided by the theory of latent pathogens， this article systematically elucidates the TCM connotation of M. tuberculosis invasion of the lung collaterals and the staged syndrome differentiation and treatment approach， providing theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the prevention and treatment of TB through integrated Chinese and Western medicine and offering new perspectives for the prevention and control of infectious diseases using TCM.Keywords：theory of latent pathogens;Mycobacterium tuberculosis;pulmonary tuberculosis;temporal and spatial characteristics of latent pathogens;lung collateral microenvironment;pathological evolution;staged treatment120|47|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18
Mechanisms of Macrophage Glycolysis in Regulating Acute Lung Injury and TCM Intervention Strategies Based on Theory of "Spleen Failing to Disperse Essence" Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Acute lung injury （ALI） is a critical respiratory emergency caused by various non-cardiogenic factors， including severe pulmonary and extrapulmonary infections， lung contusion， and sepsis. Its pathological features are centered on alveolar-capillary barrier dysfunction， uncontrolled inflammatory responses， and impaired alveolar fluid clearance， manifesting as refractory hypoxemia and respiratory distress， with a poor clinical prognosis. Modern studies have revealed that mitochondrial dysfunction and glucose metabolic reprogramming in macrophages， characterized by hyperactivated glycolysis， drive pro-inflammatory polarization and represent a key mechanism leading to excessive inflammatory responses and disease progression in ALI. Therefore， targeting macrophage glycolysis may be a potential therapeutic strategy for ALI. The Plain Questions： Special Discussion on Channels and Vessels in Huangdi's Internal Classic states that "The spleen disseminates essence upward to the lungs". When the spleen fails in transport and transformation， the distribution of refined nutrients becomes disordered， resulting in the endogenous generation of turbid pathogens that obstruct the pulmonary collaterals， causing failure of lung dispersion and descent and leading to dyspneic reversal. This forms the dynamic pathological pattern of ''deficiency in the root with excess in the manifestation''， thereby proposing the core pathogenesis of ALI as ''spleen deficiency with transport dysfunction and turbid pathogens obstructing the lungs''. This process is intrinsically associated with the inflammatory cascade triggered by disordered macrophage glucose metabolism. Taking the theory of ''spleen failing to disperse essence'' as the entry point， the present study systematically elucidates the progressive pathological mechanism of "energy metabolism disorder-cytokine storm'' in ALI from the perspectives of the ''spleen deficiency-turbid obstruction'' pathogenesis and macrophage glycolysis-pro-inflammatory polarization. In addition， we summarize Chinese medicine compound formulas and monomeric components that ''restore spleen transport and eliminate turbid pathogens''， and explore their potential mechanisms in the treatment of ALI by regulating macrophage metabolic phenotypes to improve the state of ''spleen failing to disperse essence''. This provides a molecular basis for elucidating the ''spleen-lung'' energy metabolism dialogue， deepens understanding of the multi-target regulatory mechanisms of herbal prescriptions， and promotes the deep integration of classical theory with modern medicine.Keywords：acute lung injury;spleen failing to disperse essence;turbid pathogens;macrophages;glycolysis58|20|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Clinical Application and Mechanism Insights of Xiaoyao San in Treating Ophthalmic Disorders From Theory of Treating Different Diseases with Same Method Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Xiaoyao San， first recorded in Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang， has the traditional functions of soothing the liver， relieving constraint， strengthening the spleen， nourishing blood， and regulating Qi movement. Although its applications in gynecological and emotional disorders have been extensively studied， its clinical use， pattern differentiation， and mechanisms in ophthalmology have not been systematically reviewed. Despite the diversity of ophthalmic diseases and their clinical manifestations， the frequent use of Xiaoyao San reflects the traditional Chinese medicine principle of "treating different diseases with the same method" by targeting shared pathogenesis and core syndromes. Modern studies suggest that its mechanisms may involve modulation of immune and inflammatory responses， attenuation of oxidative stress， protection of retinal ganglion cells and the blood-retinal barrier， improvement of ocular microcirculation， inhibition of pathological neovascularization， and regulation of neuroendocrine function， apoptosis， and cell proliferation. Guided by the theory of "treating different diseases with the same method"， this review systematically examines the historical origin， formula modifications， and classical records of Xiaoyao San， and integrates modern literature and representative medical cases to summarize its clinical applications and mechanisms in ocular surface diseases， central serous chorioretinopathy， diabetic retinopathy， optic neuropathies， retinal vascular occlusive diseases， dry eye， thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy， and glaucoma. This review aims to clarify the theoretical basis for its differentiated use in ophthalmology and to provide a foundation for its standardized clinical application.Keywords：Xiaoyao San;treating different diseases with the same method;ophthalmic diseases;clinical application;mechanism40|21|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Modern Clinical Application and Mechanism of Action of Sanhuang Xiexintang： A Review Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Sanhuang Xiexintang （SHXXT）， originating from the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber （Jin Gui Yao Lue）， comprises three medicinal herbs： Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， Coptidis Rhizoma， and Scutellariae Radix. Renowned for its effects of purging fire， detoxifying， drying dampness， and draining heat， SHXXT primarily treats syndromes characterized by internal excess heat， dampness-heat stagnation， and reckless blood movement due to heat. Because of the concise formulation and remarkable efficacy of this formula， modern research has extensively explored the chemical composition， clinical applications， and pharmacological mechanisms of SHXXT， yielding significant advancements. As a modern derivative of SHXXT， Yiqing granules exemplify the transformation of classical formulas into convenient and precise applications， embodying the paradigm of modern development of classical formulas. This systematic review synthesizes recent research progress in SHXXT. Chemical analyses reveal that the active components—anthraquinones， alkaloids， and flavonoids—of SHXXT exert holistic therapeutic effects through multi-component synergy. Clinical studies demonstrate broad utility of this formula in managing digestive disorders， endocrine diseases， urinary tract infections， dermatological conditions， and systemic inflammatory diseases， highlighting its multi-system regulatory potential. Mechanism investigations elucidate its multi-target mechanism of action， including antimicrobial， anti-inflammatory， metabolic-regulatory， hepatoprotective， and gastrointestinal-modulating effects， reflecting an integrated multi-component， multi-target， multi-pathway mode of action. This review systematically summarizes the modern research progress in SHXXT， providing a theoretical foundation for deciphering the scientific essence of classical formulas and advancing their precision application in clinical practice.Keywords：Sanhuang Xiexintang;chemical composition;clinical application;mechanism of action;research progress147|42|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Astragali Radix and Its Formulas in Treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy： A Review Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Diabetic cardiomyopathy （DCM） is a common chronic complication of diabetes， categorized as consumptive thirst in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， and it subsequently gives rise to chest impediment. DCM is characterized by a complex pathogenesis and exhibits long-term progression with poor prognosis in clinical practice. Astragali Radix， as a medicinal material with edible value， possesses diverse active components including saponins， polysaccharides， and flavonoids. It has the effects of tonifying Qi， elevating Yang， promoting fluid production， nourishing blood， expressing toxin， and expelling pus. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that Astragali Radix and its active components exert therapeutic effects in various aspects such as inhibition of inflammation， alleviation of stress injury， regulation of programmed cell death， modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism， inhibition of myocardial fibrosis， and regulation of gut microbiota and metabolites， treating DCM in a multi-component， multi-target， and multi-pathway manner. The compatibility of Astragali Radix exerts both synergistic and antagonistic effects. The compound preparations and extracts of Astragali Radix are widely used in clinical practice， and the development of novel nano and gel materials and extracellular vesicles helps to improve the oral bioavailability， providing more possibilities for the clinical application of Astragali Radix in DCM， though its potential for clinical translation requires ongoing exploration. This review summarizes the TCM theoretical basis of Astragali Radix in the treatment of DCM， and integrates modern pharmacological research results to delve into the effects and mechanisms of the herb combinations， compound preparations， extracts， and new composite materials of Astragali Radix in the treatment of DCM， aiming to provide a reference for in-depth research and new drug development of Astragali Radix for DCM.Keywords：Astragali Radix;Astragali Radix polysaccharides;astragaloside Ⅳ;diabetic cardiomyopathy132|44|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Anti-liver Cancer Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine Monomers Based on AMPK/mTOR Signaling Pathway： A Review Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Liver cancer， as a malignant tumor with high incidence and mortality worldwide， has shown a year-by-year increase in both incidence and mortality in China. Currently， Western medicine has achieved certain efficacy in the clinical management of liver cancer in terms of inhibiting tumor growth， alleviating patient symptoms， and delaying disease progression. However， its limitations cannot be ignored. Significant side effects， increasingly severe drug resistance， and limited improvement in patient survival collectively make the overall therapeutic outcomes fall short of ideal expectations. Therefore， exploring more effective and safer treatment strategies has become a critical issue that urgently needs to be addressed in the field of oncology. The adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）/mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） signaling pathway plays a central regulatory role in the physiological processes of liver cancer cells， including proliferation， differentiation， apoptosis， and autophagy， and is considered a key molecular target for anti-liver cancer therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， characterized by its multi-pathway and multi-mechanism synergistic effects， has become an important component of the current comprehensive treatment system for liver cancer. Among these， TCM monomeric compounds， owing to their well-defined chemical structures and precisely analyzable pharmacological mechanisms， represent an important breakthrough in anti-liver cancer drug development. Studies have shown that various TCM monomeric compounds， including flavonoids， alkaloids， polyphenols， saponins， terpenoids， and quinones， can regulate the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway and its upstream and downstream protein expression. Through these mechanisms， they induce autophagy and apoptosis in liver cancer cells， inhibit aerobic glycolysis， reverse drug resistance， promote ferroptosis， block epithelial-mesenchymal transition， and inhibit angiogenesis， thereby effectively suppressing the growth and metastasis of liver cancer cells. Based on this， this article systematically reviews recent studies on TCM monomeric compounds in the treatment of liver cancer， and further analyzes in depth their mechanisms in regulating the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway， so as to provide ideas and references for the development of new anti-liver cancer drugs.Keywords：adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase （AMPK）;mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）;monomer of traditional Chinese medicine;liver cancer;research progress206|100|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Analysis of Pharmacodynamic Material Basis， Mechanisms， and Efficacy-related Quality Markers of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix with Different Therapeutic Effect Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix are the dried roots of Pueraria lobata and Pueraria thomsonii of the Leguminosae family， respectively. Since their separate inclusion in the 2005 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China， the two herbs have been individually recorded. Although they share the same functions and indications， the required content of puerarin differs by a factor of up to eightfold between them. The current quality standard relies solely on a single indicator， puerarin， which fails to reflect the correlation between chemical constituents and core therapeutic effects. This has resulted in prominent issues of mixed use in clinical practice and production， thereby constraining the high-quality development of the industry. Modern research has demonstrated that Puerariae Lobatae Radix contains a comprehensive range and higher content of isoflavonoid constituents， while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix is rich in starch and polysaccharides. Puerariae Lobatae Radix exhibits stronger effects in antipyresis， cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection， and central analgesia， while Puerariae Thomsonii Radix demonstrates greater advantages in anti-inflammation， hypoglycemia， and peripheral analgesia. Based on this， the chemical material bases of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix at both the macromolecule and micromolecule levels were systematically reviewed and compared. The pharmacodynamic material bases and mechanisms of action underlying their three core therapeutic effects， namely "relieving exterior syndrome and clearing heat"， "promoting fluid production to quench thirst"， and "dredging channels and activating collaterals"， were summarized. The most highly correlated common metabolic pathway shared by both herbs for these three therapeutic effects is the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway， and their common core target is prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 （PTGS2）. This review provided clinical application recommendations based on the therapeutic differences between the two herbs， elucidated the scientific connotation of their "same origin but different effects"， and， grounded in the quality marker （Q-Marker）， proposed the concept of efficacy-related Q-Marker based on "substance-efficacy-syndrome" association， as well as a novel strategy for efficacy-oriented quality evaluation. Preliminary screening of quality markers associated with different therapeutic effects was also conducted. This study aims to provide critical scientific evidence for the precise clinical application of Puerariae Lobatae Radix and Puerariae Thomsonii Radix， the improvement of quality standards， and the high-quality development of the industry.Keywords：Puerariae Lobatae Radix;Puerariae Thomsonii Radix;efficacy;pharmacodynamic material basis;mechanism;quality marker（Q-Marker）124|53|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Mechanism of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease： A Review Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease （MAFLD） is a chronic liver disease closely related to metabolic dysfunction. Its global prevalence is increasing year by year and shows a trend toward younger onset. It is closely associated with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases， chronic kidney disease， and extrahepatic malignant tumors， and has become a major public health problem affecting the health of the Chinese population. At present， the treatment of MAFLD mainly focuses on lifestyle intervention. When metabolic cardiovascular risk factors and liver injury are present， pharmacological intervention is required. However， there is still no specific drug therapy for MAFLD. In recent years， many studies have found that the pathogenesis of MAFLD involves interactions among multiple factors， including insulin resistance， oxidative stress， endoplasmic reticulum stress， programmed cell death， immune dysregulation， inflammasomes， gut microbiota imbalance， and bile acid metabolism. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has advantages in integrated regulation with multiple components and multiple targets， and shows significant efficacy in the treatment of MAFLD. Active components of Chinese medicinal herbs and Chinese medicine compound formulas exert definite therapeutic effects by regulating multiple signaling pathways to improve lipid metabolism disorders， inhibit inflammatory responses， and regulate the gut microbiota， thereby effectively improving clinical symptoms and delaying the occurrence and development of MAFLD. Therefore， strengthening research on the mechanisms of action of TCM in MAFLD is of crucial importance and significance for its treatment. This article summarizes the mechanisms by which Chinese medicine monomers and compound formulas intervene in MAFLD through the regulation of related signaling pathways， based on the retrieval and analysis of relevant literature from multiple databases， with the aim of providing theoretical support and a reference basis for the clinical application of TCM in the treatment of MAFLD.Keywords：metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease;mechanism of action;traditional Chinese medicine;research progress;pathogenesis;signaling pathway79|26|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Chemical Constituents，Pharmacological Effect and Clinical Applications of Da Chaihutang： A Review Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Da Chaihutang， first recorded in Shanghanlun by Zhang Zhongjing of the Eastern Han dynasty， is composed of eight medicinal herbs， namely Bupleuri Radix， Scutellariae Radix， Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， Aurantii Fructus Immaturus， Paeoniae Radix Alba， Pinelliae Rhizoma， Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， and Jujubae Fructus. It features a well-defined hierarchy of sovereign， minister， assistant， and courier ingredients. The prescription is characterized by its balanced compatibility， mutually restrained cold and warm properties， and combined use of harmonizing and purging therapeutic strategies. As a renowned classical formula indicated for harmonizing Shaoyang and purging internal heat accumulation， it is the core prescription for the treatment of Shaoyang-Yangming combined disease. A comprehensive review of modern research literature on Da Chaihutang reveals that its chemical composition is notably diverse. The core pharmacologically active material bases of its constituent single herbs have been clearly identified， including saikosaponins from Bupleuri Radix， flavonoids from Scutellariae Radix， anthraquinones from Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， flavonoids and alkaloids from Aurantii Fructus Immaturus， monoterpene glycosides from Paeoniae Radix Alba， alkaloids and organic acids from Pinelliae Rhizoma， gingerols from Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens， and polysaccharides and triterpenoid acids from Jujubae Fructus. In the compound formula， a total of 163 chemical constituents have been comprehensively identified， among which flavonoids and their glycosides constitute the most abundant component category. Flavonoids and their glycosides， monoterpene glycosides， and pentacyclic triterpenoid saponins are regarded as the core pharmacologically active substances of the whole formula. In addition， 9 potential quality markers that can comprehensively characterize the overall quality and core therapeutic efficacy of the whole formula have been screened out. Modern pharmacological studies have shown that the pharmacological effects of Da Chaihutang exhibit synergistic characteristics involving multiple components， multiple targets， and multiple pathways. Its core pharmacological activities encompass the regulation of digestive system disorders， including pancreatic protection， intervention in biliary tract diseases， and protection of gastrointestinal mucosa； intervention in hepatobiliary diseases such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cholestatic liver injury； and regulation of metabolic disorders such as hypoglycemic effect， improvement of insulin resistance， and regulation of lipid metabolism. Furthermore， it also possesses multiple pharmacological activities， including intervention in atherosclerosis， regulation of immune and inflammatory responses， multi-organ protection， and anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect. In modern clinical practice， Da Chaihutang and its modified formulas are mostly used in combination with conventional Western medical regimens. They have demonstrated notable therapeutic advantages in the treatment of digestive system diseases such as cholecystitis， acute pancreatitis， cholelithiasis， and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease， but also have shown definite curative efficacy in the management of diseases affecting multiple other systems， including cardiovascular， endocrine， dermatological， reproductive， respiratory， neurological， urinary， pediatric， and immune systems. These combined applications can effectively improve the overall clinical response rate， shorten the time to symptom relief， and reduce both the disease recurrence rate and the incidence of adverse reactions. This review systematically summarized the formula compatibility， chemical constituents， pharmacological mechanisms， and modern clinical applications of Da Chaihutang and its modified formulas， to provide a theoretical basis and practical reference for the secondary development of classic formulas， the research and development of new drugs， and the precise and safe clinical application of this classical prescription.Keywords：Da Chaihutang;chemical constituents;pharmacological effect;clinical application;research progress;Shaoyang-Yangming combined disease;exterior-interior dual releasing131|39|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Chinese Medicine against Parkinson's Disease Based on Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis Theory： A Review Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Parkinson's disease （PD）， with its incidence increasing year by year and its onset age gradually becoming younger， has become a major chronic multisystem movement disorder that threatens public health. The microbiota-gut-brain axis （MGBA） is a bidirectional communication system connecting the enteric nervous system and the central nervous system. Its core functions rely on the synergistic interactions among gut microbiota， neural signal transmission， endocrine regulation， and immune interactions， and it plays an indispensable role in maintaining gut-brain dynamic homeostasis， regulating neurotransmitter metabolism， and modulating inflammatory responses. Current studies have found that the gut microbiota of patients with PD exhibits dual dysbiosis characterized by the enrichment of opportunistic pathogens and beneficial bacteria， accompanied by abnormal metabolite levels， which accumulate and trigger neuroinflammation， demonstrating the pivotal regulatory role of the MGBA in the early pathology of PD. Furthermore， this article summarizes Chinese medicines， their active components， and compound formulas that may prevent and treat PD through intervention in the MGBA. These agents can modulate microbial composition， suppress inflammation and oxidative stress， protect the intestinal barrier， and ameliorate dopaminergic neuron damage. By systematically summarizing the central mechanisms of the MGBA in PD and reviewing the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） mediated regulation of this pathway in PD intervention， this article aims to provide a theoretical reference for the clinical prevention and treatment of PD and scientific research design.Keywords：Parkinson's disease;microbiota-gut-brain axis;Chinese medicine intervention;gut microbiota132|42|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Treating Diabetic Retinopathy： A Review Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Diabetic retinopathy （DR） is a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus， and its characteristic pathological changes include microaneurysm formation， hemorrhagic focus formation， exudate deposition， and neovascular proliferation. Long-term hyperglycemic state can induce inflammatory response， oxidative stress， and overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， which destroys the blood-retinal barrier and promotes the progression of DR. Although the current clinical treatment methods （such as laser photocoagulation and anti-VEGF drugs） have certain effects， they still have limitations， and there is an urgent need to explore safer and multi-target intervention strategies. Recent studies have discovered that the nuclear factor （NF）-κB signaling pathway plays a key role in the pathological process of DR. This pathway affects the occurrence and development of DR by regulating the release of inflammatory factors， oxidative stress response， and angiogenesis. With the advantages of multi-component， multi-target and overall regulation， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has shown unique potential in the prevention and treatment of DR. Especially， its precise regulation of the NF-κB pathway has become a research hotspot. This article systematically reviews the mechanisms of action of NF-κB-related signaling pathways in DR， with focuses on the research progress in TCM single herbs and active ingredients， Chinese patent medicines， and TCM compound preparations in ameliorating DR by regulating the NF-κB pathway. This review aims to provide a theoretical basis and a transformation direction for the development of drugs for the prevention and treatment of DR.Keywords：traditional Chinese medicine;nuclear factor （NF）-κB signaling pathways;diabetic retinopathy （DR）;research status140|35|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Mechanisms and Clinical Research Advances of Curcumin in Modulation of Hyperlipidemia Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Hyperlipidemia is a common metabolic disorder driven by dysregulated lipid metabolism， whose pathological progression involves multifaceted interactions across various signaling pathways， including disrupted cholesterol homeostasis， insulin resistance， chronic inflammation， and oxidative stress. Although existing clinical medications such as statins can effectively reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol through single-target inhibition， significant limitations remain in comprehensively improving reverse cholesterol transport， metabolic inflammation， and coordinated regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism. Curcumin， the primary polyphenolic active compound derived from the traditional medicinal herb turmeric， exhibits multi-dimensional pharmacological effects including modulation of lipid metabolism， improvement of insulin sensitivity， suppression of inflammatory responses， and enhancement of antioxidant defense. This review systematically integrates the multi-target regulatory network of curcumin， elucidating its key mechanisms： Balancing the low density lipoprotein receptor/proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 （LDLR/PCSK9） signaling pathway to promote reverse cholesterol transport， activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α/γ （PPARα/γ） signaling pathways to coordinate glucolipid metabolic homeostasis， remodeling the gut microbiota-bile acid axis， inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-B （NF-κB）-mediated inflammatory responses， and activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element （Nrf2/ARE） antioxidant signaling pathway. Furthermore， supported by clinical research data， the review validates curcumin's therapeutic potential in reducing total cholesterol （TC） and triglyceride （TG） levels， increasing high-density lipoprotein cholesterol （HDL-C）， as well as improving vascular endothelial function and insulin sensitivity. The study highlights the multi-target regulatory properties of curcumin and discusses future clinical applications based on nano-delivery systems and personalized treatment strategies， providing a theoretical basis and novel insights for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia and related metabolic disorders.Keywords：hyperlipidemia;curcumin;lipid metabolism;multi-target regulation;clinical application113|43|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and Its Formulas in Treatment of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head： A Review Enhanced Publication AI Introduction
Abstract：Osteonecrosis of femoral head （ONFH） is a disease that causes osteocyte death due to interruption of blood supply of the femoral head， which may cause symptoms such as joint movement disorders， pain， and even femoral head collapse. Currently， the commonly used methods for treating ONFH in clinical practice are accompanied by problems such as long-term side effects， inaccurate efficacy， technical limitations， and complication risks. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） has shown unique advantages of holistic regulation， mild side effects， and symptom alleviation. A review of the related literature shows that Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma， as a representative Chinese herbal medicine for activating blood and resolving stasis， has the effects of activating blood， resolving stasis， dredging meridians， and relieving pain. Its active ingredients （such as salvianolic acid B， tanshinone ⅡA， and tanshinone Ⅰ） interfere with bone metabolism balance， osteogenesis and differentiation， and improve bone microcirculation and bone microstructure. Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is often combined with the herbal medicines with the effects of tonifying the liver and spleen or activing blood to form herb pairs （such as Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Angelicae Sinensis Radix， Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Chuanxiong Rhizoma， and Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-Drynariae Rhizoma）， which enhances the efficacy through synergistic effects. In the application of TCM compound formulas， Bushen Huoxue prescription， Bushen Huoxue capsules， Gubi Tongxiao granules， and Shenggu Zaizao pills can regulate signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin， Hedgehog， Notch， transforming growth factor（TGF）-β1/Smads， and mitogen-activated protein kinase （MAPK） through multiple targets to significantly improve bone metabolism and hip joint function， playing an important role in preventing and treating ONFH. Through a review of available studies， this paper systematically explains the outstanding advantages of the active ingredients， herb pairs， and compound formulas of Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in the prevention and treatment of ONFH. The mechanisms may be related to factors such as promoting osteoblast generation and inhibiting osteoclast formation， increasing osteogenic differentiation， promoting angiogenesis， increasing bone density， inhibiting inflammatory response， and regulating signaling pathways. In the future， modern technology can be employed to optimize dosage forms， and high-quality clinical research should be conducted to further clarify its mechanism of action and promote the precise application of TCM. This review aims to provide more thinking directions for the application of Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma in preventing and treating ONFH.Keywords：osteonecrosis of femoral head;Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma;active ingredients;herb pair containing Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma;compound formula containing Salviae miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma107|39|0<HTML><H-PDF> <L-PDF>Updated：2026-08-18
