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Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels root (ASR) is a medicinal and edible traditional Chinese herb medicine. Understanding the varying efficacies in different ASR segments and their associated pharmacological mechanisms at the metabolome level has been a largely unexplored research area. This study integrates metabolomics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking to investigate the characteristics and mechanisms underlying hemostasis, blood enrichment, and blood circulation promotion in distinct ASR medicinal segments. The distinguishable metabolic spectra were visually presented for the head (ASRH), body (ASRB), and tail (ASRT) in ASR, highlighting the dominant metabolites in each. Furthermore, a network linking components, targeted proteins, signaling pathways, and diseases was constructed. The combined analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology confirms that ASRT primarily enhances blood circulation, whereas ASRH and ASRB lean toward hemostasis and blood enrichment. The dominant ingredients of ASRT mainly influence signaling pathways of calcium, PI3K‐Akt, and arachidonic acid metabolism by modulating targeted proteins like EGFR, SRC, AKT1, and HSP90AA1, thus enhancing hemodynamics. In contrast, the dominant ingredients of ASRH and ASRB regulate PI3K‐Akt, IL‐17, and JAK‐STAT signaling pathways via proteins, such as CTNNB1, AKT1, SRC, and EP300, playing a role in hemostasis and blood enrichment. These results were subsequently validated by molecular docking. This study innovatively combines metabolomics, network pharmacology, and molecular docking to preliminarily reveal the mechanisms governing hemostasis, blood enrichment, and blood circulation improvement regulated through multiple components, targeted proteins, and pathways in different ASR segments. These findings offer valuable insights for future investigations into the efficacies of distinct ASR segments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hyperuricemia (HUA) is characterized by elevated blood uric acid levels, which can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED). Clinical studies have demonstrated satisfactory efficacy of a traditional Chinese medicine formula QYHT decoction in improving ED. Furthermore, the main monomeric components of this formula, linoleyl acetate and mandenol, demonstrate promise in the treatment of ED. This study established an ED rat model induced by HUA and the animals were administered with linoleyl acetate and mandenol. HE and TUNEL were performed to detect tissue changes, ELISA to measure the levels of serum testosterone (T), MDA, NO, CRP, and TNF‐α and qPCR and WB to assess the expression levels of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase‐1, JAK2, and STAT3 in whole blood. The findings showed that linoleyl acetate and mandenol improved kidney tissue morphology, reduced cell apoptosis in penile tissue, significantly increased T and NO levels, while substantially decreasing levels of MDA, CRP, and TNF‐α. Meanwhile, the expression of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase‐1 mRNAs and proteins was markedly reduced, and the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 was inhibited. These findings were further validated through faecal microbiota transplantation results. Taken together, linoleyl acetate and mandenol could inhibit NLRP3 inflammasome activation, reduce inflammatory and oxidative stress responses, suppress the activity of JAK–STAT signalling pathway, ultimately providing a potential treatment for HUA‐induced ED. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a multicenter clinical trial enrolling patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and predominately neurogenic claudication pain symptoms, a 6-week course of acupuncture was compared with sham acupuncture with outcomes assessed using a validated disability questionnaire. Visual Abstract. Effect of Acupuncture on Neurogenic Claudication Among Patients With Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: In a multicenter clinical trial enrolling patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and predominately neurogenic claudication pain symptoms, a 6-week course of acupuncture was compared with sham acupuncture with outcomes assessed using a validated disability questionnaire. Background: Acupuncture may improve degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS), but evidence is insufficient. Objective: To investigate the effect of acupuncture for DLSS. Design: Multicenter randomized clinical trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03784729) Setting: 5 hospitals in China. Participants: Patients with DLSS and predominantly neurogenic claudication pain symptoms. Intervention: 18 sessions of acupuncture or sham acupuncture (SA) over 6 weeks, with 24-week follow-up after treatment. Measurements: The primary outcome was change from baseline in the modified Roland–Morris Disability Questionnaire ([RMDQ] score range, 0 to 24; minimal clinically important difference [MCID], 2 to 3). Secondary outcomes were the proportion of participants achieving minimal (30% reduction from baseline) and substantial (50% reduction from baseline) clinically meaningful improvement per the modified RMDQ. Results: A total of 196 participants (98 in each group) were enrolled. The mean modified RMDQ score was 12.6 (95% CI, 11.8 to 13.4) in the acupuncture group and 12.7 (CI, 12.0 to 13.3) in the SA group at baseline, and decreased to 8.1 (CI, 7.1 to 9.1) and 9.5 (CI, 8.6 to 10.4) at 6 weeks, with an adjusted difference in mean change of –1.3 (CI, –2.6 to –0.03; P  = 0.044), indicating a 43.3% greater improvement compared with SA. The between-group difference in the proportion of participants achieving minimal and substantial clinically meaningful improvement was 16.0% (CI, 1.6% to 30.4%) and 12.6% (CI, –1.0% to 26.2%) at 6 weeks. Three cases of treatment-related adverse events were reported in the acupuncture group, and 3 were reported in the SA group. All events were mild and transient. Limitation: The SA could produce physiologic effects. Conclusion: Acupuncture may relieve pain-specific disability among patients with DLSS and predominantly neurogenic claudication pain symptoms, although the difference with SA did not reach MCID. The effects may last 24 weeks after 6-week treatment. Primary Funding Source: 2019 National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine "Project of building evidence-based practice capacity for TCM-Project BEBPC-TCM" (NO. 2019XZZX-ZJ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new iridoid glycosides, piasezkiiosides A (1) and B (2), were isolated from aqueous extract of the whole plant of Rehmannia piasezkii. Their structures were established from the spectroscopic data, chemical transformation, and X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 exhibited weak hepatoprotective activity against APAP-induced HepG2 cell damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new iridoid glycosides (1–4), rehmaglutosides L–O, were isolated from the air-dried roots of Rehmannia glutinosa. Their structures were established from the spectroscopic data obtained and by chemical evidence. The known mellittoside (5) and ajugol (6) were also obtained in the current investigation, and the structure of mellittoside was unequivocally defined using X-ray diffraction data. Compounds 1–6 were tested for their cytotoxicity against five human tumor cell lines and proliferation effects on Lactobacillus Reuteri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) are commonly used first-line drugs for treating cerebral thrombosis and stroke in China. However, the synchronized and targeted delivery of active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) poses a significant challenge for modern TCM formulations. Methods: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was modified using 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC), an analog of acetylcholine, and subsequently adsorbed the major PNS onto the modified albumin to produce MPC-BSA@PNS nanoparticles (NPs). This novel delivery system facilitated efficient and synchronized transport of PNS across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) through active transport mediated by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Results: In vitro experiments demonstrated that the transport rates of R1, Rg1, Rb1, and Rd across the BBB were relatively synchronous in MPC-BSA@PNS NPs compared to those in the PNS solution. Additionally, animal experiments revealed that the brain-targeting efficiencies of R1 + Rg1 + Rb1 in MPC-BSA@PNS NPs were 2.02 and 7.73 times higher than those in BSA@PNS NPs and the free PNS group, respectively. Conclusions: This study presents a simple and feasible approach for achieving the targeted delivery of complex active ingredient clusters in TCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phytochemical investigation on the aerial parts of Salvia deserta led to the isolation of eight new pentacyclic triterpenoids including three oleanane- (1 − 3) and five ursane-type (4 − 8) triterpenoids, whose structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic analysis and quantum chemical calculation. Weak immunosuppressive potency was observed for compounds 1, 2, and 4 − 8 via inhibiting the secretion of cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS-induced macrophages RAW264.7 at 20 μM. In addition, compounds 1, 2, and 4 − 6 exhibited moderate protective activity on t-BHP-induced oxidative injury in HepG2 cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Diastasis recti abdominis (DRA) is a condition in which the linea alba is stretched and widened, and the abdominal muscles are separated from each other. DRA typically occurs in pregnant and postpartum women. We aimed to determine the risk factors and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of DRA in Chinese postpartum women.Methods: This observational study was conducted in Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and involved 534 women who filled out the following risk-factor and PRO questionnaires: SF-MPQ-2, SF-ICIQ, LDQ, EPDS, MBIS, HerQles, and SF-36 (all Chinese versions). The inter-recti distance was measured by palpation. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS v25.0 software and the Mann–Whitney U-test, chi-square test, binary logistic regression analysis (for risk factors of DRA), and the Kendall and Spearman tests (for correlation analysis).Results: After childbirth, 78.1% (417/534) of the enrolled women had DRA. Abdominal surgery (P = 0.002), number of pregnancies (P = 0.035), parity (P = 0.012), number of births (P = 0.02), fetal birth weight (P = 0.014), and waist-to-hip ratio in the supine position (P = 0.045) significantly differed between the DRA and non-DRA groups. Caesarean delivery was an independent risk factor for DRA. The PROs were significantly worse in the DRA group than in the non-DRA group.Conclusion: Caesarean delivery was an independent risk factor for DRA. Women with DRA are more likely to have limited physical activity or function after childbirth, lower self-confidence, and a decreased quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a major world's most serious public health issues. Despite the remarkable effect of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) in inhibiting hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) as the first-line drug, there are several limitations still, such as poor antigen inhibition, drug resistance, low-level viremia, restricting patients' functional cure. Due to the constraints of NAs, traditional medicines, such as traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), have become more prevalently used and researched in the clinical treatment of CHB as complementary alternative therapies. As a consequence, the review focuses on the background based on HBV's life cycle as well as the NAs' limitations, progress based on direct and indirect pathway of targeting HBV of TCM, and challenges of TCM. We found TCMs play an increasingly important role in anti-HBV. In a direct antiviral way, they regulate HBV infection, replication, assembly, and other aspects of the HBV life cycle. As for indirect way, TCMs can exert anti-HBV effects through targeting the host, including immune regulation, apoptosis, autophagy, oxidative stress, etc. Especially, TCMs have the advantages of strong antigenic inhibition compared to NAs. Specifically, we can combine the benefits of TCMs in strong HBV antigen inhibition with the benefits of NAs in targeted antiviral effects, in order to find a suitable combination of "TCM + NAs" to contribute to Chinese knowledge of the realisation of the "global elimination of HBV by 2030" goal of the World Health Organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endometriosis is a common and complex syndrome characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. Chinese medicine has been recently found to show good efficacy in treating endometriosis. Our previous results revealed that Maqian fruit essential oil (MQEO) could inhibit the proliferation and induce apoptosis of ectopic endometrial stromal cells (EESCs), but the mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we aim to explore the molecular mechanism of MQEO's specific effects in EESCs. Methods: We conducted a quantitative proteomics analysis by iTRAQ on EESCs treated with MQEO or DMSO. Then deep analysis was performed based on differentially expressed proteins, including Gene Ontology enrichment analysis, pathway enrichment analysis and protein interaction analysis. Candidate protein targets were subsequently verified by western blotting. Results: Among 6575 identified proteins, 435 proteins exhibited altered expression levels in MQEO-treated EESCs. Of these proteins, most were distributed in signal transduction as well as immune system and the most significantly altered pathway was complement and coagulation cascades. Moreover, two differentially expressed proteins (Heme oxygenase 1 and Acyl-CoA 6-desaturase) were verified and they can be potential biomarkers for endometriosis treatment. Conclusions: Our proteomic analysis revealed distinct protein expression patterns induced by MQEO treatment in EESCs, highlighting the potential of MQEO for endometriosis treatment and biomarker discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the word Du (毒) in premodern Chinese medicine and culture. It highlights the paradoxical meaning of the word that served as a foundation for the therapeutic use of poisons in traditional Chinese medicine. The article then situates the study in a comparative framework. By comparing the Chinese notion of Du with the Greek concept of pharmakon , it demonstrates significant similarities on the medical use of poisons in the two cultures. It further identifies a striking difference: While the European pharmacy started to separate poisons from medicines in the medieval era, poisons remained an integral part of healing repertoire throughout imperial China. The article ends with offering some cultural explanations for this divergence, and more broadly, a distinct worldview as revealed by the intimate relationship between poisons and medicines in traditional Chinese pharmacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honeycomb (Nidus vespae) is traditional Chinese medicine and can treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and protocatechuic acid (PCA) is a bioactive component of honeycomb. This study aimed to investigate whether PCA could reduce the H2O2-induced migration and oxidative stress of RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RA-FLSs). H2O2-induced RA-FLSs were used to simulate the in vitro model of RA. The viability, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and oxidative stress of RA-FLSs were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling assay, wound healing, transwell assays, DCFDA staining, and malonaldehyde and superoxide dismutase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. The expression of migration and invasion-related proteins and Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway-related proteins was analyzed by western blotting. As a result, PCA suppressed the viability, migration, invasion, and oxidative and promoted apoptosis of H2O2-induced RA-FLSs by activating the Nrf2/Keap1 signaling pathway. ML-385, an Nrf2 inhibitor, could enhance the viability, migration, invasion, and oxidative and inhibited apoptosis of H2O2-induced RA-FLSs. In conclusion, PCA reduced H2O2-induced migration and oxidative stress of RA-FLSs by activating the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. In China, the traditional Chinese medicine compound Xuefu Zhuoyue prescription (XFZY) has been widely used in the therapy of coronary heart disease (CHD). Currently, several systematic reviews (SRs)/meta-analyses (MAs) of XFZY for the treatment of CHD have been published. This overview aims to evaluate the existing SRs/MAs and provide a scientific basis for evaluating the efficacy and safety of XFZY for the therapy of CHD. Methods. The SRs/MAs of XFZY for the treatment of CHD were obtained from 7 electronic databases with the search date set at March 7, 2022. Two researchers independently assessed the methodological quality, reporting quality, and evidence quality of the included SRs/MAs using the following tools: the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2), the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 (PRISMA 2020), and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. Results. A total of 11 SRs/MAs were included in this overview. All SRs/MAs assessed by means of AMSTAR-2 had more than one critical defect, so all SRs/MAs were rated low. Regarding the assessment of reporting quality, the results of PRISMA 2020 showed that none of the SRs/MAs were fully reported. In addition, the results of the GRADE assessment of the quality of evidence indicated that only one outcome was rated as high quality across all SRs/MAs. Conclusion. Current evidence suggests that XFZY is effective and safe for the management of patients with CHD. However, the high risk of bias of the original clinical studies and the low quality of the SRs/MAs reduced the reliability of the results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new aromatic glycoside (1) and twelve (2–13) known aromatic glycosides were isolated from the n-butyl alcohol of the 70% EtOH extract of the aerial part of Bupleurum chinense. Among them, compounds 4–7, 9, 11–13 were isolated from Umbelliferae plants for the first time. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and MS spectroscopy, and the absolute configuration of compound 1 was elucidated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 6 and 10 showed moderate cytotoxic activities on MGC-803 cell lines with IC50 values of 8.63 ± 0.08 and 13.65 ± 1.73 μM, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease characterized by wheezing and shortness of breath. Its risk factors include genetic and acquired factors. The acquired factors are closely related to the environment, especially cold conditions. Autophagy plays a regulatory role in asthma. Therefore, we hypothesized that asthma can be controlled by drug intervention at the autophagy level under cold conditions. The Xiaoqinglong decoction (XQLT) was freeze-dried. The compounds in the freeze-dried powder were identified and quantified using reference standards via the high-performance liquid chromatography method. Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized rats were subjected to cold stimulation. The effect of cold stimulation on autophagy levels was determined, and it was confirmed that cold stimulation affected autophagy. The effects and mechanisms of XQLT in an asthmatic rat model (OVA-sensitized rats stimulated with cold) were explored. The concentrations of paeoniflorin, liquiritin, trans-cinnamic acid, glycyrrhizic acid, 6-gingerol, schisandrol A, and asarinin in XQLT freeze-dried powder were 14.45, 3.85, 1.03, 3.93, 0.59, 0.24, and 0.091 mg/g, respectively. Cold stimulation is an important cause of asthma. The inflammatory factors in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum were increased in the model group, accompanied by a decline in autophagy level. The treatment with XQLT increased the expression of autophagy genes and decreased the expression of inflammatory factors. Histological studies showed that XQLT improved inflammatory infiltration and collagen fiber deposition in the lungs of rats. XQLT intervention increased autophagy in asthmatic rats. Autophagy plays a role in phagocytosis and reduces the accumulation of abnormal metabolites in the body to reduce airway inflammation and promote asthma recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As part of an ongoing project on Rehmannia species, three new pyridine alkaloides (glutinosines A − C), and one new iridoid analogue (rehmaglutin E), were isolated from the leaves of Rehmannia glutinosa. The structures of the new compounds were established by extensive spectroscopic analysis and electronic circular dichroism calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ginseng is a valuable herb in traditional Chinese medicine. Modern research has shown that it has various benefits, including tonifying vital energy, nourishing and strengthening the body, calming the mind, improving cognitive function, regulating fluids, and returning blood pressure, etc. Rg1 is a primary active component of ginseng. It protects hippocampal neurons, improves synaptic plasticity, enhances cognitive function, and boosts immunity. Furthermore, it exhibits anti-aging and anti-fatigue properties and holds great potential for preventing and managing neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). The objective of this study was to examine the role of Rg1 in treating chronic inflammatory NDDs and its molecular mechanisms. In vivo , we investigated the protective effects of Rg1 against chronic neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits in mice induced by 200 μg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 21 days using behavioral tests, pathological sections, Western blot, qPCR and immunostaining. In vitro experiments involved the stimulation of HT22 cells with 10 μg/ml of LPS, verification of the therapeutic effect of Rg1, and elucidation of its potential mechanism of action using H2DCFDA staining, BODIPY™ 581/591 C11, JC-1 staining, Western blot, and immunostaining. Firstly, it was found that Rg1 significantly improved chronic LPS-induced behavioral and cognitive dysfunction in mice. Further studies showed that Rg1 significantly attenuated LPS-induced neuronal damage by reducing levels of IL-6, IL-1β and ROS, and inhibiting AIM2 inflammasome. Furthermore, chronic LPS exposure induced the onset of neuronal ferroptosis by increasing the lipid peroxidation product MDA and regulating the ferroptosis-associated proteins Gpx4, xCT, FSP1, DMT1 and TfR, which were reversed by Rg1 treatment. Additionally, Rg1 was found to activate Nrf2 and its downstream antioxidant enzymes, such as HO1 and NQO1, both in vivo and in vitro. In vitro studies also showed that the Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 could inhibit the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-ferroptosis effects of Rg1. This study demonstrated that Rg1 administration ameliorated chronic LPS-induced cognitive deficits and neuronal ferroptosis in mice by inhibiting neuroinflammation and oxidative stress. The underlying mechanisms may be related to the inhibition of AIM2 inflammasome and activation of Nrf2 signaling. These findings provide valuable insights into the treatment of chronic neuroinflammation and associated NDDs. [Display omitted] • Rg1 ameliorates chronic LPS-induced behavioral deficits and neuronal damage in mice. • Rg1 treatment inhibits the AIM2 inflammasome in chronic LPS-induced mice. • Rg1 interrupts the vicious circle of LPS-induced neuronal oxidative stress and ferroptosis. • Rg1 treatment activates the Nrf2 pathway in chronic LPS-induced mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Gegen Qinlian decoction in the treatment of pediatric diarrhea. Methods. A search for relevant RCTs was performed from which a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. This meta-analysis was registered at INPLASY (reference number ID: INPLASY202180105). Results. (1) Eleven trials involving 1126 patients were included in the meta-analysis. (2) Two trials recorded the adverse events. (3) The meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, the experimental group has a significantly shorter duration of diarrhea in children (MD = −18.64, 95% CI (−23.76, −13.52), P < 0.00001), duration of fever (MD = −19.43, 95% CI (−25.76, −13.11), P < 0.00001), duration of vomiting [MD = −22.51, 95% CI (−29.92, −15.09), P < 0.00001 ], duration of correcting dehydration (MD = −23.35, 95% CI (−35.48, −11.22), P = 0.0002), and the effective rate (OR = 4.64, 95% CI (3.12, 6.90), P < 0.00001). Conclusion. There were significant differences in the clinical efficacy in the treatment of pediatric diarrhea between the experimental and control groups. Thus, Gegen Qinlian decoction may have certain advantages in the treatment of pediatric diarrhea. In addition, we conclude the following: (1) the application of Gegen Qinlian decoction to treat this disease is recommended for >5 days. (2) We recommend conducting multicenter RCTs to avoid the impact of regional differences on the results. (3) We recommend using the unmodified Gegen Qinlian decoction, which may have better efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meridians constitute the theoretical foundation of acupuncture in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and they have been described for 2000 years. Classical TCM advocates for the directionality of meridians. Finding an accurate method to verify this directionality is an important goal of TCM doctors and researchers. In this study, we objectively explored the physical properties of meridians, such as response current from electrical stimulation, to explore their directionality. The Agilent B1500A semiconductor measurement analyzer was utilized to input the alternating current waveforms and detect the response current on the meridians. The results showed that the direction of the meridians influences the intensity of the response current. Therefore, the mechanisms behind the directions of ion transportation and the meridians were investigated using the response time and the intensity of the response current. Thereafter, we propose a model to explain this mechanism. Afterward, a comparison between the direction of the meridian in this experiment and ancient Chinese medicine classics was performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lonicerae japonicae Flos, a traditional Chinese medicine, has the function of evacuating heat and detoxifying. To promote the optimization of Lonicerae japonicae Flos germplasms and improve the quality of medicinal materials, 55 batches of five Lonicerae japonicae Flos germplasms with the same origin were collected during different periods, a UHPLC‐TOF‐MS method was established, and 22 kinds of phenolic acids were found and qualitatively analysed. Seventeen phenolic acids were selected for quantitative analysis by UHPLC‐QqQ‐MS/MS, and the quantitative results were analysed by principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least squares‐discriminant analysis, and partial least squares discriminant analysis. The contents of phenolic acids in periods S1–S6 were found to be significantly different. There were also significant differences in the accumulation of phenolic acids in Lonicerae japonicae Flos during different growth periods. Ferulic acid, 5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid, and caffeic acid were determined to be important components to distinguish the different growth periods of Lonicerae japonicae Flos. There were significant differences in the phenolic acid content of different germplasms of Lonicerae japonicae Flos, and the total amount of 17 phenolic acids and total acids (chlorogenic acid, 3,5‐di‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid, and 4,5‐di‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid) in "Hua Jin No. 6" was highest, so the quality of "Hua Jin No. 6" was better than that of the four other germplasms. In addition, chlorogenic acid methyl ester and caffeic acid were the smallest markers in combination to distinguish the five germplasms of Lonicerae japonicae Flos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pinellia Tuber (the dried tuber of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Makino [Araceae]) (PT) is a crude drug used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Japanese Kampo medicine. PT is subjected to additional processing before use in TCM because of its toxic, while the processing has not been used in Kampo medicine. The aim of this study is to clarify the reason why the differences about the processing of PT between TCM and Kampo medicine have been appeared. We investigated successive literatures published in China and in Japan from the Han dynasty to the modern age. The descriptions about the processing of PT in China had appeared since the Later Han dynasty as washing, and after that, various processing methods have been recorded, such as boiling, steaming, making cakes, and fermenting to prepare PT malt (PTM) with various drug additives. The objective of the processing for PT was not only to remove its toxicity but to change drug properties, and several kinds of processed PT had been developed to treat different types of "phlegm" in the Ming dynasty. The current Chinese Pharmacopoeia recommends the use of processed PT to avoid the toxicity, and registers unprocessed PT as well as three kinds of processed PT except for PTM which had been deleted in 2015 edition. These processing methods for PT have been established in the Qing dynasty. The oldest description in Japan was appeared in 1363, and the processing methods had been influenced by the literatures in the Song dynasty. After that, the processed PT in Japan had mainly been PTM until the 18th century. In 1738, Shuan Kagawa wrote that PT should not be processed because its pharmacological effects disappeared and the toxicity of PT disappeared by preparing its decoction without processing. Then, the processing of PT has been unpopular, and the Japanese Pharmacopoeia has registered PT since 1939 without any processing. Compared to TCM, Japanese Kampo medicine has tended to avoid ideologism based on traditional knowledge and to adopt positivism. This policy has reflected the differences in the processing of PT between Kampo medicine and TCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To study the clinical efficacy of modified Yiwei Shengyang decoction combined with FOLFOX4 chemotherapy regimen in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer and its effect on tumor marker levels. Methods. A total of 106 patients with advanced gastric cancer who were treated in our hospital from September 2019 to September 2021 were recruited and assigned via random number allocation to receive either FOLFOX4 chemotherapy (control group) or modified Yiwei Shengyang decoction plus FOLFOX4 chemotherapy (observation group). Outcome measures included clinical efficacy and tumor marker levels. Results. Modified Yiwei Shengyang decoction plus FOLFOX4 chemotherapy was associated with a significantly higher efficacy (86.79%, including 22 (41.51%) cases of complete response (CR), 24 (45.28%) cases of partial response (PR), 6 (11.32%) cases of stable disease (SD), and 1 (1.89%) case of progressive disease (PD)) compared to FOLFOX4 chemotherapy alone (47.16%, including 10 (18.87%) cases of CR, 15 (28.30%) cases of PR, 21 (39.62%) cases of SD, and 7 (13.21%) cases of PD) (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the levels of CEA and CA19-9 between the two groups before treatment (P > 0.05). Modified Yiwei Shengyang decoction plus FOLFOX4 chemotherapy resulted in significantly lower levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) (2.08 ± 0.47, 15.12 ± 6.74) compared to FOLFOX4 chemotherapy alone (5.46 ± 1.84, 31.82 ± 7.48) (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Modified Yiwei Shengyang decoction plus FOLFOX4 chemotherapy regimen is effective in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer. It regulates the levels of various serum tumor markers in patients and controls the disease, so it is worthy of clinical application and promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aerial parts of Bupleurum Chinense DC. aromatic oil (BAO) were a well-known Chinese herbal medicine plant extract used to treat epilepsy. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of BAO on kainic acid- (KA-) induced epileptic rats and the possible mechanism of its antiepileptic effect. The composition and content of BAO were analyzed by GC-MS, and BAO was administered orally to alleviate the epileptic behavior induced by KA brain injection. The behavior of epileptic rats was determined by Racine grading criteria. And hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE), Nissl staining, immunohistochemistry, Elisa, Western blot, and other methods were used to study the antiepileptic mechanism of BAO, and the possible mechanism was verified by the epileptic cell model of hippocampal neurons induced by the low-Mg2+ extracellular fluid. BAO was mainly composed of terpenoids and aliphatic compounds. And BAO could improve KA-induced epilepsy-like behavior, neuroinflammation, and neurotransmitter abnormalities in the hippocampus. Furthermore, BAO could regulate the expression of GABA, NMDAR1, Notch1, and MAP2 to improve the symptoms of epilepsy. These results were also validated at the cellular level. These results indicated that BAO could alleviate the epilepsy-like behavior through the action of the Notch/NMDAR/GABA pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. This study discusses the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Yiqi Huayu Jiedu decoction (YQHYJD) and studies the intervening effect of YQHYJD on the inflammatory cytokines in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) rats by inhibiting the TLR4/NLRP3 signal pathway. The aim of the probe is to provide evidence to support the identification of therapeutic targets in Chinese medicine treatment, which broadens the alternatives for the treatment of ARDS. Method. A lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ARDS model group is established on rats by tail vein injection. A medicine group is established on ARDS rats by prophylactic administration using YQHYJD. Materials are collected, and tests are conducted according to experimental processes. Result. The rats in the medicine group gained weight compared with those in the ARDS model group. Pathological sections from the medicine group indicated improved condition in terms of pulmonary and interstitial edema in the lung tissues of rats compared with that from the ARDS model group. The percentage of neutrophil of the medicine group was significantly brought down compared with that of the ARDS model group (P < 0.001). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the changes in the level of inflammatory cytokines. It was observed that the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum of the medicine group significantly decreased (P < 0.001 and P < 0.01), the contents of TLR4 and NLRP3 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of the medicine group decreased, and the contents of TLR4 and NLRP3 in lung tissue homogenate of the medicine group significantly decreased (P < 0.05 , P < 0.001 , P < 0.01 , and P < 0.05). In further mass spectrum identification of the proteins from the same animal groups, it was observed that the expressions of inflammatory proteins TNFRSF1, LBP, and NOS2 of the medicine group were reduced. The differences were statistically significant. Conclusions. The pharmacological action of YQHYJD's anti-inflammatory mechanism is closely associated with the regulation of inflammatory cytokines TLR4, NLRP3, IL-1β, IL-18, TNFRSF1, LBP, and NOS2 on the TLR4/NLRP3 signal pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese medicines are an important class of natural products mainly derives from animals, plants and minerals, most of which need to be improved and processed before clinical use due to their own hard texture, impurities or toxicity. As an important part of solid excipients, mineral excipients that contain some metal elements play indispensable and unique roles in the pretreatment process of traditional Chinese medicine. However, deficiency of holistic understanding of the effect of mineral excipients hinders their application and development. This article reviews several mineral excipients including alumen, talci pulvis, soil, soda lime, halloysitum rubrum and cinnabaris systemically. Their processing significance on traditional Chinese medicines were revealed from components, pharmacodynamics and mechanism aspects. Furthermore, prospect and problems including processing technologies, quality standards of mineral excipients and processing mechanism were put forward. This review supply comprehensive information for better and scientific usage of mineral excipients in processing traditional Chinese medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. We analyzed the efficacy and pharmacological mechanisms of action of Zhen Ren Yang Zang decoction (ZRYZD) on ulcerative colitis (UC) using meta-analysis and network pharmacology. Methods. The major databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of ZRYZD for the treatment of UC. Meta-analysis of the efficacy of ZRYZD on UC was conducted using RevMan software. Active compounds and target genes were acquired using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform. UC-related genes were searched using the GeneCards database. Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were performed using RGUI. A compound-target network was constructed using Cytoscape software, and a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using the STRING database. Molecular docking simulations of the macromolecular protein targets and their corresponding ligand compounds were performed using the AutoDock tool and AutoDock Vina software. Results. Meta-analysis revealed that the total effective rate and recovery rate of clinical efficacy were significantly higher in the experimental group than those of the control group. The screening identified 169 active compounds and 277 active target genes for ZRYZD. The 277 active target genes were compared with the 4,798 UC-related genes. This identified 187 active target genes of ZRYZD for UC that correlated with 138 active compounds. GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and compound-target and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed. The key compounds and key target proteins were then selected. Finally, target protein binding with the corresponding compound was analyzed using molecular docking. Conclusion. Our findings demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of ZRYZD for the treatment of UC and provide insight into the underlying pharmacological mechanisms of action. Furthermore, key compounds were identified, laying the foundation for future studies on ZRYZD for the treatment of UC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traditional Chinese medicines are an important class of natural products mainly derives from animals, plants and minerals, most of which need to be improved and processed before clinical use due to their own hard texture, impurities or toxicity. As an important part of solid excipients, mineral excipients that contain some metal elements play indispensable and unique roles in the pretreatment process of traditional Chinese medicine. However, deficiency of holistic understanding of the effect of mineral excipients hinders their application and development. This article reviews several mineral excipients including alumen, talci pulvis, soil, soda lime, halloysitum rubrum and cinnabaris systemically. Their processing significance on traditional Chinese medicines were revealed from components, pharmacodynamics and mechanism aspects. Furthermore, prospect and problems including processing technologies, quality standards of mineral excipients and processing mechanism were put forward. This review supply comprehensive information for better and scientific usage of mineral excipients in processing traditional Chinese medicines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Liuweiwuling Tablet (LWWL) is a licensed Chinese patent medicine (approval number: Z20060238) included in the national health insurance for anti-inflammation of chronic HBV infection, whereas its anti-HBV effect remains clarification. The study aimed to clarify its antiviral effect and related mechanisms. HepG2.2.15 cells (wild-type HBV-replicating cells) and HepG2. A64 cells (entecavir-resistant HBV-replicating cells) were used for in vitro test. Hydrodynamic injection-mediated HBV-replicating mouse model was used for in vivo test. Active compounds and related mechanisms for antiviral effect of LWWL were analyzed using network pharmacology and transcriptomics. The inhibition rates of LWWL (0.8 mg/ml) on HBV DNA, HBsAg, and pgRNA were 57.06, 38.55, and 62.49% in HepG2.2.15 cells, and 51.57, 17.57, and 53.88% in HepG2. A64 cells, respectively. LWWL (2 g kg−1 d−1 for 4 weeks)-treated mice had 1.16 log10 IU/mL decrease of serum HBV DNA, and more than 50% decrease of serum HBsAg/HBeAg and hepatic HBsAg/HBcAg. Compared to tenofovir control, LWWL was less effective in suppressing HBV DNA but more effective in suppressing HBV antigens. Thirteen differentially-expressed genes were found in relation to HBV-host interaction and some of them were enriched in interferon (IFN)-β pathway in LWWL-treated HepG2.2.15 cells. CD3+CD4+ T-cell frequency and serum IFN-γ were significantly increased in LWWL-treated mice compared to LWWL-untreated mice. Among 26 compounds with potential anti-HBV effects that were predicted by network pharmacology, four compounds (quercetin, luteolin, wogonin, and kaempferol) were experimentally confirmed to have antiviral potency. In conclusion, LWWL had potent inhibitory effect on both wild-type and entecavir-resistant HBV, which might be associated with increasing IFN-β and IFN-γ production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acupuncture has promising effects on chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), but high-quality evidence is scarce.Objective: To assess the long-term efficacy of acupuncture for CP/CPPS.Design: Multicenter, randomized, sham-controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03213938).Setting: Ten tertiary hospitals in China.Participants: Men with moderate to severe CP/CPPS, regardless of prior exposure to acupuncture.Intervention: Twenty sessions of acupuncture or sham acupuncture over 8 weeks, with 24-week follow-up after treatment.Measurements: The primary outcome was the proportion of responders, defined as participants who achieved a clinically important reduction of at least 6 points from baseline on the National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index at weeks 8 and 32. Ascertainment of sustained efficacy required the between-group difference to be statistically significant at both time points.Results: A total of 440 men (220 in each group) were recruited. At week 8, the proportions of responders were 60.6% (95% CI, 53.7% to 67.1%) in the acupuncture group and 36.8% (CI, 30.4% to 43.7%) in the sham acupuncture group (adjusted difference, 21.6 percentage points [CI, 12.8 to 30.4 percentage points]; adjusted odds ratio, 2.6 [CI, 1.8 to 4.0]; P < 0.001). At week 32, the proportions were 61.5% (CI, 54.5% to 68.1%) in the acupuncture group and 38.3% (CI, 31.7% to 45.4%) in the sham acupuncture group (adjusted difference, 21.1 percentage points [CI, 12.2 to 30.1 percentage points]; adjusted odds ratio, 2.6 [CI, 1.7 to 3.9]; P < 0.001). Twenty (9.1%) and 14 (6.4%) adverse events were reported in the acupuncture and sham acupuncture groups, respectively. No serious adverse events were reported.Limitation: Sham acupuncture might have had certain physiologic effects.Conclusion: Compared with sham therapy, 20 sessions of acupuncture over 8 weeks resulted in greater improvement in symptoms of moderate to severe CP/CPPS, with durable effects 24 weeks after treatment.Primary Funding Source: China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences and the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed at exploring the possible mechanism of action of the Suanzaoren decoction (SZRD) in the treatment of Parkinson's disease with sleep disorder (PDSD) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) was used to screen the bioactive components and targets of SZRD, and their targets were standardized using the UniProt platform. The disease targets of "Parkinson's disease (PD)" and "Sleep disorder (SD)" were collected by OMIM, GeneCards, and DisGeNET databases. Thereafter, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING platform and visualized by Cytoscape (3.7.2) software. Then, the DAVID platform was used to analyze the Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway. Cytoscape (3.7.2) software was also used to construct the network of the "herb-component-target-pathway." The core active ingredients and core action targets of the drug were verified by molecular docking using AutoDock software. A total of 135 Chinese herbal components and 41 corresponding targets were predicted for the treatment of PDSD using SZRD. Fifteen important signaling pathways were screened, such as the cancer pathway, TNF signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, and Toll-like receptor signaling pathway. The results of molecular docking showed that the main active compounds could bind to the representative targets and exhibit good affinity. This study revealed that SZRD has the characteristics and advantages of "multicomponent, multitarget, and multipathway" in the treatment of PDSD; among these, the combination of the main active components of quercetin and kaempferol with the key targets of AKT1, IL6, MAPK1, TP53, and VEGFA may be one of the important mechanisms. This study provides a theoretical basis for further study of the material basis and molecular mechanism of SZRD in the treatment of PDSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neuroprotective Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been practiced in alternative medicine from early days. TCM-derived neuroprotective compounds, such as Chrysin, Cannabidiol, Toonasinoids, and β-asaron, exert significant effectiveness's towards Parkinson's disease (PD). Further, these neuroprotective TCM showed antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-septic, analgesic properties. Recent research showed that the reduction in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) decreased the α-synuclein (α-syn) toxicity and enhanced the dopaminergic neuron regenerations, the main hallmarks of PD. Therefore, the neuroprotective effects of novel TCM due to its antiradical activities needed deep investigations. This review aims to enlighten the neuroprotective TCM and its components with their antioxidative properties to the scientific community for future research. The relevant information on the neuroprotective TCM was gathered from scientific databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, Wiley Online Library, ACS Publications, and CNKI). Information was also gained from MS and Ph.D. thesis, books, and online databases. The literature cited in this review dates from 2001 to June 2, 0201. Novel therapies for PD are accessible, mostly rely on Rivastigmine and Donepezil, offers to slow down the progression of disease at an early stage but embraces lots of disadvantages. Researchers are trying to find a potential drug against PD, which is proficient at preventing or curing the disease progress, but still needed to be further identified. Oxidative insult and mitochondrial dysfunction are thought to be the main culprit of neurodegenerations. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the only causative agent in all interactions, leading to PD, from mitochondrial dysfunctions, α-syn aggregative toxicity, and DA neurons degenerations. It is evident from the redox balance, which seems an imperative therapeutic approach against PD and was necessary for the significant neuronal activities. Our study is explaining the newly discovered TCM and their neuroprotective and antioxidative properties. But also bring up the possible treatment approaches against PD for future researchers. [Display omitted] • Novel Neuroprotective Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and their components. • Antioxidant properties and neuroprotective drugs. • Oxidative Stress and TCM. • NMR receptors Inhibitory activity. • Directions of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of androgens on follicular development and female reproduction has become an active research topic. Moxibustion is a Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy that has been reported to be able to prevent and treat numerous ovary-related problems. However, studies on the effect of moxibustion for diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) on androgen balance are still lacking. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy of moxibustion intervention prior to disease onset and at the early stage of disease in a rat model of DOR and explore the mechanisms of its effect on ovarian function. A total of 32 rats were randomly divided into four groups: Blank group, Model group (a drug-induced model of DOR), Moxibustion group 1 and Moxibustion group 2. Moxibustion was performed on the BL23 and RN4 acupoints of female rats daily for a total of 20 days (once a day, five times a week for a total of 4 weeks). The two moxibustion groups were established with different intervention times: One group was subjected to pre-disease intervention and the other group to early-disease intervention. The ovarian function was evaluated by detecting anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), testosterone (T), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and androgen receptor (AR) levels in the serum or the ovary samples. To further investigate the downstream regulatory factors for AR after moxibustion treatment for pre-disease or early-disease intervention, FSH receptor (FSHR) and microRNA (miR)-125b expression in ovaries were also analyzed. The results indicated that AMH and DHT levels were reduced in the model group compared with those in the blank group, while FSH, T and DHEA levels were increased. AMH and DHT levels were increased in Moxibustion group 1 compared with those in the model group, while FSH, T and DHEA levels were reduced. There was no difference in E2 levels between Moxibustion group 1 and the model group. Compared with that in the model group, the AR content in the ovary was increased in Moxibustion group 1. There was no difference in FSHR mRNA in the ovaries between Moxibustion group 1 and the model group. miR-125b levels were significantly increased in Moxibustion group 1 as compared with those in the model group. Furthermore, AMH and DHT levels were increased in Moxibustion group 2 compared with those in the model group, while FSH, T and DHEA levels were reduced. E2 levels were significantly decreased in Moxibustion group 2 compared with those in the model group. The relative mRNA expression of AR, FSHR and miR-125b was decreased following establishment of the model. Compared with that in the model group, the AR content in the ovary was increased in Moxibustion group 2. In comparison with the blank and model groups, the FSHR content in the ovary of Moxibustion group 2 was significantly increased. miR-125b levels were not obviously altered in Moxibustion group 2 as compared with those in the model group. In addition, there was no significant difference in AMH, FSH, T and DHEA levels between the two moxibustion groups. E2 and DHT levels were higher in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2. There was no difference in AR mRNA expression between the two moxibustion groups. FSHR mRNA levels were lower in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2, while miR-125b mRNA levels were higher in Moxibustion group 1 than in Moxibustion group 2. In conclusion, the present study suggested that moxibustion intervention prior to disease onset and at the early disease stage was able to improve ovarian function via modulation of the AR-mediated stable equilibrium of androgens. However, the effects and mechanisms of moxibustion intervention for pre-disease and early-disease intervention of DOR appear to be different. The appropriate duration of treatment and the time-effect relationship require to be further studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed phytochemical investigation on the traditional Chinese medicine Swertia pseudochinensis Hara led to the isolation of ten undescribed secoiridoids and fifteen known analogs. Their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis (including 1D and 2D NMR, and HRESIMS). Selected isolates were assayed for their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, and moderate anti-inflammatory activity via inhibiting the secretion of cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α in macrophages RAW264.7 induced by LPS were observed. Antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was not found at 100 μM. Ten undescribed secoiridoids and fifteen known analogs were isolated from Swertia pseudochinensis. Moderate anti-inflammatory activity was observed for these isolates. [Display omitted] • 25 secoirdoids were isolated from the medicinal plant Swertia pseudochinensis. • 10 undescribed secoirdoids were firstly discovered in this study. • Anti-inflammatory activity was observed for these secoirdoids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root of Croton crassifolius has been used as a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), called Radix Croton Crassifolius, and commonly known as "Ji Gu Xiang" in Chinese. Its medicinal value has been recorded in several medical books or handbooks, such as "Sheng Cao Yao Xing Bei Yao", "Ben Cao Qiu Yuan" and "Zhong Hua Ben Cao". It has been traditional employed for treating sore throat, stomach-ache, rheumatism and cancer. At present, there are limited studies on the evaluation of low-polarity extracts of roots in C. crassifolius. Consequently, the aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumor effect of the low-polarity extract of C. crassifolius root. Extracts were obtained by supercritical fluid extraction. The extracts were tested for antitumor effects in vitro on several cancer cell lines. A CCK-8 kit was used for further analysis of cell viability. A flow cytometer and propidium iodide staining were used to evaluate the cell cycle and apoptosis. Hoechst staining, JC-1 staining and the fluorescence probe DCFH-DA were used to evaluate apoptotic cells. Molecular mechanisms of action were analyzed by quantitative RT‒PCR and Western blotting. Immunohistochemistry was used for the evaluation of xenograft tumors in male BALB/c mice. Finally, molecular docking was employed to predict the bond between the desired bioactive compound and molecular targets. Eleven diterpenoids were isolated from low-polarity C. crassifolius root extracts. Among the compounds, chettaphanin II showed the strongest activity (IC 50 = 8.58 μM) against A549 cells. Evaluation of cell viability and the cell cycle showed that Chettaphanin II reduced A549 cell proliferation and induced G2/M-phase arrest. Chttaphanin II significantly induced apoptosis in A549 cells, which was related to the level of apoptosis-related proteins. The growth of tumor tissue was significantly inhibited by chettaphanin II in experiments performed on naked mice. The antitumor mechanism of chettaphanin II is that it can obstruct the mTOR/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in A549 cells. Molecular docking established that chettaphanin II could bind to the active sites of Bcl-2 and Bax. Taken together, the natural diterpenoid chettaphanin II was identified as the major antitumor active component, and its potential for developing anticancer therapies was demonstrated for the first time by antiproliferation evaluation in vitro and in vivo. [Display omitted] • Eleven diterpenoids were obtained from the SFE extract of C. crassifolius roots. • Chettaphanin II showed the strongest antitumor activity against A549 cells. • Chettaphanin II inhibited A549 cell proliferation and arrested cells in G2/M-phase. • Chettaphanin II induced A549 cell apoptosis by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. • Chettaphanin II significantly inhibited the growth of tumor tissue in nude mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The WRKY transcription factors is one of the largest families of transcription factors (TFs) in plants and involved in multiple biological processes. However, the role of the WRKY family had not been reported in Eucommia ulmoides. In this study, 45 WRKY genes (EuWRKY1 - 45) with conserved WRKY domain were identified in E. ulmoides and classified into three groups. The group II was further divided into five subgroups based on phylogenetic analysis, and each clade was well supported by the conserved motifs. All the genes were located on 34 different scaffolds respectively. A number of development-, light-, hormone-, and stress-related elements were randomly distributed in the promoter sequences of EuWRKYs. Expression profiles indicated that EuWRKY genes were involved in leaf development, and majority of EuWRKYs genes were highly expressed in leaf buds. Co-expression analysis of WRKYs suggested an intricate interplay of growth-related responses. EuWRKY4 was involved in a complex proteins interaction network. Collectively, our results provide extensive insights into the WRKY gene family, thereby contributing to the screening of additional candidate genes in E. ulmoides. • Eucommia ulmoides Oliver (E. ulmoides), a single species of Eucommia genus belonging to the Eucommiaceae family, is an endemic in China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. • E. ulmoides is also well-known as a "hardy rubber" tree that produces trans-polyisoprene rubber in the leaves, bark, and pericarp. • The WRKY protein is one of the largest superfamily of transcription factors (TFs) in higher plants, which play vital regulatory roles in developmental and physiological processes such as seed dormancy, embryo morphogenesis, plant growth, senescence, and metabolism. • Furthermore, WRKY transcription factors are involved in response to various biotic stresses and abiotic stresses such as bacterial, fungal, nematodal, wounding, heat, drought, salinity, cold and hormone stress. • However, the studies on the role of WRKY in E. ulmoides are very limited. • In the present study, we performed for the first time genome-wide identification of the WRKY gene family in E. ulmoides , followed by detailed bioinformatics analysis, and we studied the expression patterns of EuWRKYs in different growth stages and gutta percha of leaves. • A total of 45 EuWRKY genes from E. ulmoides were identified and systematically analyzed, including their phylogenetic relationships, scaffold location, conserved motifs, evolutionary patterns, and divergence. • The results showed that EuWRKYs were involved in leaf development, and majority of EuWRKYs genes were highly expressed in leaf buds. • Co-expression analysis of EuWRKYs suggested that EuWRKY4 was a hub gene involving in a complex proteins interaction network. • The results of this study will provide the foundation for functional characterization of the EuWRKY genes in E. ulmoides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin is susceptible to premature aging in response to ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced oxidative stress, which can ultimately result in aberrant aging or age-related disorders. Accordingly, strategies that can be adopted to mitigate oxidative stress may contribute to protecting skin from induced aging-related damage, thereby offering promising approaches for the treatment of skin diseases and disorders. In this regard, oroxylin A (OA), a natural flavonoid isolated from certain plants used in traditional Chinese medicine, is considered to have notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties, and is often used to treat certain inflammatory diseases. To date, however, there has been comparatively little research on the effects of OA with respect skin aging. In this study, we utilized UV radiation-induced mouse and cellular models of aging to assess the efficacy of OA in protecting against skin aging. Subsequently, to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effect of OA on skin aging, we performed molecular docking analysis to investigate the involvement of the anti-aging gene Sirt1, which was further confirmed on the basis of Sirt1 gene silencing. We accordingly demonstrated that by promoting an increase in the expression of Sirt1, OA can contribute to suppressing UV-induced skin photo-aging in cells/mice by reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, we established that by activating Sirt1, OA can also promote the dissociation of Nrf2 from Keap1 and its subsequent nuclear translocation. Collectively, our findings in this study reveal OA to be an effective natural compound that can be administered to delay the aging of skin triggered by UV, both in vivo and in vitro, by binding to Sirt1 to promote the deacetylation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2, thereby contributing to a reduction in oxidative stress. These findings may this provide a therapeutic target for the prevention of skin aging or aging-induced skin diseases. [Display omitted] ● Oroxylin A can reduce skin aging caused by ultraviolet radiation. ● Oroxylin A prevents ultraviolet-irradiated premature skin aging by regulation of oxidative stress. ● Oroxylin A can play an anti-skin aging role by activating the Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quality of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) directly impacts their clinical efficacy and drug safety, making standardization a critical component of modern TCMs. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) is an effective physical detection method with speed, sensitivity, and suitability for large sample analyses. In this study, a SERS analysis method was developed using a nano-silver sol as the matrix to address the interference of fluorescence components in TCMs and overcome the limitations of traditional detection methods. The higher sensitivity and efficiency of SERS was used, enabling detection of a single sample within 30 s. Coptis chinensis Franch. (CCF) was chosen as the model medicine, the nano-silver sol was used as the matrix, and CCF's fourteen main fluorescent alkaloids were tested as index components. Typical signal peaks of the main components in CCF corresponded to the bending deformation of the nitrogen-containing ring plane outer ring system, methoxy stretching vibration, and isoquinoline ring deformation vibration. Through SERS detection of different parts, the distribution content of the main active components in the cortex of CCF was found to be lower than that in the xylem and phloem. Additionally, rapid quality control analyses indicated that among the nine batches of original medicinal materials purchased from Emei and Guangxi, the main active ingredient showed a higher content. A SERS-based method for the rapid localization and analysis of multiple components of TCMs was established. The findings highlight the potential of SERS as a valuable tool for the analysis and quality control of TCMs, especially for fluorescent components. [Display omitted] • Coptis chinensis Franch. (CCF) was chosen as the model medicine, and its fourteen main fluorescent alkaloids were tested as index components. • The nano-silver sol as the matrix was established to quickly identify the content differences of three drug parts of CCF: xylem, phloem and cortex. • The rapid identification of CCF from nine different batches of producing areas was carried out by surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). • A new method for the localization of multi-component of traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) was provided, especially for fluorescent components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin is affected by endogenous and exogenous factors, which are the intuitive consequence expression of aging. Aging not only affects the aesthetics of the skin but also causes the decline of skin functions, leading to many skin diseases and even skin cancer. Anti-aging formula (AAF) has various biological effects such as antioxidants, regulation of intestinal flora metabolism, anti-aging, and memory improvement. However, it is not clarified whether it could be anti-aging of the skin and the anti-aging mechanism. This study aimed to investigate whether AAF could prevent skin from oxidative stress-induced senescence and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. A mouse skin oxidative stress aging model was established based on ultraviolet (UV) irradiation, and parameters such as skin water content, melanogenesis, wrinkle production, pathological changes, and aging marker proteins were measured to elucidate whether AAF has an anti-aging effect on the skin. Subsequently, transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) was used to identify target genes. An in vitro cellular senescence model was established to assess the role of AAF against cellular oxidative stress senescence by detecting senescence-related markers, while the specific mechanism of action of AAF in delaying skin senescence was elucidated by silencing or overexpression of targets. In vivo experiments demonstrated that AAF significantly increased skin water content, reduced skin sensitivity and melanin content, slowed wrinkles, improved UV-induced epidermal thickening, increased collagen fiber content, improved elastic fiber morphology, and reduced the expression of senescence proteins P21 and P16 in skin tissues. The RNA-Seq results identified chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) as one of the potential targets for delaying skin senescence. In vitro experiments showed that AAF markedly improved the aging phenotype, and knockdown or overexpression experiments verified the essential role of CXCR2 in the skin senescence process. Mechanistic studies suggested that AAF inhibited the P38/P53 pathway by reducing CXCR2 expression, which improved the aging phenotype, reduced oxidative damage, and ultimately delayed cellular senescence. The results reveal that AAF protects skin from oxidative stress-induced senescence by regulating the expression of critical target CXCR2, reducing P38 protein phosphorylation, and inhibiting P53 pathway activation. These discoveries implicate the potential of AAF in the protection of skin aging disease. [Display omitted] • The therapeutic effect of AAF on skin aging was investigated. • AAF was effective in improving skin aging. • CXCR2/P38/P53 pathway may be mechanism of anti-aging in AAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a major pathogen colonized in the human stomach and is implicated in gastritis, peptic ulcer, and gastric carcinoma. Antibiotics are useful for eradicating H. pylori but failed for drug resistance, making it urgent to develop effective and safe drugs. Rhizoma Coptidis was reported as one of the most effective Chinese medicines to treat H. pylori -related gastrointestinal diseases, while the precise antimicrobial mechanism remains unclear. Thus, it is of great significance to study the antimicrobial ingredients and corresponding mechanisms of Rhizoma Coptidis. To search for the most effective alkaloid against H. pylori in Rhizoma Coptidis and illustrate the probable mechanisms. Five main alkaloids in Rhizoma Coptidis were isolated. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were tested to determine the most effective one. Bacterial growth experiments, Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, TUNEL staining, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were performed to further study the anti- H. pylori activity of coptisine (Cop). The in vivo effect of Cop on H. pylori eradication rate and H. pylori -induced inflammation was investigated in mice. Transcriptomics was used to understand the underlying mechanism of eradicating H. pylori and reducing host inflammation. Western blot, RT-PCR, and ELISA experiments were utilized and confirmed that cagA was one of the targets of Cop. According to the MIC and MBC, Cop was the most effective alkaloid against H. pylori , especially with no drug resistance developed. In vitro experiments showed that Cop inhibited H. pylori by inducing DNA fragmentation, phosphatidylserine exposure, and membrane damage. Cop (150 mg/kg/day) effectively eradicated H. pylori in mice and reduced the levels of IL-2 and IL-6 to relieve gastric inflammation. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that virulence factor cagA was one of the hub genes associated with the inflammation-improving effect of Cop. That is, Cop could decrease the expression of CagA and subsequently reduce the translocation of CagA to gastric epithelial cells, thereby improving the morphology of hummingbird-like phenotype induced by CagA and alleviating inflammation. Cop is the most effective alkaloid in Rhizoma Coptidis and might act through multiple mechanisms for H. pylori eradication along with reducing the expression of CagA to alleviate inflammation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyrhachis vicina Roger (P. vicina), a traditional Chinese medicinal animal, has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, cancer, and other conditions. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, our previous pharmacological investigations have demonstrated that it is effective against cancer, depression, and hyperuricemia. Nevertheless, the key active components and targets of P. vicina in cancers are still unexplored. The study aimed to evaluate the pharmacological treatment mechanism of the active fraction of P. vicina (AFPR) in treating colorectal cancer (CRC) and to further reveal its active ingredients and key targets. To examine the inhibitory impact of AFPR on CRC growth, tumorigenesis assays, cck-8 assays, colony formation assays, and MMP detection were utilized. The primary components of AFPR were identified by GC-MS analysis. The network pharmacology, molecular docking, qRT-PCR, western blotting, CCK-8 assays, colony formation assay, Hoechst staining, Annexin V-FITC/PI double staining, and MMP detection were performed to pick out the active ingredients and potential key targets of AFPR. The function of Elaidic acid on necroptosis was investigated through siRNA interference and the utilization of inhibitors. Elaidic acid's effectiveness to suppress CRC growth in vivo was assessed using a tumorigenesis experiment. Studies confirmed that AFPR prevented CRC from growing and evoked cell death. Elaidic acid was the main bioactive ingredient in AFPR that targeted ERK. Elaidic acid greatly affected the ability of SW116 cells to form colonies, produce MMP, and undergo necroptosis. Additionally, Elaidic acid promoted necroptosis predominantly by activating ERK/RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL. According to our findings, Elaidic acid is the main active component of AFPR, which induced necroptosis in CRC through the activation of ERK. It represents a promising alternative therapeutic option for CRC. This work provided experimental support for the therapeutic application of P. vicina Roger in the treatment of CRC. [Display omitted] • The active fraction of Polyrhachis vicina Roger (AFPR) inhibited CRC growth in vivo and in vitro. • Network pharmacology and molecular docking predicted ERK might be the key target of AFPR in antagonizing CRC. • Elaidic acid was a key active component of AFPR and induced necroptosis. • Elaidic acid induced necroptosis via ERK activation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese Ecliptae herba (Eclipta prostrata (L.) L.) is an ethnomedicinal herb, which is used mainly to nourish kidney and thus strengthen bones according to traditional Chinese medicine theory. Pharmacological studies have supported the ethnomedicine use, showing that Ecliptae herba extract has an anti-osteoporotic effect in vivo and promoted osteoblast proliferation and activity in vitro. However, the molecular mechanism of Ecliptae herba on osteoblast differentiation from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC), the progenitors of osteoblasts, is still unclear. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mRNA epigenetic modification may play a key role in promoting osteoblastic differentiation, and thus treating osteoporosis. This study sought to assess the mechanism through which Eclipate herba and its component wedelolactone influence m6A modification during the process of osteoblastogenesis from BMSC. The alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red S (ARS) staining were applied to determine osteoblastogenesis from BMSC. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR were performed. RNA sequencing analysis was used to determine the characteristics of m6A methylation. Stable knocking down of METTL3 using lentiviral-based shRNA was performed. Upon 9 d treatment of BMSC with ethyl acetate extract of Ecliptae herba (MHL), ALP activity and ossification level increased in comparison with osteogenic medium (OS)-treated control. The expression of methyltransferase METTL3 and METTL14 was significantly increased, but WTAP expression had no change in response to MHL treatment. Knocking down of METTL3 resulted in a decrease in MHL-induced ALP activity, ossification level as well as mRNA expression of Osterix and Osteocalcin , two bone formation-related markers. The level of m6A increased when BMSC was treated with MHL for 9 d. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that MHL treatment altered mRNA m6A modification of genes associated with osteoblastogenesis. By kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, HIF-1α, PI3K/Akt, and Hippo signaling pathways were enriched and associated with m6A modification. The expression of m6A-modified genes including HIF-1α, VEGF-A, and RASSF1, was upregulated by MHL, but the upregulation was reversed after METTL3 knockdown. Additionally, the enhanced expression of METTL3 was also observed after treatment with wedelolactone, a component from MHL. These results suggested a previously uncharacterized mechanism of MHL and wedelolactone on osteoblastogenesis, by which METTL3-mediated m6A methylation is involved and thus contributes to the enhancement of osteoblastogenesis. [Display omitted] • m6A mechanism for Ecliptae herba-enhanced osteoblastogenesis is firstly proposed. • The mechanism relies on upregulated methyltransferase METTL3 and increased m6A level. • HIF-1α, VEGF-A and RASSF1 expression is regulated by METTL3. • Wedelolactone, a component from Ecliptae herba, contributes for METTL3-mediated m6A methylation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanism of the traditional Chinese medicine Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk in rats with complete Freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The chemical targets and RA targets of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk were acquired by the network pharmacological method. The complete Freund's adjuvant-induced rat RA model was used to further explore the mechanism of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk in improving RA. Pathological changes in the volume of toes, body weight and synovial tissues of joints as well as serum inflammatory factor levels before and after the intervention of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk were investigated. The key metabolic pathways were screened by correlations between metabolites and key targets. Finally, a quantitative analysis of key targets and metabolites was experimentally validated. Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk administration increased body weight, mitigated foot swelling and downregulated inflammatory cytokine levels in model rats. The histopathology showed that treatment with Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk can induce inflammatory cell infiltration and synovial hyperplasia and obviously reduce cartilage injuries, thus improving arthritis symptoms in rats. According to the network pharmacology-metabonomics association analysis results, the purine metabolic signaling pathway might be the key pathway for RA intervention with Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk. Targeted metabonomics, Western blotting (WB) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT‒PCR) assays showed that the recombinant adenosine deaminase (ADA) mRNA expression level and metabolic level of inosine in Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk administration group were lower than those of the model group. This reflected that Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk could improve RA by downregulating ADA mRNA expression levels and the metabolic level of inosine in the purine signaling pathway. Based on the "component-disease-target" association analysis, this study concludes that Saposhnikovia divaricata (Trucz.) Schischk improves complete Freund's adjuvant-induced RA symptoms in rats mainly by downregulating ADA mRNA expression levels in the purine metabolic signaling pathway, mitigating foot swelling, improving the levels of serum inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α), and decreasing the ADA protein expression level to intervene in purine metabolism. [Display omitted] • Saposhnikovia divaricate (Trucz.) Schischk administration is beneficial for Rheumatoid Arthritis. • Saposhnikovia divaricate (Trucz.) Schischk mediates ADA levels in the purine signaling pathway. • Saposhnikovia divaricate (Trucz.) Schischk improves CFA-induced metabolite disturbance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coptis chinensis Franch. (CCF), as an extensively used traditional Chinese medicine, has therapeutic effects on Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its mechanism of action has not yet been elucidated. This study aims to reveal the mechanism of action of CCF via the gut-brain axis, and provide a new strategy for the clinical treatment of AD. APP swe /PS1ΔE9 mice were used as AD models, and were given CCF extract by intragastric administration. Barnes maze was used to test the therapeutic effect of CCF on the treatment of AD. To reveal the mechanism of action of CCF in the treatment of AD, Vanquish Flex UHPLC-orbitrap fusion lumos mass was chosen to detect endogenous differential metabolite; MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was applied to derive relevant metabolic pathways; similarly, to explore the effects of CCF on the gut-brain axis, Vanquish Flex UPLC-Orbitrap fusion lumos mass was utilized to detect the changes in the content of SCFAs in AD mice after CCF administration; the prototype components and metabolites in CCF were identified by UPLC/ESI/qTOF-MS, then their effects on Bifidobacterium breve were explored. CCF shortened the latency time of AD mice, improved the target quadrant ratio of AD mice, and made the maze roadmap simpler of AD mice; CCF regulated fifteen potential metabolites of AD mice, interestingly, ILA (indole-3-lactic acid) in SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids) was also included; CCF acted on histidine and phenylalanine metabolic pathways of AD mice; CCF increased the contents of acetic acid and ILA in AD mice; magnoflorine, jatrorrhizine, coptisine, groenlandicine, thalifendine, palmatine, berberine, epiberberine, hydroxylated jatrorrhizine, and 3-methoxydemethyleneberberine in CCF were detected in fecal samples of AD mice; magnoflorine, palmatrubine, 13-methylberberine, berberine, coptisine, and palmatine promoted the growth of Bifidobacterium breve. Conclusions: we have demonstrated that CCF acts on the gut-brain axis by regulating SCFAs to treat AD. [Display omitted] • Coptis chinensis Franch. (CCF) improved cognitive dysfunction in AD mice. • It is the first time that CCF has been found to act on histidine and phenylalanine metabolic pathways to treat AD. • CCF increased the contents of acetic acid and indole-3-lactic acid in SCFAs in serum and feces of AD mice. • Magnoflorine, 13-methylberberine and palmaturbine in CCF have played a role in the treatment of AD by acting on Bifidobacterium breve. • It has laid a foundation for the development of drugs for clinical treatment of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Buddleja officinalis is a traditional Chinese medicinal plant covered with glandular and non-glandular trichomes on leaves. Phytochemical investigation of its leaves led to the identification of one undescribed tetranorcycloartane 3-oxo-25,26,27,29-tetranorcycloartan-24-oic acid (1) and one first identified natural product tetranorcycloartane 3-oxo-25,26,27,29-tetranorcycloartan-24-oic methyl ester (2), along with an undescribed megastigmane glucoside (3) and 14 known constituents (4–17). Structures of undescribed chemicals were elucidated by comprehensive 1D and 2D NMR, MS and CD analysis. Further chemical investigation resulted in six triterpenoids (4–9) being localized to the trichomes of B. officinalis. The major trichome components cycloeucalenone (4) and 24- oxo -29-norcycloartan-3-one (5) showed potent antifeedant activity against a generalist insect cotton bollworm (Helicoverpa armigera), but no obvious activity against the specialist herbivore Hyphasis inconstans. Compounds 4 and 7 also displayed inhibitory effects on seed germination of Arabidopsis thaliana. In addition, 1 and 4 exhibited moderate antibacterial activity toward three gram-positive bacteria. Two undescribed compounds (1 , 3) and one first identified natural product (2), along with 14 known ones were identified from the leaves of B. officinalis. Six triterpenoids (4–9) with defensive function were localized to the trichomes. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compositions of traditional Chinese medicines are extremely complex,as a result, exploring consistent quality is demanded and challenging. Quality consistency of products obtained from the same manufacturer has received little attention. The strategy of quality consistency evaluation (QCE) has been proposed as a novel method for quality control of Traditional Chinese Medicine Patent Prescription (TCMPP). This study aimed to establish a comprehensive QCE strategy for Compound Danshen Tablet (CDT). High Performance Liquid Chromatography–Diode Array Detector and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry were separately applied to determinate the content of seven and two index components, which representing the quality actuality of different raw medicines. The dissolution test was designed to obtain the dissolution ratios of CDT samples. QCE can provide the intra–batch content consistency difference (P A), inter–batch content consistency difference (P B), and dissolution ratio consistency difference (P R) values. The consistency of CDT samples from 15 different manufacturers (75 batches) was evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA), which showed that the total content (nine index components) of the 75 batches of samples obtained from 15 manufacturers ranged from 22.11 to 38.45 mg·tablet−1. The dissolution ratios ranged from 74.8% to 116.4%. The P A values of 15 manufacturers ranged from 2.4% to 12.2%, and the P B (11.1–45.1%) values were higher than the P A values. The P R values reflecting the various dissolution ratios in vitro ranged from 8.1% to 57.5%. The three consistency factors were ranked by PCA, and products of the 15 manufacturers were classified into three categories. The P A , P B , and P R values provided a comprehensive and effective approach for monitoring the quality consistency of CDT and can serve as an example of QCE for other TCMPP. [Display omitted] • A novel quality consistency evaluation strategy was proposed and applied. • Comprehensive quantitation was established to reflect raw materials. • Dissolution test was built and performed to distinguish the release in vitro. • The consistency difference values of samples were calculated and classified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Du-Zhong-Wan (DZW) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) composed of Eucommia ulmoides Oliv. and Dipsacus asper Wall. ex C.B. Clarke in the ratio 1:1. Based on the TCM theory, DZW nourishes the kidney to strengthen the bones. The literature research revealed that DZW possesses anti-fatigue, anti-depressant, and anti-osteoporotic properties. However, the action and mechanism of DZW on osteoporotic fracture remains slightly unclear. To evaluate the pharmacological effect of DZW on ovariectomized mice with an open femoral fracture and reveal the underlying mechanism. We conducted ovariectomy for 5 weeks, followed by unilateral open transverse femoral fracture for another 3 weeks in C57BL/6 mice; during this process, DZW was administrated. The femur bone and vertebra tissues were collected and analyzed by micro-computed tomography, histomorphometry, mechanical strength testing, immunohistochemistry staining, and qRT-PCR analyses. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red S (ARS) staining were performed to determine the extent of osteoblastogenesis from bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Western blotting was performed to examine the protein expression. DZW treatment significantly improved the bone histomorphometric parameters in mice undergoing ovariectomy when combined with the femoral fracture, including an increase in the bone volume, trabecular number, and bone formation rate and a decrease in the bone erosion area. Simultaneously, DZW treatment histologically promoted fractured callus formation. Mechanical strength testing revealed significantly higher stiffness and an ultimate load after treatment with DZW. The angiogenesis of H-type vessels was enhanced by DZW, as evidenced by increased levels of CD31 and endomucin (EMCN), the H-type vessel endothelium markers, at the fractured endosteum and metaphysis regions. Relative to the osteoporotic fracture mice, the DZW treatment group showed an increased proangiogenic factor SLIT3 level. The increased level of SLIT3 was also recorded during the process of DZW-stimulated osteoblastogenesis from BMSCs. For the first time, we demonstrated that DZW promoted osteoporotic fracture healing by enhancing osteoblastogenesis and angiogenesis of the H-type vessels. This enhanced combination of osteoblastogenesis and angiogenesis was possibly related to the production of proangiogenic factor SLIT3 induced by DZW. [Display omitted] • DZW accelerated osteoporotic fracture healing in mouse model. • DZW facilitated the couple of osteoblastogenesis and angiogenesis. • The couple mechanism of DZW is possibly attributed to the production of SLIT3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compound Agrimony Enteritis Capsules (FFXHC) is an ethnomedicine derived from Yi Nationality Herbal Medicine for the treatment of enteritis. We found that compared to berberine hydrochloride (BBR), a component of this medicine, FFXHC was more efficacious in the mouse model of IC mice in significantly alleviating lung and intestinal lesions. " Our study provides a novel perspective into the pharmacological mechanism of action of the ethnic compound FFXHC. To determine the underlying mechanism of the superiority of FFXHC over BBR in IC. The susceptibility of Candida albicans to FFXHC was evaluated in vitro. The mouse model of IC was established and the survival rate, weight change, the number of organ colonies, and immune organ coefficient of the mice were determined, the effect of FFXHC on the immune function of mice, including changes in the number of immune cells, levels of the related inflammatory cytokines (INF-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, and IL-17A), and the antimicrobial peptide, LL-37 (CRAMP in mice), were determined. Mice feces were collected and changes in the intestinal microecology were studied. Our findings indicated that FFXHC was not active against Candida albicans and did not restore the sensitivity of the resistant strain in vitro ; however, it had a therapeutic effect that improve survival rate on mice with IC. The number of lymphocytes and neutrophils of mice with IC treated with FFXHC increased significantly. The intestinal microecology of mice was restored and the abundance of the probiotic Bacteroides was increased, which further stimulated the production of the antimicrobial peptide, LL-37, which is required for acquired immunity. Furthermore, the levels of Th cell-related cytokines, including INF-γ, TNF-α, and IL-17A were significantly increased, whereas those of the proinflammatory cytokines, IL-6 and MCP-1, decreased. With the activation of acquired immunity, the immune function of mice was restored, the body weight and survival rate of mice improved considerably, the coefficients of the thymus and spleen increased, and the number of fungal colonies in the lung and kidney decreased. FFXHC could eliminate fungi by increasing the relative abundance of probiotics in Bacteroides and the number of neutrophils, thereby promoting the production of CRAMP and resulting in a fungicidal effect, leading to acquired immunity. Although BBR has an antifungal effect, we found that it was not as effective as FFXHC. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]