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The pathogenesis of coronary heart disease is closely related to blood stasis. Taohong Siwu decoction (THSW for short) is one of the most widely used prescriptions for activating blood and removing stasis. Clinical research has confirmed its curative effect on coronary heart disease. However, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this paper reviewed the clinical efficacy of THSW and determine its effective components based on a comprehensive literature review. Furthermore, the core components and targets of THSW in treating coronary heart disease using molecular docking were verified, and the interaction sites were predicted to construct a theoretical basis for the clinical application of THSW.

Ascites is one of the common complications in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Wuling powder (WLP) is a classic prescription for the treatment of water retention caused by bladder gasification. It is also widely used in the treatment of ascites. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of WLP and determine its effective chemical components based on a large number of related pieces of literature. The pharmacological effects and chemical constituents of WLP were summarized. Besides, the clinical research status of WLP in the treatment of ascites caused by liver cancer and cirrhosis was analyzed. The key targets and pathways of WLP in the treatment of ascites based on network pharmacology analysis were also discussed. Furthermore, the core components and core targets of WLP in the treatment of ascites using molecular docking were verified and the interaction sites were predicted, to provide a theoretical and scientific basis for the clinical application of WLP.

Steaming significantly decreased the polysaccharide content in the rhizome of Polygonatum cyrtonema. This study aimed to reveal the effects of steaming on structural characteristics and immunomodulatory activities of Polygonatum cyrtonema polysaccharide (PCP). The results showed that steaming decreased the polysaccharide content in the rhizome by 38.41%. Structural changes of PCP by steaming included molecular degradation, aggregation, and depolymerization, which also affected its immunological activities. Steaming first degraded β-type fructofuranose in PCP from raw rhizome. However, steaming for 2 h and 4 h increased the molecular weight and particle size, and changed the monosaccharide composition of the PCPs. Additionally, PCP at 2 h and 4 h had higher immunological activities than PCP from raw rhizome. Then, a longer steaming time (6–12 h) caused excessive destruction of PCP and had negative impacts on their immunological activities. These results revealed changes in PCP during the steaming process and provided a reference for the processing of Polygonatum cyrtonema, especially for avoiding overprocessing.

Ischaemic stroke (IS) is a common type of stroke characterised by sudden fainting and communication disorders, alongside a number of other symptoms. It is characterised by high morbidity, disability, and mortality rates. Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (THD) is effective in the treatment of stroke. As a representative prescription for promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, THD has been widely used clinically. This paper systematically introduces clinical and experimental studies of THD in the treatment of IS, summarising its clinical application, pharmacological mechanisms, and active components in the treatment of IS. It also explores its key pathways in the treatment of IS through network pharmacology analyses, thereby speculating on its underlying mechanisms. It is of great significance for the secondary development of this classic prescription as well as for the research and development of new drugs.

Purpose: The aim of this study is to explore the possible benefits of traditional Chinese medicine on the pathogenesis of psychological and mental health of COVID-19 survivors. Methods: A literature search was conducted to confirm the effects of COVID-19 on psychological and mental health of survivors. In addition to this, on the basis of signs and symptoms, TCM were used on treat mental disorder as per suggested clinical and animal experimental data plus relevant records in classical Chinese medicine books written by Zhang Zhongiing during Han Dynasty. A series of treatment plans were prescribed for COVID-19 survivors with psychological and mental disorders. Results: According to previous extensive studies focusing on effects on mental health of survivors, high incidence was observed in severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) survivors. During investigations of mental health of COVID-19 patients and survivors, it is observed that they also had symptoms of mental disorders and immune dysfunction. Furthermore, it was also proposed that depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were most common mental disorders requiring special attention after the recovery from COVID-19. The symptoms of COVID-19 were analyzed, and the TCM syndrome of the depression, anxiety and PTSD after recovered from COVID19 was interpreted as internal heat and Yin deficiency. These three mental disorders pertains the category of “Lily disease”, “hysteria” and “deficient dysphoria” in TCM. Conclusion: Lily Bulb, Rhizoma Anemarrhena Decoction and Ganmai Dazao Decoction were used to treat depression. Suanzaoren Decoction, Huanglian Ejiao Decoction and Zhizi Chi Decoction were suggested for anxiety. Moreover, Lily Bulb, Rehmannia Decoction and Guilu Erxian Decoction were the formula for PTSD.

Baoyuan Jiedu (BYJD for short) decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is composed of Astragalus, Ginseng, Aconite root, Honeysuckle, Angelica, Licorice, which has the functions of nourishing qi and blood, enhancing immune function, improving quality of life and prolonging survival time of tumor patients. The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of BYJD decoction on reversing the pre-metastatic niche. We showed that BYJD decoction could prolong the survival time of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Moreover, we found that the BYJD decoction inhibited the formation of lung pre-metastatic niche and inhibited recruitment of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the lung. Mechanistically, we showed that the proteins and genes expression of TGF-β, Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad2/3, Smad4, CCL9 in the TGF-β/CCL9 signaling pathway were suppressed by BYJD decoction. In line with the above findings, our results confirm that BYJD decoction inhibits the accumulation of MDSC in pre-metastatic niche of lung via TGF-β/CCL9 pathway.