1.Pathogenesis and Treatment of Vascular Dementia Based on Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine: A Review
Xiwu ZHANG ; Anran LIU ; Jinjin DOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2023;29(4):202-211
Vascular dementia (VaD) is a common disease that affects the health of the elderly. Due to the aging of the social population, the incidence of VaD is increasing year by year. There have been no officially approved treatments for this disease, mainly because its pathogenesis is complex, and the mechanism of action of effective drugs is not yet clear, which hinders drug research for the treatment of VaD. Therefore, by reviewing the available literature related to VaD, this study sorted out the pathogenesis of VaD from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine, and concluded that in TCM, VaD was characterized by the deficiency of the spleen and kidney (deficiency) and combination of phlegm and blood stasis (excess), while in western medicine, the pathogenesis of VaD is mainly inflammatory response, oxidative stress, abnormal expression of related proteins, and dysfunction of signaling pathways. On this basis, this study also summarized the research on the mechanism of action of commonly used single Chinese herbal medicine and Chinese herbal medicine compound, western medicine, and the combination of Chinese herbal medicine and western medicine in the treatment of VaD in recent years. The commonly used single Chinese herbal medicine Ginkgo Folium and Chinese herbal medicine compound Dihuang Yinzi have the multi-component and multi-target characteristics and few adverse reactions in the treatment of VaD, while the commonly used western medicines such as donepezil and memantine have the characteristics of the clear target and quick onset. The combination of Chinese herbal medicine and western medicines can achieve a better effect. This study summarized the research on the pathogenesis and treatment of VaD, aiming to link the pathogenesis of VaD with the mechanism of effective drug therapy, and provide an important reference for future drug development for the treatment of VaD.
2.Preparation and Characterization of Syringopicroside Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Xiwu ZHANG ; Qiuhan LI ; Yingpeng LI ; Yongji LI ; Zuodi XU ; Jinjin DOU
China Pharmacy 2019;30(9):1168-1172
OBJECTIVE: To prepare Syringopicroside solid lipid nanoparticles (SYR-SLN), and optimize the formula and characterize SYR-SLN. METHODS: SYR-SLN were prepared by emulsion evaporation method. Using entrapment efficiency as index, based on single factor, orthogonal design was adopted to optimize the mass ratio of lecithin-monoglyceride, volume ratio of organ phase to water phase, poloxamer 188 (F68) concentration and drug dosage. The optimal formula technology was established to investigate entrapment efficiency, drug-loading amount, morphology, particle size, Zeta potential, stability, etc. RESULTS: The mass ratio of lecithin-monoglyceride was 3 ∶ 1; the volume ratio of organic phase to water phase was 1 ∶ 2; the concentration of F68 was 0.4%; drug dosage was 10 mg. The optimal formula included that monoglyceride 80 mg, lecithin 240 mg, 0.4% F68, syringopicroside 10 mg, absolute ethyl alcohol 5 mL, distilled water 10 mL, emulsification temperature at 65℃ and stirring at 600 r/min. Encapsulation efficiency of SYR-SLN was (42.35±0.60)% (n=3); drug-loading amount was (5.33±0.03)% (n=3); SYR-SLN had a spherical morphology and was evenly distributed. The average particle size was (180.30±5.31) nm with Zeta potential of (-41.9±0.8) mV, and the SYR-SLN could maintain stable for 15 days at 4℃. CONCLUSIONS: SYR-SLN is prepared successfully, and the technology is simple with high encapsulation efficiency.
3.Huanglian Ejiaotang in Treating Insomnia: A Review
Zepeng DU ; Qinni ZHENG ; Xiwu ZHANG ; Jinjin DOU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(21):279-288
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in clinical practice, and prolonged insomnia can significantly impact daily life and work. Currently, the clinical treatment of insomnia primarily relies on sedative and hypnotic drugs, which, although fast-acting, come with numerous adverse reactions. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approaches the treatment of insomnia by employing syndrome differentiation and focusing on addressing the root cause of the disease. This approach is characterized by fewer adverse reactions, stable long-term effects, and better patient compliance. Huanglian Ejiaotang was first recorded in Zhang Zhongjing's Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Diseases(《伤寒杂病论》) during the Han dynasty. It has the effects of nourishing Yin, reducing fire, eliminating irritability, and calming the nerves. Clinical studies have shown that Huanglian Ejiaotang is frequently used to treat insomnia and, when combined with other classic prescriptions, Western medicine, or other therapies, it can have a synergistic effect, thereby enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Research indicates that the mechanism of action of Huanglian Ejiaotang in treating insomnia may be related to the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), central neurotransmitters, gut microbiota, and the inhibition of inflammatory factors. The active components of Huanglian Ejiaotang that are effective in treating insomnia include berberine, baicalin, baicalein, total glucosides of paeony, and collagen. This article discussed the treatment of insomnia with Huanglian Ejiaotang from several perspectives, including its theoretical foundation, clinical research, and mechanisms of action, and also summarized the latest research progress on Huanglian Ejiaotang for insomnia, with the aim of providing more comprehensive ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of insomnia.