1.Disscussion on Methodological System for the Research of Classical Formulas:Based on Xiaochaihu Decoction(小柴胡汤)Related Formula
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):545-550
The academic research of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) classical formulas has not yet established its own unique theoretical and methodological system, and the methods for studying classical formulas must align with the principles and laws of TCM. Using the Xiaochaihu Decoction (小柴胡汤) related formulas in Treatise on Febrile Disease (《伤寒论》) as a starting point, this paper explores a research method system for classical formulas based on the organic combination of interpretation, comparison, and inductive-deductive methods. It integrates both TCM and western medical theories to elucidate the connotations of classical formulas, analyze and summarize their mechanisms and patterns, and extend their application to the treatment of modern diseases. It is proposed that a scientifically systematic approach to TCM research will facilitate the derivation of higher-level academic principles, thus refining the research methodology for classical formulas. This can serve as an important component of the inheritance and innovative foundation for the development of TCM.
2.ZHOU Mingxin's Experience in Treating Allergic Rhinitis in Northwest China from the Perspective of Dryness Syndrome
Fan YI ; Deqiang DENG ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):551-555
This paper summarizes Professor ZHOU Mingxin's clinical experience in treating allergic rhinitis in northwest China from the perspective of dryness syndrome. Considering the regional characteristics of disease occurrence, he proposed the theory of "northwest dryness syndrome", which identifies dryness pathogen damaging the lungs, and lungs fail to disperse and descend as the core pathogenesis of allergic rhinitis, and the treatment principle emphasizes dispersing and descending the lung qi while nourishing yin and moistening dryness. Several empirical formulas have been developed to treat allergic rhinitis and its complications, including Qiangzhi Xinyi Decoction (羌芷辛夷汤) for relieving stuffy orifices, promoting fluid production, and moistening dryness; self-prescribed Bawei Qingyan Decoction (八味清咽饮) for clearing the lungs, nourishing yin, and moistening dryness; self-prescribed Paida Zongyang Decoction (排闼宗阳汤) for dispersing and purifying, moistening the dryness, and relieving asthma; self-prescribed Sangma Zhike Decoction (桑麻止咳汤) for dispersing the lungs, moistening dryness, and stopping cough; self-prescribed Sizi Dingchuan Decoction (四子定喘汤) for moistening the lungs, resolving phlegm, and calming asthma; self-prescribed Jiawei Yupingfeng Decoction (加味玉屏风汤) for dispersing the lungs, dispelling wind, and moistening dryness; and Xiangsu Chengqi Decoction (香苏承气汤) for purifying the lungs, unblocking the bowels, and moistening the intestines.
3.LI Candong's Experience in Treating Pediatric Diseases with Baxian Formula (八仙方)
Yang WANG ; Wen TANG ; Huijuan GAN ;
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):556-560
Baxian Formula (八仙方) is a folk pediatric prescription in Quanzhou, Fujian Province. This paper summarized the clinical experience of Professor LI Candong in treating pediatric diseases with Baxian Formula. By analyzing the distinctive composition and theoretical underpinnings of the Baxian Formula for treating pediatric lung, liver and spleen diseases, it is considered that the formula prioritizes wind medicinals, aimed at restoring the dynamics of qi movement within the zang fu (脏腑) organs. It excels in dispelling and dispersing wind, promoting digestion, calming the mind, invigorating the spleen and draining dampness, clearing heat and soothing the liver, extinguishing wind and arresting convulsion. The prescription can treat pediatric disorders caused by pathological factors such as wind, phlegm, dampness, food, heat and constraint. Moreover, this paper summarized the clinical thinking of Baxian Formula in treating pediatric diseases of the lung system (common cold, cough, eczema), spleen system (diarrhea, food retention) and liver system (fright from external stimuli, tic disorder), aiming at providing reference for diagnosing and treating pediatric diseases in clinical practice.
4.Establishment of a Gastrointestinal-Brain Inter-Organ Multimodal Characterization System Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine Theory and Its Application in Refractory Diseases
Guanghui HAN ; Yan GUO ; Peijing RONG ; Bin CONG ; Shuangjiang LIU ; Shaoyuan LI ; Wei WEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):561-568
The concept of holism is the core idea of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Various organs and tissues coordinate with each other to maintain the body's life activities, with a close and mutual influence between the spleen, stomach, and the central nervous system (brain). The gut-brain axis plays an important bridging role between the digestive system and the central nervous system, achieving bidirectional information exchange between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract through complex neuroendocrine and immune mechanisms. The theory of cross-organ interaction involves the mutual influence, coordination, and integration between different organs and systems; multimodality, on the other hand, utilizes multiple sensory modalities, such as vision, hearing, and touch, to convey information. By combining TCM theory with the gut-brain axis theory, a cross-organ multimodal characterization system is established to explore its mechanism and application value in refractory diseases such as functional gastrointestinal disorders, precancerous gastrointestinal diseases, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and depression.
5.Difficulties in the Differentiation and Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease and Its Clinical Treatment Model
Weiwei SUN ; Huixi CHEN ; Yuxin HU ; Huijuan ZHENG ; Yaoxian WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):569-574
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the main causes of chronic kidney disease. Both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and western medicine have their own advantages in the prevention and treatment of DKD, but there are also many difficulties. By analysis of the difficulties faced by TCM and western medicine in the differentiation and treatment of DKD, based on the theory of "miniature masses in the renal collaterals", combined with long-term clinical practice, "internal heat leading to mass" is proposed as the core pathogenesis of DKD. Therefore, a trinity model of "disease-syndrome-symptom" for differentiation and treatment of DKD based on the core pathogenesis has been proposed. This model highlights the status of the core pathogenesis of "internal heat leading to mass" in DKD, and conducts a three-dimensional identification from the perspectives of disease, syndrome and symptom, so as to inspire clinical practice.
6.Stage Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinoma Based on the Theory of Fire and Heat
Xinyi MA ; Luchang CAO ; Xinmiao WANG ; Guanghui ZHU ; Jie LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):575-580
It is believed that the occurrence and development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is closely associated with inflammatory responses. The theory of fire and heat, advocated by LIU Wansu, provides significant clinical guidance for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of SCC. Based on this theory, the pathological mechanisms and clinical characteristics of SCC at different stages were analyzed. In the precancerous and early stages, the primary pathogenesis is qi stagnation leading to internal generation of constrained heat; in post-surgery, the condition shifts to qi deficiency with latent yin fire; during the treatment phase, the pathogenesis involves accumulation of pathogenic factors, excess toxins, and severe heat toxicity; in the late stage, the main pathology is yin deficiency with toxic heat, and phlegm-stasis obstruction of the internal organs. Corresponding stage-based treatment strategies are proposed. In the early stage, regulating qi movement to dissipate constrained heat; for post-surgery, tonifying qi and raising yang to dispel latent fire; during treatment stage, clearing heat and detoxifying to eliminate cancerous toxins; and in the late stage, nourishing yin and unblocking the bowels to clear deficiency heat.
7.Sufei Pingchuan Formula (肃肺平喘方) for the Treatment of Bronchiectasis Patients Combined with Airflow Limitation of Phlegm-Heat Obstructing the Lung and Lung-Spleen Qi Deficiency Syndrome: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Shasha YUAN ; Haiyan ZHANG ; Xia SHI ; Bing WANG ; Xiaodong CONG ; Qing MIAO
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):581-587
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Sufei Pingchuan Formula (肃肺平喘方) in the treatment of bronchiectasis with airflow limitation, phlegm-heat obstructing the lung, and lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. A total of 72 patients with stable bronchiectasis with airflow limitation of phlegm-heat obstructing the lung and lung-spleen qi deficiency syndrome were randomly divided into treatment group and control group, with 36 cases in each group. On the basis of regular inhalation of tiotropium bromide inhalation spray, the treatment group was given Sufei Pingchuan Formula granules, and the control group was given Sufei Pingchuan Formula granule simulant. The course of treatment in both groups was 12 weeks. The pulmonary function of both groups before and after treatment was observed, specifically focusing on forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1); the modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, 24-hour sputum volume, COPD assessment test (CAT), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores were assessed before treatment and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks of treatment; acute exacerbations were recorded at weeks 4, 8, and 12; additionally, changes in routine blood tests, urinalysis, liver and kidney function, and adverse events were monitored before and after treatment. ResultsAfter treatment, 4 patients in the treatment group and 6 in the control group dropped out. After 12 weeks of treatment, FEV1 increased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels (P<0.05), but the difference between groups was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Compared to before treatment, the treatment group showed a reduction in mMRC scores after 12 weeks (P<0.05) and a decrease in 24-hour sputum volume, CAT scores, and TCM syndrome scores at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (P<0.05). In the control group, 24-hour sputum volume decreased after 12 weeks (P<0.05), and TCM syndrome scores decreased at weeks 8 and 12 (P<0.05). Compared to the control group, the treatment group showed a greater reduction in mMRC scores at week 12 (P<0.05), a decrease in 24-hour sputum volume and TCM syndrome scores at weeks 4, 8, and 12 (P<0.05), and lower CAT scores at weeks 8 and 12 (P<0.05). The frequency and number of acute exacerbations in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group at week 12 (P<0.05). No severe adverse events occurred in either group. ConclusionSufei Pingchuan Formula can improve the pulmonary function FEV1, the severity of dyspnea, reduce 24-hour sputum volume and frequent acute exacerbations, and improve the quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis and airflow limitation, with good safety.
8.Forty Cases of Mid-Stage Diabetes Kidney Disease Patients of Blood Stasis Syndrome Treated with Huayu Tongluo Formula (化瘀通络方) as an Adjunct Therapy: A Multi-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Yun MA ; Kaishuang WANG ; Shuang CAO ; Bingwu ZHAO ; Lu BAI ; Su WU ; Yuwei GAO ; Xinghua WANG ; Dong BIAN ; Zhiqiang CHEN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):588-595
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Huayu Tongluo Formula (化瘀通络方, HTF) in patients with mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome and explore its potential mechanisms. MethodsA multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Ninety patients of mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome were divided into a control group of 46 cases and a treatment group of 44 cases. Both groups received conventional western medicine treatment, the treatment group additionally taking HTF, while the control group taking a placebo of the formula. The treatment was administered once daily for 24 weeks. The primary outcomes included 24-hour urine total protein (24 h-UTP), serum albumin (Alb), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and serum creatinine (Scr).The secondary outcomes included changes in levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide (NO), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores before and after treatment. Clinical efficacy was evaluated based on TCM syndrome scores and overall disease outcomes. Adverse reactions and endpoint events were recorded. ResultsIn the treatment group after treatment, 24 h-UTP, ET-1, and VEGF levels significantly decreased (P<0.05), Alb and NO levels significantly increased (P<0.05); while the TCM syndrome scores for edema, lumbar pain, numbness of limbs, dark purple lips, dark purple tongue or purpura, and thin, rough pulse all significantly decreased (P<0.05). In the control group, no significant changes were observed in any of the indicators after treatment (P>0.05).Compared with the control group, the treatment group showed significant reductions in 24 h-UTP, ET-1, and VEGF levels, and increases in Alb and NO levels (P<0.05). The TCM syndrome scores for edema, lumbar pain, dark purple tongue or purpura, and thin, rough pulse were all lower in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate of TCM syndrome in the treatment group was 59.09% (26/44), and the overall clinical effective rate was 45.45% (20/44). In the control group, these rates were 15.22% (7/46) and 8.7% (4/46), respectively, with the treatment group showing significantly better outcomes (P<0.05). A total of 7 adverse events occurred across both groups, with no significant difference (P>0.05). No endpoint events occurred during the study. ConclusionOn the basis of conventional treatment of Western medicine, HTF can further reduce urinary protein levels and improve clinical symptoms in patients with mid-stage diabetic kidney disease of blood stasis syndrome. The mechanism may be related to its effects on endothelial function.
9.Construction and Application Evaluation of an Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Risk Prediction Model for Readmission in Patients with Stable Angina of Coronary Heart Disease:A Prospective Study Based on Real-World Clinical Data
Wenjie HAN ; Mingjun ZHU ; Xinlu WANG ; Rui YU ; Guangcao PENG ; Qifei ZHAO ; Jianru WANG ; Shanshan NIE ; Yongxia WANG ; Jingjing WEI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):604-611
ObjectiveBy exploring the influencing factors of readmission in patients with stable angina of coronary heart disease (CHD) based on real-world clinical data, to establish a risk prediction model of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine, in order to provide a basis for early identification of high-risk populations and reducing readmission rates. MethodsA prospective clinical study was conducted involving patients with stable angina pectoris of CHD, who were divided into a training set and a validation set at a 7∶3 ratio. General information, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)-related data, and laboratory test results were uniformly collected. After a one-year follow-up, patients were classified into a readmission group and a non-readmission group based on whether they were readmitted. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent risk factors for readmission. A risk prediction model of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine was constructed and visualized using a nomogram. The model was validated and evaluated in terms of discrimination, calibration, and clinical decision curve analysis. ResultsA total of 682 patients were included, with 477 in the training set and 205 in the validation set, among whom 89 patients were readmitted. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified heart failure history [OR = 6.93, 95% CI (1.58, 30.45)], wiry pulse [OR = 2.58, 95% CI (1.42, 4.72)], weak pulse [OR = 3.97, 95% CI (2.06, 7.67)], teeth-marked tongue [OR = 4.38, 95% CI (2.32, 8.27)], blood stasis constitution [OR = 2.17, 95% CI (1.06, 4.44)], phlegm-stasis mutual syndrome [OR = 3.64, 95% CI (1.87, 7.09)], and elevated non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol [OR = 1.30, 95% CI (1.01, 1.69)] as influencing factors of readmission. These factors were used as predictors to construct a nomogram-based risk prediction model for readmission in patients with stable angina. The model demonstrated moderate predictive capability, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.818 [95% CI (0.781, 0.852)] in the training set and 0.816 [95% CI (0.779, 0.850)] in the validation set. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration (χ² = 4.55, P = 0.80), and the model's predictive ability was stable. When the threshold probability exceeded 5%, the clinical net benefit of using the model to predict readmission risk was significantly higher than intervening in all patients. ConclusionHistory of heart failure, teeth-marked tongue, weak pulse, wiry pulse, phlegm-stasis mutual syndrome, blood stasis constitution, and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are influencing factors for readmission in patients with stable angina of CHD. A clinical prediction model was developed based on these factors, which showed good discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility, providing a scientific basis for predicting readmission events in patients with stable angina.
10.Effect of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方) on Reproductive Aging,Ovarian Mechanical Micro-environment,and Offspring Reproductive Potential in Aged Model Mice
Jiaqi XU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Nan JIANG ; Kaixi LI ; Yafei DING ; Zimu WEN ; Yingying JIA ; Mengjun JIANG ; Tian XIA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):612-620
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方, WHF) in improving reproductive aging from the perspective of the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. MethodsThe experiment included five groups, 3-month group (20 female mice at 3 months of age), 6-month group (20 female mice at 6 months of age), 6-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 5 months of age treated with WHF), 9-month group (20 female mice at 9 months of age), and 9-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 8 months of age treated with WHF). The 6-month + WHF group and 9-month + WHF group were orally administered WHF 41.2 g/(kg·d) once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The other three groups received no intervention. Reproductive hormone levels were measured by ELISA. HE staining was used to count the numbers of various stages of follicles. Ovarian hyaluronic acid (HA) content and collagen fiber content were measured to evaluate the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. Superovulation was performed to observe the number of eggs obtained, as well as the number of offspring and birth weight to assess fertility. The in vitro fertilization and blastocyst culture of oocytes from female offspring in each group were observed to evaluate the effect of WHF on offspring reproductive potential. ResultsCompared with the 3-month group, the 6-month group and 9-month group showed significantly decreased serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), decreased ovarian collagen content, and reduced numbers of primordial and secondary follicles. In contrast, the numbers of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles increased. The levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), ovarian HA content, and the fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the 6-month group, the 6-month + WHF group showed significantly reduced serum levels of GnRH, FSH, and LH, with a significant decrease in primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles as well as increase of AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, and offspring birth weight (P<0.05). Compared with the 9-month group, the 9-month + WHF group exhibited reduced GnRH, FSH, and collagen fiber content, as well as reduced number of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles. However, AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, offspring numbers, birth weight, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring all significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionWHF can significantly improve the ovarian reserve, fertility, and reproductive potential in offspring during reproductive mid-life and late-life stages. Its effect may be related to the remodeling of the mechanical microenvironment of aging ovaries. Moreover, the effect on the mechanical microenvironment remodeling of late-stage ovaries and the improvement of the offspring reproductive potential is more significant.

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