1.Inheritance and Current Research Status of Major Spleen-Stomach Theories in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ling HU ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG ; Beihua ZHANG ; Yunkai DAI ; Xu CHEN ; Shiqi LI
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):87-94
This paper systematically reviews the core concepts and lines of theoretical inheritance of major spleen-stomach theories in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including spleen deficiency theory, spleen-stomach damp-heat theory, and liver-spleen disharmony theory. It is found that these theories have all undergone a developmental trajectory characterized by classical foundation, refinement of therapeutic methods, systematization of pathogenesis, and modern innovation. The evolution of spleen-stomach theory has achieved a shift from a singular focus on tonifying the spleen to regulating dynamic middle-jiao (焦) balance, and from localized spleen-stomach regulation to the circular movement of qi involving all five zang organs. In terms of modern disease-syndrome integrative research, spleen deficiency syndrome is shown to be closely associated with impairment of the gastrointestinal mucosal barrier, metabolic disorders, and gene polymorphisms related to Helicobacter pylori-associated gastric diseases. Spleen-stomach damp-heat syndrome is closely linked to hyperactive energy metabolism, inflammatory cytokines, and abnormal expression of aquaporins. Liver-spleen disharmony syndrome is mainly associated with dysregulation of the brain-gut axis and microbiota-related metabolic disorders. It is proposed that future research on spleen-stomach diseases and syndromes should further elucidate their potential multidimensional differential biological characteristics, thereby promoting the modernization of the TCM discipline of spleen-stomach studies.
2.Strategies for Building an Artificial Intelligence-Empowered Trusted Federated Evidence-Based Analysis Platform for Spleen-Stomach Diseases in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Bin WANG ; Huiying ZHUANG ; Zhitao MAN ; Lifeng REN ; Chang HE ; Chen WU ; Xulei HU ; Xiaoxiao WEN ; Chenggong XIE ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):95-102
This paper outlines the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) research, and elucidates the roles and advantages of large language models, knowledge graphs, and natural language processing in advancing syndrome identification, prescription generation, and mechanism exploration. Using spleen-stomach diseases as an example, it demonstrates the empowering effects of AI in classical literature mining, precise clinical syndrome differentiation, efficacy and safety prediction, and intelligent education, highlighting an upgraded research paradigm that evolves from data-driven and knowledge-driven approaches to intelligence-driven models. To address challenges related to privacy protection and regulatory compliance in cross-institutional data collaboration, a "trusted federated evidence-based analysis platform for TCM spleen-stomach diseases" is proposed, integrating blockchain-based smart contracts, federated learning, and secure multi-party computation. The deep integration of AI with privacy-preserving computing is reshaping research and clinical practice in TCM spleen-stomach diseases, providing feasible pathways and a technical framework for building a high-quality, trustworthy TCM big-data ecosystem and achieving precision syndrome differentiation.
3.Current Status of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease and the Research on Mechanism
Junxiang LI ; Hong SHEN ; Tangyou MAO ; Lei ZHU ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Zhibin WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):103-110
In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved significant progress in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). A comprehensive literature search was conducted covering the period from January 1, 2010, to December 30, 2024, across Chinese databases including China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP China Science and Technology Journal Database, and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System, as well as international databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase. The clinical applications and mechanistic studies of TCM in IBD were systematically reviewed. The current status of TCM research on the etiology and pathogenesis of IBD, innovative clinical practices, and multimodal therapeutic approaches, including Chinese herbal formulas, single herbs or active compounds, acupuncture, herbal retention enema, and acupoint application, were summarized, together with their synergistic effects when combined with western medical treatments. The development and application of Chinese patent medicines for IBD are undergoing a profound transition from efficacy validation to mechanistic exploration. Mechanistic studies on the effects of TCM in IBD mainly focus on regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, repairing the intestinal mucosal barrier, and modulating intestinal immune balance. Furthermore, future research directions for TCM-based IBD management are proposed, including the establishment of TCM diagnostic and treatment models, expanding integrated applications of external and internal TCM therapies, innovating personalized treatment strategies, and advancing drug development. These efforts aim to provide insights for the standardized and precision-oriented development of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBD.
4.Clinical Observation on 45 Cases of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in the Stable Phase with Qi Deficiency,Blood Stasis and Phlegm Obstruction Syndrome with Auxiliary Treated with Jinwei Guben Decoction (金卫固本汤) Combined with Bailing Capsule (百令胶囊)
Deyu KONG ; Xudong ZHENG ; Huimin ZHOU ; Ruitao WANG ; Benzhang ZHAO ; Jianjun WU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(4):367-375
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of modified Jinwei Guben Decoction (金卫固本汤, MJGD) combined with Bailing Capsule (百令胶囊, BC) in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients in the stable stage with qi deficiency, blood stasis and phlegm obstruction syndrome, in addition to conventional western medicine treatment. MethodsA total of 102 patients with stable COPD and qi deficiency, blood stasis, and phlegm obstruction syndrome were included in the study. According to the patients'preferences, they were divided into treatment group (49 cases) and control group (53 cases). The control group received conventional western medicine treatment, while the treatment group was given MJGD (1 dose daily) combined with BC (2.0 g each time, three times a day) additionally. The treatment period was 3 months, and the patients were followed up for 1 year after the treatment. The acute exacerbation frequency (mild, moderate, severe) before treatment, during treatment, at 6-month follow-up, and at 1-year follow-up was compared between groups. Additionally, the lung function indicators such as FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, modified British Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale, and the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores before and after treatment were compared. A logistic regression model was constructed to analyze the impact of MJGD combined with BC on clinical efficacy. ResultsFour patients dropped out from the treatment group and eight from the control group, leaving 45 patients of each group for statistical analysis. The number of mild and moderate acute exacerbations in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group during the treatment period, at 6-month follow-up and within 1 year of follow-up (P<0.05) .The number of severe acute exacerbations was only lower in the treatment group than in the control group at 6-month follow-up (P<0.05). Compared with that before treatment, the number of acute exacerbations of all degrees in the treatment group was significantly reduced within 1 year of follow-up (P<0.05),while only the number of mild acute exacerbations in the control group was significantly reduced within 1 year of follow-up (P<0.05). The treatment group showed significant improvement in FEV1 and FEV1%pred and FEV1/FEV, while the control group showed a significant decline in FEV1 and FVC (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores, including coughing, sputum, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue, as well as mMRC and CAT scores (P<0.05), with the treatment group having significantly lower scores than the control group (P<0.05). The overall clinical effective rate of in the treatment group was 93.33% (42/45), significantly higher than that of the control group, 75.56% (34/45, P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the use of MJGD combined with BC (OR = 4.68, 95%CI: 1.15 - 19.09, P = 0.03) was positively correlated with clinical efficacy. ConclusionsIn addition to conventional western medicine treatment, the combination of MJGD and BC can reduce the frequency of acute exacerbations, delay the decline of lung function, improve clinical symptoms, and significantly enhance the clinical efficacy in patients with stable COPD and qi deficiency, blood stasis, and phlegm obstruction syndrome.
5.Clinical Efficacy of Jinwei Pingchuan Decoction in Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Phlegm-heat Obstruction in Lung Syndrome
Xudong ZHENG ; Deyu KONG ; Benzhang ZHAO ; Huimin ZHOU ; Ruitao WANG ; Jianjun WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):125-133
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Jinwei Pingchuan decoction combined with conventional Western medicine on the number of acute exacerbations, lung function, and clinical symptoms in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. MethodsA non-randomized controlled trial was conducted to include 60 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. Patients were divided into a treatment group and a control group based on whether they received Jinwei Pingchuan decoction, with 30 patients in each group. The treatment group received Jinwei Pingchuan decoction combined with conventional Western medicine therapy, while the control group received conventional Western medicine therapy alone. Both groups received treatment for 7 days. The number of acute exacerbations and lung function indices were followed up and recorded before treatment and three months after treatment. The following outcomes were observed before and after treatment: the number of acute exacerbations, lung function indices (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], percentage of predicted value [FEV1%pred], forced vital capacity [FVC], and FEV1/FVC ratio), the degree of acute exacerbation, TCM syndrome score, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, modified British Medical Research Council Dyspnea Questionnaire (mMRC) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count. ResultsAfter 3 months of follow-up, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in the number of acute exacerbations compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group had fewer acute exacerbations than the control group (P<0.05). The degree of acute exacerbation in the treatment group improved significantly compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). After treatment, the degree of acute exacerbation in the treatment group was improved compared to the control group (P<0.05). Regarding lung function, FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio increased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05), and similar improvements were observed in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, FEV1 and FVC were higher in the treatment group than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding TCM syndrome scores, the scores for individual symptoms such as wheezing, cough, expectoration, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue, as well as the total score, decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). In the control group, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, fatigue, and palpitation, as well as the total score, also decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group showed significantly lower scores for wheezing, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and the total score than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding the CAT score, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, climbing stairs, going out, activity, and energy, as well as the total score, decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). In the control group, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, sleep, energy, and the total score decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group showed significantly lower scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, activity, and going out than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding the mMRC score, CRP level, and WBC count, all these parameters decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05), and similar reductions were observed in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionJinwei Pingchuan decoction can reduce the number of acute exacerbations and the degree of acute exacerbation in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. It also improves lung function and symptoms such as cough and chest tightness, thereby enhancing the quality of life of patients.
6.Clinical Efficacy of Jinwei Pingchuan Decoction in Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Phlegm-heat Obstruction in Lung Syndrome
Xudong ZHENG ; Deyu KONG ; Benzhang ZHAO ; Huimin ZHOU ; Ruitao WANG ; Jianjun WU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):125-133
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Jinwei Pingchuan decoction combined with conventional Western medicine on the number of acute exacerbations, lung function, and clinical symptoms in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. MethodsA non-randomized controlled trial was conducted to include 60 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. Patients were divided into a treatment group and a control group based on whether they received Jinwei Pingchuan decoction, with 30 patients in each group. The treatment group received Jinwei Pingchuan decoction combined with conventional Western medicine therapy, while the control group received conventional Western medicine therapy alone. Both groups received treatment for 7 days. The number of acute exacerbations and lung function indices were followed up and recorded before treatment and three months after treatment. The following outcomes were observed before and after treatment: the number of acute exacerbations, lung function indices (forced expiratory volume in one second [FEV1], percentage of predicted value [FEV1%pred], forced vital capacity [FVC], and FEV1/FVC ratio), the degree of acute exacerbation, TCM syndrome score, COPD assessment test (CAT) score, modified British Medical Research Council Dyspnea Questionnaire (mMRC) score, C-reactive protein (CRP), and white blood cell (WBC) count. ResultsAfter 3 months of follow-up, the treatment group showed a significant reduction in the number of acute exacerbations compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group had fewer acute exacerbations than the control group (P<0.05). The degree of acute exacerbation in the treatment group improved significantly compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). After treatment, the degree of acute exacerbation in the treatment group was improved compared to the control group (P<0.05). Regarding lung function, FEV1, FEV1%pred, FVC, and FEV1/FVC ratio increased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05), and similar improvements were observed in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, FEV1 and FVC were higher in the treatment group than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding TCM syndrome scores, the scores for individual symptoms such as wheezing, cough, expectoration, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and fatigue, as well as the total score, decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). In the control group, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, fatigue, and palpitation, as well as the total score, also decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group showed significantly lower scores for wheezing, cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and the total score than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding the CAT score, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, climbing stairs, going out, activity, and energy, as well as the total score, decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05). In the control group, the scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, sleep, energy, and the total score decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the treatment group showed significantly lower scores for cough, expectoration, chest tightness, activity, and going out than the control group (P<0.05). Regarding the mMRC score, CRP level, and WBC count, all these parameters decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the pre-treatment values (P<0.05), and similar reductions were observed in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionJinwei Pingchuan decoction can reduce the number of acute exacerbations and the degree of acute exacerbation in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD with phlegm-heat obstruction in lung syndrome. It also improves lung function and symptoms such as cough and chest tightness, thereby enhancing the quality of life of patients.
7.Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with bile duct tumor thrombus
Yuxiang GUO ; Maosen WANG ; Zhongyuan LIU ; Xudong ZHANG ; Pengfei MA ; Xiangkun WANG ; Renfeng LI
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):359-364
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with biliary duct tumor thrombus (BDTT) is currently not common in clinical practice and is easily misdiagnosed, and previously, it was often considered an advanced stage of the disease with a poor prognosis, making its treatment challenging. However, in-depth studies in recent years have gradually deepened our understanding of this disease, leading to significant changes in diagnostic and treatment concepts. Currently, comprehensive treatment, mainly surgery, is used for treatment, but there is still controversy over the selection of clinical treatment strategies. This article provides a detailed discussion on surgical methods and prognosis, in order to provide a reference for clinical treatment options.
8.Application Value of Organoid Technology in the Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Prevention and Treatment of Digestive System Diseases
Yongtian WEN ; Xiangxue MA ; Beihua ZHANG ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1433-1438
Organoid technology, a rapidly advancing three-dimensional (3D) cell culture platform, can closely mimic the microarchitecture and functions of human digestive organs, effectively overcoming the limitations of conventional two-dimensional cell models and animal experiments. By systematically summarizing the distinctive strengths of organoid technology in simulating digestive physiological and pathological states, constructing digestive system disease models, enabling high-throughput drug screening, and facilitating personalized treatment, this review explored the potential applications of organoids in identifying active components of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulas, evaluating in vitro pharmacokinetics and toxicological parameters, and investigating multi-target synergistic mechanisms. By integrating cutting-edge engineering technologies, organoids are expected to provide a more scientific research platform for TCM, accelerate the modernization of its mechanistic studies, and enhance its scientific value and global impact.
9.Influence of Gene Mutation on the Effectiveness of Arsenic-Containing Herbal Compound Formula in Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndromes of Different TCM Patterns
Zichun WANG ; Zhuo CHEN ; Dexiu WANG ; Haiyan XIAO ; Weiyi LIU ; Ruibai LI ; Chi LIU ; Fengmei WANG ; Shanshan ZHANG ; Mingjing WANG ; Liu LI ; Xiaoqing GUO ; Hongzhi WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(14):1463-1472
ObjectiveTo observe the effect of gene mutation on the effectiveness of arsenic-containing Chinese herbal compound formulas in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) of different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patterns, so as to provide the basis for the clinical application. MethodsClinical data of 442 MDS patients who were treated with arsenic-containing herbal compound formulas were retrospectively collected, including the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients. Based on the TCM four examinations, the patients were divided into the spleen-kidney deficiency group as well as the qi-yin deficiency group, and according to the results of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) test, they were divided into the group with and without gene mutation respectively. The influence of gene mutation on the clinical effectiveness of patients with different TCM patterns was analyzed, the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients with different outcomes of the two TCM patterns were compared, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted on the influencing factors of the effective rate of MDS patients with gene mutation. ResultsA total of 190 cases were included in the spleen-kidney deficiency group (119 cases with gene mutation) and 43 cases in the qi-yin deficiency group (23 cases with gene mutation). No statistically significant differences were noted in effectiveness assessment, total effective rate, and total response rate between the spleen-kidney deficiency group and the qi-yin deficiency group (P>0.05). In the spleen-kidney deficiency group, the total effective rate of MDS with gene mutation was 65.55% (78/119), which was lower than 80.28% (57/71) of MDS without gene mutation, with statistical significance (P = 0.033), while no statistical differences in effectiveness assessment and total response rate were noted (P>0.05). In the qi-yin deficiency group, no statistical differences were observed in effectiveness assessment, total effective rate, and total response rate of the patients in with or without gene mutation (P>0.05). In the spleen-kidney deficiency group with gene mutation, the rate of complex karyotype (P = 0.031) and the mutation rate of CBL gene (P = 0.032) in the ineffective population were higher than those in the effective population, while the mutation rate of DDX41 gene in the effective population was higher than that in the ineffective population (P = 0.033). No statistically significant differences were found in other gene mutations, age, gender distribution, number of gene mutations, bone marrow hyperplasia degree, blast cell range, reticular fiber tissue proliferation or not, and prognosis of chromosomal abnormalities between the effective and ineffective populations (P>0.05). In the qi-yin deficiency group with gene mutation, no statistically significant differences were found in various items between populations with different outcomes (P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that complex karyotype, CBL mutation, and DDX41 mutation were independently associated with the effective rate of MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency and gene mutation (P<0.05). DDX41 mutation was an independent protective factor in the spleen-kidney deficiency group (OR>1), while complex karyotype and CBL mutation were independent risk factors (OR<1). ConclusionThe arsenic-containing TCM compound formulas exhibited better effectiveness in MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency pattern without mutation; and in MDS with spleen-kidney deficiency pattern without complex karyotypes, CBL mutation, and with DDX41 mutations. Furthermore, DDX41 mutation was an independent protective factor in the spleen-kidney deficiency group, while complex karyotype and CBL mutation were independent risk factors. In MDS with qi-yin deficiency pattern, gene mutation-related factors showed no significant impact on the effectiveness of arsenic-containing TCM compound formulas.
10.Effect of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction (加味葛根芩连汤) on the Intestinal Mucus Barrier and Intestinal Stem Cell Proliferation and Differentiation in Ulcerative Colitis Model Mice
Jinke HUANG ; Jiaqi ZHANG ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):941-947
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanism of Modified Gegen Qinlian Decoction (加味葛根芩连汤, MGQD) in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC) based on intestinal mucus barrier. MethodsThirty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group, a model group and a MGQD group with 10 mice in each. Dextran Sulfate Sodium Salt (DSS) was used to construct the UC model in all groups except for the control group. Meanwhile, mice in the MGQD group were given 20 g/kg of MGQD decoction by gavage according to their body weight, while those in the control group and model group were given 0.2 ml/20 g of pure water by gavage, once a day for 7 consecutive days. On the day following the last gavage, the body weight, disease activity index (DAI) score, spleen weight, and colon length were compared. The pathological changes of the intestinal mucosal tissues were observed by HE staining; the protein expression levels of mucin 2 (MUC2) and leucine-rich repeat G protein-coupled receptor 5 (Lgr5) in the intestinal mucosal tissues were detected by immunofluorescence; the cuprocytes in the intestinal mucosal tissues were detected by AB/PAS staining; and the expression level of Ki67 in the intestinal mucosal tissues was detected by immunohistochemistry. ResultsHE staining showed that the colon mucosal tissue of the mice in the control group was intact. In the model group, the colon mucosal epithelial structure was severely damaged, with a large amount of inflammatory cell infiltration in the mucosal propria. In the MGQD group, the mucosal tissue structure was partially lost, with a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration.The body weight and colon length of mice in the model group decreased significantly compared to those in the control group, while DAI scores and spleen weight increased, and the levels of MUC2, Ki67, Lgr5 proteins, and the number of goblet cells were significantly reduced (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the MGQD group had increased body weight of mice, colon length, and decreased DAI scores and spleen weight; the levels of MUC2, Ki67, Lgr5 proteins, and the number of goblet cells were increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionMGQD has a favorable ameliorative effect on UC-related symptoms and pathological tissue damage, and its mechanism of action may be related to the restoration of the prolife-ration and differentiation of intestinal stem cells into goblet cells, thereby promoting the repair of the intestinal mucus barrier.

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