1.Variations of Chemical Components in Gardeniae Fructus Before and After Being Charred Analyzed by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS
Lan LI ; Jie HONG ; Yanan SONG ; Yilan LI ; Yun WANG ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):175-182
ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in chemical components of Gardeniae Fructus(GF) before and after being charred, providing data support for research on the material basis of GF Carbonisata(GFC). MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS) was used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the chemical components in GF and GFC under positive and negative ion modes with Compound Discoverer 3.3 software and online database. Then, principal component analysis and partial least squares-discriminant analysis in SIMCA14.1 software were used to analyze the MS data of each sample. Based on the principle of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1, differential secondary and primary metabolites before and after carbonization were screened. In addition, MetaboAnalyst website was used for pathway enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), so as to provide a reference for clarifying the processing mechanism. ResultsA total of 185 components were identified, including 96 secondary metabolites and 89 primary metabolites. These components were classified into nine categories, primarily including iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and terpenoids, their fragmentation pathways were also analyzed. Simultaneously, multivariate statistical analysis was performed on the secondary and primary metabolites, identifying 70 and 59 differential metabolites, respectively. The secondary metabolites were enriched in two metabolic pathways, including C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism and flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis, while the primary differential metabolites were enriched in seven pathways such as linoleic acid metabolism and tyrosine metabolism. ConclusionThe chemical components of GF change significantly after carbonization, with a significant decrease in the contents of iridoid glycosides and terpenoids such as hydroxyisogeniposide, crocin Ⅱ, crocetin, and jasminoside B. while the contents of 4-hydroxycoumarin, geniposidic acid, gentiopicroside, and gardenoside methyl ester increase significantly. This change is presumed to be associated with the enhanced cooling and hemostatic effects of the processed products. The identified key components provide a basis for elucidating the material basis underlying the efficacy changes before and after carbonization.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiaoqi JING ; Minna GUO ; Haihua WANG ; Juan LI ; Fusheng ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):208-216
This article systematically reviews and verifies the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma(CARR) by consulting relevant ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Through textual research, Baiwei has been the official name for CARR, though it also bears alternative names such as Chuncao, Popo Zhenxianbao, Longdan Baiwei. The mainstream base is the roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum atratum. Historical records indicate primary producing areas include Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shaanxi and Shanxi. Since the late Ming dynasty, varieties from Juxian, Yishui and Rizhao in Shandong have been highly regarded as authentic, commonly known as eastern Baiwei. Since modern times, its quality has been summarized as fine, slender, and straight fibrous roots, pale yellow exterior, whiter interior, and dryness with easy breakability are considered superior. The harvesting time before the Song dynasty was on the third day of the third lunar month, but after the Song dynasty, harvesting was possible in both spring and autumn. The initial processing methods of CARR in ancient times included drying in the shade, removing Lu(the little rhizomes which are on tap of roots), and removing mustaches, modern methods involve washing and sun-drying. During the Northern and Southern dynasties, processing methods included steaming. In the Song dynasty, drying and light stir-frying were predominant, while wine washing emerged in the Ming dynasty. Modern practices primarily involve using raw, stir-frying or honey processing. Regarding the medicinal properties of CARR, both ancient and modern texts agree it has a bitter and salty taste and is non-toxic. Records prior to the Qing dynasty predominantly describe its nature as extremely cold, while mainstream herbal texts after the Qing dynasty generally characterize it as cold. Before the Ming dynasty, there were no records of its meridian tropism. It was not until the Qing dynasty that it was recorded in the lung meridian. Modern records mainly refer to the stomach, liver, and kidney meridians. Throughout history, its main functions have been to clear heat, diuresis, nourish Yin, and replenish essence, primarily treating Yin deficiency and fever syndrome. Based on the research results, it is suggested that when developing famous classical formulas containing CARR, the dried roots and rhizomes of C. atratum can be selected as its medicinal source. If there are no specific processing requirements, raw products can be selected as medicine. If the processing requirements are specified, corresponding processed products can be selected as medicine according to the original formula requirements.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Longan Arillus in Famous Classical Formulas
Yanmeng LIU ; Yihan WANG ; Erwei HAO ; Chun YAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):300-309
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the name, origin, harvesting and others of Longan Arillus by referring to the ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a foundation for developing famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it indicated that Longan Arillus was first recorded under the name of longan in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Longan Arillus gradually replaced longan as the standard name recorded in the materia medica, with additional aliases including Yizhi, Lizhinu and Yuanyan. The source of Longan Arillus used in the past dynasties was the arillus of the Sapindaceae plant Dimocarpus longan. The production regions recorded in the past dynasties were mainly Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and others. Since the Qing dynasty, Longan Arillus produced in Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi have been regarded as the finest and authentic varieties, with Fujian, Guangxi, and Guangdong remaining the primary authentic production areas today. In ancient times, the fruits were primarily harvested in August of the lunar calendar. However, modern longan cultivation typically involves harvesting ripe fruits during summer and autumn. Post-harvest processing involves removing moisture through sun-drying or baking before drying for medicinal use. Throughout history, processing methods have primarily focused on raw product, though techniques such as wine soaking and powdering have also been employed. Since modern times, it has been concluded that its quality is the best one with thick flesh, sweet taste, brownish-yellow color and tender texture. Longan Arillus possesses a sweet and warm nature, entering the heart and spleen meridians. Its primary functions are tonifying the heart and spleen, nourishing the blood and calming the spirit, which is consistent in ancient and modern times. Based on the textual research, it is suggested to use the arillus of D. longan when developing the famous classical formulas containing Longan Arillus. Processing methods should be selected according to the formula requirements, where no specific processing is indicated, the raw products is recommended for medicinal use.
4.Research progress on the intervention of energy metabolism disorders in chronic heart failure by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine through regulating circadian rhythms
Ruiqi GUO ; Sutong WANG ; Zhaohui LYU ; Yan LI ; Renwei GUAN ; Xiao LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):670-675
The onset and progression of chronic heart failure (CHF) are closely associated with myocardial energy metabolism disorders, and this pathological process significantly affects patient prognosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), grounded in time-based medical theories such as the correspondence between humans and nature and the theory of circadian flow of meridians (Ziwu Liuzhu), exhibits intrinsic consistency with modern circadian rhythm theory, providing a unique theoretical framework for understanding and intervening in CHF from a temporal perspective. This article systematically explores the impact of circadian rhythms on energy metabolism and the potential mechanisms by which TCM active ingredients intervene in CHF through a review of relevant literature. It is found that various TCM active ingredients, including flavonoids (such as nobiletin), alkaloids (such as berberine), and polyphenols (such as resveratrol), can improve mitochondrial function, promote fatty acid oxidation, enhance glucose uptake and utilization efficiency, maintain metabolic balance, and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in myocardial cells by regulating the expression and rhythms of core circadian clock genes such as CLOCK, BMAL1, PER, and CRY. These actions thereby correct energy metabolism disorders and improve cardiac function. Further exploration of the interaction mechanisms between these components and the circadian rhythms holds promise for providing novel theoretical foundations and potential intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of CHF.
5.Herbal Textual Research on Piperis Longi Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Haihua WANG ; Xiaoqi JING ; Juan LI ; Dabang REN ; Fusheng ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):210-219
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, producing area, harvesting and processing, nature, flavor and efficacy of Piperis Longi Fructus by referring to the materia medica, medical books, and prescription books of past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the herbal textual research, the name of Piper longum first appeared in Nanfang Caomuzhuang, and it also has other aliases such as Biboli, Halou, and Hujiaohua. Historically, the origin of Piperis Longi Fructus has been P. longum of the Piperaceae family. In ancient times, both the fruit and root were used as medicine, and since the Republic of China, the fruit has been mainly used as medicine. The medicinal part is the dried, nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes. Piperis Longi Fructus is native to India and has been introduced into China since the Tang dynasty. In the Ming dynasty, Bencao Pinhui Jingyao clearly stated that the genuine producing area was "Duanzhou", present-day Zhaoqing in Guangdong province. Nowadays, it is planted in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan and other regions. Historically and currently, harvesting occurs in autumn. The ancient processing method uniformly involved removing the stems, soaking in the sourest vinegar overnight, baking, and scraping off the peels and grains with a knife until clean. In modern times, impurities are removed, and it is dried in the sun and crushed when used. The properties, functions and applications of P. longum are basically the same in ancient and modern times. It tastes pungent, is warm in nature, and non-toxic. It has the effects of warming the middle-jiao to dispel cold, lowering Qi and relieving pain, and is used for cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, headache, and toothache. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Piperis Longi Fructus, the dried nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes of P. longum should be used. If there are no clear processing requirements, it is recommended to use the raw products for medicinal use, and the specific processing methods can refer to the relevant requirements under Piperis Longi Fructus in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. If processing requirements such as soaking in vinegar and peeling are clearly specified, it is recommended to follow the ancient methods.
6.Herbal Textual Research on Piperis Longi Fructus in Famous Classical Formulas
Haihua WANG ; Xiaoqi JING ; Juan LI ; Dabang REN ; Fusheng ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):210-219
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, producing area, harvesting and processing, nature, flavor and efficacy of Piperis Longi Fructus by referring to the materia medica, medical books, and prescription books of past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the herbal textual research, the name of Piper longum first appeared in Nanfang Caomuzhuang, and it also has other aliases such as Biboli, Halou, and Hujiaohua. Historically, the origin of Piperis Longi Fructus has been P. longum of the Piperaceae family. In ancient times, both the fruit and root were used as medicine, and since the Republic of China, the fruit has been mainly used as medicine. The medicinal part is the dried, nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes. Piperis Longi Fructus is native to India and has been introduced into China since the Tang dynasty. In the Ming dynasty, Bencao Pinhui Jingyao clearly stated that the genuine producing area was "Duanzhou", present-day Zhaoqing in Guangdong province. Nowadays, it is planted in Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan and other regions. Historically and currently, harvesting occurs in autumn. The ancient processing method uniformly involved removing the stems, soaking in the sourest vinegar overnight, baking, and scraping off the peels and grains with a knife until clean. In modern times, impurities are removed, and it is dried in the sun and crushed when used. The properties, functions and applications of P. longum are basically the same in ancient and modern times. It tastes pungent, is warm in nature, and non-toxic. It has the effects of warming the middle-jiao to dispel cold, lowering Qi and relieving pain, and is used for cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, vomiting, diarrhea, chest pain, headache, and toothache. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Piperis Longi Fructus, the dried nearly ripe or ripe fruit spikes of P. longum should be used. If there are no clear processing requirements, it is recommended to use the raw products for medicinal use, and the specific processing methods can refer to the relevant requirements under Piperis Longi Fructus in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. If processing requirements such as soaking in vinegar and peeling are clearly specified, it is recommended to follow the ancient methods.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Bambusae Succus in Famous Classical Formulas
Yu SHI ; Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Ming YANG ; Zhiping CHEN ; Jiangshan ZHANG ; Conglong XU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):231-239
This article systematically reviews and examines the historical evolution of Bambusae Succus as a medicinal material, covering aspects such as nomenclature, origin, geographical distribution, harvesting and processing methods, quality assessment, therapeutic effects and indications, by consulting ancient herbal texts, medical compendia, and modern literature. The aim is to provide a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Research indicated that Bambusae Succus was first documented in the Shennong Bencaojing during the Han dynasty, with Zhuli being the standard name used throughout history, alongside aliases like Zhuzhi, Zhuyou and Huoquan. Historically, the primary source of Bambusae Succus has been Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis(Danzhu), although other species such as Pleioblastus amarus and Bambusa emeiensis have also been used medicinally. Ancient records predominantly noted its origin in Yizhou(present-day Chengdu and surrounding areas in Sichuan) and the Wuling region(between present-day Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Jiangxi provinces), while contemporary sources are mainly from regions south of the Yangtze River and southwestern China. Traditionally, Bambusae Succus was harvested from bamboo that had grown for exactly one year, today, it can be collected year-round without strict age requirements. Ancient preparation methods included direct fire roasting or dry distillation, whereas modern industrial production employs dry distillation, reflux extraction, and percolation. In terms of quality evaluation, ancient texts considered a sweet taste to be superior, while today, clarity and transparency are prioritized. Historically, Bambusae Succus was characterized as sweet and cold nature, targeting the lung and stomach meridians, with uses evolving from clearing heat and resolving phlegm to nourishing Yin, moistening dryness, and relaxing tendons and unblocking meridians. Modern descriptions classify it as sweet, bitter, and cold in nature, affecting the heart, liver, and lung meridians, with functions including clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and facilitating orifices. It is indicated for conditions such as stroke with phlegm confusion, lung heat with phlegm congestion, convulsions, epilepsy, excessive phlegm in febrile diseases, high fever with thirst, irritability during pregnancy, and tetanus, with more clearly defined applications. Based on the results of the research, it is recommended that when developing and utilizing famous classical formulas containing Bambusae Succus, the one-year-old Phyllostachys nigra var. Henonis, which has been highly praised throughout history, should be selected as the source material. Industrial production should adopt the dry distillation method. Furthermore, in-depth research should be conducted on the modern technological characterization of the traditional quality control indicator of sweet taste, and reasonable modern quality control standards should be established.
8.Safety evaluation of 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (tetanus toxoid/diphtheria toxoid) in Tianjin
Guoping ZHANG ; Shuo WANG ; Yongcheng LI ; Baihui GUO ; Di ZHU ; Xiaoyan LUO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):17-21
Objective To evaluate the safety of the 13-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (tetanus toxoid/diphtheria toxoid) (PCV13-TT/DT) among age-eligible children in Tianjin through a combination of active and passive surveillance methods. Methods From July 15, 2023, to August 31, 2024, active surveillance for adverse events following immunization (AEFI) was conducted among recipients of PCV13-TT/DT at 18 selected vaccination clinics in Tianjin. Recipients were monitored through on-site observation or telephone follow-up within 30 minutes after vaccination and on days 1, 3, 7, and 28. Passive surveillance for AEFI was conducted among recipients of PCV13-TT/DT at other vaccination clinics across the city. The incidence of AEFI was analyzed using descriptive epidemiological methods. Results A total of 24 916 recipients of PCV13-TT/DT were observed, with 440 AEFI cases reported, resulting in an overall incidence rate of 176.59 per 10 000. The incidence rate of AEFI in active surveillance was 813.79 per 10 000, significantly higher than that in passive surveillance (20.49 per 10 000; P< 0.001). The incidence rates of general reactions, abnormal reactions, and coincidental cases in active surveillance were 744.44 per 10 000, 8.16 per 10 000, and 61.19 per 10 000, respectively, all of which were higher than those in passive surveillance (18.49 per 10 000, 0.50 per 10 000, and 1.50 per 10 000), with P values < 0.05. General reactions were mainly characterized by fever, local redness, and local induration. Abnormal reactions included angioedema and allergic rash. Coincidental cases were mainly infections. No severe adverse reactions occurred. Conclusion The large-scale vaccination of PCV13-TT/DT after its launch has good safety, and continuous strengthening of vaccine safety monitoring is needed.
9.Influenza surveillance results in Ordos City in 2017 - 2023
Xiaomin ZHANG ; Hongtao XIAO ; Sheng WANG ; Rong SUN ; Shangwu JIN ; Di ZHANG ; Jiming HAO ; Jialin LYU ; Chunyan YANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):54-58
Objective To analyze the influenza-like illness (ILI) data in Ordos City from 2017 to 2023 and conduct nucleic acid detection of the virus to understand the local influenza epidemic situation, and to provide a reliable basis for influenza prevention and control in the city. Methods Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to identify virus subtypes in ILI throat swab samples. Comparisons of positive rates were conducted using the chi-square test, with a significance level of α=0.05. Results From 2017 to 2023, a total of 3,283,434 outpatient and emergency visits were recorded at the Ordos City Central Hospital, including 74,159 ILI cases, with an ILI proportion of 2.26%. The majority of ILI cases (74.43%) occurred in children aged 0~14 years old. The overall positive rate of influenza virus nucleic acid detection was 10.87%, with the highest proportion being subtype A (seasonal H3) at 43.03%. The highest detection rate was observed in the 5~14 years age group, with statistically significant differences in positive rates across age groups (χ2=155.638, P<0.001). Influenza peaks occurred mainly from November to March of the following year. From January to April, three types of influenza were prevalent alternately or mixed, while from October to December, subtype A (seasonal H3) predominated. Positive rates varied significantly across months (χ2=250.923, P<0.001). The temporal trends of ILI proportions and PCR-positive rates were consistent. Conclusion Influenza in Ordos City exhibits distinct seasonal and age distribution characteristics, with alternating or mixed circulation of three virus types. Continued efforts are needed to strengthen influenza surveillance, especially the prevention and control of influenza in infants and adolescents.
10.Material Basis of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy and Mechanism of Action of Bushen Tongdu Prescription Based on UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and Network Pharmacology
Yan RONG ; Lulu JING ; Hongping HOU ; Huijun WANG ; Lihua CHEN ; Yunxin CHEN ; Liang LI ; Li LIN ; Xiaoqin LUO ; Haiyu ZHAO ; Xiaolu WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):152-161
ObjectiveThis paper aims to investigate the material basis of the anti-inflammatory efficacy and mechanism of action of Bushen Tongdu prescription (BSTDP). MethodsThe chemical components of BSTDP and its blood-absorbed components in vivo were systematically identified by using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-LIT-Orbitrap-MS). Network pharmacology was employed to screen blood-absorbed bioactive components and potential targets of this formula. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of core targets was constructed to conduct enrichment analysis. Molecular docking was further utilized to verify the binding affinity between key components and targets. The inflammatory model was established and verified in vivo by using a transgenic zebrafish Tg (mpx: GFP). At three days post-fertilization (3 dpf), larvae of zebrafish were randomly assigned to blank group, model group, positive drug dexamethasone acetate group (75 μmol·L-1), and BSTDP groups with low, medium, and high doses (500, 1 000, and 2 000 mg·L-1). The distribution and quantity of neutrophils in the yolk sac region were observed under a fluorescence microscope. The mRNA expression levels of key genes in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway and inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were detected by Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsA total of 120 chemical components were identified in BSTDP, among which 26 original components were confirmed by using serum pharmacochemical methods. A total of 227 common targets linking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the blood-absorbed components were screened by network pharmacology. It is suggested that pseudobrucine, vomicine, sinapine, rehmannioside, cinnamyl alcohol glycoside, and methylephedrine exert anti-inflammatory effects by acting on core targets including protein kinase B1 (Akt1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), TLR4, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14), and phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase catalytic subunit α (PIK3CA), thereby modulating multiple signaling pathways such as TLR4 and NF-κB. In vivo verification in zebrafish demonstrates that the maximum tolerable concentration of Bushen Tongdu Formula is 2 000 mg·L-1. Compared to those in the blank group, zebrafish in the model group showed a significantly higher number of neutrophils in the yolk sac region (P<0.01) and rising mRNA levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β (P<0.01). Compared to that in the model group, the number of neutrophils was significantly reduced in BSTDP groups with medium and high doses, as well as the dexamethasone acetate group (P<0.05, P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in the low dose group. The mRNA expression levels of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were significantly down-regulated (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThis paper identifies the material basis of the efficacy of BSTDP, demonstrating that the formula can exert an anti-inflammatory effect through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway. The results provide scientific experimental evidence for its further clinical application.


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