1.Xuefu Zhuyutang in Malignant Tumor Disease: A Review
Jiaqi JI ; Xiaoqing HU ; Yihan ZHAO ; Xuhang SUN ; Dandan WEI ; Junwen PEI ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):321-330
Cancer has become a significant global public health issue, severely impacting public health and societal development. Despite advances in tumor treatment methods in recent years and a gradual decline in cancer mortality rates, drug-related adverse reactions and drug resistance remain substantial challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in cancer treatment and small side effects, making it widely applied in the field of oncology. Xuefu Zhuyutang, derived from Yilin Gaicuo, is known for its abilities to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, promote Qi flow, and alleviate pain. It was specifically formulated by the esteemed WANG Qingren of the Qing dynasty for the "blood stasis syndrome in the blood mansion" and is commonly used to treat Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Clinical studies have shown that Xuefu Zhuyutang, when combined with conventional Western medications, produces significant effects in the treatment of malignant tumors such as liver cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer. It substantially reduces the incidence of adverse reactions following Western treatments, including radiation esophagitis, radiation encephalopathy, radiation-induced oral mucositis, and edema. Additionally, it alleviates cancer-related pain and fever, blood hypercoagulability, and associated complications such as depression and anxiety, and also mitigates chemotherapy-induced side effects like hand-foot syndrome. Basic research has demonstrated its potential anti-tumor mechanisms, including the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation, suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation, and anti-tumor angiogenesis. Pharmacological studies have revealed that its active components inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration, induce tumor cell apoptosis, suppress tumor angiogenesis, enhance the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against tumors, improve the tumor microenvironment, and regulate immune function. This paper reviewed the latest research progress on Xuefu Zhuyutang in the treatment of malignant tumors from four aspects: theoretical exploration, clinical studies, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological basis, aiming to provide insights and methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors.
2.Xuefu Zhuyutang in Malignant Tumor Disease: A Review
Jiaqi JI ; Xiaoqing HU ; Yihan ZHAO ; Xuhang SUN ; Dandan WEI ; Junwen PEI ; Shiqing JIANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):321-330
Cancer has become a significant global public health issue, severely impacting public health and societal development. Despite advances in tumor treatment methods in recent years and a gradual decline in cancer mortality rates, drug-related adverse reactions and drug resistance remain substantial challenges. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has demonstrated significant clinical efficacy in cancer treatment and small side effects, making it widely applied in the field of oncology. Xuefu Zhuyutang, derived from Yilin Gaicuo, is known for its abilities to invigorate blood circulation, dispel blood stasis, promote Qi flow, and alleviate pain. It was specifically formulated by the esteemed WANG Qingren of the Qing dynasty for the "blood stasis syndrome in the blood mansion" and is commonly used to treat Qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome. Clinical studies have shown that Xuefu Zhuyutang, when combined with conventional Western medications, produces significant effects in the treatment of malignant tumors such as liver cancer, lung cancer, and cervical cancer. It substantially reduces the incidence of adverse reactions following Western treatments, including radiation esophagitis, radiation encephalopathy, radiation-induced oral mucositis, and edema. Additionally, it alleviates cancer-related pain and fever, blood hypercoagulability, and associated complications such as depression and anxiety, and also mitigates chemotherapy-induced side effects like hand-foot syndrome. Basic research has demonstrated its potential anti-tumor mechanisms, including the inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation, suppression of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway activation, and anti-tumor angiogenesis. Pharmacological studies have revealed that its active components inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration, induce tumor cell apoptosis, suppress tumor angiogenesis, enhance the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against tumors, improve the tumor microenvironment, and regulate immune function. This paper reviewed the latest research progress on Xuefu Zhuyutang in the treatment of malignant tumors from four aspects: theoretical exploration, clinical studies, mechanisms of action, and pharmacological basis, aiming to provide insights and methods for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors.
3.Research progress on antibody-drug conjugates in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer
Danna LIU ; Shuangshuang SONG ; Lu CHEN ; Yongqiang SUN ; Bo SUN ; Hanli ZHOU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Tiandong KONG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):124-129
Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are a novel class of anti-tumor agents composed of a targeted monoclonal antibody, a cytotoxic drug, and a linker connecting the two. They combine the high specificity of antibodies with the potent cytotoxicity of chemotherapeutic agents. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by high aggressiveness, elevated risks of recurrence and metastasis, and poor prognosis, largely due to the lack of effective therapeutic targets. This review summarizes the research progress of ADCs in the treatment of TNBC. It has been found that ADCs targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (such as trastuzumab deruxtecan), trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (such as sacituzumab govitecan and datopotamab deruxtecan), zinc transporter LIV-1 (such as ladiratuzumab vedotin), HER-3 (such as patritumab deruxtecan), epidermal growth factor receptor (such as AVID100), and glycoprotein non-metastatic melanoma protein B (such as glembatumumab vedotin) have all demonstrated promising therapeutic effects against TNBC. Despite challenges including acquired resistance and treatment-related toxicities, ADCs are undoubtedly reshaping the therapeutic landscape for TNBC and are expected to occupy a more central position in TNBC treatment in the future.
4.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Esophageal Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wei GUO ; Chen PENG ; Yikun WANG ; Zixuan YU ; Jintao LIU ; Jing DING ; Yijing LI ; Hongxin SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):302-311
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as one of the key oncogenic pathways, can promote the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induce chemoresistance, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression, can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum, spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat, extract of Celastrus orbiculatus, root extract of Taraxacum, and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San, Huqi San, Xuanfu Daizhetang, Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions, Liujunzi Tang, and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition, TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions, aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.
5.Yishen Tongluo Prescription Treats Idiopathic Asthenospermia and Teratozoospermia in Patients with Syndrome of Kidney Deficiency and Collateral Obstruction by Alleviating Seminal Plasma Oxidative Stress
Pengchao LI ; Ruixuan HE ; Zixue SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):157-164
ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical effects of Yishen Tongluo Prescription in treating patients with idiopathic asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia due to kidney deficiency and collateral obstruction, as well as the effects of this formula on biochemical indices and oxidative stress of seminal plasma. MethodsPatients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were randomly allocated by the random number table method into an observation group (61 patients, including 2 dropped out and 59 completed) and a control group (61 patients, including 2 dropped out, 1 excluded, and 58 completed). The observation group took Yishen Tongluo Prescription orally, 1 dose/day, and the control group took levocarnitine oral solution, 10 mL/time, 3 times/day. Both groups received a treatment course of 12 weeks and were followed up for 6 weeks. The percentage of progressive motile sperms (PR), percentage of sperms with normal morphology, seminal plasma oxidative stress indicators [malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)], seminal plasma biochemical indicators [acid phosphatase (ACP), zinc (Zn), fructose (Fru), and alpha-glucosidase (α-Glu)], and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores were recorded for both groups before and after treatment. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 76.3% (45/59), which was higher than that (44.8%, 26/58) in the control group (χ2=12.120, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups of patients showed increases in PR, percentage of sperms with normal morphology, and seminal plasma SOD level (P<0.05), which were higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). The MDA level and TCM symptom scores decreased in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the decreases were more obvious in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the seminal plasma levels of ACP, Zn, Fru, and α-Glu in the observation group (P<0.05) and that of α-Glu in the control group (P<0.05) rose. Moreover, the observation group had higher seminal plasma levels of ACP, Zn, Fru, and α-Glu than the control group (P<0.05). Neither group showed obvious adverse reactions. ConclusionIn summaryYishen Tongluo prescription is able to improve the sperm vitality and reduce the sperm abnormality rate in infertile patients with idiopathic asthenozoospermia and teratozoospermia due to kidney deficiency and collateral obstruction. It may exert therapeutic effects by regulating the microenvironments of the epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicles, thereby recovering the seminal plasma biochemical levels, enhancing the antioxidant capacity of seminal plasma, clearing excessive reactive oxygen species, and alleviating oxidative stress.
6.Ginsenoside Rg2 Protects Heart After Acute Myocardial Infarction by Regulating PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Xixian ZHANG ; Junjie SUN ; Qingya LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):185-193
ObjectiveTo investigate the cardioprotective effects of ginsenoside Rg2 in regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in rats. Methods(1) Cellular experiment: Cardiomyocytes were isolated from 24-hour-old Sprague-Dawley (SD) neonatal rats and subjected to primary culture. An in vitro model of cardiomyocytes under an ischemic-hypoxic microenvironment was established. Cardiomyocytes were pretreated with ginsenoside Rg2 (1, 2, 3 mg·L-1) for 4 hours, then placed in RPMI 1640 serum-free medium and cultured for 24 hours in a three-gas incubator (94% N2, 5% CO2, 1% O2). The survival rate of cardiomyocytes was assessed using the methyl thiazolyl terazolium (MTT) assay. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the cell culture supernatant were measured using spectrophotometry. (2) Animal experiment: Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) SD rats were used to establish an AMI model using the Olivette method combined with previous studies. Rats that survived 24 hours post-surgery were randomly divided into a model group and ginsenoside Rg2 high-, medium-, and low-dose groups. The normal and model groups received normal saline, while the ginsenoside Rg2 groups were administered intragastrically at doses of 8, 4, and 2 mg·kg-1, once daily for 3 days. The levels of SOD, MDA, and GSH-Px in myocardial tissues were detected. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was assessed using the TdT-mediated dUTP biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p62, nuclear factor-κB p65 (NF-κB p65), and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) Ⅱ/Ⅰ in myocardial tissues were analyzed using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) and Western blot. Pathological changes in the infarct border zone were observed under a light microscope. Results(1) Cellular experiment: Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited a significantly decreased cardiomyocyte survival rate, as well as reduced SOD and GSH-Px activity, whereas LDH activity and MDA content were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, ginsenoside Rg2 intervention significantly increased cardiomyocyte survival, SOD activity, and GSH-Px activity, while reducing LDH activity and MDA content (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. Pathological examination revealed that ginsenoside Rg2 alleviated infarct size, myocardial degeneration, and necrosis, while significantly reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis. (2) Animal experiment: Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly lower SOD and GSH-Px activity (P<0.05) and higher MDA content (P<0.05) in myocardial tissues. Compared with the model group, all ginsenoside Rg2 groups showed significantly increased SOD and GSH-Px activity (P<0.05) and reduced MDA content (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the model group exhibited significantly decreased mRNA and protein expression levels of PI3K, Akt, mTOR, p62,and LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ,whereas the expression levels of NF-κB p65 were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the ginsenoside Rg2 groups showed significantly increased PI3K, Akt, mTOR, and p62 expression, while NF-κB p65 expression levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner,the mRNA and protein expression levels of LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ in ginsenoside Rg2 high-dose groups were significantly increased(P<0.05). ConclusionGinsenoside Rg2 exerts cardioprotective effects following AMI in rats, potentially through the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related protein expression.
7.A Randomized Controlled Trial of Stone Needle Thermocompression and Massage for Treating Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in the Shoulder and Back:A Secondary Analysis of Muscle Elasticity as a Mediator
Jingjing QIAN ; Yuanjing LI ; Li LI ; Yawei XI ; Ying WANG ; Cuihua GUO ; Jiayan ZHOU ; Yaxuan SUN ; Shu LIU ; Guangjing YANG ; Na YUAN ; Xiaofang YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(9):935-940
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of stone needle thermocompression and massage compared to flurbiprofen gel patch in relieving chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back, and to explore the potential mediating mechanism through muscle elasticity. MethodsA total of 120 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back were randomly assigned to either stone needle group or flurbiprofen group, with 60 patients in each. The stone needle group received stone needle thermocompression and massage for 30 minutes, three times per week; the flurbiprofen group received flurbiprofen gel patch twice daily. Both groups were treated for 2 weeks. Pain improvement, as the primary outcome, was assessed using the Global Pain Scale (GPS) at baseline, after 2 weeks of treatment, and again 2 weeks post-treatment. To explore potential mechanisms, a mediator analysis was conducted by measuring changes in superficial and deep muscle elasticity using musculoskeletal ultrasound at baseline and after the 2-week treatment period. ResultsThe stone needle group showed significantly greater pain relief than the flurbiprofen group 2 weeks post-treatment. After adjusting for confounders related to pain duration, the between-group mean difference was -8.8 [95% CI (-18.2, -0.7), P<0.05]. Part of the therapeutic effect was mediated by changes in deep muscle elasticity, with a mediation effect size of -1.5 [95% CI (-2.0, -0.9), P = 0.024], accounting for 17.9% of the total effect. ConclusionStone needle thermocompression and massage can effectively relieve chronic musculoskeletal pain in the shoulder and back, partly through a mediating effect of improved deep muscle elasticity.
8.Fu′s academic thoughts of promoting conception based on the "qi cycle in round" theory
Yan LIU ; Haoxian WANG ; Xiangyu LI ; Shuo SUN ; Jiuxian LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(3):336-342
FU Qingzhu Nyuke·Zhongzi is a concentrated manifestation of Fu′s academic thoughts of promoting conception (Zhongzi), which affects the treatment of infertility in later generations. However, the Zhongzi chapter is named after "symptoms" and is not divided into chapters according to "syndromes, "limiting the clinical application of Fu′s thoughts of Zhongzi. The "qi circle in round" theory is the crystallization of HUANG Yuanyu′s academic thinking, advocating for qi transformation, emphasizing middle qi, and considering the four phenomena. This theory highlights the role of middle qi in the rise, fall, and circulation of disease development. The "qi cycle in round" theory, a comprehensive view of Fu′s Zhongzi chapter, reveals that FU Qingzhu emphasizes the transformation of visceral qi in diagnosing and treating infertility, focusing on the spleen, liver, and kidneys. His prescription aims to restore the overall qi mechanism of the body, highlighting the circulation of middle earth and the dredging of meridians, aligning perfectly with the theory of the "qi cycle in round." Therefore, this article argues from the perspective of the "qi cycle in round, "deconstructing the pathogenesis of Fu′s infertility based on the dereliction of spleen earth, stagnation of liver wood, and kidney yin and yang deficiency. It reorganizes Fu′s formula system of Zhongzi by mediating middle earth, soothing liver depression, and regulating kidney function, summarizing the characteristics of Fu′s thoughts of Zhongzi with the aid of qi around the waist and navel, simultaneous treatment of conqenital and acquired essence, and restriction and generation of five phases. Based on the "qi cycle in round" theory, this study explores Fu′s academic thoughts of Zhongzi to strengthen the organic integration of Fu′s academic thoughts of Zhongzi with the theory of "qi cycle in round, "providing new perspectives for the study and inheritance of Fu′s academic thoughts of Zhongzi.
9.Treatment of Diabetic Kidney Disease with Active Ingredients of Astragali Radix Based on Inflammation: A Review
Xinze YUAN ; Chenchen LIU ; Shengnan WANG ; Xinyu SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):295-302
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the common microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM) and a primary cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Inflammation is currently a hot topic in exploring the pathogenesis of DKD. Macrophages, T cells, interleukins, tumor necrosis factor, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)-related signaling pathway all play a role in regulating the inflammation of DKD and accelerating its progression. Astragali Radix, a Chinese herbal medicine, is widely used in the treatment of DKD and possesses strong anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have revealed that active ingredients of Astragali Radix, including polysaccharides, astragaloside Ⅳ, total flavonoids, calycosin, and quercetin, can regulate multiple signaling pathways to ameliorate the microinflammatory state and alleviate kidney damage, thereby slowing down the progression of DKD. This article systematically reviews the factors influencing the inflammation in DKD and analyzes recent research findings and mechanisms concerning active ingredients of Astragali Radix in the management of DKD inflammation, aiming to offer novel insights and directions for the prevention, treatment, and research of DKD.
10.Treatment of Minimally Conscious State with Musk Based on "Phlegm,Fire,Blood Stasis,and Deficiency"
Yanbo SONG ; Yongkang SUN ; Mingyuan LI ; Xinzhi WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(2):188-192
Minimally conscious state (MCS) is at the edge between closed and open consciousness, but it still belongs to the category of "wind-strike block" syndrome. The basic pathogenesis of MCS is the obstruction of pathogenic qi, orifices closed and spirit hidden, with pathological factors including phlegm, fire, and blood stasis. Wind movement and water retention may also be present, and often leading to deficiency syndrome due to the exhaustion of qi, blood, yin, and yang at later stages. Treatment chooses Shexiang (Moschus) as the chief medicinal, emphasizing combination of medicinals and urgency of medication administration; the key therapeutic method is to open the orifices, with focuses on expelling pathogens and reinforcing healthy qi. For patients with severe phlegm or fire, use Xiaochengqi Decoction (小承气汤) to open the lower orifices, discharge heat and unblock the bowels, combined with Shexiang (Moschus) and Niuhuang (Bovis Calculus) to open the upper orifices, awaken the spirit and guide qi. For patients with turbid phlegm as the predominant, temporarily replace Shexiang (Moschus) with Baizhi (Angelicae dahuricae radix), using Ditan Decoction (涤痰汤) to eliminate phlegm to open the orifices, when turbid phlegm gradually subsided, Shexiang (Moschus) could be added. For patients with blood stasis as the predominant, Tongqiao Huoxue Decoction (通窍活血汤) will be used to activate blood and open orifice, if the blood circulates, the endogenous wind will be calmed, the water will be induced, the orifices will open and the consciousness will restore. For patients with closed orifices and body deficiency, the treatment should open the orifices and reinforce healthy qi, and consider the root and branch simultaneously; qi deficiency syndrome can be addressed with Buyang Huanwu Decoction (补阳还五汤) to boost qi and reinforce healthy qi; yin deficiency syndrome can be treated with Shaoyao Gancao Decoction (芍药甘草汤) combined with Fengsui Pill (封髓丹) to nourish yin, soften sinews, and secure kidney essence; yang deficiency can be managed by using Dihuang Yinzi Decoction (地黄饮子) to enrich yin, supplement yang, and open the orifices.


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