1.Processing History and Modern Research of Bile-processed Coptidis Rhizoma: A Review
Zhaowei DONG ; Jing YANG ; Qinwan HUANG ; Jin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):269-278
Bile-processed Coptidis Rhizoma(B-pCR), first documented in Shengji Zonglu, is a unique processed products of Coptidis Rhizoma(CR) characterized by "mutual enhancement processing" and "enhancing the cold property of cold-natured herbs". Pig bile can enhance the bitter and cold properties of CR, yielding potent effects in purging excess fire from the liver and gallbladder. The processing increases the dissolution of alkaloids such as berberine, coptisine, and palmatine, while introducing bile acids from pig bile, including taurine-type and glycine-type cholic acids. This enhances its pharmacological effects, such as antipyretic activity, regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, and intestinal absorption. Traditional processing techniques and quality standards for B-pCR are outlined in the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) Decoction Pieces Processing Standard and the Gansu TCM Processing Standard. However, incomplete specifications for critical process parameters and quality criteria significantly impact its production and clinical application. A review of research over the past two decades on the processing history, process optimization, quality evaluation, material basis, and changes in pharmacological effects and properties of B-pCR reveals that the pretreatment method and dosage of pig bile, and processing temperature are key factors influencing its quality. Furthermore, current quality standards lack specific indicators. Additionally, the enhancement of the cold property and medicinal efficacy direction of B-pCR is not only associated with changes in alkaloid groups but also depend on the synergistic effects of bile acids. This review can provide insights for improving the quality evaluation system of B-pCR.
2.Research progress on the correlation of dry eye with depression
Feng JIN ; Baoyue MI ; Jingqing MU ; Jingjing CAO ; Xia HUA
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):74-79
Dry eye disease is a chronic ocular surface disorder of multifactorial origin, characterized by a loss of tear film homeostasis and associated with a range of ocular discomfort symptoms. Growing evidence underscores a significant bidirectional relationship between dry eye and depression: individuals with dry eye disease exhibit a higher prevalence of depressive disorders, and conversely, those diagnosed with depression demonstrate an increased susceptibility to developing dry eye. This interplay is mediated through several pathophysiological pathways, such as chronic inflammation, cerebral functional alterations, gut microbiome dysregulation, and sleep disturbances, which may collectively sustain a vicious cycle. The use of antidepressant therapy introduces further complexity, exerting heterogeneous effects on dry eye—some agents may offer symptomatic relief, whereas others can aggravate ocular surface impairment. The mechanisms responsible for these differential outcomes remain incompletely elucidated and merit further investigation. This review systematically consolidates epidemiological data on the dry eye-depression link, examines potential shared pathological mechanisms, and evaluates current therapeutic options. We propose an integrated management approach that combines conventional dry eye treatments, such as traditional Chinese medicine, electroacupuncture, physical activity and antidepressants—a multimodal strategy that may yield synergistic benefits in alleviating both ocular and affective symptoms, thereby improving overall quality of life. Moving forward, research should focus on deciphering the underlying mechanistic pathways and facilitating the translation of these insights into clinical practice to inform targeted, combined treatment regimens for patients with dry eye and depression.
3.Application progress of artificial intelligence in retinal neovascular diseases
International Eye Science 2026;26(1):135-141
Retinal neovascular diseases represent a critical subset of retinal diseases that severely impair vision and can lead to blindness. In recent years, artificial intelligence(AI)has demonstrated breakthrough applications in the medical field, particularly in ophthalmology, leveraging its robust capabilities in image recognition and data analysis. Machine learning and deep learning, as core AI technologies, enable precise feature extraction from vast volumes of medical imaging data and the construction of predictive models, offering novel approaches for the auxiliary diagnosis and prognosis of retinal neovascular diseases. This review synthesizes the latest advancements in AI applications for neovascular retinal diseases, including diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusion, retinopathy of prematurity, and age-related macular degeneration. It further discusses the limitations and challenges in clinical implementation. Through a comprehensive summary and analysis, this review aims to provide insights for advancing AI-driven diagnosis and treatment strategies, ultimately facilitating early detection and predictive management of these vision-threatening diseases.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
5.Application Analysis of Rehmanniae Radix in Medical Cases of Qing Court
Yan JIN ; Tiegui NAN ; Yihan WANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):232-238
To gain an in-depth understanding of the clinical application of Rehmanniae Radix during the Qing Dynasty and to clarify its specifications and corresponding therapeutic effects, this study took Rehmanniae Radix in the prescriptions documented in Research on Medical Cases of the Qing Imperial Court as the research subject. According to historical medical literature, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on the specifications, therapeutic efficacy, frequency of use, dosage, and seasonal patterns of Rehmanniae Radix employed by imperial physicians. The findings revealed that Rehmanniae Radix in the medical cases of the Qing court was primarily classified into three categories: Xiaoshengdi, Zhongshengdi, and Dashengdi. Xiaoshengdi was also referred to as Xishengdi or Cishengdi, all denoting dried Rehmanniae Radix. The term Xishengdi was inconsistently defined in the literature. It should refer to the slender variant of dried Rehmanniae Radix and was utilized as a specific specification in the medical cases of the Qing court. In contrast, the wild fresh roots of Rehmanniae Radix, described as "as slender as fingers", were commonly documented as fresh Rehmanniae Radix in these medical cases. There were variations in Rehmanniae Radix size and grading between historical and contemporary standards. Furthermore, therapeutic differences were observed among Rehmanniae Radix specifications in the medical cases of the Qing court. Xiaoshengdi and Zhongshengdi exhibited slightly stronger blood-cooling and heat-clearing effects while maintaining a non-cloying Yin-nourishing property. In contrast, Dashengdi demonstrated a greater emphasis on Yin supplementation with relatively milder heat-clearing activity. In the medical cases of the Qing court, the dosage of Rehmanniae Radix in different specifications was usually 11.2-18.7 g per dose, typically administered twice daily. Rehmanniae Radix in different specifications exhibits variations in efficacy, which can provide evidence-based insights for precise clinical application.
6.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
7.Application Analysis of Rehmanniae Radix in Medical Cases of Qing Court
Yan JIN ; Tiegui NAN ; Yihan WANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):232-238
To gain an in-depth understanding of the clinical application of Rehmanniae Radix during the Qing Dynasty and to clarify its specifications and corresponding therapeutic effects, this study took Rehmanniae Radix in the prescriptions documented in Research on Medical Cases of the Qing Imperial Court as the research subject. According to historical medical literature, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on the specifications, therapeutic efficacy, frequency of use, dosage, and seasonal patterns of Rehmanniae Radix employed by imperial physicians. The findings revealed that Rehmanniae Radix in the medical cases of the Qing court was primarily classified into three categories: Xiaoshengdi, Zhongshengdi, and Dashengdi. Xiaoshengdi was also referred to as Xishengdi or Cishengdi, all denoting dried Rehmanniae Radix. The term Xishengdi was inconsistently defined in the literature. It should refer to the slender variant of dried Rehmanniae Radix and was utilized as a specific specification in the medical cases of the Qing court. In contrast, the wild fresh roots of Rehmanniae Radix, described as "as slender as fingers", were commonly documented as fresh Rehmanniae Radix in these medical cases. There were variations in Rehmanniae Radix size and grading between historical and contemporary standards. Furthermore, therapeutic differences were observed among Rehmanniae Radix specifications in the medical cases of the Qing court. Xiaoshengdi and Zhongshengdi exhibited slightly stronger blood-cooling and heat-clearing effects while maintaining a non-cloying Yin-nourishing property. In contrast, Dashengdi demonstrated a greater emphasis on Yin supplementation with relatively milder heat-clearing activity. In the medical cases of the Qing court, the dosage of Rehmanniae Radix in different specifications was usually 11.2-18.7 g per dose, typically administered twice daily. Rehmanniae Radix in different specifications exhibits variations in efficacy, which can provide evidence-based insights for precise clinical application.
8.Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulates NF-κB Signaling Pathway for Treatment of Obesity: A Review
Zijing WU ; Jixin LI ; Linjie QIU ; Yan REN ; Chacha ZOU ; Meijie LI ; Wenjie LI ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):310-318
Obesity is a chronic low-grade inflammation and a risk factor for diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and malignant tumors, demonstrating an increasingly grim development situation. The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway is a key signaling pathway involved in the immune response and inflammatory response. In obese individuals, the expression of NF-κB is overactivated, which leads to abnormal inflammatory responses in the body. Therefore, it is expected to alleviate inflammation and treat obesity by regulating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which has been proven effective by a large number of studies. The available studies on the NF-κB signaling pathway mostly focus on tumors, and there is no systematic review of the mechanism of this pathway in mediating obesity and the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment. We reviewed the research progress in the pathological and physiological processes of obesity mediated by NF-κB signaling pathway and TCM treatment, aiming to give insights into the clinical treatment of obesity with TCM and provide reference targets and research directions for exploring the biological foundations and the development of new TCM preparations.
9.Prognostic correlation analysis of multiple myeloma based on HALP score of peripheral blood before chemotherapy
Min CHEN ; Liying AN ; Xiaojing LIN ; Pan ZHAO ; Xingli ZOU ; Jin WEI ; Xun NI
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):61-67
[Objective] To explore the predictive value of HALP score for prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on laboratory indicators and related clinical data of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, treated at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2016 to October 2023, prior to their first treatment. The HALP score was calculated, and the optimal cutoff value for HALP was determined using X-tile software. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves for high HALP and low HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox regression model, and a forest plot was generated using Graphpad Prism to illustrate factors that may impact patient prognosis. The predictive ability of HALP score combined with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score for prognosis in MM patients was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. [Results] A total of 203 MM patients were included, with the optimal cutoff value for HALP score being 29.15 (P<0.05). Among them, 101 patients were in the low HALP score group, and 102 patients were in the high HALP score group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model showed that a HALP score <29.15 was an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score had a higher predictive value for prognosis in MM patients compared to using HALP score alone. [Conclusion] The HALP score is closely related to the prognosis of patients with NDMM. A low HALP score indicates a poorer prognosis, while the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score provides a higher predictive value when assessed together.
10.Molecular biological research and molecular homologous modeling of Bw.03 subgroup
Li WANG ; Yongkui KONG ; Huifang JIN ; Xin LIU ; Ying XIE ; Xue LIU ; Yanli CHANG ; Yafang WANG ; Shumiao YANG ; Di ZHU ; Qiankun YANG
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(1):112-115
[Objective] To study the molecular biological mechanism for a case of ABO blood group B subtype, and perform three-dimensional modeling of the mutant enzyme. [Methods] The ABO phenotype was identified by the tube method and microcolumn gel method; the ABO gene of the proband was detected by sequence-specific primer polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP), and the exon 6 and 7 of the ABO gene were sequenced and analyzed. Homologous modeling of Bw.03 glycosyltransferase (GT) was carried out by Modeller and analyzed by PyMOL2.5.0 software. [Results] The weakening B antigen was detected in the proband sample by forward typing, and anti-B antibody was detected by reverse typing. PCR-SSP detection showed B, O gene, and the sequencing results showed c.721 C>T mutation in exon 7 of the B gene, resulting in p. Arg 241 Trp. Compared with the wild type, the structure of Bw.03GT was partially changed, and the intermolecular force analysis showed that the original three hydrogen bonds at 241 position disappeared. [Conclusion] Blood group molecular biology examination is helpful for the accurate identification of ambiguous blood group. Homologous modeling more intuitively shows the key site for the weakening of Bw.03 GT activity. The intermolecular force analysis can explain the root cause of enzyme activity weakening.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail