1."Olfactory Administration of Chinese Medicine"——A New Form of Application of Chinese Medicine
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):225-232
As an innovative form of combining traditional aromatherapy with modern nasal medicine delivery technology, "olfactory administration of Chinese medicine" carries the theoretical essence of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is "moving and channeling Qi and fragrance, dredging and awakening the mind". Based on the systematic records of olfactory therapies in ancient books in emergency care, disorders of consciousness, lung system, and gynecological diseases, this paper examines the historical evolution of its clinical application, and elucidates the profound historical basis and theoretical feasibility of "olfactory administration of Chinese medicine" as a new form. Combined with the innovation and precise application of modern Chinese medicine olfactory agents in multi-system diseases such as nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, this paper further analyzes the multi-dimensional mechanism of olfactory receptor pathway, olfactory brain pathway, nasal mucosal blood vessels, and lymphatic channels, and demonstrates its advantages of rapid onset, targeted brain entry, and systemic regulation. Under the background of continuous growth in the demand for external TCM treatment, continuous breakthroughs in the technology of nasal dosage forms, and increasingly accurate drug delivery paths, Chinese medicine olfactory agents have shown significant practical applicability and development potential. This study aims to provide theoretical support and practical direction for the system construction of this form.
2.Nose-to-brain Delivery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Essential Oils for Neurological Disorders: Applications and Molecular Mechanisms
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Yinan ZHAO ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):251-259
The nose-to-brain pathway refers to a significant drug delivery route through which substances traverse the unique anatomical structures of the nasal cavity to directly access the central nervous system, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Its core advantage lies in utilizing the olfactory and trigeminal nerves, enabling peripheral drug administration to rapidly and efficiently reach the brain, thereby avoiding the drug loss and bioavailability reduction associated with oral or intravenous routes due to the circulatory system and blood-brain barrier limitations. In recent years, with in-depth research into the neuroanatomy of the olfactory system, nasal mucosal barrier properties, and neural regulatory mechanisms, the potential application of the nose-to-brain pathway in neurological diseases has attracted increasing attention. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) essential oils, characterized by strong lipophilicity, small molecular weights, volatility, and diverse chemical components, are highly compatible with the physiological characteristics of the nose-to-brain pathway, thus serving as promising carriers for brain-targeted drug delivery, enhancing drug bioavailability, and exerting neuroprotective effects. On this basis, this review systematically summarizes the anatomical and physiological bases for the delivery of TCM essential oils via the nose-to-brain pathway, the patterns of drug transport and brain distribution, clinical and animal study examples in neurological diseases, the associated molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, and the progress in the development of novel nasal essential oil formulations. Additionally, the review analyzes the current challenges in this field and proposes strategies for future research and application. By systematically discussing the nose-to-brain pathway and the delivery mechanisms of TCM essential oils, this study aims to provide theoretical support for drug development, mechanism exploration, and formulation innovation in the treatment of neurological diseases, while also offering scientific guidance for further research and clinical applications of the nose-to-brain delivery system.
3.Nose-to-brain Delivery of Traditional Chinese Medicine Essential Oils for Neurological Disorders: Applications and Molecular Mechanisms
Shuangli ZHANG ; Shihui GE ; Yinan ZHAO ; Zimeng GE ; Yue WANG ; Lianmin YUAN ; Beibei ZHANG ; Xinxuan LI ; Jinxin MIAO ; Mingsan MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(20):251-259
The nose-to-brain pathway refers to a significant drug delivery route through which substances traverse the unique anatomical structures of the nasal cavity to directly access the central nervous system, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. Its core advantage lies in utilizing the olfactory and trigeminal nerves, enabling peripheral drug administration to rapidly and efficiently reach the brain, thereby avoiding the drug loss and bioavailability reduction associated with oral or intravenous routes due to the circulatory system and blood-brain barrier limitations. In recent years, with in-depth research into the neuroanatomy of the olfactory system, nasal mucosal barrier properties, and neural regulatory mechanisms, the potential application of the nose-to-brain pathway in neurological diseases has attracted increasing attention. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) essential oils, characterized by strong lipophilicity, small molecular weights, volatility, and diverse chemical components, are highly compatible with the physiological characteristics of the nose-to-brain pathway, thus serving as promising carriers for brain-targeted drug delivery, enhancing drug bioavailability, and exerting neuroprotective effects. On this basis, this review systematically summarizes the anatomical and physiological bases for the delivery of TCM essential oils via the nose-to-brain pathway, the patterns of drug transport and brain distribution, clinical and animal study examples in neurological diseases, the associated molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways, and the progress in the development of novel nasal essential oil formulations. Additionally, the review analyzes the current challenges in this field and proposes strategies for future research and application. By systematically discussing the nose-to-brain pathway and the delivery mechanisms of TCM essential oils, this study aims to provide theoretical support for drug development, mechanism exploration, and formulation innovation in the treatment of neurological diseases, while also offering scientific guidance for further research and clinical applications of the nose-to-brain delivery system.
4.Fitting Degrees of Animal Models of Chronic Glomerulonephritis with Clinical Characteristics in Western Medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine
Siqing WU ; Lin GUO ; Beibei ZHANG ; Mingsan MIAO ; Jinxin MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):259-264
Chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) is a common clinical chronic glomerular disease caused by autoimmune reaction, the pathogenesis of which is complex and has not been fully elucidated. There is no specific treatment method in modern medicine. The establishment of an animal model of CGN in accordance with its characteristics in western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine will help to reveal the pathogenesis of CGN, rate drugs, and improve the treatment plan. Based on the clinical diagnostic criteria of CGN, the paper establishes the syndrome differentiation criteria of CGN for Chinese and western medicine. Through summarizing the literature on animal models of CGN and making a further analysis, it is found that the CGN models are mainly modeled using rats with the methods of single-factor induction or two-factor induction, and the main manifestation of the disease characteristics is nephritis-related symptoms. The single-factor-induced or two-factor-induced CGN rat models have a high fitting degree with the clinical characteristics in western medicine, but the fitting degree is insufficient with the clinical characteristics in traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, the CGN models with syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine are dominated by Qi deficiency in the spleen and kidney and Qi deficiency in the lung and kidney, while models for Yang deficiency in the spleen and kidney, Yin deficiency in the liver and kidney, and deficiency of both Qi and Yin are slightly insufficient. Therefore, it is important to prepare a new and improved animal model of CGN, so that a preclinical model can be provided for the exploration of the pathogenesis of CGN in western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine and its therapeutic research.
5.DiPTAC: A degradation platform via directly targeting proteasome.
Yutong TU ; Qian YU ; Mengna LI ; Lixin GAO ; Jialuo MAO ; Jingkun MA ; Xiaowu DONG ; Jinxin CHE ; Chong ZHANG ; Linghui ZENG ; Huajian ZHU ; Jiaan SHAO ; Jingli HOU ; Liming HU ; Bingbing WAN ; Jia LI ; Yubo ZHOU ; Jiankang ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):661-664
6.Discovery of a potential hematologic malignancies therapy: Selective and potent HDAC7 PROTAC degrader targeting non-enzymatic function.
Yuheng JIN ; Xuxin QI ; Xiaoli YU ; Xirui CHENG ; Boya CHEN ; Mingfei WU ; Jingyu ZHANG ; Hao YIN ; Yang LU ; Yihui ZHOU ; Ao PANG ; Yushen LIN ; Li JIANG ; Qiuqiu SHI ; Shuangshuang GENG ; Yubo ZHOU ; Xiaojun YAO ; Linjie LI ; Haiting DUAN ; Jinxin CHE ; Ji CAO ; Qiaojun HE ; Xiaowu DONG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(3):1659-1679
HDAC7, a member of class IIa HDACs, plays a pivotal regulatory role in tumor, immune, fibrosis, and angiogenesis, rendering it a potential therapeutic target. Nevertheless, due to the high similarity in the enzyme active sites of class IIa HDACs, inhibitors encounter challenges in discerning differences among them. Furthermore, the substitution of key residue in the active pocket of class IIa HDACs renders them pseudo-enzymes, leading to a limited impact of enzymatic inhibitors on their function. In this study, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology was employed to develop HDAC7 drugs. We developed an exceedingly selective HDAC7 PROTAC degrader B14 which showcased superior inhibitory effects on cell proliferation compared to TMP269 in various diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Subsequent investigations unveiled that B14 disrupts BCL6 forming a transcriptional inhibition complex by degrading HDAC7, thereby exerting proliferative inhibition in DLBCL. Our study broadened the understanding of the non-enzymatic functions of HDAC7 and underscored the importance of HDAC7 in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, particularly in DLBCL and AML.
7.Analysis on Quality Standard of Hedyotis Herba Dispensing Granules Based on Standard Decoction
Jinghua ZHANG ; Nana WU ; Yanan LYU ; Guiyun CAO ; Jiacheng XU ; Yongqiang LIN ; Xiaodi DONG ; Jinxin LI ; Zhaoqing MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):210-217
ObjectiveTo establish the specific chromatogram and quantitative analysis of multi-components by single-marker(QAMS) based on linear calibration using two reference substances(LCTRS), explore the consistency between Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules and standard decoction, and evaluate the quality of the dispensing granules. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) specific chromatogram was established based on 15 batches of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction and 10 batches of the dispensing granules, and LCTRS was used to locate chromatographic peaks. The actual retention times of 7 characteristic peaks in the specific chromatogram was measured on 24 different types of C18 columns, taking deacetyl asperulosidic acid and asperulosidic acid as the dual standard compounds, the retention times of the other 5 characteristic peaks were predicted and validated. Based on this, QAMS was developed to determine the contents of four components(deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, asperulosidic acid, and p-coumaric acid). Then, the relative correction factors of deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester and p-coumaric acid were calculated using the reference peak of asperulosidic acid in the dual standard compounds, and each component was quantified accordingly. Finally, the consistency between the dispensing granules and standard decoction was assessed by taking extract rate of the standard decoction, consistency of the specific chromatograms, contents and transfer rates of the indicator components as indexes, and the quality of the dispensing granules was evaluated. ResultsThere were 7 common peaks in the characteristic chromatogram of samples of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction and the dispensing granules, and four of them were identified by reference standards, namely deacetyl asperulosidic acid(peak 1), deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester(peak 3), asperulosidic acid(peak 6) and p-coumaric acid(peak 7). The similarity between the dispensing granules and the standard decoction was >0.9. The absolute deviation in the predicted retention time for each component by LCTRS was lower than that of the relative retention time method. The extract rate of the 15 batches of Hedyotis Herba standard decoction ranged from 7.89% to 14.60%, the contents of deacetyl asperulosidic acid, deacetyl asperulosidic acid methyl ester, asperulosidic acid and p-coumaric acid were 6.62-19.70, 3.83-17.99, 1.57-6.69, 1.62-4.52 mg·g-1, and the transfer rates of these components from decoction pieces to the standard decoction were 22.89%-39.60%, 34.03%-62.24%, 24.25%-43.70%, and 40.58%-73.71%, respectively. The extract rate, index component contents and transfer rates from decoction pieces to the three batches of Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules(P1-P3), produced by manufacturer A, were similar to those of the standard decoction prepared from the same batch of decoction pieces, and all fell within the specified range. The contents of the 4 indicator components in 7 batches of the dispensing granules(P4-P10) from manufacturers B-E were all within the range of the content converted from the standard decoction based on the quantity of the dispensing granules. ConclusionThe established specific chromatogram and QAMS based on LCTRS are reasonable and reliable. Based on the evaluation indicators of standard decoction yield, consistency of specific chromatograms, contents and transfer rates of the four index components, the 10 batches of Hedyotis Herba dispensing granules from various manufacturers have exhibited good consistency with the standard decoction, indicating that the current production process is relatively reasonable.
8.Quality Evaluation of Chuanxiong Rhizoma Dispensing Granules Based on HPLC Specific Chromatogram and Two Reference Substances for Determination of Multiple Components
Jinxin LI ; Xue DONG ; Shuai DUAN ; Guiyun CAO ; Jinghua ZHANG ; Yongfu LUAN ; Yongqiang LIN ; Xiaodi DONG ; Zhaoqing MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):246-253
ObjectiveTo establish the specific chromatogram of Chuanxiong Rhizoma dispensing granules(CRdg), and to evaluate its quality by chemometrics and two reference substances for determination of multiple components(TRSDMC). MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) specific chromatograms were established using 13 batches of CRdg from 7 manufacturers, and preliminary quality evaluation was performed by similarity evaluation and chemometrics analysis. Eight characteristic peaks in the specific chromatogram of CRdg were measured on 22 different types of C18 columns, and the actual retention times were recorded. Taking chlorogenic acid(peak 1) and senkyunolide A(peak 8) as double standard compounds, the retention times of the eight characteristic peaks were predicted by linear calibration using two reference substances(LCTRS), and the method was validated on three other columns of different brands. Taking chlorogenic acid as reference peak, the relative correction factor method(RCFM) was used to quantify cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I and senkyunolide A, and the results were compared with the external standard method(ESM). ResultsThe similarities of specific chromatograms of 13 batches of CRdg were all >0.90, and a total of 8 characteristic peaks were calibrated, and six of them were identified, including chlorogenic acid(peak 1), cryptochlorogenic acid(peak 2), caffeic acid(peak 3), ferulic acid(peak 5), senkyunolide I(peak 6) and senkyunolide A(peak 8). Through chemometric analysis, it was found that ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, senkyunolide I and cryptochlorogenic acid were the main components causing quality difference in CRdg, and the accuracy of LCTRS in predicting the retention time of 8 characteristic peaks was superior to that of the relative retention time method(RRT). Further comparison of the results obtained from RCFM and ESM showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. ConclusionA quality evaluation method for CRdg based on HPLC specific chromatogram and TRSDMC is established, its qualitative accuracy is better than that of RRT, the quantitative accuracy is similar to that of ESM, and 4 quality-differentiated components among different manufacturers are found. This method is stable and reliable, and has reference value for the quality evaluation of other dispensing granules.
9.Quality Evaluation of Chuanxiong Rhizoma Dispensing Granules Based on HPLC Specific Chromatogram and Two Reference Substances for Determination of Multiple Components
Jinxin LI ; Xue DONG ; Shuai DUAN ; Guiyun CAO ; Jinghua ZHANG ; Yongfu LUAN ; Yongqiang LIN ; Xiaodi DONG ; Zhaoqing MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):246-253
ObjectiveTo establish the specific chromatogram of Chuanxiong Rhizoma dispensing granules(CRdg), and to evaluate its quality by chemometrics and two reference substances for determination of multiple components(TRSDMC). MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) specific chromatograms were established using 13 batches of CRdg from 7 manufacturers, and preliminary quality evaluation was performed by similarity evaluation and chemometrics analysis. Eight characteristic peaks in the specific chromatogram of CRdg were measured on 22 different types of C18 columns, and the actual retention times were recorded. Taking chlorogenic acid(peak 1) and senkyunolide A(peak 8) as double standard compounds, the retention times of the eight characteristic peaks were predicted by linear calibration using two reference substances(LCTRS), and the method was validated on three other columns of different brands. Taking chlorogenic acid as reference peak, the relative correction factor method(RCFM) was used to quantify cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, senkyunolide I and senkyunolide A, and the results were compared with the external standard method(ESM). ResultsThe similarities of specific chromatograms of 13 batches of CRdg were all >0.90, and a total of 8 characteristic peaks were calibrated, and six of them were identified, including chlorogenic acid(peak 1), cryptochlorogenic acid(peak 2), caffeic acid(peak 3), ferulic acid(peak 5), senkyunolide I(peak 6) and senkyunolide A(peak 8). Through chemometric analysis, it was found that ferulic acid, chlorogenic acid, senkyunolide I and cryptochlorogenic acid were the main components causing quality difference in CRdg, and the accuracy of LCTRS in predicting the retention time of 8 characteristic peaks was superior to that of the relative retention time method(RRT). Further comparison of the results obtained from RCFM and ESM showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two methods. ConclusionA quality evaluation method for CRdg based on HPLC specific chromatogram and TRSDMC is established, its qualitative accuracy is better than that of RRT, the quantitative accuracy is similar to that of ESM, and 4 quality-differentiated components among different manufacturers are found. This method is stable and reliable, and has reference value for the quality evaluation of other dispensing granules.
10.Role of afterload-related cardiac performance in evaluating cardiac dysfunction and prognosis in patients with septic shock
Tengfei WANG ; Liwei HUA ; Jinxin PAN ; Kun ZHANG ; Jiading XIA
Journal of China Medical University 2025;54(8):709-713,719
Objective To investigate the value of afterload-related cardiac performance(ACP)in evaluating cardiac dysfunction and prognosis in patients with septic shock.Methods This prospective observational study included 45 patients with septic shock.The patients were divided into the death(n=21)or survival(n=24)group according to whether they died within 28 days.Baseline and labora-tory data were collected within 24 h.Cardiac function indices were collected and monitored at 0,6,12,18,and 24 h using the pulse index continuous cardiac output.Variables affecting the prognosis were included in the multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.Prognosis was predicted using a receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The ACP in the death group was significantly lower than that in the survival group at 0,6,12,18,and 24 h(all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that decreased ACP,increased acute physiology and chronic health evaluation Ⅱ(APACHE Ⅱ)score,increased sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)score,increased fluid balance at 24 h,increased vasoactive-inotropic score,increased central venous pressure,and decreased mean arterial pressure were risk factors for poor prognosis.The Cox proportional hazard model showed that ACP,APACHE Ⅱ score,and SOFA score were independent risk factors influencing prognosis.ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve of ACP was the largest at 24 h,which was the best time point for predicting 28-day mortality.The corresponding sensitivity,specificity,and best cutoff values were 76.20%,91.70%,and 75.16%,respectively.Conclusion ACP could be used as a valuable index to evaluate cardiac dysfunction and as an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with septic shock.

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