1.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.
2.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.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Zijingpi in Famous Classical Formulas
Shuyi YANG ; Linmin FENG ; Wuwei MENG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Lei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):212-224
By consulting herbal texts, medical records, formula collections, and other relevant literature from various historical periods, as well as modern and contemporary research materials, different aspects of the historical evolution of Zijingpi, including its name, origin, scientific name verification, medicinal part, genuine producing areas, harvesting, processing, and preparation, properties and flavors, and primary indications, were systematically reviewed and verified, providing a basis for the development of famous classical formula preparations containing this medicinal material. According to the textual research, Cercis chinensis was first recorded under the name "Zijingmu" in the Rihuazi Bencao from the Five Dynasties period. From the Song Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, it was known by various names such as "Zijing", "Zijingpi", and "Zijingmupi". In modern and contemporary times, it has been officially named "Zijingpi", with aliases such as "Mantiaohong", "Zihuashu", and "Qingminghua". Historically, the mainstream source of Zijingpi was the dried bark of Cercis chinensis Bunge, a species of the legume family. However, there were also instances of confusion with the Lythraceae plant Lagerstroemia indica L. The producing areas of Zijingpi have no special geographical limitation, and the plant is currently distributed throughout most parts of China. There were no special requirements for harvesting time in ancient times, while modern records indicate harvesting time in spring, summer, and autumn. Ancient processing methods were rarely recorded, with only mentions of stir-frying Zijingpi. Modern practice mostly uses the raw material medicinally. Modern standards prefer it to be "dry, long strips, and thick". The functions of Zijingpi, mainly to promote blood circulation, relieve strangury, and detoxify, have remained consistent from ancient to modern times. Based on the textual research findings, it is recommended that when developing and exploiting the famous classical formulas containing Zijingpi, the bark of C. chinensis should be selected as the source. The processing method should be chosen according to the formula requirements, and if no specific requirements are indicated, it is suggested to use the raw material medicinally.
4.Literature analysis of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis induced by empagliflozin
Zhenzhen LEI ; Wei RUI ; Yanling SHI ; Jiayue ZHU ; Ying GANG ; Xiaodi SUN ; Hao ZHAN ; Junnan WANG ; Yukun NIU ; Wenxiang ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(14):1874-1879
OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical characteristics of euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis (euDKA) induced by empagliflozin, and provide references for safe medication. METHODS Case reports of euDKA induced by empagliflozin were retrieved and analyzed from PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI, and Wanfang Data. The Naranjo’s scale was adopted to assess the causal relationship between empagliflozin and euDKA. RESULTS A total of 29 patients were enrolled, including 16 males and 13 females,with a median age of 58 years. All patients were diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus; 22 patients had at least one comorbidity. The median time to euDKA onset was 60 days after administration, and 7 cases occurred within 2 weeks of treatment. Perioperative periods,fasting,and low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diets were the main predisposing factors. Common presentations included nausea,vomiting, fatigue, tachypnea,and tachycardia. The causal relationship between empagliflozin and euDKA was assessed as “probable” in all cases. According to adverse reaction severity grading, 13 cases were grade 3 (severe) and 16 cases were grade 4 (life-threatening). All patients discontinued empagliflozin and recovered after corresponding treatment. CONCLUSIONS euDKA is a serious adverse reaction to empagliflozin, which mostly occurs early in treatment. Perioperative periods, fasting, and ketogenic diets are prone to induce euDKA. Elderly patients and those with comorbidities are at higher risk. Risk assessment should be conducted before clinical administration; blood ketones and acid-base monitoring should be strengthened in the early medication period; withhold the drug before elective surgery, avoid prolonged fasting;upon diagnosis, discontinue empagliflozin and initiate intravenous insulin, provide fluid resuscitation promptly, and use other treatments to improve patient prognosis.
5.Development of a miniaturized CRISPR/Cas gene editing tool for human gut Bacteroides.
Yiwen ZHAN ; Linggang ZHENG ; Juntao SHEN ; Yucan HU ; Xuegang LUO ; Lei DAI
Chinese Journal of Biotechnology 2025;41(6):2360-2372
: Bacteroides, as one of the most abundant and diverse genera in the human gut, is regarded as a window into the study of gut microbiota-host interactions. Currently, CRISPR/Cas-based gene editing systems targeting Bacteroides have been widely applied, while the large size of Cas nucleases limits their potential application scenarios (such as in situ gut Bacteroides editing based on phage delivery). Therefore, this study aims to develop a compact and highly efficient genetic editing tool in Bacteroides., We developed a miniaturized CRISPR/Cas gene editing system for human gut Bacteroides. First, the editing capabilities of different miniaturized CRISPR/Cas systems, including AsCas12f, CasΦ2, and ISDge10, were evaluated in Bacteroides fragilis. Subsequently, the editing capability of AsCas12f was assessed across various Bacteroides species, and the size of this system was further optimized. The results demonstrated that the CRISPR/AsCas12f genome editing system exhibited the highest editing efficiency in B. fragilis. The CRISPR/AsCas12f system achieved efficient genome editing in B. fragilis, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, and Phocaeicola vulgatus. Furthermore, with a repair template of 500 bp homologous arms, the editing efficiency remained as high as 94.7%. In conclusion, CRISPR/AsCas12f can serve as a chassis tool enzyme for the development of Bacteroides-based miniature gene editors and derivative technologies, laying a foundation for the further development of gene editing technology for Bacteroides.
CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics*
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Gene Editing/methods*
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Bacteroides/genetics*
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Humans
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Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics*
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Bacteroides fragilis/genetics*
6.Ginsenoside Rg1 improves testicular injury induced by diabetes in mice by regulating autophagy
Junjie WU ; Yi YU ; Kai WANG ; Pengfei LIU ; Mingwei ZHAN ; Lei WANG ; Fan YAO ; Liqi XU ; Xuejun SHANG
Chinese Journal of Reproduction and Contraception 2025;45(6):551-557
Objective:To explore the effect of ginsenoside Rg1 on spermatogenic dysfunction in mice caused by diabetes and its mechanism of action.Methods:Eighteen male C57BL mice were randomly divided into control group, the model group and the ginsenoside Rg1 group by completely random method, with 6 mice in each group. Type 2 diabetes models were established in the model group and the ginsenoside Rg1 group by a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin, while control group was injected with the same amount of normal saline. After successful modeling, control group was given a regular diet for 8 weeks, while the model group and ginsenoside Rg1 group were given a high-fat diet for 8 weeks. The ginsenoside Rg1 group was also treated with ginsenoside Rg1 medication. Reproductive hormone levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test kits, and Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl2 protein, Caspase-3 protein, Bax protein), autophagy-related proteins (P62, LC3Ⅰ, LC3Ⅱ, Beclin1), β-Catenin protein, mTOR protein, LAMP1 protein and transcription factor EB. The body weight, blood glucose levels, testicular index of mice in each group were compared, as well as the testicular injury status.Results:The body weight [(18.77±1.14) g], testosterone level [(141.07±8.47) ng/L], follicle-stimulating hormone level [(9.19±0.74) U/L], and luteinizing hormone level [(1 497.91±99.57) pg/L] of mice in the model group were significantly lower than those in the control [(31.57±2.35) g, P<0.001; (171.50±11.76) ng/L, P<0.001; (12.46±1.54) U/L, P<0.001; (1 807.29±92.76) pg/L, P<0.001]; fasting blood glucose level [(20.82±1.11) mmol/L], glycosylated hemoglobin (12.67%±1.03%), the testis index (0.65%±0.03%) were significantly higher than those in the control [(6.40±1.34) mmol/L, P<0.001; 5.17%±1.17%, P<0.001; 0.48%±0.04%, P<0.001]. Compared with the model group, the body weight [(22.62±0.92) g, P=0.023], testosterone level [(172.63±9.20) ng/L, P<0.001], follicle-stimulating hormone level [(12.37±1.15) U/L, P<0.001], and luteinizing hormone level [(1 847.80±108.80) pg/L, P<0.001] of mice in the ginsenoside Rg1 group increased significantly, fasting blood glucose level [(18.63±1.14) mmol/L, P=0.017], glycosylated hemoglobin (8.50%±1.05%, P<0.001) and testicular index (0.54%±0.02%, P<0.001) decreased significantly. Compared with the control, the expressions of P62 ( P=0.039), LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ( P<0.001), Beclin1 ( P=0.002) and mTOR ( P=0.036) in the testicular tissue of mice in the model group all increased, the expression of β-Catenin ( P<0.001), LAMP1 ( P=0.005), transcription factor EB ( P<0.001) all decreased. Compared with the model group, the expressions of autophagy-related proteins P62 ( P=0.048), LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ( P<0.001) , Beclin1 ( P=0.023) and mTOR ( P=0.005) in the ginsenoside Rg1 group all decreased, while the expression of β-Catenin ( P=0.001), LAMP1 ( P=0.011) and transcription factor EB ( P=0.022) all increased. Transmission electron microscopy detected a decrease in the number of autophagosomes in the testicles of mice in the model group, and it improved after drug intervention. The HE staining showed that the testes of mice in the model group exhibited phenotypes such as the shedding and disorganization of spermatogenic cells, while ginsenoside Rg1 was able to improve these phenotypes. Conclusion:Ginsenoside Rg1 can improve testicular injury caused by diabetes in mice by regulating autophagy.
7.A Behavior and Event-Related Potentials Study on the of the Effects of Long-Term Emotional Disturbance and Liver Failing to Govern Conveyance and Dispersion on Prospective Memory in Middle-Aged and Elderly People in the Community
Zhongpeng QIN ; Xianghong ZHAN ; Yong LIU ; Junlin HOU ; Ning LI ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Huanghong ZHAO ; Lei HUO ; Yan ZHANG
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):739-751
Objective To explore the neuroelectrophysiological mechanism of the decline of overall cognitive function and prospective memory,the syndrome manifestation of liver failing to govern conveyance and dispersion of the middle-aged and elderly people in the community with long-term emotional disturbance were evaluated.Methods Eysenck personality questionnaire(EPQ)and general condition questionnaire were used to screen the middle-aged and elderly people from 46 to 65 years old in the community who met the high and low neuroticism criteria,which were included in the long-term emotional disturbance group and the control group.According to the principle of matching sex,age(±2 years)and years of education(±2 years),60 subjects in each group were included.The scores of livers meridian syndrome,anxiety factor,depression factor and the total scores of three factors in the two groups were detected with the emotion rating scale for Ganzangxiang of traditional Chinese medicine.The overall cognitive function,the overall level of prospective memory and the dual-task paradigm of event-related memory were evaluated and event-related potential components were detected.Results Compared to the control group,the total scores of emotion rating scale for Ganzangxiang of traditional Chinese medicine and the scores of liver meridian syndrome factor,anxiety factor and depression factor all increased in the long-term emotional disturbance group significantly(P<0.05).The total scores of MoCA scale(after correction)and the level scores of visual space and executive function,attention and delayed recall decreased significantly(P<0.05),and the total scores of prospective memory questionnaire decreased significantly(P<0.05).The correct rates of ongoing tasks and prospective memory tasks in the event-based prospective memory dual task paradigm were decreased,and the reaction time was prolonged in the long-term emotional disorder group significantly(P<0.05).The amplitude of P200 of ongoing task and prospective memory task were increased in the long-term emotional disorder group(0.05
8.Research Progress of Amnesia Mild Cognitive lmpairment Caused by Long-term Negative Emotional Accumulation and Liver Failing to Govern Conveyance and Dispersion from the Perspective of Cognitive Flexibility
Zhongpeng QIN ; Xianghong ZHAN ; Lei HUO
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(3):752-761
Rapid brain aging has become a social and medical problem to be solved urgently,among which amnesia mild cognitive impairment(aMCI)has attracted much attention because it is more likely to develop into Alzheimer's disease(AD)dementia.Many studies at home and abroad have reported that executive function decline is the initiating factor,key damage and sensitive index of cognitive aging,and long-term negative emotional accumulation and liver failing to govern conveyance and dispersion is an important risk factor for aMCI.Soothing liver-qi stagnation therapy can improve the overall cognitive function of aMCI patients,but the above mechanisms need to be further studied and explained.This paper focuses on the cognitive flexibility level of early sensitive components of cognitive decline and one of the core components of executive function,and summarizes the pathogenesis,risk factors,sensitive indicators,event-related potentials and eye tracking techniques of aMCI,and focuses on the effects and research progress of long-term negative emotional accumulation and liver failing to govern conveyance and dispersion on aMCI and cognitive flexibility.The purpose of this study is to provide reference and reference for the intervention and treatment of emotional pathogenesis in patients with aMCI,and to provide new perspectives,methods and ideas for the prevention and treatment of diseases with excessive cognitive decline in traditional Chinese medicine.
9.Intravesical injections of botulinum toxin A for the treatment of refractory urinary frequency and incontinence in 35 children
Zhan WANG ; Yibo WEN ; Zhaokai ZHOU ; Shuai YANG ; Lei LYU ; Yanping ZHANG ; Qi LI ; Qingwei WANG ; Wen ZHU ; Guoxian ZHANG ; Yakai LIU ; Huiqing ZHANG ; Jianguo WEN
Chinese Journal of Applied Clinical Pediatrics 2025;40(7):521-525
Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of intravesical injections of botulinum toxin A (BTX-A) for the treatment of pediatric refractory urinary frequency and incontinence (UFI), and to analyze the factors predicting the therapeutic effect of BTX-A injections.Methods:A retrospective case series study was made on 35 children with UFI [(12.3±4.2) years old], including 13 males (37.1%) and 22 females (62.9%), treated in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to March 2024.Urotherapy and drug treatments were ineffective in all children, who then received intravesical injections of BTX-A.The urodynamic study (UDS) was performed 1 week before treatment and 3 months after treatment, and the Overactive Bladder Symptom Score (OABSS) and Incontinence Quality of Life (I-QOL) were collected.Perioperative and postoperative adverse events were also recorded.A global response assessment (GRA) score of ≥2 at 3 months postoperatively was defined as effective treatment.According to the postoperative GRA score, the patients were divided into effective and ineffective groups to explore the predictive factors affecting the outcome of BTX-A treatment, such as age, gender, preoperative urodynamic parameters, and the types of urinary incontinence. t-test was used to compare quantitative data such as age, UDS parameters, OABSS, and I-QOL scores.The comparison of count data such as gender and urinary incontinence types was conducted using Fisher′s exact test. Results:The bladder compliance, bladder capacity ratio, OABSS and I-QOL scores of patients significantly improved after BTX-A injection (all P<0.05).The 77.1% (27/35) of the patients were satisfied with BTX-A treatment effects.The main adverse event during the follow-up was a temporary increase in postvoid residual urine after injecting BTX-A (7 cases), which was alleviated by the Creade action or clean intermittent catheterization.There was significant difference in age [(13.00±4.32) years vs.(10.00±2.67) years] and preoperative bladder compliance [(11.21±5.74) mL/cmH 2O vs.(5.13±2.42) mL/cmH 2O] between effective (27 cases) and ineffective groups (8 cases) ( t=2.383, 2.899, all P<0.05).The differences in preoperative bladder capacity ratio, maximum filling detrusor pressure, postvoid residual urine, voiding efficiency, gender, and the types of urinary incontinence were not statistically significant between the two groups (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Intravesical injection of BTX-A is a safe and effective treatment for children with refractory UFI.A young age and poor bladder compliance at treatment are associated with poor prognosis of BTX-A treatment.
10.RXRα modulates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by targeting CaMKKβ-AMPKα axis.
Lijun CAI ; Meimei YIN ; Shuangzhou PENG ; Fen LIN ; Liangliang LAI ; Xindao ZHANG ; Lei XIE ; Chuanying WANG ; Huiying ZHOU ; Yunfeng ZHAN ; Gulimiran ALITONGBIEKE ; Baohuan LIAN ; Zhibin SU ; Tenghui LIU ; Yuqi ZHOU ; Zongxi LI ; Xiaohui CHEN ; Qi ZHAO ; Ting DENG ; Lulu CHEN ; Jingwei SU ; Luoyan SHENG ; Ying SU ; Ling-Juan ZHANG ; Fu-Quan JIANG ; Xiao-Kun ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(7):3611-3631
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the primary fibrogenic cells in the liver, and their activation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Here, we report that retinoid X receptor-alpha (RXRα), a unique member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a key modulator of HSC activation and liver fibrosis. RXRα exerts its effects by modulating calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase β (CaMKKβ)-mediated activation of AMP-activated protein kinase-alpha (AMPKα). In addition, we demonstrate that K-80003, which binds RXRα by a unique mechanism, effectively suppresses HSC activation, proliferation, and migration, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis in the CCl4 and amylin liver NASH (AMLN) diet animal models. The effect is mediated by AMPKα activation, promoting mitophagy in HSCs. Mechanistically, K-80003 activates AMPKα by inducing RXRα to form condensates with CaMKKβ and AMPKα via a two-phase process. The formation of RXRα condensates is driven by its N-terminal intrinsic disorder region and requires phosphorylation by CaMKKβ. Our results reveal a crucial role of RXRα in liver fibrosis regulation through modulating mitochondrial activities in HSCs. Furthermore, they suggest that K-80003 and related RXRα modulators hold promise as therapeutic agents for fibrosis-related diseases.

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