1.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
2.Clinical Advantages of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Treatment of Childhood Simple Obesity: Insights from Expert Consensus
Qi ZHANG ; Yingke LIU ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Guichen NI ; Heyin XIAO ; Junhong WANG ; Liqun WU ; Zhanfeng YAN ; Kundi WANG ; Jiajia CHEN ; Hong ZHENG ; Xinying GAO ; Liya WEI ; Qiang HE ; Qian ZHAO ; Huimin SU ; Zhaolan LIU ; Dafeng LONG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):238-245
Childhood simple obesity has become a significant public health issue in China. Modern medicine primarily relies on lifestyle interventions and often suffers from poor long-term compliance, while pharmacological options are limited and associated with potential adverse effects. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a long history in the prevention and management of this condition, demonstrating eight distinct advantages, including systematic theoretical foundation, diversified therapeutic approaches, definite therapeutic efficacy, high safety profile, good patient compliance, comprehensive intervention strategies, emphasis on prevention, and stepwise treatment protocols. Additionally, TCM is characterized by six distinctive features: the use of natural medicinal substances, non-invasive external therapies, integration of medicinal dietetics, simple exercise regimens, precise syndrome differentiation, and diverse dosage forms. By combining internal and external treatments, TCM facilitates individualized regimen adjustment and holistic regulation, demonstrating remarkable effects in improving obesity-related metabolic indicators, regulating constitutional imbalance, and promoting healthy behaviors. However, challenges remain, such as inconsistent operational standards, insufficient high-quality clinical evidence, and a gap between basic research and clinical application. Future efforts should focus on accelerating the standardization of TCM diagnosis and treatment, conducting multicenter randomized controlled trials, and fostering interdisciplinary integration, so as to enhance the scientific validity and international recognition of TCM in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
3.Effect of dihydroquercetin on refractive development in mice with form deprivation myopia based on NLRP3 inflammasome pathway
Po ZHAO ; Meng MA ; Tengwen YANG ; Lingfei MENG ; Jing LIU ; Xiaoxiao XING ; Huiying HOU
International Eye Science 2026;26(3):391-397
AIM: To explore the effect of dihydroquercetin on visual function in mice with form deprivation myopia based on the NOD-like receptor thermoprotein domain-related protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome pathway.METHODS: The C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group and form deprivation myopia model group, and the form deprivation myopia model group was constructed by covering the right eye with a translucent eye patch. After successful modeling, the mice in the model group of form deprivation myopia were randomly divided into model group, low-, medium- and high-dose dihydroquercetin groups, and high-dose dihydroquercetin + NLRP3 agonist group. The diopter and axial length of mice in each group were detected. The kit was used to detect the levels of superoxide dismutase(SOD)and malondialdehyde(MDA)in retinal tissue. RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of NLRP3, apoptosis-associated spot-like protein(ASC), Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 in retinal tissues. Western blot was used to detect the expression of NLRP3, ASC, cleaved Caspase-1, IL-1β and IL-18 proteins in retinal tissues. TUNEL staining was used to detect apoptosis in retinal tissue.RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the diopter of the mice in the model group decreased, and axial length increased, and the SOD decreased whereas MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 increased, and the rate of apoptosis in retinal tissue increased(all P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the diopter of mice in the low-, medium- and high-dose dihydroquercetin groups increased, axial length shortened, the SOD increased, whereas MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 decreased, and the rate of apoptosis in retinal tissue decreased(all P<0.05). Compared with the high-dose dihydroquercetin group, the high-dose dihydroquercetin+NLRP3 agonist group had reduced diopter, increased axial length, decreased SOD levels, elevated MDA, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, and IL-18 levels, as well as increased apoptosis rate in retinal tissue(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION: Dihydroquercetin can improve visual function in mice with form deprivation myopia by inhibiting pyroptosis and oxidative stress responses, which may be related to the suppression of NLRP3 inflammasome. NLRP3 agonists can partially mitigate the effects of high-dose dihydroquercetin on form deprivation myopia in mice.
4.Research Tackling Paradigm and Technological Layout Strategies Based on Erectile Dysfunction, A Clinical Dominant Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Qi ZHAO ; Yun CHEN ; Baoxing LIU ; Xuejun SHANG ; Fei SUN ; Xiaozhi ZHAO ; Zhigang WU ; Chao SUN ; Peihai ZHANG ; Wanjun CHENG ; Xing ZHOU ; Zhan QIN ; Yufeng PAN ; Weiwei TAO ; Jianhuai CHEN ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Xing ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):291-299
To thoroughly implement the strategic deployment outlined in the Opinions of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Promoting the Inheritance and Innovative Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine regarding research on dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine and to uphold the development philosophy of equal emphasis on traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine,the China Association of Chinese Medicine has fully played a leading academic role by systematically organizing and conducting a series of academic youth salons on clinical dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine. On September 13,2024,the 36th Youth Salon on Clinical Dominant Diseases was successfully held in Nanjing,focusing on the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine and the integrative traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED). The conference brought together leading experts from traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,and interdisciplinary fields,facilitating in-depth multidisciplinary discussions that led to key consensus on optimizing traditional Chinese medicine treatment protocols for ED,researching and developing new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,and advancing interdisciplinary development in traditional Chinese medicine. This salon systematically sorted out the clinical strengths and distinctive features of traditional Chinese medicine in the diagnosis and treatment of ED. Based on current research foundations and clinical needs,it identified key directions for future scientific layout and scientific research tackling: (1) Standardization of syndrome differentiation system of traditional Chinese medicine for ED. (2) Optimization and standardization of intervention methods of integrated traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine. (3) High-quality clinical research guided by evidence-based medicine. (4) In-depth analysis of the pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of ED. (5) Clinical translation and application promotion of new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine. (6) Interdisciplinary integration and innovation in traditional Chinese medicine. For each research direction,key focus areas,expected objectives,and clinical value were further refined,along with the establishment of a scientifically sound priority funding level evaluation system. Therefore,building on the series of salons on the ED-focused dominant diseases of traditional Chinese medicine,this paper provides standardized guidance for clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine in ED management,effectively contributing to the high-quality development of traditional Chinese medicine. It serves as a valuable reference for national scientific and technological strategic layout, research and development decision-making in new drugs of traditional Chinese medicine,research topic planning,and clinical guideline formulation.
5.Interpretation of Evidence-to-decision Framework and Its Application in Pharmacovigilance Guidelines of Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Xin CUI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Mengmeng WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Yaxin WANG ; Rui MA ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):220-228
To interpret the evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework and to illustrate its application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guideline development using the example of the Pharmacovigilance Guideline of Chinese Patent Medicine, thereby providing methodological references for TCM guideline standardization. Based on the core three stages of the EtD framework (formulating the question, making an assessment of the evidence, and drawing conclusions), critical decision points and evaluation evidence within the evidence-translation process were systematically addressed, aligning with the purpose, scope, and key questions of the guideline. Qualitative research methods, such as the nominal group technique, were employed to formulate recommendations. The analysis was conducted based on the EtD framework. During question formulation, the specific characteristics and practical needs of pharmacovigilance for Chinese patent medicines were clarified, focusing on the core objective of safety assurance throughout the product lifecycle. In the evidence assessment, multi-source evidence was integrated, including policy documents, literature research, and expert consensus, completing the evidence evaluation. Finally, in recommendation-forming, dispersed research evidence and expert experience were synthesized into consensus, culminating in the guideline's completion through solicitation of opinions and peer review. The EtD framework provides a structured tool for evidence-to-decision translation in TCM guideline development, effectively enhancing the transparency and scientific rigor of the process. Therefore, it is recommended that TCM guideline development adopt the EtD framework to improve the evidence-to-decision process with TCM characteristics.
6.Compilation Instruction and Key Point Interpretation for Guidelines for Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacovigilance System in Medical Institutions
Shuoshuo WEI ; Fumei LIU ; Li ZHANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Xin CUI ; Ruili WEI ; Shuo YANG ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):229-237
The Guidelines for Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacovigilance Systems in Medical Institutions (T/CACM 1563.2-2024) were the first special guideline in China to systematically assist medical institutions in establishing a pharmacovigilance system tailored to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This guideline was jointly developed with 23 authoritative medical and research institutions in China, under the lead of the Institute of Basic Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. The purpose of this guideline was to standardize pharmacovigilance work throughout the entire lifecycle of TCM (including research and development, marketing, and application) and to establish a four-dimensional framework of "organizational structure, institutional system, information platform, and vigilance activities". Key components included the establishment of a TCM Safety Committee, the construction of nine core systems, the development of an information platform that complies with International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) E2B standards, alongside the risk monitoring, identification, assessment, and control during clinical trials and post-marketing phases. Therefore, this guideline filled a significant gap in the systemic standards for TCM safety management within medical institutions. Strictly adhering to domestic and international laws and regulations, the guideline compilation involved multiple rounds of expert interviews, systematic evidence integration, and broad consensus. This guideline was specified to be applicable to medical institutions at all levels, primarily addressing core issues, including the difficulty in adverse reaction identification, low reporting rates, and incomplete risk management chains due to the complex composition and diverse application of TCM. The compilation process was scientific and rigorous, ensuring alignment with current national laws and regulations, and was registered internationally. In the future, implementation will be promoted through standardized training, tiered dissemination, as well as a post-effect evaluation and dynamic revision mechanism starting two years after publication. All these aimed to enhance medical institutions' proactive capabilities in preventing and controlling TCM safety risks, ensure patient medication safety, and promote the high-quality development of TCM.
7.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Zhifei WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Ruili WEI ; Wenqian PENG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xin CUI ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Mengmeng WANG ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):245-251
To standardize the clinical application of oral Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), and address the safety issues arising from their dosage form characteristics, irrational clinical use, and the lack of targeted pharmacovigilance systems, the China Association of Chinese Medicine organized the formulation and release of Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines, aiming to inform the safe clinical use of oral CPMs and related pharmacovigilance work. According to the principles of GB/T1.1—2020 and the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (2019 revision), the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, led a drafting group comprising 18 institutions. After multiple rounds of expert interviews, literature retrieval, evidence screening, and extensive solicitation of opinions, the Guidelines were registered internationally. Systematic standardization focused on safety monitoring, risk identification, assessment, control, and other aspects. The Guidelines clarified the characteristics of oral CPMs in terms of safety monitoring, known risks, and potential risks, compared to non-oral CPMs. Then, risk control measures were proposed, including medication in special populations and irrational medication. As a special guideline for pharmacovigilance in the clinical application of oral CPMs, the Guidelines systematically construct a technical system in line with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is essential for improving the clinical safety management of oral CPMs and provides an important reference for medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and regulatory authorities.
8.Compilation Instruction and Key Point Interpretation for Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Chinese Patent Medicines for Mucosal Administration
Wenzhe LI ; Rui MA ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Hong HUA ; Xin CUI ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):260-266
To develop the Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Chinese Patent Medicines for Mucosal Administration in response to common problems, including insufficient safety information in package inserts, amplified medication risks in special populations, and non-standard clinical practices, thus establishing a risk management system tailored to the characteristics of Chinese patent medicines for mucosal administration. An approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods was adopted. In accordance with the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (2019 revision) and the GB/T 1.1—2020 standard, a systematic search was performed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition), the Catalog of Medicines Covered by Medical Insurance (2022 edition), Chinese databases [China Network of Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data (Wanfang), and VIP journal resource integration service platform (VIP)], and international databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMbase). Guideline outlines were developed through questionnaire surveys, expert interviews, and the nominal group technique. The content of each item was formulated with full consideration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) incompatibility, as well as the conceptual connotations and extensions of pharmacovigilance. The results included 54 Chinese patent medicines for mucosal administration from the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 edition) and 58 from the Catalog of Medicines Covered by Medical Insurance (2022 edition). Safety-related items in the corresponding package inserts were collected, and 27 relevant publications were retrieved. Thirty experts from 24 institutions were mobilized for the drafting, and opinions from 61 external experts were solicited. A pharmacovigilance framework was established, covering the full chain of "monitoring, identification, assessment, and control". Based on seven anatomical sites, including nasal, ocular, and oral mucosa, a stratified monitoring system was constructed. The guideline proposed key recommendations on improving package insert sections such as "Adverse Reactions", "Contraindications", and "Precautions", clinical procedure standardization in healthcare institutions, risk control, and dynamic pharmacovigilance. The Guideline provides evidence-based support tailored to the risk profile of Chinese patent medicines for mucosal administration, filling the current gap in international pharmacovigilance standards in this field, while offering technical support for safety management across the full life cycle of medicines for mucosal administration.
9.Interpretation of Evidence-to-decision Framework and Its Application in Pharmacovigilance Guidelines of Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Xin CUI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Mengmeng WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Yaxin WANG ; Rui MA ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):220-228
To interpret the evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework and to illustrate its application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guideline development using the example of the Pharmacovigilance Guideline of Chinese Patent Medicine, thereby providing methodological references for TCM guideline standardization. Based on the core three stages of the EtD framework (formulating the question, making an assessment of the evidence, and drawing conclusions), critical decision points and evaluation evidence within the evidence-translation process were systematically addressed, aligning with the purpose, scope, and key questions of the guideline. Qualitative research methods, such as the nominal group technique, were employed to formulate recommendations. The analysis was conducted based on the EtD framework. During question formulation, the specific characteristics and practical needs of pharmacovigilance for Chinese patent medicines were clarified, focusing on the core objective of safety assurance throughout the product lifecycle. In the evidence assessment, multi-source evidence was integrated, including policy documents, literature research, and expert consensus, completing the evidence evaluation. Finally, in recommendation-forming, dispersed research evidence and expert experience were synthesized into consensus, culminating in the guideline's completion through solicitation of opinions and peer review. The EtD framework provides a structured tool for evidence-to-decision translation in TCM guideline development, effectively enhancing the transparency and scientific rigor of the process. Therefore, it is recommended that TCM guideline development adopt the EtD framework to improve the evidence-to-decision process with TCM characteristics.
10.Compilation Instruction and Key Point Interpretation for Guidelines for Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacovigilance System in Medical Institutions
Shuoshuo WEI ; Fumei LIU ; Li ZHANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Xin CUI ; Ruili WEI ; Shuo YANG ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):229-237
The Guidelines for Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacovigilance Systems in Medical Institutions (T/CACM 1563.2-2024) were the first special guideline in China to systematically assist medical institutions in establishing a pharmacovigilance system tailored to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This guideline was jointly developed with 23 authoritative medical and research institutions in China, under the lead of the Institute of Basic Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. The purpose of this guideline was to standardize pharmacovigilance work throughout the entire lifecycle of TCM (including research and development, marketing, and application) and to establish a four-dimensional framework of "organizational structure, institutional system, information platform, and vigilance activities". Key components included the establishment of a TCM Safety Committee, the construction of nine core systems, the development of an information platform that complies with International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) E2B standards, alongside the risk monitoring, identification, assessment, and control during clinical trials and post-marketing phases. Therefore, this guideline filled a significant gap in the systemic standards for TCM safety management within medical institutions. Strictly adhering to domestic and international laws and regulations, the guideline compilation involved multiple rounds of expert interviews, systematic evidence integration, and broad consensus. This guideline was specified to be applicable to medical institutions at all levels, primarily addressing core issues, including the difficulty in adverse reaction identification, low reporting rates, and incomplete risk management chains due to the complex composition and diverse application of TCM. The compilation process was scientific and rigorous, ensuring alignment with current national laws and regulations, and was registered internationally. In the future, implementation will be promoted through standardized training, tiered dissemination, as well as a post-effect evaluation and dynamic revision mechanism starting two years after publication. All these aimed to enhance medical institutions' proactive capabilities in preventing and controlling TCM safety risks, ensure patient medication safety, and promote the high-quality development of TCM.

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