1.Current Status and Reflections on Key Technologies and Methods for Clinical Research Design and Evaluation of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Spleen and Stomach Diseases
Fang LU ; Ping WANG ; Liqun BIAN ; Lin LYU ; Mengli XIAO ; Tai ZHANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(5):498-503
Clinical trials represent a pivotal stage in the development of pharmaceutical drugs. Nevertheless, given the unique characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and the diagnostic and treatment principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment in TCM, the clinical evaluation techniques and methods that can comprehensively reflect the characteristics of TCM and are tailored to its specificities are still in need of refinement and innovation. This paper systematically summarizes the key techniques and methods for designing and evaluating the clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM from three aspects including clinical research design, evaluation, and platform construction, compares domestic and international research landscapes, and proposes for future directions. It is suggested that a multidimensional evaluation system integrating modern medicine and TCM theory should be established, and further innovation is needed in TCM research design and methodologies, leveraging intelligent devices and technologies powered by next-generation information technology to transform clinical data into high-quality TCM evidence. Moreover, standardized and shared platforms for TCM clinical data should be accelerated, so as to provide references for the design, implementation, and evaluation of future clinical research on the treatment of the spleen and stomach diseases with TCM.
2.Modern Expanded Application of Ancient Classic Formulae from the Perspective of Syndrome‑Formula Ontology Reconstruction
Guibin WANG ; Sijie LIN ; Zihan LIU ; Bo PANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(12):1251-1257
As the core carrier of the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the modern expanded application of classic formulae is an inevitable trend for TCM to adapt to the changes in disease spectrum and achieve academic development. However, several challenges remain, including the vague definition of syndrome-formula ontology between ancient and modern times, the insufficient adaptability of the evidence grading system, and the disconnection between theory and clinical practice, having severely restricted the precise application and standardized development of classic formulae. Based on the current status of the modern expanded application of classic formulae, and grounded in the core theory of formula-syndrome correspondence in TCM, this paper constructs a theoretical framework of "syndrome-formula ontology reconstruction". The framework systematically expounds its core connotations, theoretical foundations and practical logic, and further clarifies the reconstruction direction of the TCM-specific evidence grading system by taking correspondence between formula and syndrome as the core, constructing a multi-dimensional and integrated evaluation framework, and adhering to the orientation of clinical application. The ultimate goal is to form a theoretical paradigm characterized by "syndrome-formula ontology reconstruction-evidence grading reconstruction-precise clinical application", thereby providing theoretical support for the digital inheritance, evidence-based development, and modern application of classical prescriptions.
3.LC-MS Analysis on Material Basis of Famous Classical Formula Xuefu Zhuyutang
Shujing ZHONG ; Zhaoyue LIU ; Mengge WANG ; Lan MIAO ; Changying REN ; Mingqian SUN ; Li LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):188-196
ObjectiveTo systematically identify the chemical constituents of Xuefu Zhuyutang(XFZY) and quantitatively determine its main components, aiming to elucidate its pharmacodynamic material basis and provide a scientific foundation for improving its quality control standards. MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) was employed for qualitative analysis of XFZY, and the identification of compounds was accomplished by comparing their retention times, secondary MS fragment ion information, 52 reference standards and relevant databases, followed by attribution of their herbal sources. A total of 22 representative compounds were screened out, and UPLC-quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TRAP-MS/MS) was applied for quantitative analysis of the compounds in the formula. ResultsA total of 77 compounds were identified in XFZY, including 31 flavonoids mainly derived from Aurantii Fructus, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Persicae Semen, Carthami Flos, Bupleuri Radix, Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, 24 terpenoids mainly derived from Platycodonis Radix, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Paeoniae Radix Rubra and Rehmanniae Radix, 9 phenylpropanoids and their derivatives mainly derived from Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Rehmanniae Radix, 4 phenolic acids mainly derived from Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Paeoniae Radix Rubra, 3 saccharides mainly derived from Rehmanniae Radix and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, and 6 other compounds mainly derived from Persicae Semen, Rehmanniae Radix and Angelicae Sinensis Radix. The results of quantitative analysis showed that the contents of protocatechuic acid, hydroxypaeoniflorin, amygdalin, vanillic acid, paeoniflorin, liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, isoquercitrin, naringin, cosmosiin, hesperidin, neohesperidin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, naringenin, benzoylpaeoniflorin, hesperetin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin, glycyrrhizic acid, nobiletin and ligustilide in XFZY were determined to be 0.12, 1.57, 54.53, 0.29, 36.17, 4.29, 4.84, 0.09, 46.67, 0.04, 3.44, 31.95, 0.82, 0.10, 0.11, 0.43, 0.07, 0.03, 0.01, 8.24, 0.13, 1.81 mg·g-1. ConclusionThe qualitative method established in this study enables rapid and sensitive analysis of the chemical constituents in XFZY. Among the identified compounds, 52 are confirmed by reference standards, ensuring the accuracy of identification. The quantitative analysis of 22 key components provides a reliable experimental basis for the pharmacodynamic material basis research and quality control standard improvement of XFZY.
4.Current Status and Prospects of Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment for Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Haiyan BAI ; Tai ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Lin LIU ; Weichao XU ; Yaxin TIAN ; Lanshuo HU ; Qian YANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):410-415
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), through its multi-target and systematic regulatory effects, has demonstrated unique advantages in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL). At present, TCM theoretical research on GPL is mainly reflected in three aspects, the integration of macroscopic syndrome differentiation, the inflammation-carcinoma transformation mechanism, as well as the systematization and scientization of theoretical inheritance from famous TCM practitioners. High-quality evidence-based research findings serve as the foundation for clinical practice guidelines on GPL, and TCM has gained international academic recognition in the field of GPL prevention and treatment. Research on TCM mechanisms has yielded a series of important outcomes in the aspects of signaling pathways, gene expression regulation, cellular epigenetics, histone modification, and intestinal microecology. It is proposed that future research on GPL should focus on four key directions, establishing multi-omics data, exploring targeted intervention strategies on key regulatory nodes, advancing the standardization process of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine prevention and treatment technologies, and constructing stratified screening and intervention platforms. The in-depth integration of TCM microcosmic mechanism of action with its macroscopic syndrome differentiation and treatment system, coupled with interdisciplinary research, will provide valuable references for the clinical treatment and scientific research of GPL.
5.Pathogenesis Evolution Characteristics and Intervention Strategies for Alternation Between Active and Remission Phases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:Based on the Theory of "Grease-Turbidity-Heat Toxin"
Ting ZHENG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Jiayan LI ; Fengyun WANG ; Xyudong TANG ; Lin LYU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1664-1668
Based on the theoretical framework of "grease-turbidity-heat toxin", this paper elucidates the patholo-gical evolution pattern underlying the alternation between active and remission phases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is proposed that the active phase of IBD represents a progressive and explosive process characterized by internal accumulation of grease turbidity, constraint transforming into heat, and exuberant heat generating toxin. During the remission phase, the pathogenic process manifests as subsidence of heat toxin, depletion of qi and yin, latent retention of residual turbidity, and a state of coexistence between deficiency of healthy qi and lingering pathogenic factors. Accordingly, a staged therapeutic strategy with dynamic intervention and targeted modulation has been established. During the active phase, treatment follows the sequential principle of unblocking, clearing, and resolving pathogenic factors. In the early stage, the therapeutic approach focuses on regulating qi movement, fortifying the spleen, and resolving turbidity, using Tongxie Essential Formula (痛泻要方) and Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散) to regulate qi and fortify spleen. In the middle stage, the strategy emphasizes clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and dispersing pathogenic accumulation through downward and outward pathways, and Gegen Qinlian Decoction (葛根芩连汤) combined with Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤) is used to clear and resolve damp-heat. In the late stage, treatment aims to resolve toxin, restrain sore, cool blood, and stabilize collaterals, using Baitouweng Decoction (白头翁汤), Shaoyao Decoction (芍药汤), and Xijiao Dihuang Decoction (犀角地黄汤) to eliminate toxins and cool blood. During the remission phase, the principle of reinforcing, consolidating, and penetrating is adopted to restore internal balance and clear the source, using Sishen Pills (四神丸) and Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) to reinforce healthy qi and venting pathogens.
6.Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome:Based on the Theory of "Zi Wu Liu Zhu (子午流注)"
Ting ZHENG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Jiayan LI ; Fengyun WANG ; Xudong TANG ; Lin LYU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(16):1728-1733
Based on the theory of Zi Wu Liu Zhu (子午流注, the ebb and flow of midnight and midday) and the clinical characteristics of diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) that its symptoms mainly occur during chou (丑) period (01:00—03:00), mao (卯) period (5:00—7:00), and si (巳) period (9:00—11:00), this paper proposes a temporal pathogenesis chain of "liver constraint during chou period, intestinal stagnation during mao period, and spleen deficiency during si period". Within this chain, liver constraint serves as the initiating factor, and intestinal stagnation manifests as the branch, while spleen deficiency constitutes the root of the disease. Accordingly, a chronotherapeutic principle of "soothing the liver, regulating the intestines, and fortifying the spleen" is proposed, establishing a corresponding time-based syndrome differentiation and treatment system. During chou period, the treatment should focus on soothing the liver to relieve constraint and calming the mind to tranquilize the spirit, thereby blocking the mechanism of liver constraint overacting on the spleen. During mao period, the focus is regulating qi to resolve dampness and harmonizing the intestine to alleviate the branch symptoms of morning abdominal pain and diarrhea. During si period, the suggested method is fortifying the spleen and supplementing qi to drain dampness and stop diarrhea, thereby restoring the pivot of spleen-stomach transportation and transformation. These methods are complemented by strategies to optimize medication compliance, thereby providing a new chronotherapeutic approach for clinical diagnosis and treatment of IBS-D.
7.Pathogenesis Evolution Characteristics and Intervention Strategies for Alternation Between Active and Remission Phases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease:Based on the Theory of "Grease-Turbidity-Heat Toxin"
Ting ZHENG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Jiayan LI ; Fengyun WANG ; Xyudong TANG ; Lin LYU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(15):1664-1668
Based on the theoretical framework of "grease-turbidity-heat toxin", this paper elucidates the patholo-gical evolution pattern underlying the alternation between active and remission phases of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It is proposed that the active phase of IBD represents a progressive and explosive process characterized by internal accumulation of grease turbidity, constraint transforming into heat, and exuberant heat generating toxin. During the remission phase, the pathogenic process manifests as subsidence of heat toxin, depletion of qi and yin, latent retention of residual turbidity, and a state of coexistence between deficiency of healthy qi and lingering pathogenic factors. Accordingly, a staged therapeutic strategy with dynamic intervention and targeted modulation has been established. During the active phase, treatment follows the sequential principle of unblocking, clearing, and resolving pathogenic factors. In the early stage, the therapeutic approach focuses on regulating qi movement, fortifying the spleen, and resolving turbidity, using Tongxie Essential Formula (痛泻要方) and Shenling Baizhu Powder (参苓白术散) to regulate qi and fortify spleen. In the middle stage, the strategy emphasizes clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and dispersing pathogenic accumulation through downward and outward pathways, and Gegen Qinlian Decoction (葛根芩连汤) combined with Banxia Xiexin Decoction (半夏泻心汤) is used to clear and resolve damp-heat. In the late stage, treatment aims to resolve toxin, restrain sore, cool blood, and stabilize collaterals, using Baitouweng Decoction (白头翁汤), Shaoyao Decoction (芍药汤), and Xijiao Dihuang Decoction (犀角地黄汤) to eliminate toxins and cool blood. During the remission phase, the principle of reinforcing, consolidating, and penetrating is adopted to restore internal balance and clear the source, using Sishen Pills (四神丸) and Sijunzi Decoction (四君子汤) to reinforce healthy qi and venting pathogens.
8.A protocol for developing, disseminating and implementing a core outcome set for clinical trials of integrative Chinese and Western medicine for ulcerative colitis.
Xuan ZHANG ; Lin ZHANG ; Juan WANG ; Chung Tai LAU ; Nana WANG ; Xuanqi ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Ji LI ; Fei HAN ; Zhaoxiang BIAN
Journal of Integrative Medicine 2025;23(6):654-659
To improve the consistency of outcome documentation and address the potential for outcome reporting bias in clinical trials involving integrative Chinese and Western medicine (ICWM) for ulcerative colitis (UC), we aim to develop a customized core outcome set (COS) that incorporates input from various stakeholders. The study design of this COS has been informed by the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials Initiative Handbook, with adherence to the guidelines from the Core Outcome Set-STAndards for Reporting statement and Core Outcome Set-STAndardised Protocol Items recommendations. Five groups of stakeholders will be invited to participate in the development of COS for clinical trials with ICWM for UC, including healthcare professionals, patients, COS developers, COS users, and methodologists. The process will involve five stages: (1) conducting a systematic review of outcomes reported in clinical trials and protocols to develop a list of potential outcome domains; (2) conducting semi-structured interviews to obtain important outcomes; (3) choosing the most important outcomes by conducting three-round Delphi surveys; (4) achieving a consensus in a face-to-face meeting to discuss the final COS; and (5) publication, dissemination and implementation of COS. Consequently, this specialized COS will be applicable to clinical trials involving both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and ICWM interventions. Please cite this article as: Zhang X, Zhang L, Wang J, Lau CT, Wang N, Zhang X, Wang P, Li J, Han F, Bian Z. A protocol for developing, disseminating and implementing a core outcome set for clinical trials of integrative Chinese and Western medicine for ulcerative colitis. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(6):654-659.
Colitis, Ulcerative/therapy*
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Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Clinical Trials as Topic
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Integrative Medicine
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Research Design
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Outcome Assessment, Health Care
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Delphi Technique
9.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis
Jian LIU ; Hongchun ZHANG ; Chengxiang WANG ; Hongsheng CUI ; Xia CUI ; Shunan ZHANG ; Daowen YANG ; Cuiling FENG ; Yubo GUO ; Zengtao SUN ; Huiyong ZHANG ; Guangxi LI ; Qing MIAO ; Sumei WANG ; Liqing SHI ; Hongjun YANG ; Ting LIU ; Fangbo ZHANG ; Sheng CHEN ; Wei CHEN ; Hai WANG ; Lin LIN ; Nini QU ; Lei WU ; Dengshan WU ; Yafeng LIU ; Wenyan ZHANG ; Yueying ZHANG ; Yongfen FAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):182-188
The Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qinbaohong Zhike Oral Liquid in Treatment of Acute Bronchitis and Acute Attack of Chronic Bronchitis (GS/CACM 337-2023) was released by the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 13th, 2023. This expert consensus was developed by experts in methodology, pharmacy, and Chinese medicine in strict accordance with the development requirements of the China Association of Chinese Medicine (CACM) and based on the latest medical evidence and the clinical medication experience of well-known experts in the fields of respiratory medicine (pulmonary diseases) and pediatrics. This expert consensus defines the application of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid in the treatment of cough and excessive sputum caused by phlegm-heat obstructing lung, acute bronchitis, and acute attack of chronic bronchitis from the aspects of applicable populations, efficacy evaluation, usage, dosage, drug combination, and safety. It is expected to guide the rational drug use in medical and health institutions, give full play to the unique value of Qinbaohong Zhike oral liquid, and vigorously promote the inheritance and innovation of Chinese patent medicines.
10.Analysis of Animal Model Construction Methods of Different Subtypes of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Based on Literature
Mi LYU ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Xiaokang WANG ; Yuqian WANG ; Xiyun QIAO ; Lin LYU ; Hui CHE ; Shan LIU ; Fengyun WANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(13):1386-1394
ObjectiveTo collate and compare the characteristics and differences in the methods for constructing animal models of different subtypes of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) based on literature, providing a reference for researchers in this field regarding animal model construction. MethodsExperimental studies related to GERD including reflux esophagitis (RE), nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) and Barrett's esophagus (BE) model construction from January 1, 2014 to January 27, 2024, were retrieved from databases such as CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, Web of Science, and Pubmed. Information on animal strains, genders, modeling methods including disease-syndrome combination models, modeling cycles were extracted; for studies with model evaluation, the methods of model evaluation were also extracted; then analyzing all those information. ResultsA total of 182 articles were included. SD rats were most frequently selected when inducing animal models of RE (88/148, 59.46%) and NERD (9/14, 64.29%). For BE, C57BL/6 mice were most commonly used (11/20, 55.00%). Male animals (RE: 111/135, 82.22%; NERD: 11/14, 78.57%; BE: 10/12, 83.33%) were the most common gender among the three subtypes. The key to constructing RE animal models lies in structural damage to the esophageal mucosal layer, gastric content reflux, or mixed reflux, among which forestomach ligation + incomplete pylorus ligation (42/158, 26.58%) was the most common modeling method; the key to constructing NERD animal models lies in micro-inflammation of the esophageal mucosa, visceral hypersensitivity, and emotional problems, and intraperitoneal injection of a mixed suspension of ovalbumin and aluminum hydroxide combined with acid perfusion in the lower esophagus (8/14, 57.14%) was the most common modeling method; the key to constructing BE animal models lies in long-term inflammatory stimulation of the esophageal mucosa and bile acid reflux, and constructing interleukin 2-interleukin 1β transgenic mice (7/25, 28.00%) was the most common modeling method. Adverse psychological stress was the most common method for inducing liver depression. ConclusionsThe construction key principles and methodologies for RE, NERD, and BE animal models exhibit significant differences. Researchers should select appropriate models based on subtype characteristics (e.g., RE focusing on structural damage, NERD emphasizing visceral hypersensitivity). Current studies show insufficient exploration of traditional Chinese medicine disease-syndrome combination models. Future research needs to optimize syndrome modeling approaches (e.g., composite etiology simulation) and establish integrated Chinese-Western medicine evaluation systems to better support mechanistic investigations of traditional Chinese medicine.

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