1.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
2.Classic Traditional Chinese Medicine Prescriptions in Treatment of Cancer-related Anemia: A Review
Kai YANG ; Dongju HU ; Huiying XIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):335-346
Anemia is one of the common accompanying symptoms of tumors. Whether chemotherapy-related anemia (CRA) or anemia caused by the disease itself, it greatly affects patients' survival rate, quality of life, and even their confidence in treatment. Currently, Western medicine mainly treats CRA through blood product transfusion and the use of erythropoietin, which can rapidly increase hemoglobin levels but are associated with strong dependence and short duration of efficacy. Therefore, exploring the theoretical basis, treatment methods, and advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in managing CRA has become a focus of current research. According to recent clinical observations and related reports, TCM demonstrates favorable clinical efficacy in the treatment of CRA. By reviewing literature on classic TCM prescriptions for CRA, this article summarizes clinical cases, relevant pharmacological studies, and possible mechanisms of action. These analyses show that classic TCM prescriptions for CRA are mainly tonifying formulas, primarily those that tonify qi and blood and strengthen the spleen and kidney, and they offer clear therapeutic efficacy, high safety, and the potential to reduce toxicity and enhance effectiveness. In addition to tonifying formulas, modern prescriptions for CRA, such as those that promote blood circulation and remove stasis, promote new blood generation, and exert detoxifying and anticancer effects, have also been confirmed by clinical research to provide good therapeutic outcomes. By summarizing and analyzing the efficacy and mechanisms of classic TCM prescriptions for CRA and the clinical research status of modern formulas, this article aims to provide new strategies for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CRA.
3.Rapid Discrimination of Processing Degree of Wine-processed Chuanxiong Rhizoma Based on Intelligent Sensory Technology and Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Xiaolong ZHANG ; Xiaoni MA ; Xinzhu WANG ; Po HU ; Yang PAN ; Tulin LU ; Guangming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):174-182
ObjectiveTo explore the changes in color, odor and chemical components during wine-processing of Chuanxiong Rhizoma(CR), identify differential markers, and provide a basis for standardizing the process and establishing quality standards. MethodsFifteen batches of CR samples from 4 producing areas were collected. Colorimeter and electronic nose were used to detect the color changes and odor components of CR before and after wine-processing. Multivariate statistical methods including partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), principal component analysis(PCA), discriminant factor analysis(DFA) and Fisher discriminant analysis were applied to identify wine-processed CR at different processing stages and establish discriminant models, and differential components were screened out based on variable importance in the projection(VIP) value1. Then, high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was employed to detect the content changes of four components(ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide A and ligustilide) during the processing stages. ResultsThe differences of wine-processed CR at various stages were primarily reflected in color parameters L*(brightness value), a*(red-green value) and b*(yellow-blue value). Based on chromaticity differences, the color reference ranges were established for moderately processed CR, including L* of 46.75-48.24, a* of 5.37-6.07 and b* of 20.32-21.70. In odor analysis, DFA revealed significant differences among processing stages, and 11 odor markers were identified, with four differential markers(4-hydroxy-3-butylphthalide, isopropyl butyrate, L-limonene and 1-methoxyhexane) based on VIP values. HPLC results showed that there was no significant difference of the four components except for ligustilide in wine-processed CR at different stages. ConclusionThis study achieved rapid identification of wine-processed CR with different processing degrees by electronic sensory technology and differential component content detection, with discrimination accuracy rates of 92.4% and 93.272% for color and odor, respectively. This paper also established the reference ranges of main colorimetric parameters for wine-processed CR at different stages, and four differential components were screened out, providing a basis for standardizing the processing of wine-processed CR and establishing quality standards for this decoction pieces.
4.Rapid Discrimination of Processing Degree of Wine-processed Chuanxiong Rhizoma Based on Intelligent Sensory Technology and Multivariate Statistical Analysis
Xiaolong ZHANG ; Xiaoni MA ; Xinzhu WANG ; Po HU ; Yang PAN ; Tulin LU ; Guangming YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):174-182
ObjectiveTo explore the changes in color, odor and chemical components during wine-processing of Chuanxiong Rhizoma(CR), identify differential markers, and provide a basis for standardizing the process and establishing quality standards. MethodsFifteen batches of CR samples from 4 producing areas were collected. Colorimeter and electronic nose were used to detect the color changes and odor components of CR before and after wine-processing. Multivariate statistical methods including partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA), principal component analysis(PCA), discriminant factor analysis(DFA) and Fisher discriminant analysis were applied to identify wine-processed CR at different processing stages and establish discriminant models, and differential components were screened out based on variable importance in the projection(VIP) value1. Then, high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was employed to detect the content changes of four components(ferulic acid, senkyunolide I, senkyunolide A and ligustilide) during the processing stages. ResultsThe differences of wine-processed CR at various stages were primarily reflected in color parameters L*(brightness value), a*(red-green value) and b*(yellow-blue value). Based on chromaticity differences, the color reference ranges were established for moderately processed CR, including L* of 46.75-48.24, a* of 5.37-6.07 and b* of 20.32-21.70. In odor analysis, DFA revealed significant differences among processing stages, and 11 odor markers were identified, with four differential markers(4-hydroxy-3-butylphthalide, isopropyl butyrate, L-limonene and 1-methoxyhexane) based on VIP values. HPLC results showed that there was no significant difference of the four components except for ligustilide in wine-processed CR at different stages. ConclusionThis study achieved rapid identification of wine-processed CR with different processing degrees by electronic sensory technology and differential component content detection, with discrimination accuracy rates of 92.4% and 93.272% for color and odor, respectively. This paper also established the reference ranges of main colorimetric parameters for wine-processed CR at different stages, and four differential components were screened out, providing a basis for standardizing the processing of wine-processed CR and establishing quality standards for this decoction pieces.
5.Study on the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep
Ming QIAO ; Yao ZHAO ; Yi ZHU ; Yexia CAO ; Limei WEN ; Yuehong GONG ; Xiang LI ; Juanchen WANG ; Tao WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the active components of L. ruthenicum and their associated disease targets, followed by enrichment analysis. A caffeine‑induced zebrafish model of sleep deprivation was established , and the zebrafish were treated with L. ruthenicum Murr. extract (LRME) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively; 24 h later, behavioral changes of zebrafish and pathological alterations in brain neurons were subsequently observed. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)], and neurotransmitters [5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE)] were measured. The protein expression levels of protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1 (p-AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), sarcoma proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and heat shock protein 90α family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) in the zebrafish were also determined. RESULTS A total of 12 active components and 176 intersecting disease targets were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Among these, apigenin, naringenin and others were recognized as core active compounds, while AKT1, EGFR and others served as key targets; EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway was identified as the critical pathway. The sleep improvement rates in zebrafish of LRME low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were 54.60%, 69.03% and 77.97%, 开发。E-mail:hjp_yft@163.com respectively, while the inhibition ratios of locomotor distance were 0.57, 0.83 and 0.95, respectively. Compared with the model group, the number of resting counts, resting time and resting distance were significantly increased/extended in LRME medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Neuronal damage in the brain was alleviated. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, Glu, DA and NE, as well as the protein expression levels of AKT1, p-AKT1, EGFR, SRC and HSP90AA1, were markedly reduced (P<0.05), while the levels of IL-10, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, 5-HT and GABA, as well as Bcl-2 protein expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. ruthenicum Murr. demonstrates sleep-improving effects, and its specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter balance, and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway.
6.Myocardial Metabolomics Reveals Mechanism of Shenfu Injection in Ameliorating Energy Metabolism Remodeling in Rat Model of Chronic Heart Failure
Xinyue NING ; Zhenyu ZHAO ; Mengna ZHANG ; Yang GUO ; Zhijia XIANG ; Kun LIAN ; Zhixi HU ; Lin LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):178-186
ObjectiveTo examine the influences of Shenfu injection on the endogenous metabolic byproducts in the myocardium of the rat model exhibiting chronic heart failure, thus deciphering the therapeutic mechanism of the Qi-reinforcing and Yang-warming method. MethodsSD rats were randomly allocated into a control group and a modeling group. Chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome in rats was modeled by multi-point subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol, and the rats were fed for 14 days after modeling. The successfully modeled rats were randomized into model, Shenfu injection (6.0 mL·kg-1), and trimetazidine (10 mg·kg-1) groups and treated with corresponding agents for 15 days. The control group and the model group were injected with equal doses of normal saline, and the samples were collected after the intervention was completed. Cardiac color ultrasound was performed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe histopathological morphology, and the serum level of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mitochondrial morphological and structural changes of cardiomyocytes were observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the metabolic profiling was carried out by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-quantitative exactive-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE-MS). Differential metabolites were screened and identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) and other methods, and then the MetaboAnalyst database was used for further screening. The relevant biological pathways were obtained through pathway enrichment analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to evaluate the diagnostic value of each potential biomarker for myocardial injury and the evaluation value for drug efficacy. ResultsThe results of color ultrasound showed that Shenfu Injection improved the cardiac function indexes of model rats (P<0.05). The results of HE staining showed that Shenfu injection effectively alleviated the pathological phenomena such as myocardial tissue structure disorder and inflammatory cell infiltration in model rats. The results of ELISA showed that Shenfu injection effectively regulated the serum NT-proBNP level in the model rats. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that Shenfu injection effectively restored the mitochondrial morphological structure. The results of metabolomics showed that the metabolic phenotypes of myocardial samples presented markedly differences between groups. Nine differential metabolites could be significantly reversed in the Shenfu injection group, involving three metabolic pathways: pyruvate metabolism, histidine metabolism, and citric acid cycle (TCA cycle). The results of ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) values of all metabolites were between 0.75 and 1.0, indicating that the differential metabolites had high diagnostic accuracy for myocardial injury, and the changes in their expression levels could be used as potential markers for efficacy evaluation. ConclusionShenfu injection significantly alleviated the damage of cardiac function, myocardium, and mitochondrial structure in the rat model of chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome by ameliorating energy metabolism remodeling. Reinforcing Qi and warming Yang is a key method for treating chronic heart failure with heart-Yang deficiency syndrome.
7.Expert recommendations on vision friendly built environments for myopia prevention and control in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):1-5
Abstract
The prevention and control of myopia in Chinese children and adolescents has become a major public health issue. While maintaining increased outdoor activity as a cornerstone intervention, there is an urgent need to explore new complementary approaches that can be effectively implemented in both indoor and outdoor settings. In recent years, environmental spatial frequency has gained increasing attention as one of the key environmental factors influencing the development and progression of myopia. Both animal studies and human research have confirmed that indoor environments lacking mid to high spatial frequency components, often characterized as "visually impoverished", can promote axial elongation and myopia through mechanisms such as disruption of retinal neural signaling, impaired accommodative function, and altered expression of related molecules. Based on the scientific consensus, it is recommended that "enriching of environmental spatial frequency" should be integrated into the myopia prevention and control framework. Following the principles of schoolled organization, family cooperation, community involvement, and student participation, specific measures are put forward in three areas:optimizing school visual settings, improving home spatial environments, and promoting healthy visual behavior. The aim is to create "visually friendly" indoor environments as an important supplement to outdoor activity, thereby providing a novel perspective and strategy for comprehensively advancing myopia prevention and control among children and adolescents.
8.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.
9.Efficacy and Application Characteristics of Cold Chinese Medicines Based on Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 Edition)
Lu YUE ; Yilong HU ; Jingying YANG ; Xiangxiang WU ; Mingsan MIAO ; Ming BAI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):241-248
ObjectiveTo provide a reference for the rational clinical use of cold Chinese medicines by sorting and analyzing their properties, flavors, meridian tropism, primary therapeutic indications, methods of administration, dosages, and precautions as recorded in the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (Chinese Pharmacopoeia). MethodsCold Chinese medicines for internal and external use included in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia were entered one by one, and their efficacy, properties, flavors, meridian tropism, methods of administration, dosages, and usage precautions were statistically classified and summarized to guide clinical medication use. ResultsA total of 259 cold Chinese medicines for internal use were included and categorized into 18 efficacy groups, mainly comprising heat-clearing drugs, water-excreting and dampness-draining drugs, and phlegm-resolving, cough- and asthma-relieving drugs. Their predominant flavors were bitter, sweet, and pungent, and they primarily entered the liver, lung, and stomach meridians. The main methods of administration included decocting first, grinding into powder for oral use, or preparing into pills or powders, with most dosages ranging from 9 to 15 g. A total of 83 cold Chinese medicines for external use were included, involving 16 efficacy categories. Their main flavors were bitter, sweet, and pungent, primarily entering the liver, lung, and large intestine meridians. The main external application methods were grinding into powder for topical use or preparing decoctions for fumigation and washing, with most dosages ranging from 9 to 15 g. Whether for internal or external use, cold Chinese medicines should be used with caution or contraindicated in pregnant women. ConclusionThe cold Chinese medicines included in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia are mainly suitable for patients with carbuncles, swellings, and coughs. However, in clinical practice, it is necessary to strictly follow the principles of syndrome differentiation and treatment, pay attention to administration methods and dosages, and use cold medicines rationally and effectively to improve clinical efficacy.
10.Impact of X-ray irradiation on stored platelets and their mitochondrial function
Na WANG ; Ning AN ; Xiaoying WANG ; Dongyan YANG ; Xiaole ZHANG ; Yajuan WANG ; Jie CHEN ; Xingbin HU ; Chen CHEN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):16-23
Objective: To investigate the effects of clinical routine X-ray irradiation dose (average irradiation dose: 29.7±0.54 Gy) on the function, apoptosis, activation state and mitochondrial function of platelets during in vitro storage, so as to provide experimental evidence for optimizing platelet irradiation strategies. Methods: A paired experimental design was adopted. Platelets were collected from 12 healthy donors, and each sample was equally divided into the irradiated group and the control group (non-irradiated). All samples were stored for 5 days under standard platelet preservation conditions (22±2℃, continuous oscillation). Flow cytometry was used to detect platelet count, apoptosis rate (Annexin V+ positive rate), activation markers (CD62P, PAC-1, CD42b) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Meanwhile, mitochondrial-specific probes were used to evaluate changes in mitochondrial count, membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe the ultrastructure of platelets, with a focus on mitochondrial morphology, platelet membrane integrity and granule distribution. Results: Within 5 days of storage, the platelet count was (841±89.16)×10
/L in the irradiated group and (824.5±92.88)×10
/L in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.54). The apoptosis rate was (4.94±1.39) % in the irradiated group and (5.50±0.83) % in the control group, showing no significant difference (P=0.31). For activation indicators, the CD62P expression rate was (24.32±7.57) % in the irradiated group versus (25.21±8.13) % in the control group (P=0.43). The PAC-1 positive rates were (12.15±4.43) % and (11.75±3.40) % in the irradiated group and control group, respectively (P=0.44). The CD42b expression rates were (12.14±4.43) % and (11.75±3.4) % in the two groups, respectively (P=0.47). The ROS levels were (31.98±8.1) % and (30.64±5.89) % in the two groups, respectively (P=0.45). No significant differences were found in the above indicators. For mitochondrial function indicators, the mitochondrial count was (55.88±11.49) % in the irradiated group and (53.5±7.24) % in the control group (P=0.57). The ATP contents were (42.45±5.29) % and (41.58±9.50) % in the irradiated group and control group, respectively (P=0.77). The relative membrane potential values were (59.53±10.89) % and (57.49±6.54) % in the two groups, respectively (P=0.47). No significant difference were observed on the mitochondrial function-related indicators. TEM further confirmed that the ultrastructure of platelets in the irradiation group was intact, the mitochondrial morphology was normal, and no pathological changes such as swelling or vacuolization were observed. Conclusion: This study evaluated the impact of conventional-dose X-ray irradiation on platelet storage quality, confirming that this dose does not significant impair platelet count, apoptosis rate, activation status, or mitochondrial function. This finding provides important experimental evidence for the clinical promotion of X-ray irradiation technology and suggests its potential as a safe alternative to γ irradiation. Future studies could further expand the sample size and extend the observation period to verify the effects of X-ray irradiation on long-term platelet storage and post-transfusion in vivo survival rate.


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