1.Graphene-mediated Far-infrared Therapy Enhances Anti-non-small Cell Lung Cancer Effects of Panax quinquefolium Saponins via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Huifang ZANG ; Zikai GENG ; Yan GAO ; Lu LIU ; Yifei WANG ; Bonian ZHAO ; Jing LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):131-145
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the inhibitory effect of Panax quinquefolium saponins (PQS) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is enhanced under graphene-mediated far-infrared therapy (GFIR), and to analyze its relationships with mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage, and the activation of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathways. MethodsIn the cell experiments, the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) was employed to assess the inhibitory effects of PQS alone or in combination with GFIR (PQS+GFIR) on A549 cell viability. The scratch assay and the colony formation assay were adopted to evaluate cell migration and colony formation capabilities, respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to assess apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Immunofluorescence (IF) assay was performed to assess mitochondrial localization. Real-time polymerase China reaction(PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage. A STING knockdown cell model was established by transfecting cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the knockdown efficiency was assessed by Real-time PCR and Western blot. The cell viability and apoptosis following gene knockdown were assessed through the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. In the animal experiments, an allogeneic xenograft mouse model was established with Lewis lung cancer cells. Mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, a cisplatin group, a low-dose PQS (PQS-Low, 90 mg·kg-1) group, a high-dose PQS (PQS-High, 180 mg·kg-1) group, a low-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-Low+GFIR, 90 mg·kg-1) group, and a high-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-High+GFIR, 180 mg·kg-1) group. Treatment lasted for 14 days, and the fluorescence intensity was monitored at the tumor site by small-animal in vivo imaging during the treatment period. Flow cytometry was utilized to determine the proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK cell levels in the spleens of mice. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to assess the infiltration of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the tumor tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to measure the levels of interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mouse tumors. The mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), interferon beta 1 (IFNB1), and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) were determined by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of cGAS, STING, p-STING, TBK1, p-TBK1, IRF3, p-IRF3, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 were quantified via Western blot. ResultsThe cell experiment results showed that compared with the control group, PQS inhibited the viability and migration of A549 cells, promoted apoptosis, affected mitochondrial localization, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased the ROS level, and promoted mtDNA leakage. Following STING knockdown, the reductions in cell viability and the apoptosis-inducing effects caused by PQS were partially reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group showed inhibited A549 cell migration and colony formation, exacerbated apoptosis, downregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS levels, and promoted mtDNA leakage. After STING knockdown, the reduced A549 cell viability and abnormal apoptosis phenotype were further reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). The animal experiment results showed that compared with the control group, the model group mice exhibited reduced proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, CD19+ B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK1.1+ cell levels in the spleen (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed increased immune cell parameters in mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group exhibited enhanced levels of the aforementioned indicators (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed significantly reduced fluorescence intensity in transplanted tumors, significantly upregulated expression of CD3 and CD4 in the tumor tissue, elevated levels of IFN-α and IL-6 in tumors, and upregulated mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, IRF3, IFNB1, and NF-κB p65 as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation level of STING in tumors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group demonstrated further reduced tumor fluorescence intensity, elevated levels of CD3, CD4, and CD8 as well as cytokine levels in tumor tissue, and upregulated mRNA levels of genes related to the cGAS/STING pathway as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation levels of STING, TBK1, IRF3, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01) ConclusionGFIR enhances the inhibitory effect of PQS on NSCLC, potentially through mitochondrial dysfunction, mtDNA leakage, and activation of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway.
2.Advances in the application of digital intelligence technology in the research on the "spectrum-efficacy" correlation of traditional Chinese medicine
Drug Standards of China 2026;27(1):0043-0048
Research on the "Spectrum-Efficacy" correlation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) involves analyzing the relationship between chemical component fingerprinting ("spectrum") and pharmacodynamic data ("efficacy") to digitally and intelligently interpret the bioactive substances in TCM. This approach aims to establish an efficacy-oriented evaluation and research system for TCM. In recent years, with the rapid development of digital intelligence technologies, significant advances have been made in methodological innovation, application expansion, and clinical translation within this field. The integration of digital intelligence technologies has facilitated the elucidation of synergistic effects in TCM multi-component systems, becoming a key driver for the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine. Currently, research on the "Spectrum-Efficacy" correlation of TCM has been widely applied in areas such as quality control of TCM, precise analysis of bioactive substances, compatibility rule studies, and new drug development. This article systematically reviews the application scenarios, technical challenges, and future directions of digital intelligence technologies in "Spectrum-Efficacy" research, aiming to provide theoretical and practical support for the modernization of TCM.
3.Graphene-mediated Far-infrared Therapy Enhances Anti-non-small Cell Lung Cancer Effects of Panax quinquefolium Saponins via cGAS/STING Signaling Pathway
Huifang ZANG ; Zikai GENG ; Yan GAO ; Lu LIU ; Yifei WANG ; Bonian ZHAO ; Jing LYU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(21):131-145
ObjectiveTo investigate whether the inhibitory effect of Panax quinquefolium saponins (PQS) on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is enhanced under graphene-mediated far-infrared therapy (GFIR), and to analyze its relationships with mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage, and the activation of cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathways. MethodsIn the cell experiments, the cell-counting kit 8 (CCK-8) was employed to assess the inhibitory effects of PQS alone or in combination with GFIR (PQS+GFIR) on A549 cell viability. The scratch assay and the colony formation assay were adopted to evaluate cell migration and colony formation capabilities, respectively. Flow cytometry was employed to assess apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Immunofluorescence (IF) assay was performed to assess mitochondrial localization. Real-time polymerase China reaction(PCR) was used to detect mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) leakage. A STING knockdown cell model was established by transfecting cells with small interfering RNA (siRNA), and the knockdown efficiency was assessed by Real-time PCR and Western blot. The cell viability and apoptosis following gene knockdown were assessed through the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. In the animal experiments, an allogeneic xenograft mouse model was established with Lewis lung cancer cells. Mice were randomized into a control group, a model group, a cisplatin group, a low-dose PQS (PQS-Low, 90 mg·kg-1) group, a high-dose PQS (PQS-High, 180 mg·kg-1) group, a low-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-Low+GFIR, 90 mg·kg-1) group, and a high-dose PQS combined with GFIR (PQS-High+GFIR, 180 mg·kg-1) group. Treatment lasted for 14 days, and the fluorescence intensity was monitored at the tumor site by small-animal in vivo imaging during the treatment period. Flow cytometry was utilized to determine the proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK cell levels in the spleens of mice. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to assess the infiltration of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the tumor tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to measure the levels of interferon-α (IFN-α), interferon-β (IFN-β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mouse tumors. The mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1), interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), interferon beta 1 (IFNB1), and nuclear factor κB p65 (NF-κB p65) were determined by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of cGAS, STING, p-STING, TBK1, p-TBK1, IRF3, p-IRF3, NF-κB p65, and p-NF-κB p65 were quantified via Western blot. ResultsThe cell experiment results showed that compared with the control group, PQS inhibited the viability and migration of A549 cells, promoted apoptosis, affected mitochondrial localization, reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, increased the ROS level, and promoted mtDNA leakage. Following STING knockdown, the reductions in cell viability and the apoptosis-inducing effects caused by PQS were partially reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group showed inhibited A549 cell migration and colony formation, exacerbated apoptosis, downregulated mitochondrial membrane potential, elevated ROS levels, and promoted mtDNA leakage. After STING knockdown, the reduced A549 cell viability and abnormal apoptosis phenotype were further reversed (P<0.05, P<0.01). The animal experiment results showed that compared with the control group, the model group mice exhibited reduced proportions of T-lymphocyte subsets, CD19+ B-lymphocyte levels, and peripheral blood NK1.1+ cell levels in the spleen (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed increased immune cell parameters in mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group exhibited enhanced levels of the aforementioned indicators (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the PQS group showed significantly reduced fluorescence intensity in transplanted tumors, significantly upregulated expression of CD3 and CD4 in the tumor tissue, elevated levels of IFN-α and IL-6 in tumors, and upregulated mRNA levels of cGAS, STING, TBK1, IRF3, IFNB1, and NF-κB p65 as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation level of STING in tumors (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the PQS group, the PQS+GFIR group demonstrated further reduced tumor fluorescence intensity, elevated levels of CD3, CD4, and CD8 as well as cytokine levels in tumor tissue, and upregulated mRNA levels of genes related to the cGAS/STING pathway as well as upregulated protein level of cGAS and phosphorylation levels of STING, TBK1, IRF3, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.05, P<0.01) ConclusionGFIR enhances the inhibitory effect of PQS on NSCLC, potentially through mitochondrial dysfunction, mtDNA leakage, and activation of the cGAS/STING signaling pathway.
4.Research progress and challenges of molecular recognition techniques in the screening of active ingredients in Traditional Chinese medicine.
Lin LI ; Qi LI ; Yanxiao LI ; Dandan GONG ; Bonian ZHAO
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(9):101243-101243
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has become an important treasure trove of natural resources for the development of new medicines due to their diverse compositions, significant therapeutic effects, and few side effects. The screening of active ingredients in TCM represents a crucial step in elucidating the material basis and mechanism of action of TCM. At present, efficient and precise molecular recognition techniques based on intermolecular interactions have been extensively employed for the identification of active ingredients in TCM. This paper presents a review of the fundamental principles underlying solution-phase/affinity ligand fishing, solid-phase/affinity ligand fishing, molecular imprinting and molecular docking techniques, with a particular focus on their applications in the screening of active ingredients in TCM. Furthermore, the paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of the various techniques and identifies the limitations of existing techniques. In conclusion, the paper identifies the prospective trajectory of molecular recognition techniques in the domain of TCM research. This paper not only provides theoretical references for the development of new methods of active ingredient screening but also helps to promote the modernization and internationalization of TCM.
5.Analysis of the spectrum-efficacy correlation and pharmacodynamic material basis of green tea extract intervention in experimental age-related macular degeneration based on UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS
Yifei WANG ; Haiyang XU ; Yan GAO ; Bonian ZHAO
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(7):518-525
Objective To investigate the spectrum-efficacy relationship between the fingerprint of green tea extract and its pharmacological effects in intervention of neovascular age-related macular degeneration(nAMD),explore the phar-macodynamic material basis,and identify key active components.Methods The fingerprint of green tea extract was es-tablished using UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS.Hierarchical cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discrimi-nant analysis were used to explore differences in chemical composition among green tea samples from different origins.A zebrafish nAMD model induced by cobalt chloride was established to evaluate the pharmacological activity of green tea ex-tract in nAMD intervention.Partial least squares regression analysis(PLSR)and grey relational analysis(GRA)were em-ployed to study the spectrum-efficacy correlation,comprehensively analyze the pharmacodynamic material basis of green tea in AMD intervention,and screen for key active components.Results A fingerprint detection method for green tea ex-tract was successfully established,and 31 chemical components were qualitatively and quantitatively characterized.Hierar-chical cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis classified 50 batches of green tea samples into two major categories,identifying 15 key differential components.Pharmacological experiments demonstrated that green tea extract inhibited abnormal vascular growth in the zebrafish retina caused by cobalt chloride.Through PLSR and GRA,six components of green tea extract were found to be significantly correlated with pharmacological activity and showed high variable importance in projection:quinic acid,epicatechin,gallocatechin,epigallocatechin,gallocatechin gal-late,and epigallocatechin gallate.Conclusion This study comprehensively characterized 31 chemical components in green tea.Based on the nAMD zebrafish model and spectrum-effect correlation theory,PLSR and GRA analyses were ap-plied to accurately identify quinic acid,epicatechin,gallocatechin,epigallocatechin,gallocatechin gallate,and epigallocate-chin gallate as the key effective substances in green tea for intervening in nAMD.This provides a foundation for the devel-opment of new drugs with therapeutic potential against nAMD,and offers data support for establishing a comprehensive quality evaluation system for green tea.
6.Analysis of the spectrum-efficacy correlation and pharmacodynamic material basis of green tea extract intervention in experimental age-related macular degeneration based on UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS
Yifei WANG ; Haiyang XU ; Yan GAO ; Bonian ZHAO
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2025;45(7):518-525
Objective To investigate the spectrum-efficacy relationship between the fingerprint of green tea extract and its pharmacological effects in intervention of neovascular age-related macular degeneration(nAMD),explore the phar-macodynamic material basis,and identify key active components.Methods The fingerprint of green tea extract was es-tablished using UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS.Hierarchical cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discrimi-nant analysis were used to explore differences in chemical composition among green tea samples from different origins.A zebrafish nAMD model induced by cobalt chloride was established to evaluate the pharmacological activity of green tea ex-tract in nAMD intervention.Partial least squares regression analysis(PLSR)and grey relational analysis(GRA)were em-ployed to study the spectrum-efficacy correlation,comprehensively analyze the pharmacodynamic material basis of green tea in AMD intervention,and screen for key active components.Results A fingerprint detection method for green tea ex-tract was successfully established,and 31 chemical components were qualitatively and quantitatively characterized.Hierar-chical cluster analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis classified 50 batches of green tea samples into two major categories,identifying 15 key differential components.Pharmacological experiments demonstrated that green tea extract inhibited abnormal vascular growth in the zebrafish retina caused by cobalt chloride.Through PLSR and GRA,six components of green tea extract were found to be significantly correlated with pharmacological activity and showed high variable importance in projection:quinic acid,epicatechin,gallocatechin,epigallocatechin,gallocatechin gal-late,and epigallocatechin gallate.Conclusion This study comprehensively characterized 31 chemical components in green tea.Based on the nAMD zebrafish model and spectrum-effect correlation theory,PLSR and GRA analyses were ap-plied to accurately identify quinic acid,epicatechin,gallocatechin,epigallocatechin,gallocatechin gallate,and epigallocate-chin gallate as the key effective substances in green tea for intervening in nAMD.This provides a foundation for the devel-opment of new drugs with therapeutic potential against nAMD,and offers data support for establishing a comprehensive quality evaluation system for green tea.
7.Pharmacodynamic and Material Basis of Scutellaria Baicalensis Against Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pneumonia in Mice by Network Pharmacology Combined with Grey Relational Analysis
GAO Yang ; LYU Ling ; ZHAI Yang ; JIA Mingqian ; ZHAO Bonian ; SONG Yong
Chinese Journal of Modern Applied Pharmacy 2023;40(15):2056-2063
OBJECTIVE To explore the anti-respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) pharmacodynamic material basis of Scutellaria Baicalensis. METHODS Network pharmacology method was used to analyze the anti-RSV targets of Scutellaria baicalensis. UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS was used to characterize the consensus components in Scutellaria Baicalensis. A mouse model of RSV pneumonia was established, and the changes of mouse body weight, lung index, lung pathological sections and IL-6 were detected. The gray correlation method was used to analyze the spectrum-effect data of 50 batches of Scutellaria baicalensis samples, and the effective components of Scutellaria baicalensis against RSV pneumonia mice were mined. RESULTS The protein-protein interaction network results determined that the core targets of Scutellaria baicalensis against RSV were AKT1, IL-6, TNF, MAPK3, SRC, HSP90AA1 and PTGS2; overall animal experiment proved that lung index of Scutellaria baicalensis decreased to varying degrees, and the inflammatory factor IL-6 had significant differences; grey correlation analysis showed that the anti-RSV chemical components in Scutellaria baicalensis were mainly flavonoid glycosides.CONCLUSION Using the network pharmacology method to determine the pharmacodynamic target, the gray correlation degree analysis component-target data, the method of mining the pharmacodynamic material basis is feasible, baicalin, wogonin, chrysin-6-C-arabinose-8-C-flavonoid glycoside, chrysin-6-C-arabinose-8-C-arabinoside and chrysin-7-O-glucuronide can be used as Q-Markers of Scutellaria baicalensis for quality evaluation.
8.Study on the Heart Protective Effect of Panax quinquefolium Extract Based on Zebra Fish Model
Jing LYU ; Chen LI ; Longfei YANG ; Yan GAO ; Bonian ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2020;31(3):308-313
OBJECTIVE:To study the heart protective effect of Panax quinquefolium extract of Zebra fish. METHODS :The drug dosage of P. quinquefolium extract and the optimal modeling dose of terfenadine were determined by tolerance test ;24 hours post fertilization (24 hpf),Zebra fish were divided into control group (0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide ),model group (2.5 μg/mL terfenadine),positive control group (2.5 μ g/mL terfenadine + 30 μ g/mL resveratrol) and different mass concentration P. quinquefolium extract groups (2.5 μg/mL terfenadine+5,10,25 μg/mL P. quinquefolium extract,by raw material ). 48 h after incubation,the heart rate and sinus venous-bulbus arteriosus (SV-BA)interval of Zebra fish were used as indexes ,and the heart injury repair rate was calculated to investigate the heart protection of P. quinquefolium extract. Another 24 hpf Zebra fish were divided into blank control group ,model group ,positive control group ,20 batches of P. quinquefolium extract from different producing area groups (5 μg/mL,by raw material ),with same administration route and 48 h of incubation. The heart rate ,SV-BA interval of heart was determined ,heart injury repair rate and heart injury relative repair rate were calculated ;the heart protective effect of P. quinquefolium extract was further validated. RESULTS :Compared with blank control group ,heart rate was decreased significantly(P<0.01),while SV-BA interval was increased significantly in model group (P<0.01). Compared with model group,heart rate of Zebra fish was increased significantly in positive control group and 5,10,25 μg/mL P. quinquefolium extract groups(P<0.01),while SV-BA interval of Zebra fish was shortened significantly in 5,10 μg/mL P. quinquefolium extract groups (P<0.05 or P<0.01);heart injury repair rate of Zebra fish in 5 μg/mL P. quinquefolium extract group reached 73.77%. In validation test ,compared with model group ,heart rate was increased significantly (P<0.01),while SV-BA interval of Zebra fish was decreased significantly in 20 batches of P. quinquefolium extract groups (P<0.01);heart injury repair rate ranged 70.45%-85.78%,and heart injury relative repair rate ranged 75.48%-98.12%. CONCLUSIONS :P. quinquefolium extract has good heart protective effects.


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