1.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
2.Mechanisms of Sini San in Regulation of Gut Microbiota Against Depression and Liver Injury in CUMS Rats
Junling LI ; Yan ZHANG ; Lei WANG ; Fang QI ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Tianxing CHEN ; Yuhang LIU ; Xueying WANG ; Xianwen TANG ; Yubo LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):33-40
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and mechanisms of Sini San in the treatment of depression and liver injury based on gut microbiota. MethodsThirty-two male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a normal group, model group (M), Sini San group (MS, 2.5 g·kg-1), and fluoxetine group (MF, 2 mg·kg-1). Except for the normal group, rats in the other three groups were subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). After 8 weeks, the open-field test and sucrose preference test were conducted. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum corticosterone (CORT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Zonulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the hippocampus. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to detect hippocampal BDNF mRNA expression. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were measured using the ultraviolet lactate dehydrogenase method. The ultrastructure of the intestinal epithelium was observed by electron microscopy, and gut microbiota in rat feces were analyzed using 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the sucrose preference of rats in the model group was significantly reduced (P<0.01), whereas it was significantly increased in the Sini San group compared with the model group (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, hippocampal GABA protein levels and BDNF mRNA expression in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and compared with the model group, both were significantly increased in the Sini San group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the normal group, serum LPS and Zonulin levels in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and compared with the model group, Zonulin levels in the Sini San group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). No obvious changes were observed in the ultrastructure of the jejunal mucosa among groups. Compared with the normal group, widened and blurred tight junctions, sparse and shortened microvilli, and mitochondrial swelling with cristae disruption in epithelial cells were observed in the ileal and colonic mucosa of the model group, which were markedly improved in the Sini San and fluoxetine groups. The results of 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing showed that Sini San improved CUMS-induced dysbiosis of Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria. Correlation analysis indicated that Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria were significantly correlated with depression-related indicators, liver function, and intestinal mucosal permeability. ConclusionSini San exerts antidepressant and hepatoprotective effects by improving Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria and inhibiting the increase in intestinal mucosal permeability in CUMS rats.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
4.Study on the risk factors and predictive model for acute kidney injury during tacrolimus treatment for pediatric steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome
Yuqing LIU ; Lei ZHU ; Zhaohuan HAN ; Lei ZHAO
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):66-71
OBJECTIVE To explore the risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in children with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) during tacrolimus treatment and construct a predictive model. METHODS A retrospective selection was made of 155 children diagnosed with SRNS and treated with tacrolimus at Xuzhou Children’s Hospital from January 1, 2022, to December 31, 2023, serving as the study subjects. Various clinical data of the children were collected by reviewing the medical record system. Children who developed AKI during medication were assigned to the AKI group (n=26), and those who did not develop AKI were assigned to the control group (n=129). Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were used to screen independent risk factors. A clinical predictive model was constructed based on significant variables, and nomogram, calibration curve, receiver operator characteristic curve, and decision curve were drawn to evaluate the model’s performance. RESULTS Univariate analysis showed that blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Scr), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the maximum trough concentration (cmin) of tacrolimus, CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype, concurrent infection, concurrent hypertension, and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were influencing factors for AKI in children with SRNS during tacrolimus treatment (P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that BUN≥9.58 mmol/L, Scr≥125 μmol/L, eGFR<37 mL/(min·1.73 m2), tacrolimus maximum cmin≥11.26 ng/mL,CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype, concurrent infection, and concurrent hypertension were independent risk factors for AKI in children with SRNS during tacrolimus treatment (P<0.05). The constructed clinical predictive model had an area under the curve of 0.747, showing good agreement between predicted and actual AKI occurrence and demonstrating favorable clinical net benefit in predicting AKI in children. CONCLUSIONS Impaired baseline renal function (elevated BUN, elevated Scr, and decreased eGFR), elevated maximum cmin of tacrolimus, CYP3A5*3/*3 genotype, concurrent infection, and hypertension during treatment are independent risk factors for AKI in children with SRNS during tacrolimus treatment. The established clinical predictive model provides a scientific basis for implementing risk stratification management.
5.Mechanism of Huayu Jiedu Prescription in Preventing and Treating Cerebral Ischemia Injury by Regulating NETosis After Acute Cerebral Infarction with Blood Stasis and Toxin Syndrome
Wuchaonan LIU ; Dingxiang LI ; Le YANG ; Jing LIU ; Shengping LUO ; Fang LEI ; Hanlin LEI ; Yihui DENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):50-59
ObjectiveTo investigate the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury with blood stasis and toxin syndrome and to explore the protective effects of Huayu Jiedu prescription (HYJDP) on neutrophil extracellular trap-related cell death (NETosis) in cerebral ischemic injury following acute cerebral infarction. MethodsSeventy-two Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=12 per group): sham operation (Sham) group, blood stasis and toxin model (Model) group, low-, medium-, and high-dose HYJDP groups (HYJDP-L, HYJDP-M, and HYJDP-H; 9, 18, and 36 g·kg-1, respectively), and butylphthalide (NBP) group (0.06 g·kg-1). Except for the Sham group, rats in all other groups were subjected to carrageenan/dry yeast combined with a modified intraluminal filament method to establish a focal cerebral ischemia model of the middle cerebral artery with blood stasis and toxin syndrome. Neurological function was evaluated at 24 h after modeling using the Zea-Longa neurological deficit score. Cerebral infarction rate was assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Pathological morphology of brain tissue was observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine serum levels of interleukin-8 (IL-8), myeloperoxidase-DNA complexes (MPO-DNA), and citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3). Protein expression of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (p-PI3K), protein kinase B (p-Akt), mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR), sequestosome 1 (p62), and CitH3 in brain tissue was detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the expression of neutrophil-specific marker Ly6G, CitH3, and neuron-specific nuclear protein (NeuN) in brain tissue. ResultsCompared with the Sham group, neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarction rates in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01 for both). HE staining showed varying degrees of neuronal degeneration and necrosis, characterized by blurred neuronal structures, nuclear pyknosis and fragmentation, cytoplasmic dissolution into a vacuolated reticular pattern, and mild glial cell proliferation. ELISA results showed that serum levels of IL-8, MPO-DNA, and CitH3 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Western blot analysis demonstrated decreased expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p62, while CitH3 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). IF results showed an increased number of NETs+ cells and a significant decrease in NeuN+ cells (P<0.01). Compared with the Model group, neurological deficit scores in the HYJDP-H group were significantly decreased (P<0.05), and cerebral infarction rates in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01). HE staining showed that brain tissue damage was markedly alleviated in the HYJDP-H group. ELISA results showed that levels of IL-8, MPO-DNA, and CitH3 were significantly decreased in the HYJDP-M, HYJDP-H, and NBP groups (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed that expression of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p62 was significantly increased in the HYJDP-H and NBP groups, while CitH3 expression was significantly reduced in all drug intervention groups (P<0.01). IF results showed that the number of NETs+ cells was significantly decreased and the number of NeuN⁺ cells was significantly increased in all drug intervention groups (P<0.01). ConclusionNETs may be the material basis of the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemic injury characterized by blood stasis and toxin. HYJDP can regulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and NETosis-related products, alleviate cerebral ischemic injury caused by autophagy-dependent NETosis, and thereby exert a neuroprotective effect.
6.Perioperative immune dynamics and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing on-pump cardiac surgery
Zhiyuan CHENG ; Xinyi LIAO ; Juan WU ; Ping YANG ; Tingting WANG ; Qinjuan WU ; Wentong MENG ; Zongcheng TANG ; Jiayi SUN ; Jia TAN ; Jing LIN ; Dan LUO ; Hao WANG ; Chaonan LIU ; Jiyue XIONG ; Liqin LING ; Jing ZHOU ; Lei DU
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):31-43
Objective: To characterize perioperative dynamic changes in immune-cell phenotypes and inflammatory cytokines in patients undergoing CPB (cardiopulmonary bypass) cardiac surgery, and to explore their associations with postoperative outcomes. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 120 adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery under CPB at West China Hospital from May 2022 to March 2023 were enrolled. Perioperative immune-cell phenotypes and concentrations of 40 inflammation-related cytokines were measured. The primary outcomes were the sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at 24 h after surgery and ΔSOFA (the peak SOFA score within 48 h after surgery minus the preoperative SOFA score). Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), acute kidney injury (AKI), respiratory failure, severe liver injury, and infection. Results: The mean age of enrolled patients was 57±10 years. Of these, 52% (62/120) were male and 90% (108/120) underwent valve surgery. During the rewarming to the end of CPB, neutrophil counts rapidly increased (7.39×10
/L vs preoperative 3.07×10
/L, P<0.001), with significant upregulation of CD11b (7.30×10
/L vs preoperative 3.05×10
/L, P<0.001) and CD54 (7.15×10
/L vs preoperative 2.99×10
/L, P<0.001). Lymphocyte counts increased at the end of CPB (1.75×10
/L vs preoperative 1.12×10
/L, P<0.001) but decreased significantly at 24 h after surgery (0.59×10
/L vs preoperative 1.12×10
/L, P<0.001). Plasma analysis showed that multiple pro-inflammatory cytokines increased during CPB and remained elevated up to 24 h after surgery; five chemokines and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 peaked at the end of CPB. The SOFA score increased from 1 (1, 2) preoperatively to 7 (5, 10) at 24 h after surgery, with a ΔSOFA of 6 (4, 8). Within 30 days after surgery, 48 patients (40.0%) developed AKI, 17 (14.2%) developed infection, 4 (3.3%) developed severe liver injury, 3 (2.5%) developed respiratory failure, and 3 (2.5%) experienced MACE. During the 2-year follow-up, 8 patients (6.7%) experienced MACE and 5 (4.2%) died. Conclusion: Multi-organ dysfunction is common after cardiac surgery under CPB (median ΔSOFA, 6), accompanied by perioperative activation of multiple immune-cell subsets and upregulation of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and chemotactic mediators. This study provides data-driven evidence and research clues for further investigation of the associations between CPB-related immune perturbations and postoperative organ dysfunction and clinical outcomes.
7.Early warning of influenza epidemic based on CUSUM and EWMA models in Daxing District, Beijing
Hong LEI ; Qiuling LI ; Qi LIU ; Meichen LIU ; Enhuan DU ; Jinfeng TANG ; Zhiping LI ; Yadi GAN ; Lijie ZHANG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):13-17
Objective To explore the effectiveness of the cumulative sum (CUSUM) and the exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) for early warning of influenza epidemic using two datasets of reported influenza cases and influenza-like illness (ILI) cases. Methods Using the reported cases of influenza and ILI in Daxing District, Beijing, from week 23 of 2018 to week 22 of 2024 as data sets, the CUSUM and EWMA models were established, respectively. The positive rate of influenza etiology was used as the “gold standard”, and the Youden index was used as the evaluation index to compare the early warning effect of the two models under different data sets and different parameters. Results In CUSUM, the optimal Youden indices of the reported influenza cases set and the ILI cases set were 0.751 and 0.635, respectively. In EWMA, the optimal Youden indices of the reported influenza cases set and the ILI cases set were 0.544 and 0.464, respectively. The optimal EWMA and CUSUM models could both issue early warning signals in advance of the “gold standard”. Conclusion In the influenza epidemic early warning in Daxing District, Beijing, the CUSUM model established with the reported cases of influenza can achieve good early warning effects, but the model parameters need to be dynamically adjusted according to the local epidemic characteristics.
8.Investigation of somatization symptoms and related factors in adolescents during frequent earthquakes in Hefei
Yu ZHUANG ; Pei TANG ; Yinghan TIAN ; Peng YAO ; Lei XIA ; Huanzhong LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(1):141-145
ObjectiveTo investigate somatization symptoms in adolescents during frequent earthquakes in Hefei, and to explore their correlation with earthquake experiences. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was used to select 324 adolescents in Hefei as the survey objects. The self-rating scale of somatization symptoms (SSS) and the fatigue intensity scale (FIS) were used to evaluate the somatization symptoms and fatigue degree of middle school students, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the related factors of somatization symptoms and fatigue among middle school students. ResultsA total of 324 adolescents were included, and the overall detection rate of somatization symptoms was 6.5%, and the detection rate of moderate or above fatigue was 20.1%. The results of regression analysis showed that adolescents who were concerned about the earthquake for a longer time (≥1 h) had a higher risk of somatization symptoms (OR=5.430, 95%CI: 1.547-19.058), and adolescents who received pre-earthquake training had a lower degree of fatigue (OR=0.535, 95%CI: 0.292-0.981) (P<0.05). ConclusionDuring the frequent earthquakes, adolescents have more somatization symptoms and fatigue. Therefore, it is crucial to enhance health education, reduce the emphasis on event-related reports, and implement earthquake prevention and disaster reduction training to improve the physical and mental health of adolescents.
9.Effect of Runmu Dihuang Decoction on Perimenopausal Dry Eye in Rats with Liver-kidney Yin Deficiency Syndrome Based on SIRT3/HIF-1α/NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Sainan TIAN ; Wei MA ; Yao CHEN ; Yu CAO ; Guicheng LIU ; Pei LIU ; Junxian LEI ; Qinghua PENG ; Jun PENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):201-210
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms of Runmu Dihuang decoction (RMDHD) in treating perimenopausal dry eye with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome based on the silent information regulator 3 (SIRT3)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. MethodsSixty female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into six groups (n=10 per group): Sham operation group, model group, sodium hyaluronate eye drop group, and low-, medium-, and high-dose RMDHD groups (5.625, 11.25, 22.50 g·kg-1). Except for the sham operation group, all rats underwent bilateral ovariectomy and were administered 0.1% benzalkonium chloride eye drops combined with long-term chronic irritation to establish a perimenopausal dry eye model with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. Drug administration began in the 11th week after modeling and continued for 21 days. General conditions, screen-grip test scores, tear secretion volume, tear film breakup time (TFBUT), and corneal fluorescein staining were recorded. Serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol (E2), and progesterone (PROG) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Pathological changes in the lacrimal glands, corneas, and uteri were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Protein expression levels of SIRT3, HIF-1α, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), and total NF-κB p65 in the lacrimal glands were detected by Western blot. The expression of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in the lacrimal glands was assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC). ResultsAfter model establishment, no significant differences were observed among the groups except the sham operation group. Compared with the sham operation group, the other groups exhibited slowed movement, dull responses, increased irritability, reduced body weight, elevated rectal temperature, decreased screen-grip test scores, reduced tear secretion, and significantly shortened TFBUT (P<0.05). After treatment, compared with the model group, the sodium hyaluronate eye drop group and all RMDHD groups showed improved general conditions, significantly increased tear secretion (P<0.05), prolonged TFBUT (P<0.05), and elevated screen-grip test scores (P<0.05). Serum ROS and FSH levels were significantly decreased, while E2 and PROG levels were significantly increased (P<0.05). Pathological damage to the cornea, lacrimal glands, and uterus was ameliorated. In addition, protein expression levels of SIRT3 and HIF-1α in the lacrimal glands were significantly upregulated (P<0.05), whereas the expression of p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, and TNF-α was significantly downregulated (P<0.05). ConclusionRMDHD increases tear secretion and TFBUT, improves lacrimal gland and corneal injury, and alleviates dry eye symptoms in a perimenopausal dry eye rat model with liver-kidney Yin deficiency syndrome. The underlying mechanism may be related to regulation of the SIRT3/HIF-1α/NF-κB signaling pathway, inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and reduction of ocular surface tissue damage.
10.Exploration on Scientific Connotation of "Removing Calyx" of Inulae Flos Based on Processing Experience of Old Medicine Workers
Qiao ZHOU ; Zhenni QU ; Menghan LIU ; Lei ZHANG ; Benzheng SU ; Yanpeng DAI ; Dianhua SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):260-266
ObjectiveTo conduct a comparative quality analysis of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos and calyx of Inulae Flos, elucidating the scientific connotation of the "removing calyx" process in the traditional processing of Inulae Flos. MethodsInulae Flos decoction pieces were collected, and the fuzz and calyx of Inulae Flos were prepared according to the experiences of old medicine workers. Subsequently, according to the methods under the "Inulae Flos" item in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China, the appearance characteristics and thin-layer chromatography(TLC) identification of these samples were tested, and the moisture content, total ash content, extract content were also measured. The characteristic fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established by high-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), followed by similarity evaluation, principal component analysis(PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). The contents of cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, 1,3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid, 1,5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid, and 1-O-acetyl britannilactone were determined to compare the quality differences of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos. ResultsThe moisture content of Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos was all<10%. The determination results of total ash content were as follows:Calyx of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>fuzz of Inulae Flos, and the determination results of alcohol-soluble extract content were as follows:Fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. HPLC fingerprint patterns of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were established, and 22 common peaks were identified. The similarity analysis and PCA showed that the overall quality of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos was similar, while the overall quality of calyx of Inulae Flos differed significantly from that of Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos. PLS-DA results showed that Inulae Flos, fuzz of Inulae Flos, and calyx of Inulae Flos clustered into distinct groups, indicating significant differences among them. Cryptochlorogenic acid and caffeic acid had relatively high contents in calyx of Inulae Flos, the contents of 1,3-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid and 1,5-O-dicaffeoylqunic acid in Inulae Flos and fuzz of Inulae Flos were higher than those in calyx of Inulae Flos. The order of 1-O-acetyl britannilactone content was determined as follows:fuzz of Inulae Flos>Inulae Flos>calyx of Inulae Flos. ConclusionThe scientific nature of "Removing Calyx" process in the cleansing of Inulae Flos by old medicine workers is demonstrated by the resulting fuzz of Inulae Flos decoction pieces exhibiting enhanced cleanliness and higher content of the index component 1-O-acetyl britannilactone. This study provides a reference basis for further improving and enhancing the processing method and quality control standards of Inulae Flos.


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