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.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.
3.Early-onset Alzheimer's disease comorbid with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis: a case report
Lisi XU ; Caixia DAI ; Shu WAN ; Man LIU ; Qingyan CAI
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(2):171-174
This article reports a case of a male patient with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis comorbid with early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). The patient presented with depression, hallucinations and delusions syndrome, and cognitive impairment, and was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. Through multidisciplinary consultation, the diagnosis was confirmed based on positive biological and pathological biomarkers. The patient's symptoms improved after receiving a therapeutic regimen comprising high-dose glucocorticoid therapy and psychiatric-related treatments. Based on relevant current research findings domestically and internationally, this article reviews the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of early-onset AD and anti-NMDAR encephalitis, in order to enhance the discrimination ability of psychiatric specialists for such patients and improve the diagnosis and treatment level. [Funded by Medical Research Project of Chengdu City (number, 2024403)]
4.Research advances and challenges in antimicrobial resistance surveillance technologies
Feng LIU ; Caixia DANG ; Ziqian ZHAO ; Yang WANG ; Yuanyong XU ; Hui CHEN
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(3):128-132
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health threat. This review systematically examines AMR surveillance technology advances, from conventional culture methods to modern molecular diagnostics (e.g., whole-genome sequencing) and artificial intelligence-assisted approaches. It focuses on the current application of mass spectrometry, machine learning predictive models, and real-time surveillance networks. To address challenges including inadequate technical standardization, clinical translation barriers, and data-sharing limitations, we propose integrated "genotype-phenotype" strategies and global standardization framework, while exploring future applications of CRISPR-based portable detection, single-cell sequencing, and blockchain technologies.
5.Efficacy and Mechanism of Shenling Qushi Prescription in Treatment of Hyperuricaemia Mice
Xuan LIU ; Jialu QUE ; Caixia PANG ; Shuhui TAN ; Luyu CHEN ; Yihuan LI ; Xiaofeng LIN ; Qi LIANG ; Cuiling LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):197-206
ObjectiveTo investigate the urate-lowering effect of Shenling Qushi prescription in the mouse model of hyperuricaemia. MethodsSixty-three C57BL/6N mice were randomly assigned to the following groups (n=9): Control, model, low-dose (6 g·kg-1) Shenling Qushi prescription, medium-dose (12 g·kg-1) Shenling Qushi prescription, high-dose (24 g·kg-1) Shenling Qushi prescription, medium-dose Shenling Qushi prescription plus febuxostat (12+0.003 g·kg-1), and febuxostat (3 mg·kg-1). A mouse model of persistent hyperuricaemia was established via intraperitoneal injection of potassium oxazolamide (250 mg·kg-1) combined with oral administration of allopurinol (300 mg·kg-1) over a 28-day period. Concurrently, the prescription was administered orally at the specified doses once daily for 21 consecutive days. Throughout the experiment, mouse body weight, food intake, water consumption, and urine output were measured and recorded. Kidney and liver indices were calculated. Renal histopathological changes were observed by haematoxylin and eosin staining. Serum uric acid (SUA) and urinary uric acid (UUA) levels, along with xanthine oxidase (XOD) and adenosine deaminase (ADA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, were determined. Real-time PCR was employed to assess the mRNA levels of urate anion transporter 1 (URAT1) and glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) in the renal tissue, alongside those of XOD and ADA in the liver tissue. The protein levels of URAT1 and GLUT9 in the renal tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the normal group, model mice exhibited reduced food intake and body weight (P<0.01), decreased water consumption yet increased urine output, no significant change in the liver index but increased kidney index (P<0.01). Pathological findings revealed renal tissue damage including glomerular atrophy, epithelial cell detachment, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Furthermore, the model group exhibited elevated UUA and SUA levels (P<0.01), enhanced activities of ALT, AST, XOD, and ADA in the liver tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01), upregulated mRNA and protein levels of URAT1 and GLUT9 in the renal tissue (P<0.05), alongside markedly elevated mRNA levels of XOD and ADA in the liver (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the Shenling Qushi prescription groups showed no significant changes in body weight or food intake, with water consumption and urine output remaining within normal ranges, alleviated glomerular atrophy, with reduced pathological damage such as inflammatory infiltration, declined UUA and SUA levels (P<0.01), and increased activities of ALT, AST, XOD, and ADA in the serum (P<0.01). Real-time PCR results demonstrated that Shenling Qushi prescription downregulated the mRNA levels of URAT1 and GLUT9 in the renal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01) and XOD and ADA in the hepatic tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). Western blot results demonstrated Shenling Qushi prescription reduced the protein levels of URAT1 and GLUT9 (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShenling Qushi prescription modulates fluid balance and reduces uric acid levels, thereby alleviating renal injury in hyperuricaemic mice. This effect is highly likely mediated through inhibition of uric acid synthesis and reabsorption.
6.Cloning and Functional Characterization of UDP-rhamnose Synthases from Ornithogalum saundersiae
Panpan ZHANG ; Kangxin HOU ; Feng ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Jinlong LIU ; Caixia WANG ; Xuemi HAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):196-203
ObjectiveTo screen and identify uridine diphosphate (UDP)-rhamnose synthase (RHM) genes from Ornithogalum saundersiae and verify their UDP-rhamnose (UDP-Rha) biosynthetic functions, thereby providing reliable candidate genes for the efficient biosynthesis of neohesperidin and other rhamnoside natural products. MethodsBased on previously reported plant RHM sequences, two candidate RHM genes, OsRHM1 and OsRHM2, were identified from O. saundersiae through transcriptome screening and sequence alignment. The two genes were cloned and subjected to bioinformatics analysis and multiple sequence alignment. An in vitro RHM-Cm1,2RhaT cascade reaction was established, and the ability of OsRHM1 and OsRHM2 to catalyze the conversion of UDP-glucose (UDP-Glc) to UDP-Rha was evaluated based on neohesperidin production. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction PCR (Real-time PCR) was performed to analyze the relative expression levels of the two genes in roots, bulbs, and leaves. ResultsThe open reading frame (ORF) of OsRHM1 was 2 076 bp and encoded 692 amino acids, with a predicted protein molecular mass of 77.97 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 7.25. The ORF of OsRHM2 was 2 019 bp and encoded 673 amino acids, with a predicted protein molecular mass of 75.82 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 7.24. Multiple sequence alignment showed that OsRHM1 and OsRHM2 contained the typical conserved motifs GxxGxxG/A and YxxxK of the plant RHM family and shared high amino acid sequence identity with previously reported RHMs. The in vitro cascade reaction demonstrated that both OsRHM1 and OsRHM2 were capable of catalyzing the conversion of UDP-Glc to UDP-Rha. The neohesperidin production in the OsRHM2 cascade reaction system was approximately 2.58-fold that in the OsRHM1 system. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the relative expression levels of OsRHM1 and OsRHM2 were higher in roots than in bulbs and leaves. ConclusionOsRHM2 exhibited a relatively high capacity for UDP-Rha supply and may serve as a candidate enzyme resource for the subsequent biosynthesis of rhamnoside natural products and the construction of UDP-Rha supply systems.
7."Compatibility" Relationship of Active Components and Heat-clearing and Blood-cooling Effect of Rehmannia glutinosa Roots
Yaman CHEN ; Jinpeng CUI ; Juan ZHANG ; Qingpu LIU ; Haiyan GONG ; Jingwei LEI ; Fengqing WANG ; Caixia XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):193-201
ObjectiveTo analyze the "compatibility" relationship of sugars and glycosides and the heat-clearing and blood-cooling effect of the roots of four varieties of Rehmannia glutinosa and provide a basis for research on the pharmacodynamic material basis and quality control of R. glutinosa. MethodsThe content of sugars and glycosides in the roots of four varieties of R. glutinosa was determined during the growth period. The principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and the "compatibility" relationship of active components were employed to screen out the differential samples. A rat model of bleeding due to blood heat was used to verify the pharmacodynamic differences and the potential active components of differential samples. ResultsThe content and proportion characteristics of various components in roots of the four varieties of R. glutinosa during the expansion stage and the maturity stage had obvious differences. The proportion of phenylethanoid glycosides at the maturity stage was higher than that at the expansion stage. The R. glutinosa variety 85-5 had special quality characteristics among the tested varieties. All the samples alleviated the symptoms in the rat model. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood was different between the maturity stage and the expansion stage, as well as between 85-5 samples at the maturity stage and other samples. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood of R. glutinosa roots was the result of the combined action of multiple components in R. glutinosa roots and might be related to the high proportions of polysaccharides, iridoid glycosides, and phenylethanoid glycosides. ConclusionThe growth stage and variety affect the quality of R. glutinosa roots. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood of R. glutinosa roots was related to the content and proportions of various components. The study can provide a basis for the basic research on the active components and quality control of R. glutinosa.
8."Compatibility" Relationship of Active Components and Heat-clearing and Blood-cooling Effect of Rehmannia glutinosa Roots
Yaman CHEN ; Jinpeng CUI ; Juan ZHANG ; Qingpu LIU ; Haiyan GONG ; Jingwei LEI ; Fengqing WANG ; Caixia XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(12):193-201
ObjectiveTo analyze the "compatibility" relationship of sugars and glycosides and the heat-clearing and blood-cooling effect of the roots of four varieties of Rehmannia glutinosa and provide a basis for research on the pharmacodynamic material basis and quality control of R. glutinosa. MethodsThe content of sugars and glycosides in the roots of four varieties of R. glutinosa was determined during the growth period. The principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and the "compatibility" relationship of active components were employed to screen out the differential samples. A rat model of bleeding due to blood heat was used to verify the pharmacodynamic differences and the potential active components of differential samples. ResultsThe content and proportion characteristics of various components in roots of the four varieties of R. glutinosa during the expansion stage and the maturity stage had obvious differences. The proportion of phenylethanoid glycosides at the maturity stage was higher than that at the expansion stage. The R. glutinosa variety 85-5 had special quality characteristics among the tested varieties. All the samples alleviated the symptoms in the rat model. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood was different between the maturity stage and the expansion stage, as well as between 85-5 samples at the maturity stage and other samples. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood of R. glutinosa roots was the result of the combined action of multiple components in R. glutinosa roots and might be related to the high proportions of polysaccharides, iridoid glycosides, and phenylethanoid glycosides. ConclusionThe growth stage and variety affect the quality of R. glutinosa roots. The effect of clearing heat and cooling blood of R. glutinosa roots was related to the content and proportions of various components. The study can provide a basis for the basic research on the active components and quality control of R. glutinosa.
9.Influence of blood pressure level on optical coherence tomography angiography parameters in patients with essential hypertension
Jinbao MA ; Kai CAO ; Guohong WANG ; Mingzhao QIN ; Xue JIANG ; Caixia GUO ; Yu HE ; Yongpeng ZHANG ; Qi LIU
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2025;32(6):967-972
Objective To analyze the changes in optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) parameters in patients with essential hypertension,and to explore the effect of blood pressure on OCTA parameters. Methods A total of 164 patients with essential hypertension were selected and divided into controlled blood pressure group (n=92) and uncontrolled blood pressure group (n=72). OCTA examination was performed on the optic disc and macula of all patients, and the right eyes were selected for analysis. Results There were no significant differences in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness, radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) total vascular density, RPC total small vessel density, perifovea superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vascular density, and perifovea deep capillary plexus (DCP) vascular density between the two groups of patients. There were no significant differences in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area, FAZ diameter, and fovea retinal thickness between the two groups of patients. The density of the parafovea SCP, parafovea DCP, and fractal dimension (FD) in the uncontrolled blood pressure group were significantly lower than those in the controlled blood pressure group (P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that elevation of blood pressure was a independently related factor of reduced parafovea DCP density (P=0.026), while there was no correlation between the uncontrolled blood pressure and parafovea SCP density and FD level. Conclusions The blood pressure level is correlated with the parafovea DCP density, while has no correlation with other OCTA parameters in hypertension patients.
10.Correlation between serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and the severity of white matter hyperintensities
Lei CHEN ; Shihua LIU ; Caixia LIANG ; Chao ZHANG ; Yan CHEN
International Journal of Cerebrovascular Diseases 2025;33(1):7-11
Objective:To investigate the correlation between serum soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and the severity of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs).Methods:Medical examinees in the Department of Neurology, Suzhou Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from February 2021 to October 2022 were selected as the research subjects. Head MRI was performed and the severity of WMHs was assessed by Fazekas scale. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect serum sICAM-1 expression level. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the independent influencing factors of the severity of WMHs. Results:A total of 171 subjects were enrolled, including 112 males (65.5%), aged 65.50±9.07 years. There were 92 patients (53.8%) with no WMH or mild WMHs and 79 patients (46.2%) with moderate to severe WMHs. The serum sICAM-1 levels in the moderate to severe WMH group were significantly higher than those in the no or milds WMH group ( t=5.679, P<0.001). Ordinal multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for confounding factors, higher sICAM-1 level was independently correlated with the severity of WMHs (compared to the 1 st quartile group, the 3 rd quartile group: odds ratio 3.149, 95% confidence interval 1.147-8.645, P=0.026; the 4 th quartile group: odds ratio 6.087, 95% confidence interval 2.051-18.061; P=0.001). Conclusion:Elevated serum sICAM-1 level is an independent influencing factor of WMHs.


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