1.Potential Toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Scientific Regulation
Ting WANG ; Can TU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhaojuan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):1-9
In recent years, with the extensive application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) both domestically and internationally, safety concerns associated with TCM have been frequently reported. Notably, some TCM substances traditionally regarded as ''non-toxic'' have exhibited significant adverse reactions during clinical use, drawing substantial attention to TCM safety. This study first analyzed the risk factors contributing to the potential toxicity of TCM from perspectives such as drug properties, individual constitution, and clinical medication practices. Subsequently, it proposed research strategies and methodologies for investigating potential TCM toxicity: ① conduct studies under the guidance of TCM theory, adhering to the principle of diversity and unity. ② adopt an integrated research paradigm of ''originating from clinical practice-syndrome-based foundation-returning to clinical practice-serving supervision''. ③ implement a three-tier technical system of ''Mathematical modeling-high-throughput screening via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-systems biology'' to systematically elucidate the causes, material basis, and mechanisms of toxicity. Finally, scientific regulatory recommendations for potential TCM toxicity are proposed: ① establish a multidimensional prevention and control system addressing drug properties, physical constitution factors, and clinical medication practices. ② address the impact of modern processing techniques on the safety of new TCM drugs. ③ strengthen the revision of standards for Chinese medicinal materials to ensure their safety. ④ account for disease-syndrome combination animal models and interspecies differences in safety assessment outcomes. This study aims to overcome critical challenges in TCM regulation by advancing evaluation through research and driving research through evaluation. By establishing a high-level scientific regulatory framework, it seeks to not only safeguard clinical medication safety but also propel the high-quality development of the TCM industry, thereby providing scientific support for the inheritance and innovative evolution of TCM.
2.Potential Toxicity of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Its Scientific Regulation
Ting WANG ; Can TU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhaojuan GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):1-9
In recent years, with the extensive application of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) both domestically and internationally, safety concerns associated with TCM have been frequently reported. Notably, some TCM substances traditionally regarded as ''non-toxic'' have exhibited significant adverse reactions during clinical use, drawing substantial attention to TCM safety. This study first analyzed the risk factors contributing to the potential toxicity of TCM from perspectives such as drug properties, individual constitution, and clinical medication practices. Subsequently, it proposed research strategies and methodologies for investigating potential TCM toxicity: ① conduct studies under the guidance of TCM theory, adhering to the principle of diversity and unity. ② adopt an integrated research paradigm of ''originating from clinical practice-syndrome-based foundation-returning to clinical practice-serving supervision''. ③ implement a three-tier technical system of ''Mathematical modeling-high-throughput screening via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS)-systems biology'' to systematically elucidate the causes, material basis, and mechanisms of toxicity. Finally, scientific regulatory recommendations for potential TCM toxicity are proposed: ① establish a multidimensional prevention and control system addressing drug properties, physical constitution factors, and clinical medication practices. ② address the impact of modern processing techniques on the safety of new TCM drugs. ③ strengthen the revision of standards for Chinese medicinal materials to ensure their safety. ④ account for disease-syndrome combination animal models and interspecies differences in safety assessment outcomes. This study aims to overcome critical challenges in TCM regulation by advancing evaluation through research and driving research through evaluation. By establishing a high-level scientific regulatory framework, it seeks to not only safeguard clinical medication safety but also propel the high-quality development of the TCM industry, thereby providing scientific support for the inheritance and innovative evolution of TCM.
3.Analysis on the practical challenges and paths of “clown doctors” practice from the perspective of narrative medicine
Hui WANG ; Yutong PAN ; Liqun LU ; Can ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2026;39(2):215-222
Narrative medicine focuses on empathy, relevance, and emotion, precisely aligning with the elements of “clown doctor” such as compassion, interaction, and pain relief. From the perspective of narrative medicine, the practice of “clown doctors” not only focuses on the emotional changes of patients but also enhances their sense of belonging by recreating their experiences. The key element for the success of “clown doctors” lies in establishing a multi-dimensional trust relationship among medical workers, patients, colleagues, and society, while ensuring their practice adheres to medical ethics norms. “Clown doctors” should concentrate on dimensions such as concept dissemination, clinical application, social recognition, and ethical practice of narrative medicine. They should also constantly optimize narrative techniques, deepen the understanding of patients’ stories, and intervene in the medical process in a more delicate and comprehensive way, thereby fostering in-depth communication and understanding between doctors and patients.
4.Evaluation of FTA-LAMP direct extraction method for extracting DNA from Streptococcus mutans
Yuehui WANG ; Jin SHANG ; Chen YANG ; Dongge FU ; Can CAO ; Xiaodong ZHANG ; Jingfu WANG
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(5):1043-1049
BACKGROUND:Streptococcus mutans is an important pathogen of dental caries,and timely detection of its levels is of great significance for early detection and treatment of dental caries. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the effect of loop-mediated isothermal amplification(FTA-LAMP)direct extraction of Streptococcus mutans DNA. METHODS:(1)Bacterial suspensions containing ATCC standard strains(Streptococcus mutans)were prepared and inoculated into the brain-heart leachate medium.After mixed thoroughly,the mixture was then diluted in a 10-fold gradient into seven concentrations(4.2×107,4.2×106,4.2×105,4.2×104,4.2×103,4.2×102,4.2×10 CFU/mL),two parallel controls were made for each dilution level,and sterile water was used as a blank control.(2)The DNA of Streptococcus mutans was extracted using FTA Elute card,boiling method,kit extraction and lysate extraction methods separately and then amplified using LAMP technology was amplified.A specificity test was also performed to compare the differences between the four DNA extraction methods.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The DNA extracted by all four methods met the requirements for LAMP amplification.Specificity test results showed that only Streptococcus mutans could specifically amplify the target gene.The detection limit value of the DNA concentration was 4.2×103 CFU/mL for the lysate method,4.2×104 CFU/mL for the FTA Elute card extraction method,4.2×106 CFU/mL for the kit extraction method,and 4.2×107 CFU/mL for the boiling method.In the other aspects of the four extraction methods,the kit extraction method had the highest experimental cost,number of steps and time;the other three methods had the same number of steps,with the FTA Elute card method requiring the least amount of instruments,the boiling method having the lowest single cost,and the lysate extraction method taking the least amount of time.Only a small amount of bacteria were needed for successful extraction using both the FTA Elute card and lysate extraction methods.Compared with the FTA Elute card method,the lysate extraction method was superior in terms of time,but it had a high single cost and required more equipment.To conclude,the FTA-LAMP technology established in this study has the advantages of ease of operation,high specificity,high sensitivity,and visualization,which is expected to be a new way for efficient extraction and detection of Streptococcus mutans.
5.Toxic Components, Toxicity Mechanisms, Toxicity Attenuation Measures, and Evaluation Methods of Renal Injury-inducing Chinese Medicine
Xin HUANG ; Lujin ZHANG ; Mingsan MIAO ; Can WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):295-304
ObjectiveWe reviewed the existing experimental studies about renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine and systematically analyzed the toxicity mechanisms, toxic components, toxicity attenuation measures, and modern evaluation methods of renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine. The results are expected to provide new ideas for the modern research on kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine, offer new breakthrough points for the toxicity attenuation of Chinese medicine by compatibility and processing, and give insights into the future research of Chinese medicine toxicology on the basis of ensuring the safety and scientific application of Chinese medicine. MethodsThe animal, cell, and clinical studies of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, and Web of Science. The names and toxic components of renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine, renal injury sites, toxicity mechanisms, toxicity attenuation measures, and related evaluation methods were summarized. ResultsThe toxicity mechanisms of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine mainly involved oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory cell infiltration, and organic anion transporters. Processing and compatibility were the main toxicity attenuation measures. The evaluation methods encompassed animal experiments, cell models, network pharmacology, metabolomics, toxicology genomics, and fluorescent probe technology. ConclusionAt present, the toxicological verification of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine starts from toxic components and combines various experimental methods, which is more comprehensive and systematic than the previous studies based on only animal experiments. According to the classical theories of traditional Chinese medicine, the toxicity of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine is mainly attenuated by decocting in water, steaming, and frying. With the progress of science and technology, new processing methods for toxicity attenuation are emerging, and structural transformation, fermentation, and microwave methods are the key research directions of toxicity attenuation of Chinese medicine in recent years.
6.Toxic Components, Toxicity Mechanisms, Toxicity Attenuation Measures, and Evaluation Methods of Renal Injury-inducing Chinese Medicine
Xin HUANG ; Lujin ZHANG ; Mingsan MIAO ; Can WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):295-304
ObjectiveWe reviewed the existing experimental studies about renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine and systematically analyzed the toxicity mechanisms, toxic components, toxicity attenuation measures, and modern evaluation methods of renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine. The results are expected to provide new ideas for the modern research on kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine, offer new breakthrough points for the toxicity attenuation of Chinese medicine by compatibility and processing, and give insights into the future research of Chinese medicine toxicology on the basis of ensuring the safety and scientific application of Chinese medicine. MethodsThe animal, cell, and clinical studies of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed, and Web of Science. The names and toxic components of renal injury-inducing Chinese medicine, renal injury sites, toxicity mechanisms, toxicity attenuation measures, and related evaluation methods were summarized. ResultsThe toxicity mechanisms of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine mainly involved oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammatory cell infiltration, and organic anion transporters. Processing and compatibility were the main toxicity attenuation measures. The evaluation methods encompassed animal experiments, cell models, network pharmacology, metabolomics, toxicology genomics, and fluorescent probe technology. ConclusionAt present, the toxicological verification of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine starts from toxic components and combines various experimental methods, which is more comprehensive and systematic than the previous studies based on only animal experiments. According to the classical theories of traditional Chinese medicine, the toxicity of kidney injury-inducing Chinese medicine is mainly attenuated by decocting in water, steaming, and frying. With the progress of science and technology, new processing methods for toxicity attenuation are emerging, and structural transformation, fermentation, and microwave methods are the key research directions of toxicity attenuation of Chinese medicine in recent years.
7.Temporomandibular joint capsule suspension for neocondyle stability in free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle
Shuang BAI ; Yao YU ; Wen-Bo ZHANG ; Ya-Qing MAO ; Yang WANG ; Chi MAO ; Dian-Can WANG ; Xin PENG
Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2025;51(1):46-53
Objectives:
This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle.
Patients and Methods:
Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery.
Results:
Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively).
Conclusion
The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.
8.Temporomandibular joint capsule suspension for neocondyle stability in free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle
Shuang BAI ; Yao YU ; Wen-Bo ZHANG ; Ya-Qing MAO ; Yang WANG ; Chi MAO ; Dian-Can WANG ; Xin PENG
Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2025;51(1):46-53
Objectives:
This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle.
Patients and Methods:
Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery.
Results:
Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively).
Conclusion
The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.
9.Temporomandibular joint capsule suspension for neocondyle stability in free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle
Shuang BAI ; Yao YU ; Wen-Bo ZHANG ; Ya-Qing MAO ; Yang WANG ; Chi MAO ; Dian-Can WANG ; Xin PENG
Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2025;51(1):46-53
Objectives:
This study evaluates the efficacy of a new temporomandibular joint (TMJ) capsule suspension technique for stabilizing the TMJ after free fibular flap reconstruction of the mandibular condyle.
Patients and Methods:
Patients undergoing the TMJ capsule suspension technique during free fibular flap reconstruction after mandibulectomy with condylectomy (study group; n=9) were compared with a control group (n=9). Mandibular movement trajectory and surface electromyographic signals of bilateral masseters were recorded. The neocondyle–disc relationship was examined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) at 6 months after surgery.
Results:
Maximal mouth opening and bilateral marginal movement distances were comparable between the two groups (P>0.05). The asymmetry index of the condyle path length was significantly higher in controls (P=0.02). Bilateral mouth opening trajectories were symmetric in 7 patients and deviated to the affected side in 2 patients in the study group; they deviated to the affected side in all controls. The mean electromyographic values of the masseter on the affected side in resting, maximum bite, and chewing states were comparable between the two groups (P=0.13, P=0.65, and P=0.82, respectively). On MRI at 6 months, the thicknesses of the anterior, medial, and posterior bands and TMJ disc length were similar on the affected and normal sides in the study group (P=0.57, P=0.13, P=0.48, and P=0.87, respectively).
Conclusion
The proposed TMJ capsule suspension technique could improve postoperative TMJ structure and function after fibular free flap reconstruction following mandibulectomy with condylectomy.
10.Effects of loganin on inflammatory response and intestinal barrier damage in septic rats
Can WANG ; Yantao LI ; Zheng ZHOU ; Lupeng WANG ; Yuanyuan GAO ; Shaoxi FAN
China Pharmacy 2025;36(5):574-578
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of loganin on inflammatory response and intestinal barrier damage in septic rats by regulating the Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA)/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) signaling pathway. METHODS A sepsis rat model was established by cecal ligation and puncture, and randomly divided into sepsis group, loganin low-dose group (50 mg/kg loganin, gavage), loganin high-dose group (200 mg/kg loganin, gavage), positive control group (0.2 mg/kg atorvastatin, intraperitoneal injection), and loganin high-dose + lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) group (200 mg/kg loganin gavage and intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg RohA activator LPA). An additional sham surgery group was established. Each group consisted of 10 rats, and medications were administered once every 6 hours for 4 times. After 24 hours of the last intervention, the levels of serum inflammatory factors interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1β were detected. The pathological changes of ileal tissue were observed and Chiu’s intestinal mucosal injury score was also performed. The levels of intestinal function-lactate dehydrogenase (D-lactate), D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) and endotoxin, the percentages of zonula occludens-1 protein (ZO-1) and Occludin positive staining area, as well as protein expressions of RhoA, and ROCK1 were all detected. com RESULTS Compared with the sepsis group, the percentages of ZO-1 and Occludin positive areas increased significantly in loganin low-dose and high-dose groups; while the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, DAO, D-lactate and endotoxin, Chiu’s intestinal mucosal injury score as well as protein expressions of RhoA and ROCK1 decreased significantly (P<0.05); the destruction of rat ileal tissue was alleviated, and tissue edema and inflammatory infiltration were significantly reduced; moreover, the improvement effect in loganin high-dose group was superior to that in loganin low-dose group (P<0.05). Compared with loganin high-dose group, RhoA activator LPA reversed the trend of changes in the above indicators (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Loganin can alleviate inflammatory response and intestinal barrier damage in septic rats, the mechanism of which may be associated with inhibiting RhoA/ROCK1 signaling pathway.

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