1.Ancient and Modern Documentation of Classic Formula Sangjuyin
Xiaofang WANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Ziming XU ; Wangju ZHOU ; Yiping WANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Ruiting SU ; Yihan LI ; Jingwen LI ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):200-207
Sangjuyin, as a pungent and cooling agent with precise therapeutic effect, is a classic pungent formula for cooling relief of the epidermis, which is highly respected by medical practitioners. This formula is from the Wenbing Tiaobian written by WU Jutong in the Qing dynasty, on the basis of which subsequent medical practitioners have made additions and subtractions to apply it. The authors used the bibliometric method to systematically organize the medical books from the Qing dynasty and the Republic of China and modern literature to analyze the composition, concoction, decoction, efficacy, and previous and modern application of Sangjuyin. After examination, the drug base of this formula is basically clear. Armeniacae Semen Amarum is the dried mature seeds of Armeniaca vulgaris, family Rosaceae. Forsythiae Fructus is the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa, family Mulleinaceae. Menthae Haplocalycis Herba is the dried above-ground part of Mentha haplocalyx, family Labiatae. Mori Folium is the dried leaves of Morus alba, family Moraceae. Chrysanthemi Flos is the dried head of Chrysanthemum morifolium, family Asteraceae. Platycodonis Radix is the dried root of Eryngium grandiflorum, family Eryngium. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis of the Leguminosae family, and Phragmitis Rhizoma is the fresh or dried rhizome of Phragmites communis of the Gramineae family. It is recommended that the eight drugs be used in raw form as medicine. The dosage and method of decoction were converted into a modern single dosage of 7.46 g Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 5.60 g Forsythiae Fructus, 2.98 g Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, 9.33 g Mori Folium, 3.73 g Chrysanthemi Flos, 7.46 g Platycodonis Radix, 2.98 g Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and 11.19 g Phragmitis Rhizoma, with 400 mL water added, and the solution was boiled to obtain 200 mL, taken twice a day. Sangjuyin has the efficacy of dispersing wind and clearing heat, promoting lung and relieving cough, and it is used for treating the initial onset of wind-warmth and the evidence of evil spirits in the lungs and collaterals. Modern research has shown that Sangjuyin is often used in the treatment of cough, pneumonia, rhinitis, and other respiratory diseases, and the results of this study provide a reference for the later development of Sangjuyin.
2.Current Status,Strategies and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Yandong WEN ; Zhi YANG ; Shaogang HUANG ; Zhongyu LI ; Xiangxue MA ; Qing XU ; Liqing DU ; Bochao YUAN ; Yibing TIAN ; Wentong GE ; Xiaofan ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):404-409
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized primarily by abdominal pain and altered defecation habits. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made progress in multiple aspects of IBS research and treatment, including syndrome distribution, development of TCM formulas, clinical efficacy evaluation, external therapies, and psychosocial regulation. However, it still faces challenges such as over-reliance on symptomatic manifestations rather than biomarkers for diagnostic criteria, and the lack of high-quality evidence-based data supporting the efficacy of TCM formulas in treating IBS. This paper proposed that TCM diagnosis and treatment of IBS should adhere to the strategy of integrating the holistic concept with syndrome differentiation and treatment, combining TCM external therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion and acupoint application), and emphasizing individualized diagnosis and treatment for psychosomatic abnormalities. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence and other methods to deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBS and the mechanisms of TCM formulas, so as to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBS.
3.Research progress on the molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine monomers in ameliorating renal ischemia-reperfusion injury
Jinrui HUANG ; Wei LIU ; Jinhui WEI ; Yubo CHANG ; Hongbin MA
China Pharmacy 2026;37(4):540-546
Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (RIRI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury during kidney transplantation and peri-operative settings, and there is still a lack of safe and effective targeted preventive and therapeutic drugs in clinical practice. Specifically, xanthohumol, luteolin, dracorhodin C, naringin, senkyunolide Ⅰ, verbascoside, and shikonin enhance antioxidant defenses, and inhibit lipid peroxidation and ferroptosis via the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 pathway. Apigenin, nobiletin, tanshinone Ⅱ A , and salidroside activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway to inhibit mitochondria- dependent apoptosis and facilitate renal repair. Quercetin, methyleugenol, cyanidin-3-glucoside, and platycodin D promote autophagy and improve mitochondrial homeostasis through the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK)/mTOR or AMPK/phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced kinase 1/Parkin pathways. In addition, hesperidin, curcumin, ganoderic acid, pulsatilla saponin B4, capsaicin, and diosgenin mitigate inflammatory responses and decrease renal tubular injury markers by inhibiting the Toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor κB, high mobility group box 1, Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways, thereby exerting multi-target, multi-stage renoprotective effects.
4.Theoretical Exploration of Diabetic Retinopathy Guided by Luobing Theory
Liping CHANG ; Jing MA ; Kun MA ; Zhenhua JIA ; Cong WEI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):253-258
Diabetic retinopathy(DR), as one of the most common and serious microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus, seriously threatens human health, and belongs to "Xiaoke eye diseases" in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), which has been richly experienced by medical practitioners through the ages, but is mostly recorded in a piecemeal manner and has not been systematically researched. This disease is featured by long course and repeated attack, and is refractory, which belongs to the research category of "persistent illness entering collaterals". Systematic establishment of TCM collateral disease theory for guiding prevention and treatment of DR has important clinical value. On the basis of close correlation between tertiary collaterals at the terminal of collaterals and capillaries and microcirculation, the concept of "tertiary collaterals-microvascular" is proposed. It is pointed out that DR falls within the scope of "tertiary collaterals-microvascular" diseases, and presents four types of micro-pathological characteristics, including stasis, insufficiency, growth and bleeding of tertiary collaterals. It is concluded that "deficiency of both Qi and Yin" is the basic pathogenesis of DR, and "blood stasis and collateral obstruction" is the important pathogenesis and key factor. Thus, the treatment method of "dispersing blood stasis, dredging collateral, tonifying Qi and Yin, stopping hemorrhage and improving eyesight" is determined, and the formula of Tongluo Mingmu capsules is developed. The article tightly focuses on the pathological changes such as stasis, growth, insufficiency and bleeding of collaterals, addresses both symptoms and root causes, and plays a synergistic role of both dispersing stasis and stopping bleeding. In this way, it can realize the purpose of tonifying Qi and Yin to replenish the essence, dispersing stasis and dredging collaterals to meet the requirement, as well as stopping hemorrhage and improving eyesight to deal with changes. Fundamental researches demonstrate that Tongluo Mingmu capsules has synergy effects of protecting both retinal capillaries and retinal cells. Phase-Ⅲ clinical trial of new drug has proven definite clinical efficacy and good safety, which provides a new drug choice for enhancing clinical effect of DR, and further supports the scientific value of Luobing theory in preventing and treating DR and other clinically significant diseases.
5.Textual Research of Key Information of Classic Formula Xieqingwan Based on Ancient and Modern Literature
Yujie CHANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Xinghang LYU ; Wenxi WEI ; Xiaofang WANG ; Huizhen ZHANG ; Sai REN ; Mengqi WANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):226-234
ObjectiveThis paper aims to systematically collect and organize ancient and modern clauses and studies containing Xieqingwan, excavate and analyze the key information of Xieqingwan, and provide a reference for facilitating the development of the classic formula Xieqingwan. MethodsThe composition, dosage, decocting methods, usage, and other key information of Xieqingwan in ancient traditional Chinese medicine books were collected and analyzed by means of literature research and metrological methods. The modern clinical application of Xieqingwan was summarized. ResultsA total of 42 pieces of effective data involving 32 ancient traditional Chinese medicine books were collected. Xieqingwan was first recorded in Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue. The drug origin of this formula is basically clear in the ancient traditional Chinese medicine books. The modern drug usage and decocting method were as follows: Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Gardenia seeds, Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, and Saposhnikoviae Radix were grounded to fine powder, decocted with honey, and finally formed into pills with the size of a chicken head (1.5 g). It was suggested that half a pill or one pill were taken for one dose with warm Lophatheri decoction and sugar. The indications and clinical application had developed from the recordings in Xiaoer Yaozheng Zhijue and evolved from pediatrics to ophthalmic otolaryngology, neurology, dermatology, digestion, and respiratory diseases. The main pathogenesis of these diseases is heat in the liver meridian and is treated. The effect of Xieqingwan is "clearing away heat and toxicity, removing fire and relaxing the bowels, and dispersing swelling and relieving pain". It is recommended to use the corresponding preparation methods in the 2020 Edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Modern clinical studies are centered around the clinical application of Xieqingwan, which is often modified and used in treating Tourette syndrome, herpes, febrile convulsion, sleepwalking, and insomnia. ConclusionThis paper conducts a thorough textual research of the key information of Xieqingwan, induces its historic evolution, and confirms its key information, so as to provide a reference for the future development of Xieqingwan.
6.Herbal Textual Research on Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma, Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Li LU ; Yichen YANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Hui CHANG ; Li AN ; Shibao WANG ; Cunde MA ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):218-247
This article systematically reviews and verifies the medicinal materials of Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma(DHR), Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma(DSR), Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma(SCR) and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma(SGR) from the aspects of name, origin, producing area, quality, harvesting, processing and efficacy by consulting historical literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing the four medicinal materials. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR have a long history of application as medicinal materials. However, due to their similar growth environment and medicinal properties, as well as their functions of promoting dampness, dispelling wind and removing numbness, there have been instances of homonymous foreign objects and homonymous synonyms throughout history, resulting in confusion of the origin. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct comparative analysis and systematic research for clarifying the historical development and changes of the four, in order to provide a basis for safe and effective medication. According to research, Bixie was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing and has been historically known as Baizhi, Chijie, Zhumu, and other aliases. From ancient times to the mid-20th century, there has always been a situation where the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants and Smilax plants, and even the rhizomes of Heterosmilax plants, were mixed together to be used as medicinal herbs for Bixie. However, since the Tang dynasty, it has been clearly advocated that the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants have excellent quality and have been the mainstream throughout history. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia categorized it into two types of medicinal herbs(DHR and DSR). Among them, the origin of DHR is the dry rhizomes of Dioscorea hypoglauca, and the origins of DSR are the dry rhizomes of D. spongiosa and D. futschauensis. In ancient times, due to different types, the corresponding production areas of DHR and DSR were also different. Nowadays, They are mainly produced in the southern region of the Yangtze River. Since the Tang dynasty, the quality of Bixie has been characterized by its white color and soft nature. In modern times, it has been summarized that those with white color, large and thin pieces, powdery texture, tough and elastic texture, and neat and unbreakable are the best. The harvesting times of DHR and DSR are in spring or autumn, with the best quality harvested in autumn. The mainstream processing methods of them are slicing and then using the raw products or wine-processed products. SCR was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu and has been known as Jinganggen, Tielingjiao, Tieshuazi, and other aliases in history. The mainstream source is the dry rhizomes of Smilax china in the past dynasties, with the best quality being those that are tough and rich in powder. The harvesting time is from the late autumn to the following spring, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. SGR was first recorded under the item of Yuyuliang in Variorum of Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. It was listed as an independent medicinal material from Bencao Gangmu. In history, there were such aliases as Cao Yuyuliang, Lengfantuan, Xianyiliang, Tubixie, etc. The main source of the past dynasties was dry rhizomes of S. glabra. In history, there have also been instances of multiple plants belonging to the same genus, and even cases of mixing the rhizomes of plants in the genus Heterosmilax. It is mainly produced in Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Anhui and other regions, its quality has been summarized as large in size, powdery in texture, with few veins, and light brown in cross-section since modern times. The harvesting time is in spring or autumn, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR all have the effects of promoting dampness, dispelling wind, relieving rheumatism and detoxifying. However, their detoxification abilities are ranked as follows:SGR>SCR>Bixie(DHR and DSR). Especially for the treatment of limb spasms, arthralgia and myalgia, scrofula, and scabies caused by syphilis and mercury poisoning, SGR has a unique effect. Based on the research results, DHR is recommended to develop the famous classical formulas containing Bixie as the first choice for medicinal herbs. It should be harvested in autumn, sliced thinly while fresh, and processed according to the requirements of the famous classical formulas, without any requirements for raw use. Selecting the rhizomes of S. china, harvested in late autumn, and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, use it raw. Selecting the rhizomes of S. glabra, it is harvested in autumn and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, raw products can be used.
7.Discussing the pathogenesis and treatment of varicocele based on the essence chamber collaterals
Anmin WANG ; Dongyue MA ; Ziwei ZHAO ; Hao WANG ; Hongyuan CHANG ; Dicheng LUO ; Fu WANG
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):229-234
Varicocele is a common disease of the male reproductive system, and the pampiniform plexus in the spermatic cord manifests abnormal dilatation, extension, and circuity, which is a vasculopathy. In this article, we believe that the relevance of the essence chamber collaterals to the spermatic vein in terms of anatomical morphology and physiological function is high and that when pathogenic qi invades the essence chamber, the qi and collaterals of the essence chamber are out of harmony, the fluid collaterals are impassable, and the blood collaterals are obstrcuted, and the essence chamber collaterals are blockaded with several pathological products, and even intermingled phlegm and blood stasis in the blood collaterals and form vascular clusters, resulting in the formation and development of varicocele. Based on this, this article proposes the core treatment principle of healing, harmonizing, activating, and dredging the collaterals, with the basic treatment method of nourishing qi and harmonizing collaterals, activating blood collaterals, and dredging blood stasis to, respectively treat degree Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ varicocele, aiming to prevent the change of the varicocele, dredge the curvature of the varicocele, and dissipate the knots of the varicocele. The proposal of essence chamber collaterals is of great significance to understanding the common law and pathological aspects of the occurrence and development of essence collateral and vascular lesions from the perspective of integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
8.Three new gallic acid sugaresters from Elaeagnus oxycarpa Schlechtend leaves and their antioxidant and tyrosinase inhibitory activities
Feng-zhen CUI ; Jian-hong FU ; Guo-yan XU ; AYEKABAYR·EKBAYR ; Chang-da MA
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):434-441
Five compounds were isolated and purified from the water extract of
9.Textual Research and Clinical Application Analysis of Classic Formula Fangji Fulingtang
Xiaoyang TIAN ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Mengting ZHAO ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Bingqi WEI ; Yihan LI ; Jing TANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):270-277
The classic formula Fangji Fulingtang is from ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber in the Eastern Han dynasty. It is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, with the effects of reinforcing Qi and invigorating spleen, warming Yang and promoting urination. By a review of ancient medical books, this paper summarizes the composition, original plants, processing, dosage, decocting methods, indications and other key information of Fangji Fulingtang, aiming to provide a literature basis for the research, development, and clinical application of preparations based on this formula. Synonyms of Fangji Fulingtang exist in ancient medical books, while the formula composition in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber is more widespread and far-reaching. In this formula, Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the dried root of Stephania tetrandra, the dried root of Astragalus embranaceus var. mongholicus, the dried shoot of Cinnamomum cassia, the dried sclerotium of Poria cocos, and the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, respectively. Fangji Fulingtang is mainly produced into powder, with the dosage and decocting method used in the past dynasties basically following the original formula. Each bag is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix 13.80 g, Astragali Radix 13.80 g, Cinnamomi Ramulus 13.80 g, Poria 27.60 g, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma 9.20 g. The raw materials are purified, decocted in water from 1 200 mL to 400 mL, and the decoction should be taken warm, 3 times a day. Fangji Fulingtang was originally designed for treating skin edema, and then it was used to treat impediment in the Qing dynasty. In modern times, it is mostly used to treat musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases and circulatory system diseases, demonstrating definite effects on various types of edema and heart failure. This paper clarifies the inheritance of Fangji Fulingtang and reveals its key information (attached to the end of this paper), aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of preparations based on this formula.
10.Textual Research and Clinical Application Analysis of Classic Formula Fangji Fulingtang
Xiaoyang TIAN ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Mengting ZHAO ; Jialei CAO ; Lan LIU ; Keke LIU ; Bingqi WEI ; Yihan LI ; Jing TANG ; Yujie CHANG ; Jingwen LI ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(11):270-277
The classic formula Fangji Fulingtang is from ZHANG Zhongjing's Synopsis of the Golden Chamber in the Eastern Han dynasty. It is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, with the effects of reinforcing Qi and invigorating spleen, warming Yang and promoting urination. By a review of ancient medical books, this paper summarizes the composition, original plants, processing, dosage, decocting methods, indications and other key information of Fangji Fulingtang, aiming to provide a literature basis for the research, development, and clinical application of preparations based on this formula. Synonyms of Fangji Fulingtang exist in ancient medical books, while the formula composition in the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber is more widespread and far-reaching. In this formula, Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, Astragali Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Poria, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma are the dried root of Stephania tetrandra, the dried root of Astragalus embranaceus var. mongholicus, the dried shoot of Cinnamomum cassia, the dried sclerotium of Poria cocos, and the dried root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, respectively. Fangji Fulingtang is mainly produced into powder, with the dosage and decocting method used in the past dynasties basically following the original formula. Each bag is composed of Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix 13.80 g, Astragali Radix 13.80 g, Cinnamomi Ramulus 13.80 g, Poria 27.60 g, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma 9.20 g. The raw materials are purified, decocted in water from 1 200 mL to 400 mL, and the decoction should be taken warm, 3 times a day. Fangji Fulingtang was originally designed for treating skin edema, and then it was used to treat impediment in the Qing dynasty. In modern times, it is mostly used to treat musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases and circulatory system diseases, demonstrating definite effects on various types of edema and heart failure. This paper clarifies the inheritance of Fangji Fulingtang and reveals its key information (attached to the end of this paper), aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the development of preparations based on this formula.


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