1.Pharmacological Review, Challenges, and Future Prospects of Zhusha Anshenwan
Xiaosong HU ; Zhou LAN ; Ping WANG ; Li DING ; Chun GUI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):329-335
Zhusha Anshenwan is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula originating from LI Dongyuan's Treatise on the Differentiation of Endogenous and Exogenous Injuries (Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun) of the Jin-Yuan period. It is composed of five medicinal ingredients: Cinnabaris (Zhusha), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdihuang), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao). Under the guidance of TCM theory, this formula is used to treat syndromes of disturbed spirit, including insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety, caused by hyperactivity of heart fire and deficiency of Yin-blood, and it also exerts auxiliary anticonvulsant effects in epilepsy and related conditions. However, the potential neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity of its monarch drug, Cinnabaris (mainly composed of mercuric sulfide, HgS), together with the risk of in vivo accumulation, have rendered its clinical application controversial, and it has not yet been formally included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. In addition, restrictions imposed by the Minamata Convention on Mercury have led to an increasing shortage of natural medicinal Cinnabaris resources, making the evaluation of the efficacy and safety of synthetic Cinnabaris particularly urgent. This contradiction highlights the complexity of safety evaluation for traditional medicines. Existing studies indicate that Zhusha Anshenwan exhibits definite pharmacological activities in calming the mind, improving sleep, and regulating emotional disorders. Moreover, other components of the formula may exert antagonistic effects on the toxicity of Cinnabaris, and reports of severe mercury poisoning caused by standardized clinical use of this prescription are extremely rare. Research suggests that other ingredients in the compound formula, such as Rehmanniae Radix, Coptidis Rhizoma, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, may effectively alleviate the hepatorenal toxicity of Cinnabaris through mechanisms including modulation of the gut microbiota, formation of mercury complexes, and direct protection of target organs. This article aims to systematically review the progress in pharmacodynamic research on Zhusha Anshenwan, to explore its mechanisms of action in depth, and to analyze the toxicokinetic characteristics and safety risks of Cinnabaris, as well as the scientific connotations of toxicity reduction and efficacy enhancement achieved through compound compatibility. In addition, it compares Zhusha Anshenwan with other commonly used sedative formulas, with the aim of providing a scientific basis and forward-looking perspectives for the safe and rational application and in-depth development of this classical prescription in a modern context, and of emphasizing the important value of holistic research on TCM compound formulas in addressing the challenges of single-component toxicity.
2.Effect and mechanism of Xintong Granules in ameliorating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats by regulating gut microbiota.
Yun-Jia WANG ; Ji-Dong ZHOU ; Qiu-Yu SU ; Jing-Chun YAO ; Rui-Qiang SU ; Guo-Fei QIN ; Gui-Min ZHANG ; Hong-Bao LIANG ; Shuai FENG ; Jia-Cheng ZHANG
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(14):4003-4014
This study investigates the mechanism by which Xintong Granules improve myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury(MIRI) through the regulation of gut microbiota and their metabolites, specifically short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs). Rats were randomly divided based on body weight into the sham operation group, model group, low-dose Xintong Granules group(1.43 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), medium-dose Xintong Granules group(2.86 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), high-dose Xintong Granules group(5.72 g·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and metoprolol group(10 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)). After 14 days of pre-administration, the MIRI rat model was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery. The myocardial infarction area was assessed using the 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride(TTC) staining method. Apoptosis in tissue cells was detected by the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL) assay. Pathological changes in myocardial cells and colonic tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), interleukin-6(IL-6), creatine kinase MB isoenzyme(CK-MB), and cardiac troponin T(cTnT) in rat serum were quantitatively measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) kits. The activities of lactate dehydrogenase(LDH), creatine kinase(CK), and superoxide dismutase(SOD) in myocardial tissue, as well as the level of malondialdehyde(MDA), were determined using colorimetric assays. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing, and fecal SCFAs were quantified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(GC-MS). The results show that Xintong Granules significantly reduced the myocardial infarction area, suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines(TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), myocardial injury markers(CK-MB, cTnT, LDH, and CK), and oxidative stress marker MDA. Additionally, Xintong Granules significantly improved intestinal inflammation in MIRI rats, regulated gut microbiota composition and diversity, and increased the levels of SCFAs(acetate, propionate, isobutyrate, etc.). In summary, Xintong Granules effectively alleviate MIRI symptoms. This study preliminarily confirms that Xintong Granules exert their inhibitory effects on MIRI by regulating gut microbiota imbalance and increasing SCFA levels.
Animals
;
Gastrointestinal Microbiome/drug effects*
;
Rats
;
Male
;
Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/genetics*
;
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
;
Rats, Sprague-Dawley
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Humans
;
Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism*
;
Interleukin-6/genetics*
;
Malondialdehyde/metabolism*
3.Quality evaluation of Gegen Formula Granules
Dai-liang ZHANG ; Chun-xia WANG ; Lei SHI ; Yu-kang LIU ; Yong-qiang LIN ; Yu-zhuo WANG ; Jing-hua ZHANG ; Jin-xin LI ; Gui-yun CAO ; Zhao-qing MENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1421-1431
AIM To evaluate the quality of Gegen Formula Granules.METHODS Linear calibration with two reference substances(LCTRS)was adopted in the predicting of retention time with puerarin and daidzein as internal standards.UPLC characteristic chromatograms were established.The contents of 3'-hydroxy puerarin,puerarin(internal standard),3'-methoxy puerarin,puerarin 6"-O-xyloside,puerarin apioside and daidzin were determined by quantitative determination analysis multi-components by a single marker(QAMS),after which their transfer rates were calculated.RESULTS Compared with relative retention time method,LCTRS demonstrated higher positional accuracy for characteristic peaks and wider application range for columns.There were 9 characteristic peaks in the characteristic chromatograms for 14 batches of formula granules and 15 batches of standard decoctions with the similarities of more than 0.95.The contents and transfer rates of various constituents in formula granules and standard decoctions were basically consistent.CONCLUSION The chemical constituents in formula granules and their standard decoctions of Puerariae lobatae Radix display good consistency,reliable preparation process is observable in the former.
4.Impact of Laboratory Analytical Indicators on Positive Blood Culture Detection Rates: A Single Center Study.
Di WANG ; Ling Li LIU ; Rui Rui MA ; Li Jun DU ; Gui Xue CHENG ; Ya Li LIU ; Qiao Lian YI ; Ying Chun XU
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(3):303-312
OBJECTIVE:
Blood culture remains the gold standard for diagnosing bloodstream infections. Clinical laboratories must ensure the quality of blood culture processes from receipt to obtaining definitive results. We examined laboratory analytical indicators associated with positive blood culture results.
METHODS:
Blood cultures collected from Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. The mode of transportation (piping logistics delivery vs. staff), source of blood cultures (outpatient/emergency department vs. inpatient department), rotation of personnel, and time of reception (8:00-19:59 vs. 20:00-07:59) were compared between blood culture-positive and -negative results.
RESULTS:
Between 2020 and 2022, the total positive rate of blood culture was 8.07%. The positive rate of blood cultures in the outpatient/emergency department was significantly higher than that in the inpatient department (12.46% vs. 5.83%; P < 0.0001). The time-to-detection of blood cultures was significantly affected by the delivery mode and personnel rotation. The blood culture positive rate of the total pre-analytical time within 1 h was significantly higher than that within 1-2 h or > 2 h ( P < 0.0170).
CONCLUSION
Laboratory analytical indicators such as patient source, transportation mode, and personnel rotation significantly impacted the positive detection rate or time of blood culture.
Blood Culture/statistics & numerical data*
;
Humans
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Emergency Service, Hospital/statistics & numerical data*
5.Textual Research and Identification Analysis of Realgar
Shiyi XU ; Tianxu ZHANG ; Hao FENG ; Li WANG ; Ying LIU ; Juan XI ; Guohua ZHENG ; Xiuqiao ZHANG ; Chun GUI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3240-3254
This study systematically collated and textual researched realgar from aspects such as name,origin,and quality by consulting ancient herbal texts,classic medical books,and modern literature.The textual research shows that current herbal works all take"realgar"as the official name,with aliases including"Huangshi shi","Shihuang","Tianyang shi","Jiguan shi","Xunhuang","Chouhuang",and"Mingxiong",etc.Ancient herbal records indicate that Xunhuang,Chouhuang,and Shuiku Realgar are all Realgar,while Orpiment is its associated mineral.In ancient times,the main production areas of Realgar were in Gansu,with outputs also seen in Shandong and Hunan.Nowadays,it is mainly produced in Hunan,Guizhou,Hubei,Gansu,Yunnan,Sichuan and other regions.Ancient herbal works mentioned characteristics like"cockscomb color","non-stinky","solid","red and bright"in their quality evaluation,while modern herbal works mostly evaluate its quality by color and texture,such as"red color","large blocks","brittle texture","glossy".The traditional efficacy of Realgar is to dry dampness,kill insects,detoxify various poisons,treat sores and activate blood.Modern studies have shown it also has anti-tumor,antibacterial and antiviral effects.Processing methods in past dynasties included water grinding,vinegar processing,refining,etc.,and currently,water grinding and acid water grinding are commonly used.This paper observed the properties of Realgar,detected the content of As?S?,and analyzed the microscopic characteristics and far-infrared spectral characteristics of qualified batches of Realgar.It was finally found that the As?S? content of qualified batches of Realgar was all more than 90%;under the scanning electron microscope,it showed massive shape,uniform distribution,obvious particles,and no agglomeration;a small amount of associated mineral Orpiment crystals were observed under the polarizing microscope;the characteristic peaks of Realgar(343-344 cm?1,224-225 cm?1,372-374 cm?1,367-369 cm?1,359 cm?1,207-208 cm?1,193-194 cm?1,168-170 cm?1)and Orpiment(390 cm?1,380 cm?1,347 cm?1,311 cm?1,300 cm?1,201 cm?1,182 cm?1,158 cm?1 and 139 cm?1)were determined."Red color and glossy"can be used as property references,"Realgar is a sulfide mineral of the Realgar family,with the main chemical component As?S?,associated with Orpiment"can be used as origin references,and"Shimen in Hunan,Wanshan in Guizhou,Yunnan,Gansu,Sichuan"can be used as production area references,which are consistent with the results of herbal textual research.This study provides a basis for the identification and analysis of Realgar,with a view to better guiding clinical medication and resource utilization.
6.Textual Research and Identification Analysis of Realgar
Shiyi XU ; Tianxu ZHANG ; Hao FENG ; Li WANG ; Ying LIU ; Juan XI ; Guohua ZHENG ; Xiuqiao ZHANG ; Chun GUI
World Science and Technology-Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;27(11):3240-3254
This study systematically collated and textual researched realgar from aspects such as name,origin,and quality by consulting ancient herbal texts,classic medical books,and modern literature.The textual research shows that current herbal works all take"realgar"as the official name,with aliases including"Huangshi shi","Shihuang","Tianyang shi","Jiguan shi","Xunhuang","Chouhuang",and"Mingxiong",etc.Ancient herbal records indicate that Xunhuang,Chouhuang,and Shuiku Realgar are all Realgar,while Orpiment is its associated mineral.In ancient times,the main production areas of Realgar were in Gansu,with outputs also seen in Shandong and Hunan.Nowadays,it is mainly produced in Hunan,Guizhou,Hubei,Gansu,Yunnan,Sichuan and other regions.Ancient herbal works mentioned characteristics like"cockscomb color","non-stinky","solid","red and bright"in their quality evaluation,while modern herbal works mostly evaluate its quality by color and texture,such as"red color","large blocks","brittle texture","glossy".The traditional efficacy of Realgar is to dry dampness,kill insects,detoxify various poisons,treat sores and activate blood.Modern studies have shown it also has anti-tumor,antibacterial and antiviral effects.Processing methods in past dynasties included water grinding,vinegar processing,refining,etc.,and currently,water grinding and acid water grinding are commonly used.This paper observed the properties of Realgar,detected the content of As?S?,and analyzed the microscopic characteristics and far-infrared spectral characteristics of qualified batches of Realgar.It was finally found that the As?S? content of qualified batches of Realgar was all more than 90%;under the scanning electron microscope,it showed massive shape,uniform distribution,obvious particles,and no agglomeration;a small amount of associated mineral Orpiment crystals were observed under the polarizing microscope;the characteristic peaks of Realgar(343-344 cm?1,224-225 cm?1,372-374 cm?1,367-369 cm?1,359 cm?1,207-208 cm?1,193-194 cm?1,168-170 cm?1)and Orpiment(390 cm?1,380 cm?1,347 cm?1,311 cm?1,300 cm?1,201 cm?1,182 cm?1,158 cm?1 and 139 cm?1)were determined."Red color and glossy"can be used as property references,"Realgar is a sulfide mineral of the Realgar family,with the main chemical component As?S?,associated with Orpiment"can be used as origin references,and"Shimen in Hunan,Wanshan in Guizhou,Yunnan,Gansu,Sichuan"can be used as production area references,which are consistent with the results of herbal textual research.This study provides a basis for the identification and analysis of Realgar,with a view to better guiding clinical medication and resource utilization.
7.Quality evaluation of Gegen Formula Granules
Dai-liang ZHANG ; Chun-xia WANG ; Lei SHI ; Yu-kang LIU ; Yong-qiang LIN ; Yu-zhuo WANG ; Jing-hua ZHANG ; Jin-xin LI ; Gui-yun CAO ; Zhao-qing MENG
Chinese Traditional Patent Medicine 2025;47(5):1421-1431
AIM To evaluate the quality of Gegen Formula Granules.METHODS Linear calibration with two reference substances(LCTRS)was adopted in the predicting of retention time with puerarin and daidzein as internal standards.UPLC characteristic chromatograms were established.The contents of 3'-hydroxy puerarin,puerarin(internal standard),3'-methoxy puerarin,puerarin 6"-O-xyloside,puerarin apioside and daidzin were determined by quantitative determination analysis multi-components by a single marker(QAMS),after which their transfer rates were calculated.RESULTS Compared with relative retention time method,LCTRS demonstrated higher positional accuracy for characteristic peaks and wider application range for columns.There were 9 characteristic peaks in the characteristic chromatograms for 14 batches of formula granules and 15 batches of standard decoctions with the similarities of more than 0.95.The contents and transfer rates of various constituents in formula granules and standard decoctions were basically consistent.CONCLUSION The chemical constituents in formula granules and their standard decoctions of Puerariae lobatae Radix display good consistency,reliable preparation process is observable in the former.
8.Multivariate analysis of influencing functional recovery after ankle fracture of type Ⅱ and above supination-external rotation
Chun-Gui HUANG ; Ya-Fei MA ; Jun-Quan WANG
China Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology 2024;37(9):910-916
Objective To explore influencing factors of functional recovery after ankle fracture of type Ⅱ degree and above supination-external rotation.Methods Clinical data of 120 patients with ankle fractures of type Ⅱ degree and above supination-external rotation admitted from February 2019 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society(AOFAS),patients were divided into excellent group with 73 patients(90 to 100 points),good group with 35 patients(75 to 89 points),and fair group with 12 patients(<50 points).The differences of ankle active range of motion(ROM)and AOFAS score were compared among three groups at the latest follow-up.Multivariate Logistic regression analy-sis was performed to analyze the factors related to functional recovery after ankle fracture of supination-external rotation.Results There were significant differences in postoperative ROM(dorsoextension,plantar flexion,varus and valgus)and com-plications between excellent group and good and acceptable group(P<0.05).Univariate analysis showed there were differences in age above 50 years old,Ⅳ degree of supination-external rotation fracture,lower tibiofibular ligament injury,posterior ankle fracture,no drainage tube placed,infection,antibiotic use time above 7 days(P<0.05).Multivariate Logistic regression analy-sis showed age above 50 years old[OR=2.829,95%CI(1.049,7.628),P=0.040],Ⅳ degree fracture of supination-external ro-tation[OR=6.13,95%CI(1.153,32.593),P=0.033],lower tibiofibular ligament injury[OR=10.785,95%CI(3.338,34.894),P=0.000],and posterior ankle fracture[OR=6.349,95%CI(1.869,21.560),P=0.003]were independent risk factors for func-tional recovery after ankle fracture of supination-external rotation(P<0.05).Conclusion The postoperative excellent outcome of ankle fracture was good,and the recovery of joint motion was better.The older age of patient,Ⅳ degree of supination-exter-nal rotation fracture,the lower tibiofibular ligament injury,and posterior ankle fracture are all adverse factors affecting func-tional recovery after supination-external rotation ankle fracture.In clinical,effective measures should be taken to deal with these influencing factors,and strive to improve the functional recovery after the operation of this type of fracture and reduce the occurrence of related complications.
9.Discussion on the Pathogenesis of Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Under the System of Non-uniform Settlement During Bone Resorption and Multidimensional Composite Bowstring Working in Coordination with the Theory of Liver-Kidney and Muscle-Bone Based on the Concept of Liver and Kidney Sharing the Common Source
Gui-Xin ZHANG ; Feng YANG ; Le ZHANG ; Jie LIU ; Zhi-Jian CHEN ; Lei PENG ; En-Long FU ; Shu-Hua LIU ; Chang-De WANG ; Chun-Zhu GONG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;41(1):239-246
From the perspective of the physiological basis of liver and kidney sharing the common source in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),and by integrating the theory of kidney dominating bone,liver dominating tendon,and meridian sinew of TCM as well as the bone resorption and collapse theory,and non-uniform settlement theory and lower-limb musculoskeletal bowstring structure theory of modern orthopedics,the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH)under the system of non-uniform settlement during bone resorption and multidimensional composite bowstring working in coordination with the theory of liver-kidney and muscle-bone was explored.The key to the TCM pathogenesis of ONFH lies in the deficiency of the liver and kidney,and then the imbalance of kidney yin-yang leads to the disruption of the dynamic balance of bone formation and bone resorption mediated by osteoblasts-osteoclasts,which manifests as the elevated level of bone metabolism and the enhancement of focal bone resorption in the femoral head,and then leads to the necrosis and collapse of the femoral head.It is considered that the kidney dominates bone,liver dominates tendon,and the tendon and bone together constitute the muscle-bone-joint dynamic and static system of the hip joint.The appearance of collapse destroys the originally balanced muscle-bone-joint system.Moreover,the failure of liver blood in the nourishment of muscles and tendons further exacerbates the imbalance of the soft tissues around the hip joint,accelerates the collapse of the muscle-bone-joint dynamic and static system,speeds up the process of femoral head collapse,and ultimately results in irreversible outcomes.Based on the above pathogenesis,the systematic integrative treatment of ONFH should be based on the TCM holistic concept,focuses on the focal improvement of internal and external blood circulation of the femoral head by various approaches,so as to rebuild the coordination of joint function.Moreover,attention should be paid to the physical constitution of the patients,and therapy of tonifying the kidney and regulating the liver can be used to restore the balance between osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis,and to reconstruct the muscle-bone-joint system,so as to effectively delay or even prevent the occurrence of ONFH.
10.Inhibitory effect of miR-133a on liver cancer through tar-geted regulation of G6PD expression
Ya-Dong WANG ; Xue-Jun SUN ; Chun-Yu YANG ; Gui-Ping WANG ; Ming JIN ; He LI ; Jia-Jun YIN
Chinese Journal of Current Advances in General Surgery 2024;27(1):25-29
Objective:To explore if miR-133a is involved in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)via regulating G6PD.Methods:Bioinformatics analysis predicted the binding sites of miR-133a and G6PD;RT-PCR or western blot was used to assess the expres-sion of miR-133a and G6PD in HCC tissues and the adjacent normal tissues;CCK-8 and flow cy-tometry assays were performed to evaluate the effects of miR-133a/G6PD on cell proliferation,apop-tosis;Fluorescent reporter gene and western blot assays were used to assess the effect of miR-133a on G6PD expression.Results:miR-133a expression was decreased in HCC tissues while G6PD was increased(P0.01);Up-regulation of miR-133a significantly reduced G6PD expression(P<0.01);up-reg-ulation of miR-133a inhibited cell growth and promoted cell apoptosis(P<0.05),whereas these effects induced by miR-133a over-expression were all abolished when G6PD was up-regulated(P<0.01).Conclusion:miR-133a represses the occurrence and development of HCC via targeting G6PD.

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