1.Interpretation of Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines
Wenxi PENG ; Meng QIAO ; Lianxin WANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xiuhui LI ; Xin CUI ; Zijia CHEN ; Xinyi CHEN ; Yi DENG ; Yanming XIE ; Zhifei WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):152-160
The Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines (hereinafter referred to as the Guidelines) is first specialized in the field of drug safety for oral Chinese patent medicines (OCPMs) in China. Rooted in China's healthcare context, the Guidelines address the unique usage patterns and risk characteristics of OCPMs, filling a regulatory gap in the pharmacovigilance framework specific to this category. To facilitate accurate understanding and effective implementation of the Guidelines, and to promote the standardized development of pharmacovigilance practices for OCPMs, this study offered a systematic interpretation based on its three core components. In the domain of risk monitoring and reporting, the paper analyzed the rationale for multi-source information integration and clarified the criteria for identifying key products and target populations for intensive monitoring. Regarding risk assessment, the Guidelines were examined from three dimensions of formulation components, medication behaviors, and population to address complex safety issues arising from medicinal constituents, irrational use, and individual susceptibility. In the area of risk control, the analysis focused on context-based interventions and dynamic closed-loop management strategies, exploring practical pathways to shift from passive response to proactive risk mitigation. Furthermore, this paper evaluated the applied value of the Guidelines and identified implementation challenges, such as insufficient capacity at the primary-care level and limited digital infrastructure. In response, the study proposed optimization strategies including establishing a dynamic updating mechanism, strengthening training at the grassroots level, and incorporating artificial intelligence to enhance pharmacovigilance capacity. This interpretation aims to provide actionable insights for marketing authorization holders (including manufacturers), pharmaceutical distributors, healthcare institutions, and research organizations, ultimately supporting the establishment and refinement of a full lifecycle pharmacovigilance system for OCPMs.
2.Mechanisms of Huanglian Jiedutang and Its Major Active Constituents in Inhibiting LPS-induced M1 Polarisation of BV2 Microglia
Haojia ZHANG ; Kai WANG ; Kunjing LIU ; Xin LAN ; Zijin SUN ; Chunyu WANG ; Wenyuan MA ; Wei SHAO ; Jinhua HAN ; Liyang DONG ; Changxiang LI ; Xueqian WANG ; Youxiang CUI ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):44-55
ObjectiveTo investigate whether Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJD) and its major active constituents (geniposide, baicalin, and berberine) can inhibit the inflammatory response of BV2 cells under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation via the high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1)/Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, and to explore differences in therapeutic efficacy among the three monomers, their combined formula, and HLJD under equal content ratios. MethodsBV2 microglial cells were used as the primary experimental model. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) method to examine the effects of different concentrations of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, 0.8%, 0.4%, 0.2%, 0.1%, and 0.05%) on cell viability. IncuCyte was employed to monitor the growth of cells under different concentrations of HLJD (200, 100, 50, 25, 12.5, 6.25 mg·L-1). Nitric oxide (NO) assay was used to screen the optimal HLJD concentration. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) determined the content of geniposide, baicalin, and berberine in HLJD, and experimental groups were subsequently established according to the relative proportions of these constituents. CCK-8 assay evaluated cell viability under different treatments. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured levels of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10) in the supernatant. Flow cytometry assessed the effects of treatments on M1-type polarization of BV2 cells. Western blot determined the expression levels of HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB-related proteins. ResultsCompared with the blank group, DMSO at concentrations ≤0.2% did not affect cell viability within 48 h. BV2 cell growth plateaued at 24 h after treatment with 200 mg·L-1 HLJD. Under stimulation with 2 mg·L-1 LPS, this concentration of HLJD effectively reduced NO release, and 6 h pre-treatment had a stronger inhibitory effect on NO than direct administration. HPLC results showed that 1 mg of HLJD freeze-dried powder contained approximately 24 μg of geniposide, 15 μg of baicalin, and 30 μg of berberine. Based on these ratios, experimental groups were blank, LPS (2 mg·L-1), HLJD (200 mg·L-1), monomer combination, geniposide (4.8 mg·L-1), baicalin (3 mg·L-1), and berberine (6 mg·L-1). The monomer combination group consisted of all three active constituents dissolved together. LPS and HLJD or its active constituents did not affect cell viability compared with the blank group. LPS significantly increased TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10 in the supernatant (P<0.01). HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01) while upregulating anti-inflammatory IL-10 (P<0.01), with the monomer combination showing the strongest effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, LPS significantly increased the proportion of CD80⁺CD86⁺ (M1-type) BV2 cells (P<0.01). HLJD and its constituents partially inhibited M1 polarization (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the monomer combination exhibiting the most pronounced effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the blank group, LPS upregulated HMGB1, TLR4, and NF-κB-related proteins (P<0.01), whereas HLJD and its active constituents significantly reduced their expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the monomer combination having the strongest regulatory effect (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHLJD and its major active constituents (geniposide, baicalin, berberine) can inhibit LPS-induced inflammatory responses in BV2 cells. The combination of the three active constituents demonstrates the most potent anti-inflammatory effect, significantly attenuating M1-type polarization of BV2 cells via the HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
3.Huanglian Jiedutang Improves Cognitive Impairment after Schemic Stroke by Regulating Neuron via NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Mengying SUN ; Lizhen WANG ; Tong LI ; Leilei WANG ; Shiyan JIA ; Tingting WANG ; Yanwen YANG ; Kaiqiang SI ; Youxiang CUI ; Zhilong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):68-76
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT) on cognitive function in mice with ischemic stroke (IS) and to elucidate whether its neuroprotective effects are mediated by inhibition of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway and subsequent suppression of NF-κB-regulated neuronal apoptosis. MethodsAn IS model was established using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Sixty C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to five groups (n =12 per group), i.e., sham operation, model, HLJDT low-dose (3.9 g·kg-1·d-1), HLJDT high-dose (7.8 g·kg-1·d-1), and Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE, 31.2 mg·kg-1·d-1). Post-operatively, neurological deficit scores (Longa score), cerebral infarct volume assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining, and brain water content were evaluated. Learning and memory were assessed using new object recognition (NOR) and fear conditioning (FC) tests. Hippocampal pathology was examined via hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Immunofluorescence detected expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocyte marker), cellular oncogene Fos (c-Fos, neuronal activation marker), and glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65). Western blot measured nuclear factor-κB inhibitor protein α (IκBα), phosphorylated IκBα (p-IκBα), NF-κB p65, phosphorylated NF-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), ionic calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and apoptosis-related proteins, such as cleaved cysteinyl aspartate-specific protease 3 (Caspase-3), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax). Real-time quantitative PCR (Real-time PCR) was used to assess mRNA levels of Iba-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB p65, cleaved Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2. ResultsCompared with the sham group, the model group exhibited significantly increased neurological deficit scores, brain water content, and cerebral infarct volume (P<0.01). Hippocampal CA1 neurons were disorganized, showing nuclear pyknosis and karyolysis. NOR exploration time and FC freezing time were significantly reduced (P<0.01). GFAP and c-Fos expression were increased, while GAD65 expression was decreased (P<0.01). Cleaved Caspase-3 and Bax were upregulated, Bcl-2 was downregulated, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was elevated (P<0.01). Expression levels of p-IκBα, p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α, and Iba-1 were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, HLJDT high-dose, low-dose, and GBE groups showed significant improvements in all parameters (P<0.01). Among them, the HLJDT high-dose group showed the most pronounced neuronal structural recovery and superior performance in NOR and FC tests (P<0.01). In this group, GFAP and c-Fos decreased, GAD65 increased (P<0.01), apoptosis-related protein expression was reversed, and NF-κB signaling and related inflammatory factor expression were suppressed (P<0.01). ConclusionHLJDT ameliorates cognitive dysfunction in mice after IS, potentially by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing neuroinflammation and hippocampal neuronal apoptosis.
4.Huanglian Jiedutang Against Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Review
Liyang DONG ; Qinyuan ZHANG ; Yiping WU ; Yingping HE ; Wei SHAO ; Haojia ZHANG ; Xueqian WANG ; Changxiang LI ; Youxiang CUI ; Fafeng CHENG ; Qingguo WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):77-86
Huanglian Jiedutang (HLJDT), as a classical formula for clearing heat and removing toxins, has been widely applied in the treatment of various clinical diseases in recent years, particularly during the fire-heat stage of stroke, where it has attracted considerable attention. Based on previous studies, this paper systematically elaborates on the research progress on the active components of HLJDT, its clinical application in ischemic stroke, and advances in studies on its mechanisms of action. Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that HLJDT contains multiple active components, including baicalin, geniposide, and berberine. In the treatment of ischemic stroke, these components exert therapeutic effects through multi-target, multi-pathway, and multi-level mechanisms. Clinical studies have shown that HLJDT can increase cerebral blood flow, reduce cerebral infarct volume, and improve post-stroke physical dysfunction in patients with ischemic stroke. Experimental studies have indicated that HLJDT can improve neurological function scores and increase cerebral perfusion in experimental stroke models. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the anti-ischemic stroke effects of HLJDT may be related to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, promotion of angiogenesis, and regulation of amino acid and energy metabolism. Although existing studies have confirmed that HLJDT exhibits multi-target and multi-pathway synergistic therapeutic characteristics, further large-sample randomized controlled trials are still needed to verify its long-term efficacy and to further elucidate the dynamic interaction network among components, targets, and pathways. Combined with network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses, this study further clarifies the synergistic targets of the core components (berberine, baicalin, and geniposide), providing a theoretical basis for in-depth research and clinical translation of HLJDT in the treatment of ischemic stroke.
5.Expert Consensus on Blood Flow and Oxygen Delivery Phenotyping and Clinical Management of Septic Shock(2025)
Wei HUANG ; Xinchen WANG ; Wenzhao CHAI ; Keliang CUI ; Bo YAO ; Zhiqun XING ; Cui WANG ; Jingjing LIU ; Shiyi GONG ; Dongkai LI ; Wanhong YIN ; Xiaoting WANG ; Wei DU
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):40-58
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Septic shock is the primary cause of mortality in sepsis, with its core pathophysiological mechanism being severe ischemia and hypoxia in critical units—composed of microcirculation and the mitochondria of functional cells—resulting from disruptions in blood flow and oxygen flow following a dysregulated host response. Due to the systemically convergent yet clinically heterogeneous nature of the host response, current understanding and management strategies for hemodynamics remain inconsistent, often leading to inadequate resuscitation or overtreatment. To improve the quality of care, based on a systematic review of the "blood flow-oxygen flow" theory, an expert panel emphasizes reevaluating septic shock from an integrated perspective of blood flow and oxygen flow, and has formulated the
6.Standards for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Technology in Critical Care
Hua ZHAO ; Hongmin ZHANG ; Xin DING ; Huan CHEN ; Jun DUAN ; Wei DU ; Bo TANG ; Yuankai ZHOU ; Dongkai LI ; Xinchen WANG ; Cui WANG ; Gaosheng ZHOU ; Xiaoting WANG
Medical Journal of Peking Union Medical College Hospital 2026;17(1):73-85
With the rapid advancement of hemodynamic indices and monitoring technologies, their classification methods and application processes have become increasingly complex. Currently, no unified standard hasbeen established, making it difficult to fully meet the clinical requirements for hemodynamic management. To assist in hemodynamic monitoring assessment and therapeutic decision-making in critically ill patients, the Critical Hemodynamic Therapy Collaborative Group, in conjunction with the Critical Ultrasound Study Group, has jointly developed the Standard for the Application of Hemodynamic Monitoring Techniques in Critical Care. The first part of this standard systematically categorizes hemodynamic indicators into flow indicators, pressure and its derivative indicators, and tissue perfusion indicators, while elaborating on the clinical application of each. The second part establishes a standardized clinical implementation pathway for hemodynamic monitoring. It proposes a tiered monitoring strategy-comprising basic, advanced, indication-specific, and special scenario monitoring-tailored to different clinical settings. It emphasizes the central role of critical care ultrasound across all levels of monitoring and establishes hemodynamic assessment standards for organs such as the brain, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. This standard aims to provide a unified framework for clinical practice, teaching, training, and research in critical care medicine, thereby promoting standardized development within the discipline.
7.Standardization Challenges in Outcome Evaluation Systems of Animal Experiments and Considerations for Core Outcome Set Construction Strategies
Qingyong ZHENG ; Yongjia ZHOU ; Tengfei LI ; Jianguo XU ; Chen TIAN ; Hui LIU ; Min TIAN ; Ziyu ZHOU ; Caihua XU ; Yating CUI ; Junfei WANG ; Jinhui TIAN
Laboratory Animal and Comparative Medicine 2026;46(1):138-148
Animal experimentation constitutes a critical link between basic research and clinical application, making its research quality and translational efficiency paramount. Although considerable progress has been made in standardizing operational procedures and ethical guidelines, the standardization of outcome evaluation systems has significantly lagged, creating a key bottleneck that constrains the quality of biomedical research and evidence synthesis. This deficiency is manifested by pronounced heterogeneity in outcome selection across similar studies, incomplete methodological reporting, and disparate criteria for result interpretation, which severely impairs the comparability of findings and the evidence integration. To cope with this challenge, this paper systematically introduces a mature methodological tool from clinical research–the core outcome set (COS)–and explores its construction strategies and application potential in the field of animal experimentation. Given the extensive diversity of animal experiments, a pragmatic strategy of "focusing on key areas, implementing phased pilots, and promoting gradual expansion" should be adopted. This approach prioritizes the development of domain-specific COS for disease areas characterized by high research volume, urgent translational needs, and well-established animal models. A multi-source integration pathway for COS development is detailed, comprising systematic literature searches, methodological appraisals, and expert consensus, with the feasibility of leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency also being examined. The development and promotion of such COS are not intended to restrict scientific exploration; rather, they aim to establish a new, tiered evaluation paradigm consisting of "core outcomes" (mandatory), "recommended outcomes" (encouraged), and "exploratory outcomes" (optional). This framework is expected not only to enhance research quality through standardization and to adhere to the "3R" principles but also to accelerate the accumulation of high-quality evidence. This, in turn, provides a solid foundation for higher-level evidence synthesis, ultimately facilitating the effective translation of basic research findings into clinical practice and providing an essential methodological framework for scientific advancement in relevant disciplines.
8.Interpretation of Evidence-to-decision Framework and Its Application in Pharmacovigilance Guidelines of Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Xin CUI ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Mengmeng WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Yaxin WANG ; Rui MA ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):220-228
To interpret the evidence-to-decision (EtD) framework and to illustrate its application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) guideline development using the example of the Pharmacovigilance Guideline of Chinese Patent Medicine, thereby providing methodological references for TCM guideline standardization. Based on the core three stages of the EtD framework (formulating the question, making an assessment of the evidence, and drawing conclusions), critical decision points and evaluation evidence within the evidence-translation process were systematically addressed, aligning with the purpose, scope, and key questions of the guideline. Qualitative research methods, such as the nominal group technique, were employed to formulate recommendations. The analysis was conducted based on the EtD framework. During question formulation, the specific characteristics and practical needs of pharmacovigilance for Chinese patent medicines were clarified, focusing on the core objective of safety assurance throughout the product lifecycle. In the evidence assessment, multi-source evidence was integrated, including policy documents, literature research, and expert consensus, completing the evidence evaluation. Finally, in recommendation-forming, dispersed research evidence and expert experience were synthesized into consensus, culminating in the guideline's completion through solicitation of opinions and peer review. The EtD framework provides a structured tool for evidence-to-decision translation in TCM guideline development, effectively enhancing the transparency and scientific rigor of the process. Therefore, it is recommended that TCM guideline development adopt the EtD framework to improve the evidence-to-decision process with TCM characteristics.
9.Compilation Instruction and Key Point Interpretation for Guidelines for Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacovigilance System in Medical Institutions
Shuoshuo WEI ; Fumei LIU ; Li ZHANG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Xin CUI ; Ruili WEI ; Shuo YANG ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):229-237
The Guidelines for Construction of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmacovigilance Systems in Medical Institutions (T/CACM 1563.2-2024) were the first special guideline in China to systematically assist medical institutions in establishing a pharmacovigilance system tailored to the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This guideline was jointly developed with 23 authoritative medical and research institutions in China, under the lead of the Institute of Basic Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences. The purpose of this guideline was to standardize pharmacovigilance work throughout the entire lifecycle of TCM (including research and development, marketing, and application) and to establish a four-dimensional framework of "organizational structure, institutional system, information platform, and vigilance activities". Key components included the establishment of a TCM Safety Committee, the construction of nine core systems, the development of an information platform that complies with International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) E2B standards, alongside the risk monitoring, identification, assessment, and control during clinical trials and post-marketing phases. Therefore, this guideline filled a significant gap in the systemic standards for TCM safety management within medical institutions. Strictly adhering to domestic and international laws and regulations, the guideline compilation involved multiple rounds of expert interviews, systematic evidence integration, and broad consensus. This guideline was specified to be applicable to medical institutions at all levels, primarily addressing core issues, including the difficulty in adverse reaction identification, low reporting rates, and incomplete risk management chains due to the complex composition and diverse application of TCM. The compilation process was scientific and rigorous, ensuring alignment with current national laws and regulations, and was registered internationally. In the future, implementation will be promoted through standardized training, tiered dissemination, as well as a post-effect evaluation and dynamic revision mechanism starting two years after publication. All these aimed to enhance medical institutions' proactive capabilities in preventing and controlling TCM safety risks, ensure patient medication safety, and promote the high-quality development of TCM.
10.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines
Hongyan ZHANG ; Zhifei WANG ; Shuo YANG ; Ruili WEI ; Wenqian PENG ; Yuanyuan LI ; Xin CUI ; Xiaoxiao ZHAO ; Fumei LIU ; Mengmeng WANG ; Yanming XIE ; Lianxin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):245-251
To standardize the clinical application of oral Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), and address the safety issues arising from their dosage form characteristics, irrational clinical use, and the lack of targeted pharmacovigilance systems, the China Association of Chinese Medicine organized the formulation and release of Pharmacovigilance Guidelines for Clinical Application of Oral Chinese Patent Medicines, aiming to inform the safe clinical use of oral CPMs and related pharmacovigilance work. According to the principles of GB/T1.1—2020 and the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China (2019 revision), the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, led a drafting group comprising 18 institutions. After multiple rounds of expert interviews, literature retrieval, evidence screening, and extensive solicitation of opinions, the Guidelines were registered internationally. Systematic standardization focused on safety monitoring, risk identification, assessment, control, and other aspects. The Guidelines clarified the characteristics of oral CPMs in terms of safety monitoring, known risks, and potential risks, compared to non-oral CPMs. Then, risk control measures were proposed, including medication in special populations and irrational medication. As a special guideline for pharmacovigilance in the clinical application of oral CPMs, the Guidelines systematically construct a technical system in line with the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is essential for improving the clinical safety management of oral CPMs and provides an important reference for medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and regulatory authorities.

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