1.Variations of Chemical Components in Gardeniae Fructus Before and After Being Charred Analyzed by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS
Lan LI ; Jie HONG ; Yanan SONG ; Yilan LI ; Yun WANG ; Cun ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):175-182
ObjectiveTo investigate the changes in chemical components of Gardeniae Fructus(GF) before and after being charred, providing data support for research on the material basis of GF Carbonisata(GFC). MethodsUltra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-electrostatic field orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Orbitrap MS/MS) was used to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the chemical components in GF and GFC under positive and negative ion modes with Compound Discoverer 3.3 software and online database. Then, principal component analysis and partial least squares-discriminant analysis in SIMCA14.1 software were used to analyze the MS data of each sample. Based on the principle of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1, differential secondary and primary metabolites before and after carbonization were screened. In addition, MetaboAnalyst website was used for pathway enrichment of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG), so as to provide a reference for clarifying the processing mechanism. ResultsA total of 185 components were identified, including 96 secondary metabolites and 89 primary metabolites. These components were classified into nine categories, primarily including iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, and terpenoids, their fragmentation pathways were also analyzed. Simultaneously, multivariate statistical analysis was performed on the secondary and primary metabolites, identifying 70 and 59 differential metabolites, respectively. The secondary metabolites were enriched in two metabolic pathways, including C5-branched dibasic acid metabolism and flavonoid and flavonol biosynthesis, while the primary differential metabolites were enriched in seven pathways such as linoleic acid metabolism and tyrosine metabolism. ConclusionThe chemical components of GF change significantly after carbonization, with a significant decrease in the contents of iridoid glycosides and terpenoids such as hydroxyisogeniposide, crocin Ⅱ, crocetin, and jasminoside B. while the contents of 4-hydroxycoumarin, geniposidic acid, gentiopicroside, and gardenoside methyl ester increase significantly. This change is presumed to be associated with the enhanced cooling and hemostatic effects of the processed products. The identified key components provide a basis for elucidating the material basis underlying the efficacy changes before and after carbonization.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Xiaoqi JING ; Minna GUO ; Haihua WANG ; Juan LI ; Fusheng ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):208-216
This article systematically reviews and verifies the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma(CARR) by consulting relevant ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Through textual research, Baiwei has been the official name for CARR, though it also bears alternative names such as Chuncao, Popo Zhenxianbao, Longdan Baiwei. The mainstream base is the roots and rhizomes of Cynanchum atratum. Historical records indicate primary producing areas include Shandong, Anhui, Jiangsu, Shaanxi and Shanxi. Since the late Ming dynasty, varieties from Juxian, Yishui and Rizhao in Shandong have been highly regarded as authentic, commonly known as eastern Baiwei. Since modern times, its quality has been summarized as fine, slender, and straight fibrous roots, pale yellow exterior, whiter interior, and dryness with easy breakability are considered superior. The harvesting time before the Song dynasty was on the third day of the third lunar month, but after the Song dynasty, harvesting was possible in both spring and autumn. The initial processing methods of CARR in ancient times included drying in the shade, removing Lu(the little rhizomes which are on tap of roots), and removing mustaches, modern methods involve washing and sun-drying. During the Northern and Southern dynasties, processing methods included steaming. In the Song dynasty, drying and light stir-frying were predominant, while wine washing emerged in the Ming dynasty. Modern practices primarily involve using raw, stir-frying or honey processing. Regarding the medicinal properties of CARR, both ancient and modern texts agree it has a bitter and salty taste and is non-toxic. Records prior to the Qing dynasty predominantly describe its nature as extremely cold, while mainstream herbal texts after the Qing dynasty generally characterize it as cold. Before the Ming dynasty, there were no records of its meridian tropism. It was not until the Qing dynasty that it was recorded in the lung meridian. Modern records mainly refer to the stomach, liver, and kidney meridians. Throughout history, its main functions have been to clear heat, diuresis, nourish Yin, and replenish essence, primarily treating Yin deficiency and fever syndrome. Based on the research results, it is suggested that when developing famous classical formulas containing CARR, the dried roots and rhizomes of C. atratum can be selected as its medicinal source. If there are no specific processing requirements, raw products can be selected as medicine. If the processing requirements are specified, corresponding processed products can be selected as medicine according to the original formula requirements.
3.Expert consensus on the medication catalog for drug-induced liver injury and rational drug use
Jianchun LI ; Di CHEN ; Pengfei JIN ; Gerontology NATIONAL ; Association GERIATRIC ; Research PHARMACY ; Society PHARMACY ; Association GERIATRIC
China Pharmacy 2026;37(3):273-280
OBJECTIVE To systematically sort out the drugs causing drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and their relevant information, and to develop the Expert consensus on the medication catalog for drug-induced liver injury and rational drug use (hereinafter referred to as the Consensus), so as to provide a reference for rational clinical use. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted across various literature databases, guideline retrieval websites and professional liver injury websites. Drugs identified as causing DILI from the included literature and online resources were extracted and assigned scores based on source credibility: three points for LiverTox A-class drugs and two points for B-class drugs; two points for drugs from Hepatox and guidelines; and one point for drugs from consensus and related literature sources. Drugs classified as LiverTox category A/B or with total scores ≥4 were included in the preliminary list of DILI-causing drugs. Opinions were collected and integrated from a multidisciplinary expert panel comprising 45 medical and pharmaceutical experts from 27 provinces across China through three rounds of the Delphi method (including questionnaires and discussion sessions), and after revision, the final version of Consensus was formed. RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS This Consensus included 12 traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) such as Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Ephedrae Herba, 151 Western medicines including amiodarone and atorvastatin, along with rational use information. For TCM, eight rational use information were included: evidence-based score, liver injury classification based on pathogenesis, liver injury classification based on biochemical abnormality pattern, clinical phenotype, laboratory examination manifestations, latency period, recovery time, and management strategies. For Western medicines, six additional items were included based on the TCM, namely liver function monitoring, discontinuation, contraindications, cautions, dose adjustments, and risk factors, totaling 14 items. This Consensus systematically compiles DILI drugs and their rational use information, which will support clinicians in enhancing the prevention, identification, and management of DILI, reducing the incidence of liver injury, and ensuring patient medication safety and efficacy.
4.Phenotypic distribution and population genetic frequency analysis of ABO and Rh blood group antigens among voluntary blood donors in Yantai
Hewei SONG ; Xiaojun ZHANG ; Qun XU ; Xiangzhong LIU ; Nan GUO ; Di SUN
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(1):69-75
Objective: To investigate the distribution characteristics of ABO and Rh blood group antigen phenotypes among blood donors in the Yantai, Shandong. Methods: Blood samples from 310 180 voluntary blood donors in Yantai collected from January 2019 to December 2023 were tested for ABO and Rh blood group antigens using standard serological methods. RhD-negative samples were further typed for C, c, E, and e antigens. Population genetic analysis of blood groups was performed: allele frequencies were inferred from ABO phenotypes, and Rh allele/haplotype frequencies were estimated based on the proportion of RhD-negative donors and CcEe antigen typing, followed by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium testing. Results: The phenotypic distribution frequency of ABO blood groups was B(32.72%)>O(28.93%)>A(27.65%)>AB(10.70%). The inferred allele frequencies were r(53.74%)>q(24.78%)>p(21.48%), consistent with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P>0.05). A total of 1 872 Rh-negative donors (0.603%) were identified. The most common Rh phenotypes were ccdee (59.56%) and Ccdee (30.18%). The distribution of Rh antigen phenotypes deviated significantly from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ
=37.15, P<0.001), with the cde haplotype showing the highest frequency. There was no statistically significant difference in ABO blood group distribution between RhD-positive and RhD-negative donors (P>0.05). Conclusion: The ABO blood group distribution among voluntary blood donors in Yantai is generally stable and consistent with population genetic equilibrium, whereas the Rh antigen phenotype distribution deviates from equilibrium, indicating potential underlying genetic structural differences.
5.Epidemiological features of foodborne disease outbreaks in Nanjing in 2013 - 2023
Zitong CHEN ; Xiaocheng LI ; Di JIN ; Baofu GUO
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):44-47
Objective The aim of this study is to examine the epidemiological features of foodborne disease outbreaks in Nanjing between 2013 and 2023, in order to offer a scientific foundation for the prevention and management of foodborne diseases. Methods Gathering information on foodborne disease outbreaks in Nanjing from 2013 to 2023, conduct descriptive analysis on the epidemiological characteristics of outbreak events, including time distribution, location distribution, and pathogenic factor distribution. A comparison of the rates was conducted using a χ2 test, with P<0.05 signifying statistical significance. Results Nanjing experienced 145 outbreaks of foodborne diseases. resulting in 21246 people being exposed, 2 488 affected and 3 fatalities from 2013 to 2023. The epidemic is primarily concentrated in the third quarter. There is a significant statistical difference in the incidence rate between different quarters (χ2=121.063, P<0.001). The number of events caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus is the highest, accounting for 23.45%. The identification rate of problematic foods is 67.59%, with meat and meat products being the most pathogenic (18.62%). The outbreak was mainly caused by improper storage and processing. The restaurants being the most common (41.38%). Conclusions Nanjing should focus on monitoring outbreaks caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus, especially in the third quarter; it is necessary to strengthen the health education of poisonous mushrooms; Nanjing should focus on the storage and processing of meat and meat products, and enhance food safety supervision in catering service venues, and improve on-site sampling and laboratory testing capabilities, thus drastically diminishing the risk of foodborne disease outbreaks.
6.A time-stratified case-crossover study on the relationship between meteorological factors and scarlet fever incidence in Xicheng District of Beijing
Di QIN ; Chunna MA ; Xiaokan WEI ; Xiugang GUAN ; Yanhui CHU
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(1):83-87
Objective To explore the impact of meteorological factors on the incidence of scarlet fever in Xicheng District of Beijing, and to provide a scientific basis for formulating targeted prevention and control measures. Methods Daily scarlet fever incidence data and corresponding meteorological data from 2010 to 2019 in Xicheng District of Beijing were collected. Using year, month, and day of the week as time-stratified variables, a conditional logistic regression model with a time-stratified case-crossover design was employed to analyze the impact of different meteorological factors on the number of scarlet fever cases in Xicheng District, while controlling for long-term trends, seasonality and other confounding factors. Results From 2010 to 2019, a total of 3,195 cases of scarlet fever were reported in Xicheng District, with an average annual incidence rate of 24.17/100 000. The overall trend showed fluctuating decline, during which three incidence peaks occurred, with the highest incidence rate observed in 2011. No severe or fatal cases were reported. The incidence of scarlet fever exhibited a distinct seasonal bimodal distribution, primarily concentrated between April to June and November to January of the following year. The conditional logistic regression results showed that the average relative humidity and average temperature were positively correlated with scarlet fever cases (β=0.0203, β=0.0613, P<0.001), while the average vapor pressure was negatively correlated with scarlet fever cases (β=-0.1468, P<0.001). Increases average relative humidity and average temperature were risk factors for scarlet fever incidence (OR=1.0205,95%CI=1.0150 -1.0261;OR=1.0632,95%CI=1.0379 -1.0891). For every 1.00% increase in average relative humidity, the number of scarlet fever cases increased by 2.05% (1.50% –2.61%). Similarly, for every 1。C rise in average temperature, the number of cases increased by 6.32% (3.79% – 8.91%). In contrast, an increase in average vapor pressure had a protective effect against scarlet fever (OR=0.8635,95%CI=0.8392-0.8885). For every 1 hPa increase in average vapor pressure, the number of scarlet fever cases decreased by 13.65% (11.15%–16.08%). Conclusion The average relative humidity, average temperature and average vapor pressure are the primary meteorological factors influencing the incidence of scarlet fever in Xicheng District of Beijing, and can be utilized as indicators for the prevention, control, surveillance and early warning of scarlet fever.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Longan Arillus in Famous Classical Formulas
Yanmeng LIU ; Yihan WANG ; Erwei HAO ; Chun YAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):300-309
This article systematically analyzed the historical evolution of the name, origin, harvesting and others of Longan Arillus by referring to the ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a foundation for developing famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it indicated that Longan Arillus was first recorded under the name of longan in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Longan Arillus gradually replaced longan as the standard name recorded in the materia medica, with additional aliases including Yizhi, Lizhinu and Yuanyan. The source of Longan Arillus used in the past dynasties was the arillus of the Sapindaceae plant Dimocarpus longan. The production regions recorded in the past dynasties were mainly Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan and others. Since the Qing dynasty, Longan Arillus produced in Fujian, Guangdong and Guangxi have been regarded as the finest and authentic varieties, with Fujian, Guangxi, and Guangdong remaining the primary authentic production areas today. In ancient times, the fruits were primarily harvested in August of the lunar calendar. However, modern longan cultivation typically involves harvesting ripe fruits during summer and autumn. Post-harvest processing involves removing moisture through sun-drying or baking before drying for medicinal use. Throughout history, processing methods have primarily focused on raw product, though techniques such as wine soaking and powdering have also been employed. Since modern times, it has been concluded that its quality is the best one with thick flesh, sweet taste, brownish-yellow color and tender texture. Longan Arillus possesses a sweet and warm nature, entering the heart and spleen meridians. Its primary functions are tonifying the heart and spleen, nourishing the blood and calming the spirit, which is consistent in ancient and modern times. Based on the textual research, it is suggested to use the arillus of D. longan when developing the famous classical formulas containing Longan Arillus. Processing methods should be selected according to the formula requirements, where no specific processing is indicated, the raw products is recommended for medicinal use.
8.Research progress on the intervention of energy metabolism disorders in chronic heart failure by active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine through regulating circadian rhythms
Ruiqi GUO ; Sutong WANG ; Zhaohui LYU ; Yan LI ; Renwei GUAN ; Xiao LI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(5):670-675
The onset and progression of chronic heart failure (CHF) are closely associated with myocardial energy metabolism disorders, and this pathological process significantly affects patient prognosis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), grounded in time-based medical theories such as the correspondence between humans and nature and the theory of circadian flow of meridians (Ziwu Liuzhu), exhibits intrinsic consistency with modern circadian rhythm theory, providing a unique theoretical framework for understanding and intervening in CHF from a temporal perspective. This article systematically explores the impact of circadian rhythms on energy metabolism and the potential mechanisms by which TCM active ingredients intervene in CHF through a review of relevant literature. It is found that various TCM active ingredients, including flavonoids (such as nobiletin), alkaloids (such as berberine), and polyphenols (such as resveratrol), can improve mitochondrial function, promote fatty acid oxidation, enhance glucose uptake and utilization efficiency, maintain metabolic balance, and alleviate oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in myocardial cells by regulating the expression and rhythms of core circadian clock genes such as CLOCK, BMAL1, PER, and CRY. These actions thereby correct energy metabolism disorders and improve cardiac function. Further exploration of the interaction mechanisms between these components and the circadian rhythms holds promise for providing novel theoretical foundations and potential intervention strategies for the prevention and treatment of CHF.
9.Efficacy Analysis of RCT of Arsenic-containing TCM Compound in Treatment of Myelodysplastic Syndrome Based on MMRM and Win Ratio
Daxiang SUN ; Peizhen JIANG ; Haixia DI ; Bing WU ; Qifeng LIU ; Jian LIU ; Jiahe LIANG ; Xudong TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):251-259
ObjectiveThis paper aims to conduct a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial on the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with deficiency of both the spleen and kidney and blockage of toxin and blood stasis with an arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound, by applying the mixed model for repeated measure (MMRM) and the method of stratified composite outcome with win ratio. The analysis includes the assessment of hematological efficacy and the composite outcome evaluation of adverse reactions, so as to more comprehensively assess the therapy of this regimen. MethodsThe MMRM and win ratio methods were used to evaluate the efficacy of a prospective,multi-center,double-blind,randomized controlled study. The blood routine (hemoglobin concentration,neutrophil count, and platelet count) and biochemical indexes (aspartate aminotransferase,alanine aminotransferase,serum creatinine,and serum ferritin) of the patients were detected at the time of enrollment and at the end of each course of treatment in the laboratory department of Xiyuan Hospital. The patients' syndromes at the time of enrollment and after treatment were recorded and scored according to the therapy standard of traditional Chinese medicine for diseases and syndromes. MMRM was used to analyze the blood routine indexes of the experimental group and the control group. This method has the advantages of high data reliability and dynamic efficacy under intervention and time. The win ratio method was used to evaluate the composite outcome of traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores and biochemical indexes according to the priority and to verify the clinical safety of arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound. ResultsThe results of MMRM analysis showed that the hemoglobin concentration of patients in the group with arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound increased significantly compared with that before treatment in the group,while that in the placebo group decreased significantly (P<0.01). When compared with that after treatment in the placebo group,the hemoglobin concentration of patients in the group with arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound increased significantly,and the mean difference of least squares (LS) was statistically significant (P<0.01). When compared with those before treatment in the group,there were no statistically significant differences in the neutrophil count and platelet count in both groups. After treatment,there were no statistically significant differences in the neutrophil count, platelet count, and the mean difference of LS between the two groups. The analysis results of win ratio showed that the group with arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound had a significant advantage in the comparison of composite outcomes,with a win ratio (95% CI) of 2.01 (1.24-3.27) (P<0.01),and that the possibility of "winning" in terms of safety was 2.01 times that of the placebo group. The safety advantage of the group with arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound mainly came from the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome scores,renal function indexes, and iron reserve capacity indexes,and the number of winning times was less than that of losing times in the comparison of liver function outcomes. ConclusionThe MMRM analysis proves that the arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound can significantly improve the hemoglobin concentration of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome with refractory cytopenia and multilineage dysplasia (MDS-RCMD) of the type of deficiency of both the spleen and kidney and blockage of toxin and blood stasis. This conclusion is not interfered with by time trends and individual relationships and methodologically improves the credibility of the therapy of the arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound in treating MDS. Four outcomes are evaluated by the win ratio method,namely traditional Chinese medicine syndromes,liver function,renal function, and iron reserve capacity,proving that the arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound has the comprehensive advantages of improving the survival quality of the patients and reducing adverse reactions. The win ratio outcome provides clear comparative indexes for the evaluation of adverse reactions,making it easier for regulatory authorities,medical staff, and patients to understand the safety of the arsenic-containing traditional Chinese medicine compound in clinical application.
10.Evaluation of Taraxacum mongolicum Germplasm Resources Based on Characteristic Profiles and Chemical Markers
Lantian SHI ; Xiaojie LIU ; Xiaolin LI ; Yutong HUA
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):267-275
ObjectiveBased on the established characteristic profiles, quantitative analysis of multiple components, and chemometric analysis of Taraxacum mongolicum, the quality of different T. mongolicum germplasms was evaluated at the chemical level, thereby providing a reference for the screening of high-quality germplasms and the rational utilization of wild resources. MethodsAn ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was employed to establish characteristic profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were then adopted to screen and comprehensively rank marker compounds. ResultsThe UPLC fingerprint of T. mongolicum germplasm identified 13 chromatographic peaks corresponding to gallic acid, coumaric acid, neochlorogenic acid, monocaffeoyltartaric acid, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, cichoric acid, luteoloside, isochlorogenic acid B, isochlorogenic acid A, and isochlorogenic acid C. Combined with chemometric analysis such as PCA and PLS-DA, eight core markers (cichoric acid, luteoloside, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid B, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, isochlorogenic acid C, and isochlorogenic acid A) were screened for distinguishing wild and cultivated germplasms. Additionally, eight core markers (cichoric acid, caffeic acid, luteoloside, chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, isochlorogenic acid A, monocaffeoyltartaric acid, and neochlorogenic acid) were selected for the evaluation and screening of different T. mongolicum germplasms. ConclusionThis study establishes a UPLC analysis method capable of simultaneously determining 13 characteristic components in T. mongolicum, such as cichoric acid and chlorogenic acid, as well as their precursor compound contents in the biosynthetic pathway. Based on the above methods, three T. mongolicum germplasms (PGY-004, PGY-009, and PGY-010) with promising medicinal potential are selected for subsequent research on variety breeding. The present study provides a reference for quality control of Taraxacum mongolicum, germplasm screening, and the rational development and utilization of wild resources.


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