1.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
3.Efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of early triple-negative breast cancer:a meta-analysis
Zhixuan YANG ; Shuo LI ; Peiyuan WANG ; Hongxin QIE ; Wenlin GONG ; Xiaonan GAO ; Jinglin GAO ; Mingxia WANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):238-243
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in the treatment of early triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ICIs combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy (experimental group) versus neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (control group) were retrieved from PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, and VIP databases, as well as relevant studies published at oncology academic conferences. The search period was from database inception to June 30, 2025. After literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment, a meta-analysis was performed by using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS A total of 6 RCTs involving 3 786 patients were finally included. The meta-analysis results showed that the experimental group had superior event-free survival [HR=0.73, 95%CI (0.62, 0.85), P<0.000 1], overall survival [HR=0.69, 95%CI (0.57, 0.84), P=0.000 3], and pathological complete response (pCR) [OR=1.57, 95%CI (1.37, 1.80), P<0.000 01] compared to the control group. The incidence of ≥grade 3 adverse event (AE), severe AE (SAE), and ≥ grade 3 immune-related adverse event (irAE) in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of any AE or any irAE (P>0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that, regardless of programmed cell death ligand 1 expression status (negative or positive),the pCR in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the pCR of the patients with positive lymph nodes in the experimental group was significantly higher to that in the ontrol group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in pCR between the two groups with negative lymph nodes (P=0.09). CONCLUSIONS ICIs combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy can significantly improve event-free survival and overall survival in patients with TNBC, providing patients with long-term survival benefits. However, the risk of ≥ grade 3 AE, SAE and ≥ grade 3 irAE has increased.
4.Establishment and Evaluation of New Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis Combined with Interstitial Lung Disease
Liting XU ; Qingyu ZHAO ; Chao YANG ; Lianhua HE ; Congcong SUN ; Shuangrong GAO ; Lili WANG ; Chunfang LIU ; Na LIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):81-90
ObjectiveTo establish a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis with interstitial lung disease (RA-ILD) in DBA/1 mice using Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) infection combined with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), and to comprehensively evaluate pathological characteristics in joints, lungs, and serum. MethodsForty DBA/1 mice were randomly divided into four groups, i.e., Control, Pg infection (Pg), CIA, and Pg infection combined with CIA (Pg+CIA), with 10 mice in each group. Arthritis clinical symptoms were evaluated by recording arthritis incidence and clinical scores. Micro-CT scanning was used to assess knee joint pathology. Histopathological changes and collagen deposition in knee joints and lung tissues were analyzed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry was performed to detect protein expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), typeⅠ collagen (ColⅠ), and fibronectin (FN) in lung tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(Real-time PCR)was used to measure mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, ColⅠ, FN, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β in lung tissues. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of Pg, cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP), and immunoglobulin G (IgG). ResultsJoint lesions: The CIA and Pg+CIA groups showed 100% arthritis incidence, with evident joint redness, swelling, and deformity. The number of affected limbs was 27 and 28, and clinical scores were 68 and 70, respectively. No obvious clinical symptoms were observed in the Pg group. Histopathological and imaging analyses showed severe joint lesions in the CIA and Pg+CIA groups, with significantly increased histopathological scores, bone mineral density, bone volume fraction, trabecular thickness, and trabecular number compared to the Control group (P<0.01). No obvious joint pathology was observed in the Pg group. Lung lesions: The Pg+CIA group exhibited marked alveolar inflammation, interstitial inflammatory cell infiltration, and alveolar wall thickening, with pronounced blue staining of collagen fibers. Histopathological scores and collagen area ratios were significantly higher than those of the Control, Pg, and CIA groups (P<0.05). Lung protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, ColⅠ, and FN were markedly increased, and mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were significantly elevated compared to the Control group (P<0.05). Serology: The Pg+CIA group showed significantly higher levels of CCP, Pg, and IgG compared with the Control, Pg, and CIA groups (P<0.05). ConclusionDBA/1 mice subjected to Pg infection combined with CIA exhibited pronounced symptoms and pathological features of RA-ILD, along with elevated serum anti-CCP antibody levels. This model represents a novel RA-ILD mouse model, providing a valuable experimental tool for investigating RA-ILD pathogenesis and developing new therapeutics, and serves as a basis for establishing anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (ACPA)-positive RA-ILD animal models.
5.Mechanism of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis Extract in Treating Parkinson's Disease Based on Lipidomics
Ningxia LU ; Ao GAO ; Yehao WANG ; Jinjin YANG ; Yi LU ; Fang LU ; Shumin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):91-99
ObjectiveAbnormal lipids in neurons can cause the accumulation of α-synuclein(α-syn). This study aimed to explore the mechanism of Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix et Rhizoma seu Caulis extract (ASH) in treating Parkinson's disease (PD) mice using lipidomics combined with network pharmacology. MethodsMice were divided into the blank group, model group and ASH (45.5 mg·kg-1) group. Motor ability was evaluated by pole climbing time and autonomous activity count; The oxidative stress indicators were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Lipid biomarkers in brain tissues were screened and identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS), and metabolic pathway analysis was conducted. The key targets of ASH for PD treatment were explored using network pharmacology. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) database was used for pathway enrichment analysis, and the "compound-reaction-enzyme-gene" network was constructed using the MetScape plugin. The protein expression levels of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1), glutathione S-transferase Mu 2 (GSTM2), prostaglandin peroxide synthase 1 (PTGS1), prostaglandin peroxide synthase 2 (PTGS2), and prostaglandin E synthase (PTGES) were validated by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the model group showed significantly prolonged pole climbing time and reduced autonomous activity count (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the ASH group demonstrated significantly faster pole climbing and increased autonomous activity count (P<0.01). The model group exhibited significantly decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) levels, and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) level in brain tissues compared with the blank group (P<0.01). The ASH group showed increased SOD and GSH-Px levels and decreased MDA level compared with the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01). Lipidomics analysis identified 10 differential metabolites and 8 differential metabolic pathways. Network pharmacological analysis revealed 213 intersection targets between ASH components and PD, with KEGG enrichment involving the sphingolipid signaling pathway, lipid arteriosclerosis, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B(PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK) signaling pathway, and hypoxia inducible factor-1(HIF-1) signaling pathway. Integrated lipidomics and network pharmacology analysis highlighted the central role of the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway. The Western blot results showed that ASH effectively up-regulated GSTP1, GSTM2, and PTGS1 protein expression, and down-regulated PTGS2 and PTGES protein expression. ConclusionASH can ameliorate behavioral deficits, exert antioxidant effects, regulate lipid differential metabolites and the arachidonic acid metabolic pathway, thereby exerting therapeutic effects in PD model mice.
6.Mechanisms of Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo Prescription in Improving Renal Fibrosis in Rats with Chronic Kidney Disease Based on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway
Xincui BAO ; Baosheng ZHAO ; Lingling QIN ; Haiyan WANG ; Jing YANG ; You WANG ; Lijia WU ; Yujin LI ; Ming GAO ; Cuiyan LYU ; Tonghua LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(6):100-108
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription improves renal fibrosis in rats with chronic kidney disease (CKD) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway. MethodsSeventy specific pathogen-free (SPF) Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into a control group (n=15) and a modeling group (n=55). Rats in the modeling group were administered a 2.5% adenine suspension at a dose of 200 mg·kg-1·d-1 by gavage for 4 weeks to establish a CKD model. Successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into a model group, an irbesartan group (20.25 mg·kg-1·d-1), and Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.82, 11.64, and 23.28 g·kg-1·d-1, respectively), with 10 rats in each group. Each group was administered an equal volume of physiological saline, the corresponding concentration of irbesartan, or Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription by gavage for 12 weeks. Body weight and renal function indices were dynamically monitored. Serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR), 24-hour urinary total protein (24 hUTP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured using an automatic biochemical analyzer. Renal histopathological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to detect the expression of PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt), and mTOR in renal tissues. Western blot was performed to assess the protein expression of PI3K, p-Akt, Akt, phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), and mTOR in renal tissues. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR) was used to determine the mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR in renal tissues. ResultsCompared with the model group, rats in the irbesartan group and the low-, medium-, and high-dose Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription groups showed significantly decreased levels of SCr, BUN, ACR, 24 hUTP, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P<0.01). AST levels were significantly increased (P<0.01), while no significant difference was observed in ALT levels. Histopathological examination revealed that, compared with the model group, renal tubular epithelial cell edema and necrosis and Bowman's capsule dilation were alleviated, inflammatory cell infiltration was reduced, and interstitial and glomerular fibrosis was markedly improved in all treatment groups, with the most pronounced effect observed in the high-dose Bushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription group. Real-time PCR results showed that mRNA expression levels of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR were significantly downregulated in the high-dose group (P<0.01). IHC results demonstrated that PI3K and p-Akt expression levels in renal tissues were significantly decreased in the high-dose group (P<0.01). Western blot analysis further confirmed that the expression levels of PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR were significantly reduced in the high-dose group (P<0.01). ConclusionBushen Tongluo Jiangzhuo prescription improves renal function indices in CKD rats, reduces collagen deposition in renal tissues, and decreases serum inflammatory factor levels. Its protective effect on renal function may be achieved by activating autophagy through downregulation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, thereby alleviating renal fibrosis.
7.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guideline for Clinical Application of Chinese Patent Medicine for External Use
Xin CUI ; Dingquan YANG ; Zhennian XIE ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Xu WEI ; Jinghua GAO ; Lianxin WANG ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):252-259
The Pharmacovigilance Guideline for Clinical Application of Chinese Patent Medicine for External Use (T/CACM 1563.5—2024), the first guideline in China specializing for the clinical safety of Chinese patent medicines for external use, was led by the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and jointly developed by more than 30 research institutions of medical sciences across the country. Aiming to standardize the pharmacovigilance activities in the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines for external use,the guideline systematically categorizes potential risks and proposes prevention and control measures that cover 11 core sections of risk monitoring and reporting, signal identification,as well as assessment and control, addressing the gap in domestic and international standardization of this field. The compilation of this guideline strictly adhered to international norms and domestic regulations, involving multiple rounds of expert consultations,hybrid interviews, and evidence integration (covering literature,medical insurance,essential medicine,pharmacopoeia data, and regulatory information). With the scope of application defined to include medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers and distribution enterprises,as well as regulatory authorities, the guideline focuses on key issues such as inherent medicine risks,quality risks,off-label use,risks of combination therapy,and the safety in special populations. During the compilation,core discrepancies such as the definition of application scope and quality risk control were addressed to ensure alignment with regulations such as the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China and the Good Pharmacovigilance Practice. The guideline is registered internationally (PREPARE—2022CN463). In the future,the implementation of the guideline will be promoted through hierarchical dissemination,dynamic revision,and post-effectiveness evaluation, contributing to rational clinical use and improved patient safety.
8.Trends and drivers of lung cancer disease burden among residents in Jing'an District, Shanghai, from 2002 to 2021
Qiuping WAN ; Zhou ZHOU ; Yanmin WANG ; Yunhui WANG ; Wenjun GAO ; Xiaolie YIN ; Xiaoming YANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):214-221
Background Lung cancer, one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, has long ranked first in cancer incidence and mortality, posing a severe challenge to public health systems. Objective To analyze the trends in incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of lung cancer among residents in Jing'an District, Shanghai, from 2002 to 2021, explore the impacts of population aging, population growth, and age-specific prevalence on disease burden, and provide a scientific basis for optimizing regional lung cancer prevention and control strategies. Methods Based on the cancer registration and cause-of-death surveillance data of registered residents in Jing'an District, Shanghai, from 2002 to 2021, Joinpoint regression models were used to analyze the annual change trends (APC) and average annual change trends (AAPC) of lung cancer incidence, mortality, DALY rate, and their age-standardized rates. Decomposition analysis was applied to quantify the contribution of population aging, population growth, and age-specific prevalence to changes in the number of new cases, deaths, and DALYs. Results From 2002 to 2021, the crude incidence rate of lung cancer in Jing'an District increased from 68.00 per
9.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guideline for Clinical Application of Chinese Patent Medicine for External Use
Xin CUI ; Dingquan YANG ; Zhennian XIE ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Xu WEI ; Jinghua GAO ; Lianxin WANG ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):252-259
The Pharmacovigilance Guideline for Clinical Application of Chinese Patent Medicine for External Use (T/CACM 1563.5—2024), the first guideline in China specializing for the clinical safety of Chinese patent medicines for external use, was led by the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and jointly developed by more than 30 research institutions of medical sciences across the country. Aiming to standardize the pharmacovigilance activities in the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines for external use,the guideline systematically categorizes potential risks and proposes prevention and control measures that cover 11 core sections of risk monitoring and reporting, signal identification,as well as assessment and control, addressing the gap in domestic and international standardization of this field. The compilation of this guideline strictly adhered to international norms and domestic regulations, involving multiple rounds of expert consultations,hybrid interviews, and evidence integration (covering literature,medical insurance,essential medicine,pharmacopoeia data, and regulatory information). With the scope of application defined to include medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers and distribution enterprises,as well as regulatory authorities, the guideline focuses on key issues such as inherent medicine risks,quality risks,off-label use,risks of combination therapy,and the safety in special populations. During the compilation,core discrepancies such as the definition of application scope and quality risk control were addressed to ensure alignment with regulations such as the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China and the Good Pharmacovigilance Practice. The guideline is registered internationally (PREPARE—2022CN463). In the future,the implementation of the guideline will be promoted through hierarchical dissemination,dynamic revision,and post-effectiveness evaluation, contributing to rational clinical use and improved patient safety.
10.Transcatheter aortic valve replacement for aortic regurgitation complicated by Takayasu arteritis: A case report
Jianbin GAO ; Jian LI ; Yu YANG ; Mier MA ; Kairui YANG ; Wei LUO ; Ning WANG ; Da ZHU ; Wenbin OUYANG ; Xiangbin PAN
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2026;33(01):163-166
Patients with Takayasu arteritis combined with aortic valve disease often have a poor prognosis following surgical valve replacement, frequently encountering complications such as perivalvular leakage, valve detachment, and anastomotic aneurysm. This article presents a high-risk case wherein severe aortic valve insufficiency associated with Takayasu arteritis was successfully managed through transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the transapical approach. The patient had satisfactory valve function with no complications observed during the six-month postoperative follow-up. This case provides a minimally invasive and feasible alternative for the clinical management of such high-risk patients.

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