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.Advances in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment by Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on Cellular Senescence: A Review
Qixian MA ; Shiyu HAN ; Hui HUANG ; Jing TIAN ; Xu HAN ; Qingguang CHEN ; Hao LU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):322-330
Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most common and harmful complications of type 2 diabetes. DPN's pathogenesis include high blood sugar-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These factors are combined to damage nerve fibers, leading to sensory issues, pain, and numbness. Through a coordinated effect, these factors trigger nerve fiber damage and lead to sensory abnormalities, pain and numbness in limbs, and other symptoms, seriously restricting patients' activities of daily living and mobility. Recent research highlights that cellular senescence plays a critical role in DPN. Cellular senescence is manifested by the loss of cell proliferation ability, and further aggravates nerve damage via oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy impairment, inflammatory reaction, and other mechanisms, accelerating DPN occurrence and progression. In terms of medical treatment, current methods focus on blood sugar control, pain relief medicine, and microcirculation improvement, while no therapy has been developed based on cellular senescence. In contrast, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) shows a unique advantage in DPN prevention and treatment via cellular senescence modulation. TCM emphasizes a holistic approach, as well as syndrome differentiation and treatment, effective in anti-aging and nerve damage repair. Recent studies show that TCM active ingredients, including puerarin, ginsenosides, and berberine, can reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis via signaling pathway regulation, thereby slowing cellular senescence to alleviate nerve damage. Furthermore, TCM compounds such as Buyang Huanwutang, Taohong Siwutang, and Huangqi Guizhi Wuwutang exert synergistic effects on cellular senescence-related pathways to improve nerve health and reduce DPN clinical symptoms. Therefore, this paper reviews the literature related to the interaction between cellular senescence and DPN from the perspective of cellular senescence, summarizing the mechanism of DPN and TCM intervention strategies.
4.Chinese Medicine Regulates JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway to Treat Ovarian Cancer: A Review
Yue ZHANG ; Danni DING ; Jia LI ; Wenwen MA ; Fengjuan HAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):323-330
Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in women, with the mortality rate being the highest among gynaecological malignant tumors. As the atypical symptoms of OC are difficult to be detected in the early stage, most patients are already in the advanced stage when being diagnosed. As a result, the clinical treatment has limited effects. Currently, the main therapies for OC are surgery and chemotherapy, while their drug resistance and adverse reactions seriously reduce the quality of life of patients. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has attracted the attention of clinicians and researchers because of its high efficacy, low toxicity, and mild side effects. According to the TCM philosophy of treatment based on syndrome differentiation, the Chinese medicines with multiple targets, wide range, and mild side effects can be screened based on the molecular targets involved in the occurrence and development of OC, which can bring out the unique advantages of TCM in the treatment of OC. Modern studies have shown that the occurrence and development of OC are closely related to the abnormal expression of multiple signaling pathways. The continued abnormal activation of the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway can lead to abnormal proliferation and malignancy of OC. cause abnormal proliferation and malignant transformation of OC, which is closely related to the development of OC. In addition, studies have shown that Chinese medicine can inhibit the proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis and promote the autophagy and apoptosis of OC cells by regulating the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 signaling pathway, providing new therapeutic strategies and ideas for the prevention and treatment of OC. This paper summarizes the role of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in OC development by reviewing the relevant articles and reviews the mechanism and research progress of active components and compound prescriptions of Chinese medicine intervening in OC development by regulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. This review is expected to provide a systematic reference for clinical research and drug development of OC.
5.Effect of Acupuncture with the Method of Soothing the Liver and Regulating the Mind on the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway in the Hippocampus of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depression Model Mice
Bingxin WU ; Yi ZHOU ; Sibo HAN ; Xichang HUANG ; Junye MA ; Baile NING ; Shanze WANG ; Wenbin FU
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):526-531
ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of acupuncture with the method of soothing the liver and regulating the mind in improving depressive disorder. MethodsEighteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group, model group, and acupuncture group, with 6 mice in each group. The model group and the acupuncture group were subjected to depression induction by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), while the blank group received an equal volume of normal saline once daily for seven consecutive days. Concurrently, the acupuncture group received "soothing the liver and regulating the mind" acupuncture intervention starting from the first day of modeling, once daily for 14 days; whereas the blank group and the model group were only restrained without acupuncture. The sucrose preference test was used to assess sucrose preference rate, the open-field test to measure center stay time and total travel distance, and the forced swim test to evaluate immobility time. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe hippocampal morphological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in hippocampal tissue. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared to the blank group, the model group showed a significant reduction in sucrose preference rate, center stay time, and total travel distance, along with a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swim test, hippocampal IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, as well as TLR4 and NF-κB protein expression (P<0.01), and the histological examination revealed blurred hippocampal neuronal boundaries, loose arrangement, and some neurons exhibiting nuclear pyknosis and deep staining. Compared to the model group, the acupuncture group demonstrated a significant increase in sucrose preference rate, center stay time, and total travel distance, along with a significant reduction in immobility time in the forced swim test, hippocampal IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, and TLR4 and NF-κB protein expression (P<0.01), and the histological analysis showed that hippocampal neurons in the acupuncture group were more tightly arranged, with reduced nuclear pyknosis and deep staining. ConclusionAcupuncture with the "soothing the liver and regulating the mind" method can significantly improve depression-like behavior, potentially by inhibiting the hippocampal TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and alleviating inflammatory responses.
6.Clinical practice guidelines for intraoperative cell salvage in patients with malignant tumors
Changtai ZHU ; Ling LI ; Zhiqiang LI ; Xinjian WAN ; Shiyao CHEN ; Jian PAN ; Yi ZHANG ; Xiang REN ; Kun HAN ; Feng ZOU ; Aiqing WEN ; Ruiming RONG ; Rong XIA ; Baohua QIAN ; Xin MA
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2025;38(2):149-167
Intraoperative cell salvage (IOCS) has been widely applied as an important blood conservation measure in surgical operations. However, there is currently a lack of clinical practice guidelines for the implementation of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors. This report aims to provide clinicians with recommendations on the use of IOCS in patients with malignant tumors based on the review and assessment of the existed evidence. Data were derived from databases such as PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library and Wanfang. The guideline development team formulated recommendations based on the quality of evidence, balance of benefits and harms, patient preferences, and health economic assessments. This study constructed seven major clinical questions. The main conclusions of this guideline are as follows: 1) Compared with no perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (NPABT), perioperative allogeneic blood transfusion (PABT) leads to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 2) Compared with the transfusion of allogeneic blood or no transfusion, IOCS does not lead to a more unfavorable prognosis in cancer patients (Recommended); 3) The implementation of IOCS in cancer patients is economically feasible (Recommended); 4) Leukocyte depletion filters (LDF) should be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Strongly Recommended); 5) Irradiation treatment of autologous blood to be reinfused can be used when implementing IOCS in cancer patients (Recommended); 6) A careful assessment of the condition of cancer patients (meeting indications and excluding contraindications) should be conducted before implementing IOCS (Strongly Recommended); 7) Informed consent from cancer patients should be obtained when implementing IOCS, with a thorough pre-assessment of the patient's condition and the likelihood of blood loss, adherence to standardized internally audited management procedures, meeting corresponding conditions, and obtaining corresponding qualifications (Recommended). In brief, current evidence indicates that IOCS can be implemented for some malignant tumor patients who need allogeneic blood transfusion after physician full evaluation, and LDF or irradiation should be used during the implementation process.
7.Establishment and analysis of chronic rejection model of mouse heart transplantation
Wei ZHANG ; Qingrong ZHANG ; Maolin MA ; Qianghua LENG ; Fei HAN
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(1):99-105
Objective To establish a chronic rejection (CR) model of mouse heart transplantation and analyze its characteristics. Methods Allogeneic BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were used as donor and recipient for heart transplantation, and intraperitoneal injection of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4-immunoglobulin (CTLA4-Ig) was given 1 and 2 days after surgery. Graft survival time, donor specific antibody (DSA) level, graft pathology and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. Results In allogeneic transplantation model, graft survival time was prolonged after CTLA4-Ig treatment [(28.2±4.1) d vs. (7.0±0.7) d, P < 0.01]. The level of serum DSA-IgG increased at 2, 3 and 4 weeks after surgery, while the level of DSA-IgM remained unchanged. Myocardial cell injury, inflammatory cell infiltration, interstitial fibrosis and C4d deposition in capillaries were aggravated 3 weeks after operation and worsened 4 weeks after operation. The infiltrated immune cells were mainly macrophages, T cells and plasma cells. Conclusions Mouse allogeneic heart transplantation combined with CTLA4-Ig successfully establishes a CR model, which provides a basis for subsequent studies on the pathogenesis and intervention of CR.
8.Re-examination of Atractylodis Rhizoma and Dosage of Whole Formula in Yuejiuwan
Yanping HAN ; Yiyi ZHANG ; Huimin GAO ; Raorao LI ; Li YAO ; Zhaoxiang SUN ; Zhuo MA ; Huamin ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):223-233
Yuejuwan is a classic formula widely used by doctors to relieve liver and depression, with precise clinical efficacy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The authors used bibliometric methods to collect and collate 495 ancient data related to Yuejuwan, and 105 valid data were screened out, involving 68 ancient Chinese medical books. After systematic verification of the origin of the formula of Yuejuwan, the main treatment symptoms, the principle of the formula, the composition of the drug, the dosage, the preparation method, the decoction method, and other information, the results showed that Yuejuwan originated from the Danxi Xinfa (《丹溪心法》) of the Yuan Dynasty by ZHU Zhenheng, and it is composed of five medicines, namely Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Massa Medicata Fermentata, and Gardeniae Fructus. In terms of drug base, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Gardeniae Fructus are in line with the records in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and Massa Medicata Fermentata is used. The preparation method is as follows: Massa Medicata Fermentata and Gardeniae Fructus are fried, and Cyperi Rhizoma is roasted in vinegar. Chuanxiong Rhizoma is used in the raw form, and Atractylodis Rhizoma is prepared with rice swill. The formula can regulate Qi and relieve depression and broaden the middle and remove fullness. It is clinically used for the treatment of six types of depression syndromes, chest and diaphragm plumpness, abdominal distension and leg acid, acid swallowing and vomiting, eating and drinking disharmony, toothache, mouth and tongue sores, and other diseases. The most used dosage of the formula in the ancient records through the ages is converted into the modern dosage, namely 3.05 g Atractylodis Rhizoma, 3.05 g Cyperi Rhizoma, 3.05 g Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 3.05 g Massa Medicata Fermentata, and 3.05 g Gardeniae Fructus, and the daily dosage is 15.25 g. The converted dosage is similar to that recorded in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The formula is in pill form, and medicine should be taken with lukewarm boiled water after the meal. Through the excavation of the ancient literature related to Yuejuwan, the key information of the formula is identified, with a view to providing a more accurate reference for the clinical application of Yuejuwan and subsequent in-depth investigation.
9.Report of 4 cases of IgG4-related urinary diseases and literature review
Fanchao WEI ; Zhaoxiang WANG ; Mengwei XU ; Ruochen QI ; Guohui WANG ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Tong XU ; Jingliang ZHANG ; Shuaijun MA ; Weijun QIN ; Lijun YANG ; Shichao HAN
Journal of Modern Urology 2025;30(1):59-63
[Objective] To explore the clinical features of IgG4-related urinary diseases so as to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. [Methods] The clinical data of 4 cases of IgG4-related urinary system diseases diagnosed and treated in Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University during Aug.2019 and Dec.2023 were retrospectively collected.Here, we report on the diagnosis and treatment of these patients, analysing their symptoms, serology, imaging and pathology as well as their treatment and outcomes. [Results] The patients included 2 male and 2 female.The lesions were involved with the retroperitoneum and urinary system.Three patients had symptoms of lumbar pain.The imaging manifestations were complex, including retroperitoneal mass involving urinary system organs in 2 cases, tabdense shadow of the right kidney in 1 case, and simple cystic mass of kidney in 1 case.Serum IgG4 value was not detected before surgery.All patients underwent radical surgical treatment.Postoperative pathology showed fibrous tissue hyperplasia with a large number of plasma cells, lymphocytes, a few neutrophil infiltrates, and lymphoid follicles and obliterated vasculitis in some specimens.The number of IgG4+ plasma cells was more than 10 in all tissues under high power microscope.After surgery, 3 patients had symptoms improved, and serum IgG4 value was within the normal range; 1 patient (patem 3) had elevated IgG4 value during follow-up, received subsequent hormone therapy, and the serum IgG 4 level remained stable. [Conclusion] The symptoms of IgG4-related diseases involving the urinary system are non-specific, and the imaging findings are various, easily confused with other diseases.Early detection of serum IgG4 and biopsy pathology can help clinicians make correct diagnosis in the early stage.
10.Analysis of the evaluation mechanism and methodology of clinical comprehensive evaluation cases of drugs in China
Yuan QIAO ; Fangyi MA ; Yubei HAN ; Mingyue ZHAO ; Minghuan JIANG ; Yu FANG
China Pharmacy 2025;36(2):146-153
OBJECTIVE To sort out the evaluation mechanism and methodology of published cases of comprehensive clinical evaluation of drugs in China, and provide a reference for promoting standardized comprehensive clinical evaluation of drugs and strengthening policy transformation in China. METHODS Clinical comprehensive evaluation cases of drugs published in China from CNKI, Wanfang Data, PubMed and Web of Science were systematically searched, and the retrieval time was from the inception to December 31st, 2023. The summary and analysis were performed from the aspects of theme selection, indicator system construction, evaluation methods, comprehensive decision-making, quality control, etc. RESULTS A total of 143 pieces of literature were ultimately included from 2014 to 2023. The number of publications has shown a rapid upward trend since 2019. The subjects of the evaluation cases were mainly pediatric drugs, Chinese patent medicines, cardiovascular drugs and anti-tumor drugs. The evaluation dimensions were between 3-8, all involving safety and effectiveness dimensions. Most cases adopted rapid evaluation methods based on literature review and expert interviews/questionnaire surveys with less emphasis on real-world research. Most cases did not involve comprehensive decision-making, quality control, or policy transformation. CONCLUSIONS The clinical comprehensive evaluation of drugs in China has made rapid progress under the guidance of national policies. However, there are still issues and challenges such as incomplete evaluation methods and standards, few cases of evaluation results being converted into decision-making, and a lack of quality control mechanisms. It is suggested that standardized evaluation paths and quality control mechanisms should be explored; when the evidence-based basis is insufficient, real-world research should be conducted as much as possible, so as to accelerate the policy transformation of evaluation results.

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