ObjectiveTo explore the impact of exogenous chitosan on the growth and metabolism of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (G. uralensis) and to improve the quality of cultivated G. uralensis for both medicine and food and aid in the increase in the content of effective components in G. uralensis.MethodsIn this study, whole G. uralensis plants were treated with exogenous chitosan, and comprehensive analyses of secondary metabolites and proteins were conducted using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation, respectively. Effects of chitosan induction on endogenous hormones of G. uralensis were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gene ontology function annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway annotation were conducted to study the effect of chitosan induction on the proteome.ResultsChitosan induction significantly increased the levels of flavonoids in G. uralensis; however, the variation in triterpenoids was not substantial. Biological processes, including photosynthesis, secondary metabolism, and abiotic stress responses, were significantly enriched. Additionally, the photosynthetic pathway, photosynthesis-antenna protein pathway, and plant hormone signal transduction pathway were significantly enriched. In the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, the upstream-related enzyme phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and the downstream-related enzymes chalcone synthase (CHS), polyketide reductase (PKR), chalcone isomerase (CHI), and vestitone reductase (VR) were significantly upregulated.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that chitosan induction may promote the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, and the TCA cycle enhancement significantly upregulated PAL, CHS, PKR, CHI, and VR, the five key enzymes involved in flavonoid synthesis of G. uralensis, indicating that chitosan induction activated the entire metabolic pathway associated with flavonoids in G. uralensis. Our findings provide a reference for improving the quality of cultivated G. uralensis from the perspective of pharmacodynamic components.

ObjectiveTo improve the efficacy of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge (A. membranaceus, Huang Qi), and to further develop and utilize it, fermentation technology was applied to the stem and leaf of A. membranaceus to enhance its immune function.MethodsIn this study, we fermented A. membranaceus stem and leaf (ASL) with probiotics and investigated its immune function. Firstly, we screened suitable strains for ASL fermentation and optimized the fermentation process. Secondly, we determined the antioxidant capacity of fermented ASL and its effect on inflammation in mouse monocyte-macrophage cell. Finally, the immunocompromised mice were treated with fermented ASL to investigate the changes in their immune ability.ResultsAmong the 10 selected probiotics, Lactobacillus plantarum was the most suitable strain for ASL fermentation. After optimization of the fermentation process, the content of saponins in fermented ASL was significantly increased. The fermented ASL exhibited strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities in vitro. The in vivo immune efficacy improved by promoting the development of the spleen and thymus, as well as raising the immunoglobulin M, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β levels of in the serum.ConclusionThis study contributes to developing the non-medicinal parts of A. membranaceus, expands its medicinal resources, highlights the potential of fermentation technology to enhance these parts, and provides a reference for further development. Based on this approach, we can promote using non-medicinal parts of herbal medicines, minimize drug waste, and offer a reference for developing non-medicinal components in Chinese herbal medicines.

Chinese medicine, with its rich historical roots and holistic approach, has been a fundamental aspect of healthcare in East Asia and is now gaining global recognition. Founded on centuries of empirical knowledge and philosophical insight, Chinese medicine draws heavily from classical texts to guide its practices in herbal medicine and acupuncture. Despite its cultural and historical significance, integrating Chinese medicine into global healthcare systems presents challenges, notably the need for evidence-based practices to enhance credibility, ensure patient safety, and foster broader acceptance within the medical community. This paper explores how Chinese medicine can adopt evidence-based practices by incorporating principles of Western medicine into its research methodologies. It reviews the origins and philosophical foundations of Chinese medicine, examining its reliance on classical texts and empirical methods. The paper also highlights the differences between the personalised approach of Chinese medicine, which tailors treatments to individual needs, and the standardised protocols typical of Western medicine. Additionally, it addresses methodological challenges in Chinese medicine research, such as inconsistent diagnostic criteria and insufficient design rigour. To bridge these gaps, innovative research methodologies that respect the unique variability of Chinese medicine are needed. By adopting evidence-based practices and rigorous scientific validation, Chinese medicine can enhance its legitimacy and facilitate its integration into the global healthcare landscape.

Since the introduction of monoamine oxidase and monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitors for the treatment of major depression in the 1950s, their strengths and limitations have been fully and accurately determined. Therefore, the development of novel drugs for the treatment of depression has become a priority for researchers who aim to address treatment resistance and improve patient outcomes. Panax ginseng C. A. Mey (P. ginseng, Ren Shen) is a Chinese medicine used to treat neurological and psychiatric disorders. Numerous studies have shown that ginsenosides, the primary active constituents of P. ginseng, exert a wide range of effects on the central nervous system. Recent studies have demonstrated that ginsenosides possess significant antidepressant properties in animal models. Ginsenosides, such as Rb1 and Rg1, are steroidal molecules, and steroid derivatives have been successfully used in anesthesia, epilepsy, and more recently, postpartum depression treatment. Based on these findings, ginsenosides are promising candidates for the treatment of depression. This raises the following question: What are the prospects of using ginsenosides to treat depression? To gain a clearer understanding, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of recent research on the antidepressant potential of ginsenosides, along with insights and suggestions for future development in this field.

ObjectiveTo identify key factors influencing cognitive function in the elderly, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutional classification, and to rank their relative importance.MethodsWe used cross-sectional data from seven geographical regions across mainland China. The Changsha version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment was used to assess cognitive function. A “least absolute shrinkage and selection operator” (LASSO) model, multivariate linear regression analysis, and random forest (RF) model were used. Subgroup analyses were performed to examine the correlation between key TCM constitution types and cognitive function in different population subgroups.ResultsA total of 24 803 individuals aged 60 and above were included in the study. We selected 18 influential factors using the LASSO model. Higher education, being married, and having insurance were positively correlated with cognitive function in the elderly (all P .05). In contrast, poor sleep, vision impairment, hearing impairment, basic activities of daily living disability, instrumental activities of daily living disability, depression, hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke, yang-deficiency constitution (YADC), yin-deficiency constitution (YIDC), qi deficiency constitution (QDC), and blood stasis constitution (BSC) were negatively correlated with cognitive function (all P .05). YIDC and BSC affected all dimensions of cognitive function (all P .05). YADC mainly affected attention, language, abstraction (verbal analogies), memory, and orientation to time and place dimensions (P .001). QDC mainly affected language and abstraction (verbal analogies) dimensions (P .05). The negative correlations between BSC, YADC, YIDC, and QDC scores and cognitive function revealed statistically significant differences across most subgroups. The RF model identified education, BSC, and poor sleep quality as the three most influential factors in our study.ConclusionBSC, YADC, YIDC, and QDC were associated with cognitive decline in the elderly. Our findings provide new perspectives and significant references for interventions for early-stage cognitive disorders.

ObjectiveTo identify the active components in Maimendong decoction (MMDD) against pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and validate their molecular effects in vitro, while focusing on the role of methylophiopogonanone B in regulating fibrosis.MethodsData on MMDD components and targets were gathered from databases including BATMAN-TCM and PubMed, whereas the PF gene data were sourced from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD. Shared targets were determined using the STRING database, and molecular docking was used to analyze the essential molecules associated with fibrosis. To simulate PF conditions, human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HPF) and A549 cells were exposed to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Various assays were used to determine the effects of MMDD and methylophiopogonanone B on signaling pathways, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition.ResultsWe identified 11 active components from MMDD extracts that targeted 511 shared proteins associated with PF, revealing 10 key targets in network analysis. Gene ontology analysis indicated that processes and pathways such as apoptosis regulation and PI3K/Akt signaling were involved. In vitro experiments revealed that MMDD downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (COL-I), and collagen type III and regulated Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways to promote apoptosis. The flow cytometry apoptosis assay revealed that MMDD promoted the TGF-β1-induced apoptosis of myofibroblasts. The primary active ingredient in MMDD, methylophiopogonanone B, reduced α-SMA, COL-I, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related protein levels in TGF-β1-treated HPF cells, decreased Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3, and increased Bax. Moreover, methylophiopogonanone B increased E-cadherin levels and reduced α-SMA, fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail in TGF-β1-treated A549 cells.ConclusionMethylophiopogonanone B demonstrated the potential to treat PF by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis and inhibiting EMT. However, despite encouraging initial results, further clinical research is warranted to verify the safety and efficacy of methylophiopogonanone B in the management of PF

ObjectiveTo analyze and validate how Jiawei Sanpian decoction treats migraines by integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking technology, and experimental studies.MethodUsing network pharmacology, the chemical components and core target proteins of the Jiawei Sanpian decoction were analyzed. Key chemical components were docked with core targets using molecular docking, and the results were visualized. Nitroglycerin was injected into the dorsal cervical region to establish a rat migraine model. Finally, experiments were conducted to verify the effects of Jiawei Sanpian on related pathways and targets.ResultsFour notable chemical components were identified, namely, β-sitosterol, quercetin, mairin, and kaempferol. Five representative targets were identified, namely, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP-2), interleukin-2 (IL-2), superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2). Molecular docking results revealed that the minimum binding energies between the four chemical components and the five targets were below −5 kcal/mol, indicating favorable binding activity. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) results demonstrated the efficacy of high-dose Jiawei Sanpian decoction in treating migraine by targeting IGF-1, IL-2, MMP-2, and SOD2 (P .001). Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) results demonstrated the effectiveness of high-dose Jiawei Sanpian decoction in treating migraine by targeting IGF-1, IL-2, MMP-2, and SOD2 (P .001). After using erastin, the therapeutic effect of Jiawei Sanpian decoction declined.ConclusionThis study provides initial insights into the complex and multilayered therapeutic mechanisms of Jiawei Sanpian decoction in treating migraine, primarily through its diverse components, targets, and pathways. These findings indicate that Jiawei Sanpian decoction may exert its effects mainly through processes linked to the mitochondrial inflammatory pathway, thereby providing therapeutic benefits for migraine.

ObjectiveTo explore the key molecules regulated by norcantharidin (NCTD) in colon cancer treatment.MethodsWe used cell counting kit-8 and 5-ethnyl-2′-deoxyuridine/Hoechst staining assays to study the effects of NCTD on cell proliferation in colon cancer. Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining was used to evaluate apoptosis, whereas Transwell assays were conducted to evaluate migration and invasion. We performed RNA sequencing to analyze the changes in gene expression after treatment. Differential analysis was performed using differential expression sequencing 2 (Deseq2) in R. Cytoscape was used to construct a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets were used to validate sine oculis homeobox homolog 4 (SIX4) expression in colon cancer tissues. Furthermore, the prognostic potential of SIX4 was evaluated using receiver-operating characteristic curves. We conducted an immune infiltration analysis to explore the SIX4 relationship with the immune microenvironment in colon cancer. Finally, SIX4 expression, pan-cancer prognosis, tumor mutation burden (TMB) correlations, microsatellite instability (MSI), and mismatch repair (MMR) were analyzed.ResultsNCTD inhibited colon cancer cell proliferation (P .0001), induced apoptosis (P = .0007), and suppressed the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells. The H19/miR-193b-3p/SIX4 axis was identified as the key ceRNA network involved in the anticancer activity of NCTD. SIX4 is highly expressed in colon cancer tissues, shortening patient survival and affecting immune infiltration. A pan-cancer analysis showed that SIX4 overexpression affects the survival of various cancers. Finally, we correlated SIX4 expression with TMB, MSI, and MMR expression.ConclusionNCTD inhibits the malignant behaviour of colon cancer cells. SIX4 is abnormally expressed in multiple tumor types, significantly affecting the overall survival of patients with cancer, and is a core regulatory target of NCTD in the treatment of colon cancer.

ObjectiveTo assess the efficiency of a Sophora flavescens Ait (S. flavescens, Ku Shen)-soluble microneedle (SFA-MN) for improving skin lesion symptoms in mice with psoriasis.MethodsSFA-MNs were prepared using a two-mold molding process with 20% w/v polyvinylpyrrolidone and 15% w/v polyvinyl alcohol. The SFA-MNs were assessed for morphology, mechanical properties, in vitro dissolution, identification of components, and skin lesion improvement in imiquimod-induced psoriasis mice.ResultsThe SFA-MNs demonstrated good mechanical properties for efficiently penetrating the dermis, facilitating efficient drug delivery. Furthermore, they effectively inhibited mast cell levels in the dorsal lesion area of psoriasis mice and reduced the expression of the T-lymphocyte factor cluster of differentiation 3 and tumor necrosis factor-α. In addition, this system alleviated skin inflammation, splenic swelling, and thymic atrophy in the psoriasis-like mouse model. Seven major components were detected from SFA-MNs by comparison of the mass-to-nucleus ratios (m/z) of the secondary fragments N-methylcytisine, 5α, 9α-dihydroxymatrine, sophoramine, matrine, oxysophocarpine, oxymatrine, and kushenol O.ConclusionThe drug delivery strategy combining traditional herbal S. flavescens with soluble microneedle technology provides more targeted and effective immune regulation for treating psoriasis-like mice models, enabling enhanced therapeutic effects compared with the control group.

ObjectiveTo explore a rapid and accurate method for evaluating the quality of Prunus mandshurica (Maxim.) Koehne (P. mandshurica, Ku Xing Ren) during rancidity using machine vision and learning.MethodsSensory evaluation and chemometrics were used to classify P. mandshurica quality grades after rancidity. Chemical indicators of the P. mandshurica quality change were determined to verify the obtained grades and support the subsequent modeling. The International Commission on Illumination color space was used to extract the color features of the P. mandshurica. Discrimination and prediction models based on color features combined with multiple machine learning algorithms were established using 10-fold cross-validation and external test set validation.ResultsThe P. mandshurica rancidity samples were allocated to three quality grades. The Bayes net model based on powder color successfully identified the P. mandshurica at different grades with an accuracy of 88.89% and 100% using two validations, and the naive Bayes model based on section color achieved the same accuracy with an receiver operating characteristic area of 0.979. The instance-based k-nearest neighbors model based on powder color performed best in predicting the amygdalin content [R2 = 0.9801, mean absolute error (MAE) = 0.2071, root mean squared error (RMSE) = 0.4170], followed by the random committee model in predicting the acid value (R2 = 0.9580, MAE = 1.5121, RMSE = 1.9099) and the random forest model in predicting the peroxide value (R2 = 0.8857, MAE = 0.0027, RMSE = 0.0035).ConclusionThis study demonstrates that color digitization analysis is a potential method for rapidly evaluating the quality of P. mandshurica across the rancidity process, providing a new reference for the quality assessment of traditional Chinese medicines.