ObjectiveTo improve the efficiency of drug delivery, a mannose vinyl stearate mannose ligand (Man ligand) with active liver-targeting properties was synthesized.MethodsNon-aqueous enzymatic synthesis was used to modify the structure of mannose. Glycyrrhetinic acid-tanshinone lipid nanoparticles (GT-LN) and liver-targeted glycyrrhetinic acid-tanshinone mannose-modified lipid nanoparticles (GT-MLN) were prepared. The physicochemical properties and release profiles of both formulations were evaluated, and their pharmacokinetic behavior and tissue distribution were investigated.ResultsThe average particle sizes of GT-LN and GT-MLN were 190.20 ± 1.35 and 204.83 ± 3.86 nm, respectively, with corresponding surface Zeta potentials of −28.0 ± 1.68 and −30.24 ± 2.10 mV. The drug release profile of GT-LN conformed to the Higuchi equation, whereas that of GT-MLN followed both the first-order kinetic and Ritger–Peppas equations. Both formulations significantly enhanced the gastrointestinal stability of the drug. In vivo studies in mice demonstrated that hepatic GA and TSN concentrations in both groups were significantly higher than those in the original drug suspension group (P = .01). Notably, the concentrations in the GT-MLN group were significantly higher compared to the GT-LN group (P = .01).ConclusionMan ligand was formed via the linkage of vinyl stearate with the hydroxyl group at C-6 in mannose. The Man ligand endowed these lipid nanoparticles with obvious active liver-targeting properties. Our results provide an efficient and stable route of drug delivery to the liver with improved drug availability.

ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between Jiaotai pill (JTP), its main component berberine (BBR), and the serotonin (5-HT) system in regulating islet hormone secretion and alleviating pancreatic β-cell dysfunction during type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) progression.MethodsT2DM rat model was established using a high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection. JTP, BBR, and Metformin were intragastrically administered for 35 days. The analyzed indices included blood glucose, blood lipids, islet hormones, and proteins related to 5-HT synthesis, secretion, and transport. Additionally, an in vitro model of glucose injury in islet cells was established to study the effects of JTP and BBR on islet hormone secretion following tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) inhibition.ResultsJTP and BBR significantly improved blood glucose and lipid levels and islet morphology in T2DM rats. Both models exhibited reduced islet 5-HT levels and impaired islet hormone secretion. However, the administration of JTP and BBR reversed these effects. Furthermore, JTP and BBR upregulated the expression of TPH1(P = .0194, P = .0413) transglutaminase 2 (TGase2; P = .0492, P = .0349), serotonin transporter (SERT, P = .0090), and 5- hydroxytryptamine 1F receptor (5-HT1FR) in the islet 5-HT pathway (P = .0194). In the cell model, the regulatory effects of JTP and BBR on islet hormone levels were significantly weakened after TPH1 inhibition (P = .001), suggesting that JTP and BBR influence islet hormone secretion through the pancreatic 5-HT system.ConclusionThe islet 5-HT system is correlated with islet hormone secretion dysfunction in T2DM. JTP and BBR can improve islet hormone secretion by activating the TPH1/TGase2/SERT/5-HT1FR pathway in the islet 5-HT system in T2DM rats.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of Stellera chamaejasme L. (S. chamaejasme, Rui Xiang Lang Du) extract on hair growth in a mouse model.MethodsThe extract was prepared using 95% ethanol and topically applied as a 1% or 3% solution to the dorsal skin of shaved mice for 16 consecutive days. A control mouse group received an equal volume of vehicle for the same period. After 16 days, the dorsal skin was histologically examined through hematoxylin-eosin staining. Further, quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction was performed on skin tissue lysates to evaluate the expression levels of mRNAs encoding proteins involved in hair growth, including WNT10A, noggin (NOG), transforming growth factor-β receptor 1 (TBR1), epidermal growth factor (EGF), versican, fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10), lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β).ResultsCompared with vehicle, S. chamaejasme extract dose-dependently enhanced hair growth. Histological analysis revealed that S. chamaejasme extract increased the number and diameter of hair follicles in subcutaneous tissue, as well as dermal layer thickness, which are indicative of anagen phase induction. Additionally, S. chamaejasme extract upregulated the mRNA expression levels of WNT10A, NOG, TBR1, EFG, FGF10, LEF1, and TGF-β.ConclusionThe results suggest that S. chamaejasme extract could be a potential treatment for promoting hair growth.

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and goblet cell-stimulating effects of a suspension of Ophiopogon japonicus (L. f.) Ker Gawl. (O. japonicus, Mai Dong) extract combined with hyaluronic acid (HA) in the mouse model with dry eye disease (DED).MethodsA DED mouse model was induced using benzalkonium chloride (BAK), followed by treatment with O. japonicus extract-containing eye drops at varying concentrations. Experimental groups included a normal control, a DED model control, a positive control, and an O. japonicus extract-treated group. Corneal fluorescein staining and tear break-up time (TBUT) were used to assess tear film stability and ocular surface integrity. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured inflammatory factor levels in corneal and conjunctival tissues, whereas Western blot (WB) analyzed key antioxidant and inflammatory markers, including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (2Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). Periodic acid-schiff (PAS) staining and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate goblet cell density and mucin secretion.ResultsO. japonicus extract significantly improved corneal damage, reduced fluorescein staining scores, prolonged TBUT, and increased tear secretion. It downregulated inflammatory markers, including interleukin-8 (IL-8), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) while upregulating Nrf2, HO-1, and the interleukin-13 (IL-13)/IFN-γ ratio, alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. PAS staining showed increased conjunctival goblet cell density and restored mucin secretion, enhancing tear film stability.ConclusionO. japonicus extract demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and goblet cell-stimulating effects in a DED model, with good biocompatibility and promising therapeutic potential. Future research should optimize extraction processes and validate their efficacy and safety in clinical settings.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the quality of Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw. (L. japonicum, Hai Jin Sha) by comparing its components without stewed (W) and stewed (S) using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and chemometric analysis. Additionally, network pharmacology was employed to investigate the possible mechanisms of action of L. japonicum in the urinary calculi (UC) treatment.MethodsA fingerprinting method was established to identify components through UHPLC-tandem mass spectrometry. Chemometric techniques were used to compare the L. japonicum extraction methods. Furthermore, various network pharmacological approaches were used to identify and analyze the potential targets of the identified components in relation to UC.ResultsThe W and S extracts were distributed into two distinct clusters. Significant differences in the levels of protocatechuic aldehyde, caffeic acid, and p-coumaric acid were observed between S and W. Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the primary targets of L. japonicum in the UC treatment were serum albumin and epidermal growth factor receptors, with potential active components including protocatechuic acid and caffeic acid.ConclusionThis study comprehensively examined the therapeutic components of L. japonicum before and after boiling, shedding light on its potential mechanisms of action in UC treatment. These findings offer valuable insights into the development and utilization of L. japonicum resources.

Fu's subcutaneous needling (FSN) represents a non-pharmacological therapy that employs disposable needles for subcutaneous application, primarily targeting the relaxation of tightened muscles, invigoration of blood circulation, and alleviation of local tissue ischemia. Originating from traditional acupuncture and modern techniques, FSN effectively treats muscle-related conditions, including soft tissue injuries, neck-shoulder-back pain, visceral pain, and non-painful diseases. Its unique features encompass shallow needling, the swaying movement technique, and an emphasis on governing the spirit. FSN is characterized by rapid therapeutic responses, high repeatability, and minimal side effects, adhering to the keep it simple, stupid (KISS) principle in research by emphasizing simplicity and efficacy. By mechanically releasing chronic muscle tension, FSN improves arterial blood flow, halts pathological leakage of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and consequently resolves pain. This therapy offers a promising and safe approach for pain management and muscular health, deserving vigorous promotion and further scientific investigation.

Chronic pain affects 3.6 million Australians and this number is projected to reach 5.23 million by 2050, costing A$73.2 billion annually. Current care relies heavily on pharmacotherapy—particularly opioids—which leads to approximately 150 hospitalizations, 14 emergency visits, and three opioid-related deaths daily. National strategies now promote multimodal and non-pharmacological options. One of these options—acupuncture—offers a safe, evidence-based alternative with opioid-sparing effects for patients with acute and chronic pain. Therefore, its current application across various settings highlights its strong potential for integration into mainstream care. Here, we conducted a structured review of peer-reviewed literature, regulatory documents, workforce reports, and government publications on acupuncture to assess registration and education standards, workforce capacity, and professional and consumer acceptance of acupuncture. Australian pain management guidelines (2015–2025) that included acupuncture were systematically identified and evaluated. Acupuncture is a nationally registered profession with the protected title of “Acupuncturist.” Over 4800 practitioners currently provide care and consumer and professional attitudes are generally positive. However, public funding is minimal, with access largely dependent on out-of-pocket payments or limited private health insurance rebates. Few Australian guidelines recommend acupuncture for pain, in contrast to its more widespread endorsement in the United States and Europe. Some state health services and hospitals have piloted programs; however, their implementation remains fragmented. Global evidence, consumer acceptance, and the person-centered nature of acupuncture allow it to complement existing pain strategies and reduce opioid reliance in Australia. However, to achieve this, the profession must strengthen education in contemporary pain science, foster inter-professional collaboration, and expand research on its role in multidisciplinary care. Advocating for public funding is also critical. Embedding acupuncture within an integrated pain framework can better meet consumer needs, improve outcomes, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the healthcare system.

Chronic abdominal wall pain is common but often misdiagnosed, frequently mistaken for visceral disease. Abdominal cutaneous nerve entrapment syndrome (ACNES) is increasingly recognized in Western medicine as a major cause, typically managed with diagnostic nerve blocks and, in refractory cases, surgical neurectomy. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this condition aligns with “collateral disorder” (Luo Bing), in which pathogenic obstruction of superficial collaterals produces localized pain that is neither strictly external nor internal. This review examines conceptual parallels between ACNES and TCM, emphasizing theoretical foundations, modern innovations in minimally invasive acupuncture, and the potential for interdisciplinary integration. Western research on ACNES pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment is discussed alongside TCM classical sources and contemporary studies on Pizhen (a flat-head acupuncture needle) therapy. Western medicine provides diagnostic precision through imaging and nerve blocks but offers limited long-term solutions beyond invasive surgery. By contrast, TCM acupuncture, particularly Pizhen therapy, delivers a micro-invasive, precise, and systemic approach to fascial decompression and nerve release. Biomechanical studies indicate that it can relieve high-tension points, restore microcirculation, and regulate neuromuscular activity. Clinical practice highlights the importance of accurate localization of entrapment sites, pattern differentiation, and holistic regulation. Interdisciplinary integration combines the diagnostic strengths of Western medicine with the therapeutic versatility of TCM, reducing misdiagnosis, improving outcomes, and minimizing invasiveness. ACNES remains a treatable but under-recognized source of abdominal pain. Integrating minimally invasive TCM needle techniques with Western diagnostic methods offers a promising pathway toward precision and holistic care. Future priorities include standardizing protocols, conducting rigorous clinical trials, strengthening multidisciplinary collaboration, and enhancing public awareness. Such approaches hold strong potential to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with chronic abdominal wall pain.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of different acupuncture-related therapies in treating postoperative pain in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) after percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) or percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) using a network meta-analysis.MethodsA systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Scientific Journal Database, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (SinoMed) from their inception to January 15, 2025. Outcome measures included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score, and overall efficacy rate. Literature screening, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment were independently performed by two researchers. Data analysis was conducted using Stata 17.0 software.ResultsA total of 35 randomized controlled trials involving 2860 patients were included. The data analysis revealed that, in terms of improving VAS and ODI scores, the top three effective therapies were Fu's subcutaneous needling, wrist-ankle acupuncture, and acupotomy. For the overall efficacy rates in pain treatment, the top three therapies were wrist-ankle acupuncture, warm acupuncture and moxibustion, and Fu's subcutaneous needling. Based on the combined results across the three outcome measures, Fu's subcutaneous needling was found to be the most effective in relieving pain and improving lumbar function.ConclusionFu's subcutaneous needling, wrist-ankle acupuncture, warm acupuncture and moxibustion, and acupotomy were all effective in treating postoperative pain post-PKP/PVP and improving lumbar function. However, further high-quality, large-sample studies are required to confirm these findings.