1.Study on the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep
Ming QIAO ; Yao ZHAO ; Yi ZHU ; Yexia CAO ; Limei WEN ; Yuehong GONG ; Xiang LI ; Juanchen WANG ; Tao WANG ; Jianhua YANG ; Junping HU
China Pharmacy 2026;37(1):24-29
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. in improving sleep. METHODS Network pharmacology was employed to identify the active components of L. ruthenicum and their associated disease targets, followed by enrichment analysis. A caffeine‑induced zebrafish model of sleep deprivation was established , and the zebrafish were treated with L. ruthenicum Murr. extract (LRME) at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/mL, respectively; 24 h later, behavioral changes of zebrafish and pathological alterations in brain neurons were subsequently observed. The levels of inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)], oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT)], and neurotransmitters [5- hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamic acid (Glu), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE)] were measured. The protein expression levels of protein kinase B1 (AKT1), phosphorylated AKT1 (p-AKT1), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), sarcoma proto-oncogene,non-receptor tyrosine kinase (SRC), and heat shock protein 90α family class A member 1 (HSP90AA1) in the zebrafish were also determined. RESULTS A total of 12 active components and 176 intersecting disease targets were identified through network pharmacology analysis. Among these, apigenin, naringenin and others were recognized as core active compounds, while AKT1, EGFR and others served as key targets; EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway was identified as the critical pathway. The sleep improvement rates in zebrafish of LRME low-, medium-, and high-dose groups were 54.60%, 69.03% and 77.97%, 开发。E-mail:hjp_yft@163.com respectively, while the inhibition ratios of locomotor distance were 0.57, 0.83 and 0.95, respectively. Compared with the model group, the number of resting counts, resting time and resting distance were significantly increased/extended in LRME medium- and high-dose groups (P<0.05). Neuronal damage in the brain was alleviated. Additionally, the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, MDA, Glu, DA and NE, as well as the protein expression levels of AKT1, p-AKT1, EGFR, SRC and HSP90AA1, were markedly reduced (P<0.05), while the levels of IL-10, SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, 5-HT and GABA, as well as Bcl-2 protein expression, were significantly elevated (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS L. ruthenicum Murr. demonstrates sleep-improving effects, and its specific mechanism may be related to the regulation of inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter balance, and the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance signaling pathway.
2.Clinical Study on the Treatment of 70 Cases Chronic Atrophic Gastritis with Intestinal Metaplasia Using Xianglian Huazhuo Granules (香连化浊颗粒):A Randomized,Double-Blind,Placebo-Controlled Trial
Ziyu LI ; Maopeng ZHANG ; Wen ZHAO ; Wei LI ; Shiyun SHENG ; Haiyan BAI ; Qian YANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(5):473-479
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and possible mechanisms of Xianglian Huazhuo Granules (香连化浊颗粒, XHG) in the treatment of chronic atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia. MethodsA total of 140 patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 70 cases in each group. The treatment group received 12.5 g of XHG orally, twice daily. The control group received 12.5 g of placebo orally, twice daily. Both groups were treated for 6 months. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom scores, pathological types, serum tumor markers of the digestive system, and serum bile acids (TBA), interleukin-23 (IL-23), and Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK-1) levels were observed before and after treatment. Safety indicators and adverse events were recorded. After treatment, TCM syndrome efficacy and pathological types were evaluated, and patients were followed up for 18 months with gastric endoscopy and pathological results, which were compared with the results after treatment finished. ResultsTwo patients dropped out in the control group, and a total of 168 cases were included in the final analysis, 70 in the treatment group and 68 in the control group. The treatment group showed a significant reduction in TCM symptom scores, serum TBA, IL-23, and DKK-1 levels, and a significant increase in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) levels; in the control group, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CA125, CA199 levels significantly increased (P<0.05 or P<0.01); and carbohydrate antigen 242 (CA242) level in both the treatment group and the control group decreased significantly (P<0.01). The treatment group had lower TCM symptom scores and lower levels of serum TBA, IL-23, and DKK-1 compared to the control group (P<0.05). The effective rate for TCM syndrome efficacy in the treatment group was 80.00% (56/70), significantly higher than the 20.59% (14/68) in the control group (P < 0.05). The effective rate for pathological classification in the treatment group was 72.73% (8/11) for mixed intestinal metaplasia, significantly better than 46.15% (6/13) in the control group (P<0.05). No adverse events were reported in either group. Among 40 patients who had a follow-up endoscopy after one year, 21 were from the treatment group, of whom 11 showed reduced intestinal metaplasia, 9 showed no significant changes, and 1 had worsened; while 19 patients in the control group had 4 with reduced intestinal metaplasia, 13 with no significant changes, and 2 with worsened conditions. No cancer was detected in either group. The treatment group showed significantly better improvement in intestinal metaplasia on follow-up gastric endoscopy pathology than the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionXHG can significantly improve the clinical symptoms in patients with chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia and reduce the degree of mixed intestinal metaplasia. The mechanism may involve lowering serum TBA, DKK-1, and IL-23 levles, thus delaying the progression from inflammation to cancer.
3.Analyzing Differences in Volatile Components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Before and After Being Stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum Based on HS-GC-MS and Intelligent Sensory Technology
Li XIN ; Jiawen WEN ; Wenhui GONG ; Beibei ZHAO ; Shihao YAN ; Huashi CHEN ; Haiping LE ; Jinlian ZHANG ; Yanhua XUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):157-162
ObjectiveTo analyze the differences in color, odor and volatile components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(CRP) before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, and to explore the material basis of enhancing the effect of strengthening spleen after processing and the scientific connotation of decoction pieces processed with Halloysitum Rubrum as the auxiliary material. MethodsThe volatile components of the samples before and after processing were identified and relatively quantified by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS), and the volatile components were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). According to the principle of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1.5, volatile differential components before and after processing were screened. And combined with intelligent sensory technologies such as colorimeter and electronic nose, the chroma and odor information of CRP before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum were identified. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile differential components and chroma values. ResultsA total of 112 volatile components were identified from CRP and CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, of which 84 were from CRP and 97 were from CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum. And 7 differential components were selected, including α-pinene, β-myrcene, linalool, sabinene, ocimene isomer mixture, A-ocimene, and δ-elemene. After being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the brightness value(L*), yellow-blue value(b*) and total chromatic value(E*ab) of CRP were decreased(P<0.01), and red-green value(a*) was increased(P<0.01), the response values of S4, S5, S10 and S13 sensors were significantly increased(P<0.05), and the response values of S3 and S8 sensors were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that α-pinene and β-myrcene were negatively correlated with L* and E*ab, but positively correlated with a*. Sabinene was positively correlated with L* and E*ab. Linalool was positively correlated with L* and E*ab, and negatively correlated with a*. The ocimene isomer mixture was positively correlated with the L*. ConclusionAfter being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the appearance color, odor and volatile components of CRP change significantly, and α-pinene, β-myrcene, sabinene, linalool and A-ocimene are the characteristic volatile components before and after processing, which can provide references for the quality evaluation and clinical application of CRP and its processed products.
4.Analyzing Differences in Volatile Components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Before and After Being Stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum Based on HS-GC-MS and Intelligent Sensory Technology
Li XIN ; Jiawen WEN ; Wenhui GONG ; Beibei ZHAO ; Shihao YAN ; Huashi CHEN ; Haiping LE ; Jinlian ZHANG ; Yanhua XUE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):157-162
ObjectiveTo analyze the differences in color, odor and volatile components of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(CRP) before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, and to explore the material basis of enhancing the effect of strengthening spleen after processing and the scientific connotation of decoction pieces processed with Halloysitum Rubrum as the auxiliary material. MethodsThe volatile components of the samples before and after processing were identified and relatively quantified by headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS), and the volatile components were analyzed by principal component analysis(PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA). According to the principle of variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1.5, volatile differential components before and after processing were screened. And combined with intelligent sensory technologies such as colorimeter and electronic nose, the chroma and odor information of CRP before and after being stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum were identified. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore the correlation between volatile differential components and chroma values. ResultsA total of 112 volatile components were identified from CRP and CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum, of which 84 were from CRP and 97 were from CRP stir-fried with Halloysitum Rubrum. And 7 differential components were selected, including α-pinene, β-myrcene, linalool, sabinene, ocimene isomer mixture, A-ocimene, and δ-elemene. After being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the brightness value(L*), yellow-blue value(b*) and total chromatic value(E*ab) of CRP were decreased(P<0.01), and red-green value(a*) was increased(P<0.01), the response values of S4, S5, S10 and S13 sensors were significantly increased(P<0.05), and the response values of S3 and S8 sensors were significantly decreased(P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that α-pinene and β-myrcene were negatively correlated with L* and E*ab, but positively correlated with a*. Sabinene was positively correlated with L* and E*ab. Linalool was positively correlated with L* and E*ab, and negatively correlated with a*. The ocimene isomer mixture was positively correlated with the L*. ConclusionAfter being processed with Halloysitum Rubrum, the appearance color, odor and volatile components of CRP change significantly, and α-pinene, β-myrcene, sabinene, linalool and A-ocimene are the characteristic volatile components before and after processing, which can provide references for the quality evaluation and clinical application of CRP and its processed products.
5.Rapid Identification of Different Parts of Nardostachys jatamansi Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS and Ultra-fast Gas Phase Electronic Nose
Tao WANG ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Yang WEN ; Momeimei QU ; Min LI ; Jing WEI ; Xiaoming BAO ; Ying LI ; Yuan LIU ; Xiao LUO ; Wenbing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):182-191
ObjectiveTo establish a model that can quickly identify the aroma components in different parts of Nardostachys jatamansi, so as to provide a quality control basis for the market circulation and clinical use of N. jatamansi. MethodsHeadspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-SPME-GC-MS) combined with Smart aroma database and National Institute of Standards and Technology(NIST) database were used to characterize the aroma components in different parts of N. jatamansi, and the aroma components were quantified according to relative response factor(RRF) and three internal standards, and the markers of aroma differences in different parts of N. jatamansi were identified by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis(OPLS-DA) and cluster thermal analysis based on variable importance in the projection(VIP) value >1 and P<0.01. The odor data of different parts of N. jatamansi were collected by Heracles Ⅱ Neo ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose, and the correlation between compound types of aroma components collected by the ultra-fast gas phase electronic nose and the detection results of HS-SPME-GC-MS was investigated by drawing odor fingerprints and odor response radargrams. Chromatographic peak information with distinguishing ability≥0.700 and peak area≥200 was selected as sensor data, and the rapid identification model of different parts of N. jatamansi was established by principal component analysis(PCA), discriminant factor alysis(DFA), soft independent modeling of class analogies(SIMCA) and statistical quality control analysis(SQCA). ResultsThe HS-SPME-GC-MS results showed that there were 28 common components in the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi, of which 22 could be quantified and 12 significantly different components were screened out. Among these 12 components, the contents of five components(ethyl isovalerate, 2-pentylfuran, benzyl alcohol, nonanal and glacial acetic acid,) in the aboveground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the underground part(P<0.01), the contents of β-ionone, patchouli alcohol, α-caryophyllene, linalyl butyrate, valencene, 1,8-cineole and p-cymene in the underground part of N. jatamansi were significantly higher than those in the aboveground part(P<0.01). Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose results showed that the PCA discrimination index of the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi was 82, and the contribution rates of the principal component factors were 99.94% and 99.89% when 2 and 3 principal components were extracted, respectively. The contribution rate of the discriminant factor 1 of the DFA model constructed on the basis of PCA was 100%, the validation score of the SIMCA model for discrimination of the two parts was 99, and SQCA could clearly distinguish different parts of N. jatamansi. ConclusionHS-SPME-GC-MS can clarify the differential markers of underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi. The four analytical models provided by Heracles Ⅱ Neo electronic nose(PCA, DFA, SIMCA and SQCA) can realize the rapid identification of different parts of N. jatamansi. Combining the two results, it is speculated that terpenes and carboxylic acids may be the main factors contributing to the difference in aroma between the underground and aboveground parts of N. jatamansi.
6.Exploration of the Application of Fengfu (GV 16) Acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book (《扁鹊心书》)
Yawei ZHAO ; Haoying LI ; Lintong WEN ; Hefei WANG ; Wei WANG ; Hongyu WU ; Shijiang SUN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(1):98-101
By examining the records related to the Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book (《扁鹊心书》) compiled by the Song Dynasty physician DOU Cai, this study analyzed various aspects, including the differentiation of conditions treated with Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint, the theoretical foundation for selection of Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint, the application of needling manipulation, and the sensation of obtaining qi during acupuncture. The findings suggest that DOU Cai's approach to utilizing Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint differs from traditional methods, particularly emphasizing the effectiveness of achieving a sensation of heat and numbness. His unique techniques include transverse insertion at Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint and penetrated insertion to Fengchi (GB 20) and Yifeng (TE 17) acupoints. The records of Fengfu (GV 16) acupoint in BIAN Que Heart Book provide a valuable reference for its modern clinical application and further development.
7.Effect of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方) on Reproductive Aging,Ovarian Mechanical Micro-environment,and Offspring Reproductive Potential in Aged Model Mice
Jiaqi XU ; Xiaoli ZHAO ; Nan JIANG ; Kaixi LI ; Yafei DING ; Zimu WEN ; Yingying JIA ; Mengjun JIANG ; Tian XIA
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;66(6):612-620
ObjectiveTo explore the possible mechanisms of Wenyang Huazhuo Formula (温阳化浊方, WHF) in improving reproductive aging from the perspective of the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. MethodsThe experiment included five groups, 3-month group (20 female mice at 3 months of age), 6-month group (20 female mice at 6 months of age), 6-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 5 months of age treated with WHF), 9-month group (20 female mice at 9 months of age), and 9-month + WHF group (20 female mice at 8 months of age treated with WHF). The 6-month + WHF group and 9-month + WHF group were orally administered WHF 41.2 g/(kg·d) once daily for 4 consecutive weeks. The other three groups received no intervention. Reproductive hormone levels were measured by ELISA. HE staining was used to count the numbers of various stages of follicles. Ovarian hyaluronic acid (HA) content and collagen fiber content were measured to evaluate the ovarian mechanical microenvironment. Superovulation was performed to observe the number of eggs obtained, as well as the number of offspring and birth weight to assess fertility. The in vitro fertilization and blastocyst culture of oocytes from female offspring in each group were observed to evaluate the effect of WHF on offspring reproductive potential. ResultsCompared with the 3-month group, the 6-month group and 9-month group showed significantly decreased serum levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH), decreased ovarian collagen content, and reduced numbers of primordial and secondary follicles. In contrast, the numbers of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles increased. The levels of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), ovarian HA content, and the fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring were significantly lower (P<0.05). Compared with the 6-month group, the 6-month + WHF group showed significantly reduced serum levels of GnRH, FSH, and LH, with a significant decrease in primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles as well as increase of AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, and offspring birth weight (P<0.05). Compared with the 9-month group, the 9-month + WHF group exhibited reduced GnRH, FSH, and collagen fiber content, as well as reduced number of primary follicles, antral follicles, and atretic follicles. However, AMH levels, ovarian HA content, number of primordial and secondary follicle, egg count, offspring numbers, birth weight, fertilization rate, cleavage rate, and blastocyst formation rate of oocytes from offspring all significantly increased (P<0.05). ConclusionWHF can significantly improve the ovarian reserve, fertility, and reproductive potential in offspring during reproductive mid-life and late-life stages. Its effect may be related to the remodeling of the mechanical microenvironment of aging ovaries. Moreover, the effect on the mechanical microenvironment remodeling of late-stage ovaries and the improvement of the offspring reproductive potential is more significant.
8.Research progress in small molecule inhibitors of complement factor B
Shuai WEN ; Yao ZHAO ; Yan WANG ; Xing LI ; Yi MOU ; Zheng-yu JIANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):37-47
The alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of several diseases including paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH), atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), C3 glomerular disease (C3G) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Complement factor B (CFB) is a trypsin-like serine protein that circulates in the human bloodstream in a latent form. As a key node of the alternative pathway, it is an important target for the treatment of diseases mediated by the complement system. With the successful launch of iptacopan, the CFB small molecule inhibitors has become a current research hotspot, a number of domestic and foreign pharmaceutical companies are actively developing CFB small molecule inhibitors. In this paper, the research progress of CFB small molecule inhibitors in recent years is systematically summarized, the representative compounds and their activities are introduced according to structural types and design ideas, so as to provide reference and ideas for the subsequent research on CFB small molecule inhibitors.
9.An alkyne and two phenylpropanoid derivants from Carthamus tinctorius L.
Lin-qing QIAO ; Ge-ge XIA ; Ying-jie LI ; Wen-xuan ZHAO ; Yan-zhi WANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):185-190
The chemical constituents from the
10.Research Progress on Qingwen Baidu Decoction and Its Active Ingredients in Prevention of Lung Injury
Xiaojie LIN ; Xianan WEN ; Qiaolin ZENG ; Li WANG ; Yuanru ZHENG ; Jie ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):315-322
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a common and highly lethal clinical syndrome characterized by acute progressive respiratory failure. Currently, the treatment of ALI primarily involves respiratory support therapy and symptomatic pharmacotherapy, yet there is still a lack of specific and effective pharmacological treatments. Qingwen Baidu decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine formula that has the effects of clearing heat, removing toxin, cooling blood, and purging fire. Its pharmacological effects include anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial, antiviral, sedative, and so on. The flavonoids, phenols, terpenes, and other components contained in this formula have strong pharmacological activity, which can regulate the inflammatory response caused and oxidative stress in ALI and maintain the integrity of alveolar-capillary barrier (ACB) by anti-apoptosis, anti-pathogen infection, and anti-pulmonary fibrosis, thereby improving the pathological changes of lung tissue. Among them, flavonoids have been reported more, and their mechanism of action is complex and diverse. For example, quercetin, luteolin, and baicalin act on multiple important targets, such as signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), etc. and participate in the regulation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1), and silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) signaling pathways, thereby intervening in pathological events such as inflammation, oxidative stress, cell apoptosis, and fibrosis. This paper aims to review the research progress on Qingwen Baidu decoction and its active ingredients in the prevention and treatment of lung injury in the expectation of providing reference for its subsequent pharmacological mechanism research and theoretical support for its clinical application and drug development in the treatment of ALI.

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