1.Effect of cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptors on neuronal differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells
Ziwei LIU ; NIJATI·TURSUN ; Rui YIN ; Shuhui LI ; Jing ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):93-100
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have demonstrated that the cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor can enhance the proliferation and neural differentiation of neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells.Moreover,cannabinoid type Ⅰ also governs the proliferation and mineralization capacity of human apical papilla stem cells.However,there are relatively few investigations concerning the impact of cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression on the neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of cannabinoid type Ⅰ on neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells in vitro.METHODS:Healthy third molars with immature root tips that need to be removed for orthodontic treatment were collected,and human apical papilla stem cells were isolated and cultured by tissue block method combined with enzyme digestion method.Cannabinoid type Ⅰ gene was introduced into human apical papilla stem cells by lentivirus-mediated transfection technique.A blank control group,a negative control group,and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group were set up.The transfection effect of overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ lentivirus on human apical papilla stem cells was verified by Western Blot.The control group,negative control group,cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251(cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor antagonist)group were set up.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay at 1,5,and 10 days after neural induction.On day 10 of neural induction,the expression levels of TH,NeuroD-1,and NCAM1 genes were detected by qRT-PCR,and the protein expression levels of Nestin and TUBB3 were detected by immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the expression of cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ protein in the cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the difference was significant(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the proliferation ability of human apical papilla stem cells in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was the strongest at 5 and 10 days after neural induction(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the mRNA expression of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH in the stem cells of the human apical papilla in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3 was significantly enhanced(P<0.05).(4)Compared with the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group,the proliferation ability,mRNA expression level of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH,as well as the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3,were significantly decreased in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251 group(P<0.05).These findings conclude that overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ promoted the proliferation and neural differentiation of human apical dentin papilla stem cells.
2.Effect of Yangjing Tongluo Prescription on Oxidative Damage of Endometrium in Rats with Intrauterine Adhesion Based on Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway
Jiaying CHEN ; Jing ZENG ; Zhaoling YOU ; Yonglian WANG ; Muya LIU ; Fang ZHOU ; Li TANG ; Sainan TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):100-108
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanisms of Yangjing Tongluo prescription (YJTL) in the treatment of intrauterine adhesion (IUA) from the perspective of oxidative stress mediated by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1) signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 48 rats with normal estrous cycles were selected and randomly divided into a normal group (n=8) and a modeling group (n=40). An IUA rat model was established using a dual-injury method combining surgical curettage and infection. Eight rats were randomly selected from the modeling group for a pilot experiment to confirm successful model establishment. After successful modeling, the remaining 32 rats were randomly divided into a model group, a low-dose YJTL group (YJTL-L), a high-dose YJTL group (YJTL-H), and a Progynova group. Rats in the normal and model groups were administered purified water (15 mL·kg-1) by gavage daily, while rats in the YJTL-L, YJTL-H, and Progynova groups received YJTL at doses of 6.43 and 12.86 g·kg-1 and Progynova at 2.06 × 10-4 g·kg-1, respectively, for 14 consecutive days. The general condition, uterine morphology, and uterine index of the rats were monitored. Histopathological changes in uterine tissue were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Protein expression levels of Keap1, Nrf2, and HO-1 in endometrial tissue were detected by Western blot. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to assess the distribution of Nrf2 and HO-1, as well as the expression of Nrf2 in the cytoplasm and nucleus. ResultsCompared with the normal group, rats in the model group exhibited poor mental status and reduced mobility, markedly edematous and tortuous uterine morphology, decreased gland number, and inflammatory reactions in the endometrium, along with an increased uterine organ index (P<0.05). Serum ROS levels were significantly increased (P<0.05), while serum GSH-Px levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). In endometrial tissue, Keap1 protein expression was increased (P<0.05), whereas Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression was decreased. Mild nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was observed, accompanied by increased relative fluorescence intensity of nuclear Nrf2 and decreased relative fluorescence intensity of cytoplasmic HO-1. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed varying degrees of improvement in the above symptoms and pathological changes. Serum ROS levels were reduced (P<0.05), serum GSH-Px levels were increased (P<0.05), Keap1 protein expression in endometrial tissue was decreased, and Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression was increased in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). Notably, significant nuclear translocation of Nrf2 was observed, with correspondingly increased relative fluorescence intensity of nuclear Nrf2 and enhanced relative fluorescence intensity of cytoplasmic HO-1. ConclusionYJTL may enhance antioxidant capacity and repair oxidative damage to the endometrial basal layer by regulating the Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.
3.Association between occupational noise exposure and depressive symptoms among employees in a petrochemical enterprise
Jianye PENG ; Zhuna SU ; Ruilian MO ; Jiaxin LI ; Qisheng WU ; Shiheng FAN ; Bingxian ZHOU ; De’e YU ; Jing ZHANG
Journal of Environmental and Occupational Medicine 2026;43(2):189-195
Background Depressive symptoms have become a significant factor affecting the physical and mental health of the occupational population, and workers in petroleum refining enterprises face multiple stressors in their work environment. Objective To explore the impact of occupational noise exposure on depressive symptoms among workers in a petroleum refining enterprise. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in July 2024 using a questionnaire survey among workers of a petroleum refining enterprise in Hainan Province. Basic information of the subjects was collected. The Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used to measure depressive symptoms, the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) scale was used to assess sleep quality, and the Chinese version of the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) scale was used to evaluate occupational stress. Chi-square test was employed to compare the differences in reporting depressive symptoms among populations with different characteristics. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the impact of occupational noise exposure and other factors on depressive symptoms. Results The overall positive rate of depressive symptoms in the study population was 42.7%. The results of the multifactor analysis indicated that compared with the control group, employees in both the low-exposure and high-exposure groups had elevated odds of depressive symptoms, with OR (95%CI) of 2.244 (1.131, 4.454) and 1.970 (1.009, 3.850), respectively. This association remained robust after adjusting for potential confounders, including gender, age, work tenure, and other occupational exposures. Additionally, female [OR (95%CI)=1.483 (1.039, 2.118)], exposure to benzene, toluene, or xylene [OR (95%CI)=1.621 (1.208, 2.174)], sleep disturbance [OR (95%CI)=3.772 (2.942, 4.838)], and occupational stress [OR (95%CI)=2.018 (1.575, 2.585)] were also significantly associated with higher odds of depressive symptoms. Conclusion The positive rate of depressive symptoms is relatively high among employees in this petrochemical enterprise, and occupational noise exposure may be a risk factor for depressive symptoms.
4.Nonlinear association of nap duration with anxiety and depressive symptoms among junior high school students
ZHOU Xin,LI Yanqiu,OU Junqi,LIN Jing,FENG Lihui,LIN Ziqiang,GAO Yanhui,LI Lixia
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(4):558-562
Objective:
To explore the association between nap duration with anxiety and depressive symptoms among junior high school students, in order to provide evidence for mental health interventions for adolescents.
Methods:
From May to June 2022, a combination of convenience sampling and cluster sampling was used to select 2 491 students from 2 junior high schools in Haizhu District, Guangzhou City for questionnaire survey and physical examination. The questionnaire collected nap duration, night time sleep duration, bedtime, physical activity, and sedentary behavior. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed using Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), respectively. Log-binomial regression model was used to analyze the association of nap duration with anxiety and depressive symptoms, as well as comorbidity among junior high school students, and a restricted cubic spline (RCS) Log-binomial regression model was employed to analyze the non linear relationship after adjusting for covariates.
Results:
The detection rates of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and comorbidity among junior high school students were 13.29%,14.65%,9.19%. After adjusting for covariates such as age, gender and nighttime sleep duration, compared with a school day nap duration of <30 min/d, a nap duration of 30-<60 min/d was associated with a reduced risk of anxiety symptoms ( APR =0.68, 95% CI =0.49-0.98) and comorbidity ( APR =0.56, 95% CI =0.39-0.87)(both P < 0.05 ). Compared with no napping on weekends, a nap duration of 30-<60 min/d was associated with a reduced risk of anxiety symptoms ( APR =0.62, 95% CI =0.41-0.88), depressive symptoms ( APR =0.52, 95% CI =0.34-0.75) and comorbidity ( APR = 0.52 , 95% CI =0.30-0.83)(all P <0.05). RCS curves showed a nonlinear relationship between weekend nap duration and the prevalence of anxiety, depressive symptoms and comorbidity among junior high school students(all P non linear <0.05); weekend nap duration of <120 min was associated with a lower risk of anxiety and depressive symptoms, and weekend nap duration of >180 min was associated with an increased risk.
Conclusions
Appropriate nap duration can help reduce the risk of anxiety, depressive symptoms, and the comorbidity among junior high school students. Adolescents should be guided to reasonably arrange nap duration for promoting physical and mental health.
5.Correlation of mitochondrial genetic differentiation and spatial variables of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province
Yuanyuan ZHANG ; Jing SONG ; Yuwan HAO ; Zaogai YANG ; Xinping SHI ; Siqi NING ; Hongqiong WANG ; Chunhong DU ; Jihua ZHOU ; Zongya ZHANG ; Kai LI ; Shizhu LI ; Yi DONG
Chinese Journal of Schistosomiasis Control 2026;38(1):54-59
Objective Objective To analyze the potential spatial factors affecting the genetic differentiation of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province. Methods A total of 13 administrative villages were selected from schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province as O. hupensis snail sampling sites. At least 200 snails were collected in each site, and the spatial variable data of each site were recorded, including longitude, latitude and altitude. Thirty active and Schistosoma japonicum uninfected O. hupensis snails were selected from each sampling site by means of the crawling method and the cercarial shedding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from O. hupensis snails. Following PCR amplification, purification of PCR amplification products and sequencing, the gene sequences of O. hupensis snail samples were spliced and edited using the DNAstar software and the NCBI database to yield the complete mitochondrial sequences of O. hupensis snails at each sampling site, and the mitochondrial genetic distance matrix of O. hupensis robertsoni was calculated at each sampling site. The geographical coordinates of each sampling site were marked using the software ArcGIS 10.2, and the straight-line geographical distance between each sampling site was calculated. The altitude difference, longitude difference and latitude difference between each sampling site were calculated using the Excel software, and the correlation between the mitochondrial genetic distance matrix of O. hupensis robertsoni and each spatial variable matrix was examined by using the Mantel test at 13 sampling sites in Yunnan Province. Results Among the 13 O. hupensis snail sampling sites in Yunnan Province, the largest mitochondrial genetic distance of O. hupensis robertsoni snail populations was seen between Anding Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Caizhuang Village, Midu County (26.244 2), and the largest geographical distance was seen between Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District and Cangling Village, Chuxiong County (272.64 km). The highest altitude difference was seen between Anding Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District (1 086.10 m), and the largest longitude difference was found between Qiandian Village, Eryuan County and Cangling Village, Chuxiong County (1.86°), while the largest latitude difference was measured between Leqiu Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District (1.81°). In addition, the mitochondrial genetic distance of O. hupensis robertsoni snail populations was positively correlated with altitude at 13 snail sampling sites in Yunnan Province (r = 0.542 8, P < 0.001), and showed no significant correlations with geographical distance (r = 0.093 4, P > 0.05), longitude (r = −0.199 5, P > 0.05) or latitude (r = 0.205 7, P > 0.05). Conclusion Altitude may be a potential spatial factor affecting the genetic differentiation of O. hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province.
6.Protective effect of the active component DMDD from Averrhoa carambola root on myocardial injury in diabetic mice and its correlation with the NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8 axis
Yongxin CHEN ; Yuxuan LI ; Kailei GU ; Jiajun YOU ; Xiaohan SUN ; Jing MA ; Yanping ZHOU ; Xiaojie WEI
China Pharmacy 2026;37(9):1141-1147
OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of 2-dodecyl-6-methoxy-2,5-diene-1,4-cyclohexanedione (DMDD), an active component from Averrhoa carambola root, on myocardial injury in diabetic mice based on the nuclear receptor coactivator 4/ferritin heavy chain 1/autophagy-related protein 8 (NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8) axis. METHODS The successfully modeled diabetic mice were randomly divided into model group and DMDD low-, medium-, and high-dose (12.5, 25, 50 mg/kg) groups, while an additional non-modeled control group was established, with 6 mice in each group. Each group received the corresponding drug solution or an equal volume of normal saline intragastically once daily for 21 consecutive days. After the administration, the levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatine kinase isoenzyme MB (CK-MB) were measured. Myocardial pathological changes, degree of fibrosis, and myocardial cell ultrastructure were observed. Myocardial cell death index and NCOA4 protein positive index were detected. The protein expression levels of NCOA4, FTH1, ATG8, solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) in cardiac tissue were measured. RESULTS Compared with model group, each DMDD group showed significant alleviation of cardiac pathological injury and varying degrees of improvement in the myocardial cell ultrastructure. The FBG and serum LDH and CK-MB levels, the myocardial cell death index and NCOA4 protein positive index,the protein expression levels of NCOA4, FTH1, and ATG8 in cardiac tissue were significantly decreased ( P <0.001), while the protein expression levels of SLC7A11 and GPX4 were significantly increased ( P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS DMDD can reduce blood glucose levels, alleviate myocardial histopathological injury, and inhibit cell death in diabetic mice. The mechanism is associated with inhibiting excessive activation of the NCOA4/FTH1/ATG8 axis and reducing ferritinophagy.
7.Effect of cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptors on neuronal differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells
Ziwei LIU ; NIJATI·TURSUN ; Rui YIN ; Shuhui LI ; Jing ZHOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(1):93-100
BACKGROUND:Previous studies have demonstrated that the cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor can enhance the proliferation and neural differentiation of neural stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells.Moreover,cannabinoid type Ⅰ also governs the proliferation and mineralization capacity of human apical papilla stem cells.However,there are relatively few investigations concerning the impact of cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression on the neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of cannabinoid type Ⅰ on neural differentiation of human apical papilla stem cells in vitro.METHODS:Healthy third molars with immature root tips that need to be removed for orthodontic treatment were collected,and human apical papilla stem cells were isolated and cultured by tissue block method combined with enzyme digestion method.Cannabinoid type Ⅰ gene was introduced into human apical papilla stem cells by lentivirus-mediated transfection technique.A blank control group,a negative control group,and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group were set up.The transfection effect of overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ lentivirus on human apical papilla stem cells was verified by Western Blot.The control group,negative control group,cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group and cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251(cannabinoid type Ⅰ receptor antagonist)group were set up.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay at 1,5,and 10 days after neural induction.On day 10 of neural induction,the expression levels of TH,NeuroD-1,and NCAM1 genes were detected by qRT-PCR,and the protein expression levels of Nestin and TUBB3 were detected by immunofluorescence.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the expression of cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ protein in the cannabinoid receptor Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the difference was significant(P<0.05).(2)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the proliferation ability of human apical papilla stem cells in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was the strongest at 5 and 10 days after neural induction(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the blank control group and the negative control group,the mRNA expression of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH in the stem cells of the human apical papilla in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group was significantly increased,and the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3 was significantly enhanced(P<0.05).(4)Compared with the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression group,the proliferation ability,mRNA expression level of NeuroD-1,NCAM1,and TH,as well as the fluorescence intensity of Nestin and TUBB3,were significantly decreased in the cannabinoid type Ⅰ overexpression+AM251 group(P<0.05).These findings conclude that overexpression of cannabinoid type Ⅰ promoted the proliferation and neural differentiation of human apical dentin papilla stem cells.
8.Effect of Spraying Nano-calcium Carbonate and Calcium Nitrate Tetrahydrate on Characters, Carbohydrate Components and Endogenous Hormones of Dendrobium officinale
Jing LI ; Rong ZHOU ; Yingyue HOU ; Wei CAI ; Xiaoyan ZHANG ; Shuang ZHANG ; Guangying DU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):208-216
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of foliar fertilizer of nano-calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate on the agronomic traits, carbohydrate and endogenous hormone contents of Dendrobium officinale planted for 1 year under greenhouse cultivation, in order to provide scientific basis for fertilization to improve the yield and quality of D. officinale. MethodsSingle-factor experimental design was adopted. Starting from early spring, D. officinale was treated with foliar spraying according to corresponding fertilizers. Three treatment groups were established based on different fertilizers, namely, a blank group(clear water), a nano-calcium carbonate group(0.727 g·L-1 nano-calcium carbonate water-soluble fertilizer), and a calcium nitrate tetrahydrate group(1.091 g·L-1 calcium nitrate tetrahydrate water-soluble fertilizer). The frequency of spraying was three times per month, and the entire treatment process lasted for nine months. The effects of various treatments on the traits and relative chlorophyll content of D. officinale were dynamically monitored. Sampling was conducted at three specific time points:August 2, 2023, September 8, 2023, and November 1, 2023, respectively. The contents of glucose and mannose in D. officinale stems were determined by high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC), the content of soluble sugars in D. officinale stems and leaves was determined by phenol method, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the concentrations of cytokinin and auxin. ResultsCompared with the blank group, the treatments with nano-calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate could significantly increase stem length, stem node number, leaf number, and tiller number. Among them, during the harvesting period in November, the stem length and tiller number, which are indicators related to the yield of D. officinale, increased by 60.85% and 19.23% after treatment with calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, and by 32.54% and 28.85% after treatment with nano-calcium carbonate, respectively. Compared with the blank group, treatments with nano-calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate could promote the accumulation of sucrose in the stems and leaves of D. officinale to varying degrees, as well as the accumulation of polysaccharides, mannose, and glucose in the stems. In addition, nano-calcium carbonate treatment also facilitated the accumulation of fructose in the stems and leaves of D. officinale. Specifically, during the harvesting period in November, polysaccharides and mannose, which were the main active ingredients in D. officinale stems, increased by 28.48% and 29.36% after treatment with calcium nitrate tetrahydrate, and by 39.91% and 82.62% after treatment with nano-calcium carbonate, respectively. In addition, compared with the blank group, the concentrations of auxin in the stems and leaves of D. officinale were significantly increased after treatment with calcium nitrate tetrahydrate(P<0.05). Similarly, the concentrations of cytokinin and auxin in the stems of D. officinale were also elevated after treatment with nano-calcium carbonate. Correlation analysis further indicated that elongation growth and tillering of D. officinale stems after foliar spraying of nano-calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate might be related to the accumulation of carbohydrates in the stems and leaves and the synergistic effect of auxin and cytokinin. ConclusionIn production practice, spraying nano-calcium carbonate and calcium nitrate tetrahydrate can promote the accumulation of cytokinin, auxin, and carbohydrate contents in the stems and leaves of D. officinale, and promote tillering and elongation growth of the stems.
9.Treatment of pathological myopic foveoschisis by pars plana vitrectomy with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane peeling and silicone oil tamponade
Jun ZHOU ; Yingqi LI ; Jing XU ; Zhumin YANG ; Xing HUANG ; Xian WANG
International Eye Science 2025;25(8):1358-1362
AIM: To investigate the clinical efficacy of pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)combined with fovea-sparing internal limiting membrane(ILM)peeling and silicone oil(SO)tamponade for treating pathological myopic foveoschisis(PMF).METHODS:This study is a retrospective observational analysis of 10 cases(10 eyes)diagnosed with PMF that underwent PPV with fovea-sparing ILM peeling and SO tamponade between January 2023 and November 2024. The best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central foveal thickness(CFT), foveoschisis(FS), and the detachment and reattachment of FS and macular fovea were assessed preoperatively and at 1 wk, 1 and 3 mo postoperatively.RESULTS:Among the 10 cases of PMF patients(10 eyes), the complete reattachment rate was 30%(3 eyes), while partial reattachment was observed in 70%(7 eyes). At 3 mo postoperatively, BCVA(LogMAR)was significantly improved to 0.957±0.393 compared with 1.432±0.509 before surgery(P<0.05), and both CFT(437.9±180.4 vs. 207.5±76.1 μm)and FS(686.5±172.2 vs. 290.7±86.6 μm)showed significant decreases(P<0.05). No complications such as macular hole, retinal detachment, silicone oil emulsification, or endophthalmitis were observed during the surgery or throughout the follow-up period.CONCLUSION:PPV with SO tamponade and fovea-sparing ILM peeling has been demonstrated to facilitate both visual acuity improvement and anatomical reattachment in cases of PMF.
10.Herbal Textual Research on Tribuli Fructus and Astragali Complanati Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Jiaqin MOU ; Wenjing LI ; Yanzhu MA ; Yue ZHOU ; Wenfeng YAN ; Shijun YANG ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):241-251
By systematically combing ancient and modern literature, this paper examined Tribuli Fructus and Astragali Complanati Semen(ACS) used in the famous classical formulas from the aspects of name, origin, production area, harvesting and processing, clinical efficacy, so as to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing such medicinal materials. The results showed that the names of Tribuli Fructus in the past dynasties were mostly derived from its morphology, and there were nicknames such as Baijili, Cijili and Dujili. The name of ACS in the past dynasties were mostly originated from its production areas, and there were nicknames such as Baijili, Shayuan Jili and Tongjili. Because both of them had the name of Baijili, confusion began to appear in the Song dynasty. In ancient and modern times, the main origin of Tribuli Fructus were Tribulus terrestris, and ancient literature recorded the genuine producing areas of Tribuli Fructus was Dali in Shaanxi and Tianshui in Gansu, but today it is mainly cultivated in Anhui and Shandong. The fruit is the medicinal part, harvested in autumn throughout history. There is no description of the quality of Tribuli Fructus in ancient times, and the plump, firm texture, grayish-white color is the best in modern times. Traditional processing methods for Tribuli Fructus included stir-frying and wine processing, while modern commonly used is purified, fried and salt-processed. The ancient records of Tribuli Fructus were spicy, bitter, and warm in nature, with modern research adding that it is slightly toxic. The main effects of ancient and modern times include treating wind disorders, improving vision, promoting muscle growth, and treating vitiligo. The mainstream base of ACS used throughout history is Astragalus complanatus. Ancient texts indicated ACS primarily originated from Shaanxi province. Today, the finest varieties come from Tongguan and Dali in Shaanxi. The medicinal part is the seed, traditionally harvested in autumn. Modern harvesting occurs in late autumn or early winter, followed by sun-drying. Ancient texts valued seeds with a fragrant aroma as superior, while modern standards prioritize plump, uniform and free of impurities. Traditional processing methods for ACS included frying until blackened and wine-frying, while modern practice commonly employs purification methods. In terms of medicinal properties, the ancient and modern records are sweet and warm in nature. Due to originally classified under Tribuli Fructus, its effects were thus regarded as equivalent to those of Tribuli Fructus, serving as the medicine for treating wind disorders, additional functions included tonifying the kidneys and treating vitiligo. The present record of its efficacy is to tonify the kidney and promote Yang, solidify sperm and reduce urine, nourish the liver and brighten the eye, etc. Based on the textual research results, it is suggested that when developing the famous classical formulas of Tribuli Fructus medicinal materials, we should pay attention to the specific reference object of Baijili, T. terrestris and A. complanatus should be identified and selected, and the processing method should be in accordance with the requirements of the formulas.


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