1.Interpretation of Middle-regulating Formulas Based on Fuxing Jue
Junqiao AN ; Yixin MA ; Dongmei LI ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):265-272
The Dunhuang manuscript Fuxing Jue takes the "Tangye Jingfa Tu" as the core of its theory on prescription and compatibility. Its medication principles mainly include the "five elements principle of tonifying and purging" and the "five elements principle of elimination and transformation". Based on the differentiation of deficiency and excess in the five Zang organs, it flexibly applies medicinal properties, usage, and flavor transformation for tonifying and purging, forming its unique method of medication and compatibility. In Taiyin disease, "fullness syndrome" often occurs together with "diarrhea", and these two conditions also serve as the primary indications for the middle-regulating formulas. Among them, Lizhong Wan (Tang) mainly address Taiyin deficiency. The three Xiexin Tang (Banxia Xiexin Tang, Gancao Xiexin Tang, Shengjiang Xiexin Tang) address Taiyin deficiency accompanied by pathogenic excess. The Sini Tangand Tongmai Sini Tang primarily treat dysfunction of the liver, spleen, and kidney with impaired opening and closing of Taiyin, manifesting as diarrhea. The medicinal flavors of middle-regulating formulas are pungent, sweet, and bitter, acting directly on the spleen of Taiyin. The pungent flavor induces purging of the spleen, sweet flavor tonifies the spleen, and bitter flavor eliminates lumps. When the constituent medicinal units of middle-regulating formulas are unified, the ratio of pungent to sweet flavors reflects the tonic and purgative strength of the formula. In addition, the two decoction methods, "short-term decoction to extract Qi" and "long-term decoction to extract flavor", also influence the formula's tonifying and purgative effects. Based on the composition of flavors and special decoction methods, this article discusses the differences in the use of middle-regulating formulas for treating "“fullness syndrome" versus "diarrhea". Dysfunction of the spleen can give rise to various diseases. Therefore, middle-regulating formulas are not limited to treating "deficiency, cold, and dampness" syndromes. Later generations of physicians further modified Lizhong Tang to treat "excess, heat, and dryness" syndromes, laying a solid foundation for more flexible and effective clinical application of middle-regulating formulas.
2.Interpretation of Middle-regulating Formulas Based on Fuxing Jue
Junqiao AN ; Yixin MA ; Dongmei LI ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):265-272
The Dunhuang manuscript Fuxing Jue takes the "Tangye Jingfa Tu" as the core of its theory on prescription and compatibility. Its medication principles mainly include the "five elements principle of tonifying and purging" and the "five elements principle of elimination and transformation". Based on the differentiation of deficiency and excess in the five Zang organs, it flexibly applies medicinal properties, usage, and flavor transformation for tonifying and purging, forming its unique method of medication and compatibility. In Taiyin disease, "fullness syndrome" often occurs together with "diarrhea", and these two conditions also serve as the primary indications for the middle-regulating formulas. Among them, Lizhong Wan (Tang) mainly address Taiyin deficiency. The three Xiexin Tang (Banxia Xiexin Tang, Gancao Xiexin Tang, Shengjiang Xiexin Tang) address Taiyin deficiency accompanied by pathogenic excess. The Sini Tangand Tongmai Sini Tang primarily treat dysfunction of the liver, spleen, and kidney with impaired opening and closing of Taiyin, manifesting as diarrhea. The medicinal flavors of middle-regulating formulas are pungent, sweet, and bitter, acting directly on the spleen of Taiyin. The pungent flavor induces purging of the spleen, sweet flavor tonifies the spleen, and bitter flavor eliminates lumps. When the constituent medicinal units of middle-regulating formulas are unified, the ratio of pungent to sweet flavors reflects the tonic and purgative strength of the formula. In addition, the two decoction methods, "short-term decoction to extract Qi" and "long-term decoction to extract flavor", also influence the formula's tonifying and purgative effects. Based on the composition of flavors and special decoction methods, this article discusses the differences in the use of middle-regulating formulas for treating "“fullness syndrome" versus "diarrhea". Dysfunction of the spleen can give rise to various diseases. Therefore, middle-regulating formulas are not limited to treating "deficiency, cold, and dampness" syndromes. Later generations of physicians further modified Lizhong Tang to treat "excess, heat, and dryness" syndromes, laying a solid foundation for more flexible and effective clinical application of middle-regulating formulas.
3.Intervention Strategies for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Using Combined Classical Formulas Based on the Theory of "Disease of Both Blood and Water"
Yuzhi JIA ; Qingyong HE ; Jie WANG ; Xin ZHAO ; Ziyi WANG ; Dongmei LI ; Junqiao AN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):370-374
Based on the theory of "disease of both blood and water" in Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (《金匮要略》), and in combination with the dynamic syndrome evolution of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), this paper systematically clarifies the pathomechanism of HFpEF, characterized by yang deficiency as the root, blood stasis as the pivotal factor and water retention as the manifestation. Accordingly, the therapeutic principles have been proposed, which are warming yang and banking up original qi to consolidate the root, activating blood and unblocking collaterals to smooth the mechanism, and promoting urination and regulating pivot to remove the branch. On this basis, a compound formula structure of "one monarch, one minister and one assistant" is established, forming an integrated intervention strategy that synergistically combines the three methods of warming yang, activating blood, and promoting urination through combined classical formulas. Zhenwu Decoction (真武汤), which warms yang and dissolves rheum, is used to consolidate the root and directly target the source of yang deficiency, serving as the monarch; Guizhi Fuling Pills (桂枝茯苓丸), which activates blood, promotes urination and unblocks the pivot, assists in interrupting the binding of blood stasis and water retention, serving as the minister; Tingli Dazao Xiefei Decoction (葶苈大枣泻肺汤), which regulates qi, disperses retained fluids, and eliminates the manifestation, alleviates acute water-retention symptoms, serving as the assistant. This compound formula is warming without being drying, diuretic without being drastic, and dispels stasis without consuming blood, thereby achieving the therapeutic effects of warming yang, activating blood, and promoting urination.
4.Animal Models of Carotid Vulnerable Plaques Based on Clinical Disease and Syndrome Characteristics of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Yuzhi JIA ; Qingyong HE ; Ziyi WANG ; Suwen CHEN ; Hui ZHANG ; Jing GAO ; Peihao WANG ; Junqiao AN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):235-240
The rupture of carotid vulnerable plaques is the core pathological basis for major cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. However, the insufficient alignment between existing animal models and the clinical disease and syndrome characteristics of traditional Chinese and western medicine has limited research progress. In this study, biomedical databases in China and abroad were systematically searched, and the modeling mechanisms and evaluation systems of carotid vulnerable plaque animal models were systematically assessed based on diagnostic criteria of both traditional Chinese and western medicine. Analysis of the clinical correspondence indicated that existing animal models can be categorized into four types: simple high-fat diet, surgical induction combined with high-fat feeding, genetic engineering combined with high-fat feeding, and drug induction combined with high-fat feeding. Among these, the compound strategy of surgical induction combined with high-fat feeding has become the current mainstream approach, showing good concordance with western medicine. The study found that the double balloon injury rabbit model and the ApoE-/- mouse carotid artery tandem constriction combined with high-fat feeding model demonstrated a high degree of clinical correspondence with both traditional Chinese and western medicine in terms of vulnerable plaque imaging and pathological features. Nevertheless, existing models still face significant technical limitations in faithfully simulating plaque pathology and in translating findings to clinical applications. To address these challenges, integrating complex comorbidity mechanism construction, multimodal dynamic mechanism monitoring, and collaborative evaluation systems of traditional Chinese and western medicine could enable the development of highly concordant carotid vulnerable plaque disease-syndrome combination animal models. Such models would provide a reproducible experimental platform for targeted drug development to regulate plaque stability and for individualized precision treatment, as well as a theoretical basis for innovation in clinical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
5.Treatment of Depression from the Perspective of Shaoyin Syndrome
Qianying HAO ; Ping LI ; Qingyong HE ; Ziyi WANG ; Zhe WANG
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(6):173-177
The key symptom of Shaoyin syndrome,"only wanting to sleep",aligns with the core symptoms of depression,such as"low mood and loss of interest in daily activities".Additionally,the timing of symptom resolution in Shaoyin syndrome,"from 11 PM to 3 AM",corresponds to the pattern of symptom changes in depression.Therefore,depression can be treated from the perspective of Shaoyin syndrome.The fundamental pathogenesis of depression involves Shaoyin heart-kidney yang deficiency.On one hand,heart-kidney yang deficiency leads to spleen yang deficiency,resulting in a lack of nourishment for the spirit.On the other hand,yang deficiency generates dampness,leading to the stagnation of yang qi and a lack of vitality in the spirit.Mahuang Fuzi Gancao Decoction is the primary formula for treating depression based on Shaoyin syndrome.This formula works by supplementing and warming yang,invigorating the heart and kidneys,warming the spleen to dispel cold,and nourishing the spirit to alleviate depression.Additionally,it promotes lung qi,drains water,and expels pathogens to invigorate the spirit.In clinical application,attention should be paid to the preparation of the herbs,dosage,method of decoction,and administration.The formula can also be adjusted with other classic formulas based on the patients'specific symptoms for optimal effectiveness.
6.Effects of Shenfu Injection in Inhibiting Ferroptosis on Oxidative Stress Injury in Rat Cardiomyocytes
Ziyi WANG ; Jin GUO ; Qian ZHANG ; Xiaoqian LIAO ; Xingyu FAN ; Zhixi HU ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(6):86-92
Objective To observe the effects of Shenfu Injection on ferroptosis-related factors and oxidative stress-related indexes in rat cardiomyocytes treated with isoproterenol;To explore its mechanism in treating chronic heart failure.Methods Isoproterenol was used to induce rat H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury.The cells were divided into normal group,model group,Shenfu Injection group and Ferrostatin-1 group,and treated with corresponding intervention.Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the ultrastructure of cellular mitochondria,ferrous ion fluorescent probe was used to detect Fe2+content in cells,flow cytometry was used to detect intracellular contents of ROS and Lipid-ROS;colorimetry was used to detect the contents of MDA,GSH,SOD and GSH-Px in cells;Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of GPX4,FTH1,SLC7A11,p53,COX2 and Nrf2 in cells.Results Compared with the normal group,the survival rate of H9c2 cells in the model group was significantly reduced(P<0.01),with cell swelling and rupture,mitochondrial shrinkage,decreased quantity and disordered arrangement,more damaged mitochondria,the contents of Fe2+,ROS,Lipid-ROS and MDA in cells significantly increased(P<0.01),while the contents of GSH,SOD and GSH-Px significantly decreased(P<0.01),the expressions of p53,COX2 protein and mRNA significantly increased(P<0.01),the expressions of GPX4,FTH1,SLC7A11 and Nrf2 protein and mRNA significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the survival rates of H9c2 cells in Shenfu Injection group and Ferrostatin-1 group significantly increased(P<0.01),there was a larger number of normal mitochondria and a more complete structure,the contents of Fe2+,ROS,Lipid-ROS and MDA in cells were significantly decreased(P<0.01),while the contents of GSH,SOD and GSH-Px were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.01),the expressions of p53,COX2 protein and mRNA were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01),while the expressions of GPX4,FTH1,SLC7A11 and Nrf2 protein and mRNA significantly increased(P<0.01).Conclusion Shenfu Injection can reduce p53 expression,weaken its inhibitory effect on SLC7A11,thereby promoting GPX4 expression,inhibiting ferroptosis,reducing lipid peroxide accumulation,increasing cellular antioxidant capacity,and alleviating myocardial cell oxidative damage.
7.Treatment of Narcolepsy from the Perspective of Shaoyin Disease
Shihao QI ; Qingyong HE ; Xiaohan LI ; Anqi LI
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(12):165-169
This article introduced clinical experience in treating narcolepsy from the perspective of Shaoyin disease.Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness,cataplexy and nocturnal sleep disturbances.The outline syndrome of Shaoyin disease with"constant desire to sleep"is highly similar to the manifestations of narcolepsy.Additionally,the core pathogenesis of narcolepsy involves Shaoyin heart-kidney yang deficiency,and the time when Shaoyin disease is about to be resolved coincides with the change time of narcolepsy.Based on the above,narcolepsy can be treated from Shaoyin disease.Mahuang Fuzi Gancao Decoction or Mahuang Xixin Fuzi Decoction can be selected to treat the disease.When treating clinical cases,it is necessary to adhere to the standards of original prescriptions:first,comply with the compatibility and dosage of the original prescriptions;second,Ephedrae Herba,Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata and Asari Radix et Rhizoma need to be decocted first without the lid and remove the foam;the third is to take medicine after breakfast and lunch to avoid affecting sleep at night.
8.Exploration on Pathogenesis and Treatment of Micro-inflammatory State of Chronic Heart Failure with Anxiety and Depression Based on Theory of"Deficient Qi Stagnation"
Ziyi WANG ; Xingyu FAN ; Yuzhi JIA ; Dongmei LI ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Information on Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;32(5):19-24
There is a close relationship between cardiovascular disease and psychological disease in pathogenesis,treatment and prognosis,but the specific pathological mechanism is not clear.This article explored the understanding of heart failure with anxiety and depression in TCM based on the theory of"deficient qi stagnation",and discussed the pathological mechanism and treatment methods of micro-inflammatory state in heart failure with anxiety and depression in combination with relevant research in both TCM and Western medicine.It is believed that"deficient qi"is the internal factor for the onset of heart failure with anxiety and depression,and"stagnation"is an important pathological condition for the onset.Treatment can be carried out by tonifying qi and blood,nourishing yin and warming yang to replenish"deficient qi",and regulating qi,resolving phlegm,promoting blood circulation,removing blood stasis and promoting diuresis to unblock"stagnation",which can provide theoretical reference for related research and integrated treatment of traditional Chinese and Western medicine on this disease.
9.Therapeutic effect and mechanism of individualized treatment for hypertension patients with coronary heart disease under non-invasive cardiac output measurement
Haifen HUANG ; Qingyong CHEN ; Fang HE ; Ren LI
Journal of Clinical Medicine in Practice 2025;29(5):70-75,81
Objective To investigate the efficacy and mechanism of individualized treatment for hypertension patients with coronary heart disease under non-invasive cardiac output measurement.Methods A total of 94 hypertension patients with coronary heart disease in the hospital from January 2020 to August 2022 were selected and randomly divided into two groups,with 47 cases in each group.Control group was treated with conventional treatment,while observation group was treated with individualized treatment under non-invasive cardiac output measurement,and both group were continuously treated for 3 months.Clinical efficacy,the blood pressure control[diastolic blood pres-sure(DBP),systolic blood pressure(SBP)],cardiac ultrasound parameters[left ventricular end-systolic diameter(LVESD),left ventricular mass index(LVMI),interventricular septal thickness(IVS),left ventricular end-diastolic diameter(LVEDD)],heart rate variability[the standard devia-tion of the average RR interval(SDANN),the standard deviation of the RR interval of all sinus beats(SDNN),and the proportion of adjacent NN>50 ms in the number of sinus beats(PNN50)],indi-cators of myocardial injury[α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase(α-HBDH),lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),creatine kinase(CK)],transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)/pancreatic cancer-deficiency factor(Smads)signaling pathway,and incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)were compared between the two groups.Results The total effective rate of the observation group was 95.74%,which showed no significant difference compared with 85.11%of the control group(P>0.05).After 1 and 3 months of treatment,the levels of DBP and SBP in both groups were de-creased significantly compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the LVMI,IVS,LVEDD and LVESD in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).After 3 months of treatment,the SDANN,PNN50 and SDNN in observation group were significantly higher than those in control group(P<0.05),while CK,α-HBDH and LDH as well as the expression levels of TGF-β1R Ⅰ,TGF-β1R Ⅱ,Smad1 and Smad2 were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).After 3 months of follow-up,the incidence rate of MACE in observation group was 6.38%,which showed no significant difference compared with 14.89%in control group(P>0.05).Conclusion Compared with conventional treatment regi-men,individualized treatment regimen with non-invasive cardiac output measurement can signifi-cantly alleviate myocardial injury,reverse ventricular hypertrophy and improve heart rate variability,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.
10.Characterization of Animal Models of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Hypertension Based on Clinical Symptoms in Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine
Ziyi WANG ; Xingyu FAN ; Yuzhi JIA ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):230-236
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension are common and frequent chronic non-communicable diseases, which often coexist in clinical practice, resulting in a large number of cardiovascular events and deaths, and their case fatality rate far exceeds that of other factors such as dyslipidemia and obesity. Based on the diagnostic standards, guidelines, and animal model evaluation methods of T2DM with hypertension at home and abroad, this study summarized, evaluated, and analyzed the characteristics of the existing animal models of T2DM with hypertension based on the clinical symptoms in traditional Chinese and Western medicine. The animal models showing high fitting degrees with the clinical symptoms in Western medicine are mainly established by injection of streptozocin (STZ) in SHR rats in the surgical induction and chemical induction methods and feeding a high-fat and high-salt diet combined with STZ injection in SD rats in the dietary induction methods. The models showcasing high fitting degrees with the clinical symptoms in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) are mainly established by the surgical induction method. Considering the fitting degrees and the advantages and disadvantages, the ideal modeling method for T2DM with hypertension is the two-kidney, one clip (2K1C) method (a surgical induction method) combined with feeding a high-fat and high-sugar diet and STZ injection. However, the available models lack the characteristics of TCM and the evaluation indicators have poor specificity. This study found that there are few animal models of T2DM with hypertension considering the characteristics of both disease and syndrome, which may be related to the identification and attribution of TCM syndromes in animal macroscopic information. In view of this problem, it is suggested that the evaluation criteria should be established and improved for the animal models combining disease and syndrome, which can help to evaluate the fitting degree of the pathological characteristics of different syndromes in the animal models of T2DM with hypertension. In this way, ideal animal models of T2DM with hypertension can be established to simulate the disease occurrence and development in the human body. The animal models are expected to provide an ideal approach for the further research on the pathogenesis of T2DM and its prevention and treatment with TCM, which is of great significance for the treatment and prevention of T2DM with hypertension and the prognosis of its complications. At the same time, breakthroughs in the basic syndrome models of comorbidities are expected to lay a foundation for the leapfrog development of TCM research.

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