1.Textual Research on Historic Evolution and Ancient and Modern Application of Classic Prescription Huangqintang
Yuxin LI ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Tongyi HUANG ; Hejia WAN ; Bingqi WEI ; Mengting ZHAO ; Xiaoyang TIAN ; Bingxiang MA ; Weili DANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(3):184-191
Huangqintang, with its accurate efficacy, is a classic formula specialized in treating dysentery recommended and promoted by medical experts from successive generations, and it was included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Prescriptions (the Second Batch, Han Chinese medicine prescriptions) published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinses Medicine (TCM) in 2023. The method of bibliometrics was applied in this study to conduct textual research on the classic formula Huangqintang and provide a literature reference for the development of modern preparations of Huangqintang. A total of 2 026 pieces of ancient literature were searched with "Huangqintang" as the key word, and 23 pieces of effective data were selected, involving 15 ancient TCM books. The historic evolution, composition, dosage, origin, processing methods, preparation and decocting methods, efficiency, and application of Huangqintang were carefully reviewed. The results showed that Huangqintang was first recorded in the Treatise on Febrile Diseases written by ZHANG Zhongjing. It has the effect of clearing heat, stopping dysentery, regulating the middle, and downbearing counterflow and has become one of the classic formulas widely used in clinical practice. Because of its accurate efficacy, medical experts from later generations have modified it from its original composition. Though many prescriptions have different names, it is the manifestation of physicians' inheritance and development of the thought of ZHANG Zhongjing. Ancient literature showed this prescription had wide indications yet centered on digestive system diseases such as dysentery and abdominal pain. Modern applications of Huangqintang involve digestive, respiratory, ophthalmology and otolaryngology, gynecological, skin, musculoskeletal system, and connective tissue, and this prescription has great potential in treating ulcerative colitis, diarrhea, acute enteritis, and damp-heat dysentery. Through a systematic textual excavation and review of the ancient literature about Huangqintang, the paper has confirmed its key information, so as to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application and new drug development of classic formulas.
2.Textual Research and Ancient and Modern Application of Classical Prescription Sinisan
Lyuyuan LIANG ; Qing TANG ; Jialei CAO ; Wenxi WEI ; Yuxin ZHANG ; Jinyu CHEN ; Hejia WAN ; Chen CHEN ; Ruiting SU ; Bingqi WEI ; Shen'ao DING ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):182-193
Sinisan is a classical prescription developed and applied by ancient medical experts and it is first recorded in the Treatise on Cold Damage written by ZHANG Zhongjing in the Eastern Han Dynasty. Later physicians have modified this prescription based on this original one. The bibliometrics methods were used to analyze the key information and research trend of Sinisan. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 69 pieces of effective data were extracted, involving 67 ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) books. The results showed that the name, composition, and decocting methods of Sinisan in later generations were inherited from the original record in the Treatise on Cold Damage. The original plants of medicinal materials used in Sinisan are basically clear. We recommend Bupleuri Radix as the dried root of Bupleurem scorzonerifolium, Paeoniae Radix Alba as the dried root of Paeonia lactiflora, Aurantii Fructus as the dried fruit of Citrus aurantium, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma as the dry root and rhizome of Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Raw materials of Bupleuri Radix and Paeoniae Radix Alba, Aurantii Fructus stir-fried with bran, and stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma should be used for preparation of Sinisan. According to measurement system in the Han Dynasty, a bag of Sinisan is composed of 1.25 g Bupleuri Radix, 1.25 g Paeoniae Radix Alba, 1.25 g Aurantii Fructus, and 1.25 g Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma. The materials should be grounded into coarse powder and taken with a proper amount of rice soup, 3 times a day. Sinisan has the effects of regulating qi movement and harmonizing the liver and spleen. It can be used for treating reversal cold in limbs and cold damage. In modern clinical practice, Sinisan can be used to treat chronic gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and dyspepsia. The above research results provide scientific reference for the future research and development of Sinisan.
3.A simple widely applicable hairy root transformation method for gene function studies in medicinal plants.
Xue CAO ; Zhenfen QIN ; Panhui FAN ; Sifan WANG ; Xiangxiao MENG ; Huihua WAN ; Wei YANG ; Shilin CHEN ; Hui YAO ; Weiqiang CHEN ; Wei SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(8):4300-4305
Genetic transformation is a fundamental tool in molecular biology research of medicinal plants. Tailoring transgenic technologies to each distinct medicinal plant would necessitate a substantial investment of time and effort. Here, we present a simple hairy root transformation method that does not require sterile conditions, utilizing Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain K599 and the visible RUBY reporter system. Transgenic hairy roots were obtained for six tested medicinal plant species, roots or rhizomes of which have recognized medicinal value, spanning four botanical families and six genera (Platycodon grandiflorus, Atractylodes macrocephala, Scutellaria baicalensis, Codonopsis pilosula, Astragalus membranaceus, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis). Furthermore, two previously identified Glycyrrhiza uralensis UGTs that convert liquiritigenin into liquiritin in heterologous systems were studied in planta using the method. Our results indicate that overexpression of GuUGT1 but not GuUGT10 and Cas9-mediated knockout of GuUGT1 profoundly influenced the accumulation of liquiritin and isoliquiritin in licorice roots. Therefore, the method described here represents a simple, rapid and widely applicable hairy root transformation method that enables fast gene functional study in medicinal plants.
4.Ancient and Modern Literature Analysis and Key Information Research of Classic Formula Qingfeitang
Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jinyan ZHANG ; Jialei CAO ; Jing TANG ; Mengmeng GENG ; Yiqing ZHAO ; Hejia WAN ; Yiping WANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(24):179-189
Qingfeitang, specialized in resolving phlegm to stop cough and producing fluid to moisten dryness, is a classic prescription inherited and developed by physicians of successive generations and has been included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Prescriptions (First Batch) published by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in 2018. Relevant ancient books data and modern literature were collected by bibliometrics to analyze the historic origin, formula composition, herb origin, preparation methods, processing methods, clinical effect, and indications of Qingfeitang. The key information of Qingfeitang was summarized to provide reference for the clinical application of the decoction. In this study, a total of 43 pieces of effective data on relevant ancient literature, including 35 ancient TCM books, were collected based on a systematic collation of relevant historic and modern literature. Results showed that "Qingfeitang" was originated from the "Renshen Qingfeitang" recorded in the Taiping Holy Prescriptions for Universal Relief from the Qing dynasty. The name of "Qinfeitang" was first recorded in the Yeshi Luyanfang written by YE Dalian in the Song dynasty. We suggested the modern dosage and usage of Qingfeitang as follows: "Scutellariae Radix of 5.60 g, Platycodon grandiflora, Poria, Tangerine, Fritillaria, and Cortex Mori of 3.73 g respectively, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Asparagi Radix, Gardeniae Fructus, Armeniacae Semen Amarum, and Ophiopogonis Radix of 2.61 g respectively, Schisandra of 1 g, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma of 1.12 g, and they were taken 3 times daily. The above formula is recommended to be decocted with 400 mL of water, with 3.37 g ginger and 6 g jujubae fructus, to 320 mL, and taken after a meal, three times per day". Qingfeitang has the effect of resolving phlegm to stop cough and producing fluid to moisten dryness, specialized in treating cough, asthma, rash, and other symptoms in ancient times. Modern applications are mainly focused on the respiratory system, used for treating diseases such as bronchopneumonia and cough. The above research results provide a reference basis for the later development and research of Qingfeitang.
5.Medication rules of Astragali Radix in ancient Chinese medical books based on "disease-medicine-dose" pattern.
Jia-Lei CAO ; Lü-Yuan LIANG ; Yi-Hang LIU ; Zi-Ming XU ; Xuan WANG ; Wen-Xi WEI ; He-Jia WAN ; Xing-Hang LYU ; Wei-Xiao LI ; Yu-Xin ZHANG ; Bing-Qi WEI ; Xian-Qing REN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(3):798-811
This study employed the "disease-medicine-dose" pattern to mine the medication rules of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) prescriptions containing Astragali Radix in ancient Chinese medical books, aiming to provide a scientific basis for the clinical application of Astragali Radix and the development of new medicines. The TCM prescriptions containing Astragali Radix were retrieved from databases such as Chinese Medical Dictionary and imported into Excel 2020 to construct the prescription library. Statical analysis were performed for the prescriptions regarding the indications, syndromes, medicine use frequency, herb effects, nature and taste, meridian tropism, dosage forms, and dose. SPSS statistics 26.0 and IBM SPSS Modeler 18.0 were used for association rules analysis and cluster analysis. A total of 2 297 prescriptions containing Astragali Radix were collected, involving 233 indications, among which sore and ulcer, consumptive disease, sweating disorder, and apoplexy had high frequency(>25), and their syndromes were mainly Qi and blood deficiency, Qi and blood deficiency, Yin and Yang deficiency, and Qi deficiency and collateral obstruction, respectively. In the prescriptions, 98 medicines were used with the frequency >25 and they mainly included Qi-tonifying medicines and blood-tonifying medicines. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium were frequently used. The medicines with high frequency mainly have warm or cold nature, and sweet, pungent, or bitter taste, with tropism to spleen, lung, heart, liver, and kidney meridians. In the treatment of sore and ulcer, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 3.73 g and combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to promote granulation and heal up sores. In the treatment of consumptive disease, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 37.30 g and combined with Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma to tonify deficiency and replenish Qi. In the treatment of sweating disorder, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 3.73 g and combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to consolidate exterior and stop sweating. In the treatment of apoplexy, Astragali Radix was mainly used with the dose of 7.46 g and combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma to dispell wind and stop convulsions. Astragali Radix can be used in the treatment of multiple system diseases, with the effects of tonifying Qi and ascending Yang, consolidating exterior and stopping sweating, and expressing toxin and promoting granulation. According to the manifestations of different diseases, when combined with other medicines, Astragali Radix was endowed with the effects of promoting granulation and healing up sores, tonifying deficiency and Qi, consolidating exterior and stopping sweating, and dispelling wind and replenishing Qi. The findings provide a theoretical reference and a scientific basis for the clinical application of Astragali Radix and the development of new medicines.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/history*
;
Humans
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional/history*
;
History, Ancient
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Astragalus Plant/chemistry*
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China
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Astragalus propinquus
6.Discovery of a novel thiophene carboxamide analogue as a highly potent and selective sphingomyelin synthase 2 inhibitor for dry eye disease therapy.
Jintong YANG ; Yiteng LU ; Kexin HU ; Xinchen ZHANG ; Wei WANG ; Deyong YE ; Mingguang MO ; Xin XIAO ; Xichen WAN ; Yuqing WU ; Shuxian ZHANG ; He HUANG ; Zhibei QU ; Yimin HU ; Yu CAO ; Jiaxu HONG ; Lu ZHOU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(1):392-408
Dry eye disease (DED) is a prevalent and intractable ocular disease induced by a variety of causes. Elevated sphingomyelin (SM) levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected on the ocular surface of DED patients, particularly in the meibomian glands. Sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SMS2), one of the proteins involved in SM synthesis, would light a novel way of developing a DED therapy strategy. Herein, we report the design and optimization of a series of novel thiophene carboxamide derivatives to afford 14l with an improved highly potent inhibitory activity on SM synthesis (IC50, SMS2 = 28 nmol/L). Moreover, 14l exhibited a notable protective effect of anti-inflammation and anti-apoptosis on human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) under TNF-α-hyperosmotic stress conditions in vitro, with an acceptable ocular specific distribution (corneas and meibomian glands) and pharmacokinetics (PK) profiles (t 1/2, cornea = 1.11 h; t 1/2, meibomian glands = 4.32 h) in rats. Furthermore, 14l alleviated the dry eye symptoms including corneal fluorescein staining scores and tear secretion in a dose-dependent manner in mice. Mechanically, 14l reduced the mRNA expression of Tnf-α, Il-1β and Mmp-9 in corneas, as well as the proportion of very long chain SM in meibomian glands. Our findings provide a new strategy for DED therapy based on selective SMS2 inhibitors.
7.TPMGD: A genomic database for the traditional medicines in Pakistan.
Rushuang XIANG ; Huihua WAN ; Wei SUN ; Baozhong DUAN ; Weiqian CHEN ; Xue CAO ; Sifan WANG ; Chi SONG ; Shilin CHEN ; Yan WANG ; Atia-Tul WAHAB ; M IQBAL CHOUDHARY ; Xiangxiao MENG
Chinese Herbal Medicines 2025;17(1):87-93
OBJECTIVE:
In Pakistan, traditional medicines are an important component of the medical system, with numerous varieties and great demands. However, due to the scattered resources and the lack of systematic collection and collation, adulteration of traditional Pakistani medicine (TPM) is common, which severely affects the safety of their medicinal use and the import and export trades. Therefore, it is urgent to systematically organize and unify the management of TPM and establish a set of standards and operable methods for the identification of TPM.
METHODS:
We collected and organized the information on 128 TPMs with regard to their medicinal parts, efficacy, usage, and genetic material, based on Pakistan Hamdard Pharmacopoeia of Eastern Medicine: Pharmaceutical Codex. The genetic information of TPM is summarized from national center for biotechnology information (NCBI) and global pharmacopoeia genome database (GPGD). Furthermore, we utilized bioinformatics technology to supplement the chloroplast genome (cp-genome) data of 12 TPMs. To build the web server, we used the Linux + Apache + MySQL + PHP (LAMP) system and constructed the webpage on a PHP: Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) model view controller (MVC) framework.
RESULTS:
We constructed a new genomic database, the traditional Pakistani medicine genomic database (TPMGD). This database comprises five entries, namely homepage, medicinal species, species identification, basic local alignment search tool (BLAST), and download. Currently, TPMGD contains basic profiles of 128 TPMs and genetic information of 102 TPMs, including 140 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences and 119 mitochondrial genome sequences from Bombyx mori, 1 396 internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences and 1 074 intergenic region (psbA-trnH) sequences specific to 92 and 83 plant species, respectively. Additionally, TPMGD includes 199 cp-genome sequences of 82 TPMs.
CONCLUSION
TPMGD is a multifunctional database that integrates species description, functional information inquiry, genetic information storage, molecular identification of TPM, etc. The database not only provides convenience for TPM information queries but also establishes the scientific basis for the medication safety, species identification, and resource protection of TPM.
8.Analysis of risk factors for early failure of simple taper retentive implants.
Xu ZHANG ; Zengxuan WAN ; Shibo WEI ; Fei YU ; Ning CAO ; Liangwei CAO ; Hao WU ; Shuigen GUO ; Hongwu WEI
West China Journal of Stomatology 2025;43(6):780-788
OBJECTIVES:
To explore the related risk factors of early failure of simple taper retentive implants, and to provide theoretical guidance for clinical work.
METHODS:
Collect cases of patients who visited the Department of Stomatology of the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2021 to June 2024, received simple taper retentive implants, and had complete medical records. Taking the implants as the unit, analyze the influence of patient-related factors (gender, age, smoking history, hypertension history, diabetes history), implant-related factors (implant length, implant diameter, implant surface treatment), and surgical-related factors (implant site, implant timing, simultaneous maxillary sinus floor elevation, simultaneous bone augmentation) on the early failure of implants. Univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were adopted to explore the potential risk factors for early failure of simple taper retentive implants.
RESULTS:
A total of 3,533 simple taper retentive from 1,681 patients were included during the study period. Among them, 53 implants from 49 patients experienced early failure, with an early failure rate of 2.9% at the patient le-vel and 1.5% at the implant level. Multivariate analysis revealed that smoking (OR=2.148, P=0.021), the anterior mandibular region (OR=3.669, P=0.006), and the posterior maxillary region (OR=2.191, P=0.033) were risk factors for early failure of simple taper retentive implants. In the univariate analysis, simultaneous maxillary sinus floor elevation had a higher risk of early failure, but this effects was no longer significant in the multivariate analysis (P>0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Smoking, the anterior mandibular region, and the posterior maxillary region are risk factors for the early failure of simple taper retentive implants, and could be comprehensively considered in the preoperative treatment plan.
Humans
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Risk Factors
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Male
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Female
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Middle Aged
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Dental Implants
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Adult
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Smoking/adverse effects*
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Dental Restoration Failure
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Aged
9.Textual Research on Classical Formula Juanbitang
Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jinyan ZHANG ; Jialei CAO ; Hejia WAN ; Tongyi HUANG ; Mengmeng GENG ; Bingqi WEI ; Bingxiang MA ; Yajing HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):190-197
This paper discussed the historic evolution of Juanbitang and similar decoctions, clarified the historic development of Yangshi Juanbitang and Chengshi Juanbitang, and probed into the key information of the meaning, original plants, processing methods, and modern dosage and usage of Chengshi Juanbitang. A total of 267 pieces of relevant information were collected from ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) books, among which 53 pieces of effective data were included in this study. The results showed that both Chenshi Juanbitang and Yangshi Juanbitang were originated from Duhuo Jishengtang recoded in the Important Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergency (Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang). According to the standard of "1 qian roughly equals 3.73 g" in the measurement system of the Qing Dynasty, we suggest Chenshi Juanbitang is composed of 3.73 g Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, 3.73 g Angelicae Pubescentis Radix, 3.73 g Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, 11.19 g Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 11.19 g Mori Ramulus, 2.61 g Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 1.87 g Cinnamomi Cortex, 1.87 g stir-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 7.46 g Piperis Kadsurae Caulis, 2.98 g Olibanum, and 2.98 g Aucklandiae Radix, which should be decocted with 600 mL water to reach a volume of 300 mL. The decoction should be taken 3 times a day before meals. Juanbitang, a classical formula specialized for treating impediment diseases, has the effects of dispelling wind, removing dryness, and alleviating impediment to relieve pain. It can be used for treating vexing pain in body, spasm of nape and back, and heaviness in waists and legs. Modern studies have shown that Juanbitang can be used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, knee osteoarthritis, and periarthritis of shoulder. The above results served as a reference for the future development of Juanbitang.
10.Key Information Research and Contemporary Research Progress of Classical Formula Jinlingzi San
Yizhen WANG ; Lyuyuan LIANG ; Jialei CAO ; Yihang LIU ; Rongze MA ; Zhengshao ZHANG ; Jing TANG ; Bingqi WEI ; Chongyi HUANG ; Hejia WAN ; Bingxiang MA ; Wenli SHI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(24):215-223
Jinlingzi San is a formula frequently used in treating pain syndrome, first recorded in the Collection of Writings on the Mechanism of Disease, Suitability of Qi, and the Safeguarding of Life as Discussed in the 'Basic Questions' written by LIU Wansu in the Jin Dynasty. Jinlingzi San is composed of 2 Chinese medicinals Toosendan Fructus and Corydalis Rhizoma with a concise composition and exact clinical efficacy, having been included in the Catalogue of Ancient Classical Formulas (Second Batch: Han Chinese Medicine). The formula name, historic evolution, medicine origins, composition, dosage, decocting methods, and ancient and modern clinical application were sorted out and analyzed with the bibliometric method. A total of 209 pieces of information were collected from ancient books and literature. After screening, 49 pieces of effective data involving 45 ancient books were included. Results showed that the name of Jinlingzi San was first recorded in Secret Formulas of the Yang Family written by Yang Tan in the Southern Song Dynasty and developed into 3 other versions of the decoction. The Jinlingzi San included in the Collection of Writings on the Mechanism of Disease, Suitability of Qi, and the Safeguarding of Life as Discussed in the 'Basic Questions' written by LIU Wansu invariably plays a dominant role. As for the 3 other versions, although they have the same name of Jinlingzi San, their composition and indications are different from those of the original formula, which were therefore viewed as prescriptions based on Jinlingzi San and also included in the research. The medicine origins and processing of Jinlingzi San are suggested: Toosendan Fructus is the dry mature fruit of Melia toosendan of Meliaceae, and the crude is used after cleansing without putamen. Corydalis Rhizoma is the dry tuber of Corydalis yanhusuo of Papaveraceae, which is used after impurity removal, cleaning, and drying. Depending on the conversion from the measurement system in the Jin Dynasty to modern measurement, it is suggested that Toosendan Fructus and Corydalis Rhizoma (41.3 g each) are ground into fine powder, and one dose includes 12.39 g of the powder, which should be taken with an appropriate amount of wine. If wine is not suitable for the patient, the decoction can also be taken with warm water. Jinlingzi San has the effects of soothing the liver, discharging heat, and activating blood to stop pain. As recorded in ancient books, Jinlingzi San is specialized in treating heart pain caused by reversal heat, chest and abdominal pain, hypochondriac pain, jaundice, hernia, and other diseases. Modern studies have shown that modified Jinlingzi San can be used in treating diseases involving the digestive system, the integumentary system, the gynecological system, the reproductive system, and other systems and has wide clinical application in treating epigastric pain, herpes zoster, dysmenorrhea, and other diseases. This study has made clear the key information of Jinlingzi San by textual research of ancient books and literature in the hope of providing a theoretical reference for the clinical application, set prescriptions, and new drug development.

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