1.Processing History and Modern Research of Bile-processed Coptidis Rhizoma: A Review
Zhaowei DONG ; Jing YANG ; Qinwan HUANG ; Jin WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):269-278
Bile-processed Coptidis Rhizoma(B-pCR), first documented in Shengji Zonglu, is a unique processed products of Coptidis Rhizoma(CR) characterized by "mutual enhancement processing" and "enhancing the cold property of cold-natured herbs". Pig bile can enhance the bitter and cold properties of CR, yielding potent effects in purging excess fire from the liver and gallbladder. The processing increases the dissolution of alkaloids such as berberine, coptisine, and palmatine, while introducing bile acids from pig bile, including taurine-type and glycine-type cholic acids. This enhances its pharmacological effects, such as antipyretic activity, regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, and intestinal absorption. Traditional processing techniques and quality standards for B-pCR are outlined in the Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) Decoction Pieces Processing Standard and the Gansu TCM Processing Standard. However, incomplete specifications for critical process parameters and quality criteria significantly impact its production and clinical application. A review of research over the past two decades on the processing history, process optimization, quality evaluation, material basis, and changes in pharmacological effects and properties of B-pCR reveals that the pretreatment method and dosage of pig bile, and processing temperature are key factors influencing its quality. Furthermore, current quality standards lack specific indicators. Additionally, the enhancement of the cold property and medicinal efficacy direction of B-pCR is not only associated with changes in alkaloid groups but also depend on the synergistic effects of bile acids. This review can provide insights for improving the quality evaluation system of B-pCR.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
4.Comorbidity of myopia, and overweight and obesity among primary and middle school students in Yanqing District
WANG Yun ; SHEN Yunkui ; LIU Bohao ; CHEN Jing ; ZHANG Kun
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):85-88
Objective:
To investigate the prevalence of comorbidity of myopia, and overweight and obesity among primary and middle school students in Yanqing District, Beijing Municipality, so as to provide the evidence for \prevention and control of comorbidity.
Methods:
In September from 2020 to 2024, a stratified cluster sampling method was adopted annually to select primary, junior high school, senior high school, and vocational high school students in Yanqing District as survey subjects. Myopia was screened based on Screening Protocol for Myopia in Children and Adolescents. Height an weight were measured, and overweight and obesity were determined using the Screening for overweight and Obesity in School-Age Children and Adolescents.
Results:
A total of 9 883 individuals were surveyed, including 5 219 primary school students (52.81%), 2 486 junior high school students (25.15%), and 2 178 senior high school / vocational high school students (22.04%). There were 5 154 boys (52.15%) and 4 729 girls (47.85%). From 2020 to 2024, the numbers of primary and middle school students in Yanqing District with myopia, overweight, and obesity were 4 426, 1 897, and 3 164, respectively, with detection rates of 44.78%, 19.19%, and 32.01%. The detection rates of myopia, overweight, and obesity showed an increasing trend with the elevation of school stage (all P<0.05). The detection rate of myopia was higher in girls than in boys, while the detection rate of obesity was lower in girls than in boys (all P<0.05). There were 2 588 individuals with both myopia and overweight/obesity, representing a detection rate of 26.19%, which showed an increasing trend (P<0.05), rising from 25.04% in 2020 to 34.41% in 2024. The detection rates of comorbidity of myopia, and overweight and obesity among primary school, junior high school, and senior high school / vocational high school students were 13.22%, 36.93%, and 45.00%, respectively, showing an increasing trend with the elevation of school stage (P<0.05). The difference between genders was not statistically significant (P>0.05).
Conclusions
The detection rates of comorbidity of myopia, and overweight and obesity among primary and middle school students in Yanqing District is relatively high and shows an upward trend, with students in higher school stage being the key target group for prevention and control. It is recommended to strengthen health education on the co-prevention of multiple health issues and implement differentiated interventions based on school stages.
5.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Esophageal Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway: A Review
Wei GUO ; Chen PENG ; Yikun WANG ; Zixuan YU ; Jintao LIU ; Jing DING ; Yijing LI ; Hongxin SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):302-311
Esophageal cancer (EC) is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt) signaling pathway, as one of the key oncogenic pathways, can promote the cell cycle progression, proliferation, migration, and invasion, induce chemoresistance, and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression, can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum, spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat, extract of Celastrus orbiculatus, root extract of Taraxacum, and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, phenols, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San, Huqi San, Xuanfu Daizhetang, Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions, Liujunzi Tang, and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition, TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions, aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.
6.Cost-effectiveness analysis of cefiderocol for the treatment of confirmed or suspected carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria serious infections
Yuan GONG ; Shuo KANG ; Yibing HOU ; Xiaohui WANG ; Ying NIE ; Jing WANG ; Zhenhua PAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):192-197
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of cefiderocol versus best available therapy (BAT) or standard-of- care (SOC) for the treatment of confirmed or suspected carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacterial (CRGNB) serious infections from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system, and to explore its reasonable pricing. METHODS A decision tree model was constructed based on data from two phase Ⅲ clinical trials (CREDIBLE-CR and GAME CHANGER) to simulate the cost- effectiveness of cefiderocol in two scenarios: salvage therapy for confirmed CRGNB infection (scenario 1) and empirical therapy for suspected CRGNB infection (scenario 2). The primary outcome measure was the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The willingness-to-pay (WTP) was set at 1 to 3 times China’s per capita GDP in 2024. To verify the robustness of the results, one- way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted, and based on these, a reasonable price range for cefiderocol in the Chinese market was explored. RESULTS The results for scenario 1 showed that the clinical cure rate in the cefiderocol group was higher than that in the BAT group (47.50% vs. 34.21%), but its ICER was 415 065.03 yuan per cured case, exceeding three times China’s GDP per capita. Scenario 2 revealed that the ICER for cefiderocol relative to SOC was as high as 1 362 446.16 yuan per cured case, far exceeding the WTP. Sensitivity analysis indicated that the treatment duration and price of cefiderocol were key factors affecting its cost-effectiveness. In the two scenarios described above, the unit price of cefiderocol must fall below 683.47 and 242.00 yuan/g, respectively, to be considered cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS Based on the current market price, cefiderocol lacks sufficient cost-effectiveness for treating confirmed or suspected CRGNB serious infections within China’s healthcare system. To improve its accessibility, price negotiations or a tiered medical insurance payment strategy are required.
7.Research progress of non-insulin hypoglycemic drugs in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus
Zejie XU ; Jiaoni ZHENG ; Jing LUO ; Liangyu WANG ; Wei YAN ; Qiang HE ; Xuefeng SHAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):263-267
Traditional treatment for type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) primarily involves insulin replacement, yet some patients encounter issues such as significant blood glucose fluctuations, high risk of hypoglycemia, and weight gain. In recent years, the adjuvant therapeutic role of non-insulin hypoglycemic drugs in T1DM has gradually gained attention. This article reviews the mechanisms of action and clinical research progress of five types of non-insulin hypoglycemic drugs in the treatment of T1DM: amylin analogues (pramlintide), biguanides (metformin), sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist. It is found that these drugs can enhance clinical benefits for T1DM patients by improving insulin sensitivity, delaying gastric emptying, promoting urinary glucose excretion, and regulating incretin levels, thereby reducing glycated hemoglobin levels, decreasing insulin dosage, and managing body weight. Simultaneously, these drugs also present limitations such as low patient compliance due to complex dosing regimens, increased risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, and heterogeneity in glycemic control. Future research could focus on developing individualized treatment strategies, combining pharmacogenomics with novel biomarkers to precisely identify subpopulations of patients who may benefit, and delving into the potential value of these drugs in delaying diabetic vascular complications and improving patients’ quality of life.
8.Research progress on chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis
RAO Chenxing ; LIANG Jing ; MO Longhui ; WANG Jiongke ; ZENG Xin
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(2):191-201
Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is an infectious phenotype characterized by recurrent or persistent infections caused by Candida species that affect the skin, nails, oral, and genital mucosae for a duration exceeding six months. Current research suggests that CMC is an immunodeficiency disease with a complex pathogenesis. Patients with CMC have various defects in nonspecific and/or specific immunity against Candida infection, resulting in the inability of patients to defend themselves against Candida infection. CMC can be stratified into primary CMC and secondary CMC based on etiology. Primary CMC is often associated with genetic mutations leading to immunodeficiencies in T helper cell 17 and interleukin-17, whereas secondary CMC is frequently linked to factors such as human immunodeficiency virus infection, diabetes mellitus, and immunosuppressive therapy. Primary CMC typically manifests as Candida infections, with distinct genetic mutations often correlating to varied concomitant symptoms. Secondary CMC may present with not only superficial mucosal Candida infections and manifestations of the underlying primary disease but also with invasive fungal infections. Diagnosing CMC requires an integration of medical history and clinical presentation, supplemented by the outcomes of auxiliary diagnostic procedures, including microscopic examination of fungal smear, fungal culture, immunological testing, and genetic sequencing and analysis. Furthermore, confirming primary CMC requires exclusion of the aforementioned secondary factors. At present, antifungal drugs such as triazoles, echinocandins, and polyenes are the main treatment for CMC. Moreover, immunotherapy with biologics such as Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors provides more options for the clinical treatment of patients with CMC. Gene therapy also has potential clinical application value. In this review, we discuss the etiologies, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatments of CMC, aiming to provide a reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of CMC.
9.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.
10.Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Sepsis by Regulating PI3K/Akt Pathway: A Review
Zhu LIU ; Jiawei WANG ; Jing YAN ; Jinchan PENG ; Mingyao XU ; Liqun LI ; Sheng XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):314-322
Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response syndrome caused by the invasion of pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria. In addition to the manifestations of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and primary infection lesions, critical cases often have manifestations of organ hypoperfusion. The morbidity and mortality of sepsis have remained high in recent years, which seriously affect the quality of life of the patients. The pathogenesis of sepsis is complicated, in which uncontrollable inflammation is a key mechanism. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway plays a key role in mediating inflammation in sepsis. The available therapies of sepsis mainly include resuscitation, anti-infection, vasoactive drugs, intensive insulin therapy, and organ support, which show limited effects of reducing the mortality. Therefore, finding new therapeutic drugs is a key problem to be solved in the clinical treatment of sepsis. In recent years, studies have shown that traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can regulate the PI3K/Akt pathway via multiple pathways, multiple effects, and multiple targets to inhibit inflammation and curb the occurrence and development of sepsis, which has gradually become a hot spot in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. Moreover, studies have suggested that TCM has unique advantages in the treatment of sepsis. TCM can regulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway to inhibit inflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and control apoptosis in the prevention and treatment of sepsis. Despite the research progress, a systematic review remains to be performed regarding the TCM treatment of sepsis by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. After reviewing relevant papers published in recent years, this study systematically summarizes the relationship between PI3K/Akt pathway and sepsis and the role of TCM in the treatment of sepsis, aiming to provide new ideas for the potential treatment of sepsis and the development of new drugs.


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