1.Mechanism of Fresh Cutting of Traditional Chinese Medicine: Discussion on Integration of Traditional Wisdom and Modern Technology
Wenjie BAO ; Lingyun ZHONG ; Wenhua WU ; Congmin LIU ; Zixin CHEN ; Xingmei LU ; Hengli TONG ; Yi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(7):282-290
Fresh-cut processing constitutes a pivotal technique in the origin processing of Chinese medicinal materials, with a long history documented in multiple materia medica. In recent years, it has garnered national policy support for its ability to prevent component loss and low processing efficiency associated with traditional drying-before-cutting methods. As of August 2025, 26 provinces and municipalities nationwide have cumulatively published 789 species for fresh-cut processing. Among these, 78 were included in the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, the practice continues to face common challenges and difficulties, including ambiguous scientific understanding, fragmented standards, limited quality control approaches, and poor process stability. Based on this, this paper synthesises years of research findings to systematically elucidate the core mechanisms of fresh-cut processing. These encompass alterations to herbal tissue structure during cutting, post-processing changes in constituents, and physiological-biochemical processes such as plant stress responses and shifts in endogenous enzyme activity. It also summarises influencing factors, including inherent herbal properties, cutting timing and methods, and environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, and microbial presence. Based on this overview of fresh-cutting mechanisms, subsequent research should advance in four directions:Clarifying the scientific principles of fresh-cutting, overcoming technical bottlenecks, upgrading intelligent equipment, and establishing quality standards and evaluation systems. This study provides a theoretical foundation and scientific basis for future research on fresh-cutting in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM), promoting its deeper practical application within the industry and contributing to the high-quality development of TCM industry and the modernization of TCM.
2.Mechanism and Clinical Research Progress of Puerarin in Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure
Wenjie LU ; Siqi ZHONG ; Lu ZHANG ; Wenting LIN ; Zhijun ZENG ; Shaohua WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):327-336
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is an end-stage cardiac syndrome driven by multiple factors. Its pathological process involves interactions of multiple pathways such as energy metabolism dysfunction, neuroendocrine dysregulation, and myocardial fibrosis. Although current clinical medicine can alleviate symptoms through single-target approaches, significant limitations in reversing cardiac remodeling and disease progression remain. Puerarin, a major bioactive isoflavone constituent derived from Pueraria lobata, exhibits multidimensional pharmacological effects, such as vasodilatory effects, regulation of neuroendocrine balance, enhancement of metabolic homeostasis, and suppression of myocardial apoptosis. This review systematically integrated puerarin's multi-target regulatory network, elucidating its mechanisms such as improving energy metabolism by AMP-activated protein kinase/mechanistic target of rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) pathway, inhibiting fibrosis mediated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signals, and attenuating oxidative-inflammatory cascades by regulating nuclear factor erythroid 2 (E2)-related factor 2/nuclear transcription factor-κB(Nrf2/NF-κB) axis. Clinical research data was used to validate its efficacy in improving the left ventricular ejection function and reducing the therapeutic potential of cardiovascular events' risks. The study proposed that puerarin's "systemic regulation" characteristic breaks through the limitations of traditional single-target drugs and prospected its clinical translation pathway based on metabolomics and nano-delivery technology, offering an integrative perspective from molecular mechanisms to precise therapy for the research on modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.
3.Mechanism and Clinical Research Progress of Puerarin in Treatment of Chronic Heart Failure
Wenjie LU ; Siqi ZHONG ; Lu ZHANG ; Wenting LIN ; Zhijun ZENG ; Shaohua WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):327-336
Chronic heart failure (CHF) is an end-stage cardiac syndrome driven by multiple factors. Its pathological process involves interactions of multiple pathways such as energy metabolism dysfunction, neuroendocrine dysregulation, and myocardial fibrosis. Although current clinical medicine can alleviate symptoms through single-target approaches, significant limitations in reversing cardiac remodeling and disease progression remain. Puerarin, a major bioactive isoflavone constituent derived from Pueraria lobata, exhibits multidimensional pharmacological effects, such as vasodilatory effects, regulation of neuroendocrine balance, enhancement of metabolic homeostasis, and suppression of myocardial apoptosis. This review systematically integrated puerarin's multi-target regulatory network, elucidating its mechanisms such as improving energy metabolism by AMP-activated protein kinase/mechanistic target of rapamycin (AMPK/mTOR) pathway, inhibiting fibrosis mediated by transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signals, and attenuating oxidative-inflammatory cascades by regulating nuclear factor erythroid 2 (E2)-related factor 2/nuclear transcription factor-κB(Nrf2/NF-κB) axis. Clinical research data was used to validate its efficacy in improving the left ventricular ejection function and reducing the therapeutic potential of cardiovascular events' risks. The study proposed that puerarin's "systemic regulation" characteristic breaks through the limitations of traditional single-target drugs and prospected its clinical translation pathway based on metabolomics and nano-delivery technology, offering an integrative perspective from molecular mechanisms to precise therapy for the research on modernization of traditional Chinese medicine.
4.Ameliorative Effect of Wendantang Combined with Danshenyin and Dushentang on Ischemic Heart Disease with Phlegm-stasis Syndrome in Mice Based on Circulating Monocytes
Fenghe YANG ; Ziqi TIAN ; Zhiqian SONG ; Shitao PENG ; Wenjie LU ; Tao LIN ; Chun WANG ; Zhangchi NING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):22-32
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effect of Wendantang combined with Danshenyin and Dushentang (WDD) on mice with ischemic heart disease (IHD) presenting phlegm-stasis syndrome based on the inflammatory phenotype and differentiation of circulating monocytes. MethodsA model of IHD with phlegm-stasis syndrome was established using left anterior descending coronary artery ligation supplemented with a high-fat diet. Eighty model mice were randomly assigned to the model group, WDD low-dose group (WDD-L), WDD medium-dose group (WDD-M), WDD high-dose group (WDD-H), and atorvastatin calcium tablet group, with 16 mice in each group. An additional 16 C57BL/6J mice were designated as the sham-operation group. The WDD groups received intragastric administration at doses of 8.91, 17.81, 35.62 g·kg-1, and the atorvastatin calcium tablet group received the corresponding drug at 1.3 mg·kg-1, twice daily. The sham-operation and model groups were given the same volume of pure water by gavage each day. After 5 consecutive weeks of administration, the cardiac index was calculated. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. Myocardial histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) content was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hemorheological parameters were analyzed using an automated hemorheology analyzer. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined using an automated biochemical analyzer. Changes in circulating monocytes were detected by flow cytometry. Mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells were isolated in vitro and divided into blank group, model serum group, WDD-L drug-containing serum group, WDD-M drug-containing serum group, and WDD-H drug-containing serum group. CD36 expression and macrophage differentiation in each group were assessed by flow cytometry. The mechanism by which WDD mediates circulating monocyte differentiation was further explored using CD36 knockdown/overexpression RAW264.7 cell lines. ResultsCompared with the sham-operation group, the model group showed a significantly increased cardiac index (P0.01), significantly decreased fractional shortening (FS) (P0.01), and significantly increased left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter (LVDD) and left ventricular end-systolic internal diameter (LVDS) (P0.01). Cardiomyocytes exhibited marked deformation and necrosis with inflammatory cell infiltration. Serum pro-BNP levels were significantly elevated (P0.01), and whole-blood viscosity (BV) at high, medium, and low shear rates was significantly increased (P0.01). Compared with the model group, the WDD groups showed significantly reduced cardiac index (P0.05, P0.01), significantly increased FS (P0.05, P0.01), significantly decreased LVDD and LVDS (P0.01), markedly improved cardiomyocyte morphology, significantly reduced inflammatory infiltration, significantly decreased serum pro-BNP levels (P0.01), and significantly decreased BV at high, medium, and low shear rates (P0.01), with the most pronounced improvement observed in the WDD-M group. Compared with the sham-operation group, TC, TG, and LDL levels were significantly increased in the model group (P0.05, P0.01), while HDL levels were significantly decreased (P0.05). After WDD-H treatment, TC, TG, and LDL levels were significantly reduced and HDL levels were significantly increased in mice (P0.05, P0.01). Compared with the sham-operation group, classical monocytes in blood and bone marrow and intermediate monocytes in blood were significantly increased in the model group (P0.01), whereas intermediate monocytes in bone marrow and non-classical monocytes in blood were significantly decreased (P0.01). After WDD administration, all circulating monocyte subsets in blood and bone marrow were significantly alleviated (P0.05, P0.01), with the WDD-M group showing the optimal effect. In vitro, compared with the blank group, CD36 expression on bone marrow monocytes and the proportion of differentiated macrophages were significantly increased in the model serum group (P0.01), and CD36 expression was significantly upregulated on RAW264.7 cells (P0.01). Compared with the model serum group, all drug-containing serum groups exhibited significantly reduced CD36 expression on bone marrow monocytes and significantly reduced macrophage differentiation (P0.01). WDD downregulated CD36 expression in both CD36 knockdown and overexpression RAW264.7 cell lines (P0.05, P0.01), with the strongest regulatory effect observed in the WDD-M drug-containing serum group. ConclusionWDD can significantly improve the manifestations of phlegm-stasis syndrome in IHD mice and reduce the proportion of classical circulating monocytes. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of CD36 expression on classical circulating monocytes.
5.Ameliorative Effect of Wendantang Combined with Danshenyin and Dushentang on Ischemic Heart Disease with Phlegm-stasis Syndrome in Mice Based on Circulating Monocytes
Fenghe YANG ; Ziqi TIAN ; Zhiqian SONG ; Shitao PENG ; Wenjie LU ; Tao LIN ; Chun WANG ; Zhangchi NING
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):22-32
ObjectiveTo investigate the ameliorative effect of Wendantang combined with Danshenyin and Dushentang (WDD) on mice with ischemic heart disease (IHD) presenting phlegm-stasis syndrome based on the inflammatory phenotype and differentiation of circulating monocytes. MethodsA model of IHD with phlegm-stasis syndrome was established using left anterior descending coronary artery ligation supplemented with a high-fat diet. Eighty model mice were randomly assigned to the model group, WDD low-dose group (WDD-L), WDD medium-dose group (WDD-M), WDD high-dose group (WDD-H), and atorvastatin calcium tablet group, with 16 mice in each group. An additional 16 C57BL/6J mice were designated as the sham-operation group. The WDD groups received intragastric administration at doses of 8.91, 17.81, 35.62 g·kg-1, and the atorvastatin calcium tablet group received the corresponding drug at 1.3 mg·kg-1, twice daily. The sham-operation and model groups were given the same volume of pure water by gavage each day. After 5 consecutive weeks of administration, the cardiac index was calculated. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. Myocardial histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) content was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hemorheological parameters were analyzed using an automated hemorheology analyzer. Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were determined using an automated biochemical analyzer. Changes in circulating monocytes were detected by flow cytometry. Mouse bone marrow mononuclear cells were isolated in vitro and divided into blank group, model serum group, WDD-L drug-containing serum group, WDD-M drug-containing serum group, and WDD-H drug-containing serum group. CD36 expression and macrophage differentiation in each group were assessed by flow cytometry. The mechanism by which WDD mediates circulating monocyte differentiation was further explored using CD36 knockdown/overexpression RAW264.7 cell lines. ResultsCompared with the sham-operation group, the model group showed a significantly increased cardiac index (P<0.01), significantly decreased fractional shortening (FS) (P<0.01), and significantly increased left ventricular end-diastolic internal diameter (LVDD) and left ventricular end-systolic internal diameter (LVDS) (P<0.01). Cardiomyocytes exhibited marked deformation and necrosis with inflammatory cell infiltration. Serum pro-BNP levels were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and whole-blood viscosity (BV) at high, medium, and low shear rates was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the WDD groups showed significantly reduced cardiac index (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly increased FS (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly decreased LVDD and LVDS (P<0.01), markedly improved cardiomyocyte morphology, significantly reduced inflammatory infiltration, significantly decreased serum pro-BNP levels (P<0.01), and significantly decreased BV at high, medium, and low shear rates (P<0.01), with the most pronounced improvement observed in the WDD-M group. Compared with the sham-operation group, TC, TG, and LDL levels were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.05, P<0.01), while HDL levels were significantly decreased (P<0.05). After WDD-H treatment, TC, TG, and LDL levels were significantly reduced and HDL levels were significantly increased in mice (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the sham-operation group, classical monocytes in blood and bone marrow and intermediate monocytes in blood were significantly increased in the model group (P<0.01), whereas intermediate monocytes in bone marrow and non-classical monocytes in blood were significantly decreased (P<0.01). After WDD administration, all circulating monocyte subsets in blood and bone marrow were significantly alleviated (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the WDD-M group showing the optimal effect. In vitro, compared with the blank group, CD36 expression on bone marrow monocytes and the proportion of differentiated macrophages were significantly increased in the model serum group (P<0.01), and CD36 expression was significantly upregulated on RAW264.7 cells (P<0.01). Compared with the model serum group, all drug-containing serum groups exhibited significantly reduced CD36 expression on bone marrow monocytes and significantly reduced macrophage differentiation (P<0.01). WDD downregulated CD36 expression in both CD36 knockdown and overexpression RAW264.7 cell lines (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the strongest regulatory effect observed in the WDD-M drug-containing serum group. ConclusionWDD can significantly improve the manifestations of phlegm-stasis syndrome in IHD mice and reduce the proportion of classical circulating monocytes. Its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of CD36 expression on classical circulating monocytes.
6.Erratum: Author correction to "SHP2 inhibition triggers anti-tumor immunity and synergizes with PD-1 blockade" Acta Pharm Sin B 9 (2019) 304-315.
Mingxia ZHAO ; Wenjie GUO ; Yuanyuan WU ; Chenxi YANG ; Liang ZHONG ; Guoliang DENG ; Yuyu ZHU ; Wen LIU ; Yanhong GU ; Yin LU ; Lingdong KONG ; Xiangbao MENG ; Qiang XU ; Yang SUN
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2025;15(5):2810-2812
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2018.08.009.].
7.To investigate the mechanism of mitochondrial autophagy regulating the expression of NLRP3 inflamma-some in prostate tissue in rats with experimental autoimmune prostatitis
Liangxi LU ; Haiwang LU ; Wenjie WANG ; Jun SHI ; Zhimin HUANG ; Bin BIN
The Journal of Practical Medicine 2025;41(12):1816-1824
Objective To investigate the mechanism of mitochondrial autophagy regulating the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in prostate tissue in experimental autoimmune prostatitis(EAP)rats and to provide a theoretical basis for the study of new drug development.Methods A numerical table of 40 SD male rats was randomly divided into 8 groups.Namely,normal group(N),model group(M),rapamycin group(RAP),rapamycin+mitochondrial autophagy inhibitor group(RAP+Mdivi-1),autophagy inhibitor group(3MA),mitochondrial autophagy inhibitor group(Mdivi-1),Caspase1 inhibitor group(Caspase1),NLRP3 inhibitor group(NLRP3),5 animals per group.After drug intervention,HE staining,immunofluorescence,colorimetry,and WB method were used to observe the relevant indexes.Results Compared with group N,the structural damage of prostate gland was obvious in group M.Compared with the M group,the prostate gland structure in RAP group,Caspase-1 group and NLRP3 group were improved.However,that in 3-MA group and Mdivi-1 group was not improved,and even destroyed more obvi-ously.Compared with group N,the co-expression of LC3-II and LAMP-1 was enhanced,mitochondrial membrane potential was decreased,ROS release level was significantly increased in prostate tissue of rats in group M.Com-pared with the M group,the above indexes in RAP group and NLRP3 group were significantly improved.However,the above indexes in 3-MA group and Mdivi-1 group became worse.Compared with group N,the protein expressions of DRP1,PINK1 and Parkin in prostate mitochondria of rats in group M were increased,and the protein expres-sions of OPA1 was decreased.Compared with group M,the protein expressions of DRP1,PINK1 and Parkin in RAP group and NLRP3 group were significantly increased,while those in 3-MA group and Mdivi-1 group were sig-nificantly decreased.OPA1 protein expression was significantly decreased in the RAP group.The protein expression of Parkin in Caspase-1 group was decreased,but the protein expression of DRP1,OPA1 and PINK1 had no significant difference.Compared with group N,the protein expressions of LC3II/LC3I,Beclin1,NLRP3,ASC,Cleaced-Caspase1,Cleaced-IL-1β,and IL-18 in prostate tissue of rats in group M were increased,while the protein expres-sions of P62 was decreased.Compared with M group,LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 protein expressions in RAP group and NLRP3 group were significantly increased,while those in 3-MA group and Mdivi-1 group were significantly decreased.Compared with M group,P62,NLRP3,ASC,Cleaced-Caspase1,Cleaced-IL-1β and IL-18 protein expressions in RAP group and NLRP3 group were significantly decreased,while those in 3-MA group and Mdivi-1 group were significantly increased.Compared with M group,the protein expressions of NLRP3,ASC,Cleaced-Caspase1,Cleaced-IL-1β,and IL-18 in Caspase-1 group were significantly reduced,but the protein expressions of LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ,Beclin1,and P62 were not statistically significant.Conclusions NLRP3 inflammatosome is involved in the progression of chronic prostatitis in EAP rats.Mitochondrial autophagy mediates the occurrence and development of prostatitis in EAP by regulating the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in prostate tissue.
8.Research on the implementation effect evaluation of Warning Signs for Occupational Hazards in the Workplace (GBZ 158-2003)
Tuo LIU ; Wenjie LI ; Xiaoshuang XIE ; Yang LU ; Peng QIN ; Qiuhong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(5):392-396
To summarize the problems and improvement suggestions in the implementation of GBZ158, the focus groups interview was used to interview industry experts from CDC, Occupational disease prevention and control hospital institutes, employers, third d dd鄄party technical service institutions and universities, and extract their opinions on the problems and improvement suggestions in the implementation of the standard. The operability of GBZ 158 is not strong, and there is a certain overlap with the signs in the fields of firefighting, safety and other fields. It urgently needs to be modified to comply with the reality of occupational health management in China. There are many and concentrated revision opinions on "6. Notification Cards for Occupational Hazards of Toxic Substance in Workplaces" and "7. Setting of Warning Signs in Workplaces with Toxic Substances". It is concluded that Some technical indicators of GBZ 158 have not been according with the current actual work of occupational health, and need to be revised and improved urgently, which includes enhancing the coordination with standards in the fields of firefighting and safety, supplementing normative reference documents, clarifying the setting conditions, scope of use, and application examples of warning signs of occupational hazards.
9.Comparison research on occupational exposure limits of nickle and its compounds between China and foreign countries
Yang LU ; Tuo LIU ; Yuling ZHU ; Wenjie LI ; Qiuhong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(5):357-364
Objective:To study and compare the occupational exposure limits (OELs) of nickle and its compounds between China and foreign countries, providing scientific basis for the OEL revision of nickel and its compounds in China.Methods:From July to September 2024, Literature, OEL and related technical documents on nickel and its compounds were searched and sorted systematically at home and abroad, the main contents and technical points of OEL were extracted, and comparative analysis were conducted.Results:The earliest OELs of nickel and its compound introduced to China was maximum allowable concentration (MAC) of nickel carbonyl, and the current effective standard China was occupational exposure limits for hazardous agents in the workplace-part 1: chemical hazardous agents (GBZ 2.1-2019), covering nickel and inorganic compounds and nickel carbonyl. The former was further divided into nickel metal and insoluble compounds, and soluble nickel compounds. Based solely on the OELs of nickel and its compounds, China was relatively lower compared to developed countries such as the United States. There were significant differences in the OEL of different types of nickel and its compounds among different countries, but the OELs in China and the United Kingdom (UK) Health and Safety Executive (HSE) were basically consistent. The European Union, the United States American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH), South Africa etal classified nickel and its compounds into respirable and inhalable based on particle size. GBZ 2.1-2019 in China labeled nickel compounds and nickel carbonyl as G1 (carcinogenic to humans), while ACGIH and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in the United States, HSE in the UK, Australia, South Africa also labeled one or several different types of nickel and its compounds as carcinogenic.Conclusion:Based on the OELs of nickel and its compounds, China is at a relatively loose level. It is suggested to explore the possibility of future revision, considering various adverse health effects. It is suggested to conduct basic research on fibrosis induced by nickel and its compounds, providing scientific basis for revising OELs.
10.Implementation evaluation and analysis of occupational exposure limits for hazardous agents in the workplace Part 1: Chemical hazardous agents (GBZ 2.1-2019)
Wenjie LI ; Tao LI ; Tuo LIU ; Chen YU ; Dan WANG ; Yang LU ; Xiaoshuang XIE ; Peng QIN ; Kaining TIAN ; Qiuhong ZHU
Chinese Journal of Industrial Hygiene and Occupational Diseases 2025;43(5):364-367
Objective:By systematically evaluate the implementation of GBZ 2.1, so as to provide technical basis for the future revisions of this standard.Methods:From May to October 2023, Based on the pre survey questionnaire, the semi-structured interview method was used to interviews with experts from CDC, Occupational disease prevention and control hospital institutes, employers, occupational hygiene technical service intermediaries and universities, and the inductive method was used to extract the topics and relevant suggestions.Results:Generally, GBZ 2.1 is scientific, practical, progressiveness and operable. There are still some issues such as OELs overlapping and the correspondence between Chinese and English names. The outstanding problem is the coordination with other standard contents.Conclusion:The technical indicators in GBZ 2.1 could adapt to the needs of current practical work. The coordination between standards needs to be clarified, and the new recommended content needs further promotion and exploration on how to implement it.

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