1.Clinical Efficacy and Mechanism of Bupi Qingfei Prescription in Treating Stable Bronchiectasis
Zi YANG ; Guangsen LI ; Bing WANG ; Bo XU ; Jianxin WANG ; Sheng CAO ; Xinyan CHEN ; Xia SHI ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):162-169
ObjectiveTo explore the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Bupi Qingfei prescription (BPQF) in treating stable bronchiectasis in the patients with syndromes of lung-spleen Qi deficiency and phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs. MethodsA randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted. Patients were randomized into BPQF and placebo control (PC) groups. On the basis of conventional Western medicine treatment, the BPQF granules and placebo were respectively administered at 10 g each time, twice a day, for a course of 24 weeks. The TCM symptom scores, Quality of Life Questionnaire for Bronchiectasis (QOL-B) scores, lung function indicators, T lymphocyte subsets, level of inflammatory factors in the sputum, level of neutrophil elastase (NE) in the sputum, and occurrence of adverse reactions were observed before and after treatment in the two groups. ResultsA total of 64 patients completed the study, encompassing 32 in the BPQF group and 32 in the PC group. After treatment, the BPQF group showed decreased TCM symptom scores (P<0.01), increased QOL-B scores (P<0.01), and declined levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and NE (P<0.05, P<0.01). The PC group showed decreased TCM symptom (except spleen deficiency) scores (P<0.01), increased the QOL-B health cognition and respiratory symptom domain scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and a declined TNF-α level (P<0.01). Moreover, the BPQF group had lower TCM symptom (except chest tightness) scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), higher QOL-B (except treatment burden) scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lower levels of interleukin-6 and TNF-α (P<0.05) than the PC group. Neither group showed serious adverse reactions during the treatment process. ConclusionBPQF can ameliorate the clinical symptoms of stable bronchiectasis patients who have lung-spleen Qi deficiency or phlegm-heat accumulation in the lungs by regulating the immune balance and inhibiting airway inflammatory responses.
2.Action Mechanism of Huamoyan Granules in Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis Based on TRPV1/p38 MAPK Pathway
Jin ZHANG ; Lili YANG ; Canwen ZHENG ; Jing KANG ; Yanlei MA ; Yue SHI ; Lei LI ; Hongxu MENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):79-89
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the protective effect of Huamoyan granules on knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and explore whether its protective effect is oriented toward an anti-inflammatory direction by regulation of macrophage polarization, which can effectively inhibit the progression of pathological inflammatory response, reduce the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and downregulate the protein expression level of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), so as to provide experimental evidence for its clinical application and investigate its action mechanism. MethodsAfter adaptive feeding, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into six groups: sham group, model group, celecoxib group, and high, medium, and low-dose synovitis granule groups (9.6, 4.8, 2.4 g·kg-1). The administration dose of celecoxib capsules was 20 mg·kg-1. There were 10 rats in the sham group and 12 rats in the model group and each administration group. A KOA animal model was established by means of intra-articular injection of sodium iodoacetate into the knee joint. From the 10th day of the experiment, each administration group was given intragastric administration at a dose of 10 mL·kg-1 for 4 weeks. General conditions of rats in each group were assessed daily. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) to mechanical stimulation and joint diameter were recorded. X-ray examination was performed on the right knee joints of rats for imaging analysis. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and other pro-inflammatory cytokines in rat serum samples, as well as the expression levels of neurogenic inflammatory mediators such as nerve growth factor (NGF) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Histopathological changes in the knee joint synovial tissues were examined by hematoxylineosin (HE) staining. Safranin O-fast green staining was performed to observe and evaluate the degree of knee cartilage lesions. Western blot was employed to quantitatively analyze TRPV1, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and phosphorylated (p)-p38 MAPK in rat knee synovial tissues. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to measure and assess M1/M2 macrophage polarization. ResultsCompared with those in the sham group, the circumference and joint diameter of the right knee were markedly enlarged in the model group (P<0.01), while PPTs of rats showed a significant reduction (P<0.01). The contents of IL-1β, TNF-α, CGRP, and NGF in rats' serum were significantly elevated (P<0.01), and the synovial Krenn score was increased (P<0.01). The Mankin score of cartilage tissue was increased (P<0.01), and the protein expressions of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK were significantly upregulated (P<0.01). The experimental intervention significantly reduced the proportion of pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages in the total macrophage population (P<0.01), and the percentage of M2 macrophages was decreased (P<0.01). The M1/M2 macrophage ratio was significantly elevated (P<0.01). Knee joint diameters of all dose groups of Huamoyan granules and the celecoxib group were reduced (P<0.01) compared with those of the model group, and the PPT recovery speeds in the high and medium-dose groups of Huamoyan granules were more obvious (P<0.05). The contents of IL-1β, CGRP, and NGF in the rats' serum in all administration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the content of TNF-α in rats' serum was significantly reduced (P<0.01). All dose groups of Huamoyan granules demonstrated significant reductions in both synovial Krenn score (P<0.05, P<0.01) and protein expression of TRPV1 and p-p38 MAPK/p38 MAPK in rats' synovial tissues (P<0.01). The percentage of M1 macrophages in the synovial tissues of the celecoxib group and all dose groups of Huamoyan granules was decreased (P<0.01). The percentage of M2 macrophages was increased (P<0.05), and the M1/M2 ratio was decreased (P<0.01). ConclusionHuamoyan granules can alleviate the inflammatory response of KOA, reduce the release of inflammatory pain mediators, and downregulate TRPV1 protein expression by regulating macrophage polarization. Its mechanism may be related to the TRPV1/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, thereby achieving the effect of improving peripheral pain hypersensitivity in KOA.
3.Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid
Changkuan FU ; Xiaochang MA ; Mingjun ZHU ; Yue DENG ; Hongxu LIU ; Mingxue ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Yan ZHOU ; Ling ZHANG ; Jianhua FU ; Wei YANG ; Yu'er HU ; Ming CHEN ; Yanming XIE ; Yuanyuan LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):147-158
The prescription of Qidong Yixin oral liquid is derived from the experience of national medical master Ren Jixue in treating viral myocarditis (VMC). It has the functions of tonifying Qi, nourishing the heart,calming the mind, and relieving palpitations. It is used to treat VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease caused by deficiency of both Qi and Yin. However,the understanding of its efficacy evidence, advantageous aspects, dosage and administration, and medication safety remains insufficient in clinical practice. Therefore,the development of the Expert Consensus on the Clinical Application of Qidong Yixin Oral Liquid (hereinafter referred to as consensus) was initiated. Consensus strictly followed the process and methods of the expert consensus on the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines of the China Association of Chinese Medicine,successively completing multiple tasks such as the consensus project initiation,determination of clinical problems,evidence search and evaluation,formation of recommendation opinions and consensus suggestions,solicitation of opinions,peer review, submission for review and release, and so on. Consensus formed a total of 10 recommendation opinions and 12 consensus suggestions,clarifying the clinical positioning,efficacy advantages,syndrome differentiation,dosage and administration,combination therapy,timing of medication,adverse reactions,contraindications, and precautions of Qidong Yixin oral liquid,indicating that it has good clinical advantages and safety in the treatment of VMC and angina pectoris of coronary heart disease,providing norms and references for physicians to safely and rationally apply Qidong Yixin oral liquid. Consensus was reviewed and approved for release by the Standardization Office of the China Association of Chinese Medicine on December 23, 2024. Standard number:GSCACM-376-2024.
4.Current Research Status,Challenges,Differentiation and Treatment Strategies of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Fengyun WANG ; Mi LYU ; Bingduo ZHOU ; Beihua ZHANG ; Yi WANG ; Tingting XU ; Cong HE ; Xiaokang WANG ; Xin LIU ; Yang WANG ; Kaiyue HUANG ; Lusi XU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):392-396
This article systematically reviews the current research status as well as diagnosis and treatment strategies of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Studies demonstrate that TCM, based on the "disease-syndrome combination" approach, exhibits multi-target advantages in alleviating symptoms of various GERD subtypes, promoting mucosal repair, regulating emotions, and facilitating the reduction of western medication. To address clinical challenges such as symptom overlap and limited therapeutic efficacy, strategies have been proposed including "treating different diseases with the same method" and integrated regulation based on viscera correlation. Future efforts should focus on elucidating the mechanisms of compound prescriptions, promoting TCM drug development under the "three-combination" evaluation framework that integrates TCM theory, human experience and clinical trial evidence, and optimizing integrated traditional and western medicine models to enhance GERD management.
5.Current Status,Strategies and Prospects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment for Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Yandong WEN ; Zhi YANG ; Shaogang HUANG ; Zhongyu LI ; Xiangxue MA ; Qing XU ; Liqing DU ; Bochao YUAN ; Yibing TIAN ; Wentong GE ; Xiaofan ZHAO ; Chang LIU ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):404-409
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized primarily by abdominal pain and altered defecation habits. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has made progress in multiple aspects of IBS research and treatment, including syndrome distribution, development of TCM formulas, clinical efficacy evaluation, external therapies, and psychosocial regulation. However, it still faces challenges such as over-reliance on symptomatic manifestations rather than biomarkers for diagnostic criteria, and the lack of high-quality evidence-based data supporting the efficacy of TCM formulas in treating IBS. This paper proposed that TCM diagnosis and treatment of IBS should adhere to the strategy of integrating the holistic concept with syndrome differentiation and treatment, combining TCM external therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion and acupoint application), and emphasizing individualized diagnosis and treatment for psychosomatic abnormalities. Future research should integrate multi-omics technologies, artificial intelligence and other methods to deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of IBS and the mechanisms of TCM formulas, so as to promote the standardization and internationalization of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of IBS.
6.Current Status and Prospects of Research on Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment for Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Haiyan BAI ; Tai ZHANG ; Ping WANG ; Lin LIU ; Weichao XU ; Yaxin TIAN ; Lanshuo HU ; Qian YANG ; Xudong TANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(4):410-415
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), through its multi-target and systematic regulatory effects, has demonstrated unique advantages in the treatment of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL). At present, TCM theoretical research on GPL is mainly reflected in three aspects, the integration of macroscopic syndrome differentiation, the inflammation-carcinoma transformation mechanism, as well as the systematization and scientization of theoretical inheritance from famous TCM practitioners. High-quality evidence-based research findings serve as the foundation for clinical practice guidelines on GPL, and TCM has gained international academic recognition in the field of GPL prevention and treatment. Research on TCM mechanisms has yielded a series of important outcomes in the aspects of signaling pathways, gene expression regulation, cellular epigenetics, histone modification, and intestinal microecology. It is proposed that future research on GPL should focus on four key directions, establishing multi-omics data, exploring targeted intervention strategies on key regulatory nodes, advancing the standardization process of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine prevention and treatment technologies, and constructing stratified screening and intervention platforms. The in-depth integration of TCM microcosmic mechanism of action with its macroscopic syndrome differentiation and treatment system, coupled with interdisciplinary research, will provide valuable references for the clinical treatment and scientific research of GPL.
7.Exploring on Quality Evaluation Methods of Clinical Case Reports in Traditional Chinese Medicine Based on China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Kaige ZHANG ; Feng ZHANG ; Bo ZHOU ; Haimin CHEN ; Yong ZHU ; Changcheng HOU ; Liangzhen YOU ; Weijun HUANG ; Jie YANG ; Guoshuang ZHU ; Shukun GONG ; Jianwen HE ; Yang YE ; Yuqiu AN ; Chunquan SUN ; Qingjie YUAN ; Buman LI ; Xingzhong FENG ; Kegang CAO ; Hongcai SHANG ; Jihua GUO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Zhining TIAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(1):271-276
As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) academic thought and clinical experience, the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges, including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic, encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization, characteristics and advantages, application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, while aligning with modern scientific research standards, achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently, this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases, contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge, evidence-based practice, and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.
8.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guideline for Clinical Application of Chinese Patent Medicine for External Use
Xin CUI ; Dingquan YANG ; Zhennian XIE ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Xu WEI ; Jinghua GAO ; Lianxin WANG ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):252-259
The Pharmacovigilance Guideline for Clinical Application of Chinese Patent Medicine for External Use (T/CACM 1563.5—2024), the first guideline in China specializing for the clinical safety of Chinese patent medicines for external use, was led by the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and jointly developed by more than 30 research institutions of medical sciences across the country. Aiming to standardize the pharmacovigilance activities in the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines for external use,the guideline systematically categorizes potential risks and proposes prevention and control measures that cover 11 core sections of risk monitoring and reporting, signal identification,as well as assessment and control, addressing the gap in domestic and international standardization of this field. The compilation of this guideline strictly adhered to international norms and domestic regulations, involving multiple rounds of expert consultations,hybrid interviews, and evidence integration (covering literature,medical insurance,essential medicine,pharmacopoeia data, and regulatory information). With the scope of application defined to include medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers and distribution enterprises,as well as regulatory authorities, the guideline focuses on key issues such as inherent medicine risks,quality risks,off-label use,risks of combination therapy,and the safety in special populations. During the compilation,core discrepancies such as the definition of application scope and quality risk control were addressed to ensure alignment with regulations such as the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China and the Good Pharmacovigilance Practice. The guideline is registered internationally (PREPARE—2022CN463). In the future,the implementation of the guideline will be promoted through hierarchical dissemination,dynamic revision,and post-effectiveness evaluation, contributing to rational clinical use and improved patient safety.
9.Compilation Instruction for Pharmacovigilance Guideline for Clinical Application of Chinese Patent Medicine for External Use
Xin CUI ; Dingquan YANG ; Zhennian XIE ; Yuanyuan LI ; Zhifei WANG ; Xu WEI ; Jinghua GAO ; Lianxin WANG ; Yanming XIE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(8):252-259
The Pharmacovigilance Guideline for Clinical Application of Chinese Patent Medicine for External Use (T/CACM 1563.5—2024), the first guideline in China specializing for the clinical safety of Chinese patent medicines for external use, was led by the Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences,and jointly developed by more than 30 research institutions of medical sciences across the country. Aiming to standardize the pharmacovigilance activities in the clinical application of Chinese patent medicines for external use,the guideline systematically categorizes potential risks and proposes prevention and control measures that cover 11 core sections of risk monitoring and reporting, signal identification,as well as assessment and control, addressing the gap in domestic and international standardization of this field. The compilation of this guideline strictly adhered to international norms and domestic regulations, involving multiple rounds of expert consultations,hybrid interviews, and evidence integration (covering literature,medical insurance,essential medicine,pharmacopoeia data, and regulatory information). With the scope of application defined to include medical institutions, pharmaceutical manufacturers and distribution enterprises,as well as regulatory authorities, the guideline focuses on key issues such as inherent medicine risks,quality risks,off-label use,risks of combination therapy,and the safety in special populations. During the compilation,core discrepancies such as the definition of application scope and quality risk control were addressed to ensure alignment with regulations such as the Drug Administration Law of the People's Republic of China and the Good Pharmacovigilance Practice. The guideline is registered internationally (PREPARE—2022CN463). In the future,the implementation of the guideline will be promoted through hierarchical dissemination,dynamic revision,and post-effectiveness evaluation, contributing to rational clinical use and improved patient safety.
10.Effect of Quercetin on Cuproptosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis Rats and Its Mechanism via SLC31A1/FDX1 Pathway
Haoruo YANG ; Qiuai KOU ; Junhua REN ; Guo YUAN ; Bin YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):121-130
ObjectiveTo observe the influence and therapeutic effect of quercetin on cuproptosis in rheumatoid arthritis rats and to explore its possible mechanism based on the solute carrier family 31 member 1 (SLC31A1)/ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) pathway. MethodsSixty male SD rats were divided into six groups: A control group, a model group, high- and low-dose quercetin groups (150 and 50 mg·kg-1), a cuproptosis inhibitor (tetrathiomolybdate, TTM) group (10 mg·kg-1), and a methotrexate group (2 mg·kg-1), 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group, the model of rheumatoid arthritis (CIA) rats was established by type Ⅱ collagen induction method. After successful modeling, each drug group was intervened according to the corresponding dose of drugs, and the control group and the model group were given the same amount of normal saline by gavage, once a day, which lasted for 4 weeks. The swelling degree of rats' feet was observed, and the clinical arthritis scores were determined. The levels of serum rheumatoid factor (RF), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and ceruloplasmin (Cp) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The content of copper ion (Cu), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) in joint tissue was detected. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of joint tissue. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and dihydrolipoic acid transacetylase (DLAT) were detected by immunofluorescence (IF). The protein and mRNA expression of SLC31A1, FDX1, lipoic acid synthase (LIAS), heat shock protein 70 (HSP70), pyruvate dehydrogenase E1 subunit β (PDHB), and copper transporting P-type ATPase β (ATP7B) was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR). ResultsCompared to the control group, the model group exhibited joint swelling and deformity, significantly increased clinical arthritis scores, obvious bone destruction, synovial hyperplasia, and inflammatory cell infiltration in joint tissue. In addition, the serum levels of RF, MMP-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and Cp showed significant elevation, while the level of IL-10 was significantly reduced. The levels of Cu, MDA, ROS, and DLAT in joint tissue were markedly increased, whereas SOD and GSH content was significantly decreased. The protein and mRNA expression of SLC31A1 and HSP70 was significantly up-regulated, while the protein and mRNA expression of FDX1, LIAS, PDHB, and ATP7B was significantly down-regulated (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, each treatment group exhibited varying degrees of improvement in joint swelling and deformation as well as clinical arthritis scores in rats. Additionally, there was a reduction in joint bone destruction, inflammatory cell infiltration, and synovial hyperplasia in rats. Furthermore, the serum levels of RF, MMP-3, TNF-α, IL-1β, and Cp significantly decreased, while the level of IL-10 increased significantly. In joint tissue, the levels of Cu, MDA, ROS, and DLAT showed significant decreases, while SOD and GSH content exhibited significant increases. The protein and mRNA expression of SLC31A1 and HSP70 was down-regulated, while the protein and mRNA expression of FDX1, LIAS, PDHB, and ATP7B was up-regulated (P<0.05). ConclusionQuercetin effectively reduces synovial hyperplasia and inflammatory infiltration in rats with rheumatoid arthritis, thereby alleviating pathological damage to joint tissue. This effect may be attributed to the blockade of the SLC31A1/FDX1 signaling pathway activation and inhibition of excessive cuproptosis.

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