1.QingNangTCM: a parameter-efficient fine-tuning large language model for traditional Chinese medicine
Xuming TONG ; Liyan LIU ; Yanhong YUAN ; Xiaozheng DING ; Huiru JIA ; Xu YANG ; Sio Kei IM ; Mini Han WANG ; Zhang XIONH ; Yapeng WANG
Digital Chinese Medicine 2026;9(1):1-12
Objective:
To develop QingNangTCM, a specialized large language model (LLM) tailored for expert-level traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) question-answering and clinical reasoning, addressing the scarcity of domain-specific corpora and specialized alignment.
Methods:
We constructed QnTCM_Dataset, a corpus of 100 000 entries, by integrating data from ShenNong_TCM_Dataset and SymMap v2.0, and synthesizing additional samples via retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and persona-driven generation. The dataset comprehensively covers diagnostic inquiries, prescriptions, and herbal knowledge. Utilizing P-Tuning v2, we fine-tuned the GLM-4-9B-Chat backbone to develop QingNangTCM. A multi-dimensional evaluation framework, assessing accuracy, coverage, consistency, safety, professionalism, and fluency, was established using metrics such as bilingual evaluation understudy (BLEU), recall-oriented understudy for gisting evaluation (ROUGE), metric for evaluation of translation with explicit ordering (METEOR), and LLM-as-a-Judge with expert review. Qualitative analysis was conducted across four simulated clinical scenarios: symptom analysis, disease treatment, herb inquiry, and failure cases. Baseline models included GLM-4-9B-Chat, DeepSeek-V2, HuatuoGPT-II (7B), and GLM-4-9B-Chat (freeze-tuning).
Results:
QingNangTCM achieved the highest scores in BLEU-1/2/3/4 (0.425/0.298/0.137/0.064), ROUGE-1/2 (0.368/0.157), and METEOR (0.218), demonstrating a balanced and superior normalized performance profile of 0.900 across the dimensions of accuracy, coverage, and consistency. Although its ROUGE-L score (0.299) was lower than that of HuatuoGPT-II (7B) (0.351), it significantly outperformed domain-specific models in expert-validated win rates for professionalism (86%) and safety (73%). Qualitative analysis confirmed that the model strictly adheres to the “symptom-syndrome-pathogenesis-treatment” reasoning chain, though occasional misclassifications and hallucinations persisted when dealing with rare medicinal materials and uncommon syndromes.
Conclusion
Combining domain-specific corpus construction with parameter-efficient prompt tuning enhances the reasoning behavior and domain adaptation of LLMs for TCM-related tasks. This work provides a technical framework for the digital organization and intelligent utilization of TCM knowledge, with potential value for supporting diagnostic reasoning and medical education.
2.Efficacy and safety of ropivacaine combined with oxycodone for iliac fascia nerve block analgesia in patients undergoing hip replacement
Xinyue ZHANG ; Yapeng HE ; Xianlin ZHU ; Weiqing LIU ; Yi ZHANG ; Zhengsong WAN ; Nana YAO ; Junying MOU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(8):951-955
OBJECTIVE To investigate the efficacy and safety of ropivacaine combined with oxycodone for the analgesia of iliac fascia nerve block in patients undergoing hip replacement. METHODS Sixty-six patients who underwent hip replacement at the Central Hospital of Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture from October 2023 to April 2024 were selected and randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 33 cases in each group. Before induction of anesthesia, ultrasound-guided iliac fascial nerve block was performed. Patients in the observation group were treated with 0.33% ropivacaine+0.1 mg/kg oxycodone injection mixture 30 mL, and patients in the control group were treated with 0.33% ropivacaine injection 30 mL. The time of first postoperative rescue analgesia, 24 h postoperative analgesic drug consumption, sensory block and motor block effective and maintenance time, satisfaction degree, numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score, Ramsay sedation score, muscle strength score, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), oxygen saturation(SpO2), sleep score, anxiety score, and the occurrence of adverse reactions in the two groups were all recorded. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the first rescue analgesia time after operation was significantly prolonged in the observation group, and 24 h postoperative analgesic drug consumption after operation decreased; the effective time of sensory block was significantly shortened, and the maintenance time of sensory block was significantly prolonged, and the satisfaction score was higher; the NRS pain score after iliac fascia nerve block was lower, HR and MAP were lower, and the anxiety score and sleep score 24 and 48 h after operation were lower (P<0.05). In terms of safety, patients in both groups had adverse reactions after operation, such as hypertension, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness, but there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Oxycodone combined with ropivacaine shows good efficacy and safety for iliac fascial nerve block analgesia in patients undergoing hip replacement, can significantly prolong the analgesic time of ropivacaine, reduce postoperative analgesic drug consumption, improve the sleep quality of patients, and promote the rapid recovery of patients.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Zanthoxylum armatum and Zanthoxyli Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Zhen ZENG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yihan WANG ; Yapeng WANG ; Erwei HAO ; Chun YAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):252-262
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, harvesting and processing, and other aspects of Manjiao and Zanthoxyli Radix by referring to the herbal medicine, medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing the two medicinal materials. According to the herbal textual research, Manjiao was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty with aliases such as Zhujiao, Goujiao and Zhijiao. Throughout history, Manjiao was sourced from the stems and roots of Zanthoxylum armatum in the Rutaceae family, and its leaves and fruits can also be used in medicine. The traditional recorded production area was mainly in Yunzhong(now Tuoketuo region in Inner Mongolia), with mentions in Zhejiang, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Taiwan, and other provinces. Presently, this species is distributed from the south of Shandong, to Hainan, Taiwan, Tibet and other regions. The roots can be harvested year-round, while the fruits are harvested in autumn after maturity. In ancient times, the roots and stems were mostly used for brewing or soaking in wine, whereas nowadays, the roots are often sliced and then used as a raw material in traditional Chinese medicine, and the fruits should be stir-fried before use. Manjiao has a bitter taste and warm property, and was historically used to treat wind-cold dampness, joint pain, limb numbness, and knee pain. Modern researches have summarized its effects as dispelling wind, dispersing cold, promoting circulation, and relieving pain, and it is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, toothache, bruises, as well as an anthelmintic. Zanthoxyli Radix initially known as Rudi Jinniugen, recorded in Bencao Qiuyuan of the Qing dynasty, with the alternate name of Liangbianzhen. In recent times, it is more commonly referred to as Liangmianzhen, sourced from the dried roots of Z. nitidum of the Rutaceae family, mainly produced in Guangxi and Guangdong. It can be harvested throughout the year, cleaned, sliced, and dried after harvesting. Zanthoxyli Radix is pungent, bitter, warm and slightly toxic, with the functions of promoting blood circulation, removing stasis, relieving pain, dispelling wind, and resolving swelling. Based on the results of herbal textual research, it is clarified that the ancient Manjiao and the modern Zanthoxyli Radix are not the same species. This article corrects the mistaken belief of by previous scholars that Zanthoxyli Radix is the same as ancient Manjiao, and suggests that formulas described as Manjiao should use Z. armatum as the medicinal herb, while those described as Liangmianzhen or Rudi Jinniu should use Z. nitidum. The processing was performed according to the processing requirements prescribed in the formulas, otherwise, the raw products are recommended for use.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Zanthoxylum armatum and Zanthoxyli Radix in Famous Classical Formulas
Zhen ZENG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yihan WANG ; Yapeng WANG ; Erwei HAO ; Chun YAO ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):252-262
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, medicinal parts, harvesting and processing, and other aspects of Manjiao and Zanthoxyli Radix by referring to the herbal medicine, medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing the two medicinal materials. According to the herbal textual research, Manjiao was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty with aliases such as Zhujiao, Goujiao and Zhijiao. Throughout history, Manjiao was sourced from the stems and roots of Zanthoxylum armatum in the Rutaceae family, and its leaves and fruits can also be used in medicine. The traditional recorded production area was mainly in Yunzhong(now Tuoketuo region in Inner Mongolia), with mentions in Zhejiang, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Yunnan, Taiwan, and other provinces. Presently, this species is distributed from the south of Shandong, to Hainan, Taiwan, Tibet and other regions. The roots can be harvested year-round, while the fruits are harvested in autumn after maturity. In ancient times, the roots and stems were mostly used for brewing or soaking in wine, whereas nowadays, the roots are often sliced and then used as a raw material in traditional Chinese medicine, and the fruits should be stir-fried before use. Manjiao has a bitter taste and warm property, and was historically used to treat wind-cold dampness, joint pain, limb numbness, and knee pain. Modern researches have summarized its effects as dispelling wind, dispersing cold, promoting circulation, and relieving pain, and it is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, toothache, bruises, as well as an anthelmintic. Zanthoxyli Radix initially known as Rudi Jinniugen, recorded in Bencao Qiuyuan of the Qing dynasty, with the alternate name of Liangbianzhen. In recent times, it is more commonly referred to as Liangmianzhen, sourced from the dried roots of Z. nitidum of the Rutaceae family, mainly produced in Guangxi and Guangdong. It can be harvested throughout the year, cleaned, sliced, and dried after harvesting. Zanthoxyli Radix is pungent, bitter, warm and slightly toxic, with the functions of promoting blood circulation, removing stasis, relieving pain, dispelling wind, and resolving swelling. Based on the results of herbal textual research, it is clarified that the ancient Manjiao and the modern Zanthoxyli Radix are not the same species. This article corrects the mistaken belief of by previous scholars that Zanthoxyli Radix is the same as ancient Manjiao, and suggests that formulas described as Manjiao should use Z. armatum as the medicinal herb, while those described as Liangmianzhen or Rudi Jinniu should use Z. nitidum. The processing was performed according to the processing requirements prescribed in the formulas, otherwise, the raw products are recommended for use.
5.Effects of atractylodin on lung injury and airway inflammation in rats with AECOPD by regulating JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway
Zhiying SUN ; Yingzhe WANG ; Yuan LIU ; Yapeng ZHAO ; Tingting ZHOU
China Pharmacy 2025;36(23):2935-2940
OBJECTIVE To discuss the effect mechanism of atractylodin (ATR) on lung injury and airway inflammation in rats with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). METHODS AECOPD model was established using smoke exposure and intratracheal injection of lipopolysaccharide. Rats were randomly grouped into model group, ATR low-, medium- and high-dose groups (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg), as well as high-dose ATR+anisomycin [ANS, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activator] group (100 mg/kg ATR+5 mg/kg ANS). Additionally, a non-modeled control group was set up, with 12 rats in each group. Rats in each group were intraperitoneally injected with the corresponding drug solution/normal saline once daily for 14 consecutive days. After the last medication, lung function [peak expiratory flow (PEF), the ratio of forced expiratory volume (FEV) to forced vital capacity (FVC), arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2)], as well as the number of inflammatory cells and the levels of inflammatory cytokines [interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-1β] in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), were measured. The pathological morphology of lung tissue in rats was observed. 163.com The apoptosis of lung epithelial cells was detected, and the expression levels of proteins related to the JNK/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway in rat lung tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with control group, PEF, FEV/FVC and PaO2 of model group were slowed or decreased significantly (P<0.05). The number of white blood cells, neutrophils, lymphocytes and macrophages, as well as the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in BALF, along with the pathological score, the apoptosis rate of lung epithelial cells, and the phosphorylation levels of JNK and p38 MAPK proteins in lung tissues, were all increased or raised significantly (P<0.05); lung tissue exhibited severe damage, with disordered cell arrangement and marked infiltration of inflammatory cells. Compared with model group, the levels of above quantitative indicators in rats from all ATR dosage groups showed significant improvement in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05); moreover, the pathological damage in lung tissue was alleviated, with cells arranged in a regular and orderly fashion. Compared with ATR high-dose group, the levels of the above quantitative indicators in rats from the high-dose ATR+ANS group were significantly reversed (P<0.05), and the pathological damage in lung tissue was exacerbated. CONCLUSIONS ATR inhibits airway inflammation by suppressing the activity of the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, thereby improving lung tissue damage in AECOPD rats.
6.Development and validation of clinical prediction model for post-treatment recurrence in high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer after BCG intravesical instillation
Haitao WANG ; Weiming LUO ; Jian CHEN ; Jian ZHANG ; Qiang RAN ; Jing XU ; Junhao JIN ; Yangkun AO ; Yapeng WANG ; Junying ZHANG ; Qiubo XIE ; Weihua LAN ; Qiuli LIU
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(9):959-968
Objective To investigate the factors influencing the efficacy of intravesical Bacille Calmette-Guérin(BCG)instillation after transurethral resection of bladder tumor(TURBT)in patients with intermediate-and high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer(NMIBC),and to construct a prediction model for recurrence after BCG treatment.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted on the subjected patients diagnosed with intermediate-and high-risk NMIBC undergoing TURBT followed by standard BCG instillation.The 110 patients treated in Department of Urology of Army Medical Center of PLA from January 2018 to December 2023 were assigned into a training set,while the 52 patients treated at Department of Urology of General Hospital of Central Theater Command from January 2015 to December 2020 were into an external validation set.A total of 17 variables were included and analyzed.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with recurrence after BCG instillation,and nomograms were plotted to predict 1-year,3-year,and 5-year recurrence-free survival(RFS).Calibration curve,decision curve analysis(DCA),and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis were conducted for internal and external validation to evaluate the predictive performance and clinical utility of the model.Results In the training set,26 patients(23.64%)experienced recurrence during the follow-up period,with a median RFS of 32.00(18.00~50.50)months.Univariate Cox regression analysis suggested that platelet count,eosinophil to lymphocyte ratio(ELR),neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio(NLR),platelet to lymphocyte ratio(PLR),systemic immune inflammation(SII)index,and neutrophil-monocyte to lymphocyte ratio(NMLR),pathological T1 stage(pT1)tumor and hemoglobin,albumin,lymphocyte,and platelet(HALP)score were potential factors influencing recurrence after BCG instillation.Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified high HALP score(HR=0.185,95%CI:0.046~0.736,P=0.017)as an independent protective factor,while high ELR(HR=3.599,95%CI:1.505~8.608,P=0.004)and pT1 stage(HR=3.240,95%CI:1.191~8.818,P=0.021)were independent risk factors for recurrence.Based on this,a nomogram prediction model was constructed.The calibration curves demonstrated good agreement between predicted and actual 1-,3-,and 5-year recurrence risks.Decision curve analysis indicated clinical utility across a wide threshold probability range.In the training set,the model showed strong predictive performance for 1-(AUC=0.842),3-(AUC=0.847),and 5-year(AUC=0.887)recurrence risks,which was further validated in the external cohort.Conclusion Higher HALP score prior to BCG instillation therapy is a protective factor against tumor recurrence,while higher ELR and pT1 stage are risk factors.Our nomogram prediction model based on HALP score,ELR and pathological T stage,can identify individuals at high risk of recurrence after BCG instillation therapy.
7.Efficacy and prognostic factors of second transurethral resection for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Yangkun AO ; Weiming LUO ; Qiang RAN ; Haitao WANG ; Jian ZHANG ; Yapeng WANG ; Ze WANG ; Jing XU ; Jun ZHANG ; Zhenzhen CHEN ; Weihua LAN ; Qiuli LIU ; Jun JIANG
Journal of Army Medical University 2025;47(16):1923-1930
Objective To investigate risk factors for residual lesions after initial transurethral resection of bladder tumors(TURBT)and risk factors for tumor recurrence after second TURBT in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer(NMIBC)in order to provide reference for clinical management.Methods A case-control study design was adopted to include 120 NMIBC patients who underwent initial TURBT and then second surgery within 2~8 weeks in our department from January 2017 to January 2025.Based on the presence of residual lesions after the initial TURBT or not,the patients were divided into a residual lesion group(n=34)and a non-residual lesion group(n=86).Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to identify potential risk factors for residual lesions following the initial TURBT.Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to analyze potential risk factors for tumor recurrence after the second TURBT.Results The residual lesion rate after initial TURBT was 28.33%.Chi-square test analysis revealed that tumor stage T1(Chi-square=5.756,P=0.016)and broad tumor base(Chi-square=4.331,P=0.037)were factors influencing residual lesions after initial TURBT.Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified tumor stage T1(OR=3.047,95%CI:1.128~8.226,P=0.028)as an independent risk factor for residual lesions after initial TURBT.The tumor recurrence rate after second TURBT was 17.5%.Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified tumor stage T1(OR=4.258,95%CI:1.248~14.532,P=0.021),intravesical chemotherapy instillation after second TURBT(OR=3.539,95%CI:1.284~9.752,P=0.015),history of urinary system tumors(OR=3.002,95%CI:1.145~7.873,P=0.025)and high platelet-to-lymphocyte(PLR)ratio(OR=2.798,95%CI:1.115~7.023,P=0.028)as independent risk factors for tumor recurrence after second TURBT.Conclusion Tumor stage T1 and broad tumor base are risk factors for residual lesions after initial TURBT,while tumor stage T1,intravesical chemotherapy instillation after second TURBT,history of urinary system tumors and high PLR ratio are risk factors for tumor recurrence after second TURBT.Comprehensive analysis on above 4 indicators can effectively assess the risk of tumor recurrence in NMIBC patients following second TURBT,and timely early medical intervention is beneficial for improving patient outcomes.
8.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Bupleurum chinense Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Yunxiang LIU ; Yapeng WANG ; Liping KANG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Tiegui NAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(14):145-155
ObjectiveIn order to understand the quality differences between wild and cultivated Bupleurum chinense(BC), modern analytical techniques were used to systematically compare the quality of wild and cultivated BC in terms of appearance characteristics, primary and secondary metabolites. MethodSamples of wild and cultivated BC were collected from the main production areas of Shanxi, Shaanxi and Hebei, and images of BC were collected and their length and diameter were measured using vernier caliper to compare and analyze the characteristics of the two. Referring to the method under extract of CP in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the extract contents of the two species were determined. The cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin compositions of both were determined using fiber analyzer. Quantitative determination of representative saikosaponins, flavonoids and saccharides in BC by ultra performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry(HS-GC-MS) was used to determine the types and relative contents of volatile components, and UPLC-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) coupled with multivariate statistical analysis was used to screen and identify the differential compounds between wild and cultivated BC. ResultThere were significant differences in the appearance characteristics between wild and cultivated BC, the wild BC had a large root head, twisted and thick axial root, rough epidermis, and often had a stem base and lateral root with dark color and strong odor. However, the cultivated BC has long and straight taproots, delicate epidermis, few lateral roots, light root color and light smell. In terms of primary and secondary metabolites, the contents of alcohol-soluble extract and lignin of wild BC was significantly higher than those of cultivated BC, while the contents of water soluble extract and quercitrin was higher than those of cultivated BC, but the difference was not significant. The contents of cellulose, five saikosaponins, rutin, narcissoside and isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside in cultivated BC were significantly higher than those of wild BC, and the total water-soluble polysaccharides, sucrose, hemicellulose and starch of cultivated BC were higher than those of wild BC, but the difference was not significant. The results of HS-GC-MS identification showed that a total of 67 volatile components were identified in wild and cultivated BC, 59 in wild BC and 51 in cultivated BC, with a total of 43 compounds in both, and the screening based on variable importance in the projection(VIP) value>1 revealed that the differential components were mainly concentrated in the aromatic and fatty acid compounds. The results of UPLC-Q-TOF-MS-based non-targeted metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis showed that the two were significantly different in saikosaponins and the differential compounds had higher response values in cultivated BC. ConclusionThere are significant differences in the appearance, primary and secondary metabolite contents between wild and cultivated BC. At present, the quality evaluation system of cultivated BC is not perfect, and this study provides theoretical references for updating and revising the quality evaluation standard of cultivated BC and guiding the production of high-quality BC.
9.Reviews and Recommendations in Comparative Studies on Quality of Wild and Cultivated Chinese Crude Drugs
Yapeng WANG ; Changsheng YUAN ; Jinxiu QIAN ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yunxiang LIU ; Tiegui NAN ; Liping KANG ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Lanping GUO ; Luqi HUANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):1-20
By reviewing the research history on quality comparison between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs, this paper systematically combed the relevant research reports since the 1950s, and summarized and analyzed the results of existing comparative studies, and found that the existing comparative research on the quality of wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs were mainly focused on several aspects, including characteristics, microstructures, chemical compositions, pharmacodynamic effects, and genetic diversity. Among these, comparative studies of chemical compositions have been the dominant approach, with a particular emphasis on comparing the contents of index components. However, research on pharmacodynamic effects remained relatively limited. Due to various factors such as sample quantity, sample origin, growth period and cultivation methods, the differences in quality between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs vary significantly. In general, most wild Chinese crude drugs exhibited higher quality than cultivated products, with significant differences in their characteristics. The contents and proportions of some chemical components underwent noticeable changes, particularly with a marked increase in the proportion of primary metabolites after cultivation. The quality of cultivated Chinese crude drugs is closely related to the cultivation practices employed. Chinese crude drugs produced through wild nurturing, simulated wild planting, ecological cultivation, and other similar methods demonstrate quality levels comparable to those of wild Chinese crude drugs. Based on the analysis results, it is recommended to explicitly specify the cultivation practices and cultivation period of cultivated Chinese crude drugs in comparative studies of the quality between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs. Multiple technical approaches, including characteristics, microscopy, non-targeted metabolomics combined with quantitative analysis of differential components, and bioefficacy evaluation, should be employed to comprehensively assess the quality disparities between wild and cultivated Chinese crude drugs. Moreover, research efforts should be intensified to investigate the changes in pharmacodynamic effects resulting from differences in plant cell wall composition, primary metabolites, and secondary metabolites, in order to guide the production of high-quality Chinese crude drugs.
10.Quality Evaluation of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma in Different Production Methods Based on Traditional Traits
Jinxiu QIAN ; Yihan WANG ; Yapeng WANG ; Guoliang YU ; Qiuxiang PAN ; Jiawei SHI ; Meiping CHEN ; Yangqing LIU ; Lun LU ; Yanmeng LIU ; Tiegui NAN ; Liping KANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):43-52
ObjectiveBased on the experience of traditional quality evaluation, the quality of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma(AMR) with different production methods such as direct seeding, transplanting after seedling raising, topping and non-topping, and difference in growth years was compared. MethodVernier caliper was used to measure the trait data of AMR in different production methods. Paraffin sections of AMR with different production methods were made by saffron solid green staining, and the microstructure was observed. The contents of water-soluble and alcohol-soluble extracts in AMR with different production methods were determined according to the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The content of water-soluble total polysaccharides in AMR with different production methods was detected by sulfuric acid-anthrone method. Fiber analyzer was used to detect the content of fiber components in AMR with different production methods. The contents of monosaccharides, oligosaccharides and some secondary metabolites in AMR with different production methods were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography(UPLC), and the differences of chemical components were compared by multivariate statistical analysis methods such as principal component analysis(PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis(PLS-DA). ResultIn terms of traits, the 3-year-old AMR with direct seeding and without topping was close to the high-quality AMR with "phoenix-head and crane-neck, strong sweetness and clear aroma" recorded in ancient materia medica, followed by the 3-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting, while the 2-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting with high market circulation rate was generally fat and strong with mild odor. In the microscopic aspect, the arrangement of xylem vessels and fiber bundles in the 3-year-old samples formed two obvious rings. Compared with the 2-year-old samples cultivated in Bozhou and Zhejiang, the 3-year-old samples without topping after transplanting had more wood fibers. In terms of chemical composition, the contents of 70% ethanol extract, fructose, glucose, sucrose, 1-kestose, atractylenolide Ⅰ, chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid and other components in 3-year-old AMR with direct seeding and without topping were significantly higher than those in the other three samples(P<0.05). The contents of cellulose, 70% ethanol extract, sucrose, atractylenolide Ⅰ, atractylone and other components in 3-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting were significantly higher than those in the 2-year-old AMR with high market circulation rate(P<0.05), while the contents of water-soluble extract and water-soluble total polysaccharides in 2-year-old samples with topping after transplanting were significantly higher than those in the 3-year-old AMR with topping after transplanting, direct seeding and without topping(P<0.05). ConclusionUnder the current mainstream production mode, too much manual intervention makes AMR heavily enriched in polysaccharides and increased the yield, but the accumulation of sweet substances, fragrant substances and fiber substances is insufficient, which affects its quality. The current quality standard of AMR has some shortcomings in guiding the high quality production of it, it is suggested to revise the quality standard of AMR, supplement the quantitative analysis of secondary metabolites, and strengthen the production of imitation wild AMR.

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