1.Comparison of Wild and Cultivated Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Based on Traditional Quality Evaluation
Changsheng YUAN ; Feng ZHOU ; Xingyu LIU ; Yu SHI ; Yihan WANG ; Huaizhu LI ; Yongliang LI ; Shan GUAN ; Huaizhong GAO ; Yanmeng LIU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):203-214
ObjectiveTo characterize the quality differences among different germplasm and introduced varieties of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium roots(BSR), and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, providing a basis for high-quality production and quality control. MethodsWild BSR from Yulin(YLW) served as the quality reference, we conducted comparative analysis among YLW, locally domesticated wild germplasm in Yulin(YLC3), Daqing germplasm introduced and cultivated in Yulin(YLDQC3), and locally cultivated germplasm in Daqing(DQC3). A combination of traditional pharmacognostic methods and modern multi-omics analyses was employed, including macroscopic traits(appearance, odor), microscopic features(proportions of cork, phloem, xylem), cell wall component contents(hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin), carbohydrate contents(starch, water-soluble polysaccharides), marker compound contents(ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, liposoluble extracts, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D), metabolomics, and transcriptomics, in order to systematically characterize quality differences and investigate molecular mechanisms among these samples. ResultsMacroscopically, Yulin-produced BSR(YLW, YLC3, YLDQC3) exhibited significantly greater weight, length, and upper and middle diameters than Daqing-produced BSR(DQC3). Odor-wise, YLW and YLC3 had a a fragrance taste, YLDQC3 had a rancid oil odor, and DQC3 had a sweet and fragrant taste. Microscopically, Yulin germplasm(YLW, YLC3) and Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3, DQC3) shared similar structural features, respectively. However, Yulin germplasm showed significantly higher proportions of cork and phloem, as well as stronger xylem vessel staining intensity compared to Daqing germplasm. Regarding various component contents, Yulin germplasm contained significantly higher levels of ethanol-soluble extracts, total saponins, and saikosaponins A, B2, C, D, while Daqing germplasm had significantly higher levels of hemicellulose, starch, and liposoluble extracts. After introduction to Yulin, the Daqing germplasm(YLDQC3) showed increased starch, water-soluble polysaccharides and liposoluble extracts contents, decreased cell wall component content, but no significant difference in other component contents. Metabolomics revealed that saponins and terpenes accumulated significantly in Yulin germplasm, while alcohols and aldehydes accumulated predominantly in Daqing germplasm. Transcriptomics indicated similar gene expression patterns within the same germplasm but specificity between different germplasms. Integrative metabolomic-transcriptomic analysis identified 145 potential key genes associated with the saikosaponin biosynthesis pathway, including one acetyl-coenzyme A(CoA) acetyltransferase gene(ACAT), one 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A synthase gene(HMGS), two hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA(HMG-CoA) reductase genes(HMG), one phosphomevalonate kinase gene(PMK), one 1-deoxy-D-xylose-5-phosphate synthase gene(CLA), one hydroxymethylbuten-1-aldol synthase gene(HDR), two farnesyl pyrophosphate synthase genes(FPPS), one squalene synthase gene(SQS), one β-amyrin synthase gene(BAS), 102 cytochrome P450(CYP450) gene family members, and 32 uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase(UGT) gene family members. ConclusionAmong the three cultivated types, YLC3 most closely resembles YLW in appearance, microscopic features, contents of major bioactive constituents, metabolomic and transcriptomic profiles. Yulin germplasm exhibits superior saponin synthesis capability compared to Daqing germplasm, and Yulin region is more suitable for the growth of B. scorzonerifolium. Based on these findings, it is recommended that artificial cultivation in northern Shaanxi and similar regions utilize the local Yulin germplasm source cultivated for at least three years.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Bambusae Succus in Famous Classical Formulas
Yu SHI ; Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Ming YANG ; Zhiping CHEN ; Jiangshan ZHANG ; Conglong XU ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(9):231-239
This article systematically reviews and examines the historical evolution of Bambusae Succus as a medicinal material, covering aspects such as nomenclature, origin, geographical distribution, harvesting and processing methods, quality assessment, therapeutic effects and indications, by consulting ancient herbal texts, medical compendia, and modern literature. The aim is to provide a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. Research indicated that Bambusae Succus was first documented in the Shennong Bencaojing during the Han dynasty, with Zhuli being the standard name used throughout history, alongside aliases like Zhuzhi, Zhuyou and Huoquan. Historically, the primary source of Bambusae Succus has been Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis(Danzhu), although other species such as Pleioblastus amarus and Bambusa emeiensis have also been used medicinally. Ancient records predominantly noted its origin in Yizhou(present-day Chengdu and surrounding areas in Sichuan) and the Wuling region(between present-day Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi and Jiangxi provinces), while contemporary sources are mainly from regions south of the Yangtze River and southwestern China. Traditionally, Bambusae Succus was harvested from bamboo that had grown for exactly one year, today, it can be collected year-round without strict age requirements. Ancient preparation methods included direct fire roasting or dry distillation, whereas modern industrial production employs dry distillation, reflux extraction, and percolation. In terms of quality evaluation, ancient texts considered a sweet taste to be superior, while today, clarity and transparency are prioritized. Historically, Bambusae Succus was characterized as sweet and cold nature, targeting the lung and stomach meridians, with uses evolving from clearing heat and resolving phlegm to nourishing Yin, moistening dryness, and relaxing tendons and unblocking meridians. Modern descriptions classify it as sweet, bitter, and cold in nature, affecting the heart, liver, and lung meridians, with functions including clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and facilitating orifices. It is indicated for conditions such as stroke with phlegm confusion, lung heat with phlegm congestion, convulsions, epilepsy, excessive phlegm in febrile diseases, high fever with thirst, irritability during pregnancy, and tetanus, with more clearly defined applications. Based on the results of the research, it is recommended that when developing and utilizing famous classical formulas containing Bambusae Succus, the one-year-old Phyllostachys nigra var. Henonis, which has been highly praised throughout history, should be selected as the source material. Industrial production should adopt the dry distillation method. Furthermore, in-depth research should be conducted on the modern technological characterization of the traditional quality control indicator of sweet taste, and reasonable modern quality control standards should be established.
3.Expert consensus on the construction of integrated outpatient clinic for cervical cancer prevention and treatment in General Hospitals
Nan YU ; Dongli KONG ; Lei WANG ; Yihan LU ; Hongbo WANG ; Dongru LIU ; Ling PENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):1-6
Objective To implement the disease prevention and control strategy of being "proactive and grassroots-focused," and to enhance the overall effectiveness of general hospitals in the tertiary prevention of cervical cancer, this consensus aims to provide an actionable guiding framework for the standardized construction of "Integrated Outpatient Clinics for Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control" in general hospitals at all levels. Methods This consensus systematically elaborates on the specific elements for establishing such integrated clinics and formulates the corresponding standards. Results It is anticipated that the consensus will promote the establishment of standardized, homogeneous, and high-efficiency frontline positions for cervical cancer prevention and control within general hospitals, thereby contributing to the strategic vision of accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer. Conclusion The formulation and promotion of the consensus aim to provide robust clinical practice support for accelerating the realization of China's strategic vision of eliminating cervical cancer.
4.Mechanisms of Salvianolic Acid B in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Downregulating PAICS Expression
Bo XU ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Zhishen RUAN ; Yihan YU ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):23-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms by which salvianolic acid B (SalB) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by downregulating phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase and phosphoribosylaminoimidazole succinocarboxamide synthetase (PAICS) expression. MethodsNSCLC A549 cells and normal bronchial epithelial cells (bronchial epithelium transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B, BEAS-2B) were used as models. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay after treatment with SalB (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol·L-1 for 24 or 48 h to determine effective and safe intervention concentrations. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were evaluated by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion. RNA sequencing combined with bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and functional enrichment. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding ability between SalB and PAICS, and the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) was performed to evaluate the effect of SalB on the thermal stability of the PAICS protein. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the effects of SalB on PAICS and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug). A functional rescue assay was conducted by PAICS overexpression via plasmid transfection. ResultsCompared with the control group, SalB inhibited A549 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), and the effective concentrations (≤300 μmol·L-1) showed no significant cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells. Within this concentration range, SalB significantly inhibited A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that SalB significantly downregulated PAICS expression, and its functions were enriched in cell proliferation and EMT. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PAICS is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis (P<0.01). Molecular docking showed that SalB has strong binding ability to PAICS (binding energy -9.1 kcal·mol-1. CETSA results showed that SalB significantly increased the thermal stability of the PAICS protein (P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, SalB dose-dependently downregulated PAICS expression, upregulated E-cadherin, and downregulated N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug (P<0.05). Functional rescue experiments showed that, compared with the empty vector group, PAICS overexpression significantly enhanced A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoted cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). Meanwhile, compared with the empty vector + SalB-H group, PAICS overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SalB on malignant phenotypes and EMT-related proteins (N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug), and downregulated E-cadherin expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), indicating that PAICS is a key functional target mediating the antitumor effects of SalB. ConclusionSalB effectively inhibits EMT progression and cell cycle progression in A549 cells by downregulating PAICS expression, thereby exerting anti-NSCLC effects. This study not only reveals that PAICS is a key functional target through which SalB regulates EMT, but also provides experimental evidence supporting SalB as a potential candidate drug for inhibiting NSCLC metastasis.
5.Mechanisms of Curcumol in Inhibiting Proliferation and Migration in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Yu QI ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):34-45
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects of curcumol (Cur) on the proliferation and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells and to explore the underlying mechanisms. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous tumor xenograft model was established to evaluate the antiproliferative effect of Cur. In vitro, the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to assess the effects of Cur at concentrations of 0, 60, 120, 240, 360, 480, 600, 720, 840, 960 μmol·L-1 on the viability of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells, and to evaluate its inhibitory effect on the proliferation of human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Wound healing and Transwell migration assays were conducted to assess changes in cell migratory capacity following Cur treatment. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to investigate the regulatory effect of Cur on the Janus kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (JAK2/STAT3) signaling pathway in tumor tissues. Western blot was performed to determine the protein expression levels of phosphorylated JAK2 (p-JAK2), phosphorylated STAT3 (p-STAT3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) in tumor tissues and cells. To further verify the role of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in the pharmacological effects of Cur, rescue experiments were performed using the pathway agonist colivelin. ResultsIn vivo experiments showed that, compared with the model group, the tumor volumes of subcutaneous xenografts in nude mice in both low- and high-dose Cur groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05), and the tumor inhibition rates were significantly increased (P<0.05). The inhibitory effect in the high-dose group was comparable to that of the cisplatin group, and the body weight of mice in the Cur groups remained stable throughout the experiment. In vitro, compared with the control group, Cur at concentrations of 120 and 240 μmol·L-1 inhibited the proliferation of NCI-A549 and NCI-H23 cells in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with a significant inhibitory effect observed at 360 μmol·L-1 (P<0.01), while no significant effect on the viability of BEAS-2B cells was observed. Migration assays demonstrated that, compared with the control group, Cur treatment significantly reduced the migration rates of both cell lines in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.05), with an inhibitory effect at 360 μmol·L-1 comparable to that of the cisplatin group. Mechanistic validation showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in tumor tissues and cells were significantly downregulated in the Cur groups (P<0.01), and the expression levels of downstream proteins PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA were also significantly decreased with increasing Cur concentration (P<0.05). In the rescue experiments, compared with the control group, colivelin pretreatment increased cell proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05) and upregulated the expression of related proteins (P<0.05). Compared with the Cur group, the colivelin+Cur group showed significantly increased proliferation and migration rates (P<0.05), along with significantly upregulated protein expression levels (P<0.05). ConclusionCur can significantly inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC both in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action is closely associated with the inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway activation.
6.Mechanisms of Oxyresveratrol in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway
Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Yihan YU ; Bo XU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):46-57
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which oxyresveratrol (OXY) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway. MethodsCell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were used to determine the survival rates of A549 and H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of OXY, and appropriate concentrations (0, 30, 60, 90 μmol·L-1) were selected. The effects of OXY on the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells were evaluated using 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays and colony formation assays. Wound healing assays and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess the effects of OXY on cell migration and invasion. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the expression levels of Snail, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in A549 and H1299 cells. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were applied to predict the mechanism of action of OXY, and WB was used to evaluate the effects of OXY on proteins in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Rescue experiments were conducted using the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway agonist 740Y-P. Under activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, the effect of OXY on proliferation, migration, and invasion phenotypes, as well as on the expression levels of PI3K/Akt pathway-related proteins and EMT markers (Snail, E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin), were examined. ResultsIn the forward experiments, CCK-8 assay results showed that, compared with the control group, the survival rates of NSCLC cells in the OXY-treated groups (20-120 μmol·L-1) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). The half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of A549 and H1299 cells after 48 h of OXY treatment were 113.6 μmol·L-1 and 92.53 μmol·L-1, respectively. Therefore, concentrations of 0, 30, 60, 90 μmol·L-1 were selected as the gradient for subsequent phenotypic and mechanistic studies. Compared with the control group, the proliferation rate, colony number, migration rate, and invasion number of NSCLC cells in the OXY groups (30, 60, and 90 μmol·L-1) were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin in NSCLC cells of the OXY groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05), whereas E-cadherin expression was significantly increased (P<0.01). Network pharmacology and molecular docking results indicated that OXY could act on the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and exhibited good binding affinity with PI3K and Akt proteins. Further WB results showed that, compared with the control group, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of PI3K and Akt proteins in NSCLC cells of the OXY groups, whereas the expression levels of phosphorylated PI3K (p-PI3K) and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) were significantly decreased (P<0.05). In the rescue experiments, compared with the control group, the proliferation rate, colony number, migration rate, and invasion number of NSCLC cells in the 740Y-P group (15 μmol·L-1) were significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the control + OXY group (90 μmol·L-1), these indices in the 740Y-P + OXY group (15 μmol·L-1 + 90 μmol·L-1) were also significantly increased (P<0.01). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, there were no statistically significant differences in the expression levels of PI3K and Akt proteins in the 740Y-P group. However, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were significantly increased (P<0.05), while E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased (P<0.01). Compared with the control + OXY group, there were no statistically significant differences in PI3K and Akt protein expression in the 740Y-P + OXY group. However, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were significantly increased (P<0.05), while E-cadherin expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05). ConclusionOXY inhibits the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and suppresses the EMT process, thereby exerting anti-metastatic effects in NSCLC.
7.Eupatilin Inhibits Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer via EZH2/H3K27me3 Signaling Pathway
Bo XU ; Yihan YU ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yu QI ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Jixian ZHANG ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):58-69
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanisms by which eupatilin (Eup) inhibits proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) through the enhancer of zeste homolog 2/histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation (EZH2/H3K27me3) signaling pathway. MethodsIn vivo, a subcutaneous xenograft tumor model was established in nude mice using H1299 cells to evaluate the anti-NSCLC effects of Eup. Immunohistochemistry (IHC-P) was used to detect the expression of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA). In vitro, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assays were performed to determine the viability of H1299 cells treated with different concentrations of Eup (0-200 μmol·L-1) and to select appropriate concentrations. Colony formation and 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assays were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Wound healing and invasion assays were conducted to assess cell migration and invasion. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) angiogenesis assays were used to evaluate the effects of Eup on angiogenesis. Transcriptomic analysis was performed to identify the targets of Eup in H1299 cells and to explore its major functions. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to predict the binding affinity and interaction stability between Eup and its target proteins. Western blot was used to detect the effects of Eup on the expression levels of EZH2/H3K27me3 pathway-related proteins and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. ResultsIn the subcutaneous xenograft model, compared with the model group, Eup treatment dose-dependently inhibited the growth of H1299 xenograft tumors, and the tumor inhibition rate was significantly increased (P<0.05). IHC-P results showed that, compared with the model group, high-dose Eup significantly reduced the expression levels of PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA in vivo (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, Eup inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and metastasis of NSCLC cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptomic analysis further showed that, compared with the control group, Eup significantly downregulated EZH2 expression, and its functional effects were associated with inhibition of tumor metastasis. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations indicated that Eup exhibited strong binding affinity with EZH2 and stable interactions. Western blot results demonstrated that, compared with the model group, Eup significantly inhibited, in a dose-dependent manner, the expression levels of EZH2, H3K27me3, and proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins (PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA) in both in vivo and in vitro experiments (P<0.05). In vitro, compared with the control group, overexpression of EZH2 via plasmid transfection partially reversed the inhibitory effects of Eup on the expression of key proteins involved in proliferation and invasion/metastasis in H1299 cells. ConclusionEup effectively inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of H1299 cells both in vivo and in vitro. The underlying mechanism may be related to inhibition of the EZH2/H3K27me3 signaling pathway and downregulation of proliferation- and invasion/metastasis-related proteins, including PCNA, MMP-2, MMP-9, and VEGFA. Eup may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for suppressing proliferation and invasion/metastasis in NSCLC.
8.Anti-lung Cancer Mechanisms of Yang-warming Herbs and Formulas: A Review
Bo XU ; Yu QI ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Yilong ZOU ; Cunyu FAN ; Yiling FAN ; Qing MIAO ; Yihan YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):70-79
Lung cancer, particularly non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), is the malignant tumor with the highest incidence and mortality in China and worldwide. In 2022, the global number of deaths reached 1.8 million, accounting for 18.7% of all cancer-related deaths, seriously threatening human health and life, and posing a severe challenge for prevention and treatment. Although treatment strategies for lung cancer have been continuously enriched in recent years, and progress has been made in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, long-term survival benefits remain limited due to primary or acquired drug resistance, low immune responsiveness, and chemotherapy-related toxicities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore safe and effective adjunctive therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its advantages of holistic regulation and individualized syndrome differentiation, has played an increasingly prominent role in comprehensive cancer treatment. TCM holds that "Yang deficiency leads to accumulation" is a key pathogenesis of tumors. Based on the theory that "Yang transforms Qi, while Yin forms substance", deficiency of Yang Qi results in impaired warming and transformation functions, leading to internal accumulation of Yin-cold. This is closely related to dysregulation of the immune microenvironment, "cold tumor" characteristics, and dysfunction of the neuroendocrine system in modern medicine. Accordingly, the therapeutic strategy of "warming Yang, supporting healthy Qi, and combating cancer" has gained increasing attention. In recent years, commonly used Yang-warming Chinese herbs, including Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, Zingiberis Rhizoma, Cinnamomi Cortex, Epimedii Folium, and Psoraleae Fructus, as well as their active constituents, have achieved notable progress in anti-lung cancer research by regulating multiple signaling pathways, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting metastasis, and reversing drug resistance. In addition, Yang-warming formulae such as Sini Tang and Yanghe Tang have shown promising effects in alleviating myelosuppression, improving cancer-related fatigue, managing malignant pleural effusion, and relieving cancer pain. These therapies exhibit toxicity-reducing and efficacy-enhancing effects, significantly improving patients' quality of life and survival benefits. To systematically summarize the roles and mechanisms of Yang-warming Chinese herbal medicines and compound formulae in lung cancer, this paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advances, aiming to offer insights for the clinical practice of TCM in the prevention and treatment of lung cancer.
9.Herbal Textual Research on Patriniae Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Yu SHI ; Zhen ZENG ; Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Yang YANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):248-257
By consulting ancient and modern literature, this article systematically reviews and verifies the historical evolution of the herbal medicine known as Baijiang across various dimensions, including name, origin, scientific name verification, medicinal parts, production area, quality, harvesting and processing, as well as its nature, taste, and therapeutic effects, in order to provide a reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing Patriniae Herba. Patriniae Herba has a long history of use. It derives its name from the distinctive musty odor of its roots, which resembles spoiled soy sauce. However, due to its alias Kucai, there has been much confusion with other plants. Since the Ming dynasty, various plants have been used interchangeably as Baijiang. Herbal textual research showed that Patriniae Herba was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing, and throughout history, Baijiang has been recognized as its standard name, though it has also been known by alternative names such as Luchang, Lujiang, and Suanyi. The main sources used throughout the ages were Patrinia scabiosaefolia or P. villosa, which is consistent with the 1977 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. However, while the roots were traditionally used medicinally, the whole plant is now more commonly used in modern practice. In addition, the whole plants of Thlaspi arvense from the Cruciferae family and Sonchus brachyotus from the Compositae family are commonly used as regional substitutes for Baijiang. According to ancient records, Patriniae Herba was primarily found in Jiangxia(present-day eastern Hubei province) and Jiangdong(the region south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River), but modern literature shows that it is distributed throughout the country without a distinct geographical origin. In ancient times, the roots were harvested in August and sun-dried, today, the whole plant is typically dug up in summer or autumn and sun-dried. In recent times, the quality has been summarized as being best when the roots are long, the leaves are abundant and green, and the aroma is strong. Regarding the processing, ancient methods often involved baking(drying over fire), while modern methods typically involve removing impurities, washing, and then cutting and drying the segments. The effects of Patriniae Herba are to clear heat and detoxify, eliminate blood stasis and drain pus. During the Han and Northern and Southern dynasties, it was used to treat skin diseases caused by heat, abscesses, postpartum diseases, and rheumatism, during the Five dynasties period, its therapeutic applications expanded to include diseases of the five senses, and by the modern era, conditions such as neurasthenia and insomnia were added. Regarding its properties and taste, it was recorded as bitter and neutral during the Han dynasty. By the Tang dynasty, it was slightly cold, with a taste of acrid and bitter. During the Yuan and Ming dynasties, it was mostly slightly cold and neutral, with a bitter and salty taste. In the Qing dynasty and modern times, it was mostly bitter and neutral, and in contemporary times, it has evolved to a taste of acrid, bitter, and cool. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended that when developing and utilizing famous classical formulas containing Patriniae Herba, one should select the entire herb of the historically mainstream sources, P. scabiosaefolia or P. villosa from the Valerianaceae family, and choose the processing method according to the prescription requirements. It is recommended to use raw products without specific requirements.
10.Mechanisms of Salvianolic Acid B in Inhibiting Epithelial-mesenchymal Transition in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by Downregulating PAICS Expression
Bo XU ; Jixian ZHANG ; Linling HU ; Bo JIANG ; Shasha YUAN ; Yiling FAN ; Zhishen RUAN ; Yihan YU ; Qing MIAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(10):23-33
ObjectiveTo investigate the molecular mechanisms by which salvianolic acid B (SalB) inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by downregulating phosphoribosylaminoimidazole carboxylase and phosphoribosylaminoimidazole succinocarboxamide synthetase (PAICS) expression. MethodsNSCLC A549 cells and normal bronchial epithelial cells (bronchial epithelium transformed with Ad12-SV40 2B, BEAS-2B) were used as models. Cell viability was assessed using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay after treatment with SalB (0, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500 μmol·L-1 for 24 or 48 h to determine effective and safe intervention concentrations. Cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution, and apoptosis were evaluated by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining and flow cytometry, respectively. Wound healing and Transwell invasion assays were performed to assess cell migration and invasion. RNA sequencing combined with bioinformatic analysis was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes and functional enrichment. Molecular docking was used to predict the binding ability between SalB and PAICS, and the cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) was performed to evaluate the effect of SalB on the thermal stability of the PAICS protein. Western blot (WB) was used to detect the effects of SalB on PAICS and EMT-related proteins (E-cadherin, N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug). A functional rescue assay was conducted by PAICS overexpression via plasmid transfection. ResultsCompared with the control group, SalB inhibited A549 cell viability in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), and the effective concentrations (≤300 μmol·L-1) showed no significant cytotoxicity in BEAS-2B cells. Within this concentration range, SalB significantly inhibited A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induced G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis (P<0.05). Transcriptomic analysis showed that SalB significantly downregulated PAICS expression, and its functions were enriched in cell proliferation and EMT. Bioinformatic analysis indicated that PAICS is highly expressed in lung adenocarcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis (P<0.01). Molecular docking showed that SalB has strong binding ability to PAICS (binding energy -9.1 kcal·mol-1. CETSA results showed that SalB significantly increased the thermal stability of the PAICS protein (P<0.05). WB results showed that, compared with the control group, SalB dose-dependently downregulated PAICS expression, upregulated E-cadherin, and downregulated N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug (P<0.05). Functional rescue experiments showed that, compared with the empty vector group, PAICS overexpression significantly enhanced A549 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, promoted cell cycle progression, and inhibited apoptosis (P<0.05). Meanwhile, compared with the empty vector + SalB-H group, PAICS overexpression partially reversed the inhibitory effects of SalB on malignant phenotypes and EMT-related proteins (N-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, and Slug), and downregulated E-cadherin expression (P<0.05,P<0.01), indicating that PAICS is a key functional target mediating the antitumor effects of SalB. ConclusionSalB effectively inhibits EMT progression and cell cycle progression in A549 cells by downregulating PAICS expression, thereby exerting anti-NSCLC effects. This study not only reveals that PAICS is a key functional target through which SalB regulates EMT, but also provides experimental evidence supporting SalB as a potential candidate drug for inhibiting NSCLC metastasis.


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