1.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
2.Herbal Textual Research on Inulae Flos in Famous Classical Formulas
Caixia LIU ; Yue HAN ; Yanzhu MA ; Lei GAO ; Sheng WANG ; Yan YANG ; Wenchuan LUO ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):210-221
In this paper, by referring to ancient and modern literature, the textual research of Inulae Flos has been conducted to clarify the name, origin, production area, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and others, so as to provide reference and basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. After textual research, it could be verified that the medicinal use of Inulae Flos was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing of the Han dynasty. In successive dynasties, Xuanfuhua has been taken as the official name, and it also has other alternative names such as Jinfeicao, Daogeng and Jinqianhua. The period before the Song and Yuan dynasties, the main origin of Inulae Flos was the Asteraceae plant Inula japonica, and from the Ming and Qing dynasties to the present, I. japonica and I. britannica are the primary source. In addition to the dominant basal species, there are also regional species such as I. linariifolia, I. helianthus-aquatili, and I. hupehensis. The earliest recorded production areas in ancient times were Henan, Hubei and other places, and the literature records that it has been distributed throughout the country since modern times. The medicinal part is its flower, the harvesting and processing method recorded in the past dynasties is mainly harvested in the fifth and ninth lunar months, and dried in the sun, and the modern harvesting is mostly harvested in summer and autumn when the flowers bloom, in order to remove impurities, dry in the shade or dry in the sun. In addition, the roots, whole herbs and aerial parts are used as medicinal materials. In ancient times, there were no records about the quality of Inulae Flos, and in modern times, it is generally believed that the quality of complete flower structure, small receptacles, large blooms, yellow petals, long filaments, many fluffs, no fragments, and no branches is better. Ancient processing methods primarily involved cleaning, steaming, and sun-drying, supplemented by techniques such as boiling, roasting, burning, simmering, stir-frying, and honey-processing. Modern processing focuses mainly on cleaning the stems and leaves before use. Regarding the medicinal properties, ancient texts describe it as salty and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and mildly toxic. Modern studies characterize it as bitter, pungent, and salty in taste, with a slightly warm nature. Its therapeutic effects remain consistent across eras, including descending Qi, resolving phlegm, promoting diuresis, and stopping vomiting. Based on the research results, it is recommended that when developing famous classical formulas containing Inulae Flos, either I. japonica or I. britannica should be used as the medicinal source. Processing methods should follow formula requirements, where no processing instructions are specified, the raw products may be used after cleaning.
3.Efficacy and safety of injectable platelet-rich fibrin in the treatment of mild to moderate female pattern hair loss
Man LI ; Yue BAI ; Zhenzhen YE ; Di ZHANG ; Zixuan HE ; Ziwei GE ; Ansheng TAN ; Yu HAN ; Anxin CHEN ; Wenhui WANG ; Fenglin ZHUO
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion 2026;39(7):853-858
Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (i-PRF) in the treatment of mild to moderate female pattern hair loss (FPHL), and to analyze the related clinical factors affecting the therapeutic efficacy of i-PRF. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a prospective, randomized controlled trial. A total of 29 FPHL patients with Sinclair grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ, who attended the outpatient clinics of Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University and Peking University Third Hospital from March 2024 to April 2025, were enrolled. All patients received i-PRF treatment once every 4 weeks for a total of 4 sessions, with follow-up up to 24 weeks. Standardized clinical photographs were taken at baseline, week 12 and week 24. Trichoscopic examination was performed to measure the non-vellus target area hair count (TAHC) and hair diameter (HD) in the target area, and all adverse events were recorded. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the intergroup differences in efficacy for categorical influencing factors; Spearman rank correlation analysis was employed to assess the correlation between continuous influencing factors and efficacy; and multiple linear regression (enter method) was performed to identify independent influencing factors of efficacy. Results: A total of 27 patients completed the trial. At week 12, TAHC significantly increased from 112 (105, 120) hairs/cm
at baseline to 128 (110, 150) hairs/cm
, with a median increase of 12 (5, 28) hairs/cm
and a median growth rate of 10.5 (4.2, 24.5)% (P=0.045); hair diameter significantly increased from 42.5 (39.8, 45.2) μm to 52.0 (47.0, 58.0) μm, with a median increase of 7.5 (3.0, 12.5) μm and a median growth rate of 18.0 (7.5, 29.0)% (P<0.001). At week 24, TAHC further significantly increased to 141 (125, 158) hairs/cm
(P<0.001), with a median growth rate of 24.8 (18.5, 32.0)%; hair diameter continued to improve to 55.0 (50.0, 61.0) μm (P=0.008), with a median growth rate of 21.5 (16.0, 27.0)%. The overall incidence of adverse events was 10.34% (3/29), mainly presenting as mild scalp pruritus and transient headache, without severe adverse effects. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that baseline TAHC was an independent influencing factor for i-PRF efficacy (P<0.05), while age, BMI, disease duration, Sinclair grade, family history of AGA, and baseline HD showed no significant independent effect on efficacy in this model (P>0.05). Conclusion: This preliminary study indicates that i-PRF can improve hair density and hair shaft diameter in patients with FPHL with a favorable safety profile. Patients with FPHL and lower baseline TAHC may achieve greater clinical improvement.
4.A Multi-dimensional Indicator-based Approach for Quality Evaluation of Chinese Patent Medicines
Shuangyan LI ; Siyuan LI ; Sha CHEN ; Yue GUO ; Jun ZHANG ; Cong GUO ; Yan LIU ; An LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):229-237
Chinese patent medicines are the core preparations for disease prevention and treatment in clinical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Their quality is the key to ensuring safe and effective medication and promoting the high-quality development of the TCM industry. At present, the quality evaluation of Chinese patent medicines faces prominent problems, such as inadequate control of quality consistency, over-reliance on single indicators, one-sided evaluation dimensions, unstable statistical methods, and poor implementability of research findings. These defects lead to insufficient scientificity of evaluation results, making it difficult to support the implementation of policies including centralized procurement, high quality, and favorable prices for Chinese patent medicines. According to the core requirements of quality evaluation for Chinese patent medicines, this study established a four-dimensional comprehensive evaluation system encompassing consistency index(CI), content index(MI), effect index(EI), and preparation index(PI). All evaluation indicators were normalized to achieve horizontal comparability. Meanwhile, an improved radar chart was introduced to realize the visualization of evaluation results. This method can systematically integrate four types of core quality attributes: Quality consistency, component content, biological activity, and preparation characteristics. It can effectively distinguish quality differences among products of the same specification from different manufacturers. The evaluation results are unique, stable, and not affected by the addition or reduction of samples, which takes scientificity, objectivity, and operability into account. This method can provide scientific and technical support for screening high-quality Chinese patent medicines and implementing policies of centralized procurement, high quality, and favorable prices. Moreover, it has important practical significance for improving the quality evaluation system of Chinese patent medicines and advancing the standard and modern development of TCM.
5.Quality Evaluation of Commercially Available Huoxiang Zhengqi Preparations
Yue GUO ; Siyuan LI ; Qingxia XU ; Sha CHEN ; Shuangyan LI ; Jipeng DI ; An LIU ; Yan LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(19):238-247
ObjectiveTo establish a comprehensive evaluation framework combining multi-component quantification with daily intake in response to the challenges posed by multiple coexisting dosage forms, single-faceted quality evaluation, and ambiguous clinical equivalence of Huoxiang Zhengqi preparations, and to compare the quality differences and superiority among eight commercially available dosage forms. MethodsA total of 75 batches of Huoxiang Zhengqi preparations from 25 manufacturers were investigated. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-QqQ-MS/MS) coupled with gas chromatography-triple quadrupole-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS) was adopted to simultaneously quantify 20 core marker components. Normalization was performed based on equivalent raw herb concentrations to eliminate interferences from dosage forms, excipients, and specifications. Considering the specified clinical dosage, the actual daily intake level was calculated to comprehensively evaluate component retention, content uniformity, and potential differences in in vivo exposure among different dosage forms. ResultsThe quality of Huoxiang Zhengqi preparations differed greatly among dosage forms and manufacturers. On the basis of the recommended daily doses in the package inserts, the total daily intake of the 20 tested components ranged from 3.14 to 614.30 mg·d-1, while that of hesperidin, a quality-control marker, ranged from 0.03 to 40.65 mg·d-1. Atractylodin was detected only in tinctures and soft capsules, with concentrations ranging from (2.68±0.01) to (5.73±0.37) mg·L-1. The soft capsules from manufacturer M22 had the highest atractylodin level, while atractylodin was not detected in the other dosage forms. Nucleosides were most abundant in the oral liquids and tinctures (M4 to M13). The tincture from manufacturer M5 showed the highest nucleoside level of 29.12 mg·L-1, whereas the granules had the lowest nucleoside levels, with that of M23 being only 3.48 mg·L-1. Perillae Folium-related components varied greatly among batches, with an relative standard deviation (RSD) of 87.55%. The daily intake of hesperidin from all three granule products was below 3.6 mg·d-1, the reference value calculated for Huoxiang Zhengqi Shui according to the 2025 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. ConclusionThe levels of active components differed significantly among different dosage forms of Huoxiang Zhengqi preparations. Tinctures contained more types and higher overall levels of active components, while soft capsules were better at preserving volatile components. Granules and dripping pills had lower overall levels of active components. The comprehensive evaluation method established in this study can provide a basis for the quality control, process optimization, and the selection of high-quality products.
6.Cloning and Functional Characterization of UDP-rhamnose Synthases from Ornithogalum saundersiae
Panpan ZHANG ; Kangxin HOU ; Feng ZHANG ; Yue ZHANG ; Jinlong LIU ; Caixia WANG ; Xuemi HAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(23):196-203
ObjectiveTo screen and identify uridine diphosphate (UDP)-rhamnose synthase (RHM) genes from Ornithogalum saundersiae and verify their UDP-rhamnose (UDP-Rha) biosynthetic functions, thereby providing reliable candidate genes for the efficient biosynthesis of neohesperidin and other rhamnoside natural products. MethodsBased on previously reported plant RHM sequences, two candidate RHM genes, OsRHM1 and OsRHM2, were identified from O. saundersiae through transcriptome screening and sequence alignment. The two genes were cloned and subjected to bioinformatics analysis and multiple sequence alignment. An in vitro RHM-Cm1,2RhaT cascade reaction was established, and the ability of OsRHM1 and OsRHM2 to catalyze the conversion of UDP-glucose (UDP-Glc) to UDP-Rha was evaluated based on neohesperidin production. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction PCR (Real-time PCR) was performed to analyze the relative expression levels of the two genes in roots, bulbs, and leaves. ResultsThe open reading frame (ORF) of OsRHM1 was 2 076 bp and encoded 692 amino acids, with a predicted protein molecular mass of 77.97 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 7.25. The ORF of OsRHM2 was 2 019 bp and encoded 673 amino acids, with a predicted protein molecular mass of 75.82 kDa and a theoretical isoelectric point of 7.24. Multiple sequence alignment showed that OsRHM1 and OsRHM2 contained the typical conserved motifs GxxGxxG/A and YxxxK of the plant RHM family and shared high amino acid sequence identity with previously reported RHMs. The in vitro cascade reaction demonstrated that both OsRHM1 and OsRHM2 were capable of catalyzing the conversion of UDP-Glc to UDP-Rha. The neohesperidin production in the OsRHM2 cascade reaction system was approximately 2.58-fold that in the OsRHM1 system. Real-time PCR analysis showed that the relative expression levels of OsRHM1 and OsRHM2 were higher in roots than in bulbs and leaves. ConclusionOsRHM2 exhibited a relatively high capacity for UDP-Rha supply and may serve as a candidate enzyme resource for the subsequent biosynthesis of rhamnoside natural products and the construction of UDP-Rha supply systems.
7.Herbal Textual Research on Tribuli Fructus and Astragali Complanati Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Jiaqin MOU ; Wenjing LI ; Yanzhu MA ; Yue ZHOU ; Wenfeng YAN ; Shijun YANG ; Ling JIN ; Jing SHAO ; Zhijia CUI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(22):241-251
By systematically combing ancient and modern literature, this paper examined Tribuli Fructus and Astragali Complanati Semen(ACS) used in the famous classical formulas from the aspects of name, origin, production area, harvesting and processing, clinical efficacy, so as to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing such medicinal materials. The results showed that the names of Tribuli Fructus in the past dynasties were mostly derived from its morphology, and there were nicknames such as Baijili, Cijili and Dujili. The name of ACS in the past dynasties were mostly originated from its production areas, and there were nicknames such as Baijili, Shayuan Jili and Tongjili. Because both of them had the name of Baijili, confusion began to appear in the Song dynasty. In ancient and modern times, the main origin of Tribuli Fructus were Tribulus terrestris, and ancient literature recorded the genuine producing areas of Tribuli Fructus was Dali in Shaanxi and Tianshui in Gansu, but today it is mainly cultivated in Anhui and Shandong. The fruit is the medicinal part, harvested in autumn throughout history. There is no description of the quality of Tribuli Fructus in ancient times, and the plump, firm texture, grayish-white color is the best in modern times. Traditional processing methods for Tribuli Fructus included stir-frying and wine processing, while modern commonly used is purified, fried and salt-processed. The ancient records of Tribuli Fructus were spicy, bitter, and warm in nature, with modern research adding that it is slightly toxic. The main effects of ancient and modern times include treating wind disorders, improving vision, promoting muscle growth, and treating vitiligo. The mainstream base of ACS used throughout history is Astragalus complanatus. Ancient texts indicated ACS primarily originated from Shaanxi province. Today, the finest varieties come from Tongguan and Dali in Shaanxi. The medicinal part is the seed, traditionally harvested in autumn. Modern harvesting occurs in late autumn or early winter, followed by sun-drying. Ancient texts valued seeds with a fragrant aroma as superior, while modern standards prioritize plump, uniform and free of impurities. Traditional processing methods for ACS included frying until blackened and wine-frying, while modern practice commonly employs purification methods. In terms of medicinal properties, the ancient and modern records are sweet and warm in nature. Due to originally classified under Tribuli Fructus, its effects were thus regarded as equivalent to those of Tribuli Fructus, serving as the medicine for treating wind disorders, additional functions included tonifying the kidneys and treating vitiligo. The present record of its efficacy is to tonify the kidney and promote Yang, solidify sperm and reduce urine, nourish the liver and brighten the eye, etc. Based on the textual research results, it is suggested that when developing the famous classical formulas of Tribuli Fructus medicinal materials, we should pay attention to the specific reference object of Baijili, T. terrestris and A. complanatus should be identified and selected, and the processing method should be in accordance with the requirements of the formulas.
8.Percutaneous coronary intervention vs . medical therapy in patients on dialysis with coronary artery disease in China.
Enmin XIE ; Yaxin WU ; Zixiang YE ; Yong HE ; Hesong ZENG ; Jianfang LUO ; Mulei CHEN ; Wenyue PANG ; Yanmin XU ; Chuanyu GAO ; Xiaogang GUO ; Lin CAI ; Qingwei JI ; Yining YANG ; Di WU ; Yiqiang YUAN ; Jing WAN ; Yuliang MA ; Jun ZHANG ; Zhimin DU ; Qing YANG ; Jinsong CHENG ; Chunhua DING ; Xiang MA ; Chunlin YIN ; Zeyuan FAN ; Qiang TANG ; Yue LI ; Lihua SUN ; Chengzhi LU ; Jufang CHI ; Zhuhua YAO ; Yanxiang GAO ; Changan YU ; Jingyi REN ; Jingang ZHENG
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(3):301-310
BACKGROUND:
The available evidence regarding the benefits of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on patients receiving dialysis with coronary artery disease (CAD) is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PCI and clinical outcomes as compared with medical therapy alone in patients undergoing dialysis with CAD in China.
METHODS:
This multicenter, retrospective study was conducted in 30 tertiary medical centers across 12 provinces in China from January 2015 to June 2021 to include patients on dialysis with CAD. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and non-fatal stroke. Secondary outcomes included all-cause death, the individual components of MACE, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium criteria types 2, 3, or 5 bleeding. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the association between PCI and outcomes. Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) and propensity score matching (PSM) were performed to account for potential between-group differences.
RESULTS:
Of the 1146 patients on dialysis with significant CAD, 821 (71.6%) underwent PCI. After a median follow-up of 23.0 months, PCI was associated with a 43.0% significantly lower risk for MACE (33.9% [ n = 278] vs . 43.7% [ n = 142]; adjusted hazards ratio 0.57, 95% confidence interval 0.45-0.71), along with a slightly increased risk for bleeding outcomes that did not reach statistical significance (11.1% vs . 8.3%; adjusted hazards ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval, 0.82-2.11). Furthermore, PCI was associated with a significant reduction in all-cause and cardiovascular mortalities. Subgroup analysis did not modify the association of PCI with patient outcomes. These primary findings were consistent across IPTW, PSM, and competing risk analyses.
CONCLUSION
This study indicated that PCI in patients on dialysis with CAD was significantly associated with lower MACE and mortality when comparing with those with medical therapy alone, albeit with a slightly increased risk for bleeding events that did not reach statistical significance.
Humans
;
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention/methods*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Coronary Artery Disease/drug therapy*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Renal Dialysis/methods*
;
Middle Aged
;
Aged
;
China
;
Proportional Hazards Models
;
Treatment Outcome
9.The mechanism and research progress of T lymphocyte-mediated immune response in cardiac fibrosis remodeling.
Yong PENG ; Wen-Yue GAO ; Di QIN
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(1):95-106
This article reviews the role of different types of T lymphocyte subpopulations in pathological cardiac fibrosis remodeling. T helper 17 (Th17) cells are implicated in promoting the development of pathological cardiac fibrosis remodeling, while regulatory T (Treg) cells exert an immunosuppressive functions as negative regulators, attributing to their interleukin-10 (IL-10) secretion and functional phenotype. Th1 and Th2 cells are involved in different stages of the inflammatory response in pathological cardiac fibrosis remodeling, and their influence varies according to the pathological mechanisms of different cardiac diseases. In addition, CD8+ T cells regulate the activation and polarization of macrophages, promote the secretion of granzyme B, induce cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and aggravate cardiac fibrosis post-myocardial infarction. Considering the limitation of cytokine modulation in clinical therapy of heart failure, targeting T-cell co-stimulatory molecules emerges as a promising strategy for treating pathologic cardiac remodeling. Future research will explore chimeric antigen receptor modified T cells (CAR-T cells) technology and targeted regulation of Treg cells quantity and phenotype, for both of which have the potential to become effective methods for treating heart disease.
Humans
;
Fibrosis
;
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology*
;
Ventricular Remodeling/immunology*
;
Myocardium/immunology*
;
Animals
;
Th17 Cells/immunology*
;
Interleukin-10/metabolism*
;
Th1 Cells/immunology*
;
Th2 Cells/immunology*
10.The role of selenoproteins in adipose tissue and obesity.
Yun-Fei ZHAO ; Yu-Hang SUN ; Tai-Hua JIN ; Yue LIU ; Yang-Di CHEN ; Wan XU ; Qian GAO
Acta Physiologica Sinica 2025;77(5):939-955
Selenoproteins, as the active form of selenium, play an important role in various physiological and pathological processes, such as anti-oxidation, anti-tumor, immune response, metabolic regulation, reproduction and aging. Although the expression level of selenoproteins in adipose tissue is significantly influenced by dietary selenium intake, it is closely related to the homeostasis of adipose tissue. In this review, we summarized the role of selenoproteins in the physiological function of adipose tissue and the pathogenesis of obesity in recent years, in order to provide a rationale for developing potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of obesity and related metabolic diseases.
Selenoproteins/metabolism*
;
Adipose Tissue/physiology*
;
Obesity/metabolism*
;
Humans
;
Animals
;
Selenium

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