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.Application Analysis of Rehmanniae Radix in Medical Cases of Qing Court
Yan JIN ; Tiegui NAN ; Yihan WANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):232-238
To gain an in-depth understanding of the clinical application of Rehmanniae Radix during the Qing Dynasty and to clarify its specifications and corresponding therapeutic effects, this study took Rehmanniae Radix in the prescriptions documented in Research on Medical Cases of the Qing Imperial Court as the research subject. According to historical medical literature, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on the specifications, therapeutic efficacy, frequency of use, dosage, and seasonal patterns of Rehmanniae Radix employed by imperial physicians. The findings revealed that Rehmanniae Radix in the medical cases of the Qing court was primarily classified into three categories: Xiaoshengdi, Zhongshengdi, and Dashengdi. Xiaoshengdi was also referred to as Xishengdi or Cishengdi, all denoting dried Rehmanniae Radix. The term Xishengdi was inconsistently defined in the literature. It should refer to the slender variant of dried Rehmanniae Radix and was utilized as a specific specification in the medical cases of the Qing court. In contrast, the wild fresh roots of Rehmanniae Radix, described as "as slender as fingers", were commonly documented as fresh Rehmanniae Radix in these medical cases. There were variations in Rehmanniae Radix size and grading between historical and contemporary standards. Furthermore, therapeutic differences were observed among Rehmanniae Radix specifications in the medical cases of the Qing court. Xiaoshengdi and Zhongshengdi exhibited slightly stronger blood-cooling and heat-clearing effects while maintaining a non-cloying Yin-nourishing property. In contrast, Dashengdi demonstrated a greater emphasis on Yin supplementation with relatively milder heat-clearing activity. In the medical cases of the Qing court, the dosage of Rehmanniae Radix in different specifications was usually 11.2-18.7 g per dose, typically administered twice daily. Rehmanniae Radix in different specifications exhibits variations in efficacy, which can provide evidence-based insights for precise clinical application.
3.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.
4.Application Analysis of Rehmanniae Radix in Medical Cases of Qing Court
Yan JIN ; Tiegui NAN ; Yihan WANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):232-238
To gain an in-depth understanding of the clinical application of Rehmanniae Radix during the Qing Dynasty and to clarify its specifications and corresponding therapeutic effects, this study took Rehmanniae Radix in the prescriptions documented in Research on Medical Cases of the Qing Imperial Court as the research subject. According to historical medical literature, a comprehensive investigation was conducted on the specifications, therapeutic efficacy, frequency of use, dosage, and seasonal patterns of Rehmanniae Radix employed by imperial physicians. The findings revealed that Rehmanniae Radix in the medical cases of the Qing court was primarily classified into three categories: Xiaoshengdi, Zhongshengdi, and Dashengdi. Xiaoshengdi was also referred to as Xishengdi or Cishengdi, all denoting dried Rehmanniae Radix. The term Xishengdi was inconsistently defined in the literature. It should refer to the slender variant of dried Rehmanniae Radix and was utilized as a specific specification in the medical cases of the Qing court. In contrast, the wild fresh roots of Rehmanniae Radix, described as "as slender as fingers", were commonly documented as fresh Rehmanniae Radix in these medical cases. There were variations in Rehmanniae Radix size and grading between historical and contemporary standards. Furthermore, therapeutic differences were observed among Rehmanniae Radix specifications in the medical cases of the Qing court. Xiaoshengdi and Zhongshengdi exhibited slightly stronger blood-cooling and heat-clearing effects while maintaining a non-cloying Yin-nourishing property. In contrast, Dashengdi demonstrated a greater emphasis on Yin supplementation with relatively milder heat-clearing activity. In the medical cases of the Qing court, the dosage of Rehmanniae Radix in different specifications was usually 11.2-18.7 g per dose, typically administered twice daily. Rehmanniae Radix in different specifications exhibits variations in efficacy, which can provide evidence-based insights for precise clinical application.
5.Effects of Modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on Mice with Cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury by Regulating PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway-mediated Mitochondrial Autophagy
Li GUO ; Hengwen CHEN ; Cun ZHAN ; Zhenzhen YING ; Zuomin WU ; Shaoju JIN ; Shangmei CAO ; Shengming HUANG ; Jin WANG ; Xiaotao YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(11):34-43
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of modified Buyang Huanwu Tang on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/RI) in mice via the PTEN-induced putative kinase 1/E3 ubiquitin ligase (PINK1/Parkin) signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy, and to explore the underlying mechanism by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang improves CI/RI. MethodsSeventy-two male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into six groups (n = 12 per group): Sham-operated group, middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups (8.84, 17.68, 35.36 g·kg-1·d-1), and an aspirin group (13.00 mg·kg-1·d-1). Neurological deficit scores were assessed using the Zea-Longa method. Cerebral infarct volume ratio was measured by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Histopathological changes and neuronal injury in brain tissues were observed using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining. Apoptosis was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Mitochondrial ultrastructure in brain tissue was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Serum levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3B (LC3B, LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ), and p62 in brain tissues were detected by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (Real-time PCR) and Western blot, respectively. ResultsCompared with the sham-operated group, the MCAO/R model group showed significantly increased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Severe cortical injury on the infarct side was observed, characterized by decreased neuronal density, cytoplasmic vacuolation, nuclear pyknosis, a marked reduction in Nissl bodies, dissolution of Nissl bodies in the cytoplasm of some pyramidal neurons, and blurred cellular boundaries. The number of TUNEL-positive cells increased significantly (P<0.01). Mitochondria exhibited cristae membrane rupture and matrix vacuolation, with rupture of the outer mitochondrial membrane and formation of autophagosomes, the number of which increased significantly. Serum SOD activity decreased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content increased significantly (P<0.01). In infarcted brain tissues of model mice, the relative mRNA expression and protein levels of PINK1, Parkin and LC3B were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), whereas p62 mRNA and protein expression were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. Compared with the model group, all treatment groups showed significantly decreased neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarct volume ratios (P<0.01). Neuronal density increased significantly, cytoplasmic vacuolation was alleviated, nuclear morphology tended to be more regular and clearer, Nissl body density increased significantly with reduced dissolution and improved contour clarity. The mitochondrial cristae structure was partially restored, with some mitochondria showing autophagosome encapsulation, and the degree of mitochondrial damage was alleviated. Serum SOD activity increased significantly (P<0.01), while MDA content decreased significantly. The mRNA and protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), while p62 mRNA and protein expression in the low- and medium-dose modified Buyang Huanwu Tang groups were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), showing statistical significance. ConclusionModified Buyang Huanwu Tang can upregulate the protein expression levels of PINK1, Parkin, and LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ and downregulate p62 protein expression, suggesting that it may improve CI/RI by regulating the expression of proteins related to the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway. Regulation of the mitophagy pathway may be one of the mechanisms by which modified Buyang Huanwu Tang alleviates CI/RI in mice.
6.Network meta-analysis of the efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus complicated with obesity/overweight
Jin ZENG ; Juliang CHEN ; Ziwei HU ; Liangran YAO ; Yakun ZHAN
China Pharmacy 2026;37(10):1357-1363
OBJECTIVE To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of 6 kinds of GLP-1RAs in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with overweight or obesity, and to provide evidence-based reference for clinical practice. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, CNKI, VIP, Wanfang Data, and CBM from the inception to December 1, 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed on the included studies. Network meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 17.0 software. RESULTS A total of 29 eligible RCTs were included, involving 7 404 patients. Six GLP-1RAs were evaluated: semaglutide, liraglutide, exenatide, dulaglutide, polyethylene glycol loxenatide, and beinaglutide. In terms of glycemic control, semaglutide had the highest probability of ranking first in reducing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose levels, followed by polyethylene glycol loxenatide. In terms of weight management, semaglutide showed the highest probability of ranking first, followed by liraglutide and exenatide. Regarding safety, dulaglutide had the highest probability of ranking first in reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal adverse events; none of the GLP-1RAs significantly increased the risk of severe hypoglycemia. Subgroup analysis revealed that liraglutide 1.8 mg, qd and exenatide extend-release 2.0 mg, qw demonstrated superior efficacy in reducing HbA1c and body weight compared with other doses/dosage forms of the same agents. CONCLUSIONS For T2DM patients with overweight or obesity, semaglutide offers the greatest benefits in glycemic control and weight reduction, while dulaglutide demonstrates superior gastrointestinal tolerability. Liraglutide 1.8 mg, qd and exenatide extend-release 2.0 mg, qw show relatively better overall efficacy in glycemic control and weight reduction among the same agents.
7.Design, synthesis and evaluation of oxadiazoles as novel XO inhibitors
Hong-zhan WANG ; Ya-jun YANG ; Ying YANG ; Fei YE ; Jin-ying TIAN ; Chuan-ming ZHANG ; Zhi-yan XIAO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):164-171
Xanthine oxidase (XO) is an important therapeutic target for the treatment of hyperuricemia and gout. Based on the previously identified potent XO inhibitor
8.Prognostic value of myocardial contrast echocardiography in patients with acute anterior STEMI revas-cularization
Yu-ping LIN ; Jin-hang HUANG ; Hai-lin ZHANG ; Sheng LI ; Zhan-yang WEI
Chinese Journal of cardiovascular Rehabilitation Medicine 2025;34(2):194-198
Objective:This study aimed to investigate the value of myocardial contrast echocardiography(MCE)in the prognostic assessment of patients undergoing revascularization for acute anterior ST-segment elevation myocar-dial infarction(STEMI).Methods:A total of 234 patients with acute anterior STEMI who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)and completed MCE admitted in Dongguan People's Hospital between July 1st 2019 and October 1st 2021 were included.According to presence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)during 6 months,patients were divided into no MACE group(n=188)and MACE group(n=46).General data and MCE indexes were compared between the two groups.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was employed to analyze influencing factors for MACE in patients with acute anterior STEMI after PCI.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze predictive value of MCE indexes for MACE in patients with acute anterior STE-MI after PCI.Results:Compared with patients in no MACE group,those in MACE group had significant higher proportion of previous myocardial infarction,D-dimer,C reactive protein,B-type natriuretic peptide,creatine kinase isoenzyme MB(CK-MB),incidence of T-wave inversion and ST-segment resolution amplitude(P<0.05 or<0.01).MCE showed that compared with those in no MACE group,those in MACE group had significant lower left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)[(52.54±7.66)% vs.(55.98±10.04)%],and significant higher wall motion score index(WMSI)[(1.22±0.13)vs.(1.17±0.15)]and contrast score index(CSI)[(1.54±0.32)%vs.(1.16±0.21)%](P<0.05 or<0.01).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that previous myocar-dial infarction,C-reactive protein,CSI and T-wave inversion were independent risk factors for MACE in patients with acute anterior STEMI after PCI(OR=13.790~6601.747,P<0.05 or<0.01).ROC curve indicated that CSI had good predictive value for MACE in patients with acute anterior STEMI after PCI,the area under curve(AUC)was 0.874(95%CI 0.825~0.914)and optimal cutoff point was 1.33%.Conclusion:Myocardial contrast echocardiography plays an important role in prognostic assessment of patients undergoing revascularization for acute anterior STEMI.
9.Baicalin alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced myocardial cell injury by down-regulating miR-221 and its mechanism
Yijing JIN ; Kandong LI ; Zhihui ZHAN ; Yong WANG
Chinese Journal of Immunology 2025;41(7):1688-1694
Objective:To explore the effects of microRNA-221(miR-221)on inflammation and fibrosis induced by lipopoly-saccharide(LPS)in rat cardiomyocytes and the regulatory role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/seronine/threonine protein kinase(AKT)signaling pathway.Methods:Cultured rat myocardial H9C2 cells in vitro,they were divided into control group(no inter-vention),LPS group(10 μg/ml LPS),experimental group(10 μg/ml LPS+10,20,40,80 μmol/L baicalin),mimics NC group(10 μg/ml LPS+mimics NC transfection),miR-221 mimics group(10 μg/ml LPS+transfection miR-221 mimics),inhibitor NC group(10 μg/ml LPS+transfection inhibitor NC),miR-221 inhibitor group(10 μg/ml LPS+transfection miR-221 inhibitor),10+miR-221 mimics group(10 μg/ml LPS+10 μmol/L baicalin+transfection miR-221 mimics)and 10+miR-221 inhibitor group(10 μg/ml LPS+10 μmol/L baicalin+transfection miR-221 inhibitor)were treated for 24 h.Real-time quantitative fluorescence PCR(RT-qPCR),ELISA,CCK-8,5-acetyne-2'-deoxyuracil nucleoside(EdU)and Transwell chamber methods were used to determine the expression level of miR-221,the expression levels of inflammatory factors,cell viability,cell proliferation and migration ability,Western blot was used to determine the expression levels of EMT-related proteins[E-cadherin,N-cadherin,Vimentin,fibronectin(FN)]and PI3K/AKT pathway related proteins.Results:Cell viability increased in LPS+10 group(P<0.05),so LPS+10 group was selected for follow-up experiment.The results of miR-221 level showed that miR-221 mimics group was higher than mimics NC group(P<0.05),miR-221 inhibitor group was lower than inhibitor NC group(P<0.05).Transfection of miR-221mimics group and miR-221 inhibitor group was successful.Compared with control group,cell proliferation rate and E-cadherin protein level in LPS group were decreased(P<0.05).The expression level of miR-221,cell migration number,IL-6 and TNF-α levels,and the protein levels of p-PI3K,p-AKT,N-cadherin,FN and Vimentin were increased(P<0.05).Compared with LPS group,LPS+10 group significantly reversed the changes of the above indexes(P<0.05).Compared with LPS+10 group,10+miR-221 mimics group reduced the above effect of baicalin in LPS-induced cells(P<0.05).However,miR-221 inhibitor of 10+miR-221 inhibitor group enhanced the above effect of baicalin in LPS-induced cells(P<0.05).Conclusion:Baicalin can inhibit the effects of LPS-induced myocyte H9C2 migration,inflammation and fibrosis and promote their proliferation by down-regulating the expression of miR-221,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibi-tion of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
10.The influence of preoperative transarterial chemoembolizationon the early recurrence of stage Ⅰb-Ⅱa diagnosed liver cancer
Xuezhi ZHAN ; Jin YU ; Yuan ZHU ; Xiaofeng LIAO ; Xiaogang LI
Journal of Clinical Surgery 2025;33(10):1073-1076
Objective To explore the effects of preoperative transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)on early postoperative recurrence in the China liver cancer(CNLC)staging Ⅰb-Ⅱa patients with primary hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods The data of patients with CNLC Ⅰb-Ⅱa stage hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent curative liver resection in Xiangyang Central Hospital from May 2017 to May 2022 were retrospectively analyzed.A total of 76 patients were included,patients were divided into preoperative TACE group(n=32)and surgery group(n=44)according to whether they underwent preoperative TACE.Observe the postoperative recovery of patients.Combined with the postoperative pathological results,adjuvant TACE treatment is performed.Regular reexamination and follow-up are conducted after discharge.The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate survival time,calculate 95%CI,and plot the Disease-free(DFS)survival curve.The Cox proportional risk model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis.Results The 1-year disease-free survival rate in the preoperative TACE group was higher than that in the direct surgery group(96.9%vs.84.1%,P>0.05).The 2-year disease-free survival rate in the preoperative TACE group was higher than that in the direct surgery group(90.6%vs.70.5%,P<0.05).The disease-free survival of the preoperative TACE group was higher than the direct surgery group(23.03 months vs.20.14 months,P<0.05).The incidence of treatment-related adverse events after surgery in the preoperative TACE group was higher than that in the direct surgery group(34.4%vs.20.5%,P>0.05).Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that different treatment methods,tumor number ≥ 2,and tumor microvascular invasion were prognostic factors affecting tumor recurrence.No severe adverse reactions occurred in either group,and no deaths caused by adverse reactions were observed.Conclusion Compared with direct surgery,preoperative TACE can help improve early postoperative recurrence,prolong patients'disease-free survival,and do not lead to serious adverse events.

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