Chinese medicinal materials serve as the material foundation of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） culture. The sustainable development of Chinese medicinal material resources is a focal point in the modernization of TCM. With the increasing scarcity of Chinese medicinal material resources， the expansion of new Chinese medicinal material resources has become a crucial means for the sustainable utilization of these resources. New Chinese medicinal material resources refer to natural resources that have been newly discovered or developed， possessing potential medicinal value or healthcare functions， which fall outside the traditional application scope of herbal medicines. These resources have not yet been widely recognized or applied within the framework of traditional TCM theory. They specifically include artificial substitutes for endangered medicinal materials， new medicinal parts of medicinal plants， medicinal materials with expanded clinical applications， and foreign medicinal resources. The rational compatability and formulation of new Chinese medicinal material resources are essential pathways for integrating them into the TCM system. Due to the weak foundational research on new Chinese medicinal material resources in China， the characteristics of these resources that align with the TCM theory are not yet fully understood， posing numerous constraints on formulating prescriptions based on the traditional compatibility principles of TCM. This paper integrates the traditional formulation theory of TCM with modern data integration methods， proposing four formulation models for new TCM resources： synergistic compatibility， substitutive compatibility， symptom-based compatibility， and efficacy semantic compatibility. These models provide new insights for the application of new Chinese medicinal material resources， not only facilitating their rational use in clinical practice but also offering theoretical support for the development and compatibility research of these resources.

Chinese medicinal materials serve as the material foundation of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） culture. The sustainable development of Chinese medicinal material resources is a focal point in the modernization of TCM. With the increasing scarcity of Chinese medicinal material resources， the expansion of new Chinese medicinal material resources has become a crucial means for the sustainable utilization of these resources. New Chinese medicinal material resources refer to natural resources that have been newly discovered or developed， possessing potential medicinal value or healthcare functions， which fall outside the traditional application scope of herbal medicines. These resources have not yet been widely recognized or applied within the framework of traditional TCM theory. They specifically include artificial substitutes for endangered medicinal materials， new medicinal parts of medicinal plants， medicinal materials with expanded clinical applications， and foreign medicinal resources. The rational compatability and formulation of new Chinese medicinal material resources are essential pathways for integrating them into the TCM system. Due to the weak foundational research on new Chinese medicinal material resources in China， the characteristics of these resources that align with the TCM theory are not yet fully understood， posing numerous constraints on formulating prescriptions based on the traditional compatibility principles of TCM. This paper integrates the traditional formulation theory of TCM with modern data integration methods， proposing four formulation models for new TCM resources： synergistic compatibility， substitutive compatibility， symptom-based compatibility， and efficacy semantic compatibility. These models provide new insights for the application of new Chinese medicinal material resources， not only facilitating their rational use in clinical practice but also offering theoretical support for the development and compatibility research of these resources.

Atractylodes lancea is a perennial herbaceous plant of Asteraceae, with rhizomes for medical use. However, A. lancea plants from different habitats have great variability, and the germplasm resources of A. lancea are unclear and mixed during production. Therefore, it is urgent to protect new varieties of A. lancea. The distinctness, uniformity, and stability(DUS) testing of new plant varieties is the foundation of plant variety protection, and the DUS testing guidelines are the technical basis for variety approval agencies to conduct DUS testing. In this study, the phenotypic traits of 94 germplasm accessions of A. lancea were investigated considering the breeding and variety characteristics of A. lancea in China. The traits were classified and described, and 24 traits were preliminarily determined, including 20 basic traits that must be tested and four traits selected to be tested. The 20 basic traits included 3 quality traits, 5 false quality traits, and 12 quantitative traits, corresponding to 1 plant traits, 2 stem traits, 8 leaf traits, 6 flower traits, and 3 seed traits. The measurement ranges and coefficients of variation of eight quantitative traits were determined, on the basis of which the grading criteria and codes of the traits were determined and assigned. The guidelines has guiding significance for the trait evaluation, utilization, and breeding of new varieties of A. lancea.
Atractylodes/growth & development* ; China ; Phenotype ; Guidelines as Topic ; Plant Breeding

This study primarily investigates the effect of Liuwei Dihuang Pills on the activation and proliferation of female germline stem cells(FGSCs) in the ovaries and cortex of mice with premature ovarian failure(POF), and how it improves ovarian function. ICR mice were randomly divided into the control group, model group, Liuwei Dihuang Pills group, Liuwei Dihuang Pills double-dose group, and estradiol valerate group. A mouse model of POF was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide. After successful modeling, the mice were treated with Liuwei Dihuang Pills or estradiol valerate for 28 days. Vaginal smears were prepared to observe the estrous cycle and body weight. After the last administration, mice were sacrificed and sampled. Serum levels of estradiol(E_2), follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH), luteinizing hormone(LH), and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe ovarian morphology and to count follicles at all stages to evaluate ovarian function. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of mouse vasa homolog(MVH), a marker of ovarian FGSCs. Immunofluorescence staining, using co-labeling of MVH and proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA), was used to detect the expression and localization of specific markers of FGSCs. Western blot was employed to assess the protein expression of MVH, octamer-binding transcription factor 4(Oct4), and PCNA in the ovaries. The results showed that compared with the control group, the model group exhibited disordered estrous cycles, decreased ovarian index, increased atretic follicles, and a reduced number of follicles at all stages. FSH and LH levels were significantly elevated, while AMH and E_2 levels were significantly reduced, indicating the success of the model. After treatment with Liuwei Dihuang Pills or estradiol valerate, hormone levels improved, the number of atretic follicles decreased, and the number of follicles at all stages increased. MVH marker protein and PCNA proliferative protein expression in ovarian tissue also increased. These results suggest that Liuwei Dihuang Pills regulate estrous cycles and hormone disorders in POF mice, promote the proliferation of FGSCs, improve follicular development in POF mice, and enhance ovarian function.
Animals ; Female ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Mice ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Ovary/cytology* ; Primary Ovarian Insufficiency/genetics* ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/metabolism* ; Humans ; Anti-Mullerian Hormone/blood* ; Antineoplastic Agents/adverse effects* ; Luteinizing Hormone/metabolism* ; Cyclophosphamide/adverse effects*

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) resources are an important foundation for the theory and practice of TCM. Rare and endangered TCM, as a significant component of these resources, plays an essential role. Conducting research on substitutes for rare and endangered TCM resources is of great significance for alleviating resource shortages, promoting the sustainable utilization of TCM, and advancing TCM modernization. This paper reviews the conservation achievements of rare and endangered Chinese medicinal materials in China and organizes the substitution methods for these materials. Currently, the main substitution approaches include introduction and domestication, tissue culture, varietal replacement, and artificial synthesis. Furthermore, this paper proposes the following approaches for researching the application scenarios of rare and endangered medicinal materials, i.e., tracing the historical context of their use to clarify foundational principles; verifying disease classifications to strengthen the clinical application scenarios of these materials; analyzing the evolution patterns of prescription formulations to strengthen the mining of the compatibility application scenarios of rare and endangered medicinal materials; scientifically evaluating to strengthen the application scenario research and development of endangered Chinese patent medicine industry. These efforts aim to promote the scientific substitution and sustainable utilization of rare and endangered medicinal materials and their substitutes.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/chemistry* ; Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; China ; Plants, Medicinal/growth & development* ; Endangered Species ; Conservation of Natural Resources ; Animals

In order to support the implementation of the Opinions on Improving the Quality of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Industry and fundamentally promote the high-quality development of Chinese materia medica(CMM) industry, this article analyzed the quality and safety issues arising during the transition of CMM from wild harvesting to cultivation. Root causes of these issues were identified, including changes in the habitats of medicinal plants caused by inappropriate field cultivation patterns, excessive use of chemical inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, and shortened cultivation periods due to rising economic costs. To address the above issues, the following countermeasures and suggestions were proposed to advance the high-quality development of CMM:(1) comprehensively adjust the cultivation patterns, vigorously promote ecological cultivation of CMM, and ensure production quality and safety of CMM from the source;(2) strengthen the breeding of high-quality, stress-resistant CMM varieties, improve cultivation techniques to reduce the use of fertilizers and pesticides, and improve the quality and efficiency of ecological cultivation of CMM;(3) systematically design the production, operation, and supervision models for ecological cultivation of CMM, carry out demonstrations of "high quality with fair price", and ensure the sustainable development of ecological cultivation of CMM.
Drugs, Chinese Herbal/standards* ; Quality Control ; Plants, Medicinal/chemistry* ; Plant Roots/chemistry* ; China ; Fertilizers/analysis* ; Materia Medica/standards* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards*

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) is the pillar for the development of motherland medicine, and animal medicine has a long history of application in China, characterized by wide resources, strong activity, definite efficacy, and great benefits. It has significant potential and important status in the consumption market of raw materials of TCM. In the context of global climate change, farming system alterations, and low renewability, the depletion of wild medicinal animal resources has accelerated. Accordingly, the conservation and sustainable utilization of wild resources of animal medicinal materials has become a problem that garners increasing attention and urgently needs to be solved. This paper summarizes the current situation of domestic and foreign medicinal animal breeding and research progress in industrial application in recent years and points out the issues related to standardized breeding, germplasm selection and breeding, and quality evaluation standards for medicinal animals. Furthermore, this paper discusses standardized breeding, quality standards, resource protection and utilization, and the search for alternative resources for rare and endangered medicinal animals. It proposes that researchers should systematically carry out in-depth basic research on animal medicine, improve the breeding scale and level of medicinal animals, employ modern technology to enhance the quality standards of medicinal materials, and strengthen the research and development of alternative resources. This approach aims to effectively address the relationship between protection and utilization and make a significant contribution to the sustainable development of medicinal animal resources and the animal-based Chinese medicinal material industry.
Animals ; Breeding ; China ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Conservation of Natural Resources

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine and metabolic disorder affecting a substantial proportion of women of reproductive age. It is frequently associated with ovulatory dysfunction, infertility, and an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases. A hallmark pathological feature of PCOS is the arrest of follicular development, closely linked to impaired intercellular communication between the oocyte and surrounding granulosa cells. Transzonal projections (TZPs) are specialized cytoplasmic extensions derived from granulosa cells that penetrate the zona pellucida to establish direct contact with the oocyte. These structures serve as essential conduits for the transfer of metabolites, signaling molecules (e.g., cAMP, cGMP), and regulatory factors (e.g., microRNAs, growth differentiation factors), thereby maintaining meiotic arrest, facilitating metabolic cooperation, and supporting gene expression regulation in the oocyte. The proper formation and maintenance of TZPs depend on the cytoskeletal integrity of granulosa cells and the regulated expression of key connexins, particularly CX37 and CX43. Recent studies have revealed that in PCOS, TZPs exhibit significant structural and functional abnormalities. Contributing factors—such as hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and dysregulation of critical signaling pathways (including PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β‑catenin, and MAPK/ERK)—collectively impair TZP integrity and reduce their formation. This disruption in granulosa-oocyte communication compromises oocyte quality and contributes to follicular arrest and anovulation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of TZP biology, including their formation mechanisms, molecular composition, and stage-specific dynamics during folliculogenesis. We highlight the pathological alterations in TZPs observed in PCOS and elucidate how endocrine and metabolic disturbances—particularly androgen excess and hyperinsulinemia—downregulate CX43 expression and impair gap junction function, thereby exacerbating ovarian microenvironmental dysfunction. Furthermore, we explore emerging therapeutic strategies aimed at preserving or restoring TZP integrity. Anti-androgen therapies (e.g., spironolactone, flutamide), insulin sensitizers (e.g., metformin), and GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., liraglutide) have shown potential in modulating connexin expression and enhancing granulosa-oocyte communication. In addition, agents such as melatonin, AMPK activators, and GDF9/BMP15 analogs may promote TZP formation and improve oocyte competence. Advanced technologies, including ovarian organoid models and CRISPR-based gene editing, offer promising platforms for studying TZP regulation and developing targeted interventions. In summary, TZPs are indispensable for maintaining follicular homeostasis, and their disruption plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of PCOS-related folliculogenesis failure. Targeting TZP integrity represents a promising therapeutic avenue in PCOS management and warrants further mechanistic and translational investigation.

ObjectiveThe U6 promoter is an essential element for driving sgRNA expression in the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat sequences/CRISPR-associated protein 9（CRISPR/Cas9）gene editing system in dicotyledonous plants. Endogenous U6 promoters typically exhibit higher transcriptional activity， which can significantly improve gene editing efficiency. This study aims to identify endogenous U6 promoters in Artemisia annua to optimize its CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system， which holds significant importance for its molecular breeding. MethodsOn the basis of the highly conserved U6 snRNA sequences in Arabidopsis thaliana， endogenous U6 promoters were screened in the A. annua genome. Expression vectors were constructed with candidate AaU6 promoter driving the firefly luciferase （LUC） reporter gene， and then transiently transformed into Nicotiana benthamiana. Transcriptional activities of the promoters were measured and compared by in vivo imaging and the Dual Luciferase Reporter assay. ResultsEight endogenous U6 promoters were successfully cloned from A. annua. Sequences alignment revealed that all these promoters contained the two conserved cis-acting elements， upstream sequence element （USE） and TATA-box， which affected their transcriptional activity. Dual-luciferase activity assays indicated that the transcriptional activities of AaU6-3， AaU6-1， and AaU6-5 were significantly higher than that of the Arabidopsis AtU6-26 promoter， with AaU6-3 exhibiting the highest activity. ConclusionThis study identified three endogenous AaU6 promoters with high transcriptional activity in A. annua， providing key functional elements for establishing an efficient gene editing system in A. annua. These findings will contribute to advancing precision molecular breeding and high-quality germplasm innovation in A. annua.