1.Study on Compatibility and Efficacy of Blood-activating Herb Pairs Based on Graph Convolution Network
Jingai WANG ; Qikai NIU ; Wenjing ZONG ; Ziling ZENG ; Siwei TIAN ; Siqi ZHANG ; Yuwen ZHAO ; Huamin ZHANG ; Bingjie HUO ; Bing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):228-234
ObjectiveThis study aims to develop a prediction model for the compatibility of Chinese medicinal pairs based on Graph Convolutional Networks (GCN), named HC-GCN. The model integrates the properties of herbs with modern pharmacological mechanisms to predict pairs with specific therapeutic effects. It serves as a demonstration by applying the model to predict and validate the efficacy of blood-activating herb pairs. MethodsThe training dataset for herb pair prediction was constructed by systematically collecting commonly used herb pairs along with their characteristic data, including Qi, flavor, meridian tropism, and target genes. Integrating traditional characteristics of herb with modern bioinformatics, we developed an efficacy-oriented herb pair compatibility prediction model (HC-GCN) using graph convolutional networks (GCN). This model leverages machine learning to capture the complex relationships in herb pair compatibility, weighted by efficacy features. The performance of the HC-GCN model was evaluated using accuracy (ACC), recall, precision, F1 score (F1), and area under the ROC curve (AUC). Its predictive effectiveness was then compared to five other machine learning models: eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), logistic regression (LR), Naive Bayes, K-nearest neighbor (KNN), and support vector machine (SVM). ResultsUsing herb pairs with blood-activating effects as a demonstration, a prediction model was constructed based on a foundational dataset of 46 blood-activating herb pairs, incorporating their Qi, flavor, meridian tropism, and target gene characteristics. The HC-GCN model outperforms other commonly used machine learning models in key performance metrics, including ACC, recall, precision, F1 score, and AUC. Through the predictive analysis of the HC-GCN model, 60 herb pairs with blood-activating effects were successfully identified. Among of these potential herb pairs, 44 include at least one herb with blood-activating effects. ConclusionIn this study, we established an efficacy-oriented compatibility prediction model for herb pairs based on GCN by integrating the unique characteristics of traditional herbs with modern pharmacological mechanisms. This model demonstrated high predictive performance, offering a novel approach for the intelligent screening and optimization of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions, as well as their clinical applications.
2.Re-examination of Atractylodis Rhizoma and Dosage of Whole Formula in Yuejiuwan
Yanping HAN ; Yiyi ZHANG ; Huimin GAO ; Raorao LI ; Li YAO ; Zhaoxiang SUN ; Zhuo MA ; Huamin ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):223-233
Yuejuwan is a classic formula widely used by doctors to relieve liver and depression, with precise clinical efficacy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The authors used bibliometric methods to collect and collate 495 ancient data related to Yuejuwan, and 105 valid data were screened out, involving 68 ancient Chinese medical books. After systematic verification of the origin of the formula of Yuejuwan, the main treatment symptoms, the principle of the formula, the composition of the drug, the dosage, the preparation method, the decoction method, and other information, the results showed that Yuejuwan originated from the Danxi Xinfa (《丹溪心法》) of the Yuan Dynasty by ZHU Zhenheng, and it is composed of five medicines, namely Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Massa Medicata Fermentata, and Gardeniae Fructus. In terms of drug base, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Gardeniae Fructus are in line with the records in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and Massa Medicata Fermentata is used. The preparation method is as follows: Massa Medicata Fermentata and Gardeniae Fructus are fried, and Cyperi Rhizoma is roasted in vinegar. Chuanxiong Rhizoma is used in the raw form, and Atractylodis Rhizoma is prepared with rice swill. The formula can regulate Qi and relieve depression and broaden the middle and remove fullness. It is clinically used for the treatment of six types of depression syndromes, chest and diaphragm plumpness, abdominal distension and leg acid, acid swallowing and vomiting, eating and drinking disharmony, toothache, mouth and tongue sores, and other diseases. The most used dosage of the formula in the ancient records through the ages is converted into the modern dosage, namely 3.05 g Atractylodis Rhizoma, 3.05 g Cyperi Rhizoma, 3.05 g Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 3.05 g Massa Medicata Fermentata, and 3.05 g Gardeniae Fructus, and the daily dosage is 15.25 g. The converted dosage is similar to that recorded in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The formula is in pill form, and medicine should be taken with lukewarm boiled water after the meal. Through the excavation of the ancient literature related to Yuejuwan, the key information of the formula is identified, with a view to providing a more accurate reference for the clinical application of Yuejuwan and subsequent in-depth investigation.
3.Re-examination of Atractylodis Rhizoma and Dosage of Whole Formula in Yuejiuwan
Yanping HAN ; Yiyi ZHANG ; Huimin GAO ; Raorao LI ; Li YAO ; Zhaoxiang SUN ; Zhuo MA ; Huamin ZHANG ; Wei ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(13):223-233
Yuejuwan is a classic formula widely used by doctors to relieve liver and depression, with precise clinical efficacy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The authors used bibliometric methods to collect and collate 495 ancient data related to Yuejuwan, and 105 valid data were screened out, involving 68 ancient Chinese medical books. After systematic verification of the origin of the formula of Yuejuwan, the main treatment symptoms, the principle of the formula, the composition of the drug, the dosage, the preparation method, the decoction method, and other information, the results showed that Yuejuwan originated from the Danxi Xinfa (《丹溪心法》) of the Yuan Dynasty by ZHU Zhenheng, and it is composed of five medicines, namely Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, Massa Medicata Fermentata, and Gardeniae Fructus. In terms of drug base, Atractylodis Rhizoma, Cyperi Rhizom, Chuanxiong Rhizoma, and Gardeniae Fructus are in line with the records in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and Massa Medicata Fermentata is used. The preparation method is as follows: Massa Medicata Fermentata and Gardeniae Fructus are fried, and Cyperi Rhizoma is roasted in vinegar. Chuanxiong Rhizoma is used in the raw form, and Atractylodis Rhizoma is prepared with rice swill. The formula can regulate Qi and relieve depression and broaden the middle and remove fullness. It is clinically used for the treatment of six types of depression syndromes, chest and diaphragm plumpness, abdominal distension and leg acid, acid swallowing and vomiting, eating and drinking disharmony, toothache, mouth and tongue sores, and other diseases. The most used dosage of the formula in the ancient records through the ages is converted into the modern dosage, namely 3.05 g Atractylodis Rhizoma, 3.05 g Cyperi Rhizoma, 3.05 g Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 3.05 g Massa Medicata Fermentata, and 3.05 g Gardeniae Fructus, and the daily dosage is 15.25 g. The converted dosage is similar to that recorded in the 2020 edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The formula is in pill form, and medicine should be taken with lukewarm boiled water after the meal. Through the excavation of the ancient literature related to Yuejuwan, the key information of the formula is identified, with a view to providing a more accurate reference for the clinical application of Yuejuwan and subsequent in-depth investigation.
4.Usage and Dosage Analysis and Countermeasures for Development of Compound Preparations of Han Dynasty Famous Classical Formulas
Yan JIN ; Bing LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Huasheng PENG ; Huamin ZHANG ; Huihui LIU ; Lin ZHANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(7):1-10
In order to provide a reference basis for the development of relevant compound preparations, this article takes a comprehensive analysis of the usage and dosage of famous classical formulas in Han dynasty from various perspectives, and gives corresponding countermeasures on this basis. Through the comprehensive analysis of the classification and statistics of Zhongjing's medication characteristics, decoction methods, administration and dosage, and combining conversion methods of weights and measures by ancient medical practitioners, along with the dosage and administration of the listed Han dynasty famous classical formulas, it was found that the "Jiangxi method" served as a general guideline for administration according to Zhongjing's original text. This method allowed for flexible dosing based on the conversion of the ancient measurements to modern equivalents[13.8 g per Liang(两)], ensuring the safe and effective medication of these formulas. After combing, it is found that although the dosage of single medicine is large in famous classical formulas from Han dynasty, the administration is flexible. The crude drug amount per administration serves as the foundational dose, with the frequency of administration adjusted flexibly according to the condition. This dosing approach becomes the key for the rational development of compound formulations of famous classical formulas. Based on the conclusions of the study, it is recommended that when developing compound formulations of famous classical formulas in Han dynasty, the original administration method and dosage should be respected. The original crude drug amount per administration should be considered as the daily foundational dose, with the frequency of administration described within a range(1 to N times per day, where N is the maximum number of administrations as per the original text). The specific frequency of administration can be adjusted flexibly by clinical practitioners based on the individual condition. This approach should also be adopted in toxicological studies, where the dosage per administration serves as the basis for toxicity research, and the toxicity profile at the maximum administration frequency should be observed, providing guidance on the clinical safety range. Corresponding drug labels should provide information within a range to indicate toxicological risk intervals.
5.History and Clinical Application of Classic Famous Formula Danggui Sinitang
Sihong LIU ; Siqi JIA ; Lin TONG ; Li REN ; Lei ZHANG ; Lei YANG ; Yanhui KUANG ; Deqin WANG ; Bing LI ; Huamin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(1):53-60
Danggui Sinitang is first recorded in the Treatise on Cold Damage written by ZHANG Zhongjing in the Han dynasty. It is composed of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Cinnamomi Ramulus, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Asari Radix et Rhizoma, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Tetrapanacis Medulla, and Jujubae Fructus and serves as a classic formula for treating the syndrome of blood deficiency and cold reversal. This study systematically reviews the records of Danggui Sinitang in ancient Chinese medicine books of various dynasties and the modern clinical applications to probe into the composition, plant species, processing, dosage, decocting method, and indications of Danggui Sinitang, aiming to provide a reference for the development and clinical application of this classic formula. The review of the records showed that there were a variety of records of Danggui Sinitang with different composition, and the composition of this formula listed in the Treatise on Cold Damage has a significant impact on later generations and has been used by medical practitioners throughout history. Although the dosage of some drugs decreased during the Ming and Qing dynasties, the medical practitioners continued to use the original formula. In terms of processing, although there were slight changes in the processing of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Paeoniae Radix Alba, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, and Tetrapanacis Medulla, the original processing method was inherited. In terms of indications, Danggui Sinitang was designed to treat cold reversal due to blood deficiency and dysentery. Furthermore, it was used to treat headache, convulsive disease, infantile convulsion, and private part adduction in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Nowadays, this formula is mostly used to treat diabetes peripheral neuropathy, rheumatoid arthritis, dysmenorrhea, Raynaud's disease and other diseases. In terms of precautions, ancient physicians believed that Danggui Sinitang should not be taken by pregnant women and should only be used for limb chills caused by blood deficiency and cold coagulation. For limb chills caused by other reasons, this formula should not be used indiscriminately. Modern research has not reported any serious adverse reactions related to this formula. Danggui Sinitang has a definite therapeutic effect. In subsequent research and development, quality control standards of Danggui Sinitang should be established while its safety is ensured, and the related preparations should be developed and applied.
6.Analysis on the Dosage, Dose and Administration Method of Decoctions in Ming and Qing Dynasties Based on Catalogue of Ancient Classic Famous Formulas (First Batch)
Lin ZHANG ; Ruoshui TANG ; Wei ZHANG ; Bing LI ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Jia SONG ; Yanling FU ; Huamin ZHANG
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2024;65(8):866-869
The dosage, dose and administration method of decoctions are important factors affecting the efficacy of prescriptions. By analyzing 35 decoction formulas from the Ming and Qing dynasties within the Catalogue of Ancient Classic Famous Formulas (First Batch), it was found that the average dosage was equivalent to about 65 g, of which 71.4% (25/35) of the prescriptions had a dosage ≤60 g. And among them, the dosage of decoctions in the Ming dynasty was significantly smaller than that in the Qing dynasty. Considering the characteristics of formulas in Song dynasty, it is believed that decoctions in Ming and Qing dynasties were influenced by the popular use of decoctions during the Song, Jin, and Yuan dynasties. Some decoctions recorded a dosage of one dose instead of one day, which was more evident in the Ming dynasty. However, by the Qing dynasty, the usage of prescriptions with a dosage of one day gradually became more common. Therefore, in the practical research and application of classic famous formulas from the Ming and Qing dynasties, it is advised to pay attention to the difference between the dosage, one dose and the daily dosage. It is necessary to determine whether to double the dosage of the original formula based on the actual use, in order to ensure the clinical efficacy.
7.Characteristics of Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
Danping ZHENG ; Wei YANG ; Nannan SHI ; Dongfeng WEI ; An LI ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Xue CHEN ; Fangqi LIU ; Zhaoshuai YAN ; Weixuan BAI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Yaxin TIAN ; Mengyu LIU ; Huamin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):137-148
This study used the Appraisal of Guidelines Research & Evaluation-Health Systems (AGREE-HS) to demonstratively compare 34 global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) health systems guidance documents (HSGs) and 6 World Health Organization (WHO) standard HSGs. The comparison involved topic, participants, methods, recommendations, and implementability, with the aim of exploring the characteristics of emergency HSGs. The results showed that the emergency HSGs had an overall average score of 49%, with topic having the highest score, recommendations having the second highest score, and participants having the lowest score. The standard HSGs had an overall average score of 79%, with high scores in all items. The emergency HSGs had lower scores in participants, methods, recommendations, and implementability than the standard HSGs (P<0.001), while the COVID-19 emergency HSGs developed by the WHO had higher score in topic than the standard HSGs (P<0.05). Compared with those released by countries, the COVID-19 emergency HSG developed by the WHO showed superiority in all items and overall scores (P=0.000 2). This indicates that emergency HSGs, represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSG, place equal emphasis on topic and recommendations as standard HSGs but have low requirements in terms of expert participation, evidence support, and comprehensive consideration in the time- and resource-limited context. They have the characteristics of prominent topics, clear purposes, orientation to demand, keeping up with the latest evidence, flexible adjustment, and timeliness, emphasizing immediate implementation effects, weakening long-term effects, and focusing on comprehensive benefits. Additionally, developers, types, and report completeness are important influencing factors.
8.Characteristics of Developing Methods for Emergency Health Systems Guidance Based on AGREE-HS
Danping ZHENG ; Wei YANG ; Dongfeng WEI ; Nannan SHI ; Lin TONG ; An LI ; Gezhi ZHANG ; Xue CHEN ; Fangqi LIU ; Weixuan BAI ; Xinghua XIANG ; Mengyu LIU ; Huamin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(22):149-156
The scientific rigor and efficacy of methodologies employed in drafting emergency health systems guidance documents (HSGs) are paramount in guaranteeing the quality, reliability, and applicability of HSGs. According to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation- Health Systems (AGREE-HS), we demonstratively assessed both global coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) emergency HSGs and World Health Organization (WHO) standard HSGs to uncover the core attributes of methods employed in the development of emergency HSGs. Our evaluation findings revealed that across the five assessment items of AGREE-HS, methods in the 34 emergency HSGs evaluated ranked third, trailing behind topic and recommendations. Notably, criterion 2 (the best available and most contextually relevant evidence is considered) received the highest score, whereas criterion 5 (evidence of cost and cost-effectiveness of the potential options is described) scored the lowest. Compared with the WHO standard HSGs, the COVID-19 emergency HSGs exhibited low scores in methods (P<0.05), which was reflected in nine criteria (P<0.05), especially in criteria 1 (systematic and transparent methods are used to identify and review the evidence) and 9 (systematic and transparent methods are used to agree upon the final recommendations). Among the COVID-19 emergency HSGs, that developed by the WHO achieved higher scores in eight out of all nine criteria, excluding criterion 8 (P<0.05). The clinically relevant emergency HSGs had higher scores in the criteria 3 (the evidence base is current) and 8 (the rationale behind the recommendations is clear) than other types of emergency HSGs. Collectively, the methodology for developing emergency HSGs, represented by the COVID-19 emergency HSG, underscores evidence orientation and integrates expert consensus. It is characterized by adaptable evidence synthesis strategies, streamlined evidence review protocols, and contextual relevance, all of which are influenced by external, internal, and implementation-specific factors.
9.Effect of Thyme Herbal Tea on Proliferation of Human Coronavirus OC43 in vitro and in vivo
Jixiang TIAN ; Tongtong ZHANG ; Yuning CHANG ; Peifang XIE ; Shuwei DONG ; Xiaoang ZHAO ; Yun WANG ; Chunhui ZHAO ; Hongwei WU ; Amei ZHANG ; Haizhou LI ; Xueshan XIA ; Huamin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):81-89
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of thyme herbal tea (BLX) on the proliferation of human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) in vitro and in vivo. MethodThe chemical composition of BLX was analyzed by UPLC-MS. The cytotoxicity of BLX in HRT-18 cells and the effect of BLX treatment on the proliferation of HCoV-OC43 in cells were analyzed. Copies of viral gene were detected by real-time PCR. The effect of BLX treatment on the life cycle of HCoV-OC43 was detected by time-of-addition assay. The maximum tolerated dose of BLX and the influences of BLX on the body weight and survival time of suckling mice infected with HCoV-OC43 were determined. The expression of viral protein in the brain and lung tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. ResultThere were 11 chemical components identified in BLX by UPLC-MS. BLX showed the 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of (13 859.56±319) mg·L-1, the median inhibitory concentration (IC50) of (1 439.09±200) mg·L-1, and the selection index of 8.26-11.44 for HCoV-OC43 in HRT-18 cells. Compared with the cells infected with HCoV-OC43, BLX at the concentrations of 1 500, 1 000, 500 mg·L-1 inhibited the proliferation of this virus (P<0.05, P<0.01). BLX exhibited antiviral effect in the early stage of virus infection, and the inhibition role in the attachment stage was more significant than that in the entry stage (P<0.05). In the suckling mice infected with HCoV-OC43, BLX at 1200 and 600 mg·kg-1·d-1 alleviated the symptoms, prolonged the survival period, reduced the death rate, and down-regulated the mRNA level of nucleocapsid protein in the mice. Moreover, BLX at 1 200 mg·kg-1·d-1 down-regulated the expression of nucleocapsid protein in the brain (P<0.01) and the lung (P<0.01). ConclusionBLX contained multiple antiviral ingredients. It inhibited the proliferation of HCoV-OC43 both in vitro and in vivo by interference with viral attachment. This study provides theoretical reference for the treatment of acute respiratory tract infection with HCoV-OC43 and for further development and application of BLX.
10.Efficacy-driving Mechanism of Danhong Injection for Stable Angina Pectoris Based on Composition-activity Relationship of Target Modules
Siwei TIAN ; Wenjing ZONG ; Jun LIU ; Wei YANG ; Qikai NIU ; Siqi ZHANG ; Jing'ai WANG ; Huamin ZHANG ; Zhong WANG ; Bing LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2024;30(23):121-128
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy-driving mechanism of Danhong injection (DHI) in the treatment of stable angina pectoris (SAP) based on the composition-activity relationship of target modules and clarify the pharmacological effects of DHI. MethodAccording to the angina frequency (AF) in the Seattle Angina Questionnaire (SAQ) that was obtained in the previous clinical trial, the patients before and after DHI treatment were grouped based on efficacy. The transcriptomic data of the patients before treatment and in the best efficacy group 30 days post-treatment were selected as the data source, and then weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was employed to construct the co-expression network. Relevant modules in the network were identified and associated with clinical features. In addition, the On-modules (Z value below 0) were identified by Zsummary. The topological indicators such as density, centrality, and clustering coefficient were adopted to explore the dynamics of DHI efficacy at the network level and module level, respectively. In addition, the driver genes were screened by the personalized network control (PNC) algorithm. Finally, rat H9C2 cells were used to establish the model of hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), which was used to confirm the potential therapeutic target of DHI for SAP and provide a scientific basis for revealing the therapeutic mechanism of DHI. ResultWe identified 19 modules in the best efficacy group of DHI for SAP, and the comparison between day 0 and day 30 revealed 12 On-modules. The changes of network topological indicators at the network and module levels confirmed the correlation between the best efficacy of DHI treatment and topological dynamics. Finally, the driver genes, Klotho and fibroblast growth factor 22 (FGF22), in DHI treatment of SAP were verified by the H9C2 cell model of H/R. ConclusionBased on clinical transcriptome data, this study determined the composition-activity relationship of target modules of DHI for SAP, which provided a scientific basis for deciphering the efficacy-driven mechanism of DHI for SAP.

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