1.Textual Research on Key Information of Famous Classical Formula Jiegengtang
Yang LEI ; Yuli LI ; Xiaoming XIE ; Zhen LIU ; Shanghua ZHANG ; Tieru CAI ; Ying TAN ; Weiqiang ZHOU ; Zhaoxu YI ; Yun TANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):182-190
Jiegengtang is a basic formula for treating sore throat and cough. By means of bibliometrics, this study conducted a textual research and analysis on the key information such as formula origin, decocting methods, and clinical application of Jiegengtang. After the research, it can be seen that Jiegengtang is firstly contained in Treatise on Febrile and Miscellaneous Disease, which is also known as Ganjietang, and it has been inherited and innovated by medical practitioners of various dynasties in later times. The origins of Chinese medicines in this formula is basically clear, Jiegeng is the dried roots of Platycodon grandiflorum, Gancao is the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, the two medicines are selected raw products. The dosage is 27.60 g of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma and 13.80 g of Platycodonis Radix, decocted with 600 mL of water to 200 mL, taken warmly after meals, twice a day, 100 mL for each time. In ancient times, Jiegengtang was mainly used for treating Shaoyin-heat invasion syndrome, with cough and sore throat as its core symptoms. In modern clinical practice, Jiegengtang is mainly used for respiratory diseases such as pharyngitis, esophagitis, tonsillitis and lung abscess, especially for pharyngitis and lung abscess with remarkable efficacy. This paper can provide literature reference basis for the modern clinical application and new drug development of Jiegengtang.
2.Treatment of IgA Nephropathy by Tonifying Kidney and Invigorating Spleen as Well as Detoxifying and Relieving Sore-throat Based on PIgR-CR1-mediated Mucosal-renal Axis
Fan LI ; Hongan WANG ; He NAN ; Mingyu HE ; Chengji CUI ; Yinping WANG ; Yutong LIU ; Shoulin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):237-244
Immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) is the primary glomerulonephritis with the highest incidence rate in the world. It is also the main cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in China, which has brought heavy economic burden to the society and patient families. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has certain advantages in treating IgAN. In TCM, IgAN is classified into consumptive disease, hematuria, and edema categories, with the location in the kidney and involving the lung, liver, and spleen. Professor Ren Jixue, a master of TCM, believes that kidney deficiency and spleen deficiency are the root causes of IgAN, and the throat is the source of the disease. He proposed the theory of throat-kidney correlation and used the method of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat to treat IgAN, achieving significant therapeutic effects. Studies have shown that IgAN is closely related to mucosal immune defense. IgAN patients often experience recurrent and gradually worsening symptoms due to mucosal infections, and polymeric Ig receptor (PIgR) is an important component of mucosal defense function. The lack of PIgR leads to the accumulation of IgA molecules in the mucosal lamina propria, and the molecules enter the bloodstream in large quantities and ultimately deposit in the kidneys, causing kidney damage. Complement regulatory protein complement receptor type 1 (CR1) exists on red blood cells and glomeruli and has the function of inhibiting the activation and differentiation of B cells, clearing immune complexes, and inhibiting excessive activation of the complement system. Therefore, regulating the immune defense function through the mucosal-renal axis mediated by PIgR-CR1 will be an important target for preventing and treating IgAN. Based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation, this article explores the effects and molecular mechanisms of tonifying kidney and invigorating spleen as well as detoxifying and relieving sore-throat in preventing and treating IgAN by regulating the mucosal-kidney axis mediated by PIgR-CR1. It provides effective theoretical support and a scientific basis for TCM prevention and treatment of IgAN based on the theory of throat-kidney correlation.
3.Outcome Indicators in Randomized Controlled Trials of Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention in Ulcerative Colitis
Yasheng DENG ; Lanfang MAO ; Jiang LIN ; Yanping FAN ; Wenyue LI ; Yonghui LIU ; Zhaobing NI ; Jinzhong YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):245-251
To systematically review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention in ulcerative colitis (UC), and analyze the characteristics of these studies and their outcome indicators, thereby providing references for the design of future RCTs of TCM intervention in UC and offering evidence supporting the clinical application of TCM in UC. A computerized search was conducted in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, VIP, SinoMed, PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMbase, and Web of Science databases for RCTs of TCM intervention in UC published from January 2021 to August 2024. The risk of bias was assessed, and outcome indicators were qualitatively analyzed. A total of 555 RCTs were included, with a sample size of 44 853 participants. The largest sample size was 218 cases, and the smallest was 28 cases, with most studies focusing on 60-100 participants. Of the 386 RCTs that explicitly reported TCM syndrome types, the top three were large intestine dampness-heat syndrome (31.05%), spleen and kidney yang deficiency syndrome (12.47%), and spleen deficiency with dampness syndrome (9.17%). The interventions, ranked by frequency of use, included internal Chinese medicine compounds/preparations (64.5%), Chinese medicine compounds/preparations with retained enema (18.2%), internal Chinese medicine compounds/preparations + external TCM treatment (5.95%), and external TCM treatment alone (4.86%). The treatment duration was mainly 4-8 weeks (64.86%), with 61 studies (10.99%) reporting follow-up time. A total of 157 outcome indicators were used, with a frequency of 3 460 occurrences, classified into six domains: TCM syndromes and symptoms (346 occurrences, 10%), symptoms/signs (541 occurrences, 15.64%), physical and chemical examinations (2 119 occurrences, 61.24%), quality of life (107 occurrences, 3.09%), long-term prognosis (61 occurrences, 1.76%), and safety events (284 occurrences, 8.21%). The analysis reveals several limitations in the outcome indicators of TCM intervention in UC, including the lack of a basis for sample size calculation, non-standardized TCM syndrome classification, absence of trial design and registration, inadequate blinding and allocation concealment, adherence issues with interventions, imbalanced selection of surrogate and endpoint indicators, inconsistency in the timing of outcome measurements, design issues that require standardization, and ethical and safety concerns. It is recommended that future studies actively construct a set of core indicators for UC that include standardized TCM syndrome classification, clear efficacy evaluation indicators, key endpoint indicators, and reasonable measurement time points. Long-term prognostic impacts, comprehensive assessments of patients' quality of life, and consideration of economic benefits should be emphasized, providing a basis for the clinical practice of TCM in the treatment of UC.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Malvae Semen in Famous Classical Formulas
Dongxue CHEN ; Yibo LIU ; Yangyang YU ; Guoshuai LYU ; Huili WU ; Xinle HAN ; Yue TAN ; Minhui LI ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):252-264
The medicinal use of Malvae Semen has a long history. In this paper, by consulting the ancient materia medica, prescription, agronomy, literature and other aspects of the classics, the name, origin, evolution of scientific name, quality, harvesting and processing, functions and indications and others of Malvae Semen were systematically sorted out and verified, so as to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this herb. According to the textual research, Shennong Bencaojing began to use Dongkuizi as the correct name, which was used in the past dynasties, and there were also aliases such as Kuicaizi, Huacai, and Kuizi. Through the original research, it can be seen that Kuicai is the mainstream original plant of Malvae Semen, that is, Malva verticillata var. crispa, the Alcea rosea and M. cathayensis are also used. In modern times, the seeds of Abutilon theophrasti have been passed off as Malvae Semen, while the seeds of M. verticillata var. crispa have rarely been used in medicine. And Abutili Semen has been another medicinal material with different efficacy since the collection of Newly Revised Materia Medica in the Tang dynasty. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, the cultivation of Kuicai has been decreasing, while A. theophrasti is more common and easy to obtain, and Abutili Semen and Malvae Semen are similar in morphology and confused, which should be corrected. In addition, Malvae Fructus is a Mongolian customary medicinal herb, which is different from the traditional use of seeds in traditional Chinese medicine. Kuicai, as an important vegetable in history, was widely cultivated and gradually shrunk after the Song dynasty, it is now mainly produced in southern provinces. The quality evaluation of Malvae Semen is better for those with dry bodies, full grain, grayish brown color, no mud, and no impurities. The harvesting is generally in the autumn and winter. After drying, it is seeded, sieved peel and impurities, mashed, or slightly stir-fried to yellow-white color with gentle fire. It is sweet, cold and slippery in nature and taste, with the main effects of laxation, diuresis, lactation and elimination of swelling. The efficacy of Abutili Semen is clearing heat and removing toxicity, promoting diuresis and removing nebula, the efficacy is quite different from that of Malvae Semen. Based on the results of textual research, it is suggested that M. verticillata var. crispa should be used as the medicinal source of Malvae Semen in the development of famous classical formulas, the corresponding processing methods should be selected according to the requirements of drug processing in the formulas, while the raw products are recommended to be used if the processing is not specified.
5.Exploration of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of DKD Based on Mitochondrial Autophagy Mediated by PINK1/Parkin Signaling Pathway: A Review
Runsheng LIU ; Xiaodong ZHANG ; Zhaoqing LI ; Jing WANG ; Jinglu ZHANG ; Lixia JIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):302-313
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the more common chronic kidney diseases,and its causes are complex. DKD is very easy to progress to end-stage renal disease,and the current therapeutic effect still needs to be improved. As an important excretive organ of the human body, the kidney has physiological functions such as discharging metabolic waste, regulating fluid balance, and maintaining the stability of the body's internal environment. These highly complex biochemical processes all depend on the energy support provided by mitochondria. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key factor causing kidney injury, and the imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis is an important link leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. The occurrence and development of DKD are often accompanied by the imbalance of mitochondrial homeostasis in renal cells. Mitochondrial autophagy, as a means of regulating mitochondrial homeostasis, is very important for the prevention and treatment of DKD. The PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin pathway is one of the most classical pathways to regulate mitochondrial autophagy. Recent studies have found that some drugs can regulate the PINK1/Parkin signaling pathway to target mitochondrial homeostasis and exert renoprotective effects. In particular, traditional Chinese medicine has a significant effect on early and middle stage DKD by regulating PINK1/Parkin pathway-mediated mitochondrial autophagy. This article discussed the mechanism of PINK1/Parkin pathway in mitochondrial autophagy and DKD and reviewed the effect of PINK1/Parkin pathway-mediated mitochondrial autophagy on DKD. At the same time, it explored the therapeutic effect of traditional Chinese and western medicine on DKD mediated by PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy, aiming to broaden the ideas of traditional Chinese and western medicine for the prevention and treatment of DKD from the perspective of PINK1/Parkin regulating mitochondrial autophagy.
6.Impact of "Internet +" empowerment education based on timing it right on psychological craving, anxiety symptoms and relapse rates in patients with alcohol dependence
Hao WANG ; Wei LI ; Wen'ge ZHEN ; Yuanyuan LI ; Jie LIU
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(1):34-40
BackgroundAlcohol dependence patients are prone to relapse after their attempts to quit drinking, which poses a considerable threat to their physical and mental health and creates a heavy burden on their families. Currently, empowerment education is increasingly being utilized in the rehabilitation management of chronic diseases, but there remains a striking lack of empirical research on the application of "Internet +" empowerment education based on timing it right in alcohol dependence patients. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of "Internet +" empowerment education based on timing it right on patients with alcohol dependence, in order to maximize the reduction in relapse rates, craving for alcohol and severity of anxiety symptoms. MethodsA total of 120 patients who were hospitalized in the Department of Addiction Medicine, Hebei Provincial Mental Health Center from May 2022 to April 2023 and met the diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence in the International Classification of Diseases, tenth edition (ICD-10) were enrolled, and they were classified into study group (n=62) and control group (n=58) using random number table methods. Both groups received standard medication and routine care. Additionally, study group underwent a 6-month "Internet +" empowerment education based on timing it right. At baseline, all subjects were assessed using Penn Alcohol Craving Scale (PACS) and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS). Three months and six months after intervention, assessments were conducted using PACS, SAS and Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test (MAST). ResultsThe relapse rates after three and six months of intervention were both lower in study group than those in control group, with statistically significant differences (χ2=8.575, 8.828, P<0.01). ANOVA with repeated measures on PACS total score and scores of each item revealed a significant time effect, group effect and time×group interaction effect (F=159.714~837.751, 84.645~393.606, 24.302~137.896, P<0.01). And significant time effect, group effect and time×group interaction effect were also reported on SAS scores (F=166.237, 65.325, 24.724, P<0.01). Conclusion"Internet +" empowerment education based on timing it right may help reduce relapse rates, alcohol cravings and severity of anxiety symptoms among patients with alcohol dependence. [Funded by 2023 Annual Hebei Provincial Medical Scientific Research Project Plan (number, 20231537)]
7.Connotation and Prevention Strategies of Traditional Chinese Medicine for Panvascular Diseases
Jie WANG ; Jun LI ; Yan DONG ; Cong CHEN ; Yongmei LIU ; Chao LIU ; Lanchun LIU ; Xuan SUN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):1-14
Panvascular disease, with vascular diseases as the common pathological feature, is mainly manifested as atherosclerosis. Panvascular disease mainly affects the important organs of the heart, brain, kidney, and limbs. It is one of the leading causes of death for Chinese residents at present. Previously, due to the narrow branches of disciplines, too much attention was paid to local lesions, resulting in the neglect of panvascular disease as a systemic one. The fact that panvascular disease has overall pathology and comprehensive and individualized treatment strategies, makes the disease highly compatible with the principles of holism concept and syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is believed that blood stasis is the core pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and is involved in the whole process of atherosclerosis. The theories of ''blood vessel'', ''meridians'', ''visceral manifestation'', and ''organs-meridians'' in TCM are helpful to comprehensively understand the complexity of panvascular diseases. Moreover, those theories can provide systematic treatment strategies. The TCM syndromes of panvascular diseases evolve from ''phlegm, stasis, stagnation, and deficiency''. Panvascular arteriosclerosis is related to the syndrome of ''stasis and phlegm'', and the treatment mainly promotes blood circulation and removes phlegm. There are different specific drugs and mechanisms of action for coronary atherosclerosis, cerebral atherosclerosis, and renal artery atherosclerotic stenosis. Panvascular venous lesions are related to the syndrome of ''deficiency and stasis'' in TCM, and the TCM treatment mainly invigorates Qi and promotes blood circulation, which can inhibit venous thrombosis, improve venous ulcers, and resist venous endothelial damage. Panvascular microcirculatory lesions are inseparable from the ''stagnation and stasis'' in TCM, and the treatment mainly promotes Qi and dredges collaterals, which has a good effect on coronary microvascular lesions, diabetic microvascular lesions, pulmonary microvascular lesions, and pancreatic microvascular lesions. Panvascular lymphatic lesions are related to the syndrome of ''water and stasis'' in TCM. The treatment method focuses on promoting blood circulation and water excretion, which can promote lymphangiogenesis and enhance lymphatic reflux. In addition, the combination of TCM and modern technology, especially the application of artificial intelligence, can improve the efficiency of early identification and personalized treatment, resulting in early screening and comprehensive management of panvascular diseases. Therefore, TCM will play a vital role in the prevention and treatment of panvascular diseases.
8.Protective Effect of Shengxiantang on Myocardial Microvascular Injury in Rats with Chronic Heart Failure
Hui GAO ; Zeqi YANG ; Fan GAO ; Hongjing LI ; Aiyangzi LU ; Xingchao LIU ; Qiuhong GUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):35-42
ObjectiveTo explore the protective effect of Shengxiantang on cardiac function and myocardial microvascular injury in rats with chronic heart failure (CHF). MethodsThe CHF rat model was prepared by aortic arch constriction (TAC). Of the 72 SD rats, 8 were randomly selected as the sham operation group, where the chest was opened without ligating the aortic arch. The 40 successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into the model group, the Shengxiantang low-, medium-, and high-dose groups (5.1, 10.2, 20.4 g·kg-1), and the trimetazidine group (6.3 mg·kg-1), with 8 rats in each group. Drug administration began 4 weeks after modeling. The administration groups received the corresponding drugs by gavage, while the sham operation and model groups were given the same amount of distilled water for 8 consecutive weeks. Echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the levels of nitric oxide (NO), endothelin (ET-1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and von Willebrand factor (vWF). Ultrastructural changes of microvessels were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression levels of ATP synthase subunit (ATP5D) and F-actin in myocardial tissue. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of occludin, claudin, vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cadherin), and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Microvessel density was measured by immunofluorescence staining. ResultsCompared with the sham operation group, the ejection fraction (EF) and left ventricular shortening fraction (FS) in the model group were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the left ventricular diastolic diameter (LVIDd), left ventricular systolic diameter (LVIDs), left ventricular end-diastolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left ventricular end-systolic posterior wall thickness (LVPWs), left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVVOLd), and left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVVOLs) were significantly increased (P<0.01). The levels of NO and VEGF were significantly decreased (P<0.01), while the levels of ET-1 and vWF were significantly increased (P<0.01). Under electron microscopy, the microvascular basement membrane was incomplete and the tight junctions were blurred. The expression levels of ATP5D, F-actin, occludin, claudin, ZO-1, and VE-Cadherin were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the relative density of microvessels was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). After intervention with Shengxiantang, the EF and FS of CHF rats significantly increased (P<0.01), while the LVIDd, LVIDs, LVPWd, LVPWs, LVVOLd, and LVVOLs significantly decreased (P<0.01). The levels of NO and VEGF significantly increased (P<0.01), while the levels of ET-1 and vWF significantly decreased (P<0.01). Under electron microscopy, the microvascular basement membrane was relatively complete and the tight junctions were more continuous. The expression levels of ATP5D, F-actin, occludin, claudin, ZO-1, and VE-Cadherin significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the relative density of microvessels significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionShengxiantang can effectively improve the cardiac function of CHF rats, reduce microvascular endothelial injury, strengthen the connection between endothelial cells, and increase microvessel density, thereby protecting myocardial microvascular injury.
9.Effect of Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu Decoction on Neuronal Damage and Aβ Clearance in Mice Model of Alzheimer's Disease
Jing LIU ; Kang CHEN ; Yushun ZHOU ; Zhezuo ZHANG ; Guran YU ; Hao LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):43-52
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction on the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) and neuronal damage in the mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). MethodsA total of 36 SPF-grade 2-month-old C57BL/6J mice were used in this study, and the modeling was performed by bilateral hippocampal injection of Aβ oligomers in C57BL/6J mice. The experiment was conducted with a blank group, a sham operation group, a model group, low- and high-dose (3.27,6.54 g·kg-1, respectively) Shenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction groups, and a positive control (donepezil hydrochloride, 0.65 mg·kg-1) group. At the end of the drug intervention, the learning and memory abilities and the activities of mice were evaluated by the Morris water maze and open field tests. Brain histopathology was examined by hematoxylin-eosin and Nissl staining. Additionally, in vivo imaging was employed to measure the metabolism of fluorescent Aβ in the cerebrospinal fluid, and staining of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) was employed to assess microglial activation in the hippocampal tissue. Additionally, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the brain tissue and serum were determined by the immunofluorescence assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blot was conducted to determine the expression of inflammation and pathway-related proteins in the hippocampal tissue. ResultsCompared with the blank group and the sham operation group, the escape latency of the mice in the model group was prolonged, the platform residence time was shortened, the hippocampal tissue showed pathological manifestations such as neuronal pyknosis, Nissl body dissolution, and microglia activation. The metabolic rate of fluorescent Aβ through cerebrospinal fluid was slowed down, and the expression levels of BDNF, NT-3, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in the hippocampus were significantly decreased (P<0.01). The expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and phosphorylated nuclear transcription factor-κB (p-NF-κB p65) in hippocampus were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the escape latency of mice in the low and high dose groups of Chinese medicine and donepezil group was shortened, and the platform residence time was prolonged. Neuronal karyopyknosis, Nissl body dissolution and microglia activation in hippocampus were improved. Fluorescence Aβ was metabolized faster by cerebrospinal fluid. The expression of BDNF and NT-3 in hippocampus was increased (P<0.01), and the expression of TLR4, MyD88 and p-NF-κB p65 was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The expression of TNF-α in the hippocampus of the high-dose group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the expression of IL-10 was significantly increased (P<0.05). The expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β in the hippocampus of the donepezil group was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionShenxiong Huanglian Jiedu decoction may mitigate neuronal damage and enhance cerebrospinal fluid flow in the mouse model of AD, thereby promoting the clearance of Aβ and improving the learning and memory abilities. These beneficial effects are likely mediated through the inhibition of microglial activation, reduction of inflammation, and modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.
10.Effect of Zishen Tongguan Formula on "Gut-prostate" Axis of Rats with Chronic Non-bacterial Prostatitis Based on 16S rDNA Sequencing
Xiran LI ; Mengjiao CHEN ; Kaiping ZOU ; Chenguang ZHAO ; Xingbin DAI ; Xiaoqing ZHANG ; Shun LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):63-71
ObjectiveBased on the theory of "gut-prostate" axis, this study explored the effects and mechanisms of Zishen Tongguan formula and Cinnamomi Cortex in the formula in treating rats with chronic non-bacterial prostatitis(CNP) by detecting the levels of inflammatory factors, and the composition and structure of intestinal flora in CNP rats. MethodsEight out of 42 SD rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the remaining rats were injected with carrageenan to prepare the CNP model. After successful modeling, 32 rats were randomly divided into the model group, Ningmitai capsule group(0.50 g·kg-1), Zishen Tongguan formula group(2.00 g·kg-1), and the Phellodendri Chinensis Cortex-Anemarrhenae Rhizoma pair group(PCC-AR group, 2.00 g·kg-1), with 8 rats in each group. The administered groups were given the corresponding medicinal solution by gavage, and the normal and model groups were intragastrically administered with an equal volume of normal saline, once a day for 14 consecutive days. The prostate tissues of rats were collected and subjected to hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and Masson staining to observe the pathological changes of the tissues in each group. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to detect the levels of related inflammatory factors in rat serum, and 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyze the abundance and diversity changes of gut microbiota before and after administration, and species difference analysis was performed. ResultsAll the administered groups could alleviate the inflammatory symptoms of CNP rats, increase the expression levels of anti-inflammatory factors and decrease the expression levels of pro-inflammatory factors, with the most sIgnificant effect observed in the Zishen Tongguan formula group. Compared with the normal group, the expression levels of interleukin(IL)-8, hypersensitive C-reactive protein(hs-CRP), immunoglobulin(Ig)M, secretory IgA (sIgA), and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS) were sIgnificantly increased in the model group(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the expression levels of the above inflammatory factors in all administered groups were significantly reduced(P<0.01). When compared with the PCC-AR group, the Zishen Tongguan formula group showed a significant decrease in transforming growth factor(TGF)-β1 expression level(P<0.05) and a significant increase in IgM expression level(P<0.01). The results of gut microbiota analysis showed that, compared with the PCC-AR group, at the order level, the Zishen Tongguan formula group significantly reduced the relative abundance of conditional pathogens such as Bacteroidales, Acidaminococcales, Rhodospirillales, Clostridiales, and Elusimicrobiales(P<0.01). And at the genus level, the Zishen Tongguan formula group significantly decreased the relative abundance of pathogenic microbiota such as Lachnospira and Bacteroides(P<0.01) and significantly increased the relative abundances of beneficial microbiota such as Ruminococcus and Lactobacillus(P<0.01). ConclusionZishen Tongguan formula can reduce the level of harmful intestinal bacteria, increase the level of beneficial intestinal bacteria, down-regulate the expression of serum inflammatory factors, and the small amount of Cinnamomi Cortex in the formula may play a key role in the treatment of CNP with this formula.

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