1.Sanren Runchang Formula Regulates Brain-gut Axis to Treat IBS-C: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Teng LI ; Xinrong FAN ; He YAN ; Zhuozhi GONG ; Mengxi YAO ; Na YANG ; Yuhan WANG ; Huikai HU ; Wei WEI ; Tao LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(2):154-161
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Sanren Runchang formula in treating constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-C) by regulating the brain-gut axis and the effects of the formula on serum levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and substance P (SP). MethodsA randomized controlled design was adopted, and 72 IBS-C patients meeting Rome Ⅳ criteria were randomized into observation and control groups (36 cases).The observation group received Sanren Runchang formula granules twice daily, and the control group received lactulose oral solution daily for 4 weeks. IBS Symptom Severity Scale (IBS-SSS), IBS Quality of Life Scale (IBS-QOL), and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) were used to assess clinical symptoms, and bowel movement frequency was recorded. The Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) were employed to evaluate psychological status. ELISA was employed to measure the serum levels of 5-HT, VIP, and SP. ResultsThe total response rate in the observation group was 91.67% (33/36), which was higher than that (77.78%, 28/36) in the control group (χ2=4.50, P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased defecation frequency and BSFS scores, decreased IBS-SSS total score, abdominal pain and bloating scores, IBS-QOL health anxiety, anxiety, food avoidance, and behavioral disorders scores, SAS and SDS scores, serum 5-HT and VIP levels, and increased SP levels (P<0.05, P<0.01). Moreover, the observation group showed more significant changes in the indicators above than the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01). The SP level showed no significant difference between the two groups. During the 4-week follow-up, the recurrence rate was 5.88% in the observation group and 31.25% in the control group. No adverse events occurred in observation group, and 2 cases of mild diarrhea occurred in the control group. ConclusionSanren Runchang formula demonstrated definitive efficacy in alleviating gastrointestinal symptoms and improving the psychological status and quality of life in IBS-C patients, with a low recurrence rate. The formula can regulate serum levels of neurotransmitters such as 5-HT and VIP, suggesting its potential regulatory effect on the brain-gut axis through modulating neurotransmitters and neuropeptides. However, its complete mechanism of action requires further investigation through detection of additional brain-gut axis-related biomarkers.
2.Interpretation of Middle-regulating Formulas Based on Fuxing Jue
Junqiao AN ; Yixin MA ; Dongmei LI ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):265-272
The Dunhuang manuscript Fuxing Jue takes the "Tangye Jingfa Tu" as the core of its theory on prescription and compatibility. Its medication principles mainly include the "five elements principle of tonifying and purging" and the "five elements principle of elimination and transformation". Based on the differentiation of deficiency and excess in the five Zang organs, it flexibly applies medicinal properties, usage, and flavor transformation for tonifying and purging, forming its unique method of medication and compatibility. In Taiyin disease, "fullness syndrome" often occurs together with "diarrhea", and these two conditions also serve as the primary indications for the middle-regulating formulas. Among them, Lizhong Wan (Tang) mainly address Taiyin deficiency. The three Xiexin Tang (Banxia Xiexin Tang, Gancao Xiexin Tang, Shengjiang Xiexin Tang) address Taiyin deficiency accompanied by pathogenic excess. The Sini Tangand Tongmai Sini Tang primarily treat dysfunction of the liver, spleen, and kidney with impaired opening and closing of Taiyin, manifesting as diarrhea. The medicinal flavors of middle-regulating formulas are pungent, sweet, and bitter, acting directly on the spleen of Taiyin. The pungent flavor induces purging of the spleen, sweet flavor tonifies the spleen, and bitter flavor eliminates lumps. When the constituent medicinal units of middle-regulating formulas are unified, the ratio of pungent to sweet flavors reflects the tonic and purgative strength of the formula. In addition, the two decoction methods, "short-term decoction to extract Qi" and "long-term decoction to extract flavor", also influence the formula's tonifying and purgative effects. Based on the composition of flavors and special decoction methods, this article discusses the differences in the use of middle-regulating formulas for treating "“fullness syndrome" versus "diarrhea". Dysfunction of the spleen can give rise to various diseases. Therefore, middle-regulating formulas are not limited to treating "deficiency, cold, and dampness" syndromes. Later generations of physicians further modified Lizhong Tang to treat "excess, heat, and dryness" syndromes, laying a solid foundation for more flexible and effective clinical application of middle-regulating formulas.
3.Cell Autophagy of Digestive System Tumors Induced by Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun LI ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Gelei ZHAO ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):314-320
As one of the most common malignant tumors, digestive system tumors exhibit an increase in the incidence and mortality year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, making it difficult to carry out early prevention. Autophagy is a process in which cells use lysosomes to degrade their organelles and macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis under the regulation of autophagy-related genes. Cellular autophagy has a dual regulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment, which always affects the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of action of cellular autophagy on digestive system tumors have become a hot topic in tumor therapy in recent years. Meanwhile, the remarkable research results of targeted autophagy drugs indicate that cellular autophagy may become an important target for anti-digestive system tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors with good efficacy. A variety of active ingredients in TCM, such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, and alkaloids, can increase the expression of autophagy-associated proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)Ⅱ/Ⅰ, autophagy-related gene (ATG)5, ATG7, inhibit the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 , and induce autophagy in digestive system tumor cells, thereby exerting the anti-digestive system tumor effect. By summarizing the research results in recent years on the modulation of cell autophagy by active ingredients in TCM to fight against digestive system tumors, this paper analyzed the relevant signaling pathways, regulatory factors, and functional characteristics of cell autophagy modulation, so as to elucidate the mechanism by which active ingredients of TCM induce autophagy and to provide ideas and references for clinical application.
4.Interpretation of Middle-regulating Formulas Based on Fuxing Jue
Junqiao AN ; Yixin MA ; Dongmei LI ; Qingyong HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):265-272
The Dunhuang manuscript Fuxing Jue takes the "Tangye Jingfa Tu" as the core of its theory on prescription and compatibility. Its medication principles mainly include the "five elements principle of tonifying and purging" and the "five elements principle of elimination and transformation". Based on the differentiation of deficiency and excess in the five Zang organs, it flexibly applies medicinal properties, usage, and flavor transformation for tonifying and purging, forming its unique method of medication and compatibility. In Taiyin disease, "fullness syndrome" often occurs together with "diarrhea", and these two conditions also serve as the primary indications for the middle-regulating formulas. Among them, Lizhong Wan (Tang) mainly address Taiyin deficiency. The three Xiexin Tang (Banxia Xiexin Tang, Gancao Xiexin Tang, Shengjiang Xiexin Tang) address Taiyin deficiency accompanied by pathogenic excess. The Sini Tangand Tongmai Sini Tang primarily treat dysfunction of the liver, spleen, and kidney with impaired opening and closing of Taiyin, manifesting as diarrhea. The medicinal flavors of middle-regulating formulas are pungent, sweet, and bitter, acting directly on the spleen of Taiyin. The pungent flavor induces purging of the spleen, sweet flavor tonifies the spleen, and bitter flavor eliminates lumps. When the constituent medicinal units of middle-regulating formulas are unified, the ratio of pungent to sweet flavors reflects the tonic and purgative strength of the formula. In addition, the two decoction methods, "short-term decoction to extract Qi" and "long-term decoction to extract flavor", also influence the formula's tonifying and purgative effects. Based on the composition of flavors and special decoction methods, this article discusses the differences in the use of middle-regulating formulas for treating "“fullness syndrome" versus "diarrhea". Dysfunction of the spleen can give rise to various diseases. Therefore, middle-regulating formulas are not limited to treating "deficiency, cold, and dampness" syndromes. Later generations of physicians further modified Lizhong Tang to treat "excess, heat, and dryness" syndromes, laying a solid foundation for more flexible and effective clinical application of middle-regulating formulas.
5.Cell Autophagy of Digestive System Tumors Induced by Active Ingredients in Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Review
Wenjun LI ; Chengzhi WANG ; Zhenyao YANG ; Mingyang HE ; Gelei ZHAO ; Dongdong LI ; Peimin LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(3):314-320
As one of the most common malignant tumors, digestive system tumors exhibit an increase in the incidence and mortality year by year. Its pathogenesis is complex, making it difficult to carry out early prevention. Autophagy is a process in which cells use lysosomes to degrade their organelles and macromolecules to maintain cellular homeostasis under the regulation of autophagy-related genes. Cellular autophagy has a dual regulatory effect on the tumor microenvironment, which always affects the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors. Therefore, the effect and mechanism of action of cellular autophagy on digestive system tumors have become a hot topic in tumor therapy in recent years. Meanwhile, the remarkable research results of targeted autophagy drugs indicate that cellular autophagy may become an important target for anti-digestive system tumors. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the comprehensive treatment of digestive system tumors with good efficacy. A variety of active ingredients in TCM, such as flavonoids, glycosides, terpenoids, quinones, and alkaloids, can increase the expression of autophagy-associated proteins microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)Ⅱ/Ⅰ, autophagy-related gene (ATG)5, ATG7, inhibit the expression of autophagy-related protein p62 , and induce autophagy in digestive system tumor cells, thereby exerting the anti-digestive system tumor effect. By summarizing the research results in recent years on the modulation of cell autophagy by active ingredients in TCM to fight against digestive system tumors, this paper analyzed the relevant signaling pathways, regulatory factors, and functional characteristics of cell autophagy modulation, so as to elucidate the mechanism by which active ingredients of TCM induce autophagy and to provide ideas and references for clinical application.
6.Pathogenic Mechanisms of Spleen Deficiency-Phlegm Dampness in Obesity and Traditional Chinese Medicine Prevention and Treatment Strategies:from the Perspective of Immune Inflammation
Yumei LI ; Peng XU ; Xiaowan WANG ; Shudong CHEN ; Le YANG ; Lihua HUANG ; Chuang LI ; Qinchi HE ; Xiangxi ZENG ; Juanjuan WANG ; Wei MAO ; Ruimin TIAN
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;67(1):31-37
Based on spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness as the core pathogenesis of obesity, and integrating recent advances in modern medicine regarding the key role of immune inflammation in obesity, this paper proposes a multidimensional pathogenic network of "obesity-spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness-immune imbalance". Various traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs that strengthen the spleen, regulate qi, and resolve phlegm and dampness can treat obesity by improving spleen-stomach transport and transformation, promoting water-damp metabolism, and regulating immune homeostasis. This highlights immune inflammation as an important entry point to elucidate the TCM concepts of "spleen deficiency-phlegm dampness" and the therapeutic principle of "strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness to treat obesity". By systematically analyzing the intrinsic connection between "spleen deficiency generating dampness, internal accumulation of phlegm dampness" and immune dysregulation in obesity, this paper aims to provide theoretical support for TCM treatment of obesity based on dampness.
7.Research progress on digital technology in endodontic microsurgery
XU Siying ; DI Jingyi ; QU Jiongwei ; HE Li
Journal of Prevention and Treatment for Stomatological Diseases 2026;34(1):96-104
Endodontic microsurgery (EMS) is an oral surgical procedure that utilizes the magnification and illumination provided by a microscope. Fine instruments are used to remove periapical diseased tissues, resect the root apex, and tightly seal the root canal system, aiming to promote the healing of periapical tissues and retain the affected tooth whenever possible. Precise localization and resection of the root apex have always been challenging in EMS. The application of digital technology in EMS can address many issues in traditional endodontic microsurgery. Digital technology offers advantages such as optimizing surgical planning, providing precise positioning guidance, and enhancing operational accuracy. Currently, the commonly used digital technologies in EMS include static and dynamic navigation technologies and oral surgical robots. Static navigation technology enhances surgical predictability through precise preoperative planning and guided fabrication, yet is constrained by its inability to adjust during surgery. Dynamic navigation technology excels in real-time tracking and intraoperative flexibility but demands high hand-eye coordination from surgeons and may be hindered by bulky handheld devices. Oral surgical robots reduce hand tremors and human error in surgery with their high precision, stability, and ability to adjust in real time, but their clinical applicability is limited and their cost is high. In clinical practice, tailored combinations of these technologies can be applied based on case complexity. For simple cases with well-defined anatomy, static navigation alone may suffice. For complex anatomical cases, static navigation can provide initial planning, supplemented by dynamic navigation for real-time guidance or robotic systems for high-precision execution. This paper discusses the workflow, clinical application status and advantages and limitations of these three digital technologies in EMS. The continuous development of digital technology is expected to simplify the operation process, improve the navigation accuracy, and reduce the operation cost. It is believed that with continuous improvement and optimization, these technologies will effectively break through the current bottleneck of the cost of equipment, operation complexity, and accuracy enhancement. These technologies are also expected to further expand the application boundaries, providing more minimally invasive, precise, and time-saving personalized treatment solutions for endodontic diseases.
8.Treatment Principles and Paradigm of Diabetic Microvascular Complications Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine
Anzhu WANG ; Xing HANG ; Lili ZHANG ; Xiaorong ZHU ; Dantao PENG ; Ying FAN ; Min ZHANG ; Wenliang LYU ; Guoliang ZHANG ; Xiai WU ; Jia MI ; Jiaxing TIAN ; Wei ZHANG ; Han WANG ; Yuan XU ; .LI PINGPING ; Zhenyu WANG ; Ying ZHANG ; Dongmei SUN ; Yi HE ; Mei MO ; Xiaoxiao ZHANG ; Linhua ZHAO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(5):272-279
To explore the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and integrative TCM-Western medicine approaches in the treatment of diabetic microvascular complications (DMC), refine key pathophysiological insights and treatment principles, and promote academic innovation and strategic research planning in the prevention and treatment of DMC. The 38th session of the Expert Salon on Diseases Responding Specifically to Traditional Chinese Medicine, hosted by the China Association of Chinese Medicine, was held in Beijing, 2024. Experts in TCM, Western medicine, and interdisciplinary fields convened to conduct a systematic discussion on the pathogenesis, diagnostic and treatment challenges, and mechanism research related to DMC, ultimately forming a consensus on key directions. Four major research recommendations were proposed. The first is addressing clinical bottlenecks in the prevention and control of DMC by optimizing TCM-based evidence evaluation systems. The second is refining TCM core pathogenesis across DMC stages and establishing corresponding "disease-pattern-time" framework. The third is innovating mechanism research strategies to facilitate a shift from holistic regulation to targeted intervention in TCM. The fourth is advancing interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the role of TCM in new drug development, research prioritization, and guideline formulation. TCM and integrative approaches offer distinct advantages in managing DMC. With a focus on the diseases responding specifically to TCM, strengthening evidence-based support and mechanism interpretation and promoting the integration of clinical care and research innovation will provide strong momentum for the modernization of TCM and the advancement of national health strategies.
9.Expert recommendations on vision friendly built environments for myopia prevention and control in children and adolescents
Chinese Journal of School Health 2026;47(1):1-5
Abstract
The prevention and control of myopia in Chinese children and adolescents has become a major public health issue. While maintaining increased outdoor activity as a cornerstone intervention, there is an urgent need to explore new complementary approaches that can be effectively implemented in both indoor and outdoor settings. In recent years, environmental spatial frequency has gained increasing attention as one of the key environmental factors influencing the development and progression of myopia. Both animal studies and human research have confirmed that indoor environments lacking mid to high spatial frequency components, often characterized as "visually impoverished", can promote axial elongation and myopia through mechanisms such as disruption of retinal neural signaling, impaired accommodative function, and altered expression of related molecules. Based on the scientific consensus, it is recommended that "enriching of environmental spatial frequency" should be integrated into the myopia prevention and control framework. Following the principles of schoolled organization, family cooperation, community involvement, and student participation, specific measures are put forward in three areas:optimizing school visual settings, improving home spatial environments, and promoting healthy visual behavior. The aim is to create "visually friendly" indoor environments as an important supplement to outdoor activity, thereby providing a novel perspective and strategy for comprehensively advancing myopia prevention and control among children and adolescents.
10.Effect of Processed Polygonatum cyrtonema in Preventing Depression Induced by Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress in Female Rats
Xinyu DENG ; Chunhua MA ; Zimeng WANG ; Man TANG ; Xinran LI ; Lurong YU ; Xianyuan HE
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(7):117-124
ObjectiveTo observe the prevention and control effect of processed Polygonatum cyrtonema on depression induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) in female rats. MethodsForty rats were assigned into control, model, and low-, medium-, and high-dose processed P. cyrtonema groups according to the random number table method, with 8 rats in each group. The rat model of depression was established with the CUMS method. The body mass, open field test, forced swimming test, Morris water maze test, levels of neurotransmitters [dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-TH), and acetylcholine (ACh)], serum levels of sex hormones [gonadotropin-releasing hormone(GnRH), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E2)] and inflammatory factors [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10], and mRNA and protein levels of factors in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tyrosine kinase receptor B (TRKB)/cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) pathway were employed to evaluate the effect of processed P. cyrtonema on the CUMS-induced depression in female rats. ResultsThe body mass, open field test results, and forced swimming test results showed that the rat model of depression was successfully established. The comparison of behaviors, neurotransmitters, sex hormones, inflammatory factors, and neural pathways among groups showed that processed P. cyrtonema had different effects of preventing the development of depression in female rats. SPSS 25 was used for statistical analysis of error and significance. T test was conducted between groups. Each treatment group showed significant therapeutic effect compared with the model group (P<0.05). Processed P. cyrtonema elevated the level of 5-TH (P<0.01) and lowered the levels of DA and ACh (P<0.01) in the brain tissue of female rats. In addition, it reduced the serum levels of GnRH, T, E2, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P<0.05) and up-regulated the mRNA levels of BDNF and TRKB in the rat brain. ConclusionProcessed P. cyrtonema has a non-hyperactive preventive effect on CUMS-induced depression in rats, which provides a theoretical basis for the development of processed P. cyrtonema as a functional food product.


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