1.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.
2.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.
3.Herbal Textual Research on Arcae Concha in Famous Classical Formulas
Yiqin ZHANG ; Yixue ZHUANG ; Yinan LU ; Yanning CHEN ; Yichong CHEN ; Shuiyu XU ; Zhilai ZHAN ; Chengzi YANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):208-218
In this paper, the name, origin, producing area, harvesting, processing and functional indications of Arcae Concha were systematically combed and verified by consulting the ancient and modern literature, in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing Arcae Concha. Arcae Concha was first recorded in the name of Han in Bencao Shiyi, but later, due to the influence of LI Shizhen's error of combining Han item with Kuiha in the Ming dynasty, there were aliases such as Kuilu and Fulao, and Yizong Bidu began to include Walengzi as its correct name and has been used ever since. The textual descriptions and illustrations of the medicinal materials of Arcae Concha contained in the materia medica of the past generations were consistent with the modern Arca inflata, A. subcrenata and A. granosa. In ancient times, there were medicinal records of two parts of shell and meat, but now the shell is used as medicine, and the meat is mostly edible. In ancient times, Zhejiang, Shandong, Guangdong and Guangxi were the main producing areas, and Zhejiang was the best. It is now believed that A. inflata is mostly distributed in the northern part of the Huanghai Sea, A. granosa is mostly distributed in the coastal areas south of Shandong Peninsula in China, and A. subcrenata is widely distributed in the coastal areas of China. Its quality is better in a complete, white, no residual meat and sand. In ancient times, there was no clear harvesting period, and the processing was mainly based on vinegar quenching after calcination or powdering of calcined shell, but now the harvesting period is autumn and winter. After harvesting, it is directly washed and crushed for raw use or processed by calcined method. The records of the medicinal materials in the past dynasties on the properties of Arcae Concha were mainly warm, sweet, salty and mild, and it is now believed that Arcae Concha is salty in taste and mild in nature. In ancient times, it was believed that Arcae Concha were mainly used for coldness in the heart and abdomen, coldness in the waist and spine, benefiting the five internal organs, strengthening the stomach. Nowadays, it is believed that Arcae Concha can eliminate phlegm and remove blood stasis, soften the hardness and dissipate the lumps, produce acid and relieve pain. It can be used in the treatment of stubborn phlegm, gall tumor, scrofula and other symptoms. In conclusion, it is suggested that for the famous classical formulas containing Arcae Concha, the corresponding methods should be selected according to the processing requirements of the drug in the formulas, while those without processing requirements can be determined according to the functional position of the products.
4.Herbal Textual Research on Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma, Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Li LU ; Yichen YANG ; Erhuan WANG ; Hui CHANG ; Li AN ; Shibao WANG ; Cunde MA ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(5):218-247
This article systematically reviews and verifies the medicinal materials of Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma(DHR), Dioscoreae Spongiosae Rhizoma(DSR), Smilacis Chinae Rhizoma(SCR) and Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma(SGR) from the aspects of name, origin, producing area, quality, harvesting, processing and efficacy by consulting historical literature, in order to provide reference for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing the four medicinal materials. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR have a long history of application as medicinal materials. However, due to their similar growth environment and medicinal properties, as well as their functions of promoting dampness, dispelling wind and removing numbness, there have been instances of homonymous foreign objects and homonymous synonyms throughout history, resulting in confusion of the origin. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct comparative analysis and systematic research for clarifying the historical development and changes of the four, in order to provide a basis for safe and effective medication. According to research, Bixie was first recorded in Shennong Bencaojing and has been historically known as Baizhi, Chijie, Zhumu, and other aliases. From ancient times to the mid-20th century, there has always been a situation where the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants and Smilax plants, and even the rhizomes of Heterosmilax plants, were mixed together to be used as medicinal herbs for Bixie. However, since the Tang dynasty, it has been clearly advocated that the rhizomes of Dioscorea plants have excellent quality and have been the mainstream throughout history. The 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia categorized it into two types of medicinal herbs(DHR and DSR). Among them, the origin of DHR is the dry rhizomes of Dioscorea hypoglauca, and the origins of DSR are the dry rhizomes of D. spongiosa and D. futschauensis. In ancient times, due to different types, the corresponding production areas of DHR and DSR were also different. Nowadays, They are mainly produced in the southern region of the Yangtze River. Since the Tang dynasty, the quality of Bixie has been characterized by its white color and soft nature. In modern times, it has been summarized that those with white color, large and thin pieces, powdery texture, tough and elastic texture, and neat and unbreakable are the best. The harvesting times of DHR and DSR are in spring or autumn, with the best quality harvested in autumn. The mainstream processing methods of them are slicing and then using the raw products or wine-processed products. SCR was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu and has been known as Jinganggen, Tielingjiao, Tieshuazi, and other aliases in history. The mainstream source is the dry rhizomes of Smilax china in the past dynasties, with the best quality being those that are tough and rich in powder. The harvesting time is from the late autumn to the following spring, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. SGR was first recorded under the item of Yuyuliang in Variorum of Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica. It was listed as an independent medicinal material from Bencao Gangmu. In history, there were such aliases as Cao Yuyuliang, Lengfantuan, Xianyiliang, Tubixie, etc. The main source of the past dynasties was dry rhizomes of S. glabra. In history, there have also been instances of multiple plants belonging to the same genus, and even cases of mixing the rhizomes of plants in the genus Heterosmilax. It is mainly produced in Guangdong, Hunan, Hubei, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Anhui and other regions, its quality has been summarized as large in size, powdery in texture, with few veins, and light brown in cross-section since modern times. The harvesting time is in spring or autumn, and the main processing method throughout history has been slicing for raw use. DHR, DSR, SCR and SGR all have the effects of promoting dampness, dispelling wind, relieving rheumatism and detoxifying. However, their detoxification abilities are ranked as follows:SGR>SCR>Bixie(DHR and DSR). Especially for the treatment of limb spasms, arthralgia and myalgia, scrofula, and scabies caused by syphilis and mercury poisoning, SGR has a unique effect. Based on the research results, DHR is recommended to develop the famous classical formulas containing Bixie as the first choice for medicinal herbs. It should be harvested in autumn, sliced thinly while fresh, and processed according to the requirements of the famous classical formulas, without any requirements for raw use. Selecting the rhizomes of S. china, harvested in late autumn, and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, use it raw. Selecting the rhizomes of S. glabra, it is harvested in autumn and thinly sliced while fresh. If there are no special processing requirements in the formulas, raw products can be used.
5.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.
6.Herbal Textual Research on Houttuyniae Herba in Famous Classical Formulas
Dan ZHAO ; Changgui YANG ; Chuanzhi KANG ; Chenghong XIAO ; Zhikun WU ; Hongliang MA ; Jiwen WANG ; Xiufu WAN ; Sheng WANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(8):250-259
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, medicinal parts, origin, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Houttuyniae Herba(HH) by referring to the medical books, prescription books and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with the research materials related to modern and contemporary times, in order to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing this herb. In ancient literature, HH was often referred to as "Ji" and "Jicai", the name of "Ji" was first recorded in Mingyi Bielu during the Han and Wei dynasties, and the name of Yuxingcao was first seen in Lyuchanyan Bencao during the southern Song dynasty and has continued to this day. The origin of HH used throughout history is consistent, all of which are the whole herb or aboveground parts of Houttuynia cordata in Saururaceae family. HH recorded throughout history has a wide range of production areas, mostly self-produced self-marketing. In ancient times, fresh HH was often used as medicine by pounding its juice without involving any processing steps. Both fresh and dried products can be used as medicine, the fresh products uses the whole plant, while the dried products uses the aboveground parts, which are cleaned, selected and processed before use. Fresh products are harvested regardless of season, while dried products are harvested in both summer and autumn, with summer as the best. In ancient times, there were no specific requirements for the quality of HH, while in modern times, "intact stems and leaves with a strong fishy smell" are preferred. In addition, the medicinal properties of HH have undergone significant changes from ancient to modern times. In the early period, it was believed that its medicinal property was slightly warm, until the 1977 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia officially changed it to slightly cold. Both ancient and modern literature states that HH can be used for the treatment of carbuncle and malignant sores, Lyuchanyan Bencao for the first time introduced HH fresh juice can relieve summer heat, since Diannan Bencao recorded that it can be used for lung carbuncle, and gradually developed into the first choice for the treatment of lung carbuncle. Based on the research results, it is suggested that fresh herb or dried aboveground parts of H. cordata are used as medicine when developing famous classical formulas.
7.HerbRNomes: ushering in the post-genome era of modernizing traditional Chinese medicine research
Yu TIAN ; Hai SHANG ; Gui-bo SUN ; Wei-dong ZHANG
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(2):300-313
With the completion of the "Human Genome Project" and the smooth progress of the "Herbal Genome Project", the research wave of RNAomics is gradually advancing, opening the research gateway for the modernization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and initiating the post-genome era of medicinal plant RNA research. Therefore, this article proposes for the first time the concept of HerbRNomes, which involves constructing databases of medicinal plant, medicinal fungus, and medicinal animal RNA at different stages, from different origins, and in different organs. This research aims to explore the role of HerbRNA in self-genetic information transmission, functional regulation, as well as cross-species regulation functional mechanisms and key technologies. It also investigates application scenarios, providing a theoretical basis and research ideas for the resistance of TCM or medicinal plants to adversity and stress, molecular assistant breeding, and the development of small nucleic acid drugs. This article reviews recent research progress in elucidating the molecular mechanisms of the transmission and expression of genetic information, self-regulation and cross-species regulation of herbs at the RNA level, along with key technologies. It proposes a development strategy for small nucleic acid drugs based on HerbRNomes, providing theoretical support and guidance for the modernization of TCM based on HerbRNomes research.
8.Study on accumulation of polysaccharide and steroid components in Polyporus umbellatus infected by Armillaria spp.
Ming-shu YANG ; Yi-fei YIN ; Juan CHEN ; Bing LI ; Meng-yan HOU ; Chun-yan LENG ; Yong-mei XING ; Shun-xing GUO
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica 2025;60(1):232-238
In view of the few studies on the influence of
9.Herbal Textual Research on Picrorhizae Rhizoma in Famous Classical Formulas
Feng ZHOU ; Yihan WANG ; Yanmeng LIU ; Xiaoqin ZHAO ; Kaizhi WU ; Cheng FENG ; Wenyue LI ; Wei ZHANG ; Wentao FANG ; Zhilai ZHAN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(9):228-239
This article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name, origin, quality evaluation, harvesting, processing and other aspects of Picrorhizae Rhizoma by referring to the medical books, prescription books, and other documents of the past dynasties, combined with relevant modern research materials, in order to provide a basis for the development and utilization of famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb. The research results indicate that Picrorhizae Rhizoma was first recorded in New Revised Materia Medica from the Tang dynasty. Throughout history, Huhuanglian has been used as its official name, and there are also aliases such as Gehu Luze, Jiahuanglian and Hulian. The main source of past dynasties is the the rhizomes of Picrorhiza kurrooa and P. scrophulariiflora. In ancient times, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was mainly imported by foreign traders via Guangzhou and other regions, and also produced in China, mainly in Xizang. In ancient times, it was harvested and dried in early August of the lunar calendar, while in modern times, it is mostly harvested from July to September, with the best quality being those with thick and crispy rhizomes without impurities, and bitter taste. Throughout history, Picrorhizae Rhizoma was collected, washed, sliced, and dried before being used as a raw material for medicine, it has a bitter and cold taste, mainly used to treat bone steaming, hot flashes, infantile chancre fever, and dysentery. There is no significant difference in taste and efficacy between ancient and modern times. Based on the research results, it is recommended that the rhizomes of P. scrophulariiflora in the 2020 edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia, or the rhizomes of P. kurrooa, can be used in famous classical formulas containing this medicinal herb, which can be processed according to the processing requirements marked by the original formula. For those without clear processing requirements, the dried raw products are used as medicine.
10.Development of DUS Test Guidelines for New Pinellia ternata
Xinyao LI ; Mingxing WANG ; Bingbing LIAO ; Changjie CHEN ; Xiufu WAN ; Lanping GUO ; Yuhuan MIAO ; Dahui LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(10):225-233
Pinellia ternata, belonging to the Pinellia genus within the Araceae family, is a medicinal plant due to its tubers. There are severe issues with unclear germplasm and mixed varieties in its cultivation, necessitating urgent new variety protection efforts. The distinctness, uniformity, and stability (DUS) testing of the plant variety is the basis for protecting new plant varieties, and the DUS test guidelines are the technical basis for DUS testing. To develop the DUS test guidelines for P. ternata, agronomic traits of 229 germplasm of P. ternata were observed and measured during its two growth stages over the years, and each character was graded and described. A total of 38 traits were selected as the test traits of the DUS test guideline for P. ternata. There were three plant traits, 19 leaf traits, six flower traits, two fruit traits, two tuber traits, five bulbil traits, and one ploidy trait. These traits could be divided into 22 quality characters, 12 quantitative characters, and four pseudo-quantitative characters, as well as seven groups, including plants, leaves, flowers, fruit, tubers, bulbils, and ploidy. By searching for standard traits, 10 standard varieties were ultimately determined. Preparing these guidelines will have great significance for reviewing and protecting P. ternata varieties, safeguarding breeders' rights, and promoting the development of the P. ternata industry.

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