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Background: Mufangji tang (MFJT) is composed of Ramulus Cinnamomi, Radix Ginseng, Cocculus orbiculatus (Linn.) DC., and Gypsum. In clinical settings, MFJT has been effectively employed in addressing a range of respiratory disorders, notably including pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the mechanism of action of MFJT on PAH remains unknown. Methods: In this study, a monocrotaline-induced PAH rat model was established and treated with MFJT. The therapeutic effects of MFJT on PAH rat model were evaluated. Network pharmacology was conducted to screen the possible targets for MFJT on PAH, and the molecular docking between the main active components and the core targets was carried out. The key targets identified from network pharmacology were tested. Results: Results showed significant therapeutic effects of MFJT on PAH rat model. Analysis of network pharmacology revealed several potential targets related to apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular remodeling. Molecular docking showed that the key components were well docked with the core targets. Further experimental validation results that MFJT treatment induced apoptosis (downregulated Bcl-2 levels and upregulated Bax levels in lung tissue), inhibited inflammatory response and oxdative stress (decreased the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, inducible NOS, and malondialdehyde, and increased the levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, nitric oxide, glutathione and superoxide dismutase), reduced the proliferation of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (downregulated ET-1 and β-catenin levels and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, increased GSK3β levels). Conclusion: Our study revealed MFJT treatment could alleviate PAH in rats via induction of apoptosis, inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress, and the prevention of vascular remodeling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Towards the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus pneumonia (coronavirus disease 19, COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection emerged in Wuhan. The SARS-CoV-2 virus quickly spread across the globe, seriously affecting public health and economic development of countries worldwide. Currently, antiviral drugs developed for COVID-19 lack strong clinical trial support and the high mutation rate of the virus causes difficulties in vaccine development, thus a complex and delayed large scale role out of an efficacious vaccine. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for treating various conditions for thousands of years and has a unique systems theory. It can be individualized into specific therapeutic regimens according to the patients' physical condition, clinical symptoms, and other distinguishing factors. In addition, TCM often has different effects at different disease stages, thus contributing to disease prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. Existing evidence shows that TCM has efficacy in the treatment of COVID-19. The active ingredients of TCM have various pharmacological properties, including antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activity, with clinical trials showing that these prescriptions reduce symptoms of COVID-19, promote viral clearance, and ultimately improve survival in infected patients. This article discusses the advantages and mechanisms of TCM in the treatment of COVID-19, hoping to provide a reference platform in the fight against the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]