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Fermentation is a processing method used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). However, traditional fermentation methods suffer from poor production control. In contrast, probiotic fermented herbal medicine (PFHM) offers advantages such as the use of pure strains, a controllable process, and the ability to produce a variety of active enzymes during fermentation. As a result, PFHM has become a research hotspot. This review focuses on the progress, challenges, and opportunities in the research of PFHM. The use of probiotic enzymes during fermentation alters the active ingredients of TCM, resulting in positive pharmacological effects such as increased active ingredients, reduced toxicity, new pharmacological effects, and the reuse of herbal residues. PFHM has the potential to transfer the metabolic transformation of the effective components of TCM by intestinal flora outside the body during production and preparation, which has a broad application prospect. However, due to the complexity of the chemical composition of TCM, the mechanism of PFHM requires further investigation. Finally, we discuss the prospects of industrializing PFHM, which is essential for promoting the innovation and modernization of TCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction/Aim: To assess the effectiveness and safety of Traditional Chinese patent medicines (TCPMs) for managing impaired glucose tolerance (IGT). Methods: Seven databases were searched to identify eligible trials published from incepting to May 1, 2016. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving TCPM for IGT with a minimum follow-up duration of 6 months were included for analysis. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two reviewers independently. Data synthesis was analyzed using Review Manager 5.3 software. Subgroup analysis was carried out to assess the robustness of results of meta-analysis. Results: Eighteen trials with a total of 3172 participants met the inclusion criteria. The methodological quality of the RCTs was variable. Comparing with receiving lifestyle modification (LM) alone, TCPM plus LM was significantly better at reducing the incidence of diabetes (risk ratio [RR] 0.45; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36–0.57, p  < 0.00001) and normalizing the blood glucose (RR 0.72; 95% CI 0.64–0.82, p  < 0.00001). TCPM plus LM was superior in decreasing the levels of 2hPG, body mass index (BMI), fasting insulin, and 2 h insulin compared with LM alone (2hPG: mean difference [MD] −1.13; 95% CI −1.68 to −0.58, p  < 0.0001; BMI: MD −0.42; 95% CI −0.71 to −0.14, p  = 0.004; fasting insulin: MD −2.44; 95% CI −3.79 to −1.09, p  = 0.0004; and 2 h insulin: MD −8.26; 95% CI −8.47 to −8.05, p  < 0.00001). Compared with placebo plus LM, TCPM plus LM was superior in reducing diabetes (RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.42–0.69, p  < 0.00001) and normalizing blood glucose (RR 0.55; 95% CI 0.41–0.73, p  < 0.00001; the interventions were also associated with a decline in the two-hour postprandial blood glucose (2hPG) levels (MD −1.45; 95% CI −2.11 to −0.79, p  < 0.0001) and BMI levels (MD −1.12; 95% CI −2.00 to −0.24, p  < 0.0001). There were no significant differences in adverse events between two groups. Subgroup analysis found no significant difference in overall effects among all study characteristics, indicating that the overall effects were stable. Conclusions: The study indicated that TCPM combined with moderate lifestyle modification had significant effect on IGT. Further studies are needed to provide more reliable evidence. The PROSPERO registration is No. CRD42016039312. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core-shell structural \SiO_2/\Fe_3\O_4 nanocomposites were prepared via hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) by using iron oxide nanoparticles as seeds in a 2-propanol/distilled water mixed solvent using ammonia as catalyst. The water-based ferrofluid (FF) as 0.3 ml EMG 304 was adopted as the seed. The effects of ammonia aqueous amount, volume ratio of 2-propanol/distilled water, TEOS amount, and reaction time on size and dispersibilty are investigated via transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Further, the linear birefringence and dichroism measurements of silica coated FF were investigated by a Stokes polarimeter. Results indicated that the appropriate reaction parameters including volume ratio of 2-propanol/distilled water of 5:1, ammonia solution volume of 0.5 ml, TEOS amount of 50 mg, and mechanical stirring of 1000 r/min for 3 h were found to obtain large retardance and low dichroism. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Autoimmune Thyroiditis (AIT) is a common refractory autoimmune disease of the endocrine system that may eventually lead to complete loss of thyroid function, with subsequent severe effects on the metabolism. Because of the deficiency in current clinical management of AIT, the need for alternative therapies is highlighted. With its multi-component and multi-target characteristics, Chinese medicine has good potential as an alternative therapy for AIT. The aim of this study was to systematically summarize the clinical efficacy and safety evaluation of TCM and its active ingredients in the treatment and regulation of AIT. Additionally, we provide an in-depth discussion of the relevant mechanisms and molecular targets to understand the protective effects of traditional Chinese medicine on AIT and explore new ideas for clinical treatment. The literature related to "Hashimoto", "autoimmune thyroiditis", "traditional Chinese medicine," and "Chinese herbal medicine" was systematically summarized and reviewed from Web of Science Core Collection, PubMed, CNKI, and other databases. Domestic and international literature were analyzed, compared, and reviewed. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that herbal medicines can intervene in immunomodulation, with pharmacological effects such as antibody lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic thyroid follicular cells, regulation of intestinal flora, and regulation of estrogen and progesterone levels. The signaling pathways and molecular targets of the immunomodulatory effects of Chinese herbal medicine for AIT may include Fas/FasL, Caspase, BCL-2, and TLRs/MyD88/NF-κB et al. The use of Chinese herbs in the treatment and management of AIT is clinically experienced, satisfactory, and safe. Future studies may evaluate the influence of herbal medicines on the occurrence and development of AIT by modulating the interaction between immune factors and conventional signaling pathways. [Display omitted] • Traditional Chinese medicine offers potential as alternative therapy for autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). • Herbal medicines have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects through various signaling pathways and molecular targets. • Clinical efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in treating AIT is satisfactory and safe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study was conducted to investigate the protective effect of Tongmai oral liquid on arteriovenous fistula function and to provide an effective method to promote fistula maturation., Methods: Fifteen female and fifteen male SPF New Zealand rabbits were randomly allocated into 3 groups including control, Aspirin and Tongmai oral liquid groups. A side-to-side femoral arteriovenous fistula was established in each rabbit and then animals were treated with Aspirin or Tongmai oral liquid for 2 weeks. The concentrations of circulating ET-1 and NO were determined before and after operation (on preoperative day, operative day, post-D1, post-D3, post-D7 and post-D15), respectively. Blood flow of the fistula stoma and contralateral artery and vein was determined on the 15th postoperative day. Last, the fistula stoma was dissected to observe patency, thrombosis and adhesion with surrounding tissues., Results: 28 rabbits survived during the surgical process and the following 15-day observational period. Tissue adhesion of arteriovenous fistula with surrounding tissues was improved and fistula thrombosis was reduced by treatment with Tongmai oral liquid. NO concentration decreased to a different extent after vascular surgery. Tongmai oral liquid failed to regulate the equilibrium between NO and ET-1, but it improved blood flow of fistula stoma, as compared to control and Aspirin groups. Blood flow of fistula stoma in the three groups was lower than that of the contralateral femoral artery., Conclusions: Tongmai oral liquid improved the function of femoral ateriovenous fistula in the rabbit model by increasing blood flow and reducing thrombosis, probably not by regulating the dynamic equilibrium between NO and ET-1.