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Reynoutria ciliinervis (Nakai) Moldenke (R. ciliinervis) root, a traditional Chinese medicine, was found to exhibit remarkable pharmacological properties through a series of comprehensive investigations. Our study commenced with a qualitative phytochemical analysis that identified 12 bioactive compounds within the plant. Subsequently, utilizing ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, the methanol extract emerged as the optimal solvent extract, which was abundant in diverse classes of compounds such as carbohydrates, phenolics, steroids, alkaloids, phenolic acids, and tannins. In vitro antioxidant assays underscored the exceptional free radical scavenging, metal ion chelation, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, singlet oxygen quenching, and β-carotene bleaching capabilities of the methanol extract, significantly outperforming other solvent extracts. Further ultra high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–quadrupole time of flight–mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 45 compounds, predominantly anthraquinones and phenolics, in the methanol extract. The extract demonstrated robust stability under various conditions, including high temperatures, varying pH levels, and simulated gastrointestinal digestion as well as efficacy in inhibiting the oxidation in edible oils. Acute toxicity tests in mice confirmed the safety of the methanol extract and provided a valuable dosage reference for future studies. Importantly, high-dose methanol extract exhibited a significant pre-protective effect against D-galactosamine-induced liver injury in rats, as evidenced by reduced alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, malondialdehyde levels, and elevated catalase and albumin levels. These findings suggest a potential role for the methanol extract of R. ciliinervis root in treating oxidative stress-related disorders, highlighting the plant's immense medicinal potential. Our research offers a thorough evaluation of the bioactive components, antioxidant properties, stability, and liver-protecting effects of the methanol extract, setting the stage for deeper investigation and potential clinical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The root of Paeonia lactiflora pall. is a significant component of traditional Chinese medicine, with terpenoids and their glycosides, such as paeoniflorins, serving as key active ingredients known for their anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and analgesic properties. By generating a transcriptome and functionally characterizing 32 terpene synthases (TPSs) from P. lactiflora, we successfully constructed 24 pESC-Trp-PlTPS expression vectors. Through expression in Saccharomyces cerevisiae engineered strains, we identified four mono-TPSs and five sesqui-TPSs that produce 18 compounds, including eight monoterpenes and ten sesquiterpenes in vitro. This includes a bifunctional enzyme (PlTPS22). Additionally, PlTPS21 was characterized as a pinene synthase with α-pinene as its main product. The expression pattern of PlTPS21 aligns closely with the accumulation patterns of paeoniflorins and α-pinene in the plant, suggesting that PlTPS21 is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of paeoniflorin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (AMB) is a key herb for the treatment of thoracic paralytic cardiac pain, but its quality evaluation method has not yet been fully clarified. In this study, chromatographic fingerprints of AMB were developed using solid-phase extraction–high-performance liquid chromatography–evaporative light scattering detection (SPE-HPLC-ELSD) to evaluate the quality of AMB from various origins and processing methods. This was achieved by employing chemical pattern recognition techniques and verifying the feasibility and applicability of the quality evaluation of AMB through the quantitative analysis of multi-components via a single-marker (QAMS) method. Through the analysis of the fingerprints of 18 batches of AMB, 30 common peaks were screened, and 6 components (adenosine, syringin, macrostemonoside T, macrostemonoside A, macrostemonoside U, and macrostemonoside V) were identified. Moreover, three differential markers (macrostemonoside A, macrostemonoside T, and macrostemonoside U) were screened out using chemometrics techniques, including principal component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Subsequently, a QAMS method was established for macrostemonoside T and macrostemonoside U using macrostemonoside A as an internal reference. The results demonstrate the method's accuracy, reproducibility, and stability, rendering it suitable for the quality evaluation of AMB. This study provides a theoretical basis for drug quality control and the discovery of quality markers for AMB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Russian Roulette is a well-known cruel gambling game and its concepts and methods have been exploited in a lot of research fields for decades. However, abundant useful information contained in the process of Russian Roulette is seldom studied with a mathematical model with interpretability. To this end, we define the 2 R formal context to model Russian Roulette and carry out 3-valued concept analysis for 2 R formal contexts to mine useful information. At first, the uniqueness of 2 R formal contexts is discussed from a formal concept analysis viewpoint. And then we propose 3-valued 2 R concepts and discuss their properties and the connections with the basic 2 R concepts. Experimental analysis demonstrates that 3-valued 2 R concept lattices can show many more different details compared with basic 2 R concept lattices. Finally, a case study about a Chinese herbal medicine is introduced to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Traditional Chinese herbal resources are abundantly available in China and have garnered significant attention owing to their distinctive pharmacological attributes, such as their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties, and their ability to regulate their host's health. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of residue remains after the extraction of these herbal medicines. Presently, limited research on the utilization of this residue has led to both resource wastage and environmental pollution. Numerous studies have indicated that the extracted residue of the Isatidis Root still contains various organic components, including amino acids, alkaloids, flavonoids, and other nutrients. Consequently, this study's objective was to explore the potential of Isatidis Root residue as an unconventional feed resource. Our findings revealed that Isatis Root residue positively impacted the diarrhea rate and intestinal health of weaned piglets. Weaning stress can trigger diarrhea, cause intestinal damage, and disrupt the intestinal flora of piglets, ultimately resulting in retarded growth or even the death of the animals. Traditional Chinese medicine residues encompass numerous bioactive compounds and essential nutrients; however, their efficient utilization remains a challenge. Consequently, our study sought to explore the impact of traditional Chinese medicine residues, specifically Isatidis Root residue (IRR), on the growth performance, intestinal function, and occurrence of weaning diarrhea in newly weaned piglets. Forty healthy, castrated Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire males, weaned at 21 days old and exhibiting similar body conditions, were randomly allocated into five groups, with eight piglets in each group. The results indicated that the dietary inclusion of IRR at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 4.0% notably decreased the incidence of diarrhea in weaned piglets compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Serum LDL-C and globulin (GLB) contents were reduced in response to dietary IRR concentrations (0.5% to 4.0%), while serum albumin (ALB) and albumin/globulin (A/G) contents were enhanced (p < 0.05). Dietary 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% IRR resulted in significant increases in villus height (VH) and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) ratios in the jejunum, V/C ratios in the ileum, and the number of villi goblet cells both in the jejunum and ileum. IRR also led to a significant decrease in the crypt depth (CD) of the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of IL-6 in the jejunum was significantly increased in IRR-fed piglets (0.5% to 4.0%) (p < 0.05). IRR demonstrated inhibitory effects on harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal microbiome, including Campylobacter, Actinobacillus minor, and Ralstonia pickettii, indicating its broad-spectrum bacteriostatic properties. In conclusion, dietary IRR alleviated diarrhea in weaned piglets and improved gut function and microbial compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cordyceps militaris, a fungus widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and pharmacology, is recognized for its abundant bioactive compounds, including cordycepin and carotenoids. The growth, development, and metabolite production in various fungi are influenced by the complex interactions between regulatory cascades and light-signaling pathways. However, the mechanisms of gene regulation in response to light exposure in C. militaris remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to identify light-responsive genes and potential transcription factors (TFs) in C. militaris through an integrative transcriptome analysis. To achieve this, we reconstructed an expanded gene regulatory network (eGRN) comprising 507 TFs and 8662 regulated genes using both interolog-based and homolog-based methods to build the protein–protein interaction network. Aspergillus nidulans and Neurospora crassa were chosen as templates due to their relevance as fungal models and the extensive study of their light-responsive mechanisms. By utilizing the eGRN as a framework for comparing transcriptomic responses between light-exposure and dark conditions, we identified five key TFs—homeobox TF (CCM_07504), FlbC (CCM_04849), FlbB (CCM_01128), C6 zinc finger TF (CCM_05172), and mcrA (CCM_06477)—along with ten regulated genes within the light-responsive subnetwork. These TFs and regulated genes are likely crucial for the growth, development, and secondary metabolite production in C. militaris. Moreover, molecular docking analysis revealed that two novel TFs, CCM_05727 and CCM_06992, exhibit strong binding affinities and favorable docking scores with the primary light-responsive protein CmWC-1, suggesting their potential roles in light signaling pathways. This information provides an important functional interactive network for future studies on global transcriptional regulation in C. militaris and related fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asthma is a chronic airway inflammation that is considered a serious public health concern worldwide. Nobiletin (5,6,7,8,3′,4′-hexamethyl flavonoid), an important compound isolated from several traditional Chinese medicines, especially Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, is widely used for a number of indications, including cancer, allergic diseases, and chronic inflammation. However, the mechanism by which nobiletin exerts its anti-asthmatic effect remains unclear. In this research, we comprehensively demonstrated the anti-asthmatic effects of nobiletin in an animal model of asthma. It was found that nobiletin significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cells and cytokines in mice and alleviated airway hyperresponsiveness. To explore the target of nobiletin, we identified PDE4B as the target of nobiletin through pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, SPR, and enzyme activity assays. Subsequently, it was found that nobiletin could activate the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway downstream of PDE4B in mouse lung tissues. Additionally, we studied the anti-inflammatory and anti-airway remodeling effects of nobiletin in LPS-induced RAW264.7 cells and TGF-β1-induced ASM cells, confirming the activation of the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway by nobiletin. Further validation in PDE4B-deficient RAW264.7 cells confirmed that the increase in cAMP levels induced by nobiletin depended on the inhibition of PDE4B. In conclusion, nobiletin exerts anti-asthmatic activity by targeting PDE4B and activating the cAMP-PKA-CREB signaling pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic functional bowel disorder and is strongly associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. The brain–gut axis plays an important role in the pathophysiologic changes in IBS, yet effective treatments for IBS are still lacking. Sinisan, originating from the Treatise on Typhoid Fever by the medical sage Zhang Zhongjing, is a classic formula in the Eight Methods of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that focuses on dispersing the liver and regulating the spleen, relieving depression and transmitting evils, and has been widely used in the treatment of liver-depression and spleen-deficiency, diarrhea, and related liver and stomach disorders. However, the therapeutic effect of sinisan in IBS has not been clarified. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of sinisan on stress-induced intestinal dysfunction and depressive behavior in IBS mice. We established a diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) mouse model using a 4% acetic acid enema combined with restraint stress, and analyzed the results using behavioral tests, relevant test kits, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, immunofluorescence (IF), Western blot (WB), and quantitative fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that sinisan administration significantly alleviated intestinal dysfunction and depressive-like behaviors in IBS-D mice, improved mild colonic inflammation and intestinal mucosal permeability, up-regulated the expression of tight junction proteins ZO-1 and occludin. Sinisan significantly alleviated intestinal dysfunction and depressive-like behaviors in IBS-D mice by decreasing the expression of TNF-α, promoting the expression of tight junction proteins (occludin, ZO-1) expression, and inhibiting the Tlr4/Myd88 signaling pathway, thereby attenuating the inflammatory response, protecting the intestinal barrier, and alleviating symptoms in the IBS-D mouse model. Taken together, sinisan may ameliorate intestinal inflammation and the intestinal barrier by regulating 5-HT expression and the Tlr4/Myd88 pathway, thereby alleviating stress-induced intestinal dysfunction and depressive behaviors in IBS-D mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taxillμs chinensis (DC.) Danser is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. It has not been reported regarding antibacterial active ingredients and mechanisms of action. However, the Chinese patent medicine Yinhua Miyanling Tablets containing Taxillμs chinensis has an obvious anti-infective effect in our patent. Therefore, we speculate that Taxillμs chinensis may have antibacterial activity. The purpose of this paper is to study the antibacterial effect and mechanism of Taxillμs chinensis and find active compounds with antibacterial activity and a mechanism. We studied the antibacterial effect and mechanism of Taxillμs chinensis extract. The compounds in the ethyl acetate extract of Taxillμs chinensis were preliminarily identified by UPLC-Q-Orbitrap and analyzed by mass spectrometry. Above all, the antibacterial effect and antibacterial mechanism of the active components of Taxillμs chinensis were determined. Finally, we found, for the first time, that Taxillμs chinensis has a good antibacterial effect and ethyl acetate extract has the best effect. In addition, we found, for the first time, that it has an active component, 4-indolecarbaldehyde, and the component has a good broad-spectrum antibacterial effect. Above all, the active chemical 4-indolecarbaldehyde of Taxillμs chinensis can destroy the bacterial structure, make it unable to maintain normal morphology, and significantly increase the number of deaths. In short, Taxillμs chinensis has an antibacterial effect, and one of its main antibacterial components is 4-indolecarbaldehyde. The antibacterial mechanism of Taxillμs chinensis and 4-indolecarbaldehyde is related to the change in bacterial membrane permeability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Irinotecan is a widely used chemotherapy drug for colorectal cancer, but overcoming resistance to irinotecan remains a significant challenge. FL118, a drug similar to irinotecan, has shown promise as a new treatment option. FL118 functions by reducing the levels of a protein called survivin, which, in turn, decreases the expression of RAD51, a key protein involved in DNA repair. FL118 has been demonstrated to reduce cancer cell viability and overcome irinotecan resistance in colorectal cancer cells, suggesting it could serve as an effective treatment following irinotecan. Background/Objectives: Irinotecan, a camptothecin (CPT) derivative, is commonly used as a first-line therapy for colorectal cancer (CRC), but resistance remains a significant challenge. This study aims to explore the therapeutic potential of FL118, another CPT derivative, with a focus on overcoming resistance to irinotecan. Methods: The effects of FL118 on CRC cells were evaluated, and bioinformatics analysis was performed on RNA-seq data. Transfection was conducted to observe the knockdown effect of survivin, and the in vivo efficacy of FL118 was assessed using a xenograft model. Results: FL118 induces apoptosis, G2/M arrest, and DNA damage. A notable mechanism of action of FL118 is a reduction in survivin levels, which downregulates the expression of RAD51, a key marker of homologous recombination, and attenuates DNA repair processes. Given that SN38 is the active metabolite of irinotecan, FL118 reduces cell viability and RAD51 in SN38-resistant LOVO cells. Conclusions: Our findings provide effective insights into the antitumor activity of FL118 and its potential as a therapeutic agent for overcoming irinotecan resistance in CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Saponins are an important class of active components in Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs), which are present in large quantities in Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Polygonati Rhizoma, etc., and have immune regulation, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, anti-cardiovascular disease, and hypoglycemic activities. Storage and processing are essential processes in the production process of CHMs which affect the stability of saponin components and then reduce the medicinal and economic value. Therefore, it is of great importance to investigate the effects of storage and processing conditions on the content of saponin components in CHMs. In this paper, the effects of various storage and processing factors, including temperature, pH, enzymes, meta lions, extraction methods, etc., on the saponin content of CHMs are investigated and the underlying mechanisms for the quantitative changes of saponin are summarized. These findings may provide technical guidance for the production and processing of saponin-rich CHMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a series of coumarins, including eight undescribed bis-isoprenylated ones Spinifoliumin A-H, were isolated and identified from the aerial parts of Zanthoxylum dimorphophyllum var. spinifolium (ZDS), a plant revered in traditional Chinese medicine, particularly for treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The structures of the compounds were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, complemented by ECD, [Rh2(OCOCF3)4]-induced ECD, Mo2(OAc)4 induced ECD, IR, and HR-ESI-MS mass spectrometry. A network pharmacology approach allowed for predicting their anti-RA mechanisms and identifying the MAPK and PI3K-Akt signaling pathways, with EGFR as a critical gene target. A CCK-8 method was used to evaluate the inhibition activities on HFLS-RA cells of these compounds. The results demonstrated that Spinifoliumin A, B, and D-H are effective at preventing the abnormal proliferation of LPS-induced HFLS-RA cells. The results showed that compounds Spinifoliumin A, D, and G can significantly suppress the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. Moreover, molecular docking methods were utilized to confirm the high affinity between Spinifoliumin A, D, and G and EGFR, SRC, and JUN, which were consistent with the results of network pharmacology. This study provides basic scientific evidence to support ZDS's traditional use and potential clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stroke is a severe neurological disorder resulting from the rupture or blockage of blood vessels, leading to significant mortality and disability worldwide. Among the different types of stroke, ischemic stroke (IS) is the most prevalent, accounting for 70–80% of cases. Cell death following IS occurs through various mechanisms, including apoptosis, necrosis, and ferroptosis. Ferroptosis, a recently identified form of regulated cell death characterized by iron overload and lipid peroxidation, was first described by Dixon in 2012. Currently, the only approved pharmacological treatment for IS is recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), which is limited by a narrow therapeutic window and often results in suboptimal outcomes. Recent research has identified several traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) that can inhibit ferroptosis, thereby mitigating the damage caused by IS. This review provides an overview of stroke, the role of ferroptosis in IS, and the potential of certain TCMs to inhibit ferroptosis and contribute to stroke treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative condition associated with deficit in reaction time which can lead to falls, resulting in limited independence, diminished quality of life, heightened rates of institutionalization and increased healthcare costs. We aimed to examine the effects of an acupuncture protocol in motor time response after an auditory stimulus. Methods: This study employed a case series design. Reaction time to exposed rhythmic and random auditory stimuli outcomes were evaluated at six different moments over a month-long acupuncture treatment protocol using the MP 36 system from Biopac Systems. Results: We observed a tendency to have more pronounced improvements in the time response in the more affected side of the body compared with the contralateral one. Patients tended to show better values of response to random auditory stimuli compared to rhythmic auditory ones. We also observed a tendency to obtain better results when considering the accumulative effects of the acupuncture protocol. Conclusions: Our findings indicated a possible role of reaction time as a sensitive and useful tool for motor function assessment in PD patients. Also, from our results, we concluded that the acupuncture protocol used may lead to an improvement in efficacy of motor response after aleatory and rhythmic stimulus; we also found a tendency for a higher efficacy of acupuncture in random stimuli responses in the first stages of the disease. However, further in-depth research, including a statistical evaluation with a larger participant pool, is necessary to validate and confirm these promising results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired tumor cell antigen presentation contributes significantly to immune evasion. This study identifies Berbamine hydrochloride (Ber), a compound derived from traditional Chinese medicine, as an effective inhibitor of autophagy that enhances antigen presentation in tumor cells. Ber increases MHC-I-mediated antigen presentation in melanoma cells, improving recognition and elimination by CD8+ T cells. Mutation of Atg4b, which blocks autophagy, also raises MHC-I levels on the cell surface, and further treatment with Ber under these conditions does not increase MHC-I, indicating Ber's role in blocking autophagy to enhance MHC-I expression. Additionally, Ber treatment leads to the accumulation of autophagosomes, with elevated levels of LC3-II and p62, suggesting a disrupted autophagic flux. Fluorescence staining and co-localization analyses reveal that Ber likely inhibits lysosomal acidification without hindering autophagosome–lysosome fusion. Importantly, Ber treatment suppresses melanoma growth in mice and enhances CD8+ T cell infiltration, supporting its therapeutic potential. Our findings demonstrate that Ber disturbs late-stage autophagic flux through abnormal lysosomal acidification, enhancing MHC-I-mediated antigen presentation and curtailing tumor immune escape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: In Traditional Chinese Medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, Wei Syndrome is a prevalent condition. Canine Wei Syndrome usually exhibits symptoms including hind limb paralysis, muscle weakness or even atrophy, disappearance of deep or shallow pain, and urinary and fecal incontinence. Hemorheological indicators play a crucial role in assessing blood viscosity. However, research on canine Wei Syndrome and its hemorheological characteristics remains limited. Understanding the factors such as gender, season, breed, and age that predispose dogs to Wei Syndrome can aid in its prevention. Early detection and diagnosis of canine Wei Syndrome can be facilitated by monitoring hemorheological data. Therefore, investigating the epidemiology of canine Wei Syndrome and its correlation with hemorheology is of paramount importance. This study revealed that male Poodle dogs aged 3–6 years are more susceptible to Wei Syndrome during Winter, with abnormal hemorheology being a distinct feature among affected dogs. These findings contribute significantly to the prevention and management of canine Wei Syndrome and offer valuable insights for the treatment of dogs with Wei Syndrome. Canine paraplegia is a common condition in small animal medicine, referred to as Wei Syndrome (WS) in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). Common clinical manifestations encompass hind limb paralysis, motor dysfunction, muscle atrophy, and the absence of pain perception. WS is considered a difficult-to-treat disease in small animal practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of canine WS and the characteristics of hemorheology. A total of 53 dogs with WS and 53 healthy dogs were included in this study. A retrospective case-controlled study design was employed. Data regarding the gender, season of WS occurrence, breed, and age of dogs with WS, as well as hemorheology from dogs with WS and healthy dogs, were collected and analyzed using SPSS 27.0. The study findings revealed that male dogs were more susceptible to WS (77.36%, 41/53). WS cases occurred more frequently in Winter (33.96%, 18/53), and were commonly found in Poodle breeds (43.40%, 23/53). The most affected age of WS was between 3 and 6 years old (54.72%, 29/53). Except for plasma viscosity and fibrinogen, the hemorheology indices of canine WS were significantly higher than those of healthy dogs (p < 0.05), especially in male dogs, Poodles and Bulldogs, those between 3 to 10 years, and in Autumn and Winter. This study provides evidence that male Poodles and Bulldogs aged 3 to 6 years are more prone to developing WS, with Winter being the season of high disease incidence. Abnormal hemorheology is a characteristic feature in dogs with WS, which should be considered during the treatment of WS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leonurus japonicus Houtt is an exceptional medicinal herb used to treat obstetrical and gynecological diseases in traditional Chinese medicine, and it has significant effects on the treatment of dysmenorrhea and postpartum hemorrhage. This study investigated the effects of coumarins with diverse substituent groups from L. japonicus on isolated uterine smooth muscle and the preliminary mechanism of the most effective compound. Eight coumarins isolated from L. japonicus were assessed for their effects on the isolated uterine smooth muscle of nonpregnant rats in vitro. Coumarins 1 and 2 significantly promoted the contraction of rat uterine smooth muscle strips, whereas coumarins 3–5 showed remarkable relaxing effects against oxytocin (OT)-induced rat uterine smooth muscle contraction. Further mechanism investigations revealed that bergapten (coumarin 1) significantly increased the level of Ca2+ in uterine tissues by promoting extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release, which were related to the activation of L-type Ca2+ channels and α-receptors. By contrast, osthole (coumarin 5), an α receptor antagonist, inhibited OT-induced uterine smooth muscle contraction by decreasing the level of Ca2+ in uterine tissues via inhibition of extracellular Ca2+ influx and intracellular Ca2+ release. This study demonstrates that the coumarins from L. japonicus are effective substances for regulating uterine smooth muscle contraction, but different coumarins with diverse substituent groups have different, even opposite effects. It can be inferred that coumarins are closely related to the efficacy of L. japonicus in the treatment of dysmenorrhea and postpartum hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific community is focusing on how to enhance human health and immunity through functional foods, and dietary supplements are proven to have a positive as well as a protective effect against infectious and chronic diseases. Ferns act as a taxonomical linkage between higher and lower plants and are endowed with a wide chemical diversity not subjected to sufficient scrutinization before. Even though a wealth of traditional medicinal fern uses were recorded in Chinese medicine, robust phytochemical and biological investigations of these plants are lacking. Herein, an extensive search was conducted using the keywords ferns and compounds, ferns and NMR, ferns and toxicity, and the terms ferns and chemistry, lignans, Polypodiaceae, NMR, isolation, bioactive compounds, terpenes, phenolics, phloroglucinols, monoterpenes, alkaloids, phenolics, and fatty acids were utilized with the Boolean operators AND, OR, and NOT. Databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Reaxys were utilized to reveal a wealth of information regarding fern chemistry and their health-promoting effects. Terpenes followed by phenolics represented the largest number of isolated active compounds. Regarding the neuroprotective effects, Psilotium, Polypodium, and Dryopteris species possessed as their major phenolics component unique chemical moieties including catechins, procyanidins, and bioflavonoids. In this updated chemical review, the pharmacological and chemical aspects of ferns are compiled manifesting their chemical diversity in the last seven years (2017–2024) together with a special focus on their nutritive and potential health-promoting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants and plant extracts have long been acknowledged as valuable resources for the development of therapeutic formulations for various diseases. Among them, numerous plants and plant-derived products have demonstrated cytotoxic and/or anti-tumor properties. Saffron, particularly due to its major compounds, namely crocin, crocetin, and safranal, stands out as a promising candidate in this regard. Our research undertakes a literature review, reaffirming the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and, notably, anti-tumor properties of saffron and its major constituents. Additionally, this study examines relevant patent documents, highlighting innovative applications for saffron and its major compounds in cancer therapy. The review discusses the progress in purifying the compounds extracted from saffron and assesses their impact on cytotoxic trial outcomes, the potential synergies between certain saffron compounds and established cytotoxic molecules, and the limitations of the patents examined, particularly concerning reported clinical evidence. Researchers who focus on advances in oncology will know from our findings the evolution of the patent landscape regarding cytotoxic and/or anti-tumor therapeutic applications using saffron or its main compounds. Moreover, investigators can draw inspiration from patents leveraging traditional knowledge, particularly from Chinese medicine, to clarify specific active molecules and their mechanisms of action and can expedite the translation of these findings into clinically relevant interventions, potentially enhancing cancer therapy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address the challenges of digging deep-rhizome Chinese herbal medicines in northwest China's hilly terrain, including difficulty, incompleteness, and herb damage, a specialized self-propelled digger with interlocking teeth has been developed. Designed for complex topography, small fields, and resistant soil, this digger provides an efficient and precise alternative to traditional methods. The prototype features in-place reverse differential steering, 360-degree digging capability, and minimized root and soil damage to promote future planting. Key components, including the digging mechanism, vibratory system, crawler chassis, hydraulic transmission system, and worm gear rotary hydraulic reducer, were analyzed and optimized through theoretical, graphical, and simulation studies using RecurDyn. Field tests demonstrated the digger's effectiveness, achieving depths exceeding 600 mm with minimal herb damage and loss. The digger successfully navigated steep slopes and operated within noise regulations, surpassing industry standards, with less than 1.4% herb damage and a loss rate under 3%. The digger was capable of ascending gradients over 20° with driver noise levels below 92 dB. This innovative solution offers a valuable reference for developing specialized diggers for harvesting traditional Chinese medicinal materials in challenging conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Panax ginseng taproot serves as a crucial storage organ and constitutes a significant component of Chinese herbal medicine. In China, ginseng is cultivated using two primary methods: under-forest planting and farmland planting. These methods create distinct habitats that notably influence the morphology of ginseng taproots. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms governing ginseng taproot expansion remain to be fully elucidated. This study aimed to delineate the patterns of ginseng taproot expansion by examining taproots transplanted into farmland (TCG) and forest environments (TLCG and TQCG). Our findings indicate that light intensity and soil available potassium levels in TCG plots significantly exceed those in TLCG and TQCG plots. Compared with TLCG and TQCG, the taproot diameter of TCG increased by 11.54% and 27.73%, respectively. At the same time, combined with the microstructure of the transverse section of the taproot, it showed that the expansion of the TCG taproot was closely related to cell expansion. During TCG taproot expansion, there was an increase in indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) content, significant starch accumulation, and a decrease in lignin content. By analyzing the expression of key genes, we found that compared with TLCG and TQCG, the expression of genes PgTPS1 and PgALDH1 was upregulated, and the expression of genes PgHCT1, PgPAL3, PgPER3, and PgPER51 were downregulated in TCG taproot. Additionally, the transcription factors PgARF18.1 and PgbHLH42 were identified as responsive to habitat changes, playing pivotal roles in taproot expansion. In conclusion, this study provides foundational insights into the regulatory mechanisms of ginseng taproot expansion, offering significant implications for enhancing the quality and value of ginseng. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: COPD is a lung disease characterized by limited respiratory airflow aggravated with time. JPYF II granules are a traditional Chinese medicine used in the treatment of COPD. However, the main components and potential mechanisms of JPYF II granules are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the potential mechanism underlying its ability to treat COPD through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation techniques. Kaempferol, quercetin, and stigmasterol are the main active compounds in the JPYF II Formula in the treatment of COPD, and AKT1, IL-6, and TNF are potential target proteins for the JPYF II Formula in the treatment of COPD. The potential effective compounds, targets, and related potential molecular mechanisms obtained here provide a reference for follow-up studies on COPD. Background: JianPiYiFei (JPYF) II granules are a Chinese medicine for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the main components and underlying mechanisms of JPYF II granules are not well understood. This study aimed to elucidate the potential mechanism of JPYF II granules in the treatment of COPD using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation techniques. Methods: The active compounds and corresponding protein targets of the JPYF II granules were found using the TCMSP, ETCM, and Uniport databases, and a compound–target network was constructed using Cytoscape3.9.1. The COPD targets were searched for in GEO datasets and the OMIM and GeneCards databases. The intersection between the effective compound-related targets and disease-related targets was obtained, PPI networks were constructed, and GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed. Then, molecular docking analysis verified the results obtained using network pharmacology. Finally, the protein–compound complexes obtained from the molecular docking analysis were simulated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Results: The network pharmacological results showed that quercetin, kaempferol, and stigmasterol are the main active compounds in JPYF II granules, and AKT1, IL-6, and TNF are key target proteins. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is a potential pathway through which the JPYF II granules affect COPD. The results of the molecular docking analysis suggested that quercetin, kaempferol, and stigmasterol have a good binding affinity with AKT1, IL-6, and TNF. The MD simulation results showed that TNF has a good binding affinity with the compounds. Conclusions: This study identified the effective compounds, targets, and related underlying molecular mechanisms of JPYF II granules in the treatment of COPD through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and MD simulation techniques, which provides a reference for subsequent research on the treatment of COPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Sexual reproduction in Cordyceps sensu lato is regulated by the mating-type locus, which has two alternate idiomorphs: MAT1-1 and MAT1-2. Ophiocordyceps xuefengensis, a heterothallic Cordyceps used as a traditional tonic by the Yao ethnic group in southern China, produces sterile fruiting bodies regardless of whether it is the MAT1-1 or MAT1-2 strain. However, the impact of mating types on the quality of these fruiting bodies is not well understood. In this study, we developed a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method that quickly and efficiently distinguishes between MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 strains of O. xuefengensis, with advantages including a short duration (1 h or less), visual detection, and the elimination of the need for a thermal cycler and gel electrophoresis. We also systematically compared biochemical contents of the fruiting bodies from MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 strains. Our findings show that the MAT1-1 strain of O. xuefengensis is a promising alternative for natural Cordyceps production, as it contains higher levels of adenosine and essential amino acids, as well as lower levels of toxic elements in the fruiting bodies compared to the MAT1-2 strain. This study provides a new approach to addressing issues related to unstable artificial cultivation, long cultivation periods, and high heavy metal content in Cordyceps. Many Cordyceps sensu lato species are used as traditional Chinese medicines. However, Cordyceps are entomopathogenic fungi in the family Clavicipitaceae of Ascomycota, and excessive harvesting severely disrupts natural habitat ecosystems. Artificial cultivation of Cordyceps fruiting bodies offers a viable strategy to protect the ecological environment and mitigate the depletion of wild resource. In this study, mononucleate hyphae were selected using DAPI fluorescence staining, the MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 strains of O. xuefengensis were successfully distinguished using loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The chemical composition and bioactive components of fruiting bodies produced by these strains were compared. Results showed that the levels of adenosine, thymidine, adenine, guanosine, uridine, total amino acids, and total essential amino acids in the fruiting bodies of MAT1-1 strains were 1.31 mg/g, 0.15 mg/g, 0.26 mg/g, 2.40 mg/g, 2.34 mg/g, 270.3 mg/g, and 102.5 mg/g, respectively, which were significantly higher than those in the MAT1-2 sample. Contrastingly, the fruiting bodies of MAT1-2 strains contained higher levels of mannose and polysaccharides, at 11.7% and 12.2%, respectively. The levels of toxic elements such as Al, Pb, As, and Hg in the MAT1-1 fruiting bodies were 1.862 mg/kg, 0.0848 mg/kg, 0.534 mg/kg, and 0.0054 mg/kg, respectively, which were markedly lower than those in the MAT1-2 fruiting bodies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scorpions, an ancient group of venomous invertebrates, have existed for over 430 million years. Their toxins, important for predation and defense, exhibit a variety of biological and pharmacological activities. Research on scorpion toxins has spanned decades. Notably, the toxin genes of Mesobuthus martensii (Scorpiones: Buthidae), a well-known Chinese herbal medicine, have been described at genomic and proteomic levels. However, previous studies primarily focused on the toxin genes expressed in the venom glands, overlooking their expression in multiple tissues. This study analyzed transcriptomes from 14 tissues of M. martensii. Gene annotation revealed 83 toxin and toxin-like genes, including those affecting sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride ion channels. Approximately 70% of toxin genes were highly expressed in the vesicle; additionally, some exhibited low or no expression in the vesicle while showing high expression in other tissues. Beyond the vesicle, high expression levels of toxin genes were observed in metasoma segments II-V, blood, lateral eyes, chelicerae, legs, pedipalp chelae, femurs, and patellae. This expression pattern suggests that toxin genes are recruited from multiple tissues and may help prevent intraspecific harm during courtship and competition for prey. These findings inspire further research into the evolutionary recruitment process of scorpion toxins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutraceuticals are compounds or components in food that offer health benefits. They can be incorporated into food to make it functional or used as supplements or medicine. Lilium brownii/Baihe is one of the classic nutraceuticals. The chemical composition of Lilium is complex and has a variety of pharmacological effects. Moreover, the compound preparation based on Lilium has been used in the treatment of respiratory diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, Lanzhou lily has become food on the dinner table. Therefore, Lilium brownii/Baihe is a nutraceutical with a long history. Based on the current understanding of Lilium, this review provides an in-depth discussion of the bioactive components and pharmacological effects of Lilium. This is important to provide theoretical reference for the in-depth study of Lilium as well as its development and application in medicine, food, and other industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drug prediction and treatment using bioinformatics and large-scale modeling have emerged as pivotal research areas. This study proposes a novel multi-level collaboration framework named Syn-COM for feature extraction and data integration of diseases and drugs. The framework aims to explore optimal drug combinations and interactions by integrating molecular virtuality, similarity clustering, overlap area, and network distance. It uniquely combines the characteristics of Chinese herbal medicine with clinical experience and innovatively assesses drug interaction and correlation through a synergy matrix. Gouty arthritis (GA) was used as a case study to validate the framework's reliability, leading to the identification of an effective drug combination for GA treatment, comprising Tamaricis Cacumen (Si = 0.73), Cuscutae Semen (Si = 0.68), Artemisiae Annuae Herba (Si = 0.62), Schizonepetae Herba (Si = 0.73), Gleditsiae Spina (Si = 0.89), Prunellae Spica (Si = 0.75), and Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Si = 0.62). The efficacy of the identified drug combination was confirmed through animal experiments and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) component analysis. Results demonstrated significant reductions in the blood inflammatory factors IL1A, IL6, and uric acid, as well as downregulation of TGFB1, PTGS2, and MMP3 expression (p < 0.05), along with improvements in ankle joint swelling in GA mice. This drug combination notably enhances therapeutic outcomes in GA by targeting key genes, underscoring the potential of integrating traditional medicine with modern bioinformatics for effective disease treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrodin, a highly potent compound found in the traditional Chinese medicine Gastrodia elata Blume, exhibits significant antihypertensive properties. However, its role and the mechanism behind its protective effects on hypertensive cardiac conditions are not well understood. This study aims to investigate the cardiac protective effects and underlying mechanisms of gastrodin in angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced hypertensive models, both in vivo and in vitro. Treatment with gastrodin significantly decreased blood pressure and the heart weight/tibial length (HW/TL) ratio and attenuated cardiac dysfunction and pathological damage in Ang II-infused C57BL/6 mice. RNA sequencing analysis (RNA-seq) revealed 697 up-regulated and 714 down-regulated transcripts, along with 1105 signaling pathways, in Ang II-infused C57BL/6 mice following gastrodin treatment, compared to Ang II-induced hypertensive mice. Furthermore, the analyses of the top 30 Gene Ontology (GO) terms and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway indicated significant enrichment in apoptosis and the peroxiredoxin 2 (PRDX2)/p53 pathway. Consistently, gastrodin treatment significantly reduced myocardial apoptosis in both the cardiac tissues of Ang II-induced hypertensive mice and Ang II-stimulated H9c2 cells. Additionally, gastrodin treatment significantly decreased the protein levels of PRDX2, p53, cleaved caspase-3, cleaved caspase-9, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in the cardiac tissues of Ang II-infused mice and H9c2 cells stimulated with Ang II. In conclusion, gastrodin treatment can mitigate hypertension-induced myocardial apoptosis in hypertensive mice by inhibiting the PRDX2/p53 pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing loss is a frequently observed complication of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Emerging evidence has found that Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) can effectively treat chronic disease; nevertheless, it is unclear if adding CHM to the routine management of T2D would modify sequent risk of hearing loss. This cohort-based case-control study was conducted to address this issue. First, a total of 64,418 subjects aged 20–70 years, diagnosed with T2D between 2002 and 2011, were extracted from a nationwide health claims database. Among them, we identified 4516 cases of hearing loss after T2D by the end of 2013. They were then randomly matched to 9032 controls without hearing loss at a 1:2 ratio. Following conditional logistic regression, we found the addition of CHM to conventional care reduced the risk of developing hearing loss, with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.75 (95% confidence interval: 0.70–0.83). Specifically, taking CHM products for at least two years benefits T2D patients in lowering sequent risk of hearing loss. The findings herein implicated that integrating CHM into conventional care substantially correlated to lower risk of hearing loss for T2D patients, but further basic research is needed to secure the application of finished herbal products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The skin barrier is essential for maintaining the body's internal homeostasis, protecting against harmful external substances, and regulating water and electrolyte balance. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers notable advantages in restoring skin barrier function due to its diverse components, targets, and pathways. Recent studies have demonstrated that active ingredients in TCM can safely and effectively repair damaged skin barriers, reinstating their proper functions. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying skin barrier damage and explores how the bioactive constituents of TCM contribute to skin barrier repair, thereby offering a theoretical framework to inform clinical practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Szechwan lovage rhizome (SLR, the rhizome of Ligusticum chuanxiong Hort., Chuanxiong in Chinese transliteration) is one Chinese materia medica (CMM) commonly used to activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis. SLR is applicable to most blood stasis syndromes. It has significant clinical efficacy in relation to human diseases of the cardiocerebrovascular system, nervous system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, etc. Apart from China, SLR is also used in Singapore, Malaysia, the European Union, and the United States of America. However, the current chemical markers in pharmacopeia or monography for the quality assessment of SLR are not well characterized or specifically characterized, nor do they fully reflect the medicinal efficacy of SLR, resulting in the quality of SLR not being effectively controlled. CMM can only have medicinal efficacy when they are applied in vivo to an organism. The intensity of their pharmaceutical activities can more directly represent the quality of CMM. Therefore, the chemical constituents and pharmacological actions of SLR are reviewed in this paper. In order to demonstrate the medicinal efficacy of SLR in promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, bioassay methods are put forward to evaluate the pharmaceutical activities of SLR to improve hemorheology, hemodynamics, and vascular microcirculation, as well as its anti-platelet aggregation and anticoagulation properties. Through comprehensive analyses of these pharmaceutical properties, the quality and therapeutic value of SLR are ascertained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of liver disease worldwide. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an advanced form of NAFLD. The livers of patients with NASH are more likely to develop fibrosis. Xiaoyao San (XYS) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula that has been widely used in treating liver diseases. In this study, we elucidated the effects and mechanism of XYS in treating NASH-related liver fibrosis by combining high-throughput sequencing-based high-throughput screening with network pharmacology analysis. Our work revealed that XYS may play a role in preventing NASH-related liver fibrosis by regulating biological functions related to the extracellular matrix (ECM), inflammation, and metabolism. Additionally, Bupleuri Radix, Poria, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, and Paeoniae Radix Alba are the key herbs of XYS that could partially represent the functions of XYS. These regulatory effects are mediated by targeting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) signaling. Narcissin, casuarictin, and γ-sitosterol were identified as representative active compounds in XYS targeting STAT3, NFκB, and PPARγ, respectively. Taken together, our findings provide a novel strategy for investigating the pharmacological effects and biological mechanisms of a TCM formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Volatile oil stabilization strategies based on encapsulation with a large number of excipients limit further applications. The primary objective of this study is to improve the stability of volatile oils using Pickering emulsion (PE) stabilized by Chinese medicinal powder based on the principle of "integrating drug and excipient". Modified amber was acquired through surface modification, and a stable oil-in-water PE loaded with Acorus tatarinowii volatile oil (ATVO) was constructed from modified amber. The stability, including the peroxide value (PV), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and the content and composition of volatile components in modified amber-PE (MAPE) under intense light exposure, was analyzed deeply. In addition, the in vitro release and pharmacokinetics of MAPE and ATVO were investigated. The results demonstrate that the PV and MDA content in MAPE were significantly lower than in free ATVO, and the content and composition of volatile components in MAPE were closer to those in untreated ATVO. The release kinetics of β-asarone and α-asarone in MAPE demonstrated rapid and higher release, and pharmacokinetic studies show that MAPE has better bioavailability. This research provides a distinctive Chinese medicine solution to address the vaporization of volatile oil in solid formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taraxaci herba, as a traditional Chinese medicine, is the name of the Taraxacum genus in the Asteraceae family. Documented in the Tang Herbal Medicine (Tang Dynasty, AD 657–659), its medicinal properties cover a wide range of applications such as acute mastitis, lung abscess, conjunctival congestion, sore throat, damp-heat jaundice, and vision improvement. In the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Edition 2020), more than 40 kinds of China-patented drugs containing Taraxaci herba were recorded. This review explores the evolving scientific understanding of Taraxaci herba, covering facets of ethnopharmacology, botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, artificial cultivation, and quality control. In particular, the chemical constituents and pharmacological research are reviewed. Taraxaci herba has been certified as a traditional medicine plant, and its flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenoids have been identified and separated, which include Chicoric acid, taraxasterol, Taraxasteryl acetate, Chlorogenic acid, isorhamnetin, and luteolin; they are responsible for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-tumor, and anti-cancer activities. These findings validate the traditional uses of Taraxaci herba and lay the groundwork for further scientific exploration. The sources used in this study include Web of Science, Pubmed, the CNKI site, classic monographs, the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the Chinese Medicine Dictionary, and doctoral and master's theses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are great challenges in the field of natural product isolation and purification and in the pharmacological study of oligosaccharide monomers. And these isolation and purification processes are still universal problems in the study of natural products (NPs), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), omics, etc. The same polymer-modified materials designed for the special separation of oligosaccharides, named Sil-epoxy-PEI and Sil-chloropropyl-PEI, were synthesized via two different methods and characterized by scanning electron microscopy combined with energy spectrum analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, zeta potential as well as surface area analysis, etc. Several nucleotide/nucleoside molecules with different polarities and selectivities were successfully isolated in our laboratory using stainless-steel columns filled with the synthesized material. In addition, the separation of saccharide probes and oligosaccharides mixtures in water extracts of Morinda officinalis were compared in HILIC mode. The results showed that the resolution of separations for the representative analytes of the Sil-epoxy-PEI column was higher than for the Sil-chloropropyl-PEI column, and the developed stationary phase exhibited improved performance compared to hydrothermal carbon, amide columns and other HILIC materials previously reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Morus alba L. is a tradition medical and edible plant. It is rich in many important bioactive components. However, there is a dearth of systematic information about the components. Here, the Mori Cortex, Mori Folium, Mori Fructus, and Mori Ramulus were studied. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS) is used to study primary and secondary metabolites. Eight hundred two metabolites were identified and classified into 10 different categories in total. Correlation analysis, hierarchical clustering analysis, and principal component analysis of metabolites showed that different parts of the sample could be significantly different. In different medicinal parts, alkaloids accounted for 4.0%, 3.6%, 5.1%, and 4.5%; flavonoids accounted for 0.7%, 27.2%, 5.6%, 1.2%; terpenes accounted for 20.1%, 2.1%, 2.6%, 2.5%. Furthermore, the abundance of phenols, phenylpropanoids, and lipids metabolites sequentially accounted for 2.3–4.4%, 0.5–1.8%, and 2.4–5.3%. These results have improved our understanding of metabolites and provided a reference for research on the medicinal and edible value of Morus alba L. In addition, the study reveals the correlation between the components of Traditional Chinese medicine and the basic theory of TCM properties and reinterprets the ancient wisdom in the world's traditional herbs through the perspective of modern science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dry leaf of Turpinia arguta (Lindl.) Seem. is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a quick-acting product for sore throat and pharyngitis relief. Samples of T. arguta were collected from 40 different habitats mostly located in Jiangxi Province, and leaf appearance traits and dry matter yield were analyzed. HPLC was used to quantify ligustroflavone and rhoifolin, the pharmacological-quality markers for this species, according to the 2020 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia. The correlations between leaf-measurable traits, ligustroflavone and rhoifolin contents, and climate factors were subsequently assessed using Pearson's two-tailed correlation test and redundancy analysis. The highest dry matter yields were found in locations S(G-mt), Q(J-t), and A(X-t). Ligustroflavone and rhoifolin contents ranged from 0.023% to 1.336% and 0.008% to 0.962%, respectively; the highest levels of ligustroflavone and rhoifolin compounds were found in locations A(X-t) and Y(B-mt). Leaf morphology was influenced by the mean temperature of the warmest quarter, while leaf thickness was affected by the minimum temperature of the coldest month, precipitation seasonality, and solar radiation. Larger and thicker leaves predicted higher yields of ligustroflavone and rhoifolin compounds in T. arguta under Chinese southern conditions, such as those in Anyuan and Quannan counties. Our findings suggest that enhancing the mean diurnal temperature range and implementing appropriate shading during cultivation can enhance the ligustroflavone and rhoifolin compounds of T. arguta. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cytokine storm (CS) is the main driver of SARS-CoV-2-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in severe coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). The pathological mechanisms of CS are quite complex and involve multiple critical molecular targets that turn self-limited and mild COVID-19 into a severe and life-threatening concern. At present, vaccines are strongly recommended as safe and effective treatments for preventing serious illness or death from COVID-19. However, effective treatment options are still lacking for people who are at the most risk or hospitalized with severe disease. Chinese herbal medicines have been shown to improve the clinical outcomes of mild to severe COVID-19 as an adjunct therapy, particular preventing the development of mild to severe ARDS. This review illustrates in detail the pathogenesis of CS-involved ARDS and its associated key molecular targets, cytokines and signalling pathways. The therapeutic targets were identified particularly in relation to the turning points of the development of COVID-19, from mild symptoms to severe ARDS. Preclinical and clinical studies were reviewed for the effects of Chinese herbal medicines together with conventional therapies in reducing ARDS symptoms and addressing critical therapeutic targets associated with CS. Multiple herbal formulations, herbal extracts and single bioactive phytochemicals with or without conventional therapies demonstrated strong anti-CS effects through multiple mechanisms. However, evidence from larger, well-designed clinical trials is lacking and their detailed mechanisms of action are yet to be well elucidated. More research is warranted to further evaluate the therapeutic value of Chinese herbal medicine for CS in COVID-19-induced ARDS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astragali Radix, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine widely used for its medicinal properties, is known to be rich in active components that possess various pharmacological effects. However, the effectiveness of microbial fermentation in enhancing the content of these active substances remains unclear. In this study, a microflora of lactic acid bacteria was used to ferment Astragali Radix, and the promoting effect of Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) on the fermentation process was investigated so as to clarify the changes in major active compound content in the fermented Astragali Radix broth. Non-targeted metabolomic analysis based on ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was conducted to analyze the differences in metabolites before and after fermentation. The results showed that the total polysaccharide, total flavonoid, and total saponin content in the fermented Astragali Radix broth increased by up to 51.42%, 97.76%, and 72.81% under the optimized conditions, respectively. Streptococcus lutetiensis was the dominant bacterial species during the fermentation process. There were significant differences in metabolites in the fermentation broth before and after fermentation, among which amino acids (such as L-Aspartyl-L-Phenylalanine, etc.) and saponin compounds (such as Cloversaponin I, Goyasaponin I, etc.) were the main upregulated metabolites, which can enhance the physiological functions of Astragali Radix fermentation broth. The CGF exhibited the ability to promote the increase of active substance content in the fermented Astragali Radix broth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diabetic wounds present significant burdens to both patients and the healthcare system due to their prolonged inflammatory phase and adverse microenvironment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly Scutellaria baicalensis extract (SE), has shown promise in wound healing. Herein, sesbania gum (SG) was oxidized and formed hydrogel with carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) through the imine bond. Then, SE was loaded into the hydrogel as a wound dressing (CMCS−OSG@SE hydrogel). In vitro experiments demonstrated the mechanical properties and ROS scavenging efficiency of the hydrogel, as well as the release of SE and its biocompatibility. In an vivo study, diabetic mice with S. aureus infection were used, and the CMCS−-OSG@SE hydrogel dressing accelerated wound healing by promoting epidermal regeneration and collagen deposition. This composite polysaccharide hydrogel loaded with SE shows great potential for diabetic wound treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chinese herbs are a huge treasure trove of natural products and an important source of many active molecules. The theory of traditional Chinese medicine compatibility (TCMC) is widely applied in clinical practice, but its mechanism is still ambiguous. This study aims to open a new window for this predicament by studying the interaction between the main active ingredients from a drug pair. Carrier-free assembly of natural products improves the shortcomings of traditional nanodelivery systems and opens a new path for the development of new nanomaterials. The drug pair "Pueraria and Hedyotis diffusa" has been commonly used in clinical practice, with a predominant therapeutic effect. This study is devoted to the study of the binary small molecule co-assembly of the main active molecules from the drug pair. In this study, we introduce a carrier-free composite gel, formed by the co-assembly of puerarin (PUE) and deacetylasperulosidic acid (DAA) via non-covalent bonds including π–π packing, intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and C=O π interactions. With a strain point 7-fold higher than that of P gel, the P − D gel exhibited favorable rheological properties. The survival rate of SW1990 cells in the P − D group was only 21.39% when the concentration of administration reached 200 μM. It thus demonstrated activity in inhibiting SW1990 cells' survival, suggesting potential in combating pancreatic cancer. Furthermore, this research offers a valuable concept for enhancing the mechanical properties and bioactivity of hydrogel materials through the utilization of a multi-component natural small molecule co-assembly approach. More importantly, this provides new ideas and methods for the treatment of pancreatic cancer and the analysis of traditional Chinese medicine compatibility theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of natural products has been pivotal in drug development, providing a vast reservoir of bioactive compounds from various biological sources. This narrative review addresses a critical research gap: the largely underexplored role of gut microbiota in the mediation and biotransformation of medicinal herb-derived natural products for therapeutic use. By examining the interplay between gut microbiota and natural products, this review highlights the potential of microbiota-mediated biotransformation to unveil novel therapeutic agents. It delves into the mechanisms by which gut microbes modify and enhance the efficacy of natural products, with a focus on herbal medicines from Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, known for their applications in treating metabolic and inflammatory diseases. The review also discusses recent advances in microbiota-derived natural product research, including innovative methodologies such as culturomics, metagenomics, and metabolomics. By exploring the intricate interactions between gut microorganisms and their substrates, this review uncovers new strategies for leveraging gut microbiota-mediated processes in the development of groundbreaking therapeutics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the joints and requires various treatments, including medication, injection, and physiotherapy. Wu tou decoction (WTD) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescribed for RA, with several articles documenting its effectiveness in RA treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of WTD for RA. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing WTD with conventional treatments (including medication, injection, and physiotherapy) from its inception to May 2024. Primary outcomes were disease activity scores, including effective rate, tender joint count, and morning stiffness. Secondary outcomes comprised blood test results (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor) and adverse events. Nineteen RCTs involving 1794 patients were included. Statistically, WTD demonstrated better improvement than conventional treatments (18 medications and 1 injection) across the effective rate, joint scale, and blood tests, regardless of the treatment type (monotherapy or combination therapy). Adverse events were reported in 11 studies, with no statistical differences observed between them. The numerical results showed that WTD may offer potential benefits for managing RA. However, the significant discrepancy between clinical practice and the low quality of the RCTs remains a limitation. Therefore, further well-designed studies with larger patient cohorts are needed to draw definitive conclusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch), a significant traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been extensively utilized in China to treat various ailments. Natural bioactive coumarins, glycycoumarin, glycyrin, and 3-O-methylglycyrol, were isolated from licorice, and they exhibited various pharmacological properties. In this report, we have accomplished the total synthesis of glycycoumarin, glycyrin, and 3-O-methylglycyrol in 5–7 linear steps from commercially available 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde with yields of 12.3–21.2%. Additionally, their anti-inflammatory activities were studied and compared. Glycycoumarin, glycyrin, and 3-O-methylglycyrol exhibited different levels of anti-inflammatory activities, with glycyrin being the most potent. Mechanistic studies indicated that glycyrin exerted its anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the activation of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, making it a potential anti-inflammatory lead compound for further optimization and discovery of new agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medicinal food varieties developed according to the theory of medical and edible homologues are effective at preventing and treating chronic diseases and in health care. As of 2022, 110 types of traditional Chinese medicines from the same source of medicine and food have been published by the National Health Commission. Inflammation is the immune system's first response to injury, infection, and stress. Chronic inflammation is closely related to many diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer. Therefore, timely intervention for inflammation is the mainstay treatment for other complex diseases. However, some traditional anti-inflammatory drugs on the market are commonly associated with a number of adverse effects, which seriously affect the health and safety of patients. Therefore, the in-depth development of new safe, harmless, and effective anti-inflammatory drugs has become a hot topic of research and an urgent clinical need. Polysaccharides, one of the main active ingredients of medical and edible homologous traditional Chinese medicines (MEHTCMs), have been confirmed by a large number of studies to exert anti-inflammatory effects through multiple targets and are considered potential natural anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, the structure of medical and edible homologous traditional Chinese medicines' polysaccharides (MEHTCMPs) may be the key factor determining their anti-inflammatory activity, which makes the underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of polysaccharides and their structure–efficacy relationship hot topics of domestic and international research. However, due to the limitations of the current analytical techniques and tools, the structures have not been fully elucidated and the structure–efficacy relationship is relatively ambiguous, which are some of the difficulties in the process of developing and utilizing MEHTCMPs as novel anti-inflammatory drugs in the future. For this reason, this paper summarizes the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of MEHTCMPs, such as the regulation of the Toll-like receptor-related signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, NLRP3 signaling pathway, PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, PPAR-γ signaling pathway, Nrf2-HO-1 signaling pathway, and the regulation of intestinal flora, and it systematically analyzes and evaluates the relationships between the anti-inflammatory activity of MEHTCMPs and their structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periplocae Cortex (PC), Acanthopanacis Cortex (AC), and Lycii Cortex (LC), as traditional Chinese medicines, are all dried root bark, presented in a roll, light and brittle, easy to break, have a fragrant scent, etc. Due to their similar appearances, it is tough to distinguish them, and they are often confused and adulterated in markets and clinical applications. To realize the identification and quality control of three herbs, in this paper, Ultra Performance Liquid Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry Expression (UHPLC-QTOF-MSE) combined with chemometric analysis was used to explore the different chemical compositions. Methods: LC, AC, and PC were analyzed by UHPLC-QTOF-MSE, and the quantized MS data combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) were used to explore the different chemical compositions with Variable Importance Projection (VIP) > 1.0. Further, the different chemical compositions were identified according to the chemical standard substances, related literature, and databases. Results: AC, PC, and LC can be obviously distinguished in PCA and PLS-DA analysis with the VIP of 2661 ions > 1.0. We preliminarily identified 17 differential chemical constituents in AC, PC, and LC with significant differences (p < 0.01) and VIP > 1.0; for example, Lycium B and Periploside H2 are LC and PC's proprietary ingredients, respectively, and 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzaldehyde, Periplocoside C, and 3,5-Di-O-caffeoylquinic acid are the shared components of the three herbs. Conclusions: UHPLC-QTOF-MSE combined with chemometric analysis is conducive to exploring the differential chemical compositions of three herbs. Moreover, the proprietary ingredients, Lycium B (LC) and Periploside H2 (PC), are beneficial in strengthening the quality control of AC, PC, and LC. In addition, limits on the content of shared components can be set to enhance the quality control of LC, PC, and AC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Papaveraceae plant family serves as a botanical reservoir for a variety of medicinal compounds that have been traditionally utilized in Chinese medicine for numerous generations. Growing attention towards the pharmaceutical potential of Papaveraceae has resulted in the identification of many alkaloids, which have attracted significant attention from the scientific community because of their structural complexity and wide range of biological activities, such as analgesic, antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-cancer, and other activities, making them potential candidates for medical use. The primary objective of this review is to analyze the existing literature on the historical use of Papaveraceae plants, focusing on their alkaloid structures and relationship with pharmacological effects, as well as provide a theoretical basis for their clinical application, with the goal of unveiling the future potential of Papaveraceae plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of inflammation is closely related to the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. IL-1β produced during the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome has strong pro-inflammatory activity and can also promote the release of inflammatory factors by other immune cells, exacerbating inflammatory damage to tissues. Utilizing IL-1β as the detection index to find small-molecule inhibitors targeting NLRP3 from natural products will benefit the search for drugs for inflammation-related diseases. During the exploration of anti-inflammatory active components derived from the flowers of Dolichos lablab L., an ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine with dual applications in both medicinal treatment and dietary consumption, fourteen compounds (1–14), including seven previously unreported ones, named flosdolilabnitrogenousols A–D (1–4) and flosdolilabsaponins A–C (5–7), were found. Their structures were established through extensive NMR spectra determination, HR-ESI-MS analysis, ECD calculations, and chemical reactions. Flosdolilabsaponin A (5) stands out as an exceptionally rare tetracyclic lactone oleane-type saponin. Additionally, the inhibitory activity on IL-1β release of all compounds, without cytotoxicity, was evaluated using BMDMs stimulated with LPS/Nigericin. An Elisa assay revealed that compounds 1, 8, 9, and 11–14 exhibited significant inhibition of IL-1β release at a concentration of 30 μM. Structure–activity relationships were also discussed. This study indicates that D. lablab flowers possess anti-inflammatory activity, which might exert its effect by suppressing the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The sclerotia of Wolfiporia hoelen are one of the most important traditional Chinese medicines and foods commonly used in China, Japan, Korea, and other Asian countries. To provide a high-quality reference genome and deepen our understanding of the genome of W. hoelen to elucidate various biological phenomena. In this study, we assembled three genomes of W. hoelen using a combination of Nanopore and Illumina sequencing strategies. The fifteen-chromosome genome L7 of W. hoelen was assembled with two-sided telomere and rDNA sequences for the first time. The chromosome count was subsequently confirmed through collinearity analysis, correcting the previous belief that W. hoelen had only fourteen chromosomes. Moreover, the aneuploid genome was discovered in W. hoelen for the first time through sequencing depth analysis of different chromosomes, and only some strains of W. hoelen exhibit aneuploid genomes. According to the genome analysis of homokaryotic offspring and protoplast-isolated strains, a potential variation in chromosome allocation patterns was revealed. Moreover, the gene function enrichment analysis of genes on reduplicated chromosomes demonstrated that aneuploidy in the genome may be the result of environmental adaptation for W. hoelen. The discovery of an aneuploid genome also provides new ideas for genetic improvement of W. hoelen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semen persicae is the dried mature seeds of Prunus persica (L.) Batsch and P. davidiana (Carr.) Franch and is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulations because of its variety of biological effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and toxicity profiles of semen persicae extract (SPE) after determining the amygdalin content (4.95%) using HPLC. Regarding the in vitro antioxidant activity, SPE with 2 mg/mL concentration scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydroxyl, and ABTS free radicals with rates of 51.78%, 55.47%, and 57.16%, respectively. The same concentration of SPE chelated 30.76% Fe2+. The in vitro cytotoxicity study revealed that SPE induced 92.45% cell viabilities of HEPG2 even at 2000 μg/mL. In the acute toxicity study, oral administration of SPE did not provoke mortality or any toxic signs at doses up to 2000 mg/kg bw. Repeated oral administration for 28 days at doses of 100, 300, and 600 mg/kg per day in rats did not show any toxicity signs or gross pathological abnormalities. The results of the present research provide basic reference data for SPE with a moderate effect on antioxidant activity and low toxicity for future screening of biological and pharmacological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both experimental and clinical liver fibrosis leave a metabolic footprint that can be uncovered and defined using metabolomic approaches. Metabolomics combines pattern recognition algorithms with analytical chemistry, in particular, 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and various liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) platforms. The analysis of liver fibrosis by each of these methodologies is reviewed separately. Surprisingly, there was little general agreement between studies within each of these three groups and also between groups. The metabolomic footprint determined by NMR (two or more hits between studies) comprised elevated lactate, acetate, choline, 3-hydroxybutyrate, glucose, histidine, methionine, glutamine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and citrate. For GC–MS, succinate, fumarate, malate, ascorbate, glutamate, glycine, serine and, in agreement with NMR, glutamine, phenylalanine, tyrosine and citrate were delineated. For LC–MS, only β-muricholic acid, tryptophan, acylcarnitine, p-cresol, valine and, in agreement with NMR, phosphocholine were identified. The metabolomic footprint of liver fibrosis was upregulated as regards glutamine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, citrate and phosphocholine. Several investigators employed traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatments to reverse experimental liver fibrosis, and a commentary is given on the chemical constituents that may possess fibrolytic activity. It is proposed that molecular docking procedures using these TCM constituents may lead to novel therapies for liver fibrosis affecting at least one-in-twenty persons globally, for which there is currently no pharmaceutical cure. This in-depth review summarizes the relevant literature on metabolomics and its implications in addressing the clinical problem of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and its sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]