Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a serious condition that can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Natural herbal therapeutics, characterized by their multi-constituent and multi-target properties, as well as favorable safety profiles—particularly lower hepatorenal toxicity—are attracting significant research interest for MAFLD management. In this review, we examine their ethnopharmacological applications, with a focus on autophagy regulation. Information was gathered from traditional medical texts and online databases (e.g., PubMed and CNKI) using keywords such as “MAFLD,” “autophagy,” and “natural herbal plants.” Incorporating herbal plants into MAFLD treatment offers several advantages. First, autophagy regulation involves multiple signaling pathways (e.g., PI3K/AKT/mTOR, AMPK/TFEB, PINK1/Parkin, and Unc-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1)/Beclin-1/VPS34). Single-target drugs often fail to modulate this complex network effectively, whereas various medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds can simultaneously interact with key targets such as mTOR, AMPK, TFEB, SIRT1, LC3B, Beclin-1, ATG5, ULK1, and PPARγ. Second, these plants demonstrate excellent safety profiles. Traditional Chinese compound preparations, such as Zexie Decoction and Shenling Baizhu Powder, have shown clinical efficacy over centuries. To elucidate their mechanisms, researchers are now isolating bioactive compounds from these formulas for cellular and animal studies, revealing their specific roles in modulating autophagy. In summary, plant-derived bioactive compounds—especially those targeting autophagy—have shown promising clinical results against MAFLD and represent valuable candidates for future drug development.
Abstract: Objective To establish a quantitative method for the determination of narcissoside in Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. var. dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Benson and to improve its quality control standard. Methods High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to determine the content of narcissoside. The chromatographic conditions were as follows: a C18 column was employed with acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid aqueous solution (18:82, v/v) as the mobile phase at a fl ow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The detection wavelength was 254 nm, the column temperature was maintained at 30 °C, and the injection volume was 10 μL. Results Good linearity was observed over the range of 3.54–56.64 μg (R² = 0.9997). The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of precision, stability, and repeatability were all less than 2.0%. The average recovery was 98.79% with an RSD of 1.15% (n = 6). Based on the determination of three batches of samples, the content of narcissoside was preliminarily specifi ed as not less than 0.0105% in Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw. var. dillenii (Ker Gawl.) Benson. Conclusion The established HPLC method is simple, stable, and accurate, providing a reliable reference for the quality evaluation and quality control of Opuntia stricta var. dillenii.
Objective Evaluation of the therapeutic effect of Tongfu Zhike Formula (TFZKF) on mice with cough variant asthma (CVA) and exploration of its mechanism of action in improving CVA. Methods The main chemical components of TFZKF were detected and analyzed using UHPLC-MS/MS. Network pharmacology was employed to investigate the potential targets of TFZKF in CVA. After grouping and drug administration, the number of coughs and cough latency were observed in CVA mice. White blood cell differential counts in BALF, serum levels of IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-γ, as well as pathological changes in lung tissue were assessed. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to analyze the protein expression levels and mRNA changes of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the lung tissue of CVA mice. Results A total of 495 chemical components were detected in TFZKF under both positive and negative ion modes. Network pharmacology analysis identified 199 potential targets related to TFZKF and CVA, and found close associations with the TLR4 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Animal experiments showed that, compared to the Model group, TFZKF significantly reduced the number of coughs, prolonged cough latency, decreased serum levels of IgE, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13, reduced the total number of white blood cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils in BALF, alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis in lung tissue, and downregulated the protein and mRNA expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB. Conclusion The interaction within the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway may be a potential key target for the treatment of cough variant asthma.
Abstract: Objective To establish a quality standard for Potentilla longifolia medicinal materials and provide a basis for their quality control and standardized application. Methods Ten batches of Potentilla longifolia medicinal materials were collected. Macroscopic identifi cation, microscopic identification, and powder microscopic identification were employed to investigate the macroscopic characteristics, root transverse section structures, and powder features of the medicinal materials. Thin-layer chromatography (TLC) identification was established using catechin reference substance and Potentilla longifolia reference medicinal material as references. According to the general chapters of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, tests for impurities, moisture, total ash, and acid-insoluble ash were conducted. Results The macroscopic characteristics, root transverse section features, and powder microscopic characteristics of Potentilla longifolia were systematically described. The TLC chromatograms showed clear spots, good separation, and strong specifi city. Among the 10 batches of samples, impurity content ranged from 0.7% to 1.3%, with an average of 0.99%; moisture content ranged from 9.3% to 10.7%, with an average of 10.09%; total ash content ranged from 8.2% to 10.7%, with an average of 9.56%; acid-insoluble ash content ranged from 0.70% to 1.54%, with an average of 0.99%. Conclusion The quality standard established in this study is stable and feasible, and can provide a reference for the quality evaluation, quality control, and standard development of Potentilla longifolia medicinal materials.
