Objective To provide precise treatment protocols for tension-type headaches (TTH) and to establish a transferable methodological framework for the digitization of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Methods Literature was retrieved from seven electronic databases using MeSH terms and relevant keywords to identify clinical studies on TCM external treatment methods with acupoint prescriptions. Descriptive statistics of acupoint usage frequency and meridian attribution were analyzed using Excel. Association rules of acupoints were identified using the Apriori algorithm. Association networks were visualized, and systematic cluster analysis was performed. Equipment testing was conducted according to standards YY 9706.102-2021 and GB/T 25000.51-2016 to confirm the stability and safety parameters of the Shangyi-4 (SY-4) miniaturized meridian regulation robot miniaturized meridian regulation robot. Results A total of 126 studies were analyzed, comprising 102 acupoints used 843 times. The most frequently used acupoints were Baihui (GV 20), Fengchi (GB 20), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), and Taichong (LR 3). At the meridian level, the bladder, gallbladder, and Governor Vessel had the highest acupoint representation. Acupoints were predominantly located in the head and neck regions (62.75%). Association rule analysis identified “GV 20 to GB 20” with the highest support (67.46%) and “GB 20 to Touwei (ST 8)” with the highest confidence (94.29%). System clustering categorized the 102 acupoints into four major groups. The SY-4 met all requirements for electromagnetic compatibility and software quality. The safety parameters included a magnetic field strength of 50–150 Gs, force control of 0.5–6 N, and vibration frequency of 50–70 Hz. Conclusion This study defines a quantitative digital prescription for robotic treatment of TTH, identifying a core therapeutic regimen that targets the Governor Vessel, gallbladder meridian, and bladder meridian, principally GV 20, EX-HN 5, ST8, and GB 20, and specifying execution parameters of 50–150 Gs magnetic field intensity, 0.5–6 N force control, and 50–70 Hz vibration frequency.
Objective To compare three different curcumin-loaded solid dispersions, assess their solubility, and conduct antioxidant and biological safety assays. Methods Three different curcumin-loaded solid dispersions were prepared using the solvent, solvent melting, and melting methods, and characterized using a scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, and X-ray diffractometer. Additionally, the drug content, equilibrium solubility, dissolution, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, 2,2ʹ-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate) scavenging ability, and biological safety were investigated. Results X-ray diffractometer and differential scanning calorimetry analyses confirmed that curcumin existed in an amorphous state in the solid dispersion, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy suggested intermolecular interactions between curcumin and polyvinylpyrrolidone K29/32, and scanning electron microscope showed the disappearance of crystalline morphology and formation of a homogeneous matrix. The optimized solid dispersion significantly improved the aqueous solubility of curcumin. Rapid drug release was observed, with more than 70% of curcumin released within 20 min, whereas free curcumin exhibited very limited dissolution. The solubility of the solid dispersion was potential of hydrogen-dependent, with higher solubility under weakly acidic to near-neutral conditions and a marked decrease under alkaline conditions. In antioxidant assays, the solid dispersion exhibited stronger free radical scavenging activity than curcumin alone in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the solid dispersion showed reduced cytotoxicity, with improved cell viability compared with free curcumin at higher concentrations. Conclusion Solid dispersions supported by polyvinylpyrrolidone K29/32 showed significantly increased solubility of curcumin, and had higher antioxidant activity and biological safety than those of curcumin alone.
Objective To evaluate the utilization, completion quality, and physicians’ perceptions of a large language model (LLM)-based intelligent pre-consultation system in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical settings and to examine its role in the emerging physician–artificial intelligence (AI)-patient triadic model, thereby providing evidence for future system optimization. Methods A total of 21 731 pre-consultation records from a tertiary TCM hospital between July 2025 and February 2026 were analyzed for patient demographics and completion status. In addition, 42 clinical physicians completed a clinical effectiveness evaluation scale for the pre-consultation system. Descriptive statistics, reliability and validity analyses, and subgroup comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis H tests. Qualitative data from physician interviews were thematically analyzed to complement the quantitative findings. Results The patient completion rate was 77.10% (16 754/21 731). The physician survey scale demonstrated excellent reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.954) and validity (Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin = 0.825). The overall mean physician rating was 3.62 ± 0.78, with the structural dimension (information collection) scoring the highest (3.77 ± 0.72) and the outcome dimension (medical output and perception) scoring the lowest (3.49 ± 0.86). Among the pre-consultation content sections, allergy history received the highest rating (80.83/100), whereas the chief complaints received the lowest rating (70.29/100). Subgroup comparisons revealed significant age–related differences in satisfaction (H = 10.006, P = .019), with physicians aged 31–40 years reporting lower satisfaction (median = 3.00) and those aged 51–60 years reporting higher satisfaction (median = 4.00). No significant differences were observed across specialties, sex, professional titles, or digital tool preferences. Conclusion The LLM-based pre-consultation system demonstrated preliminary physician acceptance, particularly for information collection within the TCM hospital setting. However, substantial improvements are still required in chief complaint acquisition, decision support, workflow integration, and documentation burden reduction. Future optimization should prioritize clinically actionable information extraction, stronger integration of TCM diagnostic logic, and improved accessibility for elderly users.
Objectives To optimize two Tibetan medicine intervention schemes for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) to improve the transparency, standardization, and scalability of their formulation. Methods Based on a systematic review of relevant randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence, appropriateness scales were developed for each Tibetan formula. A two-round research and development corporation (RAND)/University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) appropriateness method (RAM) consensus process (independent scoring followed by face-to-face discussion) was employed to finalize the intervention plan. The clinical efficacy of the two final schemes was assessed in RCTs using a prespecified performance goal of 60%. Results Twenty-eight RCTs informed the scale for RAM round 1. The results of the scale showed that 13 items (56.5%) showed disagreement. Round 2 finalized schemes A and B. In patients with RA (disease activity score 28: 2.6–5.1), scheme A enrolled 59 patients (15 dropouts), and scheme B enrolled 62 patients (8 dropouts). At week 12, using intention-to-treat non-responder imputation, the American College of Rheumatology 20% (ACR20) response rates were 54% and 65% for schemes A and B, respectively; per-protocol analysis yielded 66.9% and 70.8%, respectively. Scheme B met the industry's minimum efficacy criterion, whereas scheme A required more rigorous data owing to higher dropouts. Conclusions We propose an objective, transparent, and repeatable methodological paradigm for traditional Chinese medicine complex interventions and verify that the final scheme has good therapeutic effects.
Objective To investigate whether Fuzheng Buxue dietary therapy (FZBX) counteracts chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression (CIM) by partially modulating bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) function via the Notch signaling pathway. Methods Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) was used to characterize the chemical constituents of FZBX. Rat MSCs were isolated by whole bone marrow adherence and were authenticated. MSCs were assigned to four groups: normal control, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), FZBX-medicated serum, and 5-FU + FZBX-medicated serum. Cell viability was measured using the cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and proliferation was evaluated by 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were analyzed using flow cytometry, followed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) quantification of hematopoietic cytokines. Whole transcriptome sequencing and the search tool for the retrieval of interacting genes/proteins (STRING) protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis were performed to explore the global transcriptional changes and interactions of Notch pathway-related genes. Western blot was used to assess the key proteins involved in the Notch pathway. Results UHPLC-MS/MS identified amino acid related metabolites and herbal phytochemicals as the major constituents of FZBX. 5-FU impaired MSCs function, as evidenced by cell proliferation, induction of G0/G1 phase arrest, elevation of the total apoptosis rate, disruption of hematopoietic cytokine balance, and downregulation of Notch pathway-related proteins. The FZBX-medicated serum notably enhanced the proliferative activity; in 5-FU-injured MSCs (P < .001), FZBX ameliorated 5-FU-induced G0/G1 phase arrest, reduced early and late apoptosis rates, and restored the hematopoietic cytokine balance (P < .001). Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant upregulation of multiple Notch pathway components (P < .001), and PPI network analysis confirmed their functional interplay. Western blot further indicated that FZBX activated the Notch signaling pathway by upregulating the expression of Jagged1, Notch1, and Notch2. Conclusion The findings suggest that FZBX may protect against CIM by modulating MSCs function, at least partially via the Notch signaling pathway, and offers a promising therapeutic strategy.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Guominkang (GMK) for allergic rhinitis (AR). Methods A total of 130 patients with AR aged 18–60 were randomized 1:1 to the GMK or placebo groups for 8 weeks of treatment. Assessments were conducted every 4 weeks, followed by follow-up visits every 8 weeks during the 24-week follow-up period. The primary outcome was the change in total nasal symptom score (TNSS). Secondary outcome measures included related symptom scores, quality of life assessments, mental health scales and laboratory test results. Results A total of 110 of the 130 participants completed the study at the Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong City, Nantong, China, between February and December 2023. After 8 weeks of treatment, the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis showed a greater reduction in TNSS in the GMK group, with a score change of 9.00 (7.00, 10.00) and a difference (95% confidence interval [CI]) of −9.00 (−9.00 to −8.00; P < .001). Consistent findings were confirmed in the per-protocol (PP) analysis, with a score change: 8.63 (2.37) and a difference (95% CI) of −8.68 (−9.51 to −7.85; P < .001). The GMK group also showed marked improvements in total nasal and non-nasal symptom score (TNNSS), rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) scores and 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) (P < .001). Only Weed Pollen (wx5) showed a significant group–time interaction (P = .037). No serious adverse events or abnormal laboratory findings were observed. Conclusion GMK effectively relieves symptoms and improves quality of life of patients with AR. However, larger and longer-term trials are needed to further verify its efficacy and safety.
Objective To investigate the effects of a digital electric fire-needling acupuncture device (EFNA) in a mouse model of chronic eczema (CE) and aimed to elucidate its underlying antipruritic mechanisms. Methods Forty bagg albino (BALB)/c mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups: control, model, EFNA, and halometasone groups (n = 10). Except for the control group, CE was induced in all groups using 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene. After model establishment, mice in the EFNA group received EFNA treatment at the lesional skin sites, whereas the halometasone group received a dose-tapering regimen of topical halometasone for two weeks. The eczema area severity index of the dorsal skin, and scratching frequency (bouts/10 min) were assessed after model induction and treatment. The splenic index was recorded post-intervention. Hematoxylin and eosin staining evaluated skin morphology, and Western blot analysis determined expression levels of CXC motif chemokine ligand 10 (CXCL10), CXC chemokine receptor type 3 (CXCR3), mas-related g-protein coupled receptor member A3 (MrgprA3), and transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in skin tissue. Results Both EFNA and halometasone markedly reduced eczema area severity index scores (both P < .001), significantly decreased scratching frequency (P = .010, P = .007), and reduced the spleen index (P = .029, P < .001). EFNA also alleviated edema and epidermal thickening in lesional skin, decreased local lymphocyte infiltration, and downregulated CXCL10, CXCR3, MrgprA3, and TRPV1 expression in skin tissues (all P < .001). Conclusion EFNA ameliorated 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced chronic eczematous lesions, with reductions in pruritus, inflammatory edema and cellular infiltration, alongside downregulation of CXCL10, CXCR3, MrgprA3, and TRPV1. These findings suggest that the antipruritic effect of EFNA may involve modulation of the non-histaminergic itch transmission pathway, providing new insights into the mechanism of fire-needling therapy for CE.
Objective To develop a nomogram diagnostic model for qi deficiency and blood stasis (QDBS) pattern during ischemic stroke recovery using bulbar conjunctival microcirculation parameters, based on the theory of “observing the eyes to identify diseases,” to guide clinical pattern differentiation. Methods From February 10, 2021 to December 7, 2023, 180 patients with QDBS pattern during ischemic stroke recovery were enrolled at the Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, along with 180 healthy Shenyang residents as controls. Bulbar conjunctival microcirculation data were collected from both groups using a Zhonglian (ZL)104-type microcirculation detector. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression combined with multivariable logistic regression was applied to identify bulbar conjunctival microcirculation indicators associated with the pattern, and a nomogram diagnostic model was constructed. Model discrimination and calibration were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves, respectively, and clinical utility was evaluated using decision curve analysis. Results Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression combined with multivariable logistic regression identified blurred vessels (odds ratio [OR] = 3.98), dark red or dark purplish blood color (OR = 3.00), arteriovenous shunt branches (OR = 9.95), microaneurysms (OR = 2.66), and ischemic areas (OR = 2.98) as risk factors for QDBS during ischemic stroke recovery, whereas arteriolar diameter (OR = 0.72), venular diameter (OR = 0.71), and microvessel number (OR = 0.75) were protective factors. The nomogram diagnostic model based on these factors achieved an area under the curve of 0.942. The calibration curve closely approximated the ideal curve, and decision curve analysis indicated favorable clinical applicability and net benefit. Conclusion Based on the theory of “observing the eyes to identify diseases,” bulbar conjunctival microcirculation examination provides an objective assessment of white eye collaterals. The diagnostic model for QDBS during ischemic stroke recovery may assist in the auxiliary diagnosis of clinical stroke patterns.
Oncological cytotoxic therapies, radiotherapy, and targeted or immunotherapy inevitably induce debilitating symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, and nausea or vomiting, severely impacting patients’ quality of life and treatment tolerance. Although traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) emphasizes personalized, holistic management through pattern differentiation, traditional practice is subjective and lacks standardization. This article proposes an artificial intelligence (AI)-secured four-diagnostic TCM tool for the management of oncological symptoms. The tool objectively quantifies TCM patterns in real time using digital tongue or face imaging, photoplethysmographic pulse waveforms, and pattern questionnaires, while concurrently assessing symptom severity using the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI)-TCM. A pattern-symptom-technique smart matching algorithm then standardizes TCM intervention selection (e.g., acupoint patching, acupuncture), enabling a dynamic assessment-intervention-optimization closed-loop protocol that modernizes the TCM principle of “treating according to changing patterns.” This AI-driven approach shifts TCM from experience-based empiricism to objective data-driven practice, thereby enhancing the precision and standardization of integrative oncology by combining quantified patterns with MDASI-TCM symptom factors. The platform paves the way for the future integration of multi-omics data (imaging, genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) to build predictive efficacy models and explore TCM patterns as prognostic biomarkers, ultimately providing a practical framework for improving the quality of life and delivering individualized integrative cancer care.
Objective To develop a machine-learning framework integrating TCMBank-derived liver disease seed curation with structured herb-level annotations to prioritize herbs with potential relevance to liver disease. Methods Liver-focused non-tumor disease seeds were curated from TCMBank to identify 356 annotation-supported positive herbs. Herb-level features were derived from structured TCMBank annotations. Six unweighted machine-learning models were trained using the original 356-positive/8835-background positive-unlabeled dataset. Performance was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the area under the precision-recall curve (PR-AUC), with PR-AUC interpreted relative to the baseline prevalence of 0.039. Candidate herbs were further refined through consensus prioritization, cross-model concordance, and translational evidence evaluation. Results A total of 124 curated liver disease seeds and 9191 TCMBank herb records were retained. The final modeling dataset comprised 356 annotation-defined positive herbs and 8835 unlabeled background herbs, corresponding to a positive prevalence of 0.039. Model performance was evaluated using the 356-positive positive-unlabeled dataset. PR-AUC baselines, candidate rankings, and validation-priority scores were generated within and aligned with the final modeling framework. Conclusions This study establishes a reproducible machine-learning framework for prioritizing candidate herbs in liver disease research and provides a data-driven strategy for translating large-scale database resources for Chinese medicine into experimentally-testable hypotheses. The prioritized candidates should be regarded as computational hypotheses requiring staged pharmacological, hepatobiliary, and safety validation rather than as evidence of established clinical efficacy.
Mental health issues, including cognitive impairment, anxiety, and depression, have become a major global health challenge. Notably, conventional pharmacological treatments are often accompanied by adverse reactions. The traditional Chinese medicine concept of “Medicine and Food Homology (MFH)” provides an important direction for disease prevention and treatment. Panax ginseng C. A. Mey. (P. ginseng, Ren Shen) is a representative MFH substance that has increasingly recognized for its roles in improving cognitive function and regulating mood. However, there remains no systematic integration based on modern scientific evidence. This review aimed to systematically summarize existing research in order to clarify the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of P. ginseng and its products (Red Ginseng, Black Ginseng, ginsenosides, polysaccharides, etc.). For cognitive improvement, they act through multiple pathways, including inhibiting neuroinflammation, enhancing antioxidant capacity, improving mitochondrial metabolism, and regulating synaptic plasticity. For emotional regulation, they alleviate anxiety and depression by modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal/hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, balancing neurotransmitters, and activating the brain-derived neurotrophic factor-tropomyosin receptor kinase B pathway. P. ginseng and its active components exhibit multi-target, network-based action characteristics and good safety profiles. However, there remain challenges, including unclear mechanisms for individual components and insufficient high-quality clinical evidence. Future studies are warranted to perform in-depth analysis of the synergistic mechanisms of active ingredients. Moreover, large-scale clinical trials are warranted to provide scientific support for the standardized application of P. ginseng in mental health.
Objective To investigate the use of perillaldehyde (PAE) for treating plateau insomnia and to develop a stable intranasal PAE nanomicelles in situ gel (PAE/NMs-INSG). Methods A mouse model of plateau insomnia was established in this study. Sleep latency/duration and brain melatonin/gamma-aminobutyric acid levels were also assessed. PAE/NMs were prepared via thin-film hydration and optimized using the Box–Behnken design. An in situ gel was formulated using poloxamer 407 and chitosan. The gel properties (pH, viscosity, and rheology), in vitro release, and stability were characterized. Results PAE alleviated symptoms of plateau insomnia. The optimized PAE/NMs had a size of 92.40 nm, polydispersity index of 0.246, encapsulation efficiency of 79.50%, and drug loading of 10.60%. The final PAE/NMs-INSG (18% P407, 0.25% chitosan) was spherical, with a suitable pH (5.4) and viscosity (5.024 Pa·s), and exhibited thixotropic/viscoelastic behavior. PAE/NMs-INSG showed sustained release, prolonged nasal retention. Conclusion PAE, administered intranasally, effectively alleviates plateau insomnia. The developed PAE/NMs-INSG enhances PAE stability and exhibits sustained release, thereby offering a promising strategy.
Objective To investigate the pharmacodynamic effects of Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chou (Z. jujuba, Suan Zao Ren) fermented with the fungus of Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (P. cocos strain) and Massa Medicata Fermentata (MMF) on hippocampal monoamine neurotransmitters in mice with blood-deficiency insomnia. Methods Fermented Z. jujuba products were prepared from P. cocos strain (PCS) and MMF. A mouse model of blood-deficiency insomnia was established via intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide and p-chlorophenylalanine. Model evaluation included general physical status, a pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep test, and peripheral blood analysis, including white blood cells, red blood cells (RBC), and hemoglobin (Hb). Hippocampal levels of norepinephrine (NE), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Results Compared to the control group, mice in the model group exhibited shortened sleep duration (P = .003), decreased RBC and Hb levels (P = .005 and P = .008, respectively), confirming successful modeling. In the hippocampal tissue of model mice, the levels of NE, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA were significantly decreased (all P < .05), whereas DA levels were significantly increased (P = .024). Treatment with fermented Z. jujuba significantly prolonged sleep duration (both P < .01). Moreover, The PCS group had significantly higher hippocampal NE, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA levels (all P < .01). The MMF group showed increased 5-HT and 5-HIAA (P = .040 and P = .0085) but decreased DA (P = .033). Additionally, NE was significantly lower in the MMF group than in the PCS group (P = .008). Conclusion Fermented Z. jujuba products effectively ameliorated sleep disorders in mice with blood-deficiency insomnia. These pharmacological effects may relate to the targeted remodeling of monoamine neurotransmitter homeostasis in the hippocampus, specifically by upregulating NE, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA levels and downregulating DA levels.
Objective To determine the optimal dosing ratio of the herbal components within compound Hemerocallis citrina Baroni (H. citrina) extract concentrate (CHEC), evaluate its antidepressant effects in zebrafish and mouse models of depression, and elucidate the underlying mechanisms with a particular focus on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway using network pharmacology and molecular biology approaches. Methods The optimal CHEC formulation was screened using a zebrafish model of reserpine-induced depression. To assess neuroinflammation and monoamine neurotransmitter levels, the levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, dopamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine in zebrafish brain tissues were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Active constituents were identified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and potential targets were predicted using the Swiss Target Prediction database. A traditional Chinese medicine–active ingredient–target network and a protein–protein interaction network were constructed, followed by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses to explore potential mechanisms. A mouse model of depression was subsequently established using chronic restraint stress (CRS) combined with intraperitoneal lipopolysaccharide injection. The antidepressant effects of CHEC were assessed through behavioral tests, quantification of monoamine neurotransmitters and inflammatory cytokines, histopathological examination of hippocampal neurons using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and western blot analysis of PI3K/AKT/BDNF pathway-related proteins. Results CHEC significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors in CRS mice, as demonstrated by behavioral assessments. Treatment reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and restored monoamine neurotransmitter concentrations. Histological analysis revealed attenuation of hippocampal neuronal damage. Furthermore, CHEC significantly modulated the PI3K/AKT/BDNF signaling pathway in the hippocampus of depressive-like mice. Conclusion CHEC exerts antidepressant-like effects by suppressing inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1β; enhancing dopamine and BDNF levels; and regulating the PI3K/AKT/BDNF signaling pathway. These findings provide mechanistic evidence supporting the therapeutic potential of CHEC for depression.
Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ganmai Dazao (GMDZ) decoction alone and in combination with antidepressant medication or psychotherapy for depression. Methods We searched seven electronic databases from inception to December 2025. Two assessors extracted the data and independently evaluated the methodological quality using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment. Results A total of 35 randomized controlled trials involving 3187 patients were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated that GMDZ decoction, either as monotherapy or in combination with antidepressants/psychotherapy, significantly reduced Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores (GMDZ group: standardized mean difference [SMD]: ‒0.63, 95% CI: ‒1.01 to ‒0.26; combination therapy group: SMD: ‒1.87, 95% confidence interval [CI]: ‒2.44 to ‒1.30), Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores (combination therapy group: mean difference [MD]: ‒4.23, 95% CI: ‒5.89 to ‒2.57), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores (GMDZ group: MD: ‒3.56, 95% CI: ‒4.14 to ‒2.99; combination therapy group: MD: ‒3.60, 95% CI: ‒5.87 to ‒1.32), all statistically significant (P < .05). This effectively alleviated depressive and anxiety symptoms while improving sleep quality, with the combination therapy demonstrating greater efficacy in reducing HAMD scores. Regarding safety, adverse events primarily included nausea and dry mouth. The overall quality of the evidence was low. Conclusion GMDZ decoction effectively alleviated symptoms of depression and anxiety while improving sleep quality, with combination therapy demonstrating more pronounced effects in reducing HAMD scores. However, the included studies exhibited considerable heterogeneity, with some lacking clear allocation, concealment, or blinding protocols. More high-quality, large-sample, multicenter, randomized controlled trials are needed for further validation, given these limitations.
Cognitive impairment is a growing public health concern associated with aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and chronic stress. Polygonatum sibiricum Red. (P. sibiricum, Huang Jing), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is used to reinforce qi, strengthen the spleen, and nourish yin. Recent studies have suggested that P. sibiricum polysaccharides (PSP), its major bioactive constituents, exert neuroprotective effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, modulation of the gut–brain axis, and improvement of synaptic plasticity. This review summarizes recent advances in the pharmacological activities of P. sibiricum and PSP related to cognitive improvement, highlights findings from behavioral, cellular, and molecular studies, and examines the clinical evidence supporting their therapeutic potential. Understanding the mechanism of action of P. sibiricum offers new insights into its potential development as a functional food or complementary therapeutic agent for cognitive decline.
Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are common multifactorial disorders involving chronic inflammation, epithelial barrier disruption, immune dysregulation, gut microbiota imbalance, and abnormalities in motility and gut–brain interactions. Conventional pharmacotherapies (e.g., antibiotics, acid suppressants, and immunomodulators) relieve symptoms; however, they often act on single pathways and have limitations regarding long-term remission, tolerability, and safety. This review summarizes the pathogenesis and epidemiology of GI diseases and outlines the current clinical status of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of these diseases. A total of 143 single herbs and more than 200 formulas from the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China and authoritative standards, primarily used for regulating the spleen and stomach, soothing the liver and regulating qi, and clearing heat and detoxifying, are collated. Drawing on modern experimental and clinical evidence, we describe how TCM-based interventions may modulate key pathological processes, including inflammation, mucosal barrier injury, microbiota dysbiosis, and motility disturbances, and summarize clinical findings in functional GI disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic atrophic gastritis, and post-stroke GI dysfunction. Finally, we highlight major challenges and future directions, including improving the methodological rigor of randomized trials, establishing standardized diagnostic and evaluation systems, strengthening pharmaceutical standardization and long-term safety monitoring, and developing mechanism- and biomarker-guided integrative treatment strategies to support a more evidence-based role for TCM in GI disease management.
Objective To assess the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture (EA) in a rat model of diabetic cystopathy (DCP) and examine its impact on the expression of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG). Methods Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, DCP, EA, and sham EA (n = 10). DCP was induced using a high-fat diet, followed by streptozotocin injection. EA was administered at the Pangguangshu (BL 28) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) acupoints for 8 weeks. Bladder function, structure, and molecular changes were evaluated using ultrasonography, urodynamic tests, bladder weight measurements, histological staining (hematoxylin and eosin and Masson’s trichrome staining), transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemical analysis, and western blot for TRPV1 expression in the DRG. Results The DCP group exhibited significantly increased bladder weight, wall thickness, collagen fiber expression, maximum bladder capacity (MBC), post-void residual (PVR), and leakage point pressure, along with reduced bladder compliance (BC) and voiding efficiency (V%) compared with the Control group (all P < .05). EA treatment significantly decreased bladder weight (P = .003), collagen deposition (P = .002), wall thickness (P = .027), MBC (P = .046), and PVR (P = .023), and increased BC (P = .048) and V% (P = .022) compared with sham EA. Ultrastructural damage in DRG neurons was markedly ameliorated by EA. TRPV1 protein expression in the DRG was significantly higher in the EA group than in the sham EA group (immunohistochemistry: P = .003; western blot: P = .001). Conclusion EA alleviates bladder dysfunction and remodeling in DCP rats, an effect associated with upregulated TRPV1 expression in the DRG, reduced bladder fibrosis, and preserved neuronal ultrastructure. These findings suggest a potential role for TRPV1 signaling in mediating the therapeutic effects of EA, warranting further functional investigation.
