IntroductionCharacterizing plant-derived compounds in complex botanical formulations remains challenging because of matrix complexity, structurally related analogues, and frequent isomerism. Xie-Bai-San decoction (XBSD), a traditional herbal formula composed of Cortex Mori, Cortex Lycii, and Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae, represents a complex botanical system requiring comprehensive phytochemical characterization.MethodsAn integrated phytochemical annotation strategy was developed using UPLC-Q Exactive Orbitrap HRMS combined with an automated data processing workflow incorporating an in-house library, public databases, and feature-based molecular networking (FBMN). Compound characterization was further supported by reference standard validation, MS/MS spectral interpretation, literature comparison, and confidence-level assignment.ResultsA total of 218 compounds were annotated or tentatively characterized in XBSD, including 80 flavonoids, 35 organic acids, 23 amides, 21 terpenoids, 17 coumarins, 8 saccharides, 6 alkaloids, 5 stilbenes, 3 cyclic peptides, and 20 other constituents. Among them, 74 compounds were reported from XBSD for the first time, and 13 compounds were unambiguously identified using authentic reference standards. Representative MS/MS fragmentation features were elucidated to guide the annotation of structurally related analogues. FBMN enabled the visual clustering of molecular families, facilitating rapid structural inference and improving confidence in analogue annotation, particularly for isomers and low-abundance compounds.DiscussionThis study provides a comprehensive chemical profile of XBSD and demonstrates that the integrated UPLC-HRMS-based workflow improves the efficiency, reliability, and transparency of phytochemical annotation in complex traditional herbal formulations. The proposed strategy may serve as a practical analytical framework for the rapid characterization of structurally diverse constituents in other complex botanical systems.

Puerarin, a natural isoflavone derived from the roots of kudzu vine, has shown promising protective effects against kidney diseases. It exerts antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and antiapoptotic effects that collectively reduce renal injury and slow disease progression. Despite these pharmacological benefits, the therapeutic potential of puerarin is limited by extremely poor solubility, low oral bioavailability, and rapid metabolism. Advances in nanodelivery have provided innovative strategies to address these barriers, including nanoparticles, hydrogels, liposomes, micelles, and dendrimers. Although the applications of puerarin nanodelivery in kidney diseases remain limited, evidence from other pathological models provides valuable guidance for designing kidney-specific approaches. In this review, existing studies on the therapeutic effects of puerarin in renal disorders are integrated with recent progress in puerarin nanodelivery technologies, and the prospects of puerarin-based nanodelivery systems for kidney diseases are discussed.

Sporoderm-Broken Ganoderma lucidum spore polysaccharides (BGLSPs) have demonstrated therapeutic potential in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), however, their mechanisms of action in colitis remain unclear. This study aimed to identify the active BGLSP fractions with anti-IBD activity and elucidate their underlying mechanisms. We identified BGLSP-B2 as the primary active fraction and characterized its physicochemical properties. It significantly restored intestinal barrier integrity, reduced inflammatory cell infiltration, and upregulated the expression of intestinal barrier proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, and MUC2). Additionally, BGLSP-B2 modulated the levels of key inflammatory cytokines, reduced the abundance of inflammation-associated bacteria, such as Enterobacteriaceae, and promoted the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that BGLSP-B2 regulated Th17/Treg homeostasis. Specifically, it downregulated the expression of IL-17 and RORγT, while upregulating the expression of FOXP3, thereby correcting the Th17/Treg imbalance. Moreover, 16s RNA sequencing and diversity analysis indicated that BGLSP-B2 regulated dysbiosis of the intestinal microbiota induced by dextran sulfate sodium, restoring the composition of the intestinal flora in IBD mice to levels comparable to those of the control group. In conclusion, BGLSP-B2 alleviated dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice by modulating the intestinal microbiota and immune pathways, offering a potential therapeutic strategy for IBD.

This paper aims to study the effect of p-cymene on mice with deficiency-cold syndrome induced by hydrocortisone and deficiency-heat syndrome induced by dexamethasone and explore the medicinal properties and mechanism of p-cymene with mild and warm nature based on the dominant characteristics of the two-way applicable conditions of mild drugs. A total of 80 KM mice were randomly divided into blank group, deficiency-cold syndrome model group, deficiency-cold syndrome + ginseng group, and deficiency-cold syndrome + low-dose and high-dose p-cymene groups, as well as blank group, deficiency-heat syndrome model group, deficiency-heat syndrome + American ginseng group, and deficiency-heat syndrome + low-dose and high-dose p-cymene groups. Hydrocortisone and dexamethasone solution were intragastrically administered for 14 consecutive days to prepare deficiency-cold syndrome and deficiency-heat syndrome models. Except for the blank group and the model group intragastrically administered with normal saline, the other groups were intragastrically administrated with drugs for 14 days. The levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP), triiodothyronine(T3), thyroxine(T4), total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), immunoglobin G(IgG), and immunoglobin M(IgM) in serum, as well as the activity of Na~+-K~+-ATPase in liver tissue were detected. The expression of transient receptor potential melastatin 8(TRPM8), transient receptor potential vanilloid 1(TRPV1), and uncoupling protein 1(UCP1) in brown adipose tissue of deficiency-cold syndrome model after intervention with p-cymene was studied. The results showed that p-cymene could effectively improve the levels of cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, TC, IgM, and IgG in serum and the activity of Na~+-K~+-ATPase in liver tissue of mice with deficiency-cold syndrome and reduce the content of cGMP. The effects on T3, T4, and TG were not statistically significant. At the same time, p-cymene could reduce the levels of cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, and T4 in serum and the activity of Na~+-K~+-ATPase in liver tissue of mice with deficiency-cold syndrome and increase the levels of cGMP, IgM, and IgG, and it had no effect on T3, TC, and TG. In addition, p-cymene could up-regulate the expression of TRPV1 and UCP1 in brown fat of mice with deficiency-cold syndrome and down-regulate the expression of TRPM8. In summary, p-cymene could significantly regulate the syndrome indexes of mice with deficiency-cold syndrome, and some indexes of mice with deficiency-heat syndrome could be improved, but the effects on lipid metabolism and energy metabolism indexes were not obvious, indicating that the regulation effect of p-cymene on deficiency-cold syndrome model was more prominent and that the medicinal properties of p-cymene were mild and warm. The regulation of TRPV1/TRPM8/UCP1 channel expression may be the molecular biological mechanism of p-cymene with mild and warm nature affecting the energy metabolism of the body.

Ganoderma lucidum spore polysaccharides(GLSP)are the main active ingredients of G.lucidum spores and have pharmacological effects of regulating immunity and inhibiting tumor growth.Cancer-related fatigue is a common concomitant symptom in cancer patients,with no safe and effective therapy.This study established a mouse model of cancer-related fatigue with spleen deficiency syndrome to investigate the effect and mechanism of GLSP in alleviating cancer-related fatigue.First,GLSP was obtained by water extraction and alcohol precipitation,and its content was measured to be approximately 75％by the anthrone sulfate method.GLSP was found to be composed of 10 monosaccharides including glucose,galactose,and mannose by 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone(PMP)derivatization-HPLC.Using a mouse model of cancer-related fatigue due to spleen deficiency,this study showed that GLSP significantly reduced the tumor volume and weight,prolonged the running time,increased the motilin and gastrin content in the antral tissue,and improved the gastrointestinal digestive function in mice.Moreover,GLSP lowered the serum lactic acid level,increased the ATP concentration in the skeletal muscle,raised the levels of mitochondrial respiratory enzymes Ⅰ and Ⅳ,and promoted material and energy metabolism in the body.In addition,GLSP significantly alleviated the abnormal spleen tissue structure,promoted tumor tissue necrosis,lowered the serum levels of inflammatory factors[interleukin(IL)-1β,tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α)],increased CD4+expression in the spleen tissue,reduced CD8+expression,and down-regulated the protein and mRNA levels of JAK2/STAT3 pathway-related factors in model mice.To sum up,GLSP can inhibit Janus kinase 2(JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3(STAT3)activation by reducing IL-6 expression,raise the CD4+/CD8+level,regulate the tumor microenvironment,enhance immunity,improve gastrointestinal absorption and digestion,promote energy metabolism,and increase the skeletal muscle energy storage level,thereby relieving cancer-related fatigue in mice with the spleen deficiency syndrome.

Aromatic traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has played an important role against epidemics and viruses,and volatile components are the main components that exert the pharmacological effects of aromatic TCM.By screening the related monomer components in aromatic TCM against epidemic and viruses and analyzing and endowing TCM with medicinal properties based on its clinical application and pharmacological research according to the theoretical thinking of TCM,the key technical issues of compatibility of TCM monomer components were solved from a theoretical perspective,providing new ideas and methods for screening raw materials and formulas for the development of new TCM drugs.Based on the conditions of antiviral activity,clinical application foundation,definite therapeutic effect,and high safety,a gradient screening of aromatic TCM was carried out.Firstly,30 aromatic TCM were screened from anti-epidemic literature and clinical trial formulas,and seven volatile monomers were further screened from them.Then,four monomer components with significant effects,namely patchouli alcohol,carvacrol,p-cymene,and eucalyptol were screened.By adopting the"four-step method for a systematic study of TCM properties",the four monomer components were endowed with medicinal properties,and compatibility and combination studies were conducted to explore the theoretical basis of monomer formulas and form monomer formulas guided by TCM theory.The screening results of volatile monomers in aromatic TCM against viral pneumonia included patchouli alcohol,carvacrol,p-cymene,and eucalyptol.The medicinal properties and compatibility theory of volatile monomer components in TCM were explored.Patchouli alcohol was the main herb,with a cool and pungent nature.It entered the lung meridian to dispel evil Qi and has the effects of aromatization,detoxification,and epidemic prevention.Carvacrol was a minister drug with a cool and pungent taste.It had the effects of aromatizing,moistening,and dissolving the exterior,as well as strengthening the spleen and stomach.p-Cymene was an adjunctive medicine with a mild and pungent nature.It entered the lungs and kidneys and had the effects of aromatic purification,cough relief,and asthma relief.Eucalyptol was also an adjunctive medicine with a pungent and warm taste.It had the functions of aromatic purification,cough relief,phlegm reduction,and pain relief.The combination of the four medicines had the effects of aromatizing,moistening,detoxifying,and epidemic prevention,as well as relieving cough and asthma and strengthening the spleen and stomach.They were used to treat viral pneumonia caused by upper respiratory tract viral infections,with symptoms such as chest tightness,cough,wheezing,fatigue,nasal congestion,runny nose,nausea,and vomiting.This study has laid a literature and theoretical foundation for further drug efficacy verification experiments,compatibility efficacy experiments,and subsequent product development and clinical applications,and it serves as an innovative practice that combines literature research,theoretical research,experimental research,and clinical practice to develop new products.

Based on the model of spleen deficiency,this study investigated the medicinal properties of spleen meridian tropism of Ganoderma lucidum spores and their efficacy of strengthening the spleen.Fifty SPF Kunming mice were randomly divided into a control group,a model group,an Atractylodes macrocephala group(1.1 g·kg-1),a low-dose G.lucidum spores group(0.55 g·kg-1),and a high-dose G.lucidum spores group(1.1 g·kg-1).The mouse spleen deficiency model was established by fasting every other day,having adequate feed on the other days,and performing exhausted swimming every day for 21 consecutive days.From the first day of modeling,deionized water was given to mice in the control group and the model group in the morning of each day,and the corresponding medicine was given to the rest of the groups,with the medicines administered for 21 consecutive days.The physical signs and behavior,digestive function,energy metabolism,and immune regulation related symptoms of the mice were detected.The results showed that G.lucidum spores could improve the symptoms of spleen deficiency in mice,such as emaciation,lack of luster of fur,reduced food intake,huddling and laziness,make stools shaped and activity increased,enhance the body mass of the mice,increase their grip strength,and prolong the time of exhausted swimming.G.lucidum spores significantly increased serum D-xylose level,enhanced motilin(MTL)and gastrin(GAS)secretion,and decreased cholecystokinin(CCK),vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),and somatostatin(SST)mRNA expression levels in mice with spleen deficiency syndrome.G.lucidum spores elevated the levels of hepatic glycogen(LG),muscle glycogen(MG),and adenosine triphosphate(ATP),enhanced the activities of Na+-K+-ATPase,Ca2+-Mg2+-ATPase,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH),mitochondrial respiratory enzyme Ⅰ,mitochondrial respiratory enzyme Ⅳ,and ATPase,and reduced the accumulation of free fatty acid(FFA)and lactic acid(LA).G.lucidum spores increased thymus index,spleen index,elevated immunoglobulin A(IgA),immunoglobulin M(IgM),and immunoglobulin G(IgG)levels,decreased interleukin-6(IL-6),interleukin-1 beta(IL-1β),and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)levels,and improved splenic histopathological changes.The above results indicate that G.lucidum spores can improve the physical signs and behavior,digestive function,energy metabolism,and immune regulation of mice with spleen deficiency and have the medicinal properties of spleen meridian tropism and efficacy of strengthening the spleen.

Background: Traditional Chinese Medicine categorizes melasma into various syndromes, one of which is the kidney-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome. Different Chinese medicines are used for each syndrome to achieve a personalized treatment approach, resulting in a more effective outcome. The study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of Lutai Danshen Baishao Granules (LDBG) in alleviating melasma and to compare the effects of LDBG in patients with and without kidney-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome through a real-world, large-sample investigation. Methods: A multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized, observational trial was conducted from December 2021 to May 2023, recruiting 1000 female participants with melasma. After enrollment, participants were divided into Group A (kidney-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome) and group B (non-kidney-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome) based on the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scale. General physical signs, melasma indicators, Dermatology Life Quality Index, and TCM syndrome scores were recorded before and after the intervention. The long-term effectiveness was assessed 2 months after the intervention ended. Results: Following the intervention, melasma-related indicators and TCM syndrome scores were significantly lower than those before the intervention ( P < .001). Compared to Group B, Group A showed a more significant reduction in the total area of melasma and the Melasma Area and Severity Index score ( P < .05). The reduction in melasma area was also more pronounced in Group A (group A: 425.00 vs group B: 312.50, P < .001). Two months after the intervention, intergroup and intragroup comparisons revealed that LDBG had a long-term effect with a lower tendency for recurrence, and the long-term effect in Group A was better than in group B ( P < .05). The overall incidence of adverse events during the trial was 1.2%. Conclusion: LDBG can reduce facial melasma and improve TCM syndromes, particularly in cases of melasma associated with kidney-deficiency and blood-stasis syndrome, with high safety and low risk of relapse.

As a kind of drug mostly used historically to treat epidemics, aromatic botanicals have volatile oils as active components. The study aims to evaluate the anti-influenza viral pneumonia effects of volatile monomers patchouli alcohol (PA), carvacrol (CV), p-Cymene (PC), eucalyptol (EC) and their formulations from various aspects through the influenza virus A/PR/8/34 (H1N1) infection experiment in vivo and in vitro and carry out in-depth studies on the anti-inflammatory mechanisms. In this study, we found that all four volatile monomers mentioned above could exert antiviral effects by suppressing pulmonary viral load and lung index and improving lung lesions in mice with influenza pneumonia. In addition, elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines in the serum were suppressed, the proportion of T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood was altered, and antioxidative stress indices were improved, whose mechanism of action related to anti-inflammation, possibly acting on the Toll-Like Receptor 4/Nuclear Factor-κB/nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3) pathway. The study provides an experimental basis for volatile monomers and their formulations of aromatic herbs for treating influenza virus pneumonia.

This paper aims to investigate the influence of eucalyptol on the biological effects of spleen cold and spleen heat syndromes in rats and its regulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1(TRPV1), transient receptor potential melastatin 8(TRPM8), and uncoupling protein 1(UCP1), so as to explore the cold-heat properties of eucalyptol. Rats were randomly divided into groups as follows: blank group, spleen cold syndrome model group, spleen cold syndrome+Atractylodis Rhizoma group, spleen cold syndrome + low-dose eucalyptol group, and spleen cold syndrome+high-dose eucalyptol group, as well as blank group, spleen heat syndrome model group, spleen heat syndrome+Coptidis Rhizoma group, spleen heat syndrome + low-dose eucalyptol group, and spleen heat syndrome + high-dose eucalyptol group. Spleen cold and spleen heat syndromes were induced by disorders of hunger and satiety combined with bitter cold drugs, as well as a high-fat diet combined with liquor. Except for the blank and model groups, the other groups were administered once a day during the modeling process for 14 consecutive days. The general condition and body weight of rats in each group were observed, and the histopathological morphology of the gastric antrum and small intestine was observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The contents of cyclic adenosine monophosphate(cAMP), cyclic guanosine monophosphate(cGMP), triiodothyronine(T3), thyroxine(T4), Na~+-K~+-ATPase, total cholesterol(TC), triglyceride(TG), gastrin(GAS), motilin(MTL), D-xylose, and other related indices were detected in rats. The expression levels of TRPV1, TRPM8, and UCP1 in small intestine tissue of rats with spleen cold syndrome were detected. The results showed that eucalyptol had a certain degree of improvement in the overall state and body weight of rats with spleen cold syndrome. Compared with the spleen cold syndrome model group, high-dose eucalyptol significantly increased the levels of serum cAMP, cAMP/cGMP, TG, and TC in rats with spleen cold syndrome(P&lt;0.05, P&lt;0.01), decreased the content of cGMP, and significantly elevated the levels of gastrointestinal function-related indicators GAS, MTL, and D-xylose(P&lt;0.05, P&lt;0.01). Low-dose eucalyptol significantly increased the level of cAMP/cGMP in the serum and Na~+-K~+-ATPase levels in hepatic tissue(P&lt;0.05, P&lt;0.01), and significantly increased the levels of GAS and D-xylose(P&lt;0.01). Eucalyptol showed similar effects to Atractylodis Rhizoma with a warm nature on rats with spleen cold syndrome. Compared with the spleen heat syndrome model group, the high-dose and low-dose eucalyptol groups showed a trend of increase in gastrointestinal indicators, with no significant changes in other indicators. In addition, high-dose eucalyptol increased the expression of TRPV1 and UCP1 and decreased the expression of TRPM8 in the small intestine tissue of rats with spleen cold syndrome. Eucalyptol could affect the cyclic nucleotide and material energy metabolism levels of rats with spleen cold syndrome and had a certain improvement effect on their gastrointestinal digestion and absorption function, thereby improving spleen cold syndrome. Eucalyptol had no significant improvement effect on rats with spleen heat syndrome, suggesting that eucalyptol may have a warm nature and regulate spleen meridians. It is speculated that eucalyptol may exhibit its medicinal properties by activating the TRPV1 pathway, promoting the expression of UCP1, and inhibiting the TRPM8 channel.

Background: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a major cause of death in patients with various viral pneumonias. Our team previously identified four volatile compounds from aromatic Chinese medicines. Based on molecular compatibility theory, we defined their combination as aromatic molecular compatibility (AC), though its therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Methods: This study used influenza A virus (IAV) A/PR/8/34 to construct cell and mouse models of ALI to explore AC’s protective effects against viral infection. The therapeutic effect of AC was verified by evaluating the antiviral efficacy in the mouse models, including improvements in their lung and colon inflammation, oxidative stress, and the suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In addition, 16S rDNA and lipid metabolomics were used to analyze the potential therapeutic mechanisms of AC. Results: Our in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that AC increased the survival of the IAV-infected cells and mice, inhibited influenza virus replication and the expression of proinflammatory factors in the lung tissues, and ameliorated barrier damage in the colonic tissues. In addition, AC inhibited the expression of ROS and the NLRP3 inflammasome and improved the inflammatory cell infiltration into the lung tissues. Finally, AC effectively regulated intestinal flora disorders and lipid metabolism in the model mice, significantly reduced cholesterol and triglyceride expression, and thus reduced the abnormal accumulation of lipid droplets (LDs) after IAV infection. Conclusions: In this study, we demonstrated that AC could treat IAV-induced ALIs through multiple pathways, including antiviral and anti-inflammatory pathways and modulation of the intestinal flora and the accumulation of LDs.

IntroductionIn light of the public health burden of the COVID-19 pandemic, boosting the safety and immunogenicity of COVID-19 vaccines is of great concern. Numerous Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) preparations have shown to beneficially modulate immunity. Based on pilot experiments in mice that showed that supplementation with Huoxiang Suling Shuanghua Decoction (HSSD) significantly enhances serum anti-RBD IgG titers after inoculation with recombinant SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD protein, we conducted this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the potential immunogenicity boosting effect of oral HSSD after a third homologous immunization with Sinovac’s CoronaVac SARS-CoV-2 (CVS) inactivated vaccine.MethodsA total of 70 participants were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to receive a third dose of CVS vaccination and either oral placebo or oral HSSD for 7 days. Safety aspects were assessed by recording local and systemic adverse events, and by blood and urine biochemistry and liver and kidney function tests. Main outcomes evaluated included serum anti-RBD IgG titer, T lymphocyte subsets, serum IgG and IgM levels, complement components (C3 and C4), and serum cytokines (IL-6 and IFN-γ). In addition, metabolomics technology was used to analyze differential metabolite expression after supplementation with HSSD.ResultsFollowing a third CVS vaccination, significantly increased serum anti-RBD IgG titer, reduced serum IL-6 levels, increased serum IgG, IgM, and C3 and C4 levels, and improved cellular immunity, evidenced by reduce balance deviations in the distribution of lymphocyte subsets, was observed in the HSSD group compared with the placebo group. No serious adverse events were recorded in either group. Serum metabolomics results suggested that the mechanisms by which HSSD boosted the immunogenicity of the CVS vaccine are related to differential regulation of purine metabolism, vitamin B6 metabolism, folate biosynthesis, arginine and proline metabolism, and steroid hormone biosynthesis.ConclusionOral HSSD boosts the immunogenicity of the CVS vaccine in young and adult individuals. This trial provides clinical reference for evaluation of TCM immunomodulators to improve the immune response to COVID-19 vaccines.

Depression is a prevalent mental disorder, but the side effects of antidepressants also make depressed patients resistant. Effective and safe antidepressants should be developed from traditional herbs, with the aim of reducing the side effects of antidepressants and improving the efficacy of drugs. In this study, the new macamide compound-4 (NMC-4) was synthesized for the first time, addressing the problem of difficult extraction, isolation, and low content of natural macamide. NMC-4 was characterized using mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, and infrared spectroscopy. The protective effect of NMC-4 against cell injury was demonstrated to be stronger than that of natural macamide (N-benzylhexadecanamide, XA) using a PC12 cell injury model. The study explored the effects of NMC-4 on chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced depressive symptoms. NMC-4 significantly improved depressive-like behaviors. NMC-4 ameliorated CUMS-induced depressive-like behaviors by mitigating neuroinflammation and modulating the NF-κB/Nrf2 and BDNF/PI3K/Akt pathways.

Cardamine circaeoides Hook.f. & Thomson (CC) is a traditional medicinal herb with multiple biological activities. In previous studies, we have identified its serum uric acid (SUA) lowering effects and speculated that Cardamine circaeoides water extract (CCE) may exert anti-hyperuricemia effects related to its anti-inflammatory activity. This study aims to further investigate the molecular mechanism underlying these effects at the mRNA level through transcriptomic analysis, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), molecular docking, and Western blotting. CCE effectively reduced SUA and improved renal function in a dose-dependent manner in hyperuricemia rats. Cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway was significantly altered by CCE. An additional study identified a number of genes (IL27, Inhbe, CCR7, CXCR3, IL12RB1, CXCR5, Mstn, and GDF5) as regulators of the inflammatory response. Meanwhile, three key targets (IL27, Inhbe, and CCR7) were found to be significantly expressed at the mRNA level and have strong binding affinity with 22 components, among which Kaempferol 3-sophoroside 7-glucoside, Kaempferol-3-O-sophoroside, and Quercetin 3-sophoroside 7-glucoside have strong binding activities. Following this, Western blotting showed a significant increase in CCR7 expression. Our findings indicated that CCE regulated the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway through CCR7 to reduce the inflammatory state and exert an SUA-lowering effect.

Tongkat Ali(Eurycoma longifolia Jack.)is a medicinal plant of Simaroubaceae in Southeast Asia,with centuries of me-dicinal history.Rich clinical and pharmacological research results have been attained for this plant,which demonstrates diverse and definite effects and high safety,showcasing advantages and broad market prospects to be introduced as a new medicinal plant.Current-ly,E.longifolia is cultivated in Hainan and Guangdong in China.However,it has not been utilized for the medicinal purpose in Chi-na,and the systematic study on its traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)properties remains to be carried out.This paper comprehen-sively reviews and analyzes the application history,clinical trials,biological activities,chemical composition,and safety of Tongkat Ali and probes into its TCM properties.The results suggest that Tongkat Ali is sweet,bitter,pungent,and plain,with tropism to the kid-ney,spleen,and liver meridians.Tongkat Ali has the main functions of tonifying kidney and replenishing essence,invigorating spleen and replenishing Qi,and soothing liver and relieving depression.The clinical applications of Tongkat Ali encompass kidney essence de-ficiency,sex apathy,spleen Qi deficiency,fatigue,liver depression and Qi stagnation.The recommended dosage and usage of this medicine are 2-10 g daily and decoction with water,respectively.This study aims to facilitate the compatible use and product develop-ment of Tongkat Ali while providing reference for introducing it as a new TCM resource and studying the TCM properties of ginseng plants abroad.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of Liqingtong (LQT) granules in patients with dampness-heat hyperuricemia. Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial was conducted at the 983rd Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force of the People’s Liberation Army from March 15, 2023, to August 10, 2023. In total, 119 participants were enrolled in this trial, and participants were given either LQT granules or placebo for 60 days based on a health education. The primary outcome was serum uric acid (SUA) level, and the secondary outcome was the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score, measured on days 0, 30, and 60. Safety indicators, including liver function, kidney function, blood routine, glucose, blood lipid, blood pressure, and heart rate were tested on days 0 and 60 of the trial. The data were analyzed using Prism 9 software, and the significance level was set at P < .05. Results Among 119 participants, six in the LQT granule group and seven in the placebo group dropped out, and 106 participants completed clinical observation. Baseline information, including SUA levels, TCM symptom scores, and other clinical characteristics, did not differ between the groups. At the end of the trial, compared with baseline values, the SUA levels in the LQT granule group decreased (P < .001), and no significant change was observed in the placebo group (P = .422); compared with the placebo group, the SUA levels decreased in the LQT granule group (P = .001). Compared with baseline values, the total TCM symptom scores in the LQT granule group decreased (P < .001), with no change in the placebo group (P = .136). Safety indicators did not differ significantly between the two groups. Conclusion The pilot trial demonstrated the potential of LQT granules to lower SUA levels and improve symptoms of dampness and heat.

Objective: To investigate the potential efficacy and safety of Lutai Danshen Baishao granules (LDBG) for treating female melasma associated with kidney deficiency and blood stasis patterns. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted at the Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, China from March to December 2023. A total of 110 female patients with melasma linked to kidney deficiency and blood stasis were enrolled and treated with either LDBG or a placebo twice daily for 60 days. Efficacy was assessed through measures such as the total melasma area, reduced melasma area, reduction rate of melasma area, melasma color score, Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) score, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) symptom score scale. Safety assessments included routine blood and biochemical tests. Results: Participants in both groups were aged 52–63 years, with no significant differences. After the 2-month intervention, the total melasma area decreased in both groups; however, a greater reduction was observed in the test group [462.50 mm2 (12.81%) vs. 100.00 mm2 (3.11%), P < .001]. Moreover, LDBG treatment significantly reduced the MASI and melasma color scores in the test group (P < .05). The total TCM symptom evaluation score significantly decreased (test group: 6.00 vs. placebo group: 7.00, P = .001), with significant relief in symptoms such as improvement in dark lips, nails, and waist soreness in the test group, compared with that in the placebo group (P < .05). Within-group comparisons revealed that TCM syndrome was significantly alleviated in the test group (P < .05). Conclusion: LDBG intervention shows promising effectiveness in reducing female melasma and alleviating TCM syndromes.

通过分析药事管理学教学"五育"融合现状,结合课程教学目标,明确全方位、全过程教育理念,探求药事管理学"五育"的融合点,分析教学内容、方式与"五育"融合的策略,以培养出德智体美劳全面发展的药事管理专业人才.

Objective: To establish a quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) method for the determination of lovastatin and lovastatin acid for the quality control of Hongqu Fuling tablets. Methods: Lovastatin as a control, the RP-HPLC method was used to establish the relationship between the correction factor of lovastatin and lovastatin acid, and to simultaneously quantify both lovastatin and lovastatin acid in the Hongqu Fuling tablets by QAMS. Results: The negative sample had no interference, the specificity of the sample detection method was good, the linear relationship between lovastatin and lovastatin acid was good within the corresponding linear range, R2>0.9999, the precision and repeatability RSD values were less than 3%, and the recovery was 98.43%～103.18%. The relative correction factor of lovastatin acid and lovastatin was 0.9000, and the repeatability was good. The average content of lovastatin acid was 0.3563 mg/g determined by QAMS, and the average content of lovastatin acid determined by external standard method was 0.3668 mg/g, and the average content of lovastatin was 1.1113 mg/g, which indicated that the constructed QAMS method could be used for the multi-component quality evaluation research of Hongqu Fuling Tablets. Conclusion: The QAMS method established in this study was stable, accurate and specific, and would provide a scientific basis for the quality control and in-depth development of Hongqu Fuling tablets.

Objective:To establish a composite model of oxidative stress of qi and yin deficiency syndrome,and to explore the replenishing qi and nourishing yin effect and antioxidant function of Zhihu Prescription.Methods:The model was induced by daily diet restriction,daily swimming with heavy load,and gavage of levothyroxine sodium tablets （150μg/kg）continuously for 14 days from the 16th day,and the mice were gavaged 50%ethanol （12 mL/kg） on the last day of the experiment.The general state,body weight,exhaustive swimming time and organ index of the mice were observed.The contents of cAMP,c GMP,T3,T4,IgM and IgG in serum of the mice were detected by Elisa.The contents of LA and MG,the activities of Na + -K + -ATP ase,Ca 2+ -Mg 2+ -ATP ase,SOD and GSH-Px and the content of MDA in liver were detected by colorimetry.the activities of LDH and CK in muscle were detected by continuous monitoring method.Results:Compared with model group,the mental state of mice treated with Zhihu Prescription was significantly improved.In all Zhihu Prescription groups,the body weight of mice at the 20th and 30th day was increased （P＜0.05,P＜0.01）,the exhaustion swimming time was prolonged （P＜0.01）,the thymus index was increased （P＜0.01）,the serum cAMP and cAMP/cGMP levels decreased （P＜0.05,P＜0.01）,the LA content in muscle tissue decreased （P＜0.01）,the MG content were significantly increased （P＜0.01）,the activities of Ca 2+ -Mg 2+ -ATP,SOD and GSH-Px in liver tissue were significantly increased （P＜0.05,P＜0.01）,and the MDA content decreased significantly （P＜0.05）;the spleen index was increased in low dose and high dose Zhihu Prescription groups （P＜0.05）,the activity of CK was significantly increased in low dose and medium dose Zhihu Prescription groups （P＜0.01）,and the serum IgM content was increased in high dose Zhihu Prescription group （P＜0.05）,the activity of Na + -K + -ATP ase in liver tissues was increased in medium dose and high dose Zhihu Prescription groups （P＜0.01）;Zhihu Prescription had no significant effect on serum T3,T4 and IgG contents.Conclusion:This study established a mouse model evaluation method for oxidative stress of qi and yin deficiency syndrome,and explained the replenishing qi and nourishing yin effect and antioxidant function of Zhihu Prescription.