BACKGROUND:Heart failure (HF) is closely associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired energy metabolism. Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiomyopathy is a well-established model for investigating mitochondrial-driven HF. Gentianella acuta (GA), a traditional medicinal herb, has shown cardioprotective potential, yet the mechanisms of its major bioactive constituents, xanthones, in HF remain incompletely understood. METHODS:A combined strategy integrating network pharmacology, in vitro cardiomyocyte injury models, and an in vivo DOX-induced HF rat model was employed to elucidate the cardioprotective mechanisms of GA-derived xanthones (XAN). Network pharmacology analysis was used to predict key targets and signaling pathways. Mitochondrial function, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, cardiac function, ultrastructural changes, energy metabolism indices, and AMPK/PGC-1α pathway-related proteins were systematically evaluated using H9c2 cells and HF rats. RESULTS:Network pharmacology identified the AMPK signaling pathway as a key target of XAN in HF. In H9c2 cardiomyocytes, XAN attenuated DOX-induced mitochondrial membrane potential loss and apoptosis, accompanied by increased AMPK phosphorylation and upregulation of PGC-1α and SIRT1. In DOX-induced HF rats, XAN improved cardiac diastolic function, alleviated electrocardiographic abnormalities, reduced myocardial apoptosis, and preserved mitochondrial ultrastructure. XAN also restored myocardial energy metabolism by increasing ATP production and mitochondrial enzyme activities while reducing HF-related biomarkers. These effects were dose-dependent and closely associated with activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway. CONCLUSION:XAN confer mitochondria-targeted cardioprotection against DOX-induced HF by reprogramming myocardial energy metabolism via activation of the AMPK/PGC-1α pathway. These findings provide mechanistic evidence supporting XAN as promising natural candidates for metabolic intervention in HF.

Buckwheat polysaccharides (BWPs), key bioactive constituents broadly distributed across tissues of Fagopyrum Mill, have received growing attention for their nutritional value and health-promoting functions in functional food research. This review consolidates recent progress in BWP extraction and purification strategies, structural elucidation, bioactivities, and prospective applications. Current preparation approaches include hot-water extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, ultrasound and microwave-assisted techniques, as well as emerging green processes. BWPs are mainly complex heteropolysaccharides composed of monosaccharides, including glucose, arabinose, xylose, galactose, mannose, and galacturonic acid, with arabinoxylan and pectin-like polysaccharides as representative types. BWPs exert diverse bioactivities, notably antioxidant effects, modulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory actions, anti-tumor potential, and improvements in gut microbiota composition. BWPs hold strong promise for applications in functional foods, nutritional interventions, and biomedical materials. Future studies should prioritize elucidating their mechanism of action, establishing clearer structure-activity relationships, and standardizing extraction processes to support scalable and high-value applications.

Dendrobium huoshanense C. Z. Tang & S. J. Cheng is a perennial herb belonging to the genus Dendrobium in the Orchidaceae family. Its stem is used for medicinal purposes. The species has a long history of both edible and medicinal use and is recognized as a Chinese geographical indication product. The D. huoshanense polysaccharides (DHPs) are the main active components of D. huoshanense, and are primarily composed of glucose, mannose, galactose, xylose, arabinose, rhamnose, and so forth. D. huoshanense is regarded as a natural remedy for enhancing immunity. DHPs exhibit significant immunomodulatory effects, enhancing immunity and inhibiting tumor cell growth. They also possess antioxidant, liver-protective, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic effects. The main extraction methods for DHPs include water extraction, ultrasonic- and microwave-assisted extraction, and enzyme extraction. Different extraction methods and conditions significantly influence the yield and purity of polysaccharides, with modern extraction technologies generally exhibiting higher extraction efficiencies. This study aimed to comprehensively review the research progress of DHPs in recent years, covering extraction and separation methods, structural characterization, biological activity, and structure-activity relationship. It provides a foundation for optimizing efficient extraction and purification of polysaccharides in the future, further elucidating their structure-activity relationship and investigating their mechanism of action. Moreover, this study is expected to provide valuable references for advancing research on the pharmacological activities of DHPs, such as immune regulation, promoting innovative approaches, such as multi-target coordinated regulation, and supporting the development of polysaccharide-based health foods.

Helianthus is a genus belonging to the Asteraceae family. It includes species such as Helianthus annuus L. and H. tuberosus L., and is widely grown worldwide. Helianthus polysaccharides (HPs) are bioactive compounds applied in food, medicine, and agriculture. They possess radioprotective, antitumor, hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, and antiviral activities, besides protecting the intestinal mucosal barrier. This study aimed to summarize recent advances in HPs, encompassing their extraction, purification, structure, pharmacological activity, structure-activity relationships, and applications. It also examined current patents to clarify the mechanisms underlying the effects of HPs and identified research gaps to guide future studies on sunflower and other plant-derived polysaccharides.

Ethnopharmacological relevance Danggui Shaoyao San (DSS), a classic TCM formula traditionally for gynecological diseases, shows promising efficacy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) per recent studies. It regulates metabolic disorders, which is a key feature of AD and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), yet the mechanism of its "homotherapy for heteropathy" across these diseases remains unclear. Aim of the study This study aimed to verify the therapeutic effects of DSS on both AD and PCOS, and explore its underlying mechanisms involving metabolic regulation, gut microbiota modulation, and the MAPK signaling pathway. Materials and methods Materials and methods: AD models were established by Aβ25-35 hippocampal injection, and PCOS models by testosterone propionate combined with high-fat diet. These models were validated via behavior tests and histopathology. Network pharmacology was used to predict DSS targets. Western blot and qPCR were employed to detect the activation status of the MAPK pathway. Metabolic assays and 16 S rRNA sequencing were applied to analyze metabolic indexes and gut microbiota structure. Results DSS inhibited overactivation of the MAPK pathway in both models, which is consistent with network pharmacology predictions. It restored lipid/steroid hormone homeostasis and increased the abundance of beneficial Lactobacillus in gut microbiota, while alleviating AD and PCOS pathological phenotypes. Conclusion DSS exerts "homotherapy for heteropathy" effects on AD and PCOS by synergistically regulating the MAPK pathway, metabolic balance, and gut microbiota, providing experimental evidence for its clinical application in these metabolically linked diseases.

Rosa laevigata polysaccharides (RLPs) are one of the primary bioactive components of the Rosa laevigata (RL). It has garnered increasing interest due to its wide range of biological activities, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, immunomodulatory, and metabolic regulatory effects. This article provides a systematic review of current research on the extraction, isolation and purification, structural characterization, and conventional biological activities of RLPs. It further discusses the prebiotic potential of RLPs, highlighting their ability to restore gut microbiota composition and significantly increase microbial metabolites, particularly short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Given the well-established systemic regulatory effects of SCFAs, it is further proposed that SCFAs generated from the gut microbial metabolism of RLPs may also contribute to systemic physiological regulation. These insights offer a rational basis for constructing a pharmacological activity network for RLPs and provide a more comprehensive theoretical foundation and future research directions for the in-depth development and industrial application of RLPs.

INTRODUCTION:Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease. Guogong Jiu (GGJ) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula that is widely used in clinical treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Nevertheless, the gut microbiota and metabolic mechanisms have not been fully studied. The objective of this study was to elucidate the gut microbiota-mediated mechanisms by which GGJ alleviates RA using network pharmacology, metabolomics, and experimental approaches. METHODS:A rat model of collagen-induced arthritis was established to assess anti-arthritic effects systemically. The arthritis index, histopathology, inflammatory cytokines, and gut microbiota analysis (16S rRNA) were assessed for their effects. The serum and fecal metabolomics were done using UHPLC-Q-Exactive MS/MS. Moreover, network pharmacology and secondary metabolome analysis were used to identify the active herbal components, potential targets, and pathways, which were validated in Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes (RA-FLS) as well. RESULTS:GGJ improved the symptoms of Rheumatoid arthritis. GGJ affected pathways involved in amino acid, lipid, and energy metabolism. Moreover, the assessment of gut micro-biota revealed that GGJ helped restore microbial equilibrium by augmenting beneficial bacteria populations, including Lactobacillus and Alloprevotella, alongside diminishing Prevotella abundance. An integrated analysis identified NF-κB, MAPK, and NRF2 as key targets, which were subsequently validated at the cellular level. DISCUSSION:The multi-omics integration reveals that GGJ exerts its therapeutic effects through coordinated regulation of the gut-joint axis, involving microbiota restoration, metabolic reprogramming, and signaling pathways. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the clinical application of GGJ in RA. CONCLUSION:GGJ is effective in RA through multi-target effects involving modulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, mediation of metabolic reprogramming, and restoration of gut microbiota. The clinical application of GGJ for RA is therefore scientifically supported.

Two novel triterpenoids, named congmuyenoside F-G (1-2), and twelve known compounds (3-14), including three compounds (6, 7, 9) isolated from Aralia elata var. glabrescens (Franch. & Sav.) Pojark. for the first time, were identified from the total saponin fraction of Aralia elata leaves. Using AB-8 macroporous adsorption resin, reversed-phase ODS column chromatography, preparative HPLC and other separation techniques, triterpenoid saponins were obtained. The structures of two novel compounds were identified using extensive spectral data. In addition, the inhibitory effects of total saponin fraction and compounds 1-8 on the growth of 4T1, Hep G2, RKO, and H1299 tumour cell lines were tested by MTT assay, and the results showed that compounds 1 and 2 exhibited no inhibitory effect on the growth of the four tumour cell lines, whereas compound 5 exhibited inhibitory effects on all four cell lines with IC50 values of 23.69 ± 0.75, 68.00 ± 12.86, 27.96 ± 1.62, and 26.12 ± 1.67 μM, respectively.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory intestinal disorder characterized by gut dysbiosis, but effective strategies are currently limited. Here, we demonstrated that Agrimoniae Herba Polysaccharides (AHP), the key active components of a herb widely used for intestinal inflammation in East Asia countries, significantly reversed colitis-related phenotypes in a gut microbiota dependent, as antibiotic treatment abolished its therapeutic effect, while gut microbes from AHP-treated mice reproduced the anti-inflammatory effect. Bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed AHP greatly reshaped the overall structure of microbiota, especially boosting colonization of Faecalibaculum rodentium (F. rodentium), which led to a significant alleviation of intestinal inflammation, accompanied by the promotion of CD4+ T cell differentiation toward Treg. Additionally, we identified quinic acid as a key metabolite of F. rodentium enriched by AHP treatment, and found that it induced the differentiation of naïve CD4+T cells sorted from UC patients into Treg cells in vitro, which correlated with the enhancement of TAZ/Foxp3 acetylation axis. Collectively, our results show that AHP exerts the beneficial effects in the treatment of UC by acting as a prebiotic to enrich the commensal bacterium F. rodentium, and offer a novel microbiota-dependent strategy for inflammatory bowel disease.

Atractylodes polysaccharides (APs) are the core bioactive components responsible for the pharmacological effects of this genus, demonstrating immense potential in the fields of modern medicine, functional foods, and green animal feed development. However, due to the complex chemical structures of APs, the quantitative structure-activity relationships (SAR) between their fine structural features and specific biological functions remain insufficiently elucidated. Furthermore, most current studies lack a translational perspective oriented toward practical applications. This paper systematically reviews the latest research advances in the extraction, isolation, structural characterization, pharmacological activities, and application development of APs. It specifically highlights the limitations of current research, alongside the prospects and challenges for future in-depth development. Studies indicate that APs primarily consist of neutral polysaccharides and acidic pectic polysaccharides. The neutral components are typically characterized by β-(2→1)-linked or β-(1→6)-linked glucans and fructans, while the acidic fractions are rich in galacturonic acid, forming complex rhamnogalacturonan structures that confer high target affinity and bioavailability. As crucial biological macromolecules, APs exhibit significant pharmacological activities, including immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, gastrointestinal protective, and hepatoprotective effects. These biological functions are synergistically influenced by structural parameters such as molecular weight, monosaccharide composition, degree of branching, and spatial conformation. Future research should prioritize the standardization of extraction and characterization methodologies, the deep elucidation of structure-activity relationships, and the exploration of APs' application potential as functional food ingredients and pharmaceutical excipients.

Alzheimer's disease (AD), as a common neurodegenerative disease, seriously affects the cognitive function and quality of life of patients, bringing a heavy burden to society and families. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula Kaixin San (KXS) has shown considerable potential in the treatment of AD. KXS can ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in AD model animals, but its action mechanism remains not fully elucidated. This study aims to further elucidate the action mechanism of KXS. To this end, we employed a variety of advanced technical methods, including neuropathological, molecular biological, metabolomic, and gut microbiota analysis techniques, to conduct systematic multi-dimensional research. The results demonstrated that KXS can significantly improve the learning and memory abilities of AD rats, alleviate hippocampal neuronal damage, reduce β-amyloid (Aβ) expression, and activate antioxidant activity by targeting the Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting ferroptosis. Metabolomic analysis reveals that KXS exerts a regulatory effect on metabolites, while gut microbiota analysis shows that KXS significantly promotes the proliferation of beneficial bacteria and reduces the abundance of pathogenic bacteria, thereby regulating gut microbiota homeostasis, inhibiting excessive activation of neuroinflammation, and alleviating neuronal damage induced by inflammatory factors. Further correlation analysis reveals a strong correlation between metabolites and gut microbiota in AD rats. In addition, KXS inhibits ferroptosis and oxidative stress by activating the Keap1/Nrf2/GPX4 signaling pathway, and simultaneously regulates serum lipid metabolism-related pathways to maintain metabolic homeostasis and gut microbiota balance, thereby inhibiting excessive neuroinflammatory activation and alleviating neuronal damage.

Systematic characterization of natural product components and identification of chemical markers are important prerequisites for quality control and product development. Although data dependent acquisition (DDA) methods are widely used for the identification of natural product components, they have the limitation of potentially missing key active ingredients present at low abundance. This study proposes a comprehensive analytical strategy that integrates a virtual database-based precursor ion list (PIL) acquisition method with untargeted metabolomics to deeply characterize triterpenoids and flavonoids in the leaves of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao (AMM) and Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (AM). This method established a virtual database comprising 20,160 triterpenoids and 7,560 flavonoids by systematically enumerating and combining aglycones, substituents, and glycosyl groups, thereby significantly expanding the compound detection range. In addition, the virtual database serves as a template for matching precursor ions, enabling rapid screening of potential target compounds. Compared to the traditional DDA method, the PIL-based DDA approach identifies a greater number of triterpenoids and flavonoids, with 706 compounds identified by the traditional method versus 788 by the PIL-based method. Untargeted metabolomics was used to identify potential chemical biomarkers in AMM and AM leaves. As a result, 788 triterpenoids and flavonoids were identified in the leaves of AMM and AM, including 443 putatively annotated unknown compounds. Among these, 42 compounds were recognized as candidate discriminatory features, comprising 35 triterpenoids and 7 flavonoids. This comprehensive analytical strategy broadens the scope of triterpenoid and flavonoid identification in AMM and AM leaves, significantly enhancing compound coverage. Moreover, it offers a powerful tool for the systematic characterization of key components in complex natural products.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:Sleep deprivation is a growing public health burden linked to neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration. While conventional hypnotics provide transient relief, their long-term use is limited by tolerance and adverse effects. Guhan Yangsheng Jing (GHYSJ), a classical multi-herbal prescription from traditional Chinese medicine, has been clinically used to relieve insomnia and fatigue, yet its neuroprotective mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE:This study aimed to elucidate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of GHYSJ against sleep-deprivation-induced neuronal injury, focusing on neurotransmitter balance, mitochondrial function, and pyroptosis regulation. METHODS:A PCPA-induced mouse model of sleep deprivation was established. Behavioral assays (righting-reflex and open-field tests), histological analyses, and ELISA quantifications of neurotransmitters and cytokines were performed. Integrative serum metabolomics and hippocampal transcriptomics were conducted to identify molecular pathways, and pyroptosis-related proteins were validated by immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and immunofluorescence. LPS/nigericin-induced pyroptosis in HT-22 neurons was used for in vitro validation. RESULTS:GHYSJ significantly shortened sleep latency, prolonged sleep duration, and restored locomotor activity. It rebalanced hippocampal 5-HTP, 5-HT, GABA, and Glu levels, preserved neuronal cytoarchitecture, and reduced degenerative signals. Multi-omics profiling revealed that GHYSJ modulated pathways related to the TCA cycle, lipid peroxidation, and innate immunity, reversing the aberrant expression of key genes such as Hspa1a, Plin4, Nod2, and Nkx2-4. GHYSJ suppressed hippocampal NLRP3, ASC, HMGB1, cleaved caspase-1, and GSDMD-N expression, decreased IL-1β/IL-18 release, and ameliorated mitochondrial swelling and cristae disruption. In HT-22 cells, GHYSJ-containing serum restored cell viability, alleviated G1/S arrest, stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential, increased ATP levels, and reduced pyroptosis-related membrane rupture. CONCLUSION:GHYSJ exerts multi-target neuroprotection through integrated neurotransmitter rebalancing, mitochondrial stabilization, and inhibition of NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis. These findings provide mechanistic insights supporting GHYSJ as a promising phytotherapeutic candidate for sleep disorders and related neurodegenerative diseases.

As a major occupational hazard, crystalline silica (SiO2) poses a severe risk of pulmonary toxicity. While the irreversible fibrosis of late-stage silicosis has been extensively studied, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which SiO2 reprograms macrophage metabolism to drive early pathogenesis remain poorly understood. To elucidate this early immune-inflammatory response, we combined targeted metabolomics, pharmacological treatments, and nutrient deprivation in murine alveolar macrophages. Our results demonstrate that SiO2 exposure severely impairs the master antioxidant regulator, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), triggering excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and upregulated glutamine catabolism to drive pro-inflammatory M1 macrophage polarization. We demonstrated that Nrf2 activation with tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) redirected glutamine metabolic flux from pro-inflammatory catabolism to antioxidant anabolism, significantly attenuating SiO2-induced M1 polarization. Conversely, Nrf2 inhibition via ML385 exacerbated the inflammatory response. Furthermore, introducing a glutamine deprivation (−Gln) model revealed that restricting glutamine availability significantly attenuated the ability of Nrf2 to reverse M1 polarization, suggesting that its immune-protective effects largely depend on an intact glutamine metabolic pathway. Ultimately, our findings underscore the severe risks of silica exposure and identify the Nrf2–glutamine metabolic axis as a promising target, providing novel mechanistic insights and a robust basis for “antioxidant–metabolic” dual-target interventions in early-stage silicosis.

Soil microbial communities regulate plant growth and nutrient cycling, yet their dynamics during early ginseng cultivation remain poorly understood. This study used Illumina MiSeq sequencing to characterize bacterial and fungal communities in rhizosphere and bulk soils from second- and third-year ginseng fields. Differences across growth periods were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Significant shifts in α- and β-diversity occurred in both soil rhizosphere and bulk soils, and distinct environmental factors shaped community structure. Correlation heatmaps, redundancy analysis (RDA), and Mantel tests identified associations between soil physicochemical properties and microbial taxa. Notably, soil location had a stronger effect on microbial variation than cultivation duration. Dominant bacterial genera were strongly correlated with NH4+-N, and fungal community composition was primarily driven by NH4+-N. These results demonstrate that early ginseng cultivation significantly alters soil microbial communities and provide a basis for sustainable agricultural practices and soil ecosystem management.

This study aimed to develop a green, efficient ultrasound-assisted (UA) deep eutectic solvent (DES) extraction method for ginseng folium polysaccharides (GFPs). This approach overcomes the low yields and long extraction period of conventional techniques. Seventeen DES systems were screened, identifying choline chloride-lactic acid (ChCl-La, 1:2) as the optimal solvent. Key parameters were optimized using Plackett-Burman design followed by Box-Behnken response surface methodology, yielding optimal conditions of 30 min ultrasonic time, a liquid solid ratio of 25 mL/g, ultrasonic power of 299.16 W, and DES water content of 30.82%. The effects of three extraction methods, namely hot water extraction (HWE), UA extraction (UAE), and UA-DES, on polysaccharide characteristics were compared. Monosaccharide analysis showed that HWE-GFP was rich in glucose (Glc, 16.15%) and glucuronic acid (GlcA, 45.23%), whereas UAE and UA-DES were enriched in galactose (30.79% and 37.78%, respectively) and arabinose (21.69% and 29.80%, respectively). UA-DES-GFP had a significantly lower molecular weight (361.70 kDa) than UAE-GFP (1497.40 kDa) or HWE-GFP (3304.35 kDa). Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed no major differences in functional groups among the three GFPs. Molecular dynamics simulations of the ChCl-La system elucidated the extraction mechanism, highlighting favorable electrostatic potential energy (-20.14 eV) and hydrogen bond length (2.204 Å) interactions with GFP. In vitro bioassays showed that HWE-GFP had stronger antioxidant activity (61.97%), whereas UA-DES-GFP exhibited superior α-glucosidase inhibition (59.54%). These differences likely stem from variations in the GlcA/Glc ratio. Overall, this study provides a high-yield, green extraction strategy for GFP, along with mechanistic insights and technical guidance for utilizing ginseng leaf polysaccharides.

Trichosanthes kirilowii polysaccharides (TKP), isolated from the seeds, peels, and roots, exhibit remarkable structural heterogeneity and diverse biological activities. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the extraction, purification, structural characterization, and biological activities of TKP. Additionally, the structure-activity relationships of TKP were investigated using multivariate statistical approaches, including principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and exploratory partial least squares regression (PLSR). Current evidence indicates that polysaccharides from different T. kirilowii tissues exhibit significant variations in molecular weight (MW), monosaccharide composition, and glycosidic linkage patterns. Preliminary analyses based on limited datasets suggest potential associations between certain monosaccharides and biological activities; however, these observations require validation in larger, independent studies. Moreover, monosaccharide composition alone cannot account for the biological activities of TKP and should be interpreted alongside other structural characteristics. Overall, the biological activities of TKP are governed by multiple structural features. Monosaccharide composition displays tissue-associated compositional patterns; however, these patterns are derived from literature-compiled datasets and have not been validated with independent samples. These findings provide new insights into the quality evaluation and structure-activity relationships of TKP. Future studies should focus on standardized structural characterization, expanded datasets, advanced glycomics technologies, and AI-assisted modeling to develop more robust quantitative structure-activity relationship models.

Systematic characterization of natural product components is essential for product development and quality control. The root (AMR) and leaf (AML) of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge are used in food and health-related products. However, the composition of triterpenoids in AMR and AML has not been completely clarified. This study proposes a strategy that integrates a virtual database with aglycones to systematically identify triterpenoids in AMR and AML. The aglycones, substituents and sugar moieties of triterpenoids were summarized by integrating previously reported triterpenoids to construct a virtual database. Subsequently, the raw data was compared with a virtual database, and false positives were eliminated by detecting aglycones in the MS/MS spectra, thereby screening for potential triterpenoids. A total of 421 potential triterpenoids were identified, of which 158 were from AMR and 283 were from AML. Among these, 319 triterpenoids were considered potential new compounds. In addition, 6 triterpenoids were identified as chemical markers distinguishing AMR from AML. This study systematically characterized the triterpenoids in AMR and AML, enhancing our understanding of triterpenoids in both AMR and AML, and established a foundation for the further development of AMR and AML. Furthermore, this study developed a workflow for in-depth mining of unknown compounds using data independent acquisition mode to systematically characterize natural products.

The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a crucial role in inflammatory regulation, and pyroptosis mediated by its abnormal activation often leads to inflammation and tissue damage in various organs. Currently, this process is mainly targeted by small-molecule inhibitors; however, their widespread application remains limited due to off-target effects and potential toxicity. In contrast, the milder and multitarget regulatory properties of natural polysaccharides offer notable advantages, including higher safety and suitability for long-term use. Nevertheless, the relationship between polysaccharide structural characteristics and their mechanisms of action has not been systematically summarized, and the regulatory patterns of polysaccharides from different sources remain unclear. This review summarizes recent advances in the regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome by natural polysaccharides, focusing on key structural features, including molecular weight (MW), monosaccharide composition, glycosidic linkage types, branching degree, and microstructure, and analyzing their correlations with NLRP3 inflammasome activity. In addition, the mechanisms by which the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to pathological processes in multiple organs are discussed, aiming to establish a conceptual framework for polysaccharide-mediated anti-inflammatory activity. Finally, the potential application of nanotechnology to improve the stability and targeting of polysaccharides is explored, providing theoretical support for future anti-inflammatory therapeutic strategies.

Cancer remains one of the major public health problems due to its high morbidity and mortality globally. Because metastasis is the major cause of cancer death, developing new approaches for early diagnosis is of paramount importance in this context. Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has emerged as a cutting-edge analytical technique. SERS features an exceptional sensitivity and specificity, enabling rapid non-destructive detection of trace-level samples. Therefore, SERS technology is widely used across medical disciplines, particularly in cancer diagnosis for early-stage and non-invasive diagnostic evaluation. Using liquid biopsy with rich metabolic information, SERS has facilitated the identification, analysis, and progression monitoring of various cancers. In this review, we systematically summarize recent advances in label-free SERS-based cancer diagnostics. We first outline the fundamental principles of SERS, key substrate fabrication methodologies, and essential spectral analysis techniques. We then highlight the applications of label-free SERS in liquid biopsy using various biofluids, including blood, urine, saliva, and sweat. Finally, we discuss current challenges and future directions in this rapidly evolving field.