p-Sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (SCnA, where n = 6, 8) have emerged as promising supramolecular hosts for encapsulating active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through host–guest complexation, enhancing solubility, stability, and bioavailability. In this study, SCnA was employed to complex hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic alkaloids derived from Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM), with the objective of reducing hepatorenal toxicity while preserving antitumor efficacy. The cytocompatibility of six alkaloids and their SCnA complexes was evaluated across human embryonic kidney (Hek293), normal liver (L02), breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), and hepatoma (HepG2) cell lines. A high-content assay (HCA) integrated with three fluorescent probes was utilized to simultaneously quantify multiparametric cellular changes, including nucleus number and area, mitochondrial count and area, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Complexation with SC6A or SC8A significantly reduced the cytotoxicity of tetrandrine, chelerythrine, and dauricine in Hek293 and L02 cells, while antitumor activity against MDA-MB-231 and HepG2 cells was maintained. HCA revealed that the complexes increased nuclei count, nuclear area, mitochondrial number, mitochondrial area, and MMP, while decreasing ROS levels. Notably, the suppression of normal cell proliferation correlated positively with binding constant values, yet complexation did not interfere with antiproliferative effects in tumor cells. We hypothesize that the heightened mitochondrial fission and oxidative stress susceptibility in cancer cells, owing to their reliance on mitochondrial energy production, underlie the differential cytotoxicity. These findings demonstrate that SCnA complexation selectively attenuates alkaloid-induced toxicity in normal cells without diminishing anticancer potency, underscoring its potential as a versatile strategy for safe and effective drug delivery.

Plantaginis is a widely distributed medicinal and culinary plant, comprising two main origins: Plantago asiatica L. (PAL) and Plantago depressa Willd. (PDW). It is used to treat diseases such as diabetes, nephropathy, and hyperuricemia. Due to its multiple origins and medicinal parts (leaves, roots, spikes, seeds), its complex chemical composition presents challenges for quality control. This study employed fingerprinting and chemometric methods to systematically evaluate the quality of Plantaginis. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and heatmap clustering analysis were first used to successfully distinguish between different medicinal parts of PAL and PDW. Next, Random Forest (RF) and Combined Parallel Artificial Neural Network (CP-ANN) were applied to identify key chemical markers. Finally, a multi-part quality evaluation system was established based on content determination and the Entropy-Weight TOPSIS method. The results indicated that the leaves are the highest-quality medicinal part, and it is recommended to prioritize samples with a higher proportion of leaves and a lower proportion of roots and spikes in the procurement and use of Plantaginis. This study provides scientific evidence for the quality control of multi-origin and multi-part Plantaginis, ensuring the efficacy and safety of the medicinal material, as well as its rational use in food products.

Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) remain a major clinical challenge arising from neuroimmune dysregulation and limited efficacy of conventional antiemetics subjected to hepatic metabolism. Herein, we designed a carrier-free microneedle system (DZS@BMNs) by integrating Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) supramolecular matrices with the botanical formulation Dai-Zhe-Shi-San (DZS) to achieve dual-pathway neuroimmune modulation. The triple-helical structure of BSP forms stable hydrogen-bonded complexes with DZS, serving simultaneously as a structural scaffold and a functional biopolymer for controlled release. The resulting microneedles exhibit programmable geometry (720 μm length, 280 μm base diameter), high mechanical strength, and biphasic diffusion kinetics-rapid epidermal permeation within 2 h followed by sustained transdermal delivery over 48 h. The system also demonstrated excellent cytocompatibility (>90% viability), negligible hemolysis (<2%), and good formulation stability. Mechanistically, DZS@BMNs suppressed serotonergic and dopaminergic signaling while downregulating key pro-inflammatory mediators, thereby achieving bidirectional neuroimmune regulation along the gut-brain axis. In a cisplatin-induced pica model, treatment with DZS@BMNs significantly reduced kaolin intake by 38% compared with dexamethasone during the acute phase, accompanied by tissue-specific reductions in serotonin levels: 42% in the brain, 38% in the ileum, and 22% in plasma. Collectively, this study presents a biofunctional polysaccharide-based microneedle system that integrates botanical pharmacology with macromolecular material engineering, offering a minimally invasive and biocompatible strategy for the management of CINV.

Saussurea genus covers a variety of rare plants and holds a high position in traditional medicinal records in multiple countries. Due to the scarcity of raw materials, previous research progress has been slow. In recent years, breakthroughs in plant cell culture technology have provided new possibilities for the sustainable and large-scale production of Saussurea genus plants. Researchers believe that in the near future, the dilemma of resource bottlenecks can be resolved. Up to now, almost all Saussurea polysaccharides have been proven to protect the skin directly or indirectly, and the development of related products is also progressing in an orderly manner. Compared to algae polysaccharides that also have excellent skin protective effects, Saussurea polysaccharides have a richer monosaccharide composition, more advantageous chemical structures, and are easier to undergo targeted chemical modification and enhance efficacy. In addition, the application of Saussurea genus plants in nursing has provided new inspiration for the product transformation of polysaccharide components. Therefore, this article provides the first review of the research status of Saussurea polysaccharides from the perspectives of plant chemistry, skin protective effects, structure-activity relationships, and product development. It is hoped that this will provide assistance for solving related problems and the development of subsequent products.

Nanozyme-driven chemotherapy kinetics therapy (CDT), in combination with traditional chemotherapy, is an effective approach to overcome the poor efficacy of a single chemotherapy drug in long-term treatment settings due to drug resistance. We developed a manganese-loaded boronic acid-functionalized bovine serum albumin, and loaded it onto Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) to obtain a nanozyme PBM@ZIF-8 with excellent drug-loading capacity. The nanozyme PBM@ZIF-8 showed notable glutathione peroxidase-like and peroxidase-like activities, with high loading capacity of 10.34% with doxorubicin (DOX) and achieved pH- and glutathione (GSH)-responsive release, which is approximately three times the drug release amount in physiological conditions. Subsequently, DOX loaded PBM@ZIF-8 (PBM@ZIF-8-DOX) achieved active targeting of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by specifically binding to sialic acid receptors, accumulating extensively within HCC cells. Through catalytic reduction of intracellular GSH levels and increased reactive oxygen species levels, this nanozyme effectively kill HepG2 cells when combined with DOX chemotherapy. Additionally, we constructed an 3D HCC microsphere model to further validate the high targeting efficiency and HCC killing efficacy of the nanoparticles in vitro. In conclusion, PBM@ZIF-8 serves as an effective drug delivery platform, providing a promising strategy for multimodal treatment of HCC.

The management of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in dysphagic patients is limited by the absence of mucosal delivery platforms that combine ultrafast adhesion, sustained release, and excipient-free composition. To address this, we engineered an excipient-free, anisotropic buccal wafer (IJ-ODW) via directional freeze-drying. The material features an engineered bilayered architecture, a dense top stratum integrated with a lamellar porous substrate, which resolves the mucosal “speed-stability paradox” by enabling ultrafast disintegration (15 s) together with strong, hydrogen-bond-mediated mucoadhesion (1.80 ± 0.44 gf). This structured wafer further exhibits polarity-selective permeability, facilitating the diffusion of lipophilic payloads while retaining polar phenolics for spatiotemporally controlled release. In a cisplatin-induced rat emesis model, IJ-ODW reduced kaolin intake by 18.3% (p < 0.01) and outperformed standard ondansetron-dexamethasone therapy, particularly during the delayed phase (36-120 h). Pharmacokinetic analysis confirmed effective first-pass bypass, with a 1.5-fold increase in AUC0-24 and rapid absorption (Tmax = 0.19 h), alongside structure-driven sustained exposure to chlorogenic acid (> 10 h). Mechanistically, the material operates through a biphasic neuro-immune regulatory cascade: rapid peripheral blockade of 5-HT3/NK1 receptors (40.7% reduction in serum 5-HT) followed by sustained immunomodulation via suppression of IL-6 signaling (46.0% decrease) and macrophage M2 polarization. Transcriptomic and network pharmacology analyses validated coordinated downregulation of emetic neurocircuitry (TPH1, Drd1, Drd2) and inflammatory hub genes (IL-6, TNF, NF-κB), establishing gut-brain axis reprogramming. The excipient-free composition ensures enhanced biocompatibility and pilot-scale reproducibility, delivering superior stability and antiemetic efficacy compared to a commercial ondansetron film. This work demonstrates how rational anisotropic structuring can transform a biopolymer into a multifunctional, therapeutic biomaterial platform that simultaneously addresses critical formulation barriers and complex pathophysiology, offering a scalable and dysphagia-tailored strategy for precision antiemesis. Statement of significance This study reports the rational design of an anisotropic, excipient-free buccal wafer, which overcomes the fundamental “speed-stability paradox” in mucosal delivery through its engineered bilayered architecture. By integrating ultrafast adhesion with sustained, polarity-selective release and active neuro-immune modulation, this material platform provides a scalable and dysphagia-tailored therapeutic strategy, advancing the design of multifunctional biomaterials for complex clinical needs.

Erzhi Pills (EZP), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has demonstrated potential aging-modulating properties, while its mechanisms in modulating immunosenescence remain incompletely understood. Two complementary aging murine models were employed to investigate the anti-immunosenescence efficacy of EZP, providing experimental validation for its translational application in delaying age-related immune decline. Morphological and physiological parameters were monitored and thymic/splenic organ coefficients were calculated. Histopathological evaluation of thymic involution was performed via hematoxylin–eosin (H E) staining. Flow cytometry quantified splenic T cell subsets (naïve/memory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells). Reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analyzed mRNA expression of key immunosenescence markers (Lin28a, GDF-11, Sirt1, IL-2, IL-17), while enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) measured serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ). Metabolomic profiling further elucidated EZP's bioactive pathways. EZP administration significantly attenuated age-related degeneration in both murine models by restoring thymic and splenic architecture, as evidenced by increased organ coefficients and reduced histopathological damage. EZP rebalanced T cell homeostasis through selective expansion of naïve T cells and contraction of memory T cell subsets, with a pronounced increase in CD8+ T cell populations. At the molecular level, EZP upregulated Lin28a, Sirt1, and IL-2 expression while modulating systemic cytokine profiles-reducing TNF-α and augmenting IFN-γ in the natural aging cohort. These findings suggest EZP mitigates chronic inflammatory aging and enhances immune responsiveness of effector T cells. EZP's anti-aging mechanism was mediated by fatty acid metabolism modulation. This study provides evidence supporting EZP's potential as a novel therapeutic strategy for immunosenescence and warrants further investigation into its clinical translation for geriatric populations.

This study systematically evaluated the quality variations of Rheum spp. from different botanical origins through an integrated approach combining chemical characterization and biological validation. Chemometric analysis of chromatographic profiles effectively categorized the samples into two distinct groups, successfully differentiating Rheum tanguticum Maxim. ex Balf. from Rheum officinale Baill., and Rheum palmatum L., though the latter two species showed overlapping chemical characteristics. In the zebrafish acute toxicity test, the half-death rate of R. tanguticum was much lower than that of R. officinale and R. palmatum, further indicating that the classification was reasonable and reliable. Based on chemometrics and toxicity test results of zebrafish, four components of sennoside B, sennoside A, aloe-emodin 8-O-glucoside, and chrysophanol were selected as potential toxicity markers of rhubarb. Our findings suggest that rhubarb-induced hepatotoxicity likely results from multicomponent/multi-target synergistic interactions, particularly through modulation of PI3K-AKT/mTOR signaling, matrix remodeling, and stress response modulation. Molecular docking confirmed differential binding affinities, with chrysophanol and aloe-emodin 8-O-glucoside demonstrating strong target engagement. This integrated approach not only establishes a reliable quality assessment protocol for rhubarb species differentiation but also provides mechanistic insights into the complex toxicological profile of these medicinal plants, advancing our understanding of their pharmacotoxicological characteristics.

Homocysteine (Hcy), a sulfur-containing amino acid derived from methionine, has been shown to be a significant and modifiable risk factor for various neurological disorders, including stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and elderly depression. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying Hcy-induced neurotoxicity. Therefore, this study aimed to establish rat and cell models of Hcy intervention in order to elucidate the underlying mechanism of neurotoxicity. Our research findings demonstrate that Hcy induces depressive - like symptoms in normal Sprague-Dawley rats. Pathological damage and apoptosis were detected in the DG, CA3, and CA1 regions of the hippocampus, along with the cortical area. Moreover, synaptic structural impairment was observed within the hippocampal. Simultaneously, Hcy promotes neuronal apoptosis and LDH leakage in mouse neuroblastoma (N2a) cells. Furthermore, we conducted mRNA microarray analysis to investigate differences in mRNA expressions and utilized Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis for gene function annotations in Hcy-treated N2a cells. The results highlighted significant alterations in 457 mRNAs in the Hcy-treated group compared to the Control group. Among the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), a total of 155 were found to be significantly up-regulated, while the remaining 302 were down-regulated. Furthermore, it was observed that four genes (snap25, cplx1, slc32a1 and atp6v1e2) related to the synaptic vesicle cycle exhibited decreased expression in Hcy-treated N2a cells compared to the Control group. The expression levels of these four genes, as well as their corresponding proteins, were subsequently confirmed using RT-qPCR and western blot analysis, respectively. In conclusion, this study shed light on the detrimental impact of hyperhomocysteinemia on the nervous system, particularly with regard to the synaptic vesicle cycle.

Immunosuppression increases disease risk, and the natural compound polydatin (PD) has been reported to modulate immune-related disorders. In cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice, PD was evaluated for its immunomodulatory effects. Immune organ indices were measured, while H&E staining and ELISA assessed spleen pathology and serum cytokine levels. The proliferation of splenic lymphocytes, both total and subpopulation, was determined using concanavalin A or lipopolysaccharide stimulation, with flow cytometry analyzing peripheral blood and splenic lymphocytes, thymic T cell subtypes, cell cycling, and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation. Western blotting was used to assess Ki67, PCNA expression, and MAPK activation. PD significantly alleviated cyclophosphamide-induced reductions in spleen and thymus indices, improved the organization of red and white pulp in the spleen, and restored TNF-α and IFN-γ levels. It reversed cyclophosphamide-induced cell cycle arrest, characterized by increased PCNA and decreased Ki67, and corrected the diminished numbers of B and T cells and the reduced CD4+/CD8+ ratio in the thymus. In vitro, PD directly promoted splenic lymphocyte proliferation and cell cycling via MAPK activation. Overall, our findings demonstrated that PD alleviated mouse immunosuppression by activating splenic lymphocyte proliferation and re-organizing thymic T cell development and differentiation.

Codonopsis Radix (CR) is widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, the existence of three botanical origins in CR makes it challenging to ensure the quality of CR in the market. In this study, a method was developed to identify and analyze CR from different botanical origins, and their signature components were quantitatively compared. HPLC fingerprints of 55 CR batches demonstrated similarities ranging from 0.707 to 0.994. Chemometrics was used to analyze the different botanical origins of CR and identify significant components affecting their classification. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that 55 CR batches could be divided into three groups according to their botanical origins. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was applied to confirm classification results and obtain the chemical markers. In addition, the reliability of the markers was revalidated by counter propagation artificial neural networks (CP-ANN). The content determination results showed significant differences in the contents of adenosine, eleutheroside B, tangshenoside I, and lobetyolin in the three kinds of CR. The methods and results of this study provide a reliable basis for the identification and rational utilization of CR.

Background: Intercellular communication, facilitated by exosomes (Exos) derived from endothelial cells (ECs), significantly influences the regulation of angiogenesis. Leech extract significantly reduces ischemia–reperfusion injury, promotes angiogenesis, and improves neurological function in mice with stroke. However, further investigation is required to determine whether leech promotes angiogenesis through EC-Exo. Objective: This study aims to further explore whether leech regulates Exos to promote the establishment of collateral circulation in mice with ischemic stroke (IS) and the specific mechanisms involved. Methods: Here, we utilized an in vitro co-culture system comprising ECs and pericytes to investigate the impact of Leech-EC-Exo on enhancing the proliferation and migration of mouse brain microvascular pericytes (MBVPs). We further established an in vivo mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of leech on collateral circulation establishment. Results: The findings demonstrated that leech significantly enhanced the in vitro cell migration number and migration number of pericytes. Therefore, it can also enhance the effect of EC-Exo on improving the infarct area and gait of mice, as well as modulating the HIFα-VEGF-DLL4-Notch1 signaling pathway to promote cerebral angiogenesis and facilitating the stable maturation of neovascularization in vivo. Conclusions: These results suggest that leech has the potential to enhance collateral circulation establishment, and its mechanism may involve the modulation of miRNA content in Exos and the promotion of signaling pathways associated with angiogenesis and vascular maturation.

The core of Chinese medicine compound prescription is the synergistic effect between the components and the effect of the interaction between the components on the dissolution and absorption of the drug. As a classic Chinese herbal formula, the laxative effect of Dahuang-Gancao decoction (DGD) is mainly derived from the anthraquinones in rhubarb. However, these components may also trigger adverse reactions due to their potency. Licorice, as a moderating herb, can alleviate the harshness of rhubarb. In this study, ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) technique was used to identify 28 constituents in DGD, mainly including anthraquinones, licorice flavonoids, licorice saponins and other constituents. Moreover, the effect of licorice on the in vivo bioavailability of rhubarb after compatibility was investigated based on biopharmaceutics approach. The results showed that licorice and its fractions (licorice polysaccharides, licorice total saponins and licorice total flavonoids) promoted the stability and solubility of the active ingredients in rhubarb (Aloe-emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside, Sennoside B, Sennoside A, Aloe-emodin, Rhein, Emodin, Chrysophanol and Physcion) in varying degrees and thereby improved their bioavailability in vivo. In addition, although there was no change in the biopharmaceutics classification of anthraquinone components, their pairing mainly resulted in increased solubility and decreased permeability. These findings provide a theoretical basis for elucidating the compatibility mechanism of the two.

BACKGROUND:Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major complication of diabetes mellitus, highlighting the need to elucidate its pathogenesis and explore potential therapeutic interventions. PURPOSE:This study aimed to investigate the cardioprotective mechanisms of SolB in DCM using metabolomic and transcriptomic approaches. METHODS:A DCM mouse model was induced by a high-fat diet combined with streptozotocin (STZ) administration. Cardiac function was assessed, and myocardial structure was examined via echocardiography and HE staining after 10 weeks of SolB treatment. Serum metabolomics and cardiac transcriptomics were performed to identify differentially expressed metabolites and genes, respectively, followed by correlation analysis. Ferroptosis-related proteins were detected by Western blotting (WB). In vitro, H9c2 cells exposed to palmitic acid and high glucose were used to evaluate the effects of SolB on cell viability, ATP production, oxygen consumption, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential. Ferroptosis inducer and inhibitor were employed to further explore the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS:SolB did not significantly alter blood glucose levels but markedly improved cardiac function and myocardial structure. Metabolomic analysis revealed that SolB modulated serum metabolic pathways, including carnitine synthesis and fatty acid oxidation et al. Transcriptomic data indicated that SolB influenced ferroptosis-related pathways. Integrated analysis demonstrated that SolB regulated fatty acid degradation, glutathione metabolism, and cysteine and methionine catabolism. In H9c2 cells, SolB enhanced cell viability, suppressed ferroptosis, reduced lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and improved mitochondrial function. CONCLUSIONS:SolB ameliorates diabetic myocardial injury by inhibiting ferroptosis and improving myocardial lipid metabolism.

Terahertz (THz) radiation, an emerging frequency band of the electromagnetic spectrum, has been widely applied across various fields. However, its ability to resonate with the energy levels of biomolecules has raised significant concerns regarding its biosafety. A growing body of research indicates that THz radiation can markedly influence the structure and function of proteins. Alzheimer's disease (AD), a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the abnormal aggregation of amyloid proteins, has been shown in prior studies to be modulated by THz radiation in terms of amyloid aggregation. Building on this, the present study utilized the CL4176 strain of Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model for AD. Using a self-designed and constructed radiation system based on quantum cascade lasers, the study investigated changes in the pathological progression of AD under 3.1 THz electromagnetic radiation exposure. By evaluating lifespan, motility, feeding behavior, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and aging markers in the Caenorhabditis elegans model, the study highlights the potential biological risks of 3.1 THz radiation for individuals with AD. These findings provide crucial experimental evidence to support the promotion and standardization of THz technology applications.

Codonopsis pilosula (CP) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in China, and polysaccharide, as one of its important components, needs to be comprehensively analyzed by combining multiple physicochemical and other characterization means due to its complex intrinsic structure. In this study, the quality of Codonopsis pilosula polysaccharide (CPP) was evaluated by HPGPC profiling and chemometrics. It showed that CPP could be clustered into three groups according to different origins. The polysaccharides were further purified and two different molecular weight polysaccharides (CP-1 and CP-2) were obtained, which contained 80.32 % and 79.05 % of total sugars and 0.73 % and 0.70 % of proteins, respectively, and were acidic and pure, with the average molecular weights of 2568.51 kDa and 3.20 kDa, respectively. The composition of monosaccharides showed that both polysaccharides were composed of glucose, mannose and xylose, but their composition ratios were different, the Glu: Xyl: Man molar ratio of CP-1 was 2.12:1:10.79, and that of CP-2 was 1.25:1:1.41. The infrared spectroscopy analysis showed that there were obvious beta-glycosidic bond and alpha-glycosidic bond and alpha-glycosidic acid in CP-2, and the Congo red test showed that CP-1 had a triple-helical structure, and the SEM results showed that CP-1 had a lamellar structure, while the other had a massive structure. The viscosity of CP-1 was always greater, and the thermodynamic properties of CP-2 was different. Finally, in vitro digestion experiments showed that CP-1 was more resistant to digestion than CP-2. This study provides a reference for the further development and utilization of CPP.

It has been validated that folic acid deficiency (FD) is associated with an increased risk of stroke and a worse prognosis. However, the specific mechanisms by which FD exerts its detrimental effects on ischemic stroke (IS) have not been fully understood. The results of this case-control study indicated that patients with IS had a decreased serum folate level, along with up-regulated long non-coding RNA H19 (lncRNA H19) and enhanced inflammatory responses. Meanwhile, it was corroborated that the serum folate level was negatively correlated with H19 expression and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). Similarly, FD was demonstrated to exacerbate neurological injury in the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) rats by up-regulating the expression of inflammatory cytokines and H19 in both peripheral blood and brain tissue. Notably, the alterations in the expression of these factors in peripheral blood were consistent with those observed in brain tissue. Additionally, in a co-culture of N2a neurons and BV2 microglia, FD promoted the transition of BV2 cells towards a pro-inflammatory state by up-regulating the expression of H19, which aggravated neuronal injury. Moreover, blocking H19 in BV2 cells mitigated inflammation and partially reversed the injury in N2a cells exacerbated by FD after the treatment with oxygen-glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R). These findings provide a more in-depth insight into the regulatory role of H19-mediated systemic inflammatory responses in the context of FD, suggesting the potential clinical utility of folic acid in managing ischemic brain injury.

Puerariae lobatae radix (PR) and Puerariae lobatae caulis (PC) are distinct medicinal parts of Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi. PR is rich in bioactive polysaccharides, whereas PC is often adulterated as PR, affecting the application of polysaccharides. In this study, FT-IR and HPGPC fingerprinting, combined with multivariate chemometrics and in vitro hypoglycemic activity evaluation, were employed to evaluate the quality of 25 batches of PR polysaccharides (PRP) and 12 batches of PC polysaccharides (PCP). The results showed that FT-IR combined with hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) successfully differentiated PCP from PRP, and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) confirmed significant differences in their infrared fingerprint region. HPGPC fingerprints showed high intra-batch similarity for both PRP and PCP. Unsupervised pattern recognition distinguishes PRP from PCP, further dividing PCP into two categories based on origin. OPLS-DA and counter propagation artificial neural network (CP-ANN) screened the polysaccharide fractions (7836.82, 814.80, and 3.08 kDa) as characteristic markers. In vitro activity studies demonstrated that the PRP fractions (7836.82 and 3.08 kDa) exhibited a positive correlation with alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activity. This study established a multidimensional PRP quality evaluation system, providing a novel approach for authentication and function-oriented quality control.

Carthami Flos (CF) has substantial medicinal and nutritional value. However, inadequate management of production sources and insufficient quality control criteria have hindered its comprehensive development and practical application. This study prioritized geographical origin discrimination as the primary objective, employing bioactivity-associated analysis as an auxiliary screening approach to identify efficacy-related chemical markers for CF, thereby refining its quality assessment. Using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS), 45 chemical constituents of CF were preliminarily characterized. Subsequently, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fingerprints of 55 CF batches were established and analyzed using chemometric methods, including hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), to screen for potential geographical discrimination markers. Concurrently, thrombin inhibitory activity was evaluated and partial least squares regression (PLSR) was performed to identify potential bioactive markers. On this basis, bioactive markers were applied as auxiliary screening criteria together with deep learning and molecular docking for verification. Ultimately, four potential bioactive-associated geographical markers capable of indicating geographical origin and exhibiting antithrombin activity were identified, including hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA), anhydrosafflor yellow B (AHSYB), isorhamnetin-3-O-rutinoside (IRR), and 6-hydroxykaempferol-3,6-diglucoside. This integrative strategy provides a valuable reference for the comprehensive quality evaluation of CF.