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Article

Pharmacological Investigation of Tongqiao Jiuxin Oil Against High-Altitude Hypoxia: Integrating Chemical Profiling, Network Pharmacology, and Experimental Validation

1
School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
2
Guangzhou Baiyunshan Xingqun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510288, China
3
School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
4
Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(8), 1153; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081153 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 3 July 2025 / Revised: 26 July 2025 / Accepted: 29 July 2025 / Published: 2 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Pharmacology)

Abstract

Background: Acute mountain sickness (AMS) is a prevalent and potentially life-threatening condition caused by rapid exposure to high-altitude hypoxia, affecting pulmonary and neurological functions. Tongqiao Jiuxin Oil (TQ), a traditional Chinese medicine formula composed of aromatic and resinous ingredients such as sandalwood, agarwood, frankincense, borneol, and musk, has been widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. Clinical observations suggest its potential efficacy against AMS, yet its pharmacological mechanisms remain poorly understood. Methods: The chemical profile of TQ was characterized using UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS. Network pharmacology was applied to predict the potential targets and pathways involved in AMS. A rat model of AMS was established by exposing animals to hypobaric hypoxia (~10% oxygen), simulating an altitude of approximately 5500 m. TQ was administered at varying doses. Physiological indices, oxidative stress markers (MDA, SOD, GSH), histopathological changes, and the expression of hypoxia- and apoptosis-related proteins (HIF-1α, VEGFA, EPO, Bax, Bcl-2, Caspase-3) in lung and brain tissues were assessed. Results: A total of 774 chemical constituents were identified from TQ. Network pharmacology predicted the involvement of multiple targets and pathways. TQ significantly improved arterial oxygenation and reduced histopathological damage in both lung and brain tissues. It enhanced antioxidant activity by elevating SOD and GSH levels and reducing MDA content. Mechanistically, TQ downregulated the expression of HIF-1α, VEGFA, EPO, and pro-apoptotic markers (Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, Caspase-3), while upregulated Bcl-2, the anti-apoptotic protein expression. Conclusions: TQ exerts protective effects against AMS-induced tissue injury by improving oxygen homeostasis, alleviating oxidative stress, and modulating hypoxia-related and apoptotic signaling pathways. This study provides pharmacological evidence supporting the potential of TQ as a promising candidate for AMS intervention, as well as the modern research method for multi-component traditional Chinese medicine.
Keywords: Tongqiao Jiuxin Oil; acute mountain sickness; hypobaric hypoxia; network pharmacology; HIF-1α; traditional Chinese medicine Tongqiao Jiuxin Oil; acute mountain sickness; hypobaric hypoxia; network pharmacology; HIF-1α; traditional Chinese medicine

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MDPI and ACS Style

Xie, J.; Yang, Y.; Du, Y.; Su, X.; Zhao, Y.; An, Y.; Mao, X.; Wang, M.; Shan, Z.; Huang, Z.; et al. Pharmacological Investigation of Tongqiao Jiuxin Oil Against High-Altitude Hypoxia: Integrating Chemical Profiling, Network Pharmacology, and Experimental Validation. Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18, 1153. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081153

AMA Style

Xie J, Yang Y, Du Y, Su X, Zhao Y, An Y, Mao X, Wang M, Shan Z, Huang Z, et al. Pharmacological Investigation of Tongqiao Jiuxin Oil Against High-Altitude Hypoxia: Integrating Chemical Profiling, Network Pharmacology, and Experimental Validation. Pharmaceuticals. 2025; 18(8):1153. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081153

Chicago/Turabian Style

Xie, Jiamei, Yang Yang, Yuhang Du, Xiaohua Su, Yige Zhao, Yongcheng An, Xin Mao, Menglu Wang, Ziyi Shan, Zhiyun Huang, and et al. 2025. "Pharmacological Investigation of Tongqiao Jiuxin Oil Against High-Altitude Hypoxia: Integrating Chemical Profiling, Network Pharmacology, and Experimental Validation" Pharmaceuticals 18, no. 8: 1153. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081153

APA Style

Xie, J., Yang, Y., Du, Y., Su, X., Zhao, Y., An, Y., Mao, X., Wang, M., Shan, Z., Huang, Z., Liu, S., & Zhao, B. (2025). Pharmacological Investigation of Tongqiao Jiuxin Oil Against High-Altitude Hypoxia: Integrating Chemical Profiling, Network Pharmacology, and Experimental Validation. Pharmaceuticals, 18(8), 1153. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18081153

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