Search Results (94)

Polygonatum sibiricum polysaccharide (PsP), one of the main components of Polygonatumsibiricum used in traditional Chinese food and medicine, has important bioactive functions, but it is difficult to fully utilize PsP because of the degradative effect of digestive gastric juices. This study aimed to innovatively synthesize a new food formulation for PsP, namely, a PsP–hydroxyapatite (HAP) sustained-release system, so as to reduce its degradation. The new food formulation was optimized and evaluated by the response surface method (RSM) and by in vitro experiments. The optimal stirrer temperature, reaction pH, etching pH, and loading time for synthesizing PsP-HAP were 85.62 °C, pH 11.12, pH 8.40, and 5.10 h, respectively, all of which were different from the findings of other similar research studies. The average encapsulation rate of PsP-HAP reached (40.16 ± 1.54)%, and the content of PsP was 8.98%. Additionally, PsP-HAP appeared to be pH-responsive, and its continuous antioxidative effect was first proven by the DPPH assay and then cytologically by a total antioxidative capacity assay. The CCK-8 assay indicated that PSP-HAP did not induce toxicity. This study successfully developed a new food formulation for PsP which appears to have the potential to reduce the degradative effect of digestive gastric juices. Thus, it is possible to achieve full utilization of PsP by using this new sustained-release food formulation. Full article

Paeonia lactiflora Pall. is a perennial herbaceous plant widely renowned for its floral ornamental appeal, distinctive pleasant scent, and utilization in folk remedies. Roots and barks are traditionally used in Chinese medicine for various properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, cardiovascular, and neuroprotective effects. Considering the growing interest and demand in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields for sustainable and bioactive botanical derivatives, this study aimed to apply NADES (natural deep eutectic solvents) extraction on fresh flowers of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. The purpose was to obtain a natural, multifunctional, and ready-to-use cosmetic ingredient with concurrent antioxidant activity, antimicrobial functionalities, and olfactive properties. The eutectic systems selected in this study were composed of betaine as the hydrogen bond acceptor and glycerol and/or sorbitol as the hydrogen bond donors. These eutectic systems under microwave activation led to a rapid extraction, from peony fresh flowers, of considerable phenolic amounts (from 33.0 to 34.4 mg of gallic acid equivalents per gram of fresh flowers), which confer to the whole NADES-based extract an excellent radical scavenging activity (around 87.5%, compared to Trolox) and a pleasant fragrance, due to the extraction of some characteristic volatile compounds, as confirmed by GC-MS analysis. Antimicrobial assays against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains demonstrated good inhibitory activity of the sample against multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus species (MIC ranging from 0.9 to 14.5 mg/mL) and against Enterococcus species (from 28.8 to 57.8 mg/mL). Furthermore, results on different Staphylococcus aureus strains disclosed additional interesting anti-biofilm properties. Preliminary long-term studies (up to 9 months) on these combined properties highlighted the stabilizing effect of NADESs on the active metabolites, confirming their potential as natural and functional ingredients that could be directly incorporated into pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, offering enhanced efficacy and improved stability. Full article

Male infertility has emerged as a significant global concern, with male factors accounting for approximately 30% to 50% of infertility cases. Oxidative stress is recognized as the primary pathological mechanism affecting sperm structure and function. The development and application of chemically synthesized drug therapies are limited by lengthy research and development processes and significant adverse effects. Conversely, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compounds offer promising clinical applications for enhancing male reproductive function, attributed to their distinctive advantages of multi-target coordination and holistic regulation. This paper systematically reviews classical TCM compounds, such as those that tonify the kidney and benefit essence, warm and invigorate kidney Yang, and replenish Qi and nourish blood. It also examines the molecular mechanisms of active natural ingredients, including flavonoids, polyphenols, terpenes, alkaloids, and polysaccharides. These compounds improve male fertility by modulating oxidative stress-related signaling pathways. Furthermore, this review anticipates future research trajectories and potential applications within this domain, with the objective of establishing a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of idiopathic male infertility and the development of novel pharmacological interventions. Full article

Astragalus membranaceus (A. membranaceus), a traditional Chinese medicine, has gained increasing recognition for its potential in treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders. This review aims to systematically integrate the mechanisms of action of A. membranaceus and its bioactive compounds on CNS diseases, with a focus on exploring its therapeutic potential and introducing related health food products. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in PubMed and Web of Science from January 2015 through July 2025. Our analysis reveals that A. membranaceus and its bioactive compounds, particularly A. membranaceus IV (AS-IV) and A. membranaceus polysaccharides (APS), exert multifaceted neuroprotective effects. These effects encompass the mitigation of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and ferroptosis, as well as the regulation of autophagy and protection of the blood–brain barrier. The therapeutic potential of A. membranaceus is linked to the modulation of key signaling pathways, such as NF-κB, Nrf2, and PI3K/Akt. Furthermore, based on the concept of “homology of medicine and food,” A. membranaceus is being developed into various health food formulations, offering a promising strategy for the adjuvant treatment and preventive care of CNS diseases. In conclusion, A. membranaceus represents a promising, multi-target pharmacological agent for CNS disorders, yet further high-quality clinical studies are warranted to validate its efficacy and safety in humans. Full article

Objectives: Shengji Yuhong Ointment (SJYHO) is a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine prescription used for refractory wounds, yet its systemic pharmacological mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to identify its key active compounds and develop a simplified, effective topical formulation. Methods: We employed an integrated approach, combining network pharmacology and machine learning to screen the key constituents and core targets of SJYHO. The lead compound, glycyrrhizic acid, was formulated into a hydrogel (GA-Gel). Its therapeutic efficacy was evaluated in a full-thickness excisional wound model in Sprague-Dawley rats over 21 days, assessing healing kinetics, histology, and pain behavior. The interaction between glycyrrhizic acid and the identified target PPIA, along with its immunomodulatory effects, was validated through molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and RT-qPCR. Results: Our integrated analysis identified PPIA as the core target and glycyrrhizic acid as a key bioactive component of SJYHO. Animal experiments demonstrated that GA-Gel significantly accelerated wound closure, which was driven by its multi-faceted actions: reducing inflammation, promoting collagen deposition, alleviating pain, and modulating late-stage angiogenesis. Mechanistically, we confirmed that glycyrrhizic acid stably binds to PPIA. Furthermore, GA-Gel treatment mediated wound immune infiltration by specifically regulating CD8⁺ T cells, neutrophils, and memory B cells, an effect that was dependent on PPIA targeting. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that glycyrrhizic acid, formulated as GA-Gel, recapitulates the wound-healing benefits of SJYHO by specifically targeting PPIA and modulating the immune microenvironment. Our findings not only elucidate a key mechanistic pathway but also present GA-Gel as a rationally designed, clinically translatable therapy for acute and chronic wounds. Full article

Weeds pose a significant threat to the production of the medicinal crop Ophiopogon japonicus. Due to the scarcity of registered herbicides for this crop, farmers heavily rely on manual weeding. This study evaluated a novel acetochlor nanocapsule formulation for weed control in Sichuan O. japonicus fields, comparing it to a conventional acetochlor emulsifiable concentrate (EC). Treatments included manual weeding (weed-free control), conventional EC (900 g a.i. ha⁻¹), and three nanocapsule doses (450, 900, and 1800 g a.i. ha⁻¹). Weed control efficacy was assessed at 15, 30, 45, and 60 days after application, followed by the measurement of agronomic traits, yield, and the content of bioactive compounds (saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides) post-harvest. The high-dose nanocapsules (1800 g a.i. ha⁻¹) provided excellent weed control (96.54% at 45 days), which was better than the EC and lower nanocapsule doses, and extended the control duration. It did not negatively affect key agronomic traits, root tuber morphology, final yield, nor the content of key bioactive compounds compared to the weed-free control. In conclusion, acetochlor nanocapsules, especially at 1800 g a.i. ha⁻¹, offer an effective and safe weed management strategy for O. japonicus. They provide superior, prolonged weed control without harming crop yield or quality. Full article

Many scholars believe that the Yi Jing 易經 (the Book of Changes) and traditional Chinese medicine share common mathematical principles, which are both predicated on the ontological of qi 氣 and the cosmological of correlative between nature and human. Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the systemic organization of organs, meridians, qi, and blood as central components by incorporating the mathematical principles, including the theory of “Chaos-Crack”, the infinite classification methods of yinyang 陰陽, the generative and restrictive interactions of wuxing 五行, and the metaphysical significance of special numbers such as one, two, three, etc. Traditional Chinese medicine also formulates many theories and methodologies by integrating these mathematical principles with the schemata of luoshu 洛書 and jiugong 九宮, as well as the special combination numbers such as tianliu diwu 天六地五. This research tries to explain the mathematical principles and applications from the body dimension in traditional Chinese medicine. Full article

Background/Objectives: Allergic diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic urticaria) are increasing globally, but current anti-allergic drugs exhibit limitations in efficacy and safety. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) emphasizes constitutional regulation for allergic diseases management. The allergic constitution prescription (ACP), a TCM formulation, lacks clear mechanistic insights. Methods: This study employs a novel network pharmacology approach integrating ultra-high performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS) to identify ACP’s chemical components and compare its mechanisms with anti-allergic drugs. Chemical components of ACP were analyzed via UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and allergic disease-related targets were collected from public databases. Anti-allergic drug targets were intersected with ACP-disease targets to identify unique and common pathways. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations assessed binding affinity between key compounds and core targets. Results: We identified 126 compounds in ACP. Compared to anti-allergic drugs, ACP targeted 10 unique and five common key pathways (e.g., MAPK signaling), 10 unique and nine common core targets (e.g., Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF), IL-6), and 14 unique and 15 common key compounds. Simulations confirmed high binding affinity of ACP compounds to core targets. Conclusions: These findings highlight ACP’s potential multi-target mechanisms for allergic diseases treatment, identifying unique and shared pathways, targets, and compounds compared to anti-allergic drugs, offering new insights for further mechanistic studies. However, it is crucial to note that these mechanistic predictions and compound-target interactions are primarily derived from computational analyses, and experimental validation (e.g., in vitro or in vivo assays) is essential to confirm these computational findings. Full article

Objectives: Angelica sinensis is a type of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used primarily as a blood tonic. The chemical components that exert their efficacy are mainly bioactive metabolites, such as ferulic acid, flavonoids, and volatile oils. The resources of wild Angelica sinensis (WA) are very scarce, and almost all the market circulation of TCM formulations relies on cultivated Angelica sinensis (CA). Some studies have shown that WA and CA differ in morphological features and chemical composition, but the reasons and mechanisms behind the differences have not been studied deeply. Methods: Herein, metabolomics analysis (MA) and transcriptomics analysis (TA) were used to reveal the differences in bioactive metabolites and genes between WA and CA. Expression of key genes was verified by real-time reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: Results showed that 12,580 differential metabolites (DMs) and 1837 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between WA and CA. Fourteen DMs (e.g., cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaroylquinic acid, and phlorizin) and 27 DEGs (e.g., cinnamic acid 4-hydroxylase (C4H), 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL), shikimate O-hydroxycinnamoyltransferase (HCT), caffeic acid-O-methyltransferase (COMT), cinnamyl-alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD), flavonol synthase (FLS)) were screened in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis. A combined analysis of MA and TA was performed, and a network map of DMs regulated by DEGs was plotted. The results of real-time RT-qPCR showed that the transcriptome data were reliable. Conclusions: These findings provide a reference for further optimization of the development of WA cultivation and breeding of CA varieties. Full article

Traditional Chinese herbal medicines are characterized by multi-component synergy and have garnered significant attention in the healthcare research. The Immune Enhancing Oral Liquid, formulated with Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. and Morinda officinalis How extracts, has demonstrated biological activities including gut microbiota modulation. To systematically evaluate its safety profile, toxicity, and immune-enhancing efficacy, this study assessed toxicological and immunomodulatory parameters in murine models through the following protocols: acute toxicity testing; genotoxicity assays; 28-day oral toxicity study; and immunological function assessments encompassing cellular immunity, humoral immunity, non-specific immunity, and cytotoxic function. Results indicated that the immune enhancing oral liquid showed no obvious acute toxicity, genotoxicity, or 28-day oral toxicity. Furthermore, the immune enhancing oral liquid exhibited no adverse effects on murine hematopoietic or hepatic functions. Crucially, the immune enhancing oral liquid significantly enhanced immune responses, as evidenced by promoted lymphocyte proliferation, elevated serum hemolysin levels, augmented macrophage phagocytic activity, and heightened NK cell activity. Immune enhancing oral liquid was recognized as safe and non-toxic, and the study provides a scientific basis for the application of the oral liquid, validating the effectiveness of the combination of traditional herbal wisdom and modern pharmacology. Full article

Background/Objective: This study investigates the implementation and evolution of intelligent medical question-answering (QA) systems in healthcare to enhance service efficiency and quality. Methods: Through an integrated literature review and bibliometric analysis using CiteSpace 6.3.R1(64-bit) Basic software, we systematically evaluated core concepts, frameworks, and applications within medical QA systems, analyzing literature from 2018 to 2025 to identify research trends. Results: Significant applications were revealed across clinical decision support, medical knowledge retrieval, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formulation development, medical imaging report analysis, medical record quality control, mental health monitoring, and emotion recognition, demonstrating optimized resource allocation and service efficiency. Persistent challenges include system accuracy limitations, multimodal interaction capabilities, user trust barriers, and privacy protection concerns. Conclusion: Future research should prioritize multimodal diagnostic imaging, TCM-specific AI agents, and virtual-reality-assisted surgical exploration. Contributions: This work consolidates current achievements while establishing theoretical–practical foundations for innovation and large-scale implementation, advancing intelligent healthcare transformation. Full article

Eczema is the most common skin disease among Hong Kong’s adults and children, affecting an estimated 30% of the total population. Western and Chinese medicinal ointments are the usual treatment for eczema. Conventional Western medicinal ointments are topical corticosteroids and non-steroidal agents. Eczema skin products include “Aveeno Parabens Lotion”, “Cerave Moisturizing Cream”, and “Cetaphil Lotion”. However, these are not a long-term solution for managing significant erythema. Chinese medicinal ointments are based on adjusting the formula, including the ingredients and amount, to address an individual’s skin condition and other factors that may be worsening symptoms. This approach aims to regulate the immune system and make it less reactive to environmental and food allergies. This approach is mainly for local topical use. The ingredients of eczema skin products should include Coptis chinensis Franch, Phellodendron chinense Schneid, Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels, Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch, Curcuma longa L., and sesame oil. Chinese medicinal ointments are natural ingredients, personalized formulas, and concerned with holistic healing, while Western medicinal ointments provide fast-acting relief, targeted action, and a standardized dosage. Methods: Nine electronic databases, such as WanFang Data, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science, Springer Link, SciFinder, and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), were searched mainly within the past twenty years and without any language restrictions. The inclusion criteria were the keywords “Western medicine and ointment”, “Chinese medicine and ointment”, and “Western and Chinese medicines and ointment”. Differences in effectiveness between Western and Chinese ointments were evaluated to determine if they had functions against eczema. This review included an analysis and summary of all relevant papers. Results: Western medicinal ointments are topical corticosteroids, and they exert their pharmacological activities via many mechanisms, including anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, antiproliferative, and vasoconstrictive effects on eczema. Similarly, Chinese medicinal ointments have the same pharmacological functions, but they may focus on the immune system for the treatment of inflammatory and skin conditions, including erythema, edema, dryness, desquamation, and callus exfoliation. Conclusion: Based on the clinical research, the effectiveness rate of integrated Chinese and Western medicines was 88%, which was greater than the 70% rate for using Western medicine alone to treat eczema. Western and Chinese medicinal ointments have different active ingredients with advantages and disadvantages for eczema or when acting as skin care products. The most important thing is knowing “How” to use Western and Chinese medicinal ointments properly, especially for some formulations of Chinese ointments. It may be beneficial to consider the pharmacokinetic studies of herbal ingredients, which offer personalized formulas tailored to individual body constitutions and conditions, as well as to emphasize holistic healing, addressing both symptoms and underlying imbalances in the body. Much more work needs to be carried out, such as safety assessments of these ointments for use as skin care products for eczema. Full article

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), a holistic medical system rooted in dialectical theories and natural product-based therapies, has served as a cornerstone of healthcare systems for millennia. While its empirical efficacy is widely recognized, the polypharmacological mechanisms stemming from its multi-component nature remain poorly characterized. The conventional trial-and-error approaches for bioactive compound screening from herbs raise sustainability concerns, including excessive resource consumption and suboptimal temporal efficiency. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and multi-omics technologies with network pharmacology (NP) has emerged as a transformative methodology aligned with TCM’s inherent “multi-component, multi-target, multi-pathway” therapeutic characteristics. This convergent review provides a computational framework to decode complex bioactive compound–target–pathway networks through two synergistic strategies, (i) NP-driven dynamics interaction network modeling and (ii) AI-enhanced multi-omics data mining, thereby accelerating drug discovery and reducing experimental costs. Our analysis of 7288 publications systematically maps NP-AI–omics integration workflows for natural product screening. The proposed framework enables sustainable drug discovery through data-driven compound prioritization, systematic repurposing of herbal formulations via mechanism-based validation, and the development of evidence-based novel TCM prescriptions. This paradigm bridges empirical TCM knowledge with mechanism-driven precision medicine, offering a theoretical basis for reconciling traditional medicine with modern pharmaceutical innovation. Full article

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent allergic disorder characterized by a complex pathogenesis. Drawing on traditional Chinese medicine theory and contemporary pharmacological principles, this study developed an inhalation-based herbal formulation, ZHW, to explore a novel non-invasive therapeutic approach. Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects of ZHW on AR and elucidate its underlying mechanisms and potential targets through an integrated analysis of network pharmacology and proteomics. Materials and Methods: The volatile components of ZHW were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The mouse model of AR was induced by OVA sensitization. The therapeutic efficacy of ZHW was assessed based on nasal symptom scores, histopathological examination, and inflammatory cytokine levels. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms and potential targets of ZHW were investigated through integrated network pharmacology and proteomics analyses. Results: GC-MS analysis identified 39 bioactive compounds in ZHW. Inhalation treatment with ZHW demonstrated significant anti-allergic effects in OVA-sensitized mice, as evidenced by (1) reduced sneezing frequency and nasal rubbing behaviors; (2) decreased serum levels of IL-4, histamine, and OVA-specific IgE; (3) attenuated IL-4 concentrations in both nasal lavage fluid and lung tissue; (4) diminished nasal mucosal thickening; and (5) suppression of inflammatory cell infiltration. Integrated network pharmacology and proteomics analyses indicated that ZHW’s therapeutic effects were mediated through the modulation of multiple pathways, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the B cell receptor signaling pathway, oxidative phosphorylation, and the FcεRI signaling pathway. Key molecular targets involved Rac1, MAPK1, and SYK. Molecular docking simulations revealed strong binding affinities between ZHW’s primary bioactive constituents (linalool, levomenthol, linoleic acid, Linoelaidic acid, and n-Valeric acid cis-3-hexenyl ester) and these target proteins. Conclusions: The herbal formulation ZHW demonstrates significant efficacy in alleviating allergic rhinitis symptoms through multi-target modulation of key signaling pathways, including PI3K-Akt- and FcεRI-mediated inflammatory responses. These findings substantiate ZHW’s therapeutic potential as a novel, non-invasive treatment for AR and provide a strong basis for the development of new AR therapies. Future clinical development will require systematic safety evaluation to ensure optimal therapeutic outcomes. Full article

Viola philippica (VP), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb widely used for its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, has recently garnered attention for its potential in skin photoprotection. VP was extracted using glycerol (GLY), 1,3-propanediol (PDO), and 1,3-butanediol (BDO) at concentrations of 30%, 60%, and 90% (w/w) to evaluate its antioxidant and UV-protective properties. The total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) of the nine extracts ranged from 34.73 to 71.45 mg GAEs/g and from 26.68 to 46.68 mg REs/g, respectively, with the highest TPC observed in 90% PDO and the highest TFC in 60% GLY. Antioxidant assays revealed IC₅₀ values of 0.49–1.26 mg/mL (DPPH), 0.10–0.19 mg/mL (ABTS), and 1.58–460.95 mg/mL (OH). Notably, the 60% GLY, 30% PDO, and 90% PDO extracts demonstrated notable protective effects against UVB-induced cell damage, reducing intracellular ROS levels and preventing DNA damage. RNA-seq analysis revealed that the protective effects were associated with the modulation of key molecular pathways, including neutrophil extracellular trap formation and TNF, IL-17, and HIF-1 signaling. These findings suggest that Viola philippica polyol extracts, particularly those using 60% GLY, 30% PDO, and 90% PDO, have promising potential for skin photoprotection and could be utilized as natural antioxidants in cosmetic formulations. Full article