In response to ongoing ambiguities in the conceptualization and lack of a unified classification system for auricular stimulation therapies, this article systematically reviews their theoretical foundations and clinical applications from both traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and Western medicine perspectives. We propose an integrative definition grounded in three core elements: target specificity, diversity of stimulation modalities, and breadth of regulatory effects, and develop a two-dimensional classification framework characterized by ‘theoretical basis-stimulation modality/neural region’. Within this framework, existing auricular stimulation therapies are categorized into three groups: TCM theory-oriented, modern neuroscience-oriented, and integrative TCM modern neuroscience-oriented approaches. The framework is further refined along two additional dimensions: stimulation modality (invasive vs. non-invasive) and afferent pathway (vagus nerve-dominant, trigeminal nerve-dominant, or combined vagus-trigeminal nerve-dominant). This work aims to advance the conceptualization and classification of auricular stimulation therapies and to provide a systematic and transparent theoretical basis for academic communication and clinical practice in this field.
The formation of classical prescription medicine in the Han dynasty was related to the academic institutionalization movement of Confucian classics. The classical prescription medicine of bamboo slips is carried by ‘bamboo slips’ and issued in the form of edicts to various regions, constantly integrating official prescriptions with famous prescriptions from various schools. During the Jin and Tang dynasties, the study of Confucian classics and prescriptions was scattered among various schools, and the rise of folk prescriptions and official prescriptions together constituted the main body of classical prescriptions. The prescription covers multiple types of disease systems, classified according to the syndrome of visceral diseases and the ‘three grades’ classification system. Classical prescription medicine is a highly systematic academic system that takes ‘medical classics’ as its guiding ideology, decoctions and liquid preparations as its treatment methods, and focuses on external factors such as wind and pathogenic factors. It is centered on multiple diagnosis and treatment methods. Zhongjing’s prescriptions were formulated on the basis of the Han dynasty’s classic prescriptions and were compiled through diligent and extensive exploration. The internal evolution and academic tension of the classic prescription system have influenced the development of medical prescriptions in later generations.
Although Moschus treats a wide range of diseases, it is attributed solely to the heart and spleen meridians. Therefore, the viscera and bowels localization of its therapeutic indications, including the degree of correspondence with the heart and spleen meridians, has become an academic issue worthy of attention. This paper takes the meridian tropism and functional indications of Moschus in Traditional Chinese Pharmacy as a model. A comprehensive herbal verification was conducted on its meridian tropism. By comparing the past and the present, the self-consistency of the meridian tropism and functional indications of Moschus based on the image thinking was revealed, and revision suggestions were put forward accordingly. In addition to entering the heart and spleen meridians, Moschus also has the function of supporting the liver and lung meridians. Moreover, although Moschus formally enters the spleen meridian, its functions and indications are basically unrelated to the spleen meridian and spleen disorders. Therefore, it is recommended that a necessary explanation be made when retaining Moschus is entry into the spleen meridian. On the basis of describing Moschus entering the heart and spleen meridians in Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, it is suggested to add the liver and lung meridians to achieve theoretical alignment that reflects the characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine among the medicinal properties, functions and indications of Moschus.
The Yanjing school of Chinese medicinal processing, as one of the nation’s mainstream processing traditions, has absorbed diverse strengths, pursued excellence, and integrated regional medicinal habits with the accumulated wisdom of generations of physicians. This synthesis has yielded a distinctive processing system. This paper systematically traces its developmental origins and summarizes its distinctive processing techniques in areas such as selecting authentic medicinal materials, harvesting and processing, purification, cutting, handling precious herbs, tonic herbs, toxic herbs, and fermented Chinese medicines. It analyzes the current state of development and future prospects, providing a theoretical basis for promoting the inheritance and innovative development of this school.
Since ancient times, many scholars have mainly focused on the Seven Da Lun when studying the theory of the five movements and six climates in traditional Chinese medicine, while few scholars have studied Su Wen Yi Pian—Ci Fa Lun and Ben Bing Lun. In the Ci Fa Lun and Ben Bing Lun, there are written records of ‘Tian Zhu Zhi Yi Zhi’, ‘Tian Peng Zhi Yi Zhi’, ‘Tian Chong Zhi Yi Zhi’, ‘Tian Ying Zhi Yi Zhi’, ‘Tian Rui Zhi Yi Zhi’, ‘Zhu Feng Tian Zhu’, ‘Zhu Zhi Tian Peng’, ‘Zhu Zhi Tian Ying’, ‘Zhu Zhi Tian Chong’, ‘Zhu Zhi Tian Rui’, etc., this echoes the ‘nine bright stars and seven wandering luminaries’ mentioned in Suwen·Tian Yuan Ji Da Lun. Suwen refers to it as ‘Tian Yuan Jiu Zhi’, which is called ‘Ba Si Jiu Shi’ in Tian Yuan Yu Ce. This article is based on the theory of five movements and six climates in traditional Chinese medicine, and explores the ‘Tian Yuan Jiu Zhi’ mentioned in Su Wen Yi Pian.
This essay explored the mistreatment in Treatise on Febrile Diseases from the perspective of constitution identification in Chinese medicine constitution theory. The records of mistreatment in Treatise on Febrile Diseases were derived from clinical practice. Chinese medicine constitution theory was also rooted in it and has developed a diagnostic and treatment model of constitution identification-disease identification-pattern of syndrome identification prioritizing the theory of constitution. Therefore, the mistreatment in Treatise on Febrile Diseases was closely related to three key scientific issues including ‘constitution classifiable’ ‘constitution-disease correlation’ and ‘constitution adjustment’ theories. First of all, it was manifested that unclear identification of constitution was one of the critical causes of mistreatment. Secondly, different constitutions have different responses to diseases or mistreatment, mistreatment may lead to the formation and change of constitution. Thirdly, appropriate treatment could correct the consequences of mistreatment, restore healthy qi, and adjust imbalanced constitution. This essay aimed to find evidence for the theoretical research of Chinese medicine constitution theory and provide support for the clinical application of the three-identification diagnostic and treatment model of Chinese medicine constitution.
Based on the core concept of ‘homology and heteromorphism between nature and human’ in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), this paper systematically expounds the connotation and extension of the theory of ‘disease caused by the original qi’ and constructs its theoretical framework. The study reveals the theoretical divergence between the two disease concepts-‘struggle between healthy qi and pathogen’ and ‘disease caused by the original qi’-originating from the philosophical characteristics of homology and heteromorphism. It proposes that ‘disease caused by the original qi’ fundamentally represents internal injuries resulting from disharmony of the body’s inherent qi, while also forming the internal pathological basis for exogenous diseases through the interactive mechanism of ‘two vacuities mutually affecting’ between nature and human. This research achieves three theoretical breakthroughs: It presents for the first time the theoretical essence of ‘disease caused by the original qi’. It deepens the interpretation of the pathogenic connotation of the ‘two vacuities mutually affecting’ theory in the Huangdi Neijing from the perspective of ‘homology between nature and human’. It addresses the deficiency in understanding the disease mechanism under the ‘heteromorphism between nature and human’ concept, which focuses solely on the ‘struggle between healthy qi and pathogen’, thereby providing new insights for TCM pathogenesis theory.
This article elaborates on the ideas and representative formulas for treating multimorbidity in the Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases. Wumei Pill, used in the Treatise on Cold Damage for ‘wasting-thirst, qi rushing upward to the heart, and burning pain in the heart’, may offer a reference for treating diabetes complicated by coronary heart disease. Maziren Pill, indicated when ‘a floating pulse reflects strong stomach qi, an astringent pulse reflects frequent urination, and defecation is difficult’, may be applied to diabetes complicated by constipation. Mufangji Decoction, prescribed in Essentials from the Golden Cabinet for ‘fluid retention above the diaphragm, dyspnea and fullness, and a dark complexion’, may inform the treatment of chronic heart failure complicated by chronic renal failure. The authors propose using the syndrome differentiation system of ‘formula family-formula pattern-key symptom’ framework to integrate multiple disorders, prioritizing and dynamically reassessing the dominant pattern, and using paired or triad herbs as targeted adjuncts to the core formula so that the therapeutic direction remains coherent while individual differences are addressed.
To investigate the molecular mechanism by which the Zuogui Jiangtang Jieyu Decoction (ZJJD) regulates the phagocytic function of hippocampal microglia in diabetic rats with depression based on the deacetylation function of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1).
A rat model of diabetes complicated with depression was established. Rats were randomly divided into the model group, SIRT1 agonist group, high-dose (20.52 g/kg) and low-dose (10.26 g/kg) of ZJJD groups, with an additional group of healthy rats as the normal control group (15 rats per group). After drug intervention, the forced swim test and open field test were used to evaluate the depressive-like behaviors. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the peripheral insulin levels. Double immunofluorescence staining was used to detect the co-localization of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1) with neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1), and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). Fluorescence-based assay was used to measure the deacetylase activity. Immunoprecipitation was used to detect the acetylation level of liver kinase B1 (LKB1). Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), recombinant human arginase 1 (Arg-1), chitinase-3-like protein 3 (YM1), SIRT1, and phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase α (pAMPKα).
Compared with the model group, the high-dose of ZJJD significantly reduced immobility time in the forced swim test, increased activity in the open field test, and significantly lowered fasting blood glucose, insulin levels, and the insulin resistance index in the model rats (P<0.01). Furthermore, high-dose ZJJD significantly decreased the expression of M1 microglial markers iNOS and COX-2, and increased the expression of M2 markers Arg-1 and YM1 (P<0.01, P<0.05). Immunofluorescence results showed that high-dose ZJJD significantly increased the expression of LAMP1 and TREM2 in microglia and reduced microglial phagocytosis of mature neurons (P<0.01). Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting revealed that high-dose ZJJD significantly increased SIRT1 deacetylase activity, decreased LKB1 acetylation level, and increased the protein expression of SIRT1 and pAMPKα (P<0.01).
ZJJD can inhibit microglial activation and reduce their phagocytosis of mature neurons. This effect may be related to its ability to increase SIRT1 deacetylase activity and activate the LKB1/AMPKα signaling pathway.
To investigate the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine formula Weipixiao in treating gastric precancerous lesion (GPL) by modulating the PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway.
A GPL mouse model was established in C57BL/6J mice by using N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) combined with alternating fasting and feeding. Mice were divided into control, model, high-dose Weipixiao group, low-dose Weipixiao group, and Weipixiao+ERS inhibitor groups. Pathological changes were evaluated by HE and AB-PAS staining. CDX2, Ki67, and P53 expression was detected via immunohistochemistry. qPCR and Western Blot were performed to analyze PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway-related genes (HSPA5, EIF2AK3, ATF4, CHOP) and apoptosis-associated proteins (Bax, Bcl-2).
Compared with the model group, after Weipixiao intervention, pathological damage was alleviated, and the protein expression of CDX2, Ki67, and P53 were significantly reduced (P<0.01), the mRNA expression of HSPA5, EIF2AK3, ATF4, CHOP, Bax were significantly increased (P<0.01), and the protein expression of GRP78, p-PERK, PERK, ATF4, CHOP and Bax were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), meanwhile the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 were significantly decreased (P<0.01), co-treatment with 4-PBA partially blocked the activation of the PERK/ATF4 pathway and the proapoptotic effect induced by Weipixiao, and attenuated the histopathological amelioration.
Weipixiao activates the PERK/ATF4 signaling pathway to promote gastric mucosal cell apoptosis, thereby reversing GPL progression.
To investigate the effects of Jianpi Huatan Tongfu Formula on M1/M2 macrophage polarization and inflammatory factor levels in lung tissues of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) model rats.
Forty Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, model group, Jianpi Huatan Tongfu Formula group, and salbutamol group, with 10 rats in each group. The COPD rat model was established by exposure to cigarette smoke combined with intratracheal instillation of lipopolysaccharide. General conditions of the rats were observed; lung function was assessed; lung tissue pathology was examined via HE staining; expression of M1/M2 macrophages was detected by immunofluorescence; protein expressions of CD86, iNOS, CD206, and Arg-1 in lung tissues were analyzed by Western blot; and levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and Arg-1 in serum were measured by ELISA.
Compared with the model group, the lung function indicators in the Jianpi Huatan Tongfu Formula group and salbutamol group were significantly improved (P<0.05, P<0.01), the alveolar septa thickness was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the number of alveoli had significantly increased (P<0.01); expression of CD86 was significantly decreased (P<0.01), while CD206 expression was significantly increased (P<0.01); protein expressions of CD86 and iNOS were downregulated (P<0.01), whereas protein expressions of CD206 and Arg-1 were upregulated (P<0.01); serum levels of IL-17A and IL-6 were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while Arg-1 was significantly elevated (P<0.01).
Jianpi Huatan Tongfu Formula can improve lung function and reduce inflammation in COPD rats by modulating the balance between M1 and M2 macrophage polarization.
To explore the molecular mechanism of Qingxiaoyin in regulating Hippo-YAP/c-Myc signaling pathway to inhibit the inflammatory proliferation of keratinocytes and improve acne.
Rat acne model was established and randomly divided into blank group, model group, Qingxiaoyin low dose group, Qingxiaoyin high dose group and isotretinoin group,10 rats in each group. The drug was administered continuously for 14 days, once daily. At the end, the appearance of the auricular tissue was observed. The pathological changes of auricle were evaluated by HE staining. PCNA and Ki67 were detected by IHC. TNF-α, IL-17 and SIRT1 mRNA expressions were detected by qRT-PCR. TNF-α, IL-17, SIRT1, MST1, p-MST1, LATS1, p-LATS1, YAP, p-YAP and c-Myc protein expressions were detected by Western Blot. The expression of c-Myc was detected by IF.
Compared with the blank group, rats in the model group exhibited rough, thickened, dark red auricles with papules and pustules. Histopathology revealed abnormal proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes and massive inflammatory cells infiltration, the expression of SIRT1 mRNA and protein significantly decreased (P<0.01), the expression of TNF-α, IL-17 mRNA and protein significantly increased (P<0.01), the expression of p-MST/MST, p-LATS1/LATS1 and p-YAP/YAP significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of c-Myc, PCNA and Ki67 significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the auricles of three treatment groups basically recovered, the color was light red, and the skin lesions were significantly reduced, pathology showed that keratinocyte proliferation and inflammatory cell infiltration decreased, SIRT1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), TNF-α, IL-17 mRNA and protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05), p-MST/MST, p-LATS1/LATS1, p-YAP/YAP protein expression significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), c-Myc, PCNA, Ki67 protein expression significantly decreased (P<0.01，P<0.05).
Qingxiaoyin can effectively improve the abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes in acne lesions by activating Hippo signaling pathway and inhibiting the expression of c-Myc and inflammatory reaction, and thereby achieving therapeutic effects for acne.
Xiang thinking is the core paradigm of the construction of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theories and clinical practice. Based on the academic background of the Northern Song dynasty and clinical needs, LIU Wansu, taking the Huangdi Neijing as the foundation, integrated Xiang thinking throughout medical innovation and diagnosis and treatment. By observing the phenomena of heaven and earth, he put forward the view of ‘water is benign while fire is malicious’, laying the foundation for his ‘fire-heat theory’. He perceived the primordial qi through the pulse conditions, emphasizing the value of harmony. By borrowing the natural phenomena of ‘hyperactivity, harm and restriction’ and ‘stagnated heat depression’, he explained the pathogenesis, highlighting the differentiation and treatment of the root and branch. Adhering to the principle of ‘identifying herbs through imagery’, he skillfully used cold and cool herbs according to the pulse conditions in different seasons, with exquisite compatibility to regulate yin and yang. This paper analyzes LIU Wansu’s innovative application of Xiang thinking from four aspects: the structural basis of life, pulse manifestations, pathogenesis, and medicinal application. This article analyzes LIU Wansu’s innovative application of Xiang thinking, with the aim of providing insights for the contemporary inheritance of classical TCM modes of thinking and the improvement of clinical practice.
YE Tianshi was a renowned physician of the Qing dynasty, he had unique characteristics in the diagnosis and treatment of blood syndrome. This article argues that YE Tianshi, inspired by the Huangdi Neijing and Synopsis of the Golden Chamber, as well as the experience of treating blood syndrome by medical experts such as CHAO Yuanfang, SUN Simiao, LIU Wansu, ZHU Danxi, and ZHANG Jingyue, developed a core academic theory of treating blood syndrome with the method of cooling and dispersing blood. His prescription medication characteristics are distinctive, with Xijiao Dihuang Decoction as his representative formula. Commonly used drugs include Radix Rehmanniae Recens, Cortex Moutan Radicis, Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, Colla Corii Asini, Radix Scrophulariae, Radix Ophiopogonis, etc.. He especially likes to use fresh herbs to enhance the effect of clearing heat and cooling blood, and pays attention to nourishing the stomach yin. YE Tianshi’s method of cooling and dispersing blood has significant efficacy and unique academic value in the treatment of blood syndrome, and has extremely important reference value and practical significance for improving the efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in treating blood syndrome.
The diseased collaterals run throughout the whole occurrence and progression of hemorrhagic stroke. Liver and kidney deficiency with evil qi gathering in the collateral vessel constitutes the pathological basis of disease onset, whereas collateral damage and blood overflow, disorder of qi and blood, the intertwining of blood stasis, edema, and pathogenic toxins, and impairment of mental activity are the major pathogenesis during the acute stage. Collaterals deficiency and evil qi stagnation, and refractory spirit impairment constitute the main pathogenesis in the recovery stage. The physiological functions of the collaterals in infiltration and perfusion of qi and blood, moistening and nourishing tissues, eliminating wastes, transmitting information and regulating and controlling are quite similar to the functions of the cellular components of the glial-vascular unit (GVU) in interacting with each other and maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system. This article focuses on the evolution of the diseased collateral vessel in hemorrhagic stroke, and sorts out the dynamic pathological change process in the GVU, and elucidates the relationship between the collateral-based pathological evolution described by the diseased collaterals theory and GVU injury, thereby providing new insights into the modern study of diseased collaterals theory and the prevention and treatment of hemorrhagic stroke with traditional Chinese medicine.
ZHENG Shouqian was one of the renowned Huxiang physicians in modern China. Thirteen of his medical manuscripts, still unpublished and held in private family custody, have been preserved by his descendants. This study examines ZHENG Shouqian’s posthumous writings and his published work Nvke Zongyao to analyze his therapeutic theories on Zheng Jia. By tracing the origins and theoretical evolution of Zheng Jia, it explores his clinical experience of principle-method-recipe-medicines in treating gynecological Zheng Jia. ZHENG Shouqian classified and treated Zheng Jia by stages, refining the pathogenesis based on the syndrome differentiation of qi, blood, and fluid. He categorized Zheng Jia into four stages: qi accumulation, fluid accumulation, blood accumulation, and uterine neoplasms. The therapeutic approach flexibly integrates the syndrome differentiation of qi, blood, and fluid with the syndrome differentiation of zang-fu viscera and the syndrome differentiation of eight principles, comprehensively proposing treatment formulas for different stages of Zheng Jia. ZHENG Shouqian emphasized that treating illnesses early yields better results, while curing chronic diseases becomes more difficult. He urged prioritizing prevention before any symptoms appear and encouraged addressing qi accumulation, fluid accumulation, and blood accumulation as soon as they begin. He possesses profound expertise in pharmacology, and his newly developed gynecological formulas consistently achieve complete recovery or demonstrate significant therapeutic effects in patients with uterine cancer during the initial and second stages, showcasing outstanding clinical value.
This paper summarizes the clinical experience of professor PI Chiheng, a TCM master, in treating IgA nephropathy. By integrating macroscopic triple energizer syndrome differentiation with modern microscopic pathological classification, professor PI developed the ‘integration of macroscopic and microscopic syndrome differentiation’ therapeutic concept. Macroscopically, treatment is guided by the Sanjiao syndrome differentiation: diffusing and outthrusting pathogens in the upper jiao, fortifying the spleen and restoring the upward and downward movements in the middle jiao, enriching yin and harmonizing yang in the lower jiao, employing both elimination and reinforcement. Microscopically, based on the Oxford classification, mesangial/endothelial cell proliferation, segmental sclerosis, tubular atrophy/interstitial fibrosis, and crescent formation are differentiated by syndrome differentiation as wind-phlegm-dampness-heat, turbidity with blood stasis, deficiency with blood stasis, and turbidity with toxin, respectively. Corresponding therapeutic strategies including vine herbs for free the collateral vessels, purging turbidity and resolving stasis, tonifying deficiency to regenerate tissue, and unblocking fu-organ to detoxify are adopted. Professor PI has remained true to the theoretical foundations of traditional Chinese medicine while integrating the achievements of modern medicine, significantly improving clinical efficacy and offering a new paradigm for integrated diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases through integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine.
This article summarizes the experience of TCM master HAN Mingxiang in treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Professor HAN Mingxiang believes that lung qi deficiency is the basic pathogenesis of COPD throughout the disease course, and that new contraction triggers latent pathogen is the main pathogenesis of acute exacerbation of COPD, so he advocates solidifying the foundation and cultivating the vital elements, and driving away evils to support the correctness of the lungs as the basic treatment principles. According to the degree of lung qi deficiency, involvement of viscera and bowels and related etiology, acute exacerbation of COPD is categorized into wind-cold attacking the lung, phlegm-dampness in the lung, phlegm-heat congestion of the lung, and phlegm-blood stasis inter-conjugation. For wind-cold attacking the lung syndrome, Sanzi Warm Lung Decoction was formulated to release the exterior and dissipate cold, warm the lung and resolve fluid retention; for phlegm-dampness in the lung syndrome, the formula for resolving phlegm and reducing qi was formulated to warm the lung and resolve phlegm, direct qi downward to calm panting; for phlegm-heat congestion of the lung syndrome, the formula for clearing lung and resolving phlegm was formulated to remove heat and resolve phlegm and moisturize the lung to suppress cough; and for phlegm-stasis and stagnant interconnection of the lungs syndrome, the formula of Qibai Balance Lung was formulated to tonify qi and resolve phlegm, invigorate blood and resolve blood stasis, which provided the theoretical basis and empirical references for the treatment of COPD by stages and syndrome differentiation.
This article summarizes professor PENG Qinghua’s clinical experience in treating macular edema based on the theory of ‘relieving fluid stagnation’. Professor PENG Qinghua holds that fluid stagnation is the key pathological factor of macular edema. Liver-lung qi stagnation, spleen deficiency and dampness stagnation, yang deficiency and fluid stagnation, and deficiency heat with fluid retention are important pathogenic mechanisms of macular edema. The principles of treatment involve regulating fluid with pungent medicines to regulate qi, transforming fluid with sweet-bland medicines to strengthen the spleen, dispersing fluid with warm medicines to tonify yang, and promoting fluid with sweet-cold medicines to nourish yin. And activating blood circulation is integrated throughout the entire treatment process. It works by smoothing qi within the organs, facilitating unobstructed waterways, dispersing fluid stagnation, and eliminating pathogens to restore normal function. This therapeutic thinking enriches the traditional Chinese medicine connotation of treating macular edema based on fluid stagnation theory, offering new strategies for its management with traditional Chinese medicine.
The diagnosis and treatment of malignant tumors have gradually shifted towards a chronic-disease-oriented management model, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in collaborative treatment, palliative care, and preventive treatment. Based on the core pathogenesis theory of ‘disharmony for malignant tumor genesis’, TCM has established a therapeutic diagnostic system termed ‘restoring harmony for malignant tumor treatment’, providing reference for malignant tumor prevention and treatment from five aspects: strengthening vital qi to eliminate pathogenic factor, combining attack with tonification to harmonize disharmony; regulating emotional activities, moderating diet and applying mild-natured herbal medication; balancing yin-yang and regulating qi-blood circulation to promote self-harmony of the body; achieving harmony through triple-differentiation therapy, centering on the spleen-stomach and harmonizing the five zang-organs; integrating traditional Chinese and Western medicine, pursuing human-malignant tumor coexistence and finally realizing malignant tumor regression and human-body harmony.
Diminished ovarian reserve (DOR) is a reproductive endocrine disorder that severely threatens women’s physical and mental health. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and demonstrated efficacy in treating this condition. The Tianjin HAs’ gynecology school, with over 150 years of lineage inheritance, has accumulated profound clinical experience. It holds that DOR originates from kidney deficiency as the root pathogenesis, with liver qi stagnation and spleen weakness as key contributing factors. Flexible selection of methods to nourish the kidney and regulate the perimeter, soothe liver and relieve depression, and foster the spleen and stomach to regulate the kidney, liver and spleen. For chronic cases complicated by blood stasis, vine-derived and insect-based medicinals are employed to resolve stasis, dredge collaterals, and nourish ovarian function. Additionally, they advocate integrated internal-external therapies and mind-body synchronization, leveraging TCM-specific modalities such as acupuncture and moxibustion to synergistically enhance ovarian reserve restoration.
Large vestibular aqueduct syndrome (LVAS) is an autosomal recessive disorder of hearing loss. Based on the severity of hearing impairment, the disease can be divided into three periods: stable, gradual and fluctuating. According to the theory of ‘zang-fu organs extraordinary connection’, the pathogenesis in the stable stage is insufficiency of kidney essence, constitutional insufficiency, and inhibited qi transformation in Sanjiao, and the treatment is to tonify kidney and fill the essence, warm yang and transform qi, and smooth the Sanjiao, using Zhenwu Decoction with magnet and black beans to add or subtract; In the gradual stage, the pathogenesis is that the spleen failing in transportation, the acquired malnutrition, and the small intestinal transportation and transformation dysfunction, and the treatment is to strengthen the spleen and upbear the clear, promote dampness and resolve turbidity, and transport the small intestine, using a combination of Linggui Zhugan Decoction with white hyacinth beans and lotus seeds to add or subtract; In the fluctuating period, the pathogenesis is mainly invaded by external evils, lung qi loss, and bladder gasification loss, and the treatment is to lift the kettle and uncover the lid, diffuse the lung and dispel evil, and unblock the bladder and promote urination, using a combination of Wuling Powder with bitter apricot seed and platycodon root. At the same time, acupuncture and moxibustion, massage and other external treatments are combined according to syndrome differentiation, in order to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of LVAS with traditional Chinese medicine, broaden the treatment strategies based on syndrome differentiation, and delay the progression of hearing loss.
Under the concept of active health, how to aim at the difficulties and blind spots of modern medicine, make scientific decisions and standardize traditional Chinese medicine (TCM)’s participation in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer, expand the field of TCM treatment of breast cancer, provide a theoretical basis for taking various measures to block and reverse the status of precancerous lesions, and also provide sufficient clinical intervention time for the diagnosis and treatment of precancerous diseases, and reduce the risk of breast cancer. TCM has significant advantages in active health prevention and intervention. It should give full play to the leading role of TCM in breast cancer prevention, its synergy in the perioperative period, perichemotherapy period, periradiotherapy period, and targeted treatment period, its core role in overall treatment in the recovery period, and its key role in the ‘survival with tumor’ of patients with advanced cancer.
Based on the theory of yin-nature carbuncles, this paper discusses the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approach to the differentiation and treatment of coronary heart disease. It systematically analyzes the pathological evolution of coronary heart disease from four aspects: deficiency, cold, phlegm and stasis, elaborating on its etiology and pathogenesis characterized by ‘cold as the root, deficiency as the foundation, phlegm-turbidity obstruction, and stasis blocking the vessels’. The paper proposes three treatment methods for coronary heart disease based on the yin-nature carbuncles: warming-eliminating, warming-expulsing, and warming-tonifying, thus establishing a diagnostic and therapeutic system of ‘warming to resolve turbidity, warming to lift and prevent collapse, and warming to tonify and consolidate the root’, to provide a new diagnostic and therapeutic paradigm of ‘replacing clearing with warming and preventing deterioration by lifting’ for coronary heart disease, deepening the theoretical connotation of TCM’s ‘treating different diseases with the same method’. This paper aims to offer new theoretical foundations and practical guidance for the TCM treatment of coronary heart disease.
YE Tianshi’s discussions of body constitution in Treatise on Warm-Heat Disease and Guide to Clinical Practice with Medical Records are specific manifestations of his overall academic idea of ‘constitution-disease-syndrome’. Based on the above, this paper explores YE Tianshi’s understanding and clinical use of body constitution theory. Taking dampness pathogens as the starting point, it explores the different symptoms that occur after people with different body constitutions are externally affected by damp-heat pathogens, examines YE Tianshi’s classification of body constitutions based on classic medical cases, and discusses the constitutional characteristics of special groups, such as the elderly and children. In YE Tianshi’s constitution-based differentiation and treatment, attention is paid to his general understanding of the relationship between disease occurrence and body constitution, disease progression and outcome, as well as nursing precautions during the course of prognosis. YE Tianshi established a ‘constitution-disease-syndrome’ system and proposed a good way to guide the differentiation of clinical syndromes for future generations of doctors.
The pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is complex, and effective clinical treatment remains challenging. In recent years, mitochondrial dysfunction and disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis have been increasingly recognized as important contributors to the development and progression of PF and are closely associated with pathological processes such as oxidative stress, energy metabolism disorder, impaired autophagy, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses. Therefore, maintaining mitochondrial structural and functional homeostasis may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for PF. Chinese materia medica is characterized by multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway regulation and has demonstrated considerable potential in improving mitochondrial function and alleviating PF. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in the effects of Chinese materia medica and compound Chinese materia medica formulas on PF through the regulation of mitochondrial autophagy, oxidative stress, energy metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, apoptosis, and related signaling pathways. The characteristics and potential mechanisms of different Chinese materia medica interventions targeting mitochondrial function are further analyzed. In addition, current limitations in this field are summarized, and future research directions for targeting mitochondrial homeostasis with Chinese materia medica in the prevention and treatment of PF are discussed, with the aim of providing a reference for elucidating the mechanisms underlying the anti-fibrotic effects of Chinese materia medica and promoting its clinical translation.
As a characteristic processing technique of Chinese materia medica, the honey-roasting method has a long-standing history, as evidenced by extensive records of honey-roasting Chinese materia medica varieties and honey-roasting method in numerous ancient medical texts. However, modern systematic research on the honey-roasting method remains relatively scarce, urgently requiring further exploration and refinement. This study systematically reviews and comprehensively collates ancient and modern literature to clarify the historical evolution of honey-roasting, encompassing the evolution of the honey-roasting method and the standards for honey refining in both ancient and modern times. Building on the current research landscape of honey-roasting theory, this paper explores the processing mechanism of honey-roasting Chinese materia medica from the perspectives of changes in material basis, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and clinical formula compatibility, aiming to provide a reference for in-depth investigation into the mechanism of honey-roasting of Chinese materia medica and the revelation of the scientific basis of Chinese materia medica processing.
Tongue diagnosis constitutes a fundamental component of syndrome differentiation and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine, and is particularly prominent in inspection. Its morphology, color, texture and motility can provide abundant visual evidence for clinical diagnosis. Traditionally, however, tongue diagnosis information has been recorded primarily as textual descriptions, lacking objective visual material suitable for systematic storage and quantitative analysis. Recent advances in image processing technology have gradually matured, facilitating the progressive integration of the objectification of tongue diagnosis into clinical decision-support and other applications. This research also contributes significantly to non-invasive early disease screening and health status monitoring. From a computer vision perspective, this paper deconstructed the tongue diagnosis workflow, systematically reviews the methodological underpinnings of recent research on tongue diagnosis objectification in perception and analysis. This paper elucidates from clinical practice and computer vision, we elucidate key challenges and persistent bottlenecks in this field, to establish a comprehensive cognitive framework and propose strategic approaches to provide guidance for peers.
Multimodal data fusion enhances the accuracy and objectivity of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis by integrating diverse data types. As computer technology advances, significant progress has been made in the objectification of TCM’s four diagnostic methods and the information obtained from these methods can be transformed into quantifiable data, setting the stage for multimodal fusion. At present, multimodal data fusion is a hot spot in various fields combined with artificial intelligence. This paper surveys its applications in TCM diagnosis, covering disease diagnosis and prediction, syndrome diagnosis, constitution identification and health management, integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis, and therapeutic-efficacy evaluation. The results indicate that, compared with single-modality approaches, multimodal data fusion demonstrates advantages in improving diagnostic accuracy and other aspects. Despite existing limitations, it has broad research prospects and is expected to drive the modernization and internationalization of TCM diagnosis as technology progresses.
Diarrhea is a common clinical condition characterized by loose stools and increased defecation frequency, primarily caused by spleen dysfunction in transportation and transformation. It involves various syndromes, including spleen-kidney yang deficiency, cold-dampness, damp-heat, and liver qi stagnation. Among them, spleen and kidney yang deficiency diarrhea often occurs in the early morning. The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory reveals the time-dependent characteristics of zang-fu organ qi and blood circulation, emphasizing the time-dependent nature of syndromes and the timeliness of treatment. Recent studies indicate that circadian rhythm disturbances can affect gastrointestinal motility, digestive juice secretion, and mucosal barrier function, potentially leading to diarrhea-associated diseases. This study integrates TCM principles with modern chronobiology to systematically investigate the chronopathological features and regulatory mechanisms of diarrhea. It aims to elucidate the biological basis underlying the time-of-day onset of diarrhea and provide theoretical support for chronotherapy and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets for diarrhea-related diseases.
The rare medical text of Xin’an, Medical Case of Mangrove Mountain, was written by YE Changyuan, a renowned physician in the Qing dynasty, and compiled by his son YE Yunsheng. The library of Sun Yat-sen University contains 117 types of diseases and 2 369 medical cases, covering various departments such as internal medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, otorhinolaryngology, and stomatology. The records of prescriptions and drugs are detailed, including high-frequency prescriptions such as Yigong Powder, Xiaoyao Powder, Erchen Decoction, and Sanzi Yangqin Decoction, etc.. Core drugs such as Poria cocos, Ophiopogon japonicum, and Semen Armeniacae are prominently applied. The classification system of diseases is systematic, and the version authority is high. It is a core document for studying YE Chang’s diagnosis and treatment system. The quality of the manuscripts in the collection of Anhui Museum is somewhat lacking. Although they contain about 250 diseases and over 800 medical cases, the expansion of disease classification and the red ink annotations may reflect the reinterpretation of YE Chang’s medical cases by medical experts in the late Qing and early Republic of China periods, which can serve as supplementary materials for the study of the evolution of editions. The collation of this book has significant reference value for the inheritance and innovation of Xin’an medicine and the clinical practice of modern traditional Chinese medicine.
Chinese philosophy attaches importance to the way of three powers, and the pre Qin philosophy represented by Confucianism and Taoism takes the way of three powers as one of the thinking origins. Confucianism pays attention to social ethics and interpersonal relationships and advocates the way of human relations based on harmony, while Taoists believe that the way of three powers is the way of the universe to generate all things, which is fully reflected in the pre Qin classics. In terms of the origin of life, the pre-Qin philosophy advocates the concept of life generation of harmony between yin and yang and three creatures of all things, and pursues the harmony of heaven, earth and man. Taking this as the ideological foundation, traditional Chinese medicine always takes the way of three powers as the basic standard and value orientation in the understanding, diagnosis and treatment of life. This paper discusses the influence of the way of three powers on the outlook on life of TCM from three aspects: the view of harmony between three living things and human being, the view of harmonious diagnosis and treatment between three powers and harmony between yin and yang, and the view of moral health preservation between respecting Tao and valuing Te. Among all lives under heaven and earth, only human beings are precious. Human beings can best reflect the endless way of the universe. The significance and value of life lies in comprehending of heaven, earth and man, realizing the unity of trinity, following the way of three powers, harmonizing yin and yang, treating and curing, and cultivating oneself and keeping healthy in accordance with the laws of nature.
Atrial fibrillation with anxiety falls within the scope of ‘palpitations’ and ‘depression disease’ in traditional Chinese medicine. Its pathological evolution aligns with the theory described in Suwen·Yinyang Bielun: ‘Diseases of the two yang originate from the heart and spleen……and progress to wind-consumption’. Initially, the disease arises from emotional stagnation and internal fire; over time, it leads to blood depletion, qi deficiency, and exhaustion of the Yangming source, resulting in the transformation of ‘Yangming depletion and Jueyin wind agitation’. Clinically, it is essential to differentiate the stages of the disease in patients with atrial fibrillation and anxiety. For those with prominent somatic symptoms, such as paroxysmal palpitations, restlessness, insomnia, epigastric discomfort, abdominal pain, and loose stools, manifesting as a complex of cold and heat, the pathological mechanism of internal wind agitation in Jueyin disease should be considered. The treatment should follow the principles of Wumei Pills, which employs sourness to restrain wind, regulates both cold and heat, and combines warming and clearing methods. By integrating sour, bitter, pungent, and sweet flavors, the formula harmonizes yin and yang, thereby calming the agitation. This therapeutic approach breaks through the traditional framework of treating palpitations solely from the perspective of the heart, focusing instead on the pivotal role of yin-yang imbalance in Jueyin disease. It offers a novel perspective on the ‘dual-heart treatment’ for atrial fibrillation with anxiety.
The occurrence and development of myopia is amultifactorial pathological process, and the prevention and control of myopia has risen to the national strategic level. As a small branch at the end of the meridians, Sunluo is very similar to the capillary network in the choroid. Combined with clinical diagnosis and treatment, it is clear that myopia is located in the ‘Sunluo in the eyes’, in view of its physiological effect of ‘excrete peculiar pathogen and circulate Yingwei’, The pathogenesis of this disease is summarized as: ‘strange pathogen attack, eye collateral stagnation, nutrient and defense disturbance, essence and blood imbalance’. In terms of treatment, the idea of ‘curing the disease before it happens’ in traditional Chinese medicine and the tertiary prevention strategy of modern medicine are used, and the general principles of treatment are ‘following the rhythm, regulating sleep, emphasizing exercise, smoothing the eyes collateral, dispersing turbid pathogen, circulating nutrient-defense, nourishing the liver and kidneys, benefiting sperm and blood, and softening the tendons’, so as to broaden the clinical treatment of this disease.
Based on the concept of ‘unity of heaven and man’, LIU Wansu drew an analogy between the human body and the universe. He regarded the zang-fu organs as the five movements and six qi within the microcosm of the human body, thereby internalizing the doctrine of five movements and six qi into the visceral manifestation system of the human body. By extrapolating the fundamental principles of the five movements and six qi doctrine to the human visceral manifestation system, he established a thinking mode for analyzing visceral pathogenesis from the perspective of five movements and six qi. This mode of thinking endowed the pathogenesis theory of the Huangdi Neijing with a macroscopic perspective in clinical disease differentiation and a definitive attribution of pathogenic factors, conferring significant clinical value. Furthermore, with the assimilation and development by physicians including ZHANG Yuansu, ZHANG Congzheng, LI Dongyuan and ZHU Danxi, this internal five movements and six qi ideology became the inherent logical thread running through the theoretical frameworks of various medical schools in the Jin-Yuan period.
To investigate the optimal dose of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) for modeling, and based on tissue-specific anti-Müllerian hormone receptor 2 (AMHR2) knockout mice, to explore the mechanisms of neuronal and ovarian AMH/AMHR2 signaling in the pathogenesis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and the intervention effect of Bushen Huatan Formula. Methods: Experiment 1: Eight-week-old wild-type C57BL/6 (WT) female mice were randomly divided into control group, intervention group 1, and intervention group 2, with 6 mice in each group. The three groups were intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of PBS, 0.12 mg/kg AMH, or 0.5 mg/kg AMH, twice weekly for 4 consecutive weeks. The estrous cycle was observed, reproductive organ weights and indices were calculated, serum levels of AMH, testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were measured; atretic follicles and corpora lutea were counted by HE staining and the percentage of atretic follicles was calculated; ovarian CYP17A1 expression was detected by immunohistochemistry, and AMHR2 protein expression in the ovary and hypothalamus was detected by Western blot. Experiment 2: Eighteen WT, neuronal AMHR2 knockout
(Neur-AMHR2-/-), and ovarian AMHR2 knockout (Ovary-AMHR2-/-) female mice were each randomly divided into control, model, and treatment groups, with 6 mice per group. The nine groups were intraperitoneally injected with an equal volume of PBS or 0.12 mg/kg AMH, respectively. After modeling, the treatment groups were administered Bushen Huatan Formula at 22.75 g·kg-1·d-1 by gavage for 21 days.
In experiment 1, both intervention groups 1 and 2 exhibited estrous cycle arrest. Compared with the control group, the two intervention groups showed increased ovarian weight and ovarian index, elevated serum AMH, T, and LH levels and decreased FSH levels, significantly increased CYP17A1-positive area in ovarian tissue, and upregulated AMHR2 protein expression in the ovary and hypothalamus (P<0.05, P<0.01). No statistically significant differences in any indicators were found between the two intervention groups, confirming 0.12 mg/kg AMH as the modeling dose. In experiment 2, the Neur-AMHR2-/- and Ovary-AMHR2-/- model groups still maintained regular estrous cycles. Compared with the WT model group, the Neur-AMHR2-/- and Ovary-AMHR2-/- model groups showed fewer atretic follicles, significantly lower serum AMH and LH levels, and significantly higher FSH and E2 levels (P<0.01). Compared with the Neur-AMHR2-/- model group, the Ovary-AMHR2-/- model group had significantly higher serum AMH and LH levels, significantly lower E2 levels, and downregulated ovarian GDF9 protein and mRNA expression and BMP15 protein expression (P<0.01). Compared with the WT model group, the three treatment groups showed significantly decreased serum AMH, T, and LH levels, significantly increased FSH levels, fewer atretic follicles, and significantly increased GDF9 and BMP15 protein and mRNA expression (P<0.01).
AMH at 0.12 mg/kg and 0.5 mg/kg exerts equivalent effects in inducing PCOS-like phenotypes in mice. Neuronal AMH/AMHR2 signaling is a key pathway in the induction and development of PCOS and may be a potential therapeutic target of Bushen Huatan Formula in treating PCOS.
To investigate the mechanism by which Tangyiping, with its effects of fortifying spleen and regulating liver, removing stasis and clearing heat, inhibits pancreatic islet β-cell pyroptosis in rats with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) by regulating the TXNIP/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway.
SPF-grade male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group, a model group, high- and low-dose Tangyiping groups, and a metformin group. After 4 weeks of intervention, body weight, abdominal circumference, Lee’s obesity index, blood glucose, and pancreatic morphology were observed. The protein and mRNA levels of TXNIP, NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, IL-18, IL-1β, Caspase-1, TNF-α, and NF-κB p65 were measured, along with pyroptotic morphology.
Compared with the model group, the high- and low-dose Tangyiping groups showed decreased abdominal circumference, Lee’s obesity index, body weight, and 2-hour postprandial glucose (2hPG) (P<0.01), improved islet morphology, downregulated the protein expression of TXNIP, NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, TNF-α, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01, P<0.05), reduced the mRNA expression of NLRP3, GSDMD, ASC, IL-18, IL-1β, Caspase-1, and NF-κB p65 (P<0.01), and alleviated pyroptosis.
The method of fortifying spleen and regulating liver, removing stasis and clearing heat can inhibit pancreatic islet β-cell pyroptosis in IGT, potentially through regulation of the TXNIP/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway.
To analyze the metabolism and distribution of iridoid glycosides from fresh Rehmanniae Radix and its different processed products, and speculate on their metabolic pathways.
After hyperthyroidism kidney yin deficiency rats were given intragastric administration of extracts from fresh Rehmanniae Radix and its different processed products, rat blood and tissues of heart, liver, spleen, lung and kidney were collected at different time points. Data were acquired using UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS and UPLC-QQQ-MS. Using software analysis such as Agilent Masshunter Workstation Software 11.0 and Compound Discoverer 3.1, the prototype components and metabolites were identified, and the metabolic pathways were inferred.
A total of 5 parent components including catalpol and aucubin were identified, which were mainly distributed in the spleen, lung and kidney tissues. There were 11 metabolites in total, with 7 kinds in blood and 2~3 kinds in each organ such as liver, heart and spleen. In addition, the components of fresh Rehmanniae Radix and its different processed products showed differences in distribution across different time points and organs. Metabolism mainly occurred through pathways such as reduction, hydroxylation, conjugation with amino acids and methylation.
The iridoid glycosides from fresh Rehmanniae Radix and its different processed products can be metabolized in rats via phase Ⅰ and Ⅱ metabolism, and the metabolites are widely distributed in the main organs of rats, which can provide a basis for the study of the pharmacodynamic material basis, mechanism of action and clinical application of Rehmanniae Radix.
To analyze differences among Angelicae Sinensis Radix samples from different producing areas as research objects based on their aroma and taste characteristics.
Sensory analysis using an electronic nose and electronic tongue assessed aroma and taste differences. HS-GC-MS identified volatile components and performed relative quantification. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model was established to screen differential volatile compounds. Pearson correlation explored relationships between aroma and volatile components.
Aroma differences among Angelicae Sinensis Radix samples from different origins were primarily detected by sensors W5S, W1W, and W2W, while taste differences were mainly reflected in salty and umami flavors. HS-GC-MS identified 79 volatile components, with 32 selected as differential volatile components.
5-Methylfuranaldehyde and Linoleic acid methyl ester are identified as common differential components across the three Angelicae Sinensis Radix origins, enabling their differentiation and serving as the material basis for the herb’s aroma and taste.
To evaluate the quality of Jiangzhiling Tablet based on qualitative and quantitative analysis combined with chemical pattern recognition, in order to provide a reference for its quality control.
The chemical components in Jiangzhiling Tablet were analyzed qualitatively by HPLC-Q-Exactive-MS. The contents of 6 components (betaine, 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene 2-Ο-β-D-glucoside, aurantio-obtusin, emodin, aloe-emodin, physcion) in 14 batches of Jiangzhiling Tablet were quantitatively analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. Cluster analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were conducted and variable importance projection (VIP) value greater than 1 was used as the index to screen the differential components.
A total of 61 components were identified in Jiangzhiling Tablet. According to the quantitative analysis, the results exhibited that the contents of the above 6 components in 14 batches of Jiangzhiling Tablet were 973.832~2 375.198, 607.646~2 079.837, 27.942~53.621, 215.952~407.864, 390.153~683.629, 1 346.399~2 150.771 μg/g, respectively. According to the results of CA and PCA, 14 batches of samples could be clustered into two categories: S1~S7 were clustered into one category; S8~S14 were clustered into one category. The VIP values of betaine, aloe-emodin, 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene 2-Ο-β-D-glucoside and emodin were all greater than 1.
The established methods of qualitative and quantitative analysis based on HPLC-Q-Exactive-MS and HPLC-MS/MS is rapid and simple, and can be used for the identification of chemical components and the content determination of index components in Jiangzhiling Tablet. Four components such as betaine are differential markers affecting the quality of Jiangzhiling Tablet.
To use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine five indicator components (rosmarinic acid, isorosmarinic acid glycoside, rutin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin) and combine them with fingerprint spectra to compare and analyze the differences in content of spikes, stems, and leaves of Prunella vulgaris L. from different origins, providing data support for its resource utilization.
The chromatographic column was Agilent C18 (250 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm), the mobile phase was acetonitrile 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution, gradient elution, column temperature was 30 ℃, volume flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, injection volume was 10 μL, and detection wavelength was 369 nm; Using principal component analysis (PCA) to analyze the content results of five indicator components in different parts of Prunella vulgaris L. from different regions; Establish HPLC fingerprint spectra for the spikes, stems, and leaves of Prunella vulgaris L. from different origins, and identify 12 common peaks based on reference standards and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography ion trap electrostatic field orbital trap mass spectrometry (UPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-MS). Use orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to screen for differential components that affect the quality of spikes, stems, and leaves from different origins.
There were significant differences in samples and indicator components between different parts. PCA results showed that the overall evaluation of samples from different parts was better for the spikes and leaves, while the stems were relatively poor. HPLC fingerprint spectra of spikes, stems, and leaves from different origins were established, and 12 common peaks were calibrated. The similarity results showed that there were differences in similarity between different parts. OPLS-DA screened 4, 6, and 5 variable projection importance (VIP) >1 differential components from spikes, stems, and leaves, respectively.
The method established in this study for the determination of multi index component content and fingerprint spectrum of Prunella vulgaris L. is efficient, accurate, and reliable, which can provide reference for the improvement of quality evaluation of Prunella vulgaris L. and the full utilization of resources.
To explore the effect of Yifei moxibustion (YFM) on patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on urine metabolomics.
A total of 101 patients with stable COPD were randomly divided into a regular group and a YFM group; besides, 30 urine samples from healthy volunteers were collected as the normal group. On the basis of health education and Western medicine treatment in regular group, YFM was additionally applied in YFM group. The duration of treatment was 3 months. Symptom, sign, and COPD assessment test (CAT) scores were recorded before and after treatment. Untargeted metabolomics was used to detect urinary metabolites in the two groups before and after treatment and in the healthy controls.
The YFM group after treatment had significantly lower symptom, sign, and CAT scores when compared with both the regular group after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05) and the YFM group before treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01). Patients before treatment had 614 differential metabolites compared with healthy controls. The YFM group after treatment had 702 differential metabolites compared with that before treatment, in which 211 urine metabolites related to stable COPD were regulated by YFM.
Yifei moxibustion is effective for treating patients with stable COPD. And the therapeutic effect may be related to its correcting energy metabolism disorders, regulating blood circulation, improving long-term prognosis, and alleviating hypoxia via regulating disordered metabolism.
To analyze the effects of acupuncture on changes in functional connectivity within the dentate nucleus-thalamus-cortex-cerebellum circuit in stroke hemiplegic patients, and to explore the mechanisms of brain functional remodeling.
A total of 31 stroke hemiplegic patients were included in the experimental group (19 in the true acupuncture group receiving the twelve needles of hand and foot acupuncture, 12 in the sham acupuncture group) and 27 healthy persons in the control group from May 2018 to September 2023. Changes in functional connectivity between bilateral seed regions of interest, including the dentate nucleus (DN), thalamus (THA), primary motor cortex (M1), ventral premotor cortex (PMv), and cerebellum (Cb), were compared among groups. These findings were integrated with clinical scale scores to elucidate the therapeutic efficacy of the twelve needles of hand and foot acupuncture.
Before acupuncture intervention, the experimental group exhibited stronger functional connectivity in DN (right side)–M1 (left side) (P=0.0244) but weaker connectivity in THA (right side)–M1 (right side) (P=0.0420), THA (right side)–PMv (left side) (P=0.0363), PMv (left side)–PMv (right side) (P=0.0311), and PMv (right side)–Cb (left side) (P=0.0422) compared to the control group. Following true acupoint intervention, the true acupoint group showed weaker functional connectivity in THA (left side)–PMv (right side) (P=0.0115), THA (left side)–Cb (left side) (P=0.0122), and Cb (left side)–Cb (right side) (P=0.0152) compared to the control group. After sham acupoint intervention, the sham acupoint group demonstrated stronger functional connectivity in DN (right side)–M1 (left side) (P=0.0115), but weaker connectivity in THA (right side)–PMv (left side) (P=0.0493), THA (left side)–PMv (right side) (P=0.0129), M1 (right side)–PMv (right side) (P=0.0245), and PMv (left side)–PMv (right side) (P=0.0295) compared to the control group.
The twelve needles of hand and foot acupuncture promotes brain functional reorganization and restores motor function by modulating functional connectivity among key regions within the motor circuit.
To observe the effects of spinal pinching on the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and tyrosine kinase receptor (TrkB) in the frontal lobe, hippocampus, and cerebellum of a rat model of autism with corpus callosum transection, and to explore the effects of spinal pinching on different brain regions and the overall role of the corpus callosum in this process.
A total of 48 autism model rats induced by sodium valproate were randomly selected and divided into a model group, a model sham surgery group, a model surgery group, a spinal group, a spinal sham surgery group, and a spinal surgery group, 8 rats in each group. Additionally, 8 normal rats were selected as the blank group. The model sham surgery group, model surgery group, spinal surgery group, and spinal sham surgery group underwent corpus callosum transection surgery or sham surgery after the end of behavioral tests. The next day, T2WI scan was used to evaluate the degree of corpus callosum transection. The spinal group and spinal surgery group received spinal pinching once a day, 21 repetitions per session, for 28 consecutive days. After intervention in each group of rats, open field experiments were conducted, and the frontal lobe, hippocampus, and cerebellum tissues of rats were collected to observe the protein and mRNA expression of BDNF and TrkB through immunoblotting and real-time fluorescence quantification techniques.
Compared with the model group, the blank group, spinal group, spinal sham surgery group, and spinal surgery group showed an increase in total spontaneous activity distance and standing frequency, and a decrease in grooming frequency (P<0.01). The model surgery group had an increase in grooming frequency (P<0.05). Compared with the spinal group, the model group, model sham surgery group, and model surgery group showed a decrease in total spontaneous activity distance and standing frequency, but an increase in grooming frequency (P<0.01). The spinal surgery group showed an increase in standing frequency (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of BDNF and TrkB proteins was higher in the frontal lobe of the blank group, spinal group, spinal sham surgery group, and spinal surgery group (P<0.05, P<0.01), in the hippocampus of the blank group, spinal group, and spinal sham surgery group (P<0.01, P<0.05), in the cerebellum of the blank group, spinal sham surgery group, and spinal surgery group (P<0.01, P<0.05) and TrkB expression was higher in the spinal group (P<0.05); Compared with the spinal group, the sham surgery group and model surgery group in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellar regions showed lower expression of BDNF and TrkB proteins (P<0.01, P<0.05), while spinal surgery group in the hippocampus showed lower expression of TrkB protein (P<0.05). Compared with the model group, the expression of BDNF and TrkB mRNA was higher in the blank group, the spinal group, and the spinal sham surgery group in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus (P<0.01, P<0.05). The expression of TrkB mRNA was higher in the hippocampal spinal surgery group (P<0.05), and the expression of BDNF and TrkB mRNA was higher in the cerebellar spinal surgery group and the spinal sham surgery group (P<0.01, P<0.05); Compared with the spinal group, the TrkB mRNA expression in the prefrontal cortex model sham surgery group and model surgery group was lower (P<0.01), while the BDNF and TrkB mRNA expression in the hippocampus and cerebellum model sham surgery group and model surgery group were lower (P<0.01, P<0.05), and the TrkB mRNA expression in the hippocampus spinal surgery group was lower (P<0.01).
Spinal pinching can concurrently improve autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors and upregulate the expression of BDNF/TrkB. However, corpus callosum transection weakens the regulation of hippocampal TrkB by spinal pinching in autistic rats. The causal relationship and underlying mechanisms require further validation through pre-blockade experiments.
To explore the neuroprotective effects of Bagui Tianlong Powder (BGTLP) on rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) based on gut microbiota.
Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into Sham group, MCAO/R group, L-BGTLP group (0.4 g/kg), and H-BGTLP group (0.8 g/kg), with 10 rats in each group. A broad-spectrum antibiotic (ABX) was used to establish an aseptic rat model, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) was performed to transfer gut microbiota. The rats were then divided into ABX+Sham group, ABX+MCAO/R group, ABX+MCAO/R+BGTLP group, and ABX+MCAO/R+BGTLP+FMT group, with 6 rats in each group. Seven days after administration, the neurological deficit scores and cerebral infarction areas of each group were assessed. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the ipsilateral ischemic brain tissue. ELISA was used to detect the expression of inflammatory cytokines in brain tissue. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the co-expression of Iba1+/CD16+ and Iba1+/CD206+ in brain tissue. 16S rRNA sequencing was used to analyze the gut microbiota in rat feces.
Compared with the MCAO/R group, the L-BGTLP and H-BGTLP groups showed significantly reduced neurological deficit scores and infarction areas (P<0.01), alleviated pathological injury in brain tissue, and decreased expression of inflammatory cytokines to varying degrees (P<0.05, P<0.01). In the H-BGTLP group, the positive expression rate of Iba1+/CD16+ decreased, while Iba1+/CD206+ significantly increased (P<0.05), and the diversity of gut microbiota increased, with species composition approaching that of the Sham group. Compared with the ABX+MCAO/R group, the ABX+MCAO/R+BGTLP+FMT group showed reduced neurological deficit scores and infarction areas (P<0.01), improved pathological damage in brain tissue, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels (P<0.01, P<0.05), decreased positive expression rate of Iba1+/CD16+ in brain tissue, and increased positive expression rate of Iba1+/CD206+ (P<0.01).
Bagui Tianlong Powder can reduce the area of cerebral infarction and the score of neurological impairment, inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, regulate the polarization of microglia, modulate intestinal microbiota, and achieve neuroprotective effects by regulating intestinal microbiota.
To reveal and explore the effect mechanism of acupuncture based on the method of ‘soothing the liver and regulating the spirit’ in treating insomnia from the perspective of hippocampal inflammatory damage and the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory pathway in rats with liver qi depression type insomnia.
A model was established through chronic tail clamping and intraperitoneal injection of para-chlorophenylalanine. The rats were randomly divided into a model group, a Western medicine group, an acupuncture group, a blocker group, and an acupuncture+blocker group, with a blank control group, 10 in each group. All groups were intervened for 7 days, followed by sleep and behavioral experiments to evaluate improvements in sleep and mood. Nissl staining was used to observe hippocampal morphology, while ELISA and Western Blot were employed to detect the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and key proteins TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the hippocampus.
Compared with the model group, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in all intervention groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05); the acupuncture+blocker group was superior to the acupuncture group and the blocker group in terms of sleep improvement, emotional improvement, hippocampal morphology, and anti-inflammatory effects (P<0.05).
Acupuncture based on the method of ‘soothing the liver and regulating the spirit’ can alleviate sleep and mood abnormalities in rats with liver qi depression type insomnia, reduce hippocampal inflammatory damage, and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the hippocampal TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.
To investigate the protective effect of Chaihu-Baishao on rifampicin (RFP)-induced drug-induced liver injury in rats and its mechanism.
Forty-eight SD rats were randomly divided into normal group, model group, ursodeoxycholic acid group and Chaihu group, Baishao group, Chaihu-Baishao group, 8 in each group. The rat model of drug-induced liver injury was established by RFP gavage method, and the liver function indexes in serum were detected by biochemical method. The activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum were detected by colorimetry. The pathological changes of liver tissue were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. TUNEL staining was used to observe the apoptosis of rat hepatocytes. The mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1, Nrf2, HO-1, Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase3 in rat liver tissues were detected by qRT-PCR and Western Blot.
Compared with the model group, the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin and total bile acid in the medicine groups were significantly decreased (P<0.01, P<0.05). The activity of SOD and GSH increased significantly (P<0.01), and the content of MDA decreased significantly (P<0.01). The mRNA and protein expressions of Keap1, Bax and Caspase3 in liver tissue of rats were significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the mRNA expressions of Nrf2, HO-1 and Bcl-2 were significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05), the protein expression of Bcl-2 was significantly increased (P<0.01, P<0.05). The degree of pathological damage of liver tissue was significantly reduced.
Chaihu-Baishao has a synergistic effect on alleviating RFP-induced liver injury in rats, especially in reducing bilirubin. The mechanism may be related to the regulation of Keap1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, thereby improving oxidative stress and apoptosis.
To evaluate the effects of Xuanqing Hefa Formula (XQ) on intestinal barrier injury in mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), and to explore potential mechanistic clues using network pharmacology.
Two independent animal experiments were conducted. Experiment 1 included Sham, CLP, XQ, and caffeic acid (CA, active reference compound) groups and assessed ileal pathology, diamine oxidase (DAO), tight-junction proteins, and inflammatory and oxidative-stress indices. Experiment 2 included Sham, Sham+XQ, CLP, CLP+XQ, and CLP+Fer-1 groups and assessed ileal pathology and ferroptosis-related indices. Network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to explore candidate mechanisms.
In experiment 1, compared with the Sham group, the CLP group exhibited ileal mucosal injury, significantly decreased DAO, ZO-1, Occludin and IL-10 (P<0.01), and significantly increased TNF-α and MDA (P<0.01); compared with the CLP group, XQ group significantly increased DAO, ZO-1, Occludin, SOD and IL-10 (P<0.01, P<0.05), and significantly decreased MDA and TNF-α (P<0.05, P<0.01). In experiment 2, compared with the Sham group, CLP group significantly increased ferritin, 4-HNE and GSSG expression (P<0.05, P<0.01), significantly decreased T-GSH and GPX4 expression (P<0.01, P<0.05); compared with the CLP group, CLP+XQ group significantly increased T-GSH and GPX4 expression (P<0.01, P<0.05); CLP+Fer-1 group decreased ferritin, 4-HNE and GSSG expression (P<0.05), significantly increased T-GSH and GPX4 expression (P<0.01, P<0.05). Network analysis identified 146 candidate targets mainly involving TNF, NF-κB, and other inflammatory pathways. FerrDb V2 identified 40 ferroptosis-related annotated genes.
XQ attenuates CLP-induced intestinal barrier injury, possibly through tight-junction preservation and regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis-related processes.
To investigate the potential mechanisms of Yangjin Zhuanggu Decoction (YJZGD) in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) through a combination of network pharmacology and animal experiments.
Bioactive components and drug-disease intersection targets were screened using the traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database and analysis platform (TCMSP), UniProt, GeneCards, and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) software. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks and pathway enrichment analyses were subsequently performed. Forty-two female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to a blank control group (n=6), a sham-operation group (n=6), and a modeling group (n=30). Rats in the modeling group underwent bilateral ovariectomy and were then randomly subdivided into model, Western medicine control, and YJZGD high-, medium-, and low-dose groups, with 6 rats in each group. Rats in the YJZGD dose groups received corresponding doses of YJZGD by gavage once daily, while those in the Western medicine control group received alendronate sodium and vitamin D3 by gavage once weekly, for a total of 12 weeks. General conditions of the rats were observed. Bone microarchitecture was evaluated by micro-CT; bone histopathological changes were examined by HE and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining; bone-related protein expression was detected by immunohistochemistry; serum inflammatory and bone metabolic markers were measured by ELISA.
A total of 106 bioactive components, 807 drug targets, and 530 drug-disease intersection targets were identified. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)-related pathways and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) emerged as key predicted results. Compared with the model group, bone microarchitecture was improved to varying degrees in each YJZGD dose group (P<0.05). In the YJZGD high- and medium-dose groups, AHR pathway protein expression was significantly decreased (P<0.05), while SPP1 pathway protein expression was significantly increased (P<0.05), and serum bone metabolic markers were markedly improved (P<0.05). Serum inflammatory markers were significantly reduced in all YJZGD dose groups (P<0.05).
YJZGD may exert its therapeutic effects on PMOP by modulating bone metabolic balance through inhibition of AHR/NF-κB pathway-mediated inflammatory responses and activation of the SPP1 pathway to promote osteogenic differentiation, thereby suppressing osteoclast activity and enhancing bone formation.
The construction of the Yunqi (five movements and six climates) theory in Huangdi Neijing was profoundly influenced by the ancient cosmological view of ‘heaven is round and earth is square’. This paper examines the pervasive manifestations of the ‘heaven is round and earth is square’ cosmology in traditional Chinese culture, traces the historical basis of its formation, and explains the scientific connotations represented by this concept. It reveals the central role of ancient astronomical observations and timekeeping in shaping the ‘heaven is round and earth is square’ cosmology, highlighting the objectivity and scientific foundation of the Yunqi theory in Huangdi Neijing, which is rooted in this cosmological perspective.
The Tibetan medicine system contains many records about the naming and application of massage techniques. This paper traces the historical evolution and characteristics of massage techniques in Tibetan medical classics. It is found that the written records of massage techniques were first seen in the 8th century AD Four Medical Tantras and Moon King’s Medical Diagnosis, among which the core system of massage therapy is represented by Jiuba and Gunie; By the 18th century, 17 basic techniques had been developed. According to the literature records, Tibetan massage techniques showed a developmental process from early muscle and joint release to acupoints (11th century) and the treatment of ‘white vein’ disease (15th century). According to the characteristics of movement patterns, the most are friction techniques and swing techniques. The theoretical support of manipulation comes from the unique systematic theories of skeletal muscles, acupoints and ‘white vein’ of Tibetan medicine. It reveals that the historical experience and theoretical paradigm contained in Tibetan medical classics provide a theoretical basis for promoting the diversified and standardized development of Tibetan medical massage techniques.
This article interprets its role in the prevention and treatment of diseases and in health preservation within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), from the perspectives of its purpose, underlying principles, governing rules, methods, means, effects, and practical application by analyzing the meaning of ‘Tiao’. The methods of ‘Tiao’ include internal regulation, external regulation, and combined internal-external regulation; the means include single regulation, dual regulation, and multiple regulation; its effects encompass eliminating causative factors, reaching the disease location, removing the disease nature, correcting pathological states, addressing disease tendency, resolving symptoms, achieving quantification, and preserving health. In specific application, the first step is pattern differentiation to determine the relative excess or deficiency of yin and yang in the disease; the second is establishing therapeutic principles, which should follow the principles of mutual rooting, mutual utilization, mutual transformation, and waxing and waning of yin and yang; the third is to exercise flexible control, adhering to a human-centered approach and avoiding both excess and insufficiency; the fourth is to deliver precise treatment, acting within one’s capability. In TCM, the prevention, treatment, and health cultivation of diseases are grounded in ‘diagnosis’ as the evidence, ‘pattern’ as the foundation, ‘regulation’ as the application, ‘moderation’ as the key, ‘harmony’ as the measure, and ‘balance’ as the goal. The concept of ‘Tiao’ permeates every aspect of TCM disease prevention, treatment, and health cultivation, and constitutes the core concept and supreme therapeutic principle of TCM.
This study takes the rare manuscript WUs’ Family Seventy-Two Formulas for Phlegm-Fire by WU Qifu, a physician of the Xin’an School in the Qing dynasty, as the research object, exploring its textual characteristics and academic connotations. The extant manuscript, transcribed in the first year of the Republic of China (1912), consists of two parts: theoretical exposition and clinical formula-syndrome differentiation, with the ‘yin-yang, qi-blood, and phlegm-fire’ as the core diagnostic system. WU integrated Yi-ology, CHENG-ZHU Neo-Confucianism, and the thought of the Danxi School, proposing the pathological correlations of ‘qi as fire’ and ‘phlegm as blood’, and establishing the therapeutic principle of ‘resolving phlegm-stasis by regulating qi as the key principle, and treating heat-fire by harmonizing blood as the fundamental tenet’. He systematically elaborated on the pathogenesis and treatment methods of 72 disease patterns. Embodying the integration of formula and syndrome, the manuscript emphasizes the mutual regulation of qi and blood and the mutual nourishment of yin and yang. Its self-created formulas are characterized by fortifying the spleen to regulate qi and nourishing yin to subdue fire, with detailed attention to decoction and administration methods and nursing care. Research shows that WUs’ theory inherits the tradition of integrating Confucianism with medicine in Xin’an medicine, enriches the theory of qi-blood-fluid-spirit syndrome differentiation, has reference value for Chinese medicine in diagnosing and treating related diseases, and also provides ideas for the exploration and application of rare manuscripts.
To evaluate the clinical efficacy and quality of life of Modified Rongxin Yizhi Formula in the treatment of stable angina pectoris (SAP) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome, and to explore its underlying mechanism.
A total of 144 patients were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, with 72 cases in each group. The control group received standardized treatment, while the experimental group received standardized treatment plus Modified Rongxin Yizhi Formula, for 8 weeks in both groups. Clinical efficacy [angina pectoris score, traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score, and Montreal cognitive assessment-basic (MoCA-B)], quality of life [Seattle angina questionnaire (SAQ) and functional activities questionnaire (FAQ)], and physicochemical indicators [asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), platelet membrane glycoprotein Ⅱb/Ⅲa (GPⅡb/Ⅲa), and P-selectin (SELP)] were assessed before and after the intervention and compared between the two groups.
After the treatment, compared with the control group, the experimental group showed significantly higher improvement rates of angina pectoris, TCM syndrome, and overall cognitive function, as well as significantly higher scores for angina stability, angina frequency of SAQ, and MoCA-B (P<0.05, P<0.01); meanwhile, angina pectoris scores, TCM syndrome scores, FAQ scores, and concentrations of physicochemical indicators ADMA, GPⅡb/Ⅲa and SELP were significantly decreased (P<0.01).
Modified Rongxin Yizhi Formula can significantly improve angina stability, angina frequency, cognitive function, instrumental activities of daily living, and clinical manifestations of kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in SAP patients with MCI. The mechanism may be associated with the amelioration of endothelial dysfunction and the inhibition of excessive platelet activation.
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Modified XUAN’s Yizhi Decoction in treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children with kidney deficiency and liver hyperactivity syndrome and its effect on cortisol levels.
From June 2022 to September 2023, 58 children with ADHD with kidney deficiency and liver hyperactivity syndrome were enrolled from Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of TCM and were allocated to the trial group or control group based on participants’ willingness. Meanwhile, 10 healthy children receiving physical examination in the hospital were selected as the normal group. The trial group received Modified XUAN’s Yizhi Decoction, while the control group received Atomoxetine Hydrochloride. After 12 weeks of treatment, the clinical efficacy was evaluated using SNAP-Ⅳ, Conners’ hyperactivity index scale and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scale, hair cortisol levels of the children were detected, and the incidence of adverse reactions was recorded.
After treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in SNAP-Ⅳ, Conners’ hyperactivity index, as well as the total score and main symptom scores of the TCM syndrome scale (P<0.01, P<0.05). The trial group demonstrated superior efficacy in improving the total TCM syndrome score and secondary symptoms including dizziness and headache, dry mouth and throat, dysphoria with feverish sensation in the chest, palms and soles, night sweating, constipation and enuresis (P<0.05), with a lower incidence of adverse reactions than the control group. Baseline hair cortisol levels in the trial group were significantly lower than those in healthy controls (P<0.05), the trial group showed a trend toward increased hair cortisol levels post-treatment, though the difference was not statistically significant.
Modified XUAN’s Yizhi Decoction effectively alleviates clinical symptoms in children with ADHD and is associated with a lower incidence of adverse reactions.
To explore the effect and mechanism of auricular electrical stimulation in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD) of blood deficiency and wind-dryness type from the perspective of metabolomics.
Seventy patients with AD were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, with 35 cases in each group. The therapeutic effects were analyzed by comparing the Scoring Atopic Dermatitis index (SCORAD), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pruritus, Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), and the serum levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE) and eosinophils (EOS), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13 before and after treatment in both groups. Additionally, metabolomics was employed to explore the underlying mechanisms.
After treatment, both groups showed decreases in SCORAD, VAS and DLQI scores, as well as serum levels of IgE and EOS, IL-4, IL-13 concentrations (P<0.05). The therapeutic effect of the treatment group was superior to that of the control group (P<0.05). Combined with the results of metabolomics, it was found that its effect was related to the regulation of the biosynthetic pathways of tropane, piperidine and pyridine alkaloids, and the pathways of protein digestion and absorption.
Auricular electrical stimulation has a definite curative effect in the treatment of AD, and its effect is related to immune-inflammatory mechanisms, regulation of tropane, piperidine and pyridine alkaloid synthesis, as well as protein digestion and absorption pathways.
To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Liuwei Luobi Granule in treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) with the syndrome of stasis-heat entering collaterals.
A total of 68 patients were randomly assigned to a control group and a trial group, with 34 cases in each. Four patients from each group dropped out, resulting in a final cohort of 30 patients per group. Both groups received standard basic medical treatment, with the trial group receiving additional oral Liuwei Luobi Granule (12 g per dose, three times daily) for 12 weeks. Outcome assessments were conducted before and after treatment, including traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, Michigan diabetic neuropathy score (MDNS), Toronto clinical scoring system (TCSS), nerve conduction velocity, glucose and lipid metabolism parameters, and aldose reductase (AR) content and activity.
Compared with pretreatment, both groups showed significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores after treatment (P<0.01). The total effective rate was significantly higher in the trial group (83.33%, 25/30) than in the control group (60.00%, 18/30) (P<0.05). In both groups, MDNS and TCSS scores decreased significantly (P<0.05, P<0.01), while several nerve conduction velocity parameters increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), with the trial group outperforming the control group (P<0.05). AR activity was significantly increased in the control group (P<0.05) and decreased in the trial group (P<0.01). No significant abnormalities in liver or kidney function were observed in either group during the trial period.
Liuwei Luobi Granule is clinically safe and effective for treating DPN with the syndrome of stasis-heat entering collaterals.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Yishen Tongluo Recipe in the treatment of patients with idiopathic asymptomatic asthenozoospermia infertility.
Patients with idiopathic asymptomatic asthenozoospermia infertility who visited the Reproductive Medicine Department of Henan Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from December 2022 to November 2023 were randomly divided into a treatment group (75 cases) and a control group (75 cases). At the end of treatment (12 weeks), the efficacy and safety were evaluated by reassessing the percentage of progressively motile sperm (PR), total sperm motility (PR+NP), sperm DNA fragmentation index (DFI), sperm mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), sperm reactive oxygen species (ROS), seminal plasma biochemical related indicators and adverse reactions, and the pregnancy rate of patients’ spouses.
After treatment, PR, PR+NP and sperm MMP in both groups were significantly improved (P<0.05), sperm DFI and sperm ROS were significantly decreased (P<0.05), seminal plasma α-glucosidase, plasma Zn, seminal plasma fructose, seminal plasma ACP were increased (P<0.05), and with greater improvements in the treatment group than in the control group (P<0.05, P<0.01); The pregnancy rate of the treatment group was 17.65% (12/68), and that of the control group was 10.14% (7/69). The total effective rate of the experimental group was 82.35% (56/68), which was higher than 63.77% (44/69) of the control group (P<0.05).
Yishen Tongluo Recipe is safe and effective in the treatment of idiopathic asymptomatic asthenozoospermia infertility patients, which is worthy of in-depth study of the mechanism of action and clinical promotion.
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thunder-fire moxibustion combined with Yiqi Wenyang Tincture (YWT) in treating cancer-related fatigue (CRF) induced by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
In this randomized controlled trial, 144 patients with ICI-related CRF were enrolled and randomly assigned to two groups with 72 cases in each. Three patients dropped out, resulting in a final cohort of 71 patients in the moxibustion group and 70 patients in the YWT group. The moxibustion group receiving thunder-fire moxibustion plus conventional symptomatic care, and the YWT group receiving additional external application of YWT based on the same moxibustion protocol. Outcomes were assessed using the revised Piper fatigue scale (PFS-R), European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire-core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), the Karnofsky performance status (KPS), and a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score before and after intervention.
After treatment, the total effective rate of the YWT group was 92.9% (65/70), which was significantly higher than 81.7% (58/71) in the moxibustion group (P<0.05). The fatigue scores across all dimensions and the total score decreased significantly in both groups compared to baseline (P<0.01). The YWT group showed greater reductions in the behavioral dimension, somatic dimension, and total fatigue score than the moxibustion group (P<0.05). The YWT group also demonstrated superior improvements in physical, emotional, and social functioning, overall health status, and symptoms including fatigue, pain, insomnia, loss of appetite, constipation, and diarrhea (P<0.05). The improvement in KPS score was more pronounced in the YWT group (P<0.05), with the total effective rate of 90.0% (63/70) versus 77.5% (55/71) in the moxibustion group (P<0.05). The TCM syndrome score decreased more significantly in the YWT group (P<0.05). Only mild skin reactions and elevated blood pressure were observed during treatment, with no grade 3 or higher adverse events reported.
The combination of thunder-fire moxibustion and YWT effectively alleviates fatigue, improves quality of life and functional status in patients with ICIs-related CRF, with a favorable safety profile.
Author Login
Peer Review
Editorial Work
