Objective:To explore the mechanism of effect of abdominal massage for insomnia and determine whether it is the core therapy for the treatment of insomnia. Methods:A total of 72 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal group (FK), model group (FM), simple abdominal group (FD), abdominal therapy group (FC), drug group (FY) and drug + simple abdominal group (FT), with 12 rats in each group. Insomnia models were prepared by intraperitoneally injecting PCPA in rats of FM group and each treatment group. After successful modelling, FK and FM groups were not intervened; FD group treated with abdominal massage in the whole abdomen position; FC group treated with various massage methods containing abdominal massage; FY group treated with Zolpidem tartrate tablets (0.92 mg · kg^-1 · d^-1) by instillation; FT group treated with abdominal massage based on drug group, given daily for 14 days. After the final intervention, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) levels were analyzed by ELISA in hypothalamus of the rats in each group. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to analyse the structure, diversity and species differences of the gut microbiota in each group, and the Spearman correlation analysis was performed with 5-HT, DA and NE. Results:The 5-HT and DA levels were significantly reduced and the NE level was significantly increased in the hypothalamus of rats in FM group compared with FK group (P<0.05). Compared with the FM group, the 5-HT levels in the hypothalamus of rats in each treatment group were increased significantly and the NE levels were decreased (P<0.05), and the DA levels in the hypothalamus of rats in the FC, FY, and FT groups were increased significantly (P<0.05). The Chao1 index was significantly increased in both FD and FY groups compared to FM group (P<0.05), and Shannon index was increased in FD group (P<0.05). Beta diversity analyses showed that there was significant segregation between samples in FK and FM groups; At the phylum level, faecal microbiota of rats were dominated by Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes; The genus level is dominated by such as Bacteroides and Lactobacillus; The phylum and genus levels obtained respectively 7 and 102 significantly different species. The level of 5-HT showed positively correlation with Lactobacillus (r=0.268, P<0.05), negatively with Bacteroides (r=-0.342, P<0.01); The level of DA showed positively negatively correlation with Bacteroides and Negativibacillus (r=-0.252, r=-0.268, P<0.05); The level of NE showed positively correlation with Alloprevotella and Negativibacillu (r=0.309, P<0.01; r=0.273, P<0.05). Conclusion:Abdominal massage is the core therapy for insomnia and the mechanism of its effect may be linked to the regulation of gut bacteria and consequently altering the level of neurotransmitter expression in the brain associated with the gut bacteria.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Shenfu Qiangxin Pills in the treatment of chronic heart failure in heart-kidney yang deficiency syndrome by using metabolomics method, explore and identify its potential biomarkers. Methods:Thirty-eight participants with chronic heart failure who received treatment with Shenfu Qiangxin Pills were included, and their serum samples of baseline and after treatment were used for metabolomics testing by UHPLC (1290 Infinity LC). A total of 1 335 metabolites above Level 2 were identified, which were identified by the combination with positive ion modes and negative ion modes. Adopted partial least squares discrimination analysis, orthogonal projections to latent structures discriminant analysis for multivariate analysis, and tested the reliability of the model by using permutation test. The identified differential metabolites were subjected to KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. Results:After treatment with Shenfu Qiangxin Pills, a total of 15 differential metabolites such as D-glutamine and L-homoarginine, a total of 16 KEGG pathways such as D-Glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, Arginine biosynthesis, Pyrimidine metabolism, Purine metabolism and so on. KEGG enrichment analysis showed 6 target pathway such as Glutamatergic synapse, GABAergic synapse, D-Glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism, Proximal tubule bicarbonate reclamation, Nitrogen metabolism, Arginine biosynthesis. Conclusion:Shenfu Qiangxin Pills may exert its efficacy in the treatment of chronic heart failure by regulating the amino acid metabolism.

As an earlier-written classic of traditional Chinese medicine, Nanjing occupies a crucial position in the establishment and development of the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine. Doctors of all dynasties have systematically investigated and annotated it through various means and achieved remarkable outcomes. Based on the systematic arrangement of over 30 annotated editions of Nanjing, this paper categorizes the approaches used by annotators of past dynasties to study Nanjing into three types: thematic essay research approach, essay deduction research approach, and annotators compile references research approach. Their functions are respectively to extract the overall framework, explain the connotation of the original text, and select representative annotated texts. Further subdivisions are made according to their characteristics under each research approach to provide references for the academic research of Nanjing.

Collaterals are an important component of the meridian and collaterals theory, but there has not been a systematic and in-depth study on the diagnosis and treatment of collaterals. This paper analyzes ancient and modern literature on collaterals, and discusses the theoretical foundation, application principles, and clinical application of collaterals from three aspects. It summarizes the current research status of collaterals theory in ancient and modern times. This paper believes that combining the network structure and function of collaterals can better understand the theory of collaterals. Classifying collaterals and meridians into yin and yang collaterals, qi and blood collaterals, and zang-fu collaterals and body collaterals can be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. By formulating the principles of ‘using collaterals to promote circulation' and ‘treating collaterals to treat blood stasis' based on the pathological changes of collaterals. Combined with the collateral principle and the classification of collaterals, it is concluded that pathological blood collaterals are the main object of collateral diagnosis. The current application technology has a certain therapeutic effect on the collaterals, cupping and scraping mostly act on the yang collaterals of the skin, it can be used to relax bowels and discharge heat, regulate qi and activities yang, moxibustion is mostly used on the yin collaterals, it can regulate the organs and tonify deficiency, the guidance can increase the accumulation and regulation function of the collaterals, collateral release can be used to regulate blood and collaterals, mainly for the stasis of collaterals.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a common clinical interstitial lung disease with an increasing incidence year by year, poor quality of life, and poor prognosis, ultimately leading to severe impairment of lung function or even patient death. Western drug therapy includes medications such as N-acetylcysteine, pirfenidone, and nintedanib, as well as non-drug therapies such as oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lung transplantation. However, the therapeutic effect is limited. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment of IPF offers a new approach, and recent studies have shown that TCM has good efficacy in treating IPF. In this paper, we discuss the etiology, pathogenesis, and pharmacological treatment of IPF from the perspective of Chinese medicine. We also summarize the Chinese medicinal compounds, extracts, and injections that have been clinically and experimentally proven to have antifibrotic potential, further elaborating on their efficacy, mechanisms, and the progress of modern pharmacological research.

Tendons bundle bone, bone tensioning tendon, tendon-bone coordination is the basis of human spine and joint to maintain dynamic balance. Once the tendons and bones are out of balance, the normal function of the joint is impaired, causing knee osteoarthritis (KOA). In this study, it is found that the theory of ‘tendon-bone imbalance' is rich in connotation, including not only the abnormalities of skeletal muscle elasticity, tension, muscle strength and ligament properties, but also bone abnormalities such as osteophyte formation, knee varus and osteoporosis. At the same time, tuina can adjust the tendons and bones based on the ‘tendon-bone imbalance', and play the adjustment role of KOA ‘tendon-bone imbalance' through the tendon management and bone setting techniques. This has a positive guiding significance for further deepening the theoretical connotation of ‘tendon-bone imbalance' and its clinical application in tuina.

This paper introduces the content of Clinical Guidelines of Acupotomy Treatment of Scapulohumeral Periarthritis. The guideline is based on research findings related to acupotomy for scapulohumeral periarthritis both domestically and internationally. Following the methods used in the development of international clinical practice guidelines, evidence from literature was selected and evaluated based on evidence-based medicine principles. An evidence grading system was established following internationally recommended assessment and development procedures, and after expert consultation, the Clinical Guidelines of Acupotomy Treatment of Scapulohumeral Periarthritis with evidence levels and recommendations were formulated. These guidelines cover definitions, diagnosis, and acupotomy treatment, with the aim of providing guidance for safe and effective clinical practice.

Objective: To observe the protective effect and mechanism of Bushen Kaixuan Tongluo Formula (BKTF) on the kidney of db/db mice. Methods: Thirty db/db mice were randomly divided into five groups based on fasting blood glucose levels: the model group, the irbesartan group, the low-dose, the medium-dose and the high-dose BKTF groups, six in each group, and six m/m mice were included as the normal group. Every 2 weeks, the body weight of mice in each group was measured. After 12 weeks of continuous administration, specimens were collected for measurement of fasting blood glucose, urinary albumin, urinary creatinine, urinary albumin creatinine ratio (ACR), serum creatinine (Scr), urea, serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides, insulin (INS), aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase levels. Kidney sections were embedded and subjected to staining with Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson's trichrome. Immunohistochemical and RT-qPCR detected PPARγand ERK1/2 protein and mRNA expression in the kidney. Results: Compared with the model group, the body weight of mice in the each dose BKTF group was significantly reduced (P<0.05), the urine ACR level of mice in the medium-and high-dose BKTF groups was reduced (P<0.01, P<0.05), the Scr and TC level of mice in the medium-dose BKTF group was reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), the INS content of all dose BKTF groups was reduced (P<0.01). All doses BKTF groups could can alleviate the dilation of capillaries in the glomerulus, thickening of the basement membrane, and degeneration and necrosis of renal tubular epithelial cells, reduce glycogen deposition, and improve the level of renal fibrosis. Immunohistochemical detection showed that compared with the model group, the group of all dose BKTF groups had the levels of PPARγ protein signifcantly increased (P<0.01), while the levels of ERK1/2 protein decreased (P<0.01). RT-qPCR detection showed that compared with the model group, the group of medium- and high-dose BKTF groups had the levels of PPARγ mRNA signifcantly increased (P<0.01), while the levels of ERK1 mRNA decreased (P<0.01), and the group of all dose BKTF groups had the levels of ERK2 mRNA signifcantly decreased (P<0.01). Conclusion: BKTF can improve the renal function of diabetes nephropathy mice, reduce urinary protein, and alleviate kidney damage. Its mechanism may be related to PPARγ/ERK1/2 signaling pathway.

In recent years, the four diagnosis equipment of traditional Chinese medicine has developed vigorously with the support of policy and technological, but there are still many problems in the development of research and development (R&D) thinking, R&D standards, R&D personnel and achievement transformation. Based on the interdisciplinary background, this article mainly discusses the current development problems of the four diagnosis equipment of traditional Chinese medicine under the interdisciplinary background, and analyzes the thinking research, standard establishment, talent construction and achievement transformation of the equipment research and development. At the same time, based on the multidisciplinary thinking perspective, the development strategies of traditional Chinese medicine four diagnosis equipment are discussed.

Cracked tongue, as one of the tongue shape characteristics reflecting the deficiency and excess of Zang Fu organs and the rise and fall of qi and blood, is often used to quickly determine the existence of cracks in clinical diagnosis, and there is little in-depth discussion and analysis. Starting from the definition of the word ‘crack', this paper combs the historical origin and modern development of the word ‘crack tongue' until its emergence and application in disease diagnosis, analyzes the causes of crack tongue under the guidance of traditional Chinese medicine theory, points out how crack tongue can help identify the disease position in tongue diagnosis, and proposes that crack tongue and tongue lines can be distinguished in detail in diseases, especially chronic diseases, in order to improve researchers' attention and application of the characteristics of crack tongue lines, It is a new path for disease diagnosis and treatment, syndrome identification and evolution law exploration.

From the perspective of ‘Xuanfu-qi liquid-Shen', we analyze ‘form and Shen' and believe that the development of depression is a co-morbidity of form and Shen. From the perspective of disease process flow, we analyze in depth the pathogenic level of depression, which is depression of the Xuanfu, loss of qi liquid, and injury to the spirit, and believe that damage to the ‘form' is the basis of depression, and disorder of the ‘Shen' is the condition of depression. The treatment is based on the principle of ‘opening up the Xuanfu', which is a combination of both reinforcing and dredging methods, and the form and the spirit, with flexible addition and subtraction according to the special symptoms of depression, in order to guide the clinical treatment of depression.

Objective:To explore the protective effect and mechanism of Jiannao Guben Formula (JNGB) on the neurovascular unit (NVU) in rats with cerebral small vessel cognitive impairment (CSVCI). Methods:The CSVCI rat model was prepared using bilateral common carotid artery occulsion method. The rats were randomly divided into sham group, model group, donepezil group and JNGB group, with 8 rats in each group. Rats in the sham group and model group were given normal saline by gavage, while rats in the donepezil group and JNGB group were given donepezil suspension and JNGB by gavage respectively.After 4 weeks of administration, the Morris water maze was performed to examine the learning and memory abilities of the rats. HE, Nissl and LFB staining were performed to observe the pathological changes of cortical neurons and myelin sheath. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence were used to detect proteins expression of Claudin5, Occludin, vWF, ICAM-1, MBP, GFAP and IBA1 in rats. Results:Compared with the model group, the average escape latency of the water maze of the rats in the JNGB group decreased (P<0.05) and the distance ratio of platform area and the number of times crossed the platform increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The pathological changes of neurons were ameliorated, the number of Nissl bodies was increased, and the myelin sheaths of corpus callosum were denser and regular. Furthermore, JNGB supplement could increase the protein expressions of MBP, Claudin-5, Occludin (P<0.05, P<0.01) and decrease the expression of vWF, ICAM-1, GFAP and IBA1 (P<0.01, P<0.05). Besides, the distance between activated astrocytes and microglia was increased, and the interaction was reduced. Conclusion:There are NVU damages in CSVCI rats, which is accordance with the theory of ‘toxic damage to the brain meridians', and JNGB can improve cognitive function by repairing NVU damage.

The issue of canonization is a significant topic in the study of the history of traditional Chinese medicine thought. This paper intends to focus on one of the most controversial academic cases in the canonization process of Huangdi Neijing: the supplement of the Seven Articles of Yun-qi. By thoroughly considering the profound tension between its philological positioning and its historical academic impact, this study integrates the ‘internal cause' dimension of the evolution of the ideological text itself with the ‘external cause' dimension of the academic tendencies of the Song dynasty. It argues the legitimacy of including the Seven Articles of Yun-qi into the canonical text system, explores its significance and value in the canonization process of Huangdi Neijing, and thereby reflects on the ideological core and implications of ‘canonical' in the context of traditional Chinese medicine.

Zhenwu Decoction was first introduced by ZHANG Zhongjing in his book Shanghan Zabing Lun. It is the most commonly classical formula for the clinical treatment of chronic heart failure (CHF). The paper delves into the alignment between the symptomatic manifestations treated by Zhenwu Decoction, as per its traditional applications and characteristic pathogenesis, and those of CHF. Integrated with the pathogenic mechanisms of CHF, it systematically reviews and summarizes the roles and potential toxic side effects of five categories of active ingredients, alkaloids, terpenes, sterols, flavonoids, gingerols, and other bioactive compounds, in the therapeutic context of this condition. The discussion is augmented by an exploration of the synergistic interactions among the herbal components of Zhenwu Decoction and the holistic nature of the original formula. The objective of this study is to provide theoretical support and empirical evidence for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine formulas in the treatment of CHF, as well as to expand the utilization of classic formula.

Chinese medicine believes that the heart has the function of mastering mental activities such as spirit, consciousness, thinking and emotion, while the brain also has the function of mastering vital activities, mental activities and sensory movements. Both the heart and the brain have the function of mastering the spirit. Based on the concept of the trinity of life view, this article explains the mechanism of the heart and brain in terms of their form, qi and spirit, respectively, and demonstrates the theory that ‘the heart and brain share the mastery of the mind' and explains that the brain, which dominates human spirituality, consciousness and thinking activities, is closely related to the heart. It provides new ideas for the modern scientific analysis of Chinese medicine theories and clinical treatment of mental diseases.

Epimedium has the effects such as tonify kidney yang, strengthening bones and muscles, and dispelling wind and dampness. In this paper, the chemical composition and geo-herbalism analysis techniques of Epimedium were reviewed by consulting domestic and foreign literature. At the same time, combined with the concept of quality markers of traditional Chinese medicine, the quality markers of Epimedium were predicted and analyzed. It is suggested that eight isopentenyl flavonoids and flavonoid glycoside, neutral and acid polysaccharides, alkaloids, long-chain fatty acids, trace elements zinc and manganese might be the quality markers of Epimedium, which provides a scientific basis for the quality evaluation and clinical treatment of Epimedium.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of astragaloside intervention in the autophagy of asthma models with cold retention accumulation in lung. Methods:Forty SPF-grade male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group, model group, astragaloside group, and rapamycin group, with 10 rats in each group. An asthma model with cold rheum accumulating in lung was established, and corresponding treatments were administered: astragaloside (10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) and rapamycin (0.01 mg·kg^-1·d^-1). Changes in body weight were observed, and inflammatory factors [interleukin (IL)-4, IL-13] in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured. Pathological changes in lung tissue, autophagic bodies in lung tissue, and intestinal tissue changes were examined. PCR and Western blot analyses were conducted to detect the levels of autophagy genes (Beclin1, LC3, mTOR mRNA) and proteins (LC3 II/I, Beclin1, mTOR). Results:Compared to the control group, the model group showed inflammatory infiltration, hemorrhage, and cell shedding in lung and airway tissues. The expression levels of interleukins (IL)-4 and IL-13 in BALF significantly increased (P<0.01), while the mRNA expressions of autophagy genes LC3 and Beclin 1 in lung tissue significantly decreased (P<0.01). The relative expression of autophagy proteins LC3 II/I and Beclin 1 also significantly declined (P<0.05), while mTOR mRNA and protein levels significantly increased (P<0.01). In the treatment groups, administration of astragaloside and rapamycin led to varying degrees of improvement in all indicators, with the astragaloside group showing the best effects. Conclusion:Astragaloside enhances autophagy in rats with asthma due to cold rheum accumulating in lung, facilitating the clearance of necrotic foreign substances in the airways, reducing airway inflammatory responses, and improving the body's ability to regulate gas exchange, thus alleviating airway inflammation.

In recent years, the incidence of primary liver cancer has been increasing worldwide, and the treatment strategies for primary liver cancer are still insufficient. Zhuang medicine is effective in the treatment of primary liver cancer, and has unique understanding and national characteristics in the etiology, pathogenesis and treatment of the disease. At the same time, Zhuang medicine and its derivative compound preparations have the effects of protecting liver and reducing enzyme, improving immunity, inhibiting proliferation, migration and inducing apoptosis of liver cancer cells. This paper summarizes the characteristic theories and commonly used drugs of Zhuang medicine in the treatment of primary liver cancer, in order to provide new ideas for the treatment and drug development of primary liver cancer.

Based on the ‘constitution soil theory' proposed by academician WANG Qi, a certain constitution has a similar susceptibility to a certain type of disease with similar pathogenesis. The article proposes that ‘physical soil' is the key to the co-existence of multiple diseases, and ‘physical intervention' is the core of multi disease co-treatment. Conducting research on ‘multiple diseases within the same body, multiple disease regulation' can achieve joint prevention of multiple diseases, prevention of multiple diseases with one disease, joint treatment of multiple diseases, and prevention of multiple diseases from relapse. This will help overcome the drawbacks of complex conditions, cumbersome treatment, insufficient medical resources, and heavy economic burden caused by current multi disease and multi drug treatments. This has important clinical significance for the prevention and treatment of multiple diseases co-existing.

Objective:To study the mechanism of Jieduxiezhuo Huayutongluo Formula on regulating Akt/mTOR signaling pathway on inhibition of autophagy in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. Methods:Sixty SPF male SD rats were divided into sham operation group (sham group), unilateral ureteral obstruction group (UUO group), high-dose traditional Chinese medicine group (TCMH group) (21.16 g·kg^-1·d^-1), medium-dose traditional Chinese medicine group (TCMM group) (10.58 g·kg^-1·d^-1), low-dose traditional Chinese medicine group (TCML group) (5.29 g·kg^-1·d^-1) and spironolactone group (SPi group) (20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1) by the random grouping procedure, with 10 rats in each group. The rat models of obstructive nephropathy were established by UUO except for the sham group. One day after the operation, the treatment groups were intervened by gavage. Rats were collected 24-hour urinary proteins (24 h UP) on day 14 of dosing, and serum and left kidneys were sacrificed and collected on day 15 for serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN). HE and Masson observed the pathological changes of rat kidney. The expressions of Atg5, Beclin1 and LC3 were detected by immunohistochemistry. The expressions of Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, p-mTOR, Atg5 and LC3 were detected by Western blot. The expressions of Atg5, Beclin1 and LC3 mRNA were detected by PCR. Results:Compared with the UUO group, rats in each treatment groups had decreased Scr, BUN, 24 h UP and indicators (P<0.05). The HE results showed that the kidney structure in the UUO structure was disordered, and renal tubules were dilated, and the other treatment groups were improved; the Masson results showed that in treatment groups the collagen deposition in the renal interstitium were improved (P<0.05). The results of IHC showed that compared with the UUO group, the expression of Atg5, Beclin1 and LC3 in the TCMH group and Spi group showed improvement (P<0.05). The expression of p-mTOR/mTOR protein was increased in each treatment groups (P<0.05), the expression of Atg5, Beclin1, LC3 protein and mRNA were decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion:Jieduxiezhuo Huayutongluo Formula can protect the kidney of rats with obstructive renal disease. Jieduxiezhuo Huayutongluo Formula can activate Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, and inhibit the expression of autophagy-related gene proteins, such as Atg5, Beclin1 and LC3, cellular autophagy of obstructive nephropathy by regulating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, reduce kidney injury.

Epigenetics is highly compatible with the dynamic, holistic view of traditional Chinese medicine, which emphasizes the concept of syndrome differentiation and treatment. This article provides a detailed introduction to the regulatory role of m⁶A methylation modification in the nervous system, especially how m⁶A modification can mediate the regulation of neural system development and function, playing a key role in the function of neuronal synapses and affecting memory and cognitive functions. The classic Chinese medicine formula, Dihuang Yinzi, has been shown to improve cognitive function in Alzheimer disease through synaptic plasticity. This article explores the possibility of improving cognitive function in Alzheimer disease by regulating m⁶A methylation modification through the ‘kidney-like' property of m⁶A. This study aims to prove that m⁶A methylation modification is one of the important mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction in Alzheimer disease, which could provide new ideas and methods for treatment and provide scientific evidence for the application of traditional Chinese medicine in neurological diseases.

Spinal diseases have a high incidence rate, as well as a key focus of clinical and scientific research. The theory of tendon-bone is the cornerstone of traditional Chinese orthopedics, which is reflected in every stage of diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic diseases. Both ancient and modern literature have discussed the relationship between tendons and bones, but the theory is still not complete. This article specifies the biomechanical connotation of the theory of spinal tendon-bone, stating that under the balance of tendons and bones, the coordination of biological mechanical functions is exerted, providing the dynamic and static forces required for the spinal function. When a part of the spinal structure is damaged, stress is transferred to other structures, leading to a vicious cycle of bone diseases and tendon damage. Treatment should aim to break the pathological balance, restore physiological balance, and adhere to the principle of ‘emphasizing on bone and soft tissue treatment'. Treatment of tendons should not forget the treatment of bones, and treatment of bones should not forget to protect tendons.

Transdermal administration of Chinese medicine is an important component of the external treatment system of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its timeless and numerous methods. Based on the theory of ‘cutaneous region' and ‘channel', this article attempts to start from the skin and its affiliated structures, and discuss the classification and distribution, morphological structure, physiological function, and strong correlation with modern substantive structure and information molecules of TCM cutaneous region and channels from different dimensions such as the skin collateral network channel, the spiracle Xuanfu micro channel, and the skin striae Sanjiao membrane channel, to lay a theoretical foundation for further revealing the biological transport mechanism of TCM transdermal administration.

From the perspective of spleen-intestinal microflora, this paper summarizes the similarity and correlation of intestinal microflora in the pathogenesis of essential hypertension, and combines the prescription of invigorating spleen to regulate intestinal microflora disorder and play a role in lowering blood pressure. Therefore, it is speculated that the potential effect mechanism of treating essential hypertension from spleen is related to targeted regulation of intestinal microflora, and the modern scientific significance of treating essential hypertension based on intestinal microflora disorder is discussed, which also provides new ideas for the research and development of related antihypertensive drugs.

Eucommiae cortex is a plant of Eucommia in Eucommia family, which is rich in many chemical components and has rich use value. Its skin, leaves, male flowers and seeds are edible and have been developed into medicine, health food, cosmetics and feed additives in recent years. Compare the domestic and foreign standards of Eucommia ulmoides bark, leaves, male flowers and seeds by searching the national standard full text publication system, National Medical Products Administration, State Administration for Market Regulation, China National Intellectual Property Administration and other websites; And based on the current situation of product development and patent trends, in-depth analysis of functional factors is proposed to promote the comprehensive development and utilization of Eucommia resources.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of modified Shenqi Pill in protecting pancreatic β-cell function by regulating PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway. Methods:C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank group (n=10), model group (n=12), low-dose group (n=11), medium-dose group (n=12), high-dose group (n=12) of Modified Shenqi Pill, rosiglitazone group (n=11), and pathway blocker group (n=10). The body weight, peripheral glucose and lipid metabolism indexes, and insulin secretion levels of the mice were observed. The apoptosis level of pancreatic β cells was determined by Tunel method, the ultrastructure of pancreaticβ cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy, and the protein expression of PI3K/Akt/ GSK-3β signaling pathway and PDX-1 and MafA were detected by Western blot. Results:After 8 weeks of treatment, compared with the blank group, the body weight and fasting blood glucose levels of mice in the model group were significantly increased (P<0.01), the insulin secretion level was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the apoptosis rate of pancreatic β cells was significantly increased (P<0.01). The protein expressions of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, p-GSK-3β, PDX-1 and MafA of pancreatic β cells in the model group were decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein expression of GSK-3β was significantly increased (P<0.01), and the mitochondrial cristae structure disappeared under electron microscopy. After 8 weeks of treatment, compared with the model group, the body weight and the fasting blood glucose level of the high-dose Modified Shenqi Pill and rosiglitazone groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01), the insulin secretion level was significantly increased (P<0.05), the β-cell apoptosis rate was significantly reduced (P<0.01), the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, p-GSK-3β, PDX-1 and MafA in the medium and high-dose Modified Shenqi Pill groups were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), the protein expression level of GSK-3β was significantly decreased (P<0.01), and its effect was offset by the addition of pathway blocker LY294002 (P<0.05, P<0.01). Under electron microscopy, the mitochondrial morphology of high-dose Modified Shenqi Pill groups was regular and the cristae structure existed. Conclusion:Modified Shenqi Pill can act on PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β signaling pathway to improve glucose and lipid metabolism in T2DM mice, protect mitochondrial cristae structure and reduce the damage of oxidative stress to pancreatic β cells.

Objective:To explore the effects of acupotomy for relieving tendon and setting bone based on meridian tendon on knee function in patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods:Sixty patients with KOA were randomly assigned to treatment group and control group, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in control group received acupotomy with simple five-point localization method; the treatment group was treated with acupotomy with five-point positioning combined with relieving tendon and setting bone. Once a week for 4 weeks. The quadriceps Young modulus (E), patellar angle, Western Ontario and McMaster College osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), visual analogue scale (VAS), and total response rate were compared between the two groups before treatment, after 4 and 8 weeks of treatment, respectively, to evaluate the effects of acupotomy on knee function. Results:At week 4 and 8, the quadriceps E value, patellar inclination angle, WOMAC and VAS scores in 2 groups were significantly lower than before treatment (P<0.05), and treatment group was significantly lower than the control group (P<0.05). The total effective rate in treatment group was significantly higher than the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion:The acupotomy for relieving tendon and setting bone treating knee osteoarthritis based on the tendon theory can significantly improve the elasticity of the quadriceps muscle, relieve knee pain, and thus significantly improve the knee function of patients. Compared with the simple five-point positioning method, it has more advantages in improving clinical efficacy and prognosis, and is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Metabolic diseases are caused by disorders in the metabolism of substances and energy, such as sugars, lipids, proteins, purines, trace elements, etc.. Professor WANG Xixing believes that the key pathogenesis of metabolic diseases lies in the dysfunction of the spleen and stomach's functions of ascending lucidity and descending turbidity. He restores these functions from three aspects: ascending yang and nourishing qi, ascending yang and eliminating dampness, and ascending yang and dispelling fire. Based on Buzhong Yiqi Decoction, Shengyang Yiwei Decoction, and Bupiwei Xieyinhuo Shengyang Decoction, he treats metabolic diseases and achieves good clinical results. The application of ‘ascending' and ‘descending' in the human body is complementary, with one supporting the other. Where there is ascending, there is descending, and vice versa. They are both opposite and unified. The clinical experience of professor WANG is summarized, when applying the method of ascending lucidity and descending turbidity, professor WANG uses both ascending and descending simultaneously, and incorporates wind-dispelling herbs to overcome dampness. When the clear yang ascends, the human organs are nourished; when the turbid yin descends, waste and toxins are expelled from the body, maintaining a relatively balanced state of metabolism and achieving harmony between yin and yang.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and neuroelectrophysiological mechanism of Xiaoyao Pills on the overall cognitive function and spatial working memory of patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) with liver-qi stagnation syndrome. Methods:Questionnaire survey was used to screen volunteers with normal cognitive function and aMCI patients with symptoms of liver-qi stagnation syndrome for more than 6 months. Subjects with normal cognitive function (normal group), medication subjects of aMCI with liver-qi stagnation syndrome (medication group) and non-medication subjects of aMCI with liver-qi stagnation syndrome (non-medication group) were included with 30 subjects in each group, according to the principle of matching gender, age (±3 years) and years of education (±3 years). The medication group was treated with Xiaoyao Pills, a Chinese patent medicine, for 12 weeks, and the normal group and non-medication group were not given drug intervention. Global cognitive function assessment, spatial working memory behavioral testing and event-related potentials (ERPs) testing were performed in the three groups before and after 12 weeks. Results:Compared with this group 12 weeks before, the total score of MoCA and the scores of the three cognitive domains of visual space and executive function, delayed recall and orientation increased in the drug group after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.01), increased correct rate of spatial working memory behavioral behavior (P<0.05), the amplitude of N2 becomes smaller (P<0.05) and the amplitude of P3 increases (P<0.01). Comparison between groups during the same period, before 12 weeks, the amplitude of P3 in the medication group and the non-medication group was lower than that in the normal group (P<0.05); After 12 weeks, the behavioral correctness rate of spatial working memory and P3 amplitude in the medication group were higher than those in the non-medication group (P<0.05). Conclusion:Xiaoyao Pills can significantly improve the overall cognitive function, visual space and executive function, delayed recall and orientation of three cognitive domains in aMCI patients with liver-qi stagnation syndrome, and improve the processing efficiency of spatial working memory, which may be related to the improvement of spatial working memory stimulation recognition attention allocation ability and information coding storage ability.

Infrapatellar fat pad injury (IFP) is acute and chronic aseptic inflammation caused by various factors. The main clinical symptoms are knee pain and movement limitation. At present, the main clinical treatment for IFP is non-surgical treatment, and acupotomy is one of the main treatment methods. At present, there are no clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of infrapatellar fat pad injury. Supported by the China Association of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we organized domestic clinical medical experts, methodological experts and evidence-based medicine experts to participate in the discussion on the definition, diagnosis and differential diagnosis of IFP as well as the specific contents of the acupotomy treatment. This guideline is of great significance for guiding clinicians to safely and effectively use acupotomy for the treatment of IFP.

Objective:To explore the mechanism of Danlu Capsules regulating PI3K-AKT pathway to improve chronic oxidative stress in breast cancer precancerous lesions. Methods:Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, western medicine group and Chinese medicine group, with 8 rats in each group. In addition to the blank group, the female models of breast cancer precancerous lesions were established by sequential administration of dimethylphenylanthracene (DMBA) combined with estrogen and progesterone in all other groups. After successful modeling, rats in the blank group and model group were given 0.9% sodium chloride injection of 10 mL/kg by gavage; Western medicine group rats were given 8 mg/kg of tamoxifen citrate aqueous solution by gavage, while Chinese medicine group rats were given 3 g/kg of Danlu Capsules solution by gavage for 4 weeks. The pathological changes of breast tissue were observed by HE staining, and the expression levels of serum progesterone (P), estradiol (E₂), PI3K protein (phosphoinositol 3 kinase), AKT protein (protein kinase B) and GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase) were detected by ELISA. Results:The incidence of tumor in the model group, western medicine group and Chinese medicine group was higher than that in the blank group (P<0.05). The incidence of tumor in the Chinese medicine group was lower than that in the model group (P<0.05). E₂ and P levels in the western medicine group and the Chinese medicine group were lower than those in the model group (P<0.05). The expression levels of PI3K and AKT protein in western medicine group and Chinese medicine group were lower than those in model group (P<0.05). The level of GSH-Px in the western medicine group and the Chinese medicine group was higher than that in the model group (P<0.05). Conclusion:Danlu Capsules may reduce the hormone secretion of E₂ and P, inhibit the expression of PI3K and Akt proteins, and increase GSH-Px. The enzyme activity level increases the level of oxidative stress in vivo, thus realizing the role of controlling precancerous lesions of breast cancer in rats.

Objective:To develop a diagnosis scale for chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome. Methods:Based on relevant consensus and diagnosis and treatment program, a CAG TCM syndrome item database was established. Items were qualitatively optimized using repository method, selection method as well as Delphi method. Clinical data and correlation test were applied for quantitative optimization of items. Logistic discriminant analysis was used to weight the syndrome items. For each type of syndrome, the ROC curve was used to determine the initial threshold of suspicious diagnosis and the threshold of confirmed diagnosis, so as to construct diagnosis scale for traditional Chinese medicine syndrome types of chronic atrophic gastritis. Results:When the diagnostic scale scores of CAG qi deficiency syndrome of spleen and stomach, asthenia cold syndrome of spleen and stomach, blood stasis syndrome of stomach, qi stagnation syndrome of liver and stomach, heat stagnation syndrome of liver and stomach, yin deficiency syndrome of stomach, and damp heat syndrome of spleen and stomach fall between 6 to 31, 9 to 31, 3 to 6, 5 to 18, 17 to 31, 17 to 34 and 11 to 32 points, a suspicious diagnosis of the corresponding syndrome type can be made. When the diagnostic scale scores of aboved syndromes were ≥32, ≥32, ≥7, ≥19, ≥32, ≥35, ≥33, and then the corresponding syndrome type could be diagnosed. For the suspected patients, the probability calculation formula of corresponding syndrome type were (score-5)×3.70%, (score-8)×4.17%, (score-2)×20.00%, (score-4)×6.67%, (score-16)×6.25%, (score-10)×4.00% and (score-16)×5.88%, respectively. Conclusion:This research preliminarily constructed a diagnosis scale for CAG TCM syndrome, which can be used by professional clinicians in the fields of TCM to assist syndrome differentiation and guide clinical medication.

Sanghuangporus spp. is a general name of a class of fungi in the family of rust and mulberry Huangporus. It has a history of more than two thousand years in our country. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is mainly used for the treatment of night sweat, dysentery, blood drench, rectal diarrhea. By combing related ancient books and literatures, this paper conducted materia medica textual research and review on the origin, original plant knowledge, producing area, medicinal effect, flavor and processing history and changes of mulberry medicinal materials. Research has found that ancient books often believed that mulberry yellow originated from mulberry trees, providing a basis for modern belief that mulberry yellow is the true mulberry yellow. However, there are many species of Sanghuang, and the labeling is unclear, making it difficult to summarize the entire Sanghuang medicinal material under the name ‘Sanghuang'. It should be distinguished based on different sources; Sanghuang has a wide range of production areas, with the main cultivated varieties being ‘Yangshu Sanghuang' and ‘Sangshu Sanghuang'; The medicinal efficacy of Sanghuang is consistent with modern Chinese medicine in treating diseases such as collapse and leakage, amenorrhea, and accumulation of symptoms and masses. However, there are significant differences in its nature and taste between ancient and modern times, which may be related to the different species of Sanghuang. In addition, there are processing methods such as ‘burning and storage' in ancient books that provide reference for the processing of Sanghuang. This study investigates the problem of unclear classification of the true Sanghuang genus, analyzes the types of Sanghuang in ancient books, summarizes and discovers ancient processing methods such as ‘burning and storage', and proposes research directions such as Sanghuang combined therapy for tumors, in order to provide some reference for the rational application of Sanghuang, in-depth research, and market expansion of industrial development.

Insomnia and neuro-endocrine-immune (NEI) network have multi-link interactions, focusing on neurotransmitters, cellular active factors, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, melatonin, and so on. The regulation of sleep-wakefulness targets all the substances in each system that show abnormal activity, never a single substance in a single system. Tuina therapy for insomnia is holistic and bidirectional, with self-limiting regulation and qualitative regulation, which is in high agreement with the theory of neuro-endocrine-immune network. This paper outlines the correlation between tuina therapy for insomnia and the NEI network, and explores the influence of tuina on the regulation of the NEI network of insomnia, in order to provide more theoretical support and scientific basis for tuina therapy for insomnia.

Objective:To analysis the effects of Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharide before and after with wine on the intestinal flora of immunosuppressed rats based on 16S rDNA. Methods:Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into blank control group, model control group, positive control group, Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharide group and wine-steamed Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharide group. The immunosuppressed rat model was established and were given corresponding drugs for 7 days. The organ index, peripheral blood cells, immunoglobulin complement and short-chain fatty acids levels were measured. And 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology was used to perform gene sequencing on the gut microbiota of rat feces. Results:Compared with the model control group, Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharide group and wine-steamed Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharide group could increase the organ index, peripheral blood cells, immunoglobulin, complement, acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid levels of immunosuppressed rats (P<0.05, P<0.01), as well as up-regulated the abundances of Bacteroidota, Actinobacteriota, Lactobacillaceae, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, while down-regulated the abundances of Firmicutes, Muribaculaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Bifidobacteriaceae, Bifidobacterium, norank_f_norank_o_Clostridia_UCG-014. And the up-regulation effects of wine-steamed Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharide on the abundances of Ruminococcaceae, Peptostreptococcaceae and Romboutsia was better than those of Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharide. Conclusion:The immunomodulatory activity of wine-steamed Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharide was better than that of Polygonati Rhizoma polysaccharide in immunosuppressed rats, and the mechanism may be related to the promotion of the production of short-chain fatty acids as metabolites by regulating the structure of intestinal flora. The results provide an experimental basis for in-depth study on the steaming with wine mechanism of Polygonati Rhizoma.

Diabetes mellitus can cause multiple organ damage including brain, kidney, heart and peripheral nerve, and even have the risk of disability and death. At present, there is a lack of safe and effective chemical drugs for the treatment of diabetic complications in clinical practices, and there are many problems in symptomatic treatment. This review firstly summarized the representative studies of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for the treatment of diabetic complications, and it is found that traditional Chinese medicine can exhibit beneficial effects by regulating glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, alleviating oxidative stress, and inhibiting the inflammatory response. Meanwhile, considering most pharmacological researches in this field were not according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine, taking the pathogenesis of diabetic complications ‘the injury of collaterals by toxins’ as an example, this paper put forward the hypothesis of the biological basis of ‘endogenous toxin’, and carried out various researches on classical traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions with detoxification effects, in order to provide theoretical basis and scientific data for the treatment of diabetic complications.

The monism of qi is an important philosophical thought in ancient China, which believed that Yuan qi was the origin of all things in the universe. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), rooted in traditional Chinese culture, has formed a unique view on life and disease under the influence of qi monism. This article explains the TCM concept of life from two aspects: the theory of the generation of organs, meridians, and four limbs based on the origin of Yuan qi, as well as the holistic theory represented by the correspondence between heaven and man, and the unity of form and spirit. It also explores the view of qi monism around the distribution imbalance and damage to Yuan qi. Believing that the premise of disease occurrence is the evil guest, the essence of seeking the root of disease treatment is to eliminate evil energy and restore the circulation of Yuan qi. Governing exterior to infer interior is the key to seeking the root cause of disease treatment. Governing exterior to infer interior and classification according to manifestation are the important ways to explore the primary pathogenesis. Syndrome differentiation and regulating the primary pathogenesis, restoring the circulation of vital energy, can achieve the fundamental goal of treating diseases.

The progress of contemporary body philosophy research has broken through the logic and reality dilemma of consciousness philosophy in many fields. As a new approach to understand traditional Chinese culture and traditional Chinese medicine, a re-examination focusing on the concept of disease in traditional Chinese medicine from the perspective of body philosophy can further improve the understanding of the basic characteristics of the concept of disease and life in traditional Chinese medicine. In connection with some conflict problems in Chinese and Western medicine, in the analysis and carding of the relationship between body and consciousness, objective experience and subjective perception, we can touch the ontological and epistemological connotation of traditional Chinese medicine and Chinese culture, and provide reference for understanding the relationship between body and mind of traditional Chinese medicine, taking disease as an example, in the modern language environment.