Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Efficacy and safety of Bufei Huoxue capsules in the treatment of stable COPD: A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial","authors":"Yuqin Chen ,&nbsp;Bihua Zhong ,&nbsp;Zhiwan Wang ,&nbsp;Lei Xu ,&nbsp;Zhe Cheng ,&nbsp;Wenjun He ,&nbsp;Jingjing Qi ,&nbsp;Yinji Xu ,&nbsp;Xiaoying Huang ,&nbsp;Li Li ,&nbsp;Minfang Li ,&nbsp;Yingyun Fu ,&nbsp;Peifang Zhang ,&nbsp;Weike Li ,&nbsp;Huijie Wang ,&nbsp;Qian Jiang ,&nbsp;Junzhen Gao ,&nbsp;Tianci Jiang ,&nbsp;Lingling Dai ,&nbsp;Yan Cai ,&nbsp;Jian Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100647","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100647","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by irreversible airflow limitation, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. Bufei Huoxue capsules (BFHX) have demonstrated potential benefits in small-scale clinical studies, including the improvement of cardiopulmonary function, reduction of blood viscosity, and enhancement of immune responses. These findings support the promise of BFHX for COPD treatment. Therefore, large-scale, standardized, multicenter clinical trials are urgently needed to validate these results.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Patients with stable COPD who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. BFHX or placebo was given orally three times a day (1.4 g/dose) for 12 months. The primary outcome was the 6 min walk distance (6MWD).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 208 patients (one patient did not receive the placebo) with COPD, 154 successfully completed the study, including 83 patients in the BFHX group and 71 patients in the placebo group. 6MWD tended to increase in the BFHX group and decrease in the placebo group. After 9 and 12 months of treatment, the improvement in 6MWD compared with baseline was significantly better in the BFHX group than in the placebo group (full analysis set after 9 months: 36.81 ± 8.06 m vs. −12.11 ± 8.41 m; 95 % confidence interval = 25.50–72.34; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001. full analysis set after 12 months: 36.65 ± 8.47 m vs. −18.24 ± 9.26 m; 95 % confidence interval = 29.82–79.96; <em>p</em> &lt; 0.0001). Furthermore, BFHX effectively alleviated fatigue, dyspnea, coughing, and sputum in patients with stable COPD while improving their quality of life and pulmonary function.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>BFHX administration significantly enhanced exercise tolerance in patients with stable COPD, alleviated fatigue and dyspnea, improved pulmonary function, ameliorated cough and sputum production, and enhanced overall quality of life. Moreover, the safety profile of BFHX was commendable, making it a demonstrating potential therapeutic value.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>The China Clinical Trial Registry (ID: ChiCTR1800016955)</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100647"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144489507","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mechanism of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum extracts on diabetic retinopathy based on network pharmacology and experimental verification","authors":"Jie Zhou ,&nbsp;Xuan Chen ,&nbsp;Baisheng Xu ,&nbsp;Xuechun Jiang ,&nbsp;Jie Wang ,&nbsp;Huan An","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100646","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100646","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a prevalent ocular complication of diabetes, with advanced stages potentially leading to blindness. <em>Tetrastigma hemsleyanum</em> (San ye qing, SYQ) has traditionally been employed in addressing ailments such as fever, asthma, hepatitis, infantile febrile seizures, pneumonia, rheumatism, and sore throats. Initial animal studies have suggested that SYQ may significantly curb the progression of DR. This study utilized network pharmacology to explore the mechanism of <em>Tetrastigma hemsleyanum</em> (San ye qing, SYQ) in diabetes retinopathy (DR), with subsequent validation through molecular docking and experiments.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Male C57BL/6 J mice were applied to establish a type Ⅰ diabetes model. Hemoxylin &amp; eosin staining and western blotting were then used to evaluate the efficacy of SYQ. Databases including Swiss Target Prediction, GeneCards, and DisGeNet were used to filter targets related to DR. The STRING database and Cytoscape software were used to create a protein-protein interaction network. The Metascape database was used to conduct Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses of mutual targets. The active compounds were subjected to molecular docking with core targets using AutoDock software, and the predicted outcomes from network pharmacology were verified in vitro. Tube formation and migration experiments were conducted to evaluate the anti-angiogenic effect and mechanism of SYQ on high glucose-induced EA.hy926 cells.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>SYQ demonstrated an inhibitory effect on angiogenesis within the DR model and decreased the expression of proteins related to angiogenesis. Network pharmacology analyses revealed that SYQ targeted 127 proteins, with implications for pathways including the HIF-1 signaling pathway. Molecular docking illuminated that β-sitosterol, Procyanidin-B1, and Emodion-1-O-β-<span>d</span>-glucopyranoside exhibited strong binding affinities with AKT1 core target proteins. In vitro experiments corroborated that SYQ diminished tube formation and migration of EA.hy926 cells under high glucose conditions, in a dose-dependent manner. The pro-angiogenic influence of an AKT1 agonist was counteracted by SYQ. Additionally, administration of SYQ led to reduced expression of p-AKT, HIF-1, and angiogenesis-related proteins, suggesting an inhibitory mechanism via AKT1 against high glucose-induced angiogenesis. These observations confirmed the network pharmacology insights.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>SYQ emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for DR, primarily by inhibiting angiogenesis. Its anti-angiogenetic effect was mediated via the AKT1/HIF-1/VEGF pathway, indicating a promising avenue for further research and potential clinical application in DR management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100646"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144313077","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of the aqueous extract of Gymnema sylvestre on some metabolic disturbances in a model of insulin resistant induced by dexamethasone and high sucrose diet on rat","authors":"Barnabé Lucien NKONO  YA  NKONO ,&nbsp;Danielle Claude BILANDA ,&nbsp;Balthazar TCHEUDI ,&nbsp;Georges Ramone ADINGA ,&nbsp;Paul Désiré DZEUFIET ,&nbsp;Sélestin SOKENG ,&nbsp;Pierre KAMTCHOUING","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100642","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100642","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Insulin resistance (IR) is when cells don’t respond well to insulin and can’t easily take up glucose from the blood. Such situation may lead to chronic hyperglycemia and even diabetes. Gymnema sylvestre aqueous extract is known in traditional Chinese medicine for its hypoglycemic activity. Some studies suggest that gymnemic acids, triterpene glucosides, and saponins may be responsible for this plant's impact on blood glucose regulation. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Gymnema sylvestre aqueous extract (AEGS) on rat model of IR.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>IR was induced in male Wistar rats aged between 5 and 6 weeks by a high sucrose diet during 20 weeks then an intraperitoneal injection of dexamethasone (4mg/kg) once daily during 7 consecutive days. IR rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 animals each and received orally the different treatments as follows: a negative IR control group (NC-IR) received distilled water (10mL/kg), a positive IR control group (PC-IR) received metformin (200mg/kg), three experimental groups received AEGS (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg respectively). The different treatments were administered for 14 days. At the end of treatment, animals were sacrificed after urine collection; serum and homogenates from liver kidney and pancreas were prepared for biochemical analysis and histology.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Compared to NC-IR, AEGS at all doses tested significantly reduced IR. It is the same for glucose, creatinine, direct bilirubin, serum transaminase total proteins and uric acid. The histopathological study revealed that AEGS restored tissues injuries induced by dexamethasone combined with high-sucrose diet, thus justifying its empirical use.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The results obtained in this study suggest that AEGS have hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective and nephroprotective properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100642"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144290876","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Network pharmacology-based toxicity, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics analysis of phytoconstituents from roots of Nerium indicum L","authors":"Veerkumar P. Japti ,&nbsp;Mrityunjaya B. Patil ,&nbsp;Banappa S. Unger ,&nbsp;Shamanand P. Mallapur ,&nbsp;Akshay Shamnewadi ,&nbsp;Vishal S. Patil ,&nbsp;Sathgowda Patil ,&nbsp;Anand V. Desai","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100640","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100640","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Herbal medicine plays a vital role in healthcare, but safety concerns arise due to potential toxicity risks. <em>Nerium indicum</em> (夹竹桃, jiā zhú táo) is used in Chinese herbal medicine for its therapeutic effects, yet it contains toxic cardiac glycosides. This study investigates its toxicity mechanisms using systems biology tools to support safer applications through comprehensive risk-benefit evaluation and detoxification strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Computational analyses were performed to predict drug-likeness, toxicity, LD₅₀, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. Key toxicity-related genes were identified using SwissTargetPrediction and GeneCards. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment analyses further explored toxicity mechanisms, while molecular docking and dynamics simulations assessed interactions between core targets, Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (PTGS2) and Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 1 (MAPK1), offering deeper insights into toxicity modulation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Computational analyses identified oleandrin, and odoroside A as highly toxic, with significant cardiotoxic and hepatotoxic risks. Network analysis revealed PTGS2 and MAPK1 as key toxicity regulators, mediating pathways linked to inflammation and cellular stress. Molecular docking showed Oleandrin exhibiting the strongest binding affinities with PTGS2 (-8.5 kcal/mol) and MAPK1 (-9.2 kcal/mol), while molecular dynamics simulations confirmed its stable interactions, suggesting a critical role in toxicity modulation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlights Oleandrin and related compounds as major toxicity contributors in <em>N. indicum</em>, emphasizing their impact on cardiac, hepatic, and neurological pathways. The findings underscore the need for cautious therapeutic use and potential detoxification strategies for safer applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100640"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144263754","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling polyphyllin's role in neuroprotection: A pharmacological perspective","authors":"Md Sadique Hussain ,&nbsp;Amita Joshi Rana ,&nbsp;Mudasir Maqbool ,&nbsp;Nasreen Sulthana ,&nbsp;Ayesha Sultana ,&nbsp;Sumel Ashique ,&nbsp;Yumna Khan ,&nbsp;Prasanna Srinivasan Ramalingam ,&nbsp;Sushil S. Burle ,&nbsp;Vikas Jakhmola ,&nbsp;Gaurav Gupta","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100641","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100641","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Polyphyllins are bioactive steroidal saponins predominantly derived from <em>Paris polyphylla</em> (Chinese: Chonglou, 重楼), an herb long employed in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for detoxification, inflammation control, and pain relief, commonly administered as decoctions or powdered <strong>Rhizoma Paridis</strong>. Beyond these traditional uses, growing evidence supports their neuroprotective efficacy, especially in the context of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), where inflammation, oxidative stress, and dysregulated cell death are central to disease progression.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A comprehensive literature search was conducted up to March 2025. Out of 423 initially retrieved articles, 143 were included based on relevance to neuroprotective mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, and translational potential. Reviews, non-English articles, and studies not focused on brain-related mechanisms were excluded.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Polyphyllins demonstrate potent neuroprotective activities through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and autophagy-modulating mechanisms. PP-II interrupts the KEAP1-NRF2 interaction, activating antioxidant gene expression, while PP-I induces mitophagy via the PINK1-Parkin pathway. PP-VII modulates neuroinflammation through activation of the cGAS-STING axis. These actions collectively protect neurons, preserve mitochondrial function, and reduce pathological cascades associated with NDs. However, poor solubility and limited blood-brain barrier permeability remain key translational barriers.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The promising therapeutic effects of polyphyllins in ND models align with their historical use in TCM. Advances in nanomedicine, including lipid nanoparticles and carbon dots; have improved polyphyllin delivery to the central nervous system. Nevertheless, the absence of clinical trials and the need for safety profiling require resolution before clinical adoption. Future investigations should prioritize optimized drug formulations and validation in human models to bridge preclinical evidence with therapeutic applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100641"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271432","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"LC-MS profiling and multi-target mechanistic insights of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis in diabetes: Network pharmacology, molecular docking, MD simulation, PCA, and in-vitro α-amylase inhibition","authors":"Shankar Thapa ,&nbsp;Sharvendra Nath Maurya ,&nbsp;Kavya Manjunath ,&nbsp;Ammar A․Razzak Mahmood ,&nbsp;Kalpana Devi ,&nbsp;Shithin Ann Varghese ,&nbsp;Ashish Lamsal ,&nbsp;Binaya Tamang ,&nbsp;Mahalakshmi Suresha Biradar","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100636","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100636","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Hibiscus rosa-sinensis</em> Linn. (Zhū Jǐn Huā), known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Dà Hóng Huā, has been widely used for its cooling, detoxifying, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a medicinal plant traditionally used for managing diabetes, yet its multi-target mechanisms remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the anti-diabetic potential of <em>H. rosa-sinensis</em> through LC-MS-based phytochemical profiling, network pharmacology, molecular docking, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, principal component analysis (PCA), and <em>in vitro</em> α-amylase inhibition assay.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>LC-MS analysis was performed to identify bioactive compounds present in the methanolic extract of <em>H. rosa-sinensis</em>. Identified compounds were subjected to network pharmacology analysis to predict potential diabetes-related protein targets. Key compound-target interactions were evaluated using molecular docking (AutoDock Vina v1.2.0), followed by 100 ns MD simulations to assess structural stability and binding dynamics. PCA and free energy landscape (FEL) analyses were conducted to examine conformational behaviour. Finally, <em>in vitro</em> α-amylase inhibition was tested to validate the hypoglycaemic potential.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Quercetin demonstrated strong binding affinities with PTK2 (–8.2 kcal/mol), SRC (–9.2 kcal/mol), and α-amylase (–8.9 kcal/mol), suggesting its multi-target action in diabetes. MD simulation confirmed the structural stability of all three complexes over 100 ns, supported by consistent RMSD and favourable interaction profiles. The PCA and FEL analyses showed minimal conformational fluctuations and energetically favourable states. The <em>in vitro</em> α-amylase inhibition assay further validated the antidiabetic potential, with an IC₅₀ value of 107.75 µg/mL for the <em>H. rosa-sinensis</em> flower extract.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This integrative study provides strong evidence for the multi-target antidiabetic potential of <em>Hibiscus rosa-sinensis</em>, primarily attributed to quercetin and its derivatives. The findings highlight stable interactions with key diabetic targets and demonstrate significant α-amylase inhibition, supporting the traditional use of <em>H. rosa-sinensis</em> as a complementary therapy for diabetes management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100636"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144271433","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the progress of the traditional Chinese medicine \"Duhuo-Qianghuo\" in targeting the PI3K-AKT pathway to alleviate knee osteoarthritis based on bioinformatics","authors":"Likang Wang ,&nbsp;Minqi Zhu ,&nbsp;Rujie Zhuang","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100638","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100638","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Objective&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study aims to explore how the traditional Chinese medicine \"&lt;em&gt;Du huo-Qiang huo&lt;/em&gt;\" targets the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway to alleviate knee osteoarthritis using network pharmacology, molecular docking technology, and experimental validation.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Methods&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;Active ingredients and target genes related to \"&lt;em&gt;Du huo-Qiang huo&lt;/em&gt;\" and knee osteoarthritis were retrieved from relevant databases.Overlapping data were used to develop a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network model. Functional enrichment analyses, including Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, were performed using the DAVID tool. The identification of core active components and target genes was based on their interaction intensity within the PPI network.These identified components and targets were subjected to molecular docking analysis via AutoDockTools-1.5.7.Furthermore, the therapeutic effects of \"&lt;em&gt;Du huo-Qiang huo&lt;/em&gt;\" in reducing cartilage degradation and inhibiting inflammatory responses were assessed using a knee osteoarthritis mouse model.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Results&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;\"&lt;em&gt;Du huo-Qiang huo&lt;/em&gt;\" comprises 65 bioactive components and 622 associated targets. Through the integration of several databases, 5215 target genes related to knee osteoarthritis were identified, among which 304 were shared between datasets. The primary active compounds implicated in the therapeutic effects of \"&lt;em&gt;Du huo-Qiang huo&lt;/em&gt;\" include &lt;em&gt;homostephanoline, xanthoxyletin&lt;/em&gt;, a&lt;em&gt;ngelicone&lt;/em&gt;, and &lt;em&gt;ostruthin&lt;/em&gt;. Critical therapeutic targets encompass tumor necrosis factor (TNF), protein kinase B1 (AKT1), glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and albumin (ALB). GO functional enrichment analysis revealed 1231 results, comprising 917 biological processes, 106 cellular components, and 208 molecular functions.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis identified 176 pathways, with the top 20 ranked by P-values and presented in bubble plots. Molecular docking studies demonstrated robust binding affinities between &lt;em&gt;homostephanoline, xanthoxyletin&lt;/em&gt;, and targets such as AKT1 and TNF. Additionally, \"&lt;em&gt;Du huo-Qiang huo&lt;/em&gt;\" granules showed partial restorative effects on cartilage damage and a reduction in inflammatory markers.&lt;/div&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div&gt;&lt;h3&gt;Conclusion&lt;/h3&gt;&lt;div&gt;This study offers a preliminary exploration of the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of \"&lt;em&gt;Du huo-Qiang huo&lt;/em&gt;\" in managing knee osteoarthritis. Through an analysis of its diverse components, molecular targets, and related pathways, the findings highlight that pivotal active compounds, such as &lt;em&gt;homostephanoline&lt;/em&gt; and &lt;em&gt;xanthoxyletin&lt;/em&gt;, engage with critical targets like TNF and AKT1.These molecular interactions modulate the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, promoting cartilage regeneration and mitigating inflammatory responses,which collectively contribute to its therap","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100638"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144263755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy and safety of Dang Gui Yinzi combined with topical medications for psoriasis: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Li Liang ,&nbsp;Zhaohui Hou ,&nbsp;Lian Zhang ,&nbsp;Ying Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100637","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100637","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease, is traditionally classified as \"leukoderma\" or \"tinea cruris\" in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Dang Gui Yinzi (Dang Gui Drink, DGD), a classic TCM formula, is prescribed to nourish blood, dispel wind, and alleviate dryness, aligning with TCM pathogenesis theories of psoriasis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focusing on the efficacy and safety of Dang Gui Drink combined with topical medications for psoriasis was conducted. This meta-analysis was performed based on a protocol registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025637050). The outcomes were reported as mean differences (MDs) with corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI) or risk ratio (RR) with 95 % CI.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 13 RCTs, involving 918 participants, were included. The MD for Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score improvement was −3.26 (95 % CI [−4.13 to −2.39]), indicating a significant improvement in the combination therapy group compared to the control group. The RR for clinical efficacy was 1.27 (95 % CI [1.19 to 1.36]), suggesting higher efficacy in the combination therapy group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse events (RR = 0.51, 95 % CI [0.16 to 1.62])<em>.</em></div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Dang Gui Drink combined with topical therapies demonstrates enhanced efficacy for psoriasis with a favorable safety profile. However, further high-quality RCTs are needed to enhance the robustness and reliability of these findings.</div><div>© 2012 Published by Elsevier Ltd. Selection and/or peer-review under responsibility of Global Science and Technology Forum Pte Ltd</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100637"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243533","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Berberine in cardiovascular therapy: bridging modern pharmacology with the traditional Chinese botanicals Huanglian (黄连), Huangbai (黄柏), Amur Cork Tree (黄檗), and Gong Lao Mu (亮叶十大功劳)","authors":"Seema Sharma,&nbsp;Sampat Singh Tanwar","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100635","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100635","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><div><strong>.</strong> This review aims to explore the current pharmacological evidence supporting the use of berberine, a bioactive alkaloid, in cardiovascular therapy, and to bridge this modern understanding with its traditional use in Chinese medicine through the botanicals <em>Huanglian (黄连), Huangbai (黄柏), Amur Cork Tree (黄檗), and Gong Lao Mu (亮叶十大功劳).</em></div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>We performed a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, CNKI, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar (inception to May 2025) to identify studies on berberine's (TCM) use in cardiovascular disorders. Our search used keywords like \"Berberine,\" \"Cardiovascular therapy,\" \"TCM,\" and specific botanical names (e.g., \"Huanglian\"). We aimed to understand berberine's effectiveness and its molecular mechanisms in cardiovascular health. From 500 initial articles, we selected 250 relevant to our study on berberine's efficacy in various cardiovascular outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Modern pharmacological studies demonstrate that berberine exhibits significant cardiovascular benefits through multiple mechanisms of action. These include lipid-lowering effects by upregulating LDL receptors and inhibiting PCSK9, antihypertensive effects via vasodilation and modulation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, antiarrhythmic properties by affecting ion channels, and improvement in cardiac function in heart failure models. Traditionally, Huanglian, Huangbai, Amur Cork Tree, and Gong Lao Mu, all rich sources of berberine, have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to treat symptoms aligning with cardiovascular disorders, such as palpitations, chest distress, and edema. The modern pharmacological findings largely corroborate these traditional applications, highlighting berberine as a key active component responsible for the observed therapeutic effects.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Berberine holds significant promise as a therapeutic agent in cardiovascular disease, supported by both modern pharmacological investigations and its long history of use in TCM through berberine-rich botanicals like Huanglian, Huangbai, Amur Cork Tree, and Gong Lao Mu. Further well-designed clinical trials are warranted to fully elucidate the therapeutic potential and optimize the clinical application of berberine and these traditional herbs in the prevention and management of various cardiovascular conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100635"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144243534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploration of the anti-membranous glomerulonephritis mechanism of Acanthopanacis Cortex using network pharmacology and experimental verification","authors":"Shan Liu ,&nbsp;Ziye Dong ,&nbsp;Hongyan Gu ,&nbsp;Yamin Xiong ,&nbsp;Wei Su ,&nbsp;Fei Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100632","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100632","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN), an autoimmune kidney disease, often progresses to renal failure. Current treatments have significant side effects, highlighting the need for alternatives. <em>Acanthopanacis</em> Cortex (AC, <em>Wujiapi</em>), a Traditional Chinese Medicine, exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its mechanisms in MGN are unclear. Using network pharmacology and cell experiments, this study investigates AC’s therapeutic potential in MGN.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>AC constituents were sourced from literature and TCMSP, with targets predicted using PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction (OB ≥ 30 %, DL ≥ 0.18) and standardized via UniProt. MGN-related targets from DisGeNET and CTD were analyzed using Venn diagrams, Cytoscape networks, and STRING PPI, with enrichment via Metascape. Core compounds and targets were validated by molecular docking with AutoDock and PDB. RAW264.7 cells treated with AC, sesamin, and LPS were assessed for viability (MTT), NO production (Griess), COX-2/iNOS (Western blot), and ROS (DCFH-DA staining).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>15 bioactive compounds from AC, targeting 409 genes (109 linked to MGN), were analyzed, revealing key pathways via PPI, KEGG, and GO. Molecular docking confirmed strong compound-protein interactions. AC and sesamin (≤50 μg/mL/μM) reduced NO, inhibited COX-2/iNOS, and alleviated oxidative stress in LPS-induced inflammation without toxicity.</div></div><div><h3>Discussions</h3><div>TCM extracts like <em>Tripterygium wilfordii, Astragalus membranaceus</em>, and <em>Panax notoginseng</em> exhibit anti-inflammatory and kidney-protective effects, particularly in minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MGN). AC, derived from <em>P. notoginseng</em>, shows therapeutic promise in MGN models. Using network pharmacology, this study identified five key components in AC, including (-)-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid, acanthoic acid, sesamin, and β-sitosterol, which modulate pathways like PI3K-Akt, JAK-STAT, and MAPK, suggesting mechanisms for MGN treatment. Experimental validation confirmed AC’s anti-inflammatory effects in LPS-stimulated cells, reducing NO release, oxidative stress, and cytokines, supporting its efficacy in MGN.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100632"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144189636","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}