{"title":"Traditional Chinese medicine in prostate cancer: Exploring pharmacological effects and mechanisms as a novel therapeutic dimension","authors":"Sobhanjan Bhunia , Sonia Mallick , Asif Iqbal Mondal , Arkaprava Saha , Sumana Chatterjee , Tamalika Chakraborty","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100623","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100623","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading malignancy among men worldwide, characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of malignant prostate cells. Despite advancements in surgical and radiation therapies, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) remains the primary treatment for advanced PCa. However, treatment resistance often leads to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), which poses significant therapeutic challenges. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been explored as a potential adjunct therapy for PCa due to its multi-targeted approach, enhancing immune response and mitigating drug resistance. This study investigates the molecular mechanisms of PCa progression and the therapeutic potential of TCM formulations in PCa management.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>A thorough literature search was performed across multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Articles published between 2000 and 2024 were screened based on relevant keywords such as \"Traditional Chinese Medicine,\" \"formulations,\" “Extracts”, \"bioactive compounds,\" \"prostate cancer,\" \"molecular mechanisms,\" and \"metastasis.\" From an initial collection of 220 articles, 164 were deemed relevant for inclusion. Chemical structures and mechanistic pathways were illustrated using ChemDraw software, adhering to established guidelines and utilizing structural data from the PubChem database.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>PCa progression is primarily driven by androgen receptor (AR) signaling, with aberrations in oncogenic pathways such as PI3K/Akt/mTOR contributing to tumor proliferation. TCM-derived compounds demonstrated significant anti-PCa activity by inducing apoptosis, proliferation, and cell cycle arrest. Moreover, TCM formulations exhibited the potential to suppress PCa progression and overcome drug resistance in CRPC models. Clinical studies indicated improved survival outcomes and reduced adverse effects when TCM was combined with standard therapies.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The findings suggest that TCM offers a promising complementary approach to PCa management by targeting multiple oncogenic pathways and reducing treatment-related side effects. However, further clinical trials are necessary to validate these therapeutic effects and establish standardized formulations for integration into modern oncology. Future research should focus on the molecular interactions of TCM with conventional therapies to optimize patient outcomes in PCa treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100623"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143931380","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}
Yingxia Bao , Liyu Hao , Yiqiu Liao , Jianhui Sun , Yiman Chen , Jianliang Li , Hongmei Li , Lingli Wang , Jiansong Wang
{"title":"Pharmacodynamic study of Gubi granules in the treatment of osteoarthritis","authors":"Yingxia Bao , Liyu Hao , Yiqiu Liao , Jianhui Sun , Yiman Chen , Jianliang Li , Hongmei Li , Lingli Wang , Jiansong Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100621","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100621","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Osteoarthritis (OA) is an aging-associated degenerative disease, primarily characterized by joint stiffness pain and progressive destruction of articular cartilage. Gubi granules is a classic hospital-prepared formulation specifically for the treatment of OA.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Papain-induced and modified Hulth models were established in rats to investigate the protective effects of Gubi granules. Pathological alterations in rat cartilage tissues were observed through hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and then quantitatively scored using the Mankin score. Commercially available kits were employed to measure the levels of PGE2 and iNOS in rat serum. The anti-inflammatory effects of Gubi Granules were investigated by croton-oil-induced ear swelling model in mice, carrageenan-induced paw swelling and cotton-pellet-induced granuloma models in rats. Moreover, the analgesic effect was evaluated by the acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that Gubi granules significantly alleviated the pathological changes of osteoarticular tissues, and remarkably decreased the Mankin score of joints and the extent of joint swelling (<em>P</em> < 0.01). Additionally, Gubi Granules led to a significant reduction in the serum levels of PGE2 and iNOS (<em>P</em> < 0.01). Moreover, Gubi granules significantly supressed ear swelling in mice (<em>P</em> < 0.05), paw swelling and cotton-pellet-induced granuloma in rats (<em>P</em> < 0.01), as well as significantly inhibited the writhing response in mice (<em>P</em> < 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings indicate that Gubi granules exhibit notable anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, and demonstrate a significant therapeutic efficacy against osteoarthritis, Overall, these results provide an experimental basis to support the clinical application of Gubi Granules in the management of osteoarthritis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100621"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143927933","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":"Therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine loaded nanocarriers in wound management: Current status and their future perspective","authors":"Jitendra Gupta , Devesh Kumar , Reena Gupta , Diksha Diwakar , Kumari Shanno , Arpan Kumar Tripathi , Akshay Kumar , Mohit Kumar","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100622","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100622","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Wound healing is the main physiological process that repairs tissue injury and maintains the body’s protective barrier. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has long been known for its herbal remedies promote wound healing. Nanocarriers, which include liposomes, nanoparticles, and hydrogel, enhance the stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of TCM’s bioactive component. The integration of nanotechnology and TCM represents and an emerging frontier for advanced wound care.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Data was gathered from PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases covering the period from 1965 to 2024 to ensure comprehensive inclusion of relevant literature. The search utilized keywords such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wound Healing, Herbal TCM, and Nanocarrier Systems. Studies that investigated the pharmacological effects of TCM in combination with nanocarriers were selected for analysis. Experimental wound healing models, in vitro assays, and in vivo animal studies were included to assess the efficacy of nanocarrier systems in enhancing the therapeutic potential of TCM as a nanotheranostic approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that TCM compounds in nanocarriers like liposomes, nanoparticles, and hydrogel had a big impact on wound healing. Different TCMs, such as <em>Acorus calamus, Artemisia annua, Angelica dahurica,</em> etc., showed enhanced bioavailability and sustained release when incorporated into nanocarrier systems. In animal tests, they increased collagen production, lowered inflammation, and accelerated epithelialisation in preclinical models.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The integration of TCM with nanocarrier technology presents a promising approach to pursuing wound healing therapies. Nanocarriers increase the bioavailability and medical effect of TCM compounds, providing more effective and targeted treatment for wound care. The combination of ancient knowledge of TCM with modern nanotechnology can bring revolution in the future to heal wounds and provide innovative solutions for fast and more effective recovery.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100622"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143903724","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}
Li Zhang , Ting-ying Zhang , Zi-heng Ye, Jia-hao Feng, Jin Zhao, Peng Huang, Jian Qin, Jia-pan Sun, Tao-li Liu
{"title":"Caloric restriction combined with Linggui Zhugan Decoction improves palmitic acid-induced insulin resistance","authors":"Li Zhang , Ting-ying Zhang , Zi-heng Ye, Jia-hao Feng, Jin Zhao, Peng Huang, Jian Qin, Jia-pan Sun, Tao-li Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100620","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100620","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>To explore the effects and probable mechanisms of caloric restriction (CR) combined with Linggui Zhugan pharmaceutic serum on insulin resistance (IR).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Sprague–Dawley rats were treated with Linggui Zhugan decoction (LGZGD) or equivalent amount of saline as blank control by gavage for one week, after which blood was collected from the abdominal aorta to prepare LGZGD pharmaceutic serum or control serum. HepG2 cells were incubated with normal control medium or 30 % CR culture medium supplemented with LGZGD pharmaceutic serum or control serum for 24 h and then exposed to 250 μM palmitic acid (PA) for another 24 h. Changes in cellular glucose uptake were detected to evaluate the improvements in insulin resistance, and changes in the expression changes of AKT, p-AKT, and AS160 were detected via western blotting and qPCR.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Both simple caloric restriction (30 %) and LGZGD pharmaceutic serum treatment significantly improved the decrease in cellular glucose uptake and the downregulation of AKT/p-AKT/AS160 signaling induced by PA, and the combined intervention group had a significantly greater effect than the single intervention groups.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Linggui Zhugan decoction can enhance the effects of CR on improving insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. The potential mechanism may be related to the modulation of AKT/p-AKT/AS160 signaling, which needs to be verified further with knock-down experiment and in vivo study.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100620"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143891246","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}
Ziying Huang , Chang Liu , Chenchen Zhang , Huanling Wu , Siqin Li , Caihong Wei , Yi Zhang , Zechi Xing , Minhui Lin , Guang Yang , Jiang Ma , Bin Jiang , Min Hong , Xin He , Ji Yang
{"title":"Arjunolic acid from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa suppresses growth of non-small cell lung cancer via inducing autophagy and apoptosis","authors":"Ziying Huang , Chang Liu , Chenchen Zhang , Huanling Wu , Siqin Li , Caihong Wei , Yi Zhang , Zechi Xing , Minhui Lin , Guang Yang , Jiang Ma , Bin Jiang , Min Hong , Xin He , Ji Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100616","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100616","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a kind of lung cancer (LC), led to a large number of cancer-related deaths. <em>Rhodomyrtus tomentosa</em> (<em>R. tomentosa</em>), a traditional Chinese medicine, has proven to possess potential inhibitory activities in NSCLC, but the active material basis and possible mechanism remain unclear. This study aims to clarify the active compound from <em>R. tomentosa</em> and the mechanism of that inhibits NSCLC.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>To clarify the anti-NSCLC material basis of <em>R. tomentosa</em>, a bioassay-guided fractionation of the ethanolic extract of <em>R. tomentosa</em> was performed. The anticancer effects were evaluated through <em>in-vitro</em> and <em>in-vivo</em> models, and the cell viability and the levels of PARP cleavage were measured through MTT assays, flow cytometry, and western blot assays. The core target was recognized by Network pharmacology analysis and further confirmed by western blot and molecular docking experiments.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>As a result, an active compound, Arjunolic acid (AA), was isolated from the anti-NSCLC fraction which repressed the proliferation and migration of A549, PC9, and H1975 cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. AA exhibited the most potent inhibition of cell viability in PC9 cells for 24 and 48 h (IC<sub>50</sub> = 199.0 ± 7.47, 120.8 ± 6.72 <em>μ</em>M) and in A549 cells for 72 h (IC<sub>50</sub> = 65.06 ± 18.33 <em>μ</em>M). Moreover, AA induced apoptosis and autophagy in three NSCLC cell lines and also effectively suppressed tumor growth in the Lewis lung cancer (LLC) tumor-bearing C57BL/6 mice. AA-induced apoptosis is associated with increased levels of PARP cleavage. Additionally, AA could induce autophagy through the downregulation of p62 and upregulation of LC3 Ⅱ/I ratio. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that IL-6 might be a core target of AA in the treatment of NSCLC.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>These data reveal that AA exerts anti-NSCLC effects by inducing apoptosis and autophagy which may be associated with the expression of IL-6 protein.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100616"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143935813","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}
Kushagra Nagori , Madhulika Pradhan , Kartik T. Nakhate
{"title":"Sappanone A mitigates cognitive impairment and oxidative stress through modulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in rats with trimethyltin-induced Alzheimer’s disease-like condition","authors":"Kushagra Nagori , Madhulika Pradhan , Kartik T. Nakhate","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100619","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100619","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Sappanone A (SAP) is a homoisoflavone derived from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Sumu (<em>Lignum sappan</em>), the dry heartwood of <em>Caesalpinia sappan</em> L. (Leguminosae). Although SAP possesses strong antioxidant properties, its therapeutic potential in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains unexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>We evaluated the ameliorative effects of SAP on AD-like pathology induced in rats by the neurotoxicant trimethyltin (TMT). Additionally, the involvement of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAR) in the underlying effects of SAP was investigated.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>Seven days after TMT (8 mg/kg, i.p.) exposure, SAP (25 and 50 mg/kg, oral) was administered for two weeks, and cognitive abilities were screened by the Morris water maze test. The estimation of brain glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malonaldehyde (MDA) contents was also conducted. Molecular docking studies were carried out to evaluate the binding affinity of SAP towards α7nAR.</div></div><div><h3>Results and Discussion</h3><div>TMT-treated rats exhibited significant deficits in learning and memory performance. This was accompanied by decreased contents of GSH, CAT, and SOD, and elevated MDA levels in the brain. Administration of SAP significantly improved cognitive performance and restored oxidative stress markers. However, co-administration of α7nAR blocker methyllycaconitine attenuated these actions. Moreover, <em>in-silico</em> molecular docking analysis revealed SAP as a potent agonist of the α7nAR.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>SAP improved TMT-induced cognitive impairments, mainly due to its strong antioxidant effects in the brain, facilitated through α7nAR modulation. These findings suggest that SAP could serve as a promising candidate for treating cognitive dysfunction linked to oxidative stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100619"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143879282","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}
Qian Xu , Wenting Wang , Xiaochen Wang , Wenwu Liu , Chuyao Qi , Mengmeng Zhu , Jing Cui , Yiwen Li , Yanfei Liu , Yue Liu
{"title":"Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine compound DLTM formula on CAC progression in patients with stable CHD: Study protocol for a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial","authors":"Qian Xu , Wenting Wang , Xiaochen Wang , Wenwu Liu , Chuyao Qi , Mengmeng Zhu , Jing Cui , Yiwen Li , Yanfei Liu , Yue Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100614","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100614","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is closely associated with adverse cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary heart disease (CHD). Effective treatments specifically targeting CAC progression are still lacking, representing an urgent clinical need. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used in the prevention and treatment of CHD, playing a crucial synergistic role. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DLTM formula in preventing CAC progression in patients with stable CHD.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial will be conducted at Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, the Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, and Suzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. A total of 194 eligible participants are expected to be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned to the DLTM formula group and the placebo control group in a 1:1 ratio. All participants will receive a 12-week pharmacological intervention and will be followed up for 9 months after completing the medication. The primary outcome measure is the coronary artery calcium volume score, and the secondary outcome measures include the Agatston score, coronary plaque burden, and the frequency and intensity of angina attacks. Adverse events will be closely monitored throughout the trial. The trial is registered at the International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry (ITMCTR2024000060).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The trial will assess changes in coronary imaging parameters, clinical symptom assessments, and safety profiles, providing objective evidence for the DLTM formula's efficacy and safety.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>This study is expected to fill the clinical treatment gap for CAC, clarify the therapeutic value of the DLTM formula, and offer a novel strategy for managing stable CHD.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100614"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143855465","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}
Lei Xie , Xiang Wang , Xing-yu Chen , Ping-ping Zhai , Xiao Xu , Xiao-tian Shen , Jing-jing Wang
{"title":"Network pharmacology study on the potential mechanism of Huachansu injection against pancreatic cancer","authors":"Lei Xie , Xiang Wang , Xing-yu Chen , Ping-ping Zhai , Xiao Xu , Xiao-tian Shen , Jing-jing Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100618","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100618","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The clinical efficacy of Huachansu in treating pancreatic cancer is well established, the pharmacological mechanism of it has not been fully clarified owing to its intricate composition. Network pharmacology, a novel approach employing bioinformatics, was employed in this study to explore cancer drug targets and interactions. The present research employed network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to examine the mechanism of Huachansu injection in the treatment of pancreatic cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The compounds present in the Huachansu injection were identified through a comprehensive literature review, while the targets of Huachansu injection were selected from the Swiss Target Prediction database. Genes associated with pancreatic cancer were obtained from the DisGeNET, GeneCards, and OMIM databases. The potential therapeutic targets were determined through Venn diagram analysis. Subsequently, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) KEGG enrichment analysis were conducted, followed by the construction of a PPI network. Molecular docking was performed using AutoDock Vina. Furthermore, we examined the effects of Huachansu injection on the proliferation and migration of Panc-1 cells using CCK-8 and scratch wound healing assays. Additionally, Western blot analysis was performed to assess the identified core targets (mTOR, HIF-1α).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We identified 30 active components and 312 targets of Huachansu injection and 134 potential therapeutic targets of Huachansu injection in pancreatic cancer. Based on the potential therapeutic targets, a complex, multilateral interaction component–target gene network map was constructed. The mechanism by which Huachansu injection combats pancreatic cancer may be related to the signal transduction, cell cycle, immune system and gene expression (transcription). GO analysis showed that therapeutic targets mainly involve protein serine/threonine/tyrosine kinase activity, ATP binding, protein kinase activity, and enzyme binding. KEGG analysis revealed 105 signaling pathways, with PI3K-Akt, HIF-1, and MAPK signaling pathways being the major ones. The main targets of Huachansu injection anti pancreatic cancer were defined via PPI network analysis (STAT3, HIF1A, MTOR, HSP90AA1, ESR1, HSP90AB1, NFKB1, MMP9, AR and CDK2). Among them, STAT3, MTOR, and HIF1A were selected as receptors for molecular docking. The in vitro study found that Huachansu injection can significantly inhibit the viability and migration ability of Panc-1 cells, as well as suppress the expression of mTOR and HIF-1α proteins.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Huachansu injection has multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics, the potential mechanisms of which in the treatment of pancreatic cancer have been predicted by network pharmacology. Huachansu injection can inhibit the growth and migrati","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100618"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143918102","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}
Anlan Liu , Yang Zhao , Yingying Sun , Jane Faustina Halim , Dandan Zhou , Yuan Yuan , Dan Xu , Jianxiang Li , Weifeng Guo
{"title":"Chaihu-longgu-muli decoction exerts antidepressant effects in rats by regulating the NLRP3 pathway","authors":"Anlan Liu , Yang Zhao , Yingying Sun , Jane Faustina Halim , Dandan Zhou , Yuan Yuan , Dan Xu , Jianxiang Li , Weifeng Guo","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100617","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100617","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is becoming a highly prevalent psychosomatic disease worldwide, posing a serious threat to citizens' health. CNS inflammation is one of the important causes of MDD. Herbal medication Chaihu-Longgu-Muli Decoction (CLM) has antidepressant activity, but the mechanism is still unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study used CLM as a therapeutic drug and fluoxetine as a positive control to observe its behavioral, pathological, and molecular biological effects on CUMS depression model rats at different dose gradients. Practical LC-MS analysis was used to analyze its main components, and four pathological methods including HE, Nissl, IF, and TEM were used to observe neuropathological changes, polarization typing of microglia, and subcellular changes. WB and PCR were used to observe the molecular levels upstream and downstream of the NLRP3 pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The stimulation of CUMS causes inflammatory damage in hippocampus, excessive M1 polarization of microglia, and neuronal pyroptosis. The therapeutic effect of CLM is dose-dependent, and the neuroprotective effect of high-dose CLM is not inferior to that of fluoxetine. CLM promotes M2 polarization of microglia, reduces NLRP3 inflammasome synthesis, downregulates the NLRP3 pathway, thereby preventing neuronal pyroptosis and reducing the release of proinflammatory cytokine.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>CLM can give evidences in antidepression that downregulate the NLRP3 pathway, alleviate hippocampal inflammation and anti-pyroptosis. Further research is needed to verify the <em>in vitro</em> neuroprotective effect and control the inhibition of pyroptosis in enriching its antidepressant mechanism.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100617"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143859208","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}
Basheerahmed Abdulaziz Mannasaheb , Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh , Gurmeet Kaur Surindar Singh , Noordin Othman , Mohammed M. Ghoneim , Hanish Singh Jayasingh Chellammal
{"title":"Unraveling the in vitro antioxidant and neuroprotective potential of green amalgamated gold nanoparticles from Chang shuo huang ma (Corchorus olitorius (L)): Insights on SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cell lines","authors":"Basheerahmed Abdulaziz Mannasaheb , Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh , Gurmeet Kaur Surindar Singh , Noordin Othman , Mohammed M. Ghoneim , Hanish Singh Jayasingh Chellammal","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100615","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100615","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The global healthcare management for neurodegenerative disorders is increasing, mandating the need to discover safe and effective medications to manage them. The plant Chang shuo huang ma, commonly known as <em>Corchorus olitorius</em> (CO) is used in the folk Chinese medicine, thus extensively grown in China. Numerous traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) from natural products have shown beneficial effects in neurodegenerative diseases.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The CO leaves were successively extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, ethanol and water and subjected to qualitative phytochemical analysis and quantification of phenols and flavonoids. The aqueous extract of CO assisted the green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au<sup>0</sup>). The green synthesized gold nanoparticles (CO-AuNP) were characterized by UV–Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS, SEM and EDX. The CO-AuNP were screened for <em>in vitro</em> anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective potential.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The aqueous extract showed presence of phenols, flavonoids, sterols, terpenoids and saponins with higher content of total phenol (3485.60 µg) and flavonoids (2578.44 µg). The UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a strong peak at 560 nm. The FTIR revealed the presence of bioactive functional groups on the surface of CO-AuNP. XRD analysis showed crystalline structure and DLS indicated a particle size of 101.7 nm with moderate stability (-0.3 mV) from zeta potential. The SEM images revealed the presence of irregular shapes of aggregated patterns of CO-AuNP and EDX indicated sufficient composition of elemental gold. The anti-inflammatory activity against heat induced protein denaturation and cyclooxygenase- II (COX-II) inhibition with IC<sub>50</sub> values of 167.06 and 149.46 µg/mL were observed. Antioxidant results were notable in DPPH assay with IC<sub>50</sub> value of 133.25 µg/mL. A dose-dependent cytotoxic effect was observed in normal L929 cell lines, with an IC<sub>50</sub> value of 204.11 µg/mL. Potential neuroprotective effects were observed in SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cell lines against trimethyltin chloride (TMT) induced neurotoxicity. The percentage of neuroprotection decreased with the increasing concentration of CO-AuNP, that is lower concentration (50 µg) has shown highest neuroprotection (86.25 %).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The present findings feature the application and effectiveness of CO-AuNP against inflammation, oxidative and neuronal damage observed in numerous diseases including neurodegeneration, diabetes and cancer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100615"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143850724","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}