Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine最新文献

{"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 ,&nbsp;Wenting Wang ,&nbsp;Xiaochen Wang ,&nbsp;Wenwu Liu ,&nbsp;Chuyao Qi ,&nbsp;Mengmeng Zhu ,&nbsp;Jing Cui ,&nbsp;Yiwen Li ,&nbsp;Yanfei Liu ,&nbsp;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}

{"title":"Chaihu-longgu-muli decoction exerts antidepressant effects in rats by regulating the NLRP3 pathway","authors":"Anlan Liu ,&nbsp;Yang Zhao ,&nbsp;Yingying Sun ,&nbsp;Jane Faustina Halim ,&nbsp;Dandan Zhou ,&nbsp;Yuan Yuan ,&nbsp;Dan Xu ,&nbsp;Jianxiang Li ,&nbsp;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}

{"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 ,&nbsp;Ibrahim Ahmed Shaikh ,&nbsp;Gurmeet Kaur Surindar Singh ,&nbsp;Noordin Othman ,&nbsp;Mohammed M. Ghoneim ,&nbsp;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 (Au⁰). 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 IC₅₀ values of 167.06 and 149.46 µg/mL were observed. Antioxidant results were notable in DPPH assay with IC₅₀ value of 133.25 µg/mL. A dose-dependent cytotoxic effect was observed in normal L929 cell lines, with an IC₅₀ 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}

{"title":"Evaluation of the cardioprotective potential of hydroethanolic extract of Koenigia polystachya L. (Qiú xù liǎo) leaves against isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction in rats","authors":"Arunabh Arandhara,&nbsp;Dipankar Saha,&nbsp;Bhrigu Kumar Das","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100612","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100612","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Myocardial infarction (MI) significantly contributes to mortality and morbidity among cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Various plant species are employed as traditional remedies for CVD management, particularly MI. <em>Koenigia polystachya</em>, known as Qiú xù liǎo in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is valued for its therapeutic properties in regulating bodily functions and treating ailments such as diarrhea, indigestion, and superficial infections. This study assessed the cardioprotective efficacy of the hydro-ethanolic leaf extract of <em>K. polystachya</em> (HELeKP) in both <em>in-vitro</em> and <em>in-vivo</em> models against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced MI.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A pre-treatment schedule with HELeKP was fixed for 28 days in the rats. The rats produced MI via isoproterenol administration (85 mg/kg b.w. <em>s.c.</em>) on the 27th and 28th days. The experimental groups were: normal group, ISO-treated group, ISO + HELeKP low dose (66.6 mg/kg b.w./day <em>p.o.</em>), ISO + HELeKP high dose (200 mg/kg b.w./day <em>p.o.</em>), and ISO + Propranolol (10 mg/kg b.w./day <em>p.o.</em>). Following the experimental period, the parameters of cardiac hypertrophy, electrocardiogram (ECG), blood/serum samples (for cardiac-related markers), and a histopathological investigation of the cardiac tissues were evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study confirmed that pre-treatment with the extract (HELeKP) significantly mitigated ISO-induced cardiotoxicity in rats, as evidenced by improved cell viability, normalized cardiac biomarkers, and restored ECG parameters. Additionally, the extract corrected ISO-induced dyslipidemia and preserved myocardial histoarchitecture, indicating its strong cardioprotective and hypolipidemic effects.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>In conclusion, the leaf extract of <em>K. polystachya</em> exhibits significant cardioprotective potential by effectively reducing oxidative stress, stabilizing myocardial function, and preserving cardiac tissue integrity. The extract shows promise as a potential cardioprotective agent, warranting further investigation into its therapeutic mechanisms and clinical applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100612"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143826435","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":"Cathepsin-K Targeted by Sanggenol L Induces Lethal Autophagy through ROS-Dependent AMPK/mTOR Signaling in Gastric Cancer","authors":"Kui Zhang ,&nbsp;Xin Hu ,&nbsp;Jingjing Su ,&nbsp;Guangzhao Pan ,&nbsp;Abhimanyu Thakur ,&nbsp;Natalia Baran ,&nbsp;Anne Dijkstra ,&nbsp;Isha Gaurav ,&nbsp;Zhijun Yang ,&nbsp;Hongjuan Cui","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100611","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100611","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Sanggenol L (<em>Sang gen chun L</em>) is a bioactive flavonoid derived from <em>Morus alba</em> (<em>Sang bai pi</em>), a traditional Chinese medicine widely used for clearing lung heat, promoting blood circulation, and reducing inflammation. Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, with limited effective treatments for advanced or metastatic stages. Natural products, including those from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), are promising sources for new anticancer compounds, warranting further investigation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study delved into the antitumor characteristics of Sanggenol L, a natural derivative extracted from the root bark of mulberry (<em>Morus alba</em> L.) trees. Both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> investigations conducted to elucidate its mechanisms of action against GC cells.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Sanggenol L demonstrated effective inhibition of GC cell growth and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, along with induction of cell cycle arrest, autophagy and apoptosis. Notably, Sanggenol L activated lethal autophagic flux and induced GC cell apoptosis by triggering the AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway via reactive oxygen species (ROS). Importantly, Sanggenol L targeted cathepsin K, leading to a significant reduction in its proteolytic activity in both <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>. Furthermore, overexpression of CTSK partially counteracted the growth-inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects of Sanggenol L by reducing ROS levels induced by the compound. Noteworthy is the significant overexpression of CTSK in cancerous tissues, particularly in GC, compared to adjacent or normal tissues, with its upregulation correlating with poor prognosis, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target in GC treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Sanggenol L exhibits potential therapeutic efficacy against GC, primarily through its ability to modulate the ROS/AMPK/mTOR pathway and by targeting cathepsin K, which has emerged as a promising anticancer target.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100611"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143826436","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 anticonvulsant potential of Daucus carota L.: A combined in silico and in vivo study for epilepsy therapy development","authors":"Naznin Sarkar ,&nbsp;Anil Kumar Venkategowda Kodihally ,&nbsp;Akshay Shamnewadi","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100610","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100610","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures that significantly impact quality of life. Current treatments rely on conventional antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), which often present limitations such as inadequate efficacy, severe side effects, and the potential for drug resistance. This underscores the need for alternative therapies. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of phytoconstituents from <em>Daucus carota</em> L. [the Chinese name: 胡萝卜, hú luó bo)] as a novel approach for epilepsy treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We adopted a comprehensive methodology integrating both <em>in silico</em> and <em>in vivo</em> approaches. Bioinformatic techniques, including gene set enrichment, network pharmacology using KEGG pathway analysis and Cytoscape tool and molecular docking using PyRx and Discovery studio tools, were employed. Additionally, LC‒MS analysis was performed to characterize the phytoconstituents present in the ethanolic extract. <em>In vivo</em> evaluations were conducted via the maximal electroshock (MES) model in Swiss albino mice to assess the anticonvulsant effects of the extract and combination therapy with phenobarbital sodium (PBT).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Molecular docking revealed significant binding affinities for apigenin (-6.7 kcal/mol) and luteolin (-6.6 kcal/mol) with GABRA1, suggesting their potential to enhance GABAergic signaling. LC‒MS analysis confirmed the presence of key bioactive compounds identified through <em>in silico</em> studies. The ethanolic extract yielded a substantial amount of bioactive compounds and demonstrated significant efficacy in the MES model by reducing seizure duration at a dose of 400 mg/kg (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). Combination therapy with phenobarbital further enhanced the anticonvulsant effects, particularly in reducing extensor activity and clonus (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings suggest that phytoconstituents from <em>Daucus carota</em> L<em>.</em> possess significant therapeutic potential as adjunctive treatments for epilepsy through the modulation of GABAergic activity and calcium channel function. These results provide a compelling rationale for further preclinical and clinical investigations into the efficacy and safety of these natural compounds in the treatment of epilepsy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100610"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143768467","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A review of potential analgesic effect, chemical components, toxicology and detoxification of Duanchangcao","authors":"Ruoyue Huang ,&nbsp;Cuishan Zhang ,&nbsp;Yan Cheng ,&nbsp;Binbin Zhang ,&nbsp;Fei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100609","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100609","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Duanchangcao, a common term in traditional Chinese medicine with high frequency, including about 40 kinds of medicinal plants distributed all over China. They have the pharmacological effects, including dispelling wind, eliminating dampness, reducing oedema, and relieving pain.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the review</h3><div>This study aims to review the analgesic and toxicological effects, including clinical adverse reactions, toxic chemical compounds and mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The relevant analgesic and toxicological reports of five major medicinal plants were collected from various academic databases and search engines, including Google, Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, CNKI and Wanfang.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The clinical side effects of Duanchangcao have been recorded in numerous studies in China. They exhibit the side effects on different organs. At least 63 isolated chemical compounds have been reported to show toxic effects and mainly are alkaloids, flavones, diterpenes and triterpenes. The toxic mechanisms of Duanchangcao are associated with apoptosis, autophagy, immunological injury, oxidative stress and metabolism. The use of new technologies and proper processing can ensurre safe application. One typical clinical use has been developed as an analgesic drug, which benefits patients' physical and mental health, and improve the quality of life.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Duanchangcao, a series of medicines used in China for several centuries, has been found to possess biological activities. To appropriately utilize Duanchangcao as an analgesic in clinical practice, the changed pathways and mechanisms of toxicity following the exposure need to be clarified, and the preventive approaches should be further studied. Additionally, drug-drug interaction still remain to be a challenge during their applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100609"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143800050","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Investigation of the main active ingredients of Vitex rotundifolia L.f and assessment of their contribution to the activity of this species","authors":"Bich Thao Lam ,&nbsp;Hai Trieu Ly ,&nbsp;Huyen Tran Tran ,&nbsp;Van Minh Le","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100608","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100608","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Quality control of medicinal materials before research and use is essential. <em>Vitex rotundifolia</em> L.f. (also called Manjingzi in traditional Chinese medicine) is a medicinal plant with high medicinal value and uses, which is also prioritized for development in Vietnam. This study aimed to develop a validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous quantification of major compounds in <em>V. rotundifolia</em> for preparing the potential extract and evaluate the pharmacological effects of the <em>V. rotundifolia</em> extract and essential oils.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>HPLC method was applied for the determination of two major active compounds in <em>V. rotundifolia</em>, agnuside and casticin, which were determined according to the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) and Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC). The constituents of <em>V. rotundifolia</em> essential oils were also identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Pharmacological effects were evaluate via <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em> experiments.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The validated method demonstrated acceptable precision and was used to analyze the concentrations of agnuside and casticin in different extracts from different collection conditions of <em>V. rotundifolia</em>, the 70 % ethanol extract of twig and leaf <em>V. rotundifolia</em> collected in Ninh Hai district at noon and shade-dried was selected as a potential extract. Interestingly, the pharmacological effects of the potential extract containing agnuside and casticin were demonstrated including anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticancer, antioxidant, and antibacterial activities. Furthermore, <em>V. rotundifolia</em> essential oils contain major constituents of α-pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, eucalyptol, and β-terpinyl acetate with confirmed antibacterial activity.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>This study has evaluated relatively comprehensively <em>Vitex rotundifolia</em> L.f. from chemical composition, quantitative method to biological effects, showing that this is a potential medicinal plant that can be developed in the near future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100608"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143735152","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Identification of molecular therapeutic features of the homeopathy medicine Thuja by genome-wide expression profiling","authors":"Chandana Yesudas ,&nbsp;Yoga Soundarya Mohan ,&nbsp;Jayaprakash Senthil ,&nbsp;Ponmathi Panneerpandian ,&nbsp;Krishnaveni Ganesan ,&nbsp;Anisha Marina Mariyanayagam ,&nbsp;Srutimanjari Parida ,&nbsp;Illakkiam Devaraj ,&nbsp;Kumaresan Ganesan","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100596","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100596","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Thuja occidentalis</em>, a homeopathic remedy, has been extensively used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, particularly for the skin disease warts. Its therapeutic use is well-documented, especially in Chinese traditional medicine, where it has also been explored for its potential in cancer treatment. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), <em>Thuja occidentalis</em> is known as “<em>Ce Bai Ye” (崖柏屬</em>) and has been extensively employed due to its diverse therapeutic features. <em>Ce Bai Ye</em> is particularly valued for its hemostatic, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties. In traditional Chinese medicine <em>Thuja's</em> astringent nature makes it beneficial for digestive issues such as diarrhoea. Despite the above-mentioned potential applications, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain to be identified. This study was designed to investigate the molecular impact of <em>Thuja</em> on cancer cells, with a special focus on its effects on gastric cancer cells.</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the study</h3><div>This study aims to investigate the molecular therapeutic features of <em>Thuja occidentalis</em> in gastric cancer by employing genome-wide expression profiling and by evaluating the impact on the growth and signalling pathways in gastric cancer cells.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>AGS, gastric cancer cells were treated with 0.1% <em>Thuja occidentalis</em> mother tincture, and the impact on inhibiting the features of cancer cell growth was assessed by colony and spheroid-forming assays. Genome-wide expression profiling was conducted to identify the genes and pathways regulated by <em>Thuja</em>. Gene set enrichment analysis was done to elucidate the signalling pathways modulated by <em>Thuja</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>Thuja</em> has significantly inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells and also reduced the colony- and spheroid-forming potential. Genome-wide expression profiling has identified a significant downregulation of histone and zinc finger (ZNF) family genes, polymerase-related genes, and ATP genes. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed <em>Thuja</em> to downregulate the signalling pathways, including MAPK, MYC, Wnt, NOTCH, GPCR, TGF-β, PDGF, and JAK/STAT. The genes commonly upregulated in warts were downregulated by <em>Thuja</em>, indicating a potential therapeutic role of <em>Thuja</em> in wart treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provides novel insights into the molecular therapeutic effects of <em>Thuja</em> in gastric cancer cells. The data also provides the lead knowledge for the further development of <em>Thuja</em> as a targeted therapeutic agent for gastric cancer and warrants further pre-clinical investigations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100596"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143759608","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the mechanism of Taohong Siwu decoction in the treatment of hyperlipidemia based on network pharmacology and zebrafish models","authors":"Mingyang Li ,&nbsp;Xinmei Zhang ,&nbsp;Chunyue Bao ,&nbsp;Fan Li ,&nbsp;Yulong Wu ,&nbsp;Guangming Huo ,&nbsp;Chuanfeng Tang ,&nbsp;Jianmei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100600","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100600","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Taohong Siwu Decoction (TSD) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat cardiovascular diseases and blood stasis. This study explores the therapeutic mechanisms of TSD in treating hyperlipidemia using a network pharmacology approach combined with a zebrafish hyperlipidemia model.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Compounds in TSD were sourced from a database and filtered based on oral bioavailability and drug-likeness. Herbal targets were predicted using online tools, and hyperlipidemia-related genes were identified via GeneCards. Pathway analysis was conducted to pinpoint relevant signaling pathways. Molecular docking, performed with AutoDock, assessed the binding affinity of key compounds to target proteins. In vivo experiments using zebrafish models evaluated the anti-hyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects of TSD, with RT-qPCR used to verify the expression of predicted targets.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Network pharmacology analysis revealed 45 bioactive phytochemicals and 72 potential target genes implicated in hyperlipidemia-related pathways. Six principal bioactive compounds—quercetin, luteolin, myricanone, stigmasterol, kaempferol, and β-sitosterol—were identified as modulators of core therapeutic targets including TNF, IL6, IL1B, PTGS2, PPARG, ESR1, PTGS1, and PIK3CG, influencing critical pathways associated with inflammatory responses, oxidative stress modulation, and lipid metabolism regulation. Molecular docking analysis demonstrated robust binding affinities between these compounds and their respective targets, particularly PTGS2 and PIK3CG. Zebrafish experiments substantiated TSD's therapeutic efficacy in ameliorating hyperlipidemia, attenuating inflammation, and mitigating oxidative stress, thereby validating the predicted mechanisms of action.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion/Conclusions</h3><div>TSD exhibits a characteristic multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway therapeutic profile in the management of hyperlipidemia and associated atherosclerotic conditions. These findings support its clinical application and provide a theoretical basis for future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"15 ","pages":"Article 100600"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-03-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143642089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}