Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Transcriptomics revealed potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms of ethanol extracts of propolis and tree gum in lipoteichoic acid and interferon-γ-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages","authors":"Zongze Li,&nbsp;Zhengxin Liu,&nbsp;Yuyang Guo,&nbsp;Yujing Tang,&nbsp;Ting Li,&nbsp;Shuangshuang Gao,&nbsp;Hongzhuan Xuan","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100660","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100660","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Poplar propolis, a traditional Chinese medicine abundant in phenolic acids and flavonoid compounds, demonstrates remarkable anti-inflammatory activity. It is currently widely applied in the pharmaceutical and health product industries for the prevention and adjuvant treatment of various diseases. However, due to the limited availability of natural propolis, its primary plant source—tree gum—is often used as an adulterant, posing significant challenges for the authenticity and quality control of propolis products. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extracts of poplar propolis (EEP) and tree gum (EEG) on RAW264.7 macrophages co-stimulated with lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) using in vitro cellular assays. Furthermore, transcriptomic analysis was employed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activities of EEP and EEG.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Widely targeted metabolomics was used to analyze metabolites of EEP and EEG. A RAW264.7 macrophage inflammation model was established using LTA and IFN-γ co-stimulation, and optimal concentrations of EEP and EEG were determined. ELISA and RT-qPCR were used to assess inflammatory cytokines, inflammation-related genes, and antioxidant genes. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured with a DCFH-DA probe. Transcriptomics, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting were employed to evaluate signaling pathway-related markers.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results showed that 1635 metabolites were identified in EEP and 1545 metabolites were identified in EEG by widely targeted metabolomics. Compared to EEG, EEP more effectively inhibited the release of inflammatory factors, regulated inflammatory gene expression, reduced ROS production, and elevated antioxidant gene expression. RT-qPCR and Western blot analyses revealed that EEP and EEG suppressed the inflammatory response in LTA/IFN-γ-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages by downregulating cell adhesion molecule expression, inhibiting the MAPK signaling pathway, and activating the autophagy pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Propolis exhibited superior efficacy over tree gum in suppressing inflammatory responses and enhancing antioxidant defenses. These findings offer a theoretical foundation for the quality control and further development of propolis as a potential anti-inflammatory agent.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100660"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604675","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":"Buyang Huanwu Decoction attenuates silicosis progression via NF-κB/IL-17 signaling axis modulation: a network pharmacology and experimental validation study","authors":"Hejuntao Chen,&nbsp;Ruiyang Wang,&nbsp;Xu Chen,&nbsp;Wenli Liu,&nbsp;Huihui Fang,&nbsp;Yaya Xie,&nbsp;Fan Yin,&nbsp;Xiaojuan Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100657","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100657","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Silicosis is a prevalent, irreversible occupational pulmonary fibrotic disease caused by crystalline silica dust inhalation. Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD), a classical Chinese herbal formula with anti-inflammatory and circulation-enhancing properties, shows potential in inhibiting pulmonary fibrosis. This study investigated its preventive mechanism against silicosis based on TCM’s \"preventive treatment\" principle.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Network pharmacology identified BYHWD-silicosis overlapping targets using TCMSP and disease databases. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were constructed (STRING/Cytoscape), followed by GO/KEGG pathway enrichment (Metscape). Mechanistic validation employed in vivo silicosis models: Mice received preventive BYHWD administration prior to silica exposure. Lung fibrosis was assessed via H&amp;E staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Key targets in the NF-κB/IL-17 pathway were quantified by Western blotting and qPCR. Liver/kidney toxicity was evaluated through serum biochemical analysis and histopathology.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Network pharmacology analysis revealed that the therapeutic effects of BYHWD on silicosis are potentially mediated through regulation of the NF-κB/IL-17 signaling pathway. In vivo mechanistic studies confirmed that preventive administration of BYHWD prior to silica exposure significantly attenuated pulmonary fibrosis progression. This protective effect was associated with suppression of the NF-κB/IL-17 signaling axis. Additionally, BYHWD treatment did not induce significant impairment in liver or kidney function in mice.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>These findings support the therapeutic potential of Buyang Huanwu Decoction in intervening in silicosis progression. The study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanism underlying BYHWD's efficacy, specifically highlighting its role in modulating the NF-κB/IL-17 pathway. The lack of significant hepatorenal toxicity further suggests a favorable safety profile for BYHWD in this context. This study proposes a novel therapeutic strategy for targeting silicosis progression.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100657"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604674","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":"Inhibition of enzymatic browning and antioxidant activities of Marrubium vulgare L extracts: A promising natural solution","authors":"Karim Tighilet ,&nbsp;Ahmed Adjebli ,&nbsp;Abdelaziz Messis","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100658","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100658","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div><em>Marrubium vulgare</em> L. (苦薄荷或) has been traditionally utilized in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its cooling, detoxifying, and phlegm-resolving properties. Despite its historical use, limited pharmacological evidence exists regarding its phytochemical profile and antioxidant mechanisms in relation to enzymatic browning.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Methanolic and aqueous extracts from the leaves and stems of <em>M. vulgare</em> were assessed for total phenolic, flavonoid, and condensed tannin content. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using DPPH, ABTS, and β-carotene bleaching assays. Inhibitory effects against peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were examined through enzyme kinetics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Methanolic leaf extracts exhibited the highest phenolic (35.36 ± 0.42 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid content (20.56 ± 0.35 mg QE/g DW), correlating with superior antioxidant activity (IC₅₀ = 20.83 ± 0.62 μg/mL in DPPH assay). Condensed tannins were most abundant in aqueous stem extracts. Enzyme inhibition studies revealed mixed-type inhibition for POD and competitive inhibition for PPO, with methanolic leaf extracts being the most potent (51.40 % PPO inhibition; Km = 0.810 mM, Vmax = 0.595 ΔA/min).</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>These results highlight the pharmacological relevance of <em>M. vulgare</em>, particularly its leaf extracts, as natural antioxidants and anti-browning agents. The variation in inhibition mechanisms suggests differential interaction of bioactive compounds with enzyme targets, aligning with their traditional TCM usage for internal heat and inflammation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>M. vulgare</em> exhibits significant antioxidant and enzymatic inhibitory properties, supporting its development as a multifunctional ingredient in food, cosmetic, and medicinal applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100658"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604673","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":"The study of the cold and heat properties of Dianthus superbus and Odontites vulgaris based on multi-sample metabolomics and gut microbiota analysis: Exploring material and energy metabolism mechanisms","authors":"Yafeng Zhuang ,&nbsp;Xiangxi Meng ,&nbsp;Jiayin Chang ,&nbsp;Xiaolei Jiang ,&nbsp;Hong Chang ,&nbsp;Minhui Li","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100654","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100654","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div><em>Dianthus superbus</em> (DS)and <em>Odontites vulgaris</em> (OV) are crucial components of the Mongolian medicine \"Bashaga\", each possessing unique efficacy. However, their cold and heat natures remain to be experimentally verified. The aim of this study is to validate the medicinal natures of DS and OV and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms from the perspectives of substance and energy metabolism as well as gut microbiota.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, <em>Anemarrhena asphodeloides</em> (AA, a cold-natured traditional Chinese medicine) and <em>Cinnamomum cassia</em> (CC,a heat-natured traditional Chinese medicine) were used as references to explore the impacts of DS and OV on the material and energy metabolism, multi-sample metabolomics, and gut microbiota in normal rats. This method aims to evaluate the medicinal properties of these plants and clarify their underlying mechanisms.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In terms of material and energy metabolism, the content of Sodium-Potassium Adenosine Triphosphatase (Na⁺/ K⁺ -ATP) in DS and OV was lower than the normal level (<em>p &lt; 0.05</em>). In DS, Pyruvate Kinase (PK) was significantly decreased (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.01), Adenylate Kinase (ADK) was decreased (<em>p &lt; 0.001</em>), and Citrate Synthase (CS) was increased (<em>p &lt; 0.05</em>). In OV, ADK was decreased (<em>p &lt; 0.01</em>) and Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Alpha (GSK - 3α) was increased (<em>p &lt; 0.05</em>). AA showed a similar situation. In terms of metabolomics, the metabolic profiles and clustering heatmaps of DS, OV, and AA were similar. AA affected the tryptophan-related metabolic pathways, while CC affected the glutamate-related metabolic pathways. Regarding the gut microbiota, DS, OV, and AA all increased the diversity and richness of the microbiota. At the phylum and genus levels, the composition of the microbiota was similar, and the abundances of various microbiota changed differently.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>DS and OV exhibit cold-natured characteristics, as evidenced by their impacts on metabolism and gut microbiota. These findings provide preliminary insights into the potential mechanisms underlying their medicinal properties.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100654"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144587702","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":"Neuroprotective effects of p-coumaric acid against chemical-induced dementia in mice","authors":"Harsimran Singh ,&nbsp;Navneet Khurana ,&nbsp;Pallavi Anand Bafna ,&nbsp;Rupa Mazumder ,&nbsp;Neha Sharma","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100656","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100656","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Dementia, a progressive and debilitating neurological disorder, affects millions of people worldwide and remains a significant global health challenge. Traditional plant-based medicines, especially those used in Chinese herbal practices, have shown promise in managing memory-related disorders. One such bioactive compound is <em>p</em>-coumaric acid, a naturally occurring phytoconstituent present in several traditional Chinese medicinal plants, including <em>Hedyotis diffusa, Fagopyrum cymosum</em>, and <em>Viola yedoensis</em>. Known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, <em>p</em>-coumaric acid was investigated in this study for its potential to mitigate chemically induced dementia in mice.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A total of 54 Swiss albino mice weighing 25-35 g (either sex) were used in the present study, which were distributed into 9 groups Two interoceptive dementia models were utilized. In model 1, mice received aluminum chloride (5 mg/kg, orally) and D-galactose (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for 90 days. In model 2, dementia was induced by administering L-methionine (750 mg/kg at 09:00 and 15 mg/kg, i.p. at 15:00) over seven days. Treatment groups received either <em>p</em>-coumaric acid at low (100 mg/kg, orally) or high (400 mg/kg, orally) doses, or the standard drug donepezil HCl (2 mg/kg, i.p.). Behavioral performance was assessed using the Morris water maze and elevated plus maze. At the end of the treatment period, brains were harvested for biochemical analyses including AChE, TBARS, SOD, catalase, GSH, nitrite, and TNF-α levels.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div><em>p</em>-Coumaric acid significantly improved spatial memory and cognitive function, as evidenced by reduced escape and transfer latency times and increased time spent in the target quadrant. It also restored antioxidant enzyme levels and reduced markers of oxidative stress and inflammation in both models.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Overall, the findings suggest that <em>p</em>-coumaric acid enhances cholinergic transmission, mitigates oxidative damage, and reduces neuroinflammation, indicating its potential as a therapeutic agent for dementia management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100656"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144662618","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":"The role of Lactobacillus in diseases and its intervention by Chinese herbs","authors":"Hui Lai ,&nbsp;Dongmei Yan ,&nbsp;Jiarong Zhang ,&nbsp;Bin Li ,&nbsp;Fei Li","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100655","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100655","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Lactobacilli are a group of Gram-positive bacteria belonging to the family Lactobacillaceae within the phylum Firmicutes. They colonize the intestinal tract and play a significant role in human health and disease treatment, serving irreplaceable functions in numerous disease domains. These include intestinal diseases (such as inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, colorectal cancer, etc.), viral respiratory infections, type 2 diabetes-related periodontitis, and urinary system diseases (prevention of vaginal diseases and urinary tract infections).</div></div><div><h3>Aim of the Review</h3><div>This review focuses on the mechanisms of action of lactobacilli in diseases, the regulatory effects of diet and Chinese herbal medicine, and summarizes the impacts of Chinese herbal medicine on lactobacilli. It aims to explain the relationships among diseases, lactobacilli, and Chinese herbal medicine, providing theoretical support for promoting the research and development of related products.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Literature related to lactobacilli was collected by searching the academic databases PubMed and CNKI using keywords such as characteristics of lactobacilli, biological functions, metabolic pathways, roles in diseases, mechanisms of action, and regulation by Chinese herbal medicine.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Based on the collected literature, this review summarizes the characteristics, biological functions, metabolic pathways, roles in diseases, and mechanisms of action of lactobacilli, as well as the regulatory effects of diet, single Chinese herbal medicines, and Chinese herbal compound formulas on the abundance of lactobacilli.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Dietary and Chinese herbal medicine interventions significantly influence the growth and reproduction of intestinal lactobacilli. A high-protein diet and specific carbohydrates can regulate lactobacilli levels, but their specific mechanisms of action remain unclear. The molecular-level interactions with host cells and the signaling pathways under different disease states are not yet fully understood. Future research could deeply analyze the molecular-level interactions between lactobacilli and host cells, clarify the key signaling pathways activated or inhibited under different disease conditions, and provide a theoretical basis for precision treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100655"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144587898","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":"Green synthesis of europium oxide nanoparticles via Vitex trifolia: Biomedical applications in infection control and cancer therapy","authors":"Tiyah Jimmy Chheda ,&nbsp;Rajakumar Govindasamy ,&nbsp;Suganya Panneer Selvam ,&nbsp;Dhivya Viswanathan","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100652","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100652","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to synthesize europium oxide nanoparticles (Eu₂O₃ NPs) using <em>Vitex trifolia</em> leaf extract through a green synthesis approach and evaluate their antibacterial and anticancer properties for potential biomedical applications.</div></div><div><h3>Methodology</h3><div>Eu₂O₃ NPs were synthesized from <em>Vitex trifolia</em> leaf extract using 0.4 M europium nitrate, 1 M sodium borohydride, and ammonia, confirmed by a color change. The nanoparticles were characterized using FTIR, XRD, and SEM, while their antibacterial activity was assessed against <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus sp</em>., and <em>Klebsiella sp</em>. via the agar well diffusion method. Cytotoxicity assays on A549 cancer cells evaluated anticancer potential, with the IC50 value determined through dose-response analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>XRD and SEM analysis confirmed that the synthesized Eu₂O₃ NPs had an average size of 82 nm, while FTIR spectra revealed the presence of phytochemicals involved in nanoparticle stabilization. Antibacterial assays using the agar well diffusion method demonstrated significant activity, with <em>Enterococcus sp</em>. showing the highest sensitivity, exhibiting inhibition zones of 19 ± 0.49 mm, 15 ± 0.35 mm, 17 ± 0.45 mm, and 18 ± 0.53 mm at varying concentrations. Cytotoxicity assays on A549 cancer cells showed a dose-dependent reduction in cell viability. The IC50 value for anticancer activity was approximately 100 µg/mL, confirming effective cancer cell inhibition.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The biogenic synthesis of europium oxide (Eu₂O₃) nanoparticles utilizing extract from <em>Vitex trifolia</em> presents an environmentally friendly and sustainable method for nanoparticle production. These nanoparticles exhibited significant antibacterial properties and notable anticancer potential, positioning them as promising candidates for biomedical applications, particularly in the realms of antimicrobial therapy and cancer treatment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100652"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144557255","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":"Melanogenesis inhibition by (2-Methylbutyryl) Shikonin, a naturally occurring naphthoquinone potentiates dacarbazine anti-melanoma efficacy via ROS mediated apoptotic pathway","authors":"Aalim Maqsood Bhat ,&nbsp;Irshad Ahmad Bhat ,&nbsp;Sheikh Tasduq Abdullah","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100651","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100651","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer with strong metastatic potential and resistance to conventional chemotherapy. Dacarbazine (DTIC) is widely used for melanoma treatment, but its effectiveness is often compromised by acquired resistance, resulting in relapse and poor prognosis. (2-Methylbutyryl) Shikonin (BSHK), a naturally derived naphthoquinone pigment isolated from Lithospermum erythrorhizon, is a bioactive derivative of shikonin—an established compound in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, shikonin and its derivatives are key constituents of formulations such as Zicao (purple gromwell root), traditionally used for detoxification, reducing inflammation, and treating skin disorders, including eczema, burns, and malignancies. BSHK has demonstrated broad anti-cancer activity by inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and possesses the ability to suppress tyrosinase enzyme activity, a key enzyme in melanogenesis. This study investigates whether BSHK can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of dacarbazine in melanoma cells and explores the molecular mechanisms underlying their combined effect, while also highlighting its traditional use and therapeutic relevance in Chinese herbal medicine.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Melanoma cells were treated with BSHK, dacarbazine, or their combination. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Apoptosis was analyzed using Annexin-V/FITC staining and flow cytometry. Protein expression levels of key Oxidative stress, apoptotic and melanogenic markers such as SOD, Catalase, Nrf-2 Bcl-2, BAX, Caspase-3, and MITF was evaluated by immunoblotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>BSHK significantly enhanced the anti-proliferative effect of dacarbazine on melanoma cells. Co-treatment increased apoptotic cell populations and ROS levels compared to single treatments. Western blot analysis revealed that combination therapy downregulated MITF and Bcl-2, while upregulating BAX and cleaved Caspase-3, indicating enhanced apoptotic signaling and melanogenesis inhibition.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>In conclusion, (2-Methylbutyryl) Shikonin sensitizes melanoma cells to dacarbazine by inhibiting melanogensis thereby increasing their susceptibility to apoptosis. The synergistic anticancer effects of (2-Methylbutyryl) Shikonin and dacarbazine suggest that their combination could be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating melanoma</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100651"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523870","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":"Integrated In Silico and In Vivo evaluation of Cassytha filiformis: Molecular insights into caspase-3/8 binding and wound healing effect","authors":"Soosamma John ,&nbsp;Nisha Shri Chengamaraju ,&nbsp;Navya A S ,&nbsp;Agasa Ramu Mahesh ,&nbsp;Bincy Raj","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100650","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100650","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Cassytha filiformis</em> is a parasitic vine traditionally used in Chinese traditional medicine (CTM) for its anti-inflammatory, detoxifying, and wound-healing properties. Despite its ethnomedical significance, scientific validation of its therapeutic mechanisms-particularly its interaction with apoptotic pathways-remains limited.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study investigated the wound healing potential of <em>Cassytha filiformis</em> through <em>in vivo</em> and in silico approaches, alongside phytochemical isolation and characterization.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Successive solvent extraction was performed using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, and phytosterols. Isolation and spectroscopic characterization identified pseudohypericin as key constituents. Gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) analysis revealed additional 25 bioactive compounds.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among all extracts, the 5 % chloroform extract showed the most significant activity in excision and incision wound models, achieving 100 % wound contraction by day 16 and a tensile strength of 425.5 ± 4.89 g, outperforming the standard drug framycetin. In silico docking result showed strong binding affinity of quercetin 3-O-rutinoside (−11.9 kcal/mol) and pseudohypericin (−10.0 kcal/mol) with Caspase-3, supported by favorable ADMET and toxicity profiles. Similarly, Quercetin 3-O-rutinoside and Pseudohypericin exhibited significant binding affinities against Caspase-8 with binding score of -8.1 and -8.0 kcal/mol respectively. Both phytoconstituents showed significant binding affinity against Caspase-8. The stability of complex was validated through 100 ns molecular dynamic (MD) simulation results.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Cassytha filiformis</em> demonstrated potent wound healing activity, suggesting its potential for development into safe, effective plant-based therapeutics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100650"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144563630","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":"Progress in the application of AI in the standardization of traditional Chinese medicine: A review based on machine learning and deep learning","authors":"Xianglong Meng ,&nbsp;Yijing Lang ,&nbsp;Xiaofen Li ,&nbsp;Yuting Li ,&nbsp;Zhulin Bu ,&nbsp;Yuhui Wu ,&nbsp;Shuosheng Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100639","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100639","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The Fourth Industrial Revolution, propelled by advancements in the internet, big data, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI), has not only accelerated technological progress but also heralded a new era of intelligent healthcare. Nowadays, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is moving towards the road of intelligent transformation, in which the urgency of integrating the advanced insights of modern medicine is becoming more and more obvious. At the same time, with the full use of various types of artificial intelligence technology, to explore the potential of Chinese medicine, prompting it to embark on a standardized development track, in order to let the ancient Chinese medicine in the wave of modern science and technology renewed new life.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Through a systematic exploration utilizing keywords such as “AI”, “TCM”, and “Standardization”, we conducted an extensive search across major repositories including Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, and other databases, analyzing approximately 1000 scholarly works. We strive to deepen our understanding of TCM while fully exploiting the integration potential of AI and TCM, and to effectively promote TCM to make great strides towards more scientific, standardized and efficient standardization.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This review explores six critical areas where AI techniques such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) contribute: disease diagnosis, prevention and treatment, herbal medicine quality evaluation, pharmacokinetics, mechanisms of action, and non-drug therapy. Examples include: using ML to predict disease outcomes; modeling pharmacokinetics using DL; and using AI techniques to assess the quality grade of herbal medicines etc.. It examines the systemic responses driven by complex interactions between internal and environmental factors during disease progression, grounded in fundamental human biology. Through rigorous high-throughput screening and analysis, this review elucidates intricate biological interaction networks and achieves comprehensive holistic regulation, thereby furthering the standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicine.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This review explores the complex dimensions of TCM using cutting-edge AI techniques to provide strategic guidance for promoting standardization and evolutionary development in the field.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"16 ","pages":"Article 100639"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144523869","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}