Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Integrative multi-omics analysis to decipher the mechanism by which the interaction between Danggui Buxue Tang and gut microbiota drives isoflavone metabolic transformation","authors":"Yutong Qi ,&nbsp;Zixia Chen ,&nbsp;Jiantang Zhang ,&nbsp;Ruilan Du ,&nbsp;Jingwen Shi ,&nbsp;Qizhu Chen ,&nbsp;Jun Chen ,&nbsp;Huaben Bo","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100744","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100744","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Danggui Buxue Tang (DBT) is a classic herbal formula traditionally used to \"tonify Qi and generate blood.\" Its efficacy is believed to depend on the biotransformation of its bioactive compounds by the gut microbiota; however, the specific metabolic profile and the key bacterial taxa involved remain unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An in vitro anaerobic fermentation model was established to simulate gut microbial biotransformation of DBT. This model allowed for a controlled and reproducible investigation of DBT-microbiota interactions. We integrated untargeted metabolomics (LC-MS) with 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze the concomitant changes in metabolites and the microbial community. PICRUSt2 was used for functional prediction. Additionally, network pharmacology and molecular docking were employed to construct a \"microbiota-enzyme-metabolite-target\" network.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Untargeted metabolomics analysis identified 734 significantly altered metabolites following DBT fermentation, including notable increases in formononetin, biochanin A, and xenognosin B. 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that DBT markedly increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium (from 0.05 % to 25.5 %) while suppressing Porphyromonas. Functional prediction indicated significant enrichment in the \"Drug metabolism - other enzymes\" pathway. Correlation analysis revealed significant associations between specific gut microbiota and metabolites. A three-step metabolic cascade (glycoside hydrolysis → methylation → hydroxylation) was identified, which reduced toxicity by 90 % and increased clearance twofold. The metabolites exhibited strong binding to targets such as CDK2 (binding energy ≤ -7.24 kcal/mol) and were enriched in hematopoiesis-related pathways, including the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>This study systematically elucidates how the gut microbiota transforms DBT isoflavones into active aglycones that target core hematopoietic proteins, providing a novel perspective on the mechanism of orally administered, poorly absorbable traditional Chinese medicine formulas. Our results confirm that the gut microbiota is indispensable for the efficacy of DBT.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100744"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145840926","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unveiling the therapeutic mechanisms of Yuehua Pill against multidrug-resistant tuberculosis via network pharmacology and molecular docking","authors":"Qingfeng Sun ,&nbsp;Yunjie Qin ,&nbsp;Qiwen Huang ,&nbsp;Xin Mai ,&nbsp;Lan Mo ,&nbsp;Kangyan Lv ,&nbsp;Sang Liu ,&nbsp;Liyuan Li ,&nbsp;Yingying Zhang ,&nbsp;Yan Liao ,&nbsp;Aimei Liu ,&nbsp;Qianyu Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100777","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100777","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) presents a severe global health challenge due to limited treatment options. Yuehua Pill, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, has shown clinical efficacy as an adjunctive therapy. However, its molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of Yuehua Pill against MDR-TB using an integrated network pharmacology and molecular docking approach.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Active compounds in Yuehua Pill were identified from the TCMSP database. Potential targets were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction and cross-referenced with MDR-TB-related genes from public databases to identify common targets. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using STRING and visualized in Cytoscape to identify hub genes. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to reveal key pathways. Finally, AutoDock Vina was used for molecular docking simulations to validate the binding between key compounds and hub proteins.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We identified 121 common targets linking Yuehua Pill to MDR-TB. The PPI network analysis pinpointed ten hub genes, including AKT1, IL6, and TNF. Enrichment analyses revealed that these targets are primarily involved in immune responses and inflammatory signaling pathways, such as the HIF-1 and PI3K-Akt pathways. Molecular docking confirmed that key active compounds, notably quercetin and diosgenin, exhibited strong binding affinities to the hub proteins AKT1, TNF, and IL6.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Yuehua Pill likely exerts therapeutic effects via a multi-component, multi-target mechanism, potentially modulating host immune responses and targeting bacterial survival pathways to overcome drug resistance. While offering a scientific rationale for its clinical use, these findings require further experimental validation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100777"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147421402","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":"Pharmacological insights into traditional Chinese medicine for heart failure: Targeting cardiac energy metabolism and mitochondrial function","authors":"Yokesh Shanmugam,&nbsp;Mahaswetha Kannuchamy,&nbsp;Lokeshvar Ravikumar","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100764","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100764","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Heart failure (HF) remains a major contributor to global cardiovascular mortality, largely due to disturbances in myocardial energy balance and mitochondrial impairment. Conventional therapies alleviate symptoms and slow disease progression but seldom restore normal cardiac bioenergetics. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides a holistic, multitarget therapeutic framework that can influence metabolic and signaling networks involved in maintaining cardiac energy homeostasis.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Following the PRISMA framework, a systematic search was carried out for publications from 2021 to 2025 examining TCM-derived compounds or formulations with regulatory effects on myocardial energy metabolism in HF. Comprehensive searches across PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Springer retrieved 230,887 records. After eliminating duplicates and non-relevant studies, 1210 full-text papers were evaluated, of which four satisfied all inclusion requirements. Pharmacokinetic characteristics, effective concentrations, and dosage data were extracted to improve the quantitative assessment of included findings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Bioactive constituents such as berberine, astragaloside IV, resveratrol, tanshinone IIA, and ginsenoside Rb1 enhanced mitochondrial performance and ATP generation mainly through activation of AMPK, PGC-1α, and mTOR signaling. Reported effective doses ranged between 10 and 50 mg/kg, with half-lives from 0.9 to 6 h and generally low oral absorption. Polyherbal preparations including Qiliqiangxin, Shengmai San, and Zhenwu Tang produced additive benefits by improving oxidative status and energy remodeling in cardiac tissue.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Evidence suggests that TCM interventions can reprogram myocardial energy metabolism and mitigate mitochondrial dysfunction, although heterogeneity in formulation and dosing limits clinical consistency.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>TCM represents a promising complementary approach for HF therapy by restoring cardiac energy dynamics, warranting further standardized pharmacokinetic and clinical investigations to validate its translational value.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100764"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146090249","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":"Antipsychotic effect of Aegiceras corniculatum (L.) Blanco: Evidence from murine behavioral assays and computational studies","authors":"Md. Emam Shikdar ,&nbsp;H. M. Shadid Hossain Snigdha ,&nbsp;Md. Mohaiminul Islam ,&nbsp;Md. Showkoth Akbor ,&nbsp;Shahinur Rahman ,&nbsp;Prottoy Kumar Debnath ,&nbsp;Razina Rouf ,&nbsp;Muhammad Torequl Islam ,&nbsp;Jamil A Shilpi ,&nbsp;Shaikh Jamal Uddin","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100730","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100730","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Antipsychotic therapy targets the mesolimbic dopaminergic hyperactivity observed in schizophrenia. Drugs such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) alleviate positive symptoms by suppressing this pathway, although they are often associated with adverse effects, including psychomotor slowing. Notably, In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), <em>Aegiceras corniculatum</em> (蠟燭果;桐花樹) is documented in classical materia medica for treating pain, swelling, rheumatism, asthma, and diabetes. Its traditional role in analgesia and nociception suggests engagement of central pain-modulating pathways, and together with reported neuromodulatory properties, provides a rationale for evaluating its relevance in schizophrenia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Ethanolic leaf extract of <em>A. corniculatum</em> (ACEE) was evaluated in dopamine-induced mouse models using marble burying, dust removal, and trained swim tests. Effects were compared with olanzapine (Zyprexa) (OLN-2) and combination treatments. Phytoconstituents were identified via GC–MS, while molecular docking and ADMET profiling assessed interactions with dopamine D₂ receptors, pharmacokinetics, and safety.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Dopamine (DOP-22) significantly increased compulsive behaviors (marble burying: 13.8 ± 1.5 vs. 10.8 ± 1.9 in controls; dust removal: 141.4 ± 9.3 g vs. 107.1 ± 14.3 g, <em>p</em> &lt; 0.05). OLN-2 reduced both (6.0 ± 0.6 marbles; 42.5 ± 4.9 g). ACEE produced dose-dependent reductions (9.3 ± 1.8 and 8.0 ± 1.8 marbles; 87.3 ± 8.4 g and 64.4 ± 11.2 g). Combined ACEE-250 and OLN-2 yielded stronger suppression (5.7 ± 0.8 marbles; 54.2 ± 6.8 g). In the trained swim test, dopamine improved performance (6.8 ± 2.1 s vs. 10.3 ± 1.7 s), while OLN-2 impaired it (18.7 ± 2.4 s). ACEE caused moderate slowing (15.4 ± 1.3 s), suggesting partial preservation of psychomotor function. Docking revealed BOPC as the strongest D₂ ligand (-9.1 kcal/mol), while more abundant compounds (PPD, BEA, MDT) showed moderate affinities with favorable ADMET characteristics.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>ACEE demonstrated antipsychotic-like activity through dopaminergic modulation, with an additive effect when combined with OLN-2, and showed a milder impact on psychomotor performance. Supported by traditional use and preliminary modern analyses, <em>A. corniculatum</em> warrants further investigation as a potential complementary source of dopaminergically active compounds.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100730"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145694954","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":"In vivo, in vitro, and in silico evaluation of the analgesic, antidiarrheal, and anthelmintic activities of methanolic extract of Syzygium grande (Wight) Walp","authors":"Md. Jahirul Islam Mamun,&nbsp;Md. Hossain Rasel,&nbsp;Zobayed Islam,&nbsp;Khurshida Jahan Suma,&nbsp;Mohi Uddin","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100734","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2025.100734","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Syzygium grande</em> (syn. Eugenia grandis), commonly known as the sea apple, is a medicinally important plant that has been traditionally used to treat various ailments, including coughs, hemorrhoids (piles), dental problems, dysentery, bronchitis, and diabetes. This study aimed to evaluate the <em>in vitro</em> anthelmintic, <em>in vivo</em> analgesic, and antidiarrheal activities of the methanolic extract of <em>S. grande</em> (MESG) using Swiss albino mice.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The anthelmintic activity was tested on the earthworm <em>Pheretima posthuma</em>. At the same time, analgesic effects were assessed using three models: the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the formalin-induced paw licking test, and the hot plate test. Antidiarrheal activity was evaluated using castor oil-induced diarrhea and the gastrointestinal motility test with charcoal meal. To support experimental findings, in silico methods such as molecular docking, ADME/T, PASS prediction, and network pharmacology were employed.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Significant writhing inhibition was shown by MESG at 400 mg/kg—66.82% in the acetic acid test and 63.38% in the formalin test (p &lt; 0.001), and showed marked analgesic activity in the hot plate test. At 200 mg/kg, the extract also exhibited strong antidiarrheal effects (p &lt; 0.001). In the anthelmintic test, MESG at 10 μg/mL showed maximum efficacy comparable to levamisole (10 μg/mL). To clarify the multi-target potential of <em>S. grande</em> phytochemicals in modifying key proteins involved in pharmacological processes, this study combines network pharmacology with molecular docking. Molecular docking results revealed that gamma-sitosterol exhibited the highest binding affinity against 6COX, 5ZHP, and 1SA0 protein targets, suggesting strong potential as a drug candidate due to its favorable interactions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Based on both experimental and computational evidence, MESG shows promise as a potential source of natural analgesic, antidiarrheal, and anthelmintic agents, warranting further research for drug development.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100734"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145750172","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":"Can Arthrospira (Spirulina) sp. be used to protect the kidneys and prevent hypertension? a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical studies","authors":"Gabrielly Hilário da Silva ,&nbsp;Sabrina Swan Souza da Silva ,&nbsp;Ana Lúcia Figueiredo Porto ,&nbsp;Raquel Pedrosa Bezerra","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100751","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100751","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), natural products such as <em>Spirulina</em> have been valued for centuries for their ability to regulate blood pressure and support organ function, including renal health. <em>Arthrospira</em> (<em>Spirulina</em>) sp., a blue-green cyanobacterium recognized by the United Nations as a \"superfood of the future,\" is rich in phycocyanin, a pigment with emerging nephroprotective potential. This review evaluates the effects of <em>Spirulina</em> or phycocyanin, alone or in combination with other bioactives, on biomarkers of kidney function.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Systematic searches of databases like MEDLINE, Web of Science, LILACS, ScienceDirect, and CENTRAL between 2011 and 2024 are used to identify relevant studies for systematic reviews. The random-effect and inverse variance models were applied to verify data and perform meta-analysis. RoB tool for intervention studies (SYRCLE's RoB tool) and Cochrane Collaboration were used to assess quality and risk of bias.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 267 studies were identified, and after screening, 10 were selected for analysis. Despite high heterogeneity across studies, the overall effects were statistically significant. Risk of bias was low across all domains, indicating reliable and robust findings.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The meta-analysis revealed that <em>Arthrospira</em> (Spirulina) and C-phycocyanin supplementation significantly improved biomarkers of kidney function, reducing serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, and urinary protein levels, as well as lowering systolic blood pressure in preclinical models. Despite consistent trends toward renoprotection and antihypertensive effects, high heterogeneity across studies highlights the need for further research to define optimal doses, treatment durations, and experimental conditions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100751"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939178","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":"Echinacea-derived alkylamides as complementary immunomodulators: Potential for integration with synthetic immunosuppressive therapies","authors":"Fatemeh Ahmadi ,&nbsp;Ha Truong Nguyen ,&nbsp;Zahra Ahmadi","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100754","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100754","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The escalating incidence of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders has intensified reliance on synthetic immunosuppressants, yet long-term safety issues and incomplete therapeutic responses persist. Concurrently, echinacea (紫锥菊, Zǐ Zhuī Jú) extracts rich in alkylamides show promising complementary immunoregulatory activity via cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB₂) engagement and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) modulation. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, echinacea is classified as a medicinal herb with a wide applications in treating wind-heat common cold, fever, cough, and sore throat.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This review integrates current pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic evidence on (i) corticosteroids, DMARDs, biologics, and JAK inhibitors, and (ii) echinacea-derived alkylamides and caffeic acid derivatives, to identify synergistic mechanisms relevant to integrative immunomodulation. We synthesised data from peer-reviewed articles retrieved through Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Emphasis was placed on receptor-binding assays, in vivo efficacy models, and Phase I–III clinical trials.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Synthetic agents chiefly exert single-target or pathway-restricted actions, e.g., glucocorticoid receptor transactivation, JAK–STAT blockade, yielding rapid symptom control but cumulative adverse events. By contrast, echinacea alkylamides demonstrate multi-target behaviour: nanomolar-affinity CB₂ activation dampens TNF-α and IL-6, whereas partial TLR4 antagonism re-balances Th1/Th2 cytokine bias, potentially complementing conventional immunosuppression. Integrating phytotherapeutics with conventional immunosuppressants may optimize efficacy–safety ratios through dose-sparing effects and enhanced therapeutic windows. However, heterogeneity in echinacea chemotypes demands rigorous standardization and head-to-head clinical trials evaluating combination therapies.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The orthogonal engagement of CB₂ and TLR4 pathways by alkylamides complements the single-target mechanisms of corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and JAK inhibitors, enabling additive anti-inflammatory effects and potential dose-sparing strategies. This review positions echinacea as a rational adjuvant platform for next-generation complementary immunomodulation strategies within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine, supporting the development of personalized integrative approaches to immune disorders. Future research should exploit systems-biology-guided formulation to harness additive CB₂–TLR4 crosstalk in integrative treatment protocols.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100754"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145939175","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":"Regulatory effect of Pien Tze Huang on the mTreg/mTh17 balance in mice with autoimmune hepatitis","authors":"Linxin Zheng ,&nbsp;Bugao Zhou ,&nbsp;Miaohua Liu ,&nbsp;Yi Xiong ,&nbsp;Xin Zeng ,&nbsp;Kaien Guo ,&nbsp;Duanyong Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100750","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100750","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate the therapeutic efficacy and underlying mechanisms of Pien Tze Huang (PTH) in a murine autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) model through assessment of memory regulatory T cells (mTreg)/memory T helper cell 17 (mTh17) cell equilibrium and glycolytic metabolism.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>AIH was induced through intravenous concanavalin A (ConA) administration <em>via</em> tail vein injection with prophylactic PTH treatment over 10 days. Hepatic histopathological alterations were evaluated using H&amp;E staining, while serum transaminase levels were quantified through biochemical analysis. ELISA was employed to determine immunoglobulin concentrations and hepatic tissue levels of interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 21 (IL-21), interleukin 10 (IL-10), interleukin 4 (IL-4), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), Immunoglobulin G (IgG), Immunoglobulin A (IgA), Immunoglobulin M (IgM), glycolysis hexokinase 2 (HK2), pyruvate kinase (PK), glucose-6-phosphatase (G6pase), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), aldolase A (ALDOA), glucokinase (GCK), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA). Flow cytometric analysis was performed to quantify Treg, mTreg, Th17, and mTh17 cell populations. Protein expression of glucose transporter protein 1 (Glut1), glucose transporter protein 2 (Glut2), glucose transporter protein 3 (Glut3), glucose transporter protein 4 (Glut4), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α subunit (HIF-1α), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3), T-cell transcription factor (T-bet), and retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγt) was analyzed by Western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Relative to the model group, PTH administration significantly ameliorated hepatocellular injury, as evidenced by reduced serum ALT and AST levels, decreased immunoglobulin concentrations, and attenuated hepatic pathological damage (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05 or <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, PTH treatment resulted in significant suppression of proinflammatory cytokine expression in murine hepatic tissue (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05 or <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). PTH treatment increased the proportions of Treg and mTreg cells while reducing Th17 and mTh17 cell populations (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05 or <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01). Mechanistic investigations revealed that PTH significantly downregulated the expression of critical glycolytic enzymes and glycolysis-associated proteins in hepatic tissue of AIH model mice (<em>p</em> &lt; 0.05 or <em>p</em> &lt; 0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>PTH effectively attenuates ConA-induced AIH by modulating the balance of memory Treg/Th17 cells and glycolytic pathways.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100750"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977888","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 Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Jiaogulan): Mechanisms, active compounds, and therapeutic potential","authors":"Ritesh Sharma ,&nbsp;Kuldeep Singh ,&nbsp;Deepak Sharma ,&nbsp;Abhishek Sharma ,&nbsp;Divya Jain ,&nbsp;Subbulakshmi Packirisamy ,&nbsp;Mukesh Chandra Sharma ,&nbsp;Amitabh Shad","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100760","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100760","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s involve oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuronal loss, with limited therapeutic options. <em>Gynostemma pentaphyllum</em> (Jiaogulan), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb rich in gypenosides, has demonstrated neuroprotective potential through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurogenic activities.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This review synthesizes data from phytochemical, <em>in vitro, in vivo</em>, and limited clinical studies investigating the neuroprotective effects of Jiaogulan. Sources were selected from experimental models of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration, focusing on mechanistic pathways, active compounds, and therapeutic relevance.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Evidence indicates that <em>Jiaogulan</em> mitigates neuronal injury via multiple mechanisms, including activation of Nrf2/ARE signaling, inhibition of NF-κB/MAPK pathways, modulation of BDNF and PI3K/Akt signaling, protection against mitochondrial dysfunction, and acetylcholinesterase inhibition. Most available human studies evaluate the systemic antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic effects of <em>G. pentaphyllum</em>. While these outcomes are not direct neurological endpoints, they are biologically relevant to neuroprotection, given the established links between systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurodegenerative processes. Limited clinical data suggest improvements in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cognitive outcomes, with favorable safety profiles.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>The multi-target pharmacological profile of Jiaogulan aligns with the complex pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. However, gaps remain regarding compound-specific mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and large-scale clinical validation. Standardization of extracts and advanced delivery approaches may enhance translational potential.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div><em>Gynostemma pentaphyllum</em> represents a promising natural neuroprotective agent. With further mechanistic studies and well-designed clinical trials, Jiaogulan could emerge as a novel therapeutic candidate for the prevention and management of neurodegenerative diseases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100760"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977884","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":"Identifying active substances of Huangqin Decoction regulating intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction by mass spectrometry networking and multiscale models","authors":"Juntao Wang ,&nbsp;Yeting Zhou ,&nbsp;Xutao Ge ,&nbsp;Miao Zhu ,&nbsp;Baiping Ma ,&nbsp;Zheng Li ,&nbsp;Yi Wang","doi":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100755","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.prmcm.2026.100755","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Huangqin decoction (HQD) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescription recorded in the \"Shang Han Lun\", a decoction composed of huangqin, chishao, gancao and dazao, which has been widely used to relieve symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases, such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and typhoid fever. However, its active components is yet to be clarified.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The chemical composition of HQD was analyzed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), followed by network pharmacology prediction. A colonic cell line and mouse colonic organoid inflammation model were established to observe the effects of HQD and its components on inflammatory factor expression and intestinal barrier function. The efficacy of the aqueous fraction of HQD (HQD-far-A) was further validated in a zebrafish enteritis model by assessing intestinal oxidative stress levels, neutrophil aggregation levels, and goblet cell counts.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In the Caco-2 cell inflammation model, HQD and its individual components all reduced the pharmacological effects of elevated inflammatory factors. Treatment with HQD-fra-A significantly protected the intestinal epithelial barrier, including tight junction proteins ZO-1 and Occludin, and this effect was validated in a DSS-induced intestinal organoid inflammation model. In vitro experiments demonstrated that HQD-fra-A reduced neutrophil aggregation and intestinal oxidative stress caused by intestinal inflammation in zebrafish, mitigated intestinal injury, and protected goblet cells to maintain the intestinal barrier.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>HQD has been validated as an effective treatment for colon inflammation by protecting the intestinal barrier. The multi-scale model for drug efficacy validation provides a solid foundation and new insights for advancing drug efficacy evaluations in future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":101013,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacological Research - Modern Chinese Medicine","volume":"18 ","pages":"Article 100755"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977799","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}