Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine最新文献

{"title":"Huang-qin decoction increases the sensitivity of EGFR-TKIs to NSCLC cells by regulating stat3/GPX4 to induce redox ratio and ROS to inhibit CSCs","authors":"Yaya Yu ,&nbsp;Chenjing Lei ,&nbsp;Yanan Li ,&nbsp;Changju Ma ,&nbsp;Lina Ding ,&nbsp;Zhenzhen Xiao ,&nbsp;Qing Tang ,&nbsp;Yadong Chen ,&nbsp;Ruidi Jiang ,&nbsp;Yisheng Su ,&nbsp;Ling Han ,&nbsp;Yanjuan Zhu ,&nbsp;Haibo Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.02.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.02.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3><strong>Objectives</strong></h3><div>Our aim is to explore the combined effects and the potential mechanism between Huang-qin decoction (HQD) and epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells <em>in vitro</em> and <em>in vivo</em>.</div></div><div><h3><strong>Methods</strong></h3><div>Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) was done to detect the consistency of ingredients in different batches of HQD. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay, colony formation assay and Annexin V-FITC/PI assay were performed to detect the anti-cancer effects of HQD and EGFR-TKIs (1st generation EGFR-TKI gefitinib or 3rd generation EGFR-TKI Osimertinib) in different NSCLC cell lines. ATP assay was applied to detect the effect of HQD and EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC cell lines and organoids in three-dimensional (3D) culture. The mRNA expression levels of lung cancer stem cell markers makers and redox related genes, such as sex determining region Y-box 2 (SOX2), aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1 (ALDH1A1), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1) and dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2), were detected by using quantitative real-time PCR assay. Western blot methods were done to detect the effects of EGFR-TKIs and HQD on the protein expression levels of SOX2, ALDH1A1, GPX4, signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (stat3) and p-stat3. Besides, the alteration of intracellular total reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels of NSCLC cells in 2D culture and 3D culture after the treatments were detected using DCFH-DA staining assay and fluorimetric intracellular total ROS activity assay, respectively. Femtosecond laser labeling free imaging (FLI) method was used to detect the redox ratio of NSCLC cells in 3D culture. <em>In vivo</em> experiments included subcutaneous mice xenografts of PC-9-PIK3CA-M cells to validate the anti-cancer effect, mechanism and safety of gefitinib and HQD <em>in vivo</em>.</div></div><div><h3><strong>Results</strong></h3><div>The consistency of ingredients in different batches of HQD was confirmed. HQD enhanced the anti-proliferation and pro-apoptosis effect of gefitinib or Osimertinib in NSCLC cell lines and organoids both in 2D culture and 3D culture <em>in vitro</em>. The combination of HQD and EGFR-TKIs could regulate stat3/GPX4 signal pathway to induce redox ratio, thus increasing ROS levels to inhibit CSC markers <em>in vitro</em>. Moreover, the drug safety, anti-cancer effect and potential mechanism of the therapy of HQD and EGFR-TKIs were confirmed <em>in vivo</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>HQD enhances the anti-cancer effect of EGFR-TKIs in NSCLC through ROS-mediated CSC makers inhibition by suppressing stat3/GPX4 axis to induce redox ratio, providing a novel strategy for the treatment of NSCLC patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Pages 82-95"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Elucidating the mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine formula (Yifei-sanjie Pill) in alleviating the chemobrain based on network pharmacology and experimental verification","authors":"Yingchao Wu ,&nbsp;Hui Wang ,&nbsp;Zheng Liang ,&nbsp;Jiaqi Cui ,&nbsp;Siyan Liu ,&nbsp;Yiliu Chen ,&nbsp;Dajin Pi ,&nbsp;Mingzi Ouyang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2024.11.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2024.11.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Cisplatin (DDP) is widely used to treat clinical malignant tumors, but it is also accompanied by serious adverse reactions, such as brain nervous system injury. In clinical treatment and animal experiments, traditional Chinese medicine formula (<em>Yifei-sanjie Pill</em>, YFSJ) has been observed to relieve the symptoms of chemobrain caused by DDP chemotherapy, but its mechanism of action remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A subcutaneous model of non-small cell lung cancer was established in mice, which were subsequently treated with YFSJ to evaluate the mechanism by which YFSJ alleviates DDP-induced chemobrain. Specifically, the effects of DDP and YFSJ on the brain nervous system of mice were evaluated by behavioral tests, brain blood flow observation, network pharmacology analysis, and histological analysis. In addition, the damaging effect of DDP on neurons and the effect of YFSJ on neurons were verified by <em>in vitro</em> experiments.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>YFSJ reduced systemic inflammation in tumor-bearing mice, restored the function of the blood‒brain barrier (BBB) to reduce the amount of cisplatin in the brain, alleviated the decreases in voluntary activity and brain blood flow microcirculation induced by DDP, and alleviated brain tissue pyroptosis and ferroptosis caused by DDP.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>YFSJ maintains the functional stability of the BBB by inhibiting tumor-induced inflammation, thereby preventing chemobrain induced by nervous system damage caused by DDP entering brain tissue.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Pages 17-30"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957733","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Taiyintiaowei-Tang ameliorates hepatic steatosis of mice fed with acute high-fat diet plus alcohol binge by blockade of NLRP3 inflammasome","authors":"Zhi-Hong Zhang ,&nbsp;Xiao-Qi Lan ,&nbsp;Hui Wang ,&nbsp;Guang-Hao Zheng ,&nbsp;Yan-Ling Wu ,&nbsp;Hao-Zhen Cui ,&nbsp;Ji-Xing Nan ,&nbsp;Li-Hua Lian","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2024.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2024.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Taiyintiaowei-Tang (TYTWT), a traditional Chinese Korean medicine formula, has been demonstrated to ameliorate hepatic lipid accumulation. However, the precise mechanism remains uncertain. Hepatic steatosis is classified into alcoholic and non-alcoholic forms while alcohol consumption exacerbates non-alcoholic liver disease. Considering the therapeutic effect of TYTWT on liver function, the study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of TYTWT on the comorbid of alcoholic and non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis.</div></div><div><h3>Experimental procedure</h3><div>A mouse model of comorbid alcoholic and non-alcoholic hepatosteatosis was established by feeding with high-fat diets (HFD) plus alcohol binge. In addition, to simulate the microenvironment that hepatocytes encounter, HepG2 cells and AML12 cells were stimulated by oleic acid (OA), palmitic acid (PA) and alcohol <em>in vitro</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>TYTWT improved the alteration of biochemical indexes in serum induced by HFD plus alcohol binge and reduced the expression of lipid accumulation-related protein sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (Srebp1) and inflammatory proteins including cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 (Caspase-1), purinergic receptor P2X, ligand-gated ion channel 7 (P2x7r), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing CARD (Asc) and <em>Il1b</em> at mRNA level in mice livers. Further, TYTWT inhibited the expression of SREBP1, P2X7R, CASPASE-1, IL-1β and NLR family and pyrin domain containing3 (NLRP3) in OA, PA or alcohol-stimulated HepG2 cells. Notably, TYTWT prevented lipogenesis in OA, PA or alcohol-stimulated HepG2 cells and AML 12 cells.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>TYTWT significantly attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation caused by HFD feeding plus alcohol binge and inhibited the inflammatory response of hepatocytes through P2X7R-NLRP3 axis, thus reversing the hepatic steatosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Pages 46-58"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Alpinia katsumadai seed from a condiment to ethnomedicine to nutraceutical, a comprehensive review of its chemistry and health benefits","authors":"Alaadin E. El-Haddad ,&nbsp;Lereen khaled ,&nbsp;Mohamed A. Farag","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2024.11.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2024.11.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>From a traditionally used spice to a highly valued therapeutic plant with many biological effects, <em>Alpinia katsumadai</em> Hayata seed (AKS) is widely used as a functional food or nutraceutical. In folk medicine, AKS has been used as an anti-emetic and for gastric disorders. Up to 2024, no comprehensive review summarizing the mode of action of AKS phytoconstituents although large number of studies. This review focuses on food applications, extraction and isolation methods, as well as chemical characterization of AKS phytoconstituents. The ethnopharmacological uses and pharmacological activities of AKS extracts and their isolates were discussed which may maximize AKS use in nutraceuticals. Data were collected using Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and bibliographic databases of previously published articles. Phytochemical studies have reported more than 153 phytoconstituents belonging to diarylheptanoids and terpenoids in addition to kavalactones, flavonoids, and phenylbutanoids. Bioassays revealed that AKS extracts and their isolates exhibit a wide range of bioactivities such as anti-emetic, antidiabetic, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and digestive system protective effects. This review can provide a reference for further research on AKS for inclusion in nutraceuticals. In addition, new formulations should be explored to improve constituents’ bioavailability and biological effects, alongside elucidation of the underlying action mechanisms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Pages 1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Role of IGF1/IGFR signaling pathway in neuroprotective effect of Shengmai Dihuang Decoction on CIH-induced cognitive impairment","authors":"Xue Chen ,&nbsp;Kerong Qi ,&nbsp;Jianchao Si ,&nbsp;Dongli Li ,&nbsp;Xintong Fan ,&nbsp;Mengfan Sun ,&nbsp;Shengchang Yang ,&nbsp;Ensheng Ji","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2024.11.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2024.11.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>As the most important pathophysiological process of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) could cause cognitive impairment. Our previous study showed that Shengmai Dihuang Decoction (SDD) improved CIH-induced cognitive impairment. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aims to investigate the role of the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1)/insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGFR) signaling pathway in improving CIH-induced neuronal injury by SDD treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>In this study, HT22 cells were cultured under CIH conditions (O₂: 21–0.1 %, 6 cycles/h). Cell ability was assessed by CCK-8 assay, and Mitochondrial damage was detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP, and mitochondrial complex I activity assay. Mitochondrial oxidative stress was detected by MitoSOX superoxide indicator. IGF1/IGFR signaling pathways were detected by Elisa, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot. In addition, C57BL/6 mice were exposed to CIH for 35 days (O₂: 21-5%, 8 h/d), and cognitive impairment was assessed by Morris water maze.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Results showed that cell activity was decreased during CIH exposure, followed by mitochondrial damage and decreased IGF1/IGFR expressions. Exogenous IGF1 treatment increased cell activity and improved mitochondrial dysfunction. SDD treatment increased IGF1/IGFR expressions, activated the RAS/RAF/MAPK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways, increased ERK/CREB/BDNF and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD-95) expressions, and improved mitochondrial damage and cell activity. IGF1 siRNA or AG1024 (IGFR antagonist) reversed the protective effects of SDD under CIH condition.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Results suggest that SDD alleviates CIH-induced neuronal injury, mainly by improving mitochondrial damage via activation of IGF1/IGFR signaling pathway.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Pages 31-45"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957734","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"ZishenWan reduces obesity in db/db mice by inhibiting p21 expression in adipose tissues","authors":"You Wu ,&nbsp;Huizhao Qin ,&nbsp;Zhiwei Qi ,&nbsp;Yuan Chen ,&nbsp;Yongxin Huang ,&nbsp;Xiaochen Li ,&nbsp;Lingling Qin ,&nbsp;Miao Jiang ,&nbsp;Lili Wu ,&nbsp;Tonghua Liu","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Obesity is a major risk factor for metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies suggest that adipocyte cell cycle regulation is linked to metabolic dysfunction, making cell cycle regulatory factors potential therapeutic targets. ZishenWan (ZSW), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula composed of three herbs, has shown therapeutic potential against diabetes and obesity. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the weight-regulatory effects of ZSW.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>ZSW was orally administered to <em>db</em>/<em>db</em> mice for 5 weeks, with metformin used as a positive control. Body weight and fasting blood glucose levels were monitored weekly, and an oral glucose tolerance test was conducted at the end of the intervention. Insulin levels and serum lipid profiles were also assessed. Histological analysis was performed on adipose tissue, and epididymal adipose tissue (EAT) samples were collected for transcriptomic analysis. The findings from transcriptomic analysis were further validated using qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>ZSW significantly reduced body weight, inhibited adipocyte hypertrophy, and improved insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion in <em>db</em>/<em>db</em> mice without affecting liver or kidney function. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that ZSW altered the expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism and inhibited p21 expression. Additionally, ZSW activated the PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 signaling pathway, resulting in reduced p21 expression, increased apoptosis, and enhanced UCP1 expression in EAT.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>ZSW may improve obesity-related metabolic disorders by activating the PI3K/AKT pathway and downregulating p21 expression in EAT. These effects promote adipocyte apoptosis, enhance thermogenesis, inhibit adipocyte hypertrophy, and improve insulin sensitivity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Pages 59-70"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957732","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Plasma-derived exosomal miR-144-3p targeting IL-1β is involved in pressure pain threshold regulation at PC6 acupoint in myocardial ischemia rats","authors":"Xiao Li ,&nbsp;Xiang Li ,&nbsp;Yanrong Ren ,&nbsp;Fayang Ling ,&nbsp;Yuxin Sun ,&nbsp;Yu Liu ,&nbsp;Wenchuan Qi ,&nbsp;Ziwen Wang ,&nbsp;Qianhua Zheng ,&nbsp;Fanrong Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>As an auxiliary therapy, acupuncture is effective in ameliorating myocardial ischemia (MI). Selecting correct acupoints is widely acknowledged to be key for therapeutic effects of acupuncture, and traditional acupuncturists believe that selecting acupoints whose pressure pain threshold (PPT) change with disease, for instance selecting PC6 (<em>Neiguan</em>) when MI occurs, usually leads to better therapeutic effects. In this study, we aimed to identify the molecular mechanism of PPT regulation at PC6 in MI rats.</div></div><div><h3>Experimental procedure</h3><div>Firstly, we established MI models by intraperitoneal injection of ISO and evaluated PPT changes and mast cell degranulation (MCD) at PC6 during MI. Then, we performed high-throughput sequencing and overlapped the differentially expressed miRNAs in plasma and skin tissue from the left PC6 (L-PC6). Through bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays, we tried to find the downstream molecules of miRNA. Subsequently, miRNA agonists were injected intramusculally at L-PC6, and we paid attention to changes in PPT and MCD at L-PC6 as well as the relationship between local mast cells (MCs) and nerve axons.</div></div><div><h3>Result and conclusion</h3><div>PPT decreased and MCD increased at PC6 in MI rats and miR-144-3p is a key molecule in the induction of these phenomenon. Furthermore, miR-144-3p targeting Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) leads to local MCD, neurogenic inflammation and peripheral nociceptor hypersensitization, finally resulting in PPT change at PC6. Innovatively, our study also provides a new direction for investigating the relationship between MCs, PPT and sensitivity of acupoints, which is mediated by miR-144-3p.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Pages 71-81"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A comprehensive study on the underlying mechanisms of the lipid-lowering effects of Bao Li Er Capsule in hyperlipidemia","authors":"Xuelan Fu ,&nbsp;Jiehong Xing ,&nbsp;Chengjun Yuan ,&nbsp;Qingling Liu ,&nbsp;Jixiao Zhu ,&nbsp;Jinxiang Zeng ,&nbsp;Haisha Lu ,&nbsp;Huiqing Li ,&nbsp;Guoyue Zhong ,&nbsp;Jian Liang","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.03.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.03.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>A traditional Mongolian formula Bao Li Er capsule (BLEC) has demonstrated excellent therapeutic effect against hyperlipidemia; however, its underlying mechanism of action remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate how BLEC lowers hyperlipidemia (HLP) in rats using network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo experiments.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and results</h3><div>Active components from BLEC's 21 herbal ingredients were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and literature sources. Predicted targets were analyzed using DrugBank and GeneCards databases. Intersection genes were mapped to construct a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network via the STRING database. Molecular docking assessed the binding affinities between core components and key targets. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the DAVID database, with findings validated through animal experiments. Network pharmacology identified 268 common targets between BLEC and HLP. Among these, five core components, including quercetin, exhibited strong binding affinity with the key HLP target, PPARG. Animal studies demonstrated that BLEC significantly downregulated PPARG and IL-6 levels, reduced Apo-B100 content, and upregulated ABCA1 and ABCG1 protein expression, thereby increasing Apo-A content. BLEC also enhanced the expression of lipid transport proteins, such as LCAT, and those involved in bile acid metabolism, like CYP7A1.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These results suggest that BLEC's active components may treat HLP by modulating cholesterol metabolism and reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Pages 96-108"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Oral Chinese herbal medicine in combination with opioids for treatment of cancer pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"Thuy-Chi Le ,&nbsp;Bao-Ngoc Nguyen ,&nbsp;Ngoc-Anh Nghiem ,&nbsp;Yuling Zheng","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>While oral Chinese herbal medicine (OCHM) is frequently used for cancer pain (CP), its combined effects with opioids remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of OCHM combined with opioids in patients with moderate to severe CP.</div></div><div><h3>Experimental procedure</h3><div>We systematically searched five Chinese and English databases up to December 30th, 2024, for randomized controlled trials comparing OCHM plus opioids versus opioids alone. Primary outcomes were pain relief and pain intensity. Secondary outcomes included onset and duration of pain relief, Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score, and adverse events.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Meta-analysis of 18 trials revealed that OCHM plus opioids had a lower pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −1.70; 95 % CI = −2.31 to −1.08; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), higher incidence of pain relief (risk ratio [RR] = 1.25; 95 % CI = 1.20 to 1.31; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) and KPS score (mean difference [MD] = 11.32; 95 % CI = 7.17 to 15.47; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), shorter onset time of pain relief (MD = −13.27 minutes; 95 % CI = −14.42 to −12.11; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), longer duration of pain relief (MD = 2.67 hours; 95 % CI = 2.13 to 3.21; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), lower incidence of nausea/vomiting (RR = 0.51; 95 % CI = 0.41 to 0.62; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), and constipation (RR = 0.60; 95 % CI = 0.51 to 0.69; <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>OCHM plus opioids improved pain relief, enhanced the quality of life, reduced opioid-related adverse events in patients with moderate to severe CP compared to opioids alone.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Pages 121-130"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Herbal dietary supplements for erectile dysfunction: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized-controlled trials","authors":"Chao-Yen Ho ,&nbsp;Chung-Hua Hsu ,&nbsp;Tsai-Ju Chien","doi":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.11.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jtcme.2025.11.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Interest of herbal supplements as alternatives to conventional treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED) has increased markedly. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of herbal supplements in treating ED.</div></div><div><h3>Experimental procedure</h3><div>Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched for relevant studies published until June 1, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating herbal supplements for ED compared to a placebo or no intervention were eligible for inclusion. The outcomes of interest included erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, subjective satisfaction, and serum testosterone levels.</div></div><div><h3>Results and conclusion</h3><div>Fourteen RCTs with a total of 1227 males with ED were included. Mean age of study participants ranged from 35 to 65 years; and follow-up ranged from 1 month to 6 months. Herbal dietary supplements had a significant, positive effect on erectile function (standard mean difference (SMD) = 1.20, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.64–1.76), orgasmic function (SMD = 1.09, 95 % CI: 0.34–1.83), sexual desire (SMD = 1.02, 95 % CI: 0.45–1.60), intercourse satisfaction (SMD = 1.48, 95 % CI: 0.83–2.13), overall satisfaction (SMD = 0.93, 95 % CI: 0.45–1.40), and serum testosterone level (SMD = 0.54, 95 % CI: 0.04–1.05) compared to effects in the control groups. Saffron was effective in improving erectile function, orgasmic function, and intercourse satisfaction, while ginseng benefited erectile function, orgasmic function, sexual desire, overall satisfaction, and serum testosterone levels. In contrast, evidence for other agents such as <em>Tribulus terrestris</em> and Maca remains insufficient, underscoring the need for larger, high-quality trials with longer follow-up.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":17449,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine","volume":"16 1","pages":"Pages 109-120"},"PeriodicalIF":3.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145957727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}